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Chinedu Ikwudinma: Quintessential The
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Banker Worthy of Emulation By Eric Elezuo
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he financial world cannot be discussed without the mention of whiz kids of the industry, chiefly among them the Chief Executive Officer of the newest bank in town, NOVA Merchant Bank, Mr. Chinedu Ikwudinma. The ebullient economic guru is a typical example of a child who is dining with kings for the lofty reason of having washed his hands very clean. Born during the thick of the Nigeria/Biafra Civil War in 1967, Chinedu spent the first 30 months of his life in the theatre of war, absorbing the gun shots and pains of struggle for survival with letting it
affect his greater vision of becoming one of the greatest bankers of his generation. The irrepressible banker though the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the newly innovated Nova Merchant Bank Limited, crossed hurdles and paid his dues in the financial world before the exalted position he occupies today. C o n s e q u e n t l y, prior to this role, he was the Executive Director and Country Risk Manager for Citibank Nigeria Limited. It is on record that Mr. Ikwudinma spent over 25 years building a career at Citibank, and during this time, he was the Country Head of Com-
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mercial Banking for Citibank Nigeria from 2005 to 2006, and proceeded to become the Corporate and Investment Bank Head at Citibank Zambia between January 2007 and April 2009. He concluded his meritorious service with Citibank as
its Ugandan branch Managing Director, a position he held between May 2009 and April 2015. Ikwudinma also held various executive positions covering Corporate and Investment Banking, Risk Management, Commercial Banking and Transaction Banking. His vast knowledge in activities relating to finance and economy has set Mr. Ikwudinma apart among peers in addition to possessing a strong track record and expertise in large ticket transactions across vast sectors of the economy, covering Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Trading, Consumer Goods, Telecommunications and Building Materials/Construction. It is noteworthy that the financial wizard did not commence life with finance at the back of his mind as he graduated as a Civil Engineer from the University of Nsukka. It was after his B Eng. honours that Ikwudinma went ahead to acquire a Masters De-
gree in Business Administration (MBA) and capped it up with M.Sc. degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Lagos. Being passionate for calculation and figures, Mr. Ikwudinma chanelled his professional might towards finance and economy, and today, he is reputed as the one of the innovative bankers of the time. Otherwise he is certified engineer professionally. In addition to his lofty achievements, Mr. Ikwudinma was the Chairman of the Uganda Bankers’ Association from May 2014 to March 2015, during which period he significantly improved the perception and reputation of the banking industry while at the same time developing strong engagement with all key stakeholders. His efforts earned him the Bank of Uganda Governor’s Award of Appreciation for Dedicated Service to Uganda’s Banking Industry in 2015. He also served as the Director of American Chamber of
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Commerce in Uganda from 2009 to 2013. An ardent reader and writer, Ikwudinma has once started that he loves books I because they are excellent sources of wisdom and knowledge. In his words: “Books have been the most durable and effective means of transferring knowledge from one generation to the next, at least until the advent of the internet and the electronic age. Both fiction
focus on his work in order to achieve success, learn to deal with failure, and realize that success comes from making the effort to be the best one can be. Ikwudinma’s other source of inspiration is another book with the title The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. He had described the book as the most lucid books he ever read on the subject of power – relations and influence.
which teaches financial affairs, including how to save and invest, through a very simple and charming story. It also gives guidance on the principles of effective money management. A very religious person, Ikwudinma’s spiritual anchor remains The Bible. “I find it to be an extremely powerful book and a source of strength and succour. It has survived for over 2,000 years and it is still relevant and revered.
chant banking with fresh thinking, ideas and unique offer channeled specifically into wholesale banking, investment banking and asset management. At the launch of the bank, Ikwudinma, who explained the strategic direction of the financial institution, said offering of trade services, project financing, cash management, corporate solutions and advisory services will be focused on among other
deavour I choose to apply myself to, including but not exclusive to banking and financial services. To apply my extensive knowledge of banking and financial affairs, my abilities/knowledge in other spheres of human endeavour, and my own resources, material and otherwise, in the service of my community and any communities I may be privileged to associate with, measured by my positive impact on
and nonfiction works are sources of inspiration for me. I was privileged to have parents who love knowledge and when I was young they inspired in me the desire to learn by telling me stories.” Among the books he read and loved are As A Man Thinketh by James Allen, which he stated ‘encourages me to believe in myself’,
Hear him: “It’s an analysis of how one should conduct himself/herself in different scenarios and environments. The style is more expository than prescriptive.” Others include Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, which was set in the eastern region of Nigeria where he comes from; The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason,
One needs to build their spiritual strength to have a balanced life,” he said With the berthing of the fifth merchant bank in Nigeria’s banking industry, NOVA Merchant Bank Limited, the emergence of Ikwudinma as the man at the helm of affairs did not come as a surprise. In the brief period the bank has existed, he has revolutionalised mer-
juicy packages which are already manifesting. Still searching for more virgin business environments to conquer, he said this about his person and aspirations: “I want to be a distinctive first rate professional, a respected financial services expert, a motivator, positive change agent, a leader and a recognized visionary in all fields of en-
people and in the betterment of human society.” A gentleman and family man to the core, Ikwudinma is happily married with children. Sir, for your innovative tendencies and superior achievements in every area you have been privileged to participate, you are our Boss of the Week. Congratulations sir!
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Second Term:
Obiano Takes Oath of Office By Eric Elezuo
T
he Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, will today take the oath of office to begin another four years tenure. As part of the three days programme marking the second term inauguration of Obiano, and his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Edward Kallon, will yesterday led international development partners to a business roundtable in Awka. While announcing the three-day programme of activities for the inauguration ceremonies, Chairman of the Second Term Inauguration Committee, Ifeanyi Ibezi, said the convocation of the Anambra Business Roundtable was to signpost the trajectory of Governor Obiano’s second term, which was targeted at ushering in a “greater tomorrow” for Ndi
Anambra. Ibezi said the business roundtable would bring together critical stakeholders from public and private sectors to highlight growth opportunities in the emerging
roundtable programme, new partnerships were established, aimed at making live better for Anambra people, through sustainable value creation.” Meanwhile, a chieftain
(APGA), in Anambra State, Chief Emeka Okonkwo, has called on people of the state to give Obiano maximum cooperation as he begins his second term in office on March 17, 2018.
pendium, an 800-page book on the people of the state and their general way of life, said it is only with the support of the people that the governor will surpass the he achievements recorded in his first term. He described Obiano’s reelection as reward for his accomplishments, victory for Ndi Anambra and “endorsement for hard work,” which he said should serve as an inspiration to every citizen of the state.” Governor Obiano and his deputy recorded a landslide victory during the November 18, 2017, governorship election, beating the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates, and winning in all the 21 local government areas in the
industries in Anambra of the All Progressives Okonkwo, publisher of state. Alliance Anambra State ComState. At the end of the Grand
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Esther Ajayi Foundation Berths in Ghana: To Whom Much is Given “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” - Nelson Henderson THE ESTHER AJAYI FOUNDATION GHANA was launched at the prestigious Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra on 10 March 2018. First off, on 9 March 2018, a team from the Esther Ajayi Foundation (EAF) was at the Royal Seed Orphanage Home, in Ofankor, Central Region of Ghana, to share materials which would help the inmates cope with the misery fate has visited
By Otunba Abiodun Olufowobi
mentary, it would seem, was to pinch the dignitaries who came from around the world to honour God and His tool, Rev Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, who is steadily becoming the Mother Teresa of this generation, that while enjoying the cozy evening, a thought should be spared for the less privileged such as the children of Royal Seed Home. The first speaker of the night was Mr. James Ebo Whyte an accomplished writer and a leading motivational speaker in Ghana. Whyte narrated how a
Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi with Chief Dele upon their young lives. thoughtful intervention of For those who were his secondary school teacher not at the ceremony, a in 1968 changed his story glimpse of these children’s from being a motor mebrutish existence came to chanic in Ghana to the celethe fore, the next day, 10 brated Mediapreneur that he March 2018 as EAF for- is today. He said he has also mally berthed in Ghana, at caught the bug of giving and the auditorium of the that, today, he remained a Mövenpick Ambassador blessing to so many others – Hotel Accra; when a docu- in appreciation to what God mentary on the orphanage has made of his life. Mr. was shown. Only a few in Abiodun Paseda with a the packed hall could have guest held their tears seeing the Next was Mrs. Gifty children cringing upon Anti, a journalist and broadthemselves during a rainfall: caster who also narrated the roof of their room could how she benefited from the just have been non-existent. benevolence of people in her Showing the docu- community while going to
school in the face of paucity of funds. She has held on to the joy she derived from the blessings and has also dedicated her life to giving and blessing of others. Then came, Reverend Father Andrew Campbell, who arrived Ghana in 1971 as a young Catholic Church priest. He said he found out about the despicable ways the people ostracized lepers and how the people wrongly believed leprosy was contagious. He founded the Leper Aid Committee and remained a veritable blessing to the leper
The priest used the analogy of Satan whom he said does not give without conditions but the man of God said it is divine to give freely without strings attached. He said one of the persons he knows who give without strings attached or expected – one who plant trees under which she does not expect to seek shade - is Rev. Mother Ajayi. This was a perfect cue-in for the spiritual amazon and the prime mover of the EAF to mount the stage. The Iya Adura, as she is fondly called, made a grand
the marital blessings of four biological children and an adopted daughter; how the family relocated to the UK from Nigeria and how the husband who was the breadwinner fell ill and the family finances plummeted resulting in the loss of their London tenancy. Out in the street and seeking help until God intervened and reversed the family into abundance and glory. She insisted that the path to her charitable disposition and benevolence was the only reasonable course for her given the benevolence and grace with
Momodu community of Ghana ever since. It was the turn of the American Pastor George G. Bloomer of the Durham, NC based G.G. Bloomer Ministries and Come Let Us Reason Together (C.L.U.R.T.) International Assemblies. Pastor Bloomer attributed his spiritual height to divine grace which brought him up from the project home environment to the prison and out and eventually becoming a man of God. He extolled the virtue of giving and being a blessing to the less privileged.
entrance to a praise song accompanied by Bolaji Olarenwaju. Iya Adura Ajayi exudes confidence, focus and integrity. She was joined on the stage by her husband, Pastor Ademuyiwa Ajayi and the Ovation International boss, Bashorun Dele Momodu, who was instrumental to EAF coming to berth in Ghana. Iya Adura praised God for the journey so far, which she traced the story from the secondary school where she met her husband (Pastor Ademuyiwa Ajayi whom Iya Adura fondly called Buroda Muyiwa) to
which God turned her sorrows into laughter. She extolled the spirit of giving and declared that having established her uncommon charity in the UK, USA, Israel and other nations, it was the turn of Ghana to receive from God’s abundance. Several gospel musical act entertained the audience and sumptuous dinner was served. Guests were also presented with copies of the specially branded Holy Bible and other EAF – branded souvenirs The thought-provoking evening was winded up with presentation of sundry
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gifts by EAF partners less charity around the to the Iya Adura in ap- world. It was more sigpreciation of her seam- nificant when the pro-
prietor of Royal Seed Home climbed up the podium and presented to Iya Adura a token certification of appreciation on behalf of the orphanage. Won’t you too be a partner? To give a little from your abundance to charity. In cash or, and, kind – time, service and support. Planting trees under whose shade we may not sit. Let’s all join the Iya Adura and the EAF in making the less-privileged share in our abundance. At the dinner table Otunba Abiodun Olufowobi (Pabiekun) is a lawyer and avid blogger. aisoaba@yahoo.com
Mr. Ade Adebajo and Mr. Iyiola
Reverend Mother Ajayi at the Seed Orphanage Home
Showing gratitude to the orphans at the Home
A line-up of dignitaries at the event
Reverend Mother Ajayi with dignitaries
At the dinner table
Chief Dele Momodu (r)
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Rescuing Dana Air From Ill-Fated Flights
I
Ayodele Olalere
t was on a Sunday in the year 2012 when a Lagos-bound Dana Air aircraft from Abuja, crashed into a two-storey building on Tolulope Street, in Toyin area of Ishaga, an outskirts of Lagos, killing all 153 passengers. The aircraft, marked 5N-
ing. Some occupants of the building also died in the incident. Emergency rescue officials said that they could not yet ascertain the number of people in the building or those who were trapped in the rubble. Stella Oduah, who was then the minister of
those aboard the ill-fated flight, according to the passengers manifest released after the incident. Subsequent investigations revealed the cause of the accident. According to the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), mechanical failure and pilot error were blamed for the crash
propriate omission of the use of the checklist, the crew’s inability to appreciate the severity of the power-related problem, and their subsequent failure to land at the nearest suitable airfield.’ “Lack of situation awareness, inappropriate decision-making and poor
RAM, disappeared from the radar scope of the Lagos Air Traffic Control after communication from the tower to the pilot in command failed, before it crashed into the residential building According to then General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, the aircraft hit a power line and subsequently crashed into the building which comprised of six flats, and razed the build-
Aviation, said that the pilot had declared an emergency with the Lagos control tower at “11 nautical miles” to the Murtala Mohammed Airport but the aircraft disappeared from the air traffic control radar soon afterwards. Levi Ajuonuma, the spokesperson of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation; Shehu Sa’ad, director of Mainstreet Bank; Ehime Aikhomu, son of late vice admiral Augustus Aikhomu; were among
The AIB report stated two engines on the flight failed mid-air before it crashed on approaching the Lagos airport. “Engine number one lost power 17 minutes into the flight, and thereafter on final approach, engine number two lost power and failed to respond to throttle movement on demand for increased power to sustain the aircraft in its flight configuration,” the report had stated. Other reasons attributed for the crash were ‘inap-
airmanship were also to blame for the crash on June 3, 2012,” the report added. With the above incident thus began the troubles and travails of Dana Air as several incidences involving the airline followed suit. Before the Dana crash, several plane crashes have been recorded in Nigeria in the past claiming many lives. Nigerians will not forget in hurry the Sosoliso Air crash that claimed the lives of young school chil-
dren who were on excursion as well as that of prominent individuals one of whom was the popular televangelist, Bimbo Odukoya. It was a trying time for Nigeria’s aviation sector as plane crashes became the order of the day. Regular air travellers became apprehensive about flying and many airlines began to experience low patronage as Nigerians lost trust in local airlines. Various reasons have been adduced for incessant air crashes some of which were the use of old and outdated aircrafts by airlines, lack of experienced pilots, lack of maintenance of aircrafts, as well failure by pilots to pay attention to details. Airline owners who are only concerned with making profits by cutting corners thereby neglecting best international standards and corrupt government officials have also contributed to the rot in the sector. However, the incessant air crashes involving one airline such as the case of Dana Air has not been recorded in Nigeria, making Nigerians to ask rhetorically ‘what is happening to Dana Air.’ Many would have thought that following the 2012 Dana Air crash, the airline would have put in place modalities to forestall future occurrences. Recent incidences have proved otherwise. Six years later, Dana Air was back in the news for the same wrong reason. Though the airline was prevented from operating for a period of time by the aviation authority, the near fatal incidents which occurred in February this year proved that no lesson was learnt in the 2012 incident.
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On February 19, 2018, a Port Harcourtbound Dana aircraft skidded off the Port Harcourt (PHIA) runway. The aircraft marked (9j0363) belonging to the airline operating Abuja – Port Harcourt flight skidded off the runway ‘as a result of the bad weather situation and torrential rain at the time of landing,’ claimed the airline management, though no casualty was recorded. Passengers on board the flight blamed the incident on the airline’s failure to adhere to its fight schedule. A passenger on board the flight and former governorship candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Bayelsa State, Mr. Famous Daunemigha, said the airline failed to follow its flight schedule which made it to fall into bad weather on the fateful day. He called on aviation authorities to ensure that airlines stick to their flight schedules, arguing that if the airline had kept to its scheduled time the incident would had been avoided. “The flight was initially scheduled to leave Abuja by 4pm. We took off 6.10pm from Abuja airport. The pilot informed us that the aircraft will arrive at the PHIA by 6.52pm. I observed that there was a lot of thunder and rain; I wasn’t seeing any light from below. The last I can remember was that the pilot was making a call to the Port Harcourt control tower; but there was no response from the control tower. Then we landed. The landing was very smooth; but just as we landed, I was sitting in the emergency exit my seat number was 21c- I just heard a kind of gbuum. All of a sudden we found ourselves struggling; the aircraft was running off the runway. We
went very far; thank God that the plane now stopped. This was how I found myself surviving the crash. I and one person from Benue were the last two persons that came out of the aircraft. No one person was injured, to my notice. But we were traumatised,” said the traumatised passenger. He lamented further: “We don’t have our own personal plane. Air crashes occur everywhere. But I feel that most of these things could have been averted if the airlines keep to their time of flight. There are staggering too many flights; that is one of the problems, said
years aircraft, MD83 with the registration number: 5N-BKI, which was equally acquired from Afrijet, another Nigerian airline on October 5, 2014, with the same registration number. The airline is also said to be in possession of a 26 and half years old aircraft with registration number: 5N-DEV. A week before the February 19 incident, passengers on board another DanaAir flight had also escaped death by the whisker when one of the aircraft’s emergency doors fell off while taxiing on the Abuja airport runway. Investigation revealed this was caused by
Igah Dagogo, who was also travelling on the same flight said: “I was one foot away from the emergency exit door, so I could see the handle was popping out. We informed one of the air hostesses who insisted that it was locked. We were in the process of landing when the door just opened. The white man by the door had to shift because the door would have hit him. When he shifted, the door now fell on the floor of the plane. I wonder what would have happened if the door fell off mid-air. Many passengers who flew Dana Air in the past lamented the bad condition of aircrafts in its
“It is aimed at improving aviation safety by determining the circumstances and causes of air accidents in Nigeria. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has also heightened safety oversight over the operator after the accident. The investigation by AIB is in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13,” said Mr. James Odaudu, spokesperson of the Minister of State for Aviation. He added: “Efforts are in place to continuously enhance safety and security in our industry in accordance with the reformation agenda of the Buhari Administration for the
Daunemigha. Investigation further revealed that the Dana Air aircraft, which skidded off the runway, was 27 years and 3 months old as at the time of its crash. Manufactured in November 1990, it was among the oldest aircraft in the fleet of the airline. It was acquired by the airline after it had been used for 18 years by an American based airline. The youngest aircraft in the fleet of Dana Air, according to a report by Sahara Reporters, an online news platform, is a 21 and half
mechanical fault. One passenger on board the flight, Dapo Sanwo, narrated his experience. “The flight was noisy with vibrations from the floor panel. I noticed the emergency door was loose and dangling. Suddenly, we heard a poof like explosion immediately followed by a surge of breeze and noise,” he said. Ola Brown, who also boarded the flight lamented, “Flew Dana, exit door was unstable throughout flight. As we touched down, it fell off,” he said.
fleet. “Last time I flew Dana Air sometime last year, water was dripping through the air-conditioning holes. People who sat by the window, including me, had water splashed on our clothes till we landed,” said another passenger. Dana Air’s incessant crashes have renewed calls for the aviation authority to address issues of airline operators. Nigeria’s Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) says it has commenced investigation into the operations of Dana Airline.
aviation sector.” “Government must investigate Dana Air’s operation so as to forestall a repeat of 2012 incident. Other airlines should also be investigated to ensure they conform to international standard,” said Mr Patrick Emmanuel, a regular air traveller. He added: “I think Dana Air should be ban from continued operation for now until the company changes its aircrafts otherwise I foresee anther major crash soon.”
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Events
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Kano Stands Still At The Wedding Fathia Of Fatima Aliko Dangote And Jamil Abubakar
As part of the wedding rites of Fatima, daughter of Africa’s No. 1 Billionaire, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Jamil, the pilot son of former Inspector Gen-
Photo: Adekoya Adegbite and Funmilayo Adeyemi
eral (IG) of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, a Kamu/Yini night was hosted by her grandmother, Dr Hajiyya Mariya Sanusi Dantata.
The colouful and highly cultural event had in attendance Former First lady of Nigeria, Mariam Abacha, First Lady of
The
Niger State, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello, First lady of Kano State, Dr. Hafsatu Abdullahi Granduje, Hajiya Aisha Babangida among others.
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Events
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Aremo Olusegun Osoba
Olori Ladun Sijuwade
Aare Rasak Okoya & wife, Chief (Mrs) Shade Okoya
Prince & Mrs Aderemi Sijuwade & Bashorun Dele Momodu
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Events
Senate Empowered to Call Buhari’s Bluff on Election Change
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by Eric Elezuo
The Senate has been advised to ignore the reasons given by President Muhammadu Buhari for not signing the Electoral Act 2010 Amendment Bill passed by the National Assembly. Based on the advice from the Senate’s Legal Department, the upper chamber has vowed to proceed with the process to override the President’s veto on the bill, which seeks to reorder the sequence of elections. A new Section 25 in the Electoral Act, which states that the sequence of the elections will commence with National Assembly, to be followed by governorship and state Houses of Assembly, while presidential poll will come last. Earlier, Buhari had written to both chambers of the National Assembly on his decision to withhold as-
sent to the amendment bill. In the letter dated March 8, 2018, the President had said the amendments made by the lawmakers were in conflict with the existing laws. The Senate had resolved on Tuesday when the letter was read to members to seek legal advice from the Legal Department. The department listed what it considers to be the holes in all the three arguments raised by Buhari. The lawyers said while the President claimed that the amendment introducing a specific sequence for elections under Section 25 of the Principal Act 2010 infringed on the discretion of INEC to “organise, undertake and supervise elections,” the section cited by Buhari had been amended. They argued that the correct legal position was contained in the Constitu-
tion of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 First Alteration Act 2010, Act No. 1, “specifically Section 5 provides that ‘Section 76 of the Principal Act is altered thus…(a) Subsection (1) Line 2, by inserting immediately after the word ‘commission’ the words ‘in accordance with the Electoral Act.’” The department stated, “From the above amendment, it is crystal clear that the power to regulate the principal elements of all federal electoral process were expressly, by the above amendment, removed from the Independent National Electoral Commission and vested in the National Assembly, which has the power to pass laws for ‘peace, order and good government’ of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any part thereof.” The department further said the President argued that the sequencing of the elections under Section 25 infringed on the discretion of INEC, “without expressly pointing out in what specific aspects or ways and manner cannot be a basis for legal or constitutional argument or decision.” The lawyers added, “With due respect, the opinion expressed is too general
resident Muhammadu Buhari, in a bid to resolve the current impasse engulfing the National Assembly and the Presidency, met behind closed doors with the leadership of the National Assembly. The meeting which was held at the Presidential Villa,
Abuja started at about 9.10pm with the arrival of the President. Those who attended the meeting from the National Assembly are the Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; his deputy, Lasun Yusuf; Senate Leader,
Ahmed Lawan; House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila; Senator Sola Adeyeye, Philip Adudu, House Chief Whip, Al-Hassan Dogowa, and Deputy Whip, Pally Iriase. Buhari was joined from the Executive arm of government by his Chief of
to establish a basis for the exercise of a legal or constitutional power, more so because ‘discretion’ is a principle governed by the rules of Administrative Law and not that of Constitutional Law, which the President claimed to have anchored his arguments.” They further argued that the term, ‘organise, undertake and supervise,’ might have conferred a wide discretion on INEC in matters of logistics in the preparation and conduct of elections, stating that the issue of discretion only comes to fore in the actual details of the preparation, organising and conducting elections. “It is respectfully submitted that the sequencing of the elections in a bill as to which was scheduled as first or last in the conduct does not in any way hamper or affect the discretion and capacity of INEC to organise, undertake and conduct these elections into various constitutional offices provided,” the department stated. The lawyers also said the new Subsection 3 introduced into Section 138 of the Electoral Act, which the President argued repealed two crucial grounds upon which elections could be challenged, “is not en-
tirely correct and the view could be misplaced.” Citing reasons for the displacement of Buhari’s argument, the department stated that the new subsection actually clarified the ambiguity contained in Subsection 1 of the Principal Act and reinforces the constitutional standards specified in Sections 65, 106, 131 and 177 of the 1999 Constitution. “In addition, it further provides that no person shall be qualified to contest elections in breach of any of the Sections 66, 107, 137 or 182 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended,” the lawyers said. The department further stated that the amendment to Section 152 (3) to (5), which collectively imposed an obligation on the State Independent Electoral Commissions to apply the standard of ‘free, fair and credible elections in the conduct of local government elections is within the competence of the National Assembly’ to make laws in respect of the procedure regulating elections into the local government councils. This, they said, is in accordance with Item 11 of the Concurrent Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution.
Staff, Abba Kyari; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina; Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters
(Senate), Senator Ita Enang. The agenda of the meeting was not made public. It is however believed that the delay in passing the 2018 Budget, the controversial amendment to the Electoral Act and the Peace Corps Bill formed part of discussions at the meeting.
Soft Landing: Buhari Meets NASS Leadership Behind Closed Doors P www.thebossnewspapers.com
Killer of Two Innocent Pupils Blames Action on Frustration
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he suspected madman, Lekan Adebisi, who killed two pupils of St. John’s Anglican Primary School, Agodo, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area,
Ogun State, has blamed his action on ‘frustration.’ According to reports, Adebisi attacked and killed Mubarak Kalesowo and Sunday Obituyi on the school premises on
Monday. Both pupils were said to be on lunch break when the suspect struck. The suspected murderer was eventually apprehended on Wednes-
The Senate on Thursday passed the National Transport Commission Bill, exactly 10 years after it was first sponsored. The commission is expected to create a multi-modal transport system that will drive the nation’s transport policy and engender speedy economic development. After it was read for the second time on the floor of the Senate on October 7, 2015, the Senate reportedly referred the bill to the Joint Senate Committee on Land Transport, Marine Transport and Aviation Transport chaired by Senator Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East Senatorial District. Ashafa was quoted in a
statement as expressing his excitement at the passage of the bill, having worked assiduously with other members of the committee and stakeholders to ensure that the best possible version of the bill was passed. He said, “The National Transport Commission when signed into law is capable of setting the transport sector on the path of positive development. With this bill, we would successfully create a multi-modal transport sector for economic and safety oversight regulator of the sector. This is very good for business as it brings standard and structure to the transport sector while also increasing the revenue of
government.” He also said, “The Joint Senate Committee worked with the understanding that this is one of the priority economic bills of the 8th
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day in the bush through the combined efforts of a team of policemen assigned to the Ogbere Area Command led by Makinde Kayode, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, and some local hunters. Parading the suspect, the state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, who condemned the heinous crime, said Adebisi would be charged to court soon. When interviewed by some journalists, Adebisi’s response was incoherent and he often switched from the English language to Yoruba. The following exchange took place between the suspect and the interviewers: The killer, who claimed to 28 years old, not married, and without a girlfriend, said he makes a
living by organising private lessons for children, whom he charges N20 each. Narrating why he killed the two innocent pupils of Saint John’s Anglican Primary School, the man who originated claimed insanity, said he got frustrated after going for two weeks without food, and nobody was ready to help him. “I did not eat for two weeks and I went out to beg other people for money. Nobody gave me money. When I had money, I took care of family members, friends and even outsiders. “It was due to frustration. When hunger gripped me and it became unbearable, I thought of my life and concluded that it was a bad life. Then I grabbed a machete. I was prepared to face the consequence
Senate and therefore ensured that all input from stakeholders were considered and the best possible version of the bill was presented to the Senate.”
Ashafa expressed appreciation to the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, for his commitment to prioritising bills that would have great impact on the economy.
Senate Passes National Transport Commission Bill
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NOT TOO YOUNG TO RULE, NOT TOO YOUNG TO DO BUSINESS The
By Dele Momodu Fellow Nigerians, one of tion that was to live the
the hottest slogans in our country today is “not too young to rule.” I agree absolutely. When I was approached recently by one of the exponents of this campaign, Mr Dayo Israel to be precise, I wasted no time in lending my voice, and my column to propagate what for me is the only way forward for the development of our dear nation. The reason for my excitement and willingness to contribute in my own little way towards proclaiming the message
future, needed to be in control of that future. It was such a golden era that held out great promises to the future we all dreamt of and have been dreaming about ever since. But partly for the evil invasion of military coups, and the disastrous civil war that left our Eastern parts ravaged and devastated, I’m reasonably certain that Nigeria would have gone very far in the comity of nations by now. The same mindset that had led to those young “elders” to
visionary political elite by military miscreants who were only interested in feathering their nests and self-preservation. Therefore, we have a few inept and ineffectual leaders in power, who still want to govern Nigeria, when they are nearer 80 than 70. In a country of extremely gifted and undoubtedly brilliant young men and women, this should give us cause for grave concern. I’ve listened to arguments from rabid gerontocrats who tell us that the young of today
of the youths was simple. I was born in 1960, the year of our Independence. I grew up in an era when the destiny of Nigeria was controlled largely by people in their twenties and thirties. Those forty years and over, tended to take a back seat, in an avuncular or patriarchal mode and allowed the young Turks to have the field. This was because they believed that their time had passed and, that the younger genera-
vacate the scene for vigorous, vibrant and vivacious young leaders would have continued to hold sway for the mutual benefit of our citizens and the country at large. However, what has happened is that some of the young people who held sway at that time, are still very much around, ruling directly or by proxy. Their position is strengthened by the decimation of our erudite and
have not justified their agitation for power to be handed over to them. They point fingers at some young Governors and Ministers who bungled their privileged assignments and looted the treasury dry. I agree that there are some notorious youthful leaders who have misbehaved badly! But there must be an opportunity for evolution and atonement and it is not all doom and gloom. This is
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particularly more so, because it is the mediocrity, buffoonery and lack of merit of these geriatric leaders that has brought those they now accuse to the fore. We should therefore consider the pedigree of those youthful delinquents before we burden our youths with their shame. They emerged in the first instance due to our lackadaisical attitude to politics. I believe that the lackadaisical attitude was fostered by the debilitating years of military misrule and the penchant of the soldiers for undertaken failed democratic exercises just to assuage our hunger for civilian rule. Thereafter, once upon a time, and even at this moment, many of us came to believe that politics is the exclusive preserve of nonentities and never-do-wells. Since we cannot eat our cake and still have it, we should understand that the dregs of society we throw up would ultimately be the leaders we deserve, but the rulers we deride. I believe Nigeria deserves much better and we have many youthful and upwardly mobile people around today. This was the basis of my excitement when I first encountered Mr Akinwunmi Ambode over four years ago at a location on Glover Road Ikoyi. Mr Ambode had shared his vision with me on that occasion in the presence of Mr Idowu Ajanaku, and the first thing that struck me about him was his humility and simple mien. He demonstrated beyond doubt that
Pendulum he knew his onions. He discussed ideas and a vision for a Lagos State that would be the pride of the nation in the development of infrastructure, social amenities and above all communal responsibility. He was of the view that if Government delivered on its pledges to the people by providing them with social amenities and welfarist programmes, the people would eventually rise up to the challenge, and perform their civic duties by paying taxes and treating amenities and infrastructure of the State as if it was their own to be cared for and nurtured. This was probably the accountant and financial adviser in him talking from an impressive background of practical experience. Ambode’s intimidating resume was, therefore, another attraction for me. I love cosmopolitan leaders who have had the dual opportunity to school at home and abroad; well-travelled and very exposed to new ways and means of doing things. While such people need political platforms to realise their dreams and vision, politics, for them, can never be the only priority. They just want to get the job done and move on to the next project. In about three years of attaining power, even his most vociferous and acerbic critics admit, privately and, oftentimes, publicly, that Mr Ambode has shown enough verve, vigour and promise of a greater tomorrow for our country. He has made his generation proud. Since no human being is perfect, the Governor of Lagos has made his own mistakes and I’m elated that he has found the uncommon courage to retrace his steps. That is the hallmark of a true leader – the one who errs and swiftly admits the error and makes amends. There is no use stubbornly and irascibly clinging to a mistake that can easily be cured simply because you do not want people to believe that you are fallible, when fallibility is merely a human trait. All manner of ideas and suggestions are available to a www.thebossnewspapers.com
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leader. More often than not, not all government advisers share the vision of their principal. As a matter of fact, different people go into politics with different motives and mind-sets. A good leader would have to sift the wheat from the chaff, and swim or perish. Governor Ambode like a supersonic jet has entered his fair share of turbulence. The most raging, and mother of all, controversies, in Lagos right now, is the appointment of a company called Visionscape to take over a substantial chunk of waste management in Lagos State. Both Ambode and the waste managers have almost been wasted by those vehemently opposed to Visionscape and, possibly, Ambode himself. If anybody thought it was a joke that would soon blow over, they were wrong in underrating the determination, and total opposition, of those who felt shortchanged by the new deal. On a personal note, I experienced their fury after I posted an innocuous endorsement of Governor Ambode for a second term on my Instagram page. In this season of intolerance and cheap blackmail, the voltrons, as we call them, descended upon my page to throw darts , barbs and even missiles at Ambode and his supposed friend, Mr Adeniyi Makanjuola. I read that the whole of Lagos State has been taken over by garbage and filth. Some of the comments forced me to search other sites and I looked for any available information about this company they called unprintable names. What I unearthed was quite depressing. In fact, it scared me about what the future holds for our dear beloved country. It seems we have lost our ability to dialogue and understand each other forever. The unsubstantiated and unjustified ferocious attack on Adeniyi and his company made me to shudder with trepidation. I will tell you why. I had read that Visionscape was a cheap company that lacks the capacity to han-
dle the magnitude of the filth that a megacity like Lagos would generally generate. I doubt if anyone cared to probe further because my findings reveal otherwise. Unfortunately, social media thrives largely on self-help publications, imaginary and sometimes illusionary artificial and virtual reality. You need no education, exposure, job experience, known address or any advanced publishing technology to disseminate your drivel, jibes and even falsehoods. Your smartphone and sufficient data would achieve what all newspapers would never be able to distribute these days. And the more salacious the stories, the quicker they go viral. Our youths who want to lead Nigeria should find pride, without prejudice, in Adeniyi Makanjuola of Visionscape. I have no doubt that whatever the challenges he may be facing today, he has a very bright future ahead. He comes from a background of serial investments, ranging from aviation to oil & gas, energy, finance and environmental utilities. Before returning to Nigeria at the age of 23, Adeniyi had completed his degree in Financial Economics from the University of Essex and obtained an M.Sc. in Urban Planning and Development from the University College London. On his return, he dabbled into aviation after discovering a lacuna in the onshore helicopter services business. What started like a hobby soon blossomed into a major player in the market place. Caverton Helicopters boasts of probably the single largest fleet of ultramodern helicopters in sub-Saharan Africa. Adeniyi has his fingers in many pies. His dream is to surpass the Dangotes, Adenugas and Elumelus of Africa. His foray into business has been passionate, rapid, remarkable and audacious. Adeniyi and Harry Ackerman have worked closely in mining, oil & gas exploration in West Africa and the Middle East. The duo became partners
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as far back as 2009 after the latter suffered an excruciating injury in his fledgling rugby career. State-led strategies and privatisation of public utilities inspired Adeniyi to venture into familiar territories in Africa. Lagos being one of the 26 mega cities in the world is a natural place to be. The duo teamed up with local Emirati, Ali Ahli and led Visionscape Group, an environmental utility company, into the market to tackle the herculean task of cleaning up what was previously described as one of the dirtiest cities in the world. These ambitious entrepreneurs are poised to employ over 30,000 employees now, and much more later. It is not a joke. The anticipated turnover runs into billions, and naturally, there must be a lot of keen and vested interest as well as corporate disenchantment and envy. Indeed, it has been a battle of wits since they came into the high-wired deal that they agreed with the Lagos State Government. Clearly those that have championed the campign of calumny against Visionscape and Ambode know what they are doing and what they seek to achieve. They have been able to find support in people of like minds who can see no good in whatever others do to develop their environment and space. However, what they fail to realise is that for those for whom progress is the watchword, the sky can only be the limit. The venom of detractors only serves as an impetus to propel them to greater heights. I am not an apologist for Ambode and Visionscape but it seems to me that where great vision and courage has been shown, our duty is to give those involved a chance rather than condemn them form the outset. Ambode and Visionscape should be content in the knowledge that those that have had eureka moments have never really been recognised and honoured in their own time. As the saying goes, time will tell!
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The
THE ROAD TO PERDITION
BOSS NEWSPAPER
By Babatunde Jose
…Our enemies are the political profiteers, the swindlers, the Men in high and low places that seek Bribes and demand 10 percent, those that seek to keep the country divided permanently so that they can remain in office as ministers or VIP’s at least, the tribalists, the nepotists, those that make the country look big for nothing before international circles, those that have corrupted our society and put the Nigerian political calendar back by their words and
as they are commanded in the Quran: " O You who believe! Be upholders of justice, bearing witness for God alone, even against yourselves or your parents and relatives. Whether they are rich or poor, God is well able to look after them. Do not follow your own desires and deviate from the truth. If you twist or turn away, God is aware of what you do." (Quran 4:135). History bears this witness that na-
deeds.” - Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, 1966 Unfortunately, the scenario has not changed from what it was in 1966; it might be even worse. As a people, we all stand guilty. Although unrepresentative and irresponsive government, abuse of power and denying people's fundamental rights are clear signs of injustice which have no place in Islam, these are, unfortunately, common in our country today; added to these are lopsided allocation of values and kleptocracy of the elite. Prophet Muhammad has cautioned: "No sin is more swiftly punished than injustice." Imam Ibn Taymiya, the great Islamic teacher, while explaining prophetic sayings on the issues of justice and injustice, wrote the following: "God upholds the just state even if it is unbelieving, but does not uphold the unjust state even if it is Muslim." In the Quran, Allah has described how He punished many of the nations of old for indulging in injustice and mischief on earth. How can we gain exaltation by adopting the same conduct? We have to be standard-bearer of truth and justice,
tions that caused injustice to their fellow human beings did not survive for long. Our present trials and tribulations should be taken as a warning from God for us to wake up and return to the path of righteousness. The Quran reminds us: "Evil has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned, that He (God) may let them taste (the consequences of) some part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (to the right path)." (Quran: 30:41) Today, our sins and iniquities stink to high heavens. An Ex-Governor is currently being quizzed by the authorities to explain where he got the funds to purchase a $72 Million private aircraft after he left office. Our ex-Governor like many of his ilk does not own a factory nor is he an entrepreneur; neither is he a Sugar or Cement Baron. He is not even an oil merchant. He is atypical of the leadership of our society; both spiritual and temporal. You might ask, what were the iniquities for which God sent down the flood to destroy the people of Noah, nor the offense committed by the inhabitants of Sodom before the ‘nuclear’ annihi-
lation? Yeah, our leaders are ‘of their father, the Devil’. John 8:44 (KJV)” Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. A 52-year-old man was accused of defiling a nine-year-old girl after seducing her with N10 biscuits on her way home from school. Why not approach a scarlet woman? The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen 30 accounts and seized 37 assets allegedly belonging to the former Chairman of an insurance trust fund. The agency had obtained a court order to seize 37 of the 38 houses liked to the person. In one of the houses detectives were said to have uncovered a state of the art bathroom suspected to have cost about $2m to $4million. The EFCC is probing about N62.3billion fraud in the matter with $48,485,127 credited to the subject in question: Haba! Our Senators receive N13.5M monthly running cost and N750,000 take home pay, plus N200M for Constituency Project, in a country where the minimum wage is N18,000 and for which they are being owed by both Federal and State governments. If there is anything called inequality, this is it. Therefore, when you see reptiles and other wild animals opening safes and swallowing millions; when you see an ex-governor unable to account for the purchase of a $70M private jet; when governmental agencies keep millions of Dollars and other currencies in rented flats instead of bank vaults; when a sitting governor celebrates the wedding of his son for two weeks and spends millions, yet cannot pay the salaries of workers, when a radio and TV owner collects N2.1Bilion from a past government for doing nothing, then that society is on the road to perdition. Why won’t God destroy a nation where elected leaders spend N250M of people’s money to hold a reception for a convicted ex-Governor; all fully clad in specially printed fabric at state expense? In a country where government officials embezzle funds meant for the welfare and rehabilitation of returnee
Sermon
migrants; then that nations lacks compassion and is destined for destruction. In a country where inadequate placing in universities rob 6 Million children of university education; then destruction and ruin are on the fast track! ALLAH says He Has Destroyed generations before you. We are being warned: If we do not come back to our senses and refrain from committing sins ALLAH (SWT) will surely destroy us as He destroyed previous generations. Certainly We destroyed [several] generations before you when they perpetrated wrongs: their apostles brought them manifest proofs, but they would not have faith. Thus do We requite the guilty lot. (Quran 10:13) Killing of innocent people is an act of injustice wherever it is done; Boko Haram, Herdsmen or Delta Avengers. Using suitable language to cover up carnage does not make it humane or legitimate; it becomes only a deception and another act of cruelty against humanity. We are today passing through an uneasy and uncertain time. We are witnessing deception, death and destruction. People of conscience need to be a voice for justice, and say, enough is enough. It's time to bring madness and insanity to an end. Otherwise, history will not forgive us. There is no denying that remaining silent in the face of injustice is tantamount to taking part in it and that is a grave offence by any standard. Our current predicament is man-made: It is not a question of destiny but of ‘fate’, unlike Destinies, Fates could be changed and punishments could be averted if righteousness replaced sin, if piety replaced profanity, if justice prevailed over injustice. In the Book of Jeremiah we read: I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. Jeremiah 23:14 Is our society today different from Sodom and Gomorrah? It’s a question begging for answer. Barka Juma’at and Happy weekend
Women, Make-up and Wedding Ceremonies
Fashion
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By Annabelle Atangakak
“Looking good is good business” so the adage goes, but does that imply that it is necessary for every bride to wear make-up on her big day As it is so believed by the male folks, make up is the application of foundation, powder, lipsticks and the likes of it, however make-up does not just start or end there. Make-up is the application of any cosmetic whatsoever on the face, even down to white powder or lip gloss. Nevertheless, make up kits are made to enhance the beauty of one’s self. Before the invention of the present day make-up kits, copper and lead ore were what the ancient Egyptians used to create the world's first cosmetics to the scientifically advanced products of today that can do everything from hide pores, smooth complexions, and turn the pale green of your eyes a vivid shade of emerald, make-up has been an integral part of humankind for thousands of years. Over the centuries, women used burnt matches to darken their eyes, berries to stain their lips and young boys' urine to fade their freckles. They even swallowed ox blood in some misguided attempt to improve their complexions. Women throughout history put their health at risk with many of their homemade cosmetics. In some cultures, for example, women used arsenic, lead, mercury, and even leeches to give themselves the pale
appearance deemed beautiful in the old days. Thankfully, we've come a long way from the days of using toxic and deadly mixtures to enhance our looks. With the advent of mary kay, classic, milani, mac products and so many other, women have the opened opportunity to purchase which ever product suits their skin rather than use those homemade cosmetics that exposed their skin to harm. Record has it that women have abused the use of makeup in the sense that they wear excess of it leaving the men that comes after them confused because they do not know the true beauty of the woman behind the make-up. An Algerian man recently sued his wife for damages a day after their wedding, after seeing her without make-up for the first time, saying “I feel cheated”. The groom was was said to be shocked after seeing his bride's face the morning after their wedding that he failed to even recognise her, he even accused her of being a thief that had broken into his house. Afterrealizing it was in fact the woman he had married only yesterday, he decided to take her to court - accusing her of inflicting 'psychological suffering' by 'cheating' him with her make-up. The groom is currently seeking $20,000 for damages.
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Faith
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DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS
F
ollow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1null. The issue of spiritual gifts is one that many still argue about till today. Some people will shy away from it for several reasons but it all comes down to the fact that they weren’t properly taught. In fact from our opening text, the Bible expressly tells us to desire spiritual gifts. In Verses 4-8 of chapter 12 of the same book, there are 3 synonyms we can get from there. First is, spiritual gifts are administrations of the Spirit, second is they are operations of the spirit and last is they are manifestations of the spirit. Spiritual gifts are not
have is the Holy Spirit that can administer or operate through us in different ways. From verses 810 of the same chapter, Paul begins to list the gifts but more importantly emphasize on the fact that it is from the same
By Isaac Love Pappoe
ceived the Holy Ghost and then in Acts 3 Peter is already performing miracles. It was not recorded that any impartation happened so all he had was the Holy Spirit. This goes on to buttress what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:4-8.
The
Prayer: As we step out today, we recognize the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and administer spiritual gifts. We are not shy to heal and to work all kinds of miracles 2 - Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not
is talking about supernatural manifestations. Functioning in spiritual gifts is not something God is indifferent about that is why in verse 4 he begins by thanking God for them in respect to spiritual gifts. God is happy when we do and this is why Paul
spirit. As you have received have you ignorant In Acts 2, the the Holy Ghost, you 1 Corinthians 12:1 apostles and other can distribute spiri- The Greek word for ignorant in this text means to lack knowledge or understanding of a thing. Paul in essence is saying, I won’t have you continue to lack understanding of spiritual gifts. Some people have this disinclination but apostle Paul says we should not ignore the subject nor the manifestations. possessions but are believers in the upper tual gifts. In 1 Corinthiactions. What we room had just reans 1:4-8, Paul here
says that we should desire spiritual gifts. One key reason why we should function in spiritual gifts is because it confirms the testimony of Christ. A person who speaks in other tongues and prophesies confirms the resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:6). Yes, it’s a big deal! Prayer: As we step out today, we are not ignorant of spiritual gifts and so we embrace and function in them.
JJT Park: Another Home
Tourism
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Away from Home
I
n the bid to turn the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, Lagos, into the desired smart-city, where relaxation can be the order of the day, and everyone can crave for habitation, Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park in Alausa, Ikeja, has made a wonderful debut, and marked another reason the state is a symbol of excellence. Having moved from megacity to a smartcity, citizens can access an ultra-modern recreational park without paying a token at entry, despite providing facilities like free Wi-fi, children play ground, among others. Smartness indeed! JJT park is a place to be. It is decked with the faces of Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson (Rtd.), the First Governor and Military Administrator of the State; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the First Civilian Governor of Lagos State, and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed
Tinubu, former Governor and Architect of modern Lagos. The park derived its name from these former administrators – Johnson, Jakande and Tinubu - JJT Its size spans across 21,880sqm and gives one a remarkable relaxation after long day’s work. Again, it is an absolute place for family picnic and any celebration of unforgettable value such as weddings, birthdays, naming, get-together and many more with an ambience that is second to none. The park also provides security for all users even as a view of Lagos State House of Assembly structure and Lagos House reverberate close by. However, it closes by 6:30pm on a daily basis. JJT is a place every lover of good life will find himself.
By: Ajibade Morakinyo
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A Peep into the World of Nigeria’s Top Comedians
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Entertainment
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N
igerian comedy has grown to become a fullfledged money spinning career these days, and is becoming more in-
what it is, some are loitering around the trade. Below in no other of importance are some comedians who had really carved a niche for themselves in the
teresting day in and day out. It attracts a great crowd of VIP’s as well as regular people whenever a show is held anywhere within and outside the country.
business; in terms of both fame and wealth. AKPORORO Jephthah Bowoto, popularly known and referred to as Akpororo, is a Nigerian stand-up
Right from the days of comedians of old like John Chukwu among others, comedy continually gathers tempo. However, while some are in it for
alibaba
basket
comedian, vocalist and actor. He is a native of Ilaje, Ondo State, Nigeria but he was born and grew up in Warri, a suburb in Delta State, Nigeria
By Jogunomi Olatunde
where he had his early education, He is a student of Lagos State University where he is studying Sociology. His career started off as a local gospel musician until in 2008 when he went into the National Comedy Challenge by Opa Williams and went on to win the Calabar zone of the competition. In 2009, Akpororo moved to Lagos and contested twice in the AY's Open Mic Challenge, coming second in his first try and winning the competition in his second try. He rose to popularity in 2013 following his performance at "Basketmouth's Laff and Jam" show and went on to perform in several comedy shows including "AY Live". On 12 August 2014, he staged his first major comedy show "Akpororo vs Akpororo" at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre. The maiden event saw the attendance of notable musical acts and comedians. While in 2014, Akpororo delved into acting, starring in the films Headgone and The Antique; with the former earning him three nominations at the 2015 Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards, In June
2015, he signed a 2year endorsement deal with telecommunication giants Airtel. His style of comedy is basically the fusion of circular and church-related jokes. In an interview, he revealed that he performs and cracks jokes about lunatics because he was once an attendant to mentally-ill people who came to the church he was attending for spiritual healing. BOVI Bovi Ugboma was born in Benin City, in September 25, 1979. He attended UNIBEN staff schools. He attended secondary school at Ughelli Northern in Delta State, and proceeded to Delta State University where he studied Theatre Arts. He is
Nigeria. He has organized popular stand-up comedy concerts like Bovi Man On Fire across the globe. Bovi began his career in April 2007, starring in the sitcom Extended Family, which he produced, wrote,
Ayo-Makun
and packaged. The show was very popular, and by 2008 Bovi was leading comedy shows and events throughout Nigeria. He partici-
Williams. Bovi has worked alongside other Nigerian comedians such as I Go Dye, I Go Save, Basketmouth, Buchi, Odogwu, Bakassi, Okey Julius Agwu and others. He won so many awards like, come-
dian of the years from Culture people, comedian of the years, from Awards Ghana, Best Youth comedian and lot more.
SEYI LAW Seyi Law is a Nigerian Comedian, born Idileoye Oluwaseyitan Lawrence Aletile, stage named Seyi Law, has continued to soar in comic entertainment since hitting limelight following his success at the AY Open Comedy Mic in 2006.Since then, he's been known i go die has a top comedian a director, producer, pated in Nite of in the country as he actor, and writer 1000 Laughs organ- is always at most by Opa events for performfrom Delta State, ized
Entertainment
bovi
BRIGDE INTEGRATED, Owners of ADD MORE HOMES LTD. HELEN PAUL Helen Paul is a comedian, singer and actress from Nigeria. She is best known as a standup comedian and popularly known as Tatafo. Her style is quirky and spontaneous, and her petite stature and voice range make her sound like a child. She is a graduate of Theater Arts of the University of Lagos. Helen's journey into the world of Entertainment started when she
Studies at the Lagos Seyi Law State Polytechnic. was born on 22nd Has won numerous of June, 1983. He awards few of the had his nursery and awards were still primary schools in won by him 2015 Okitipupa, Ondo ‘Most Outstanding State, and from Comedian’ award there, He proceeded by Comedy Infuto Ekiti State Gov- sion and the Down ernment College, Syndrome FoundaNigeria formerly Unity Sec- tion ondary School, awarded to him on where he did his March 22, 2015. junior secondary The second award school. That was is for his ‘Humaniprobably where the tarian Contribution comedy thing to Humanity’ by the Changers started; you know Life performing at social F o u n d a t i o n gathering and all awarded to him on that. Later, he went February 22, 2015. to Lagos to have his Seyi Law Bagged akpororo senior secondary PTV Phones Enschool education at dorsement Deal in Methodist Boys 2013, a deal worth High School, Victo- millions of Naira. ria Island, Lagos. He signed a multi Then he had a break million Naira deal worked at Eko before later pursu- in 2014.It is a 2- Reelmix Studios, Radio Lagos/Eko FM as a front desk manager whilst doubling as a backup and voiceover artiste. During this period, she featured on several music projects with artistes and music groups including PSquare, Infinity, Olufunmi, Yinka Davies, etc. seyi law In 2014, she ing a part-time pro- Year endorsement was appointed as an gram in Computer deal with ARK- ambassador by ance.
Telecommunications giant, Globacom, in 2015, she was appointed as Ambassador for the Harpic brand. She was also appointed as an ambassador for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which appointment was made before the March 28 General Elections in Nigeria. She also has other endorsements to her credit, including GoTV, a cable television station owned by Multichoice, and Olumide Emmanuel's "School of
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A.Y) is a multiaward winning Nigerian comedian, actor, radio and T.V actor, presenter,
agwu
writer, director and MC. He hails from Ifon, Ose local government in Ondo State but prefers to be known as a 'Warri boy'. He attended Delta State University, Abraka. AY came into spotlight after being Ali b a b a Akporobome's personal assistant and event manager. A.Y also wrote going "A.Y wire" as a guest columnist in The Sun (Nigeria) and Gbenga Adeyinka's "laugh mattaz". He is the Money. Helen has host of the A.Y live bagged numerous shows and A.Y awards, including: comedy skits. His 2009 City People E n t e r t a i n m e n t tatafo helen Magazine Award • New Female Comedian of the Year2014 Exquisite Lady of the Year Award (Nominated) • TV Presenter of the Year (Jare, Africa Magic). AYO MAKUN Ayo Makun (Ayodeji Richard Makun, also known by his stage name
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first movie, 30 Days in Atlanta was produced by him and directed by Robert O. Peters,
also A Trip to Jamaica. He was made a U.N Peace Ambassador, in 2009 after winning six awards in 2008. He is the C.E.O of Corporate World Entertainment Nigeria. Ayo Makun directs and acts in one of Nigeria's popular sitcom, AY's crib with Alex Ekubo, Venita Akpofure, Buchi Franklin and Justice Nuagbe. He also hosts one of Africa's largest comedy shows, AY live featuring other comedians like Bovi, Helen Paul and many other co-
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medians. Ayo Makun is also, the Chief Executive Officer for CorpoWorld rate entertainment, Nigeria. He also owns one of the biggest and most comfortable Club houses in Nigeria. As an investor in stand-up comedy, he has influenced upcoming comedians through his AY "Open Mic Challenge". He has won several award , Comedian of the year: Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2010, Most creative Entrepreneur of the year, (comedy category). JULIUS AGWU Julius Agwu (born April 7th, 1973) is a Comedian, Musician, Actor who was born in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. He attended Elementary State School in Choba and later went on to UPE also at Choba, while he had his secondary school education at Government Secondary School in Borokini, Port-Harcourt. However, he acquired his ‘O’ Levels at Akpor Grammar School in Ozoba, later gained admission into the University of Port-Harcourt to study Theater Arts at the Diploma level with specialization in acting. He then followed suit with a degree programme (BA) in Theatre Arts still at the University of Port-Harcourt. Julius was adjudged the best student in the graduating class of the year in 1997. It is now universally accepted that Julius ‘D GENIUS’ Agwu is one of the greatest comedians in the comedy world. He has passed through the litmus test on different occasions and the outcome has shown that he doesn’t have to prepare to reel out rib cracking
jokes. The innate talent of making people laugh is inborn and it has taken him to every part of the world. He founded a genre of music in Nigeria known as musicomedy being the first comedian to release a comedy album in the country and this earned him different awards and nominations. Having conquered the home terrain, Julius D’ Genius Agwu has also taken comedy shows to different parts of the world like Atlanta, Maryland, London, among others. Foremost amongst his annual comedy shows are; Crack Ya Ribs and Laff for Christ Sake. Considering that he hasn’t reached the peak of his career, Julius is working on various projects for the very near future including a television show. The merchant of laughter is at the moment battling with a life threatening ailment. BASKET MOUTH Bright Okpocha born 14 September 1978, he was born in Lagos but hails from Abia State, better known by his stage name Basketmouth is a Nigerian comedian and actor. He has organized popular stand-up comedy concerts like Basketmouth Uncensored across the globe. He completed his primary and secondary school in Apapa, Lagos and moved on to the University of Benin, Edo State to study for a degree in Sociology and Anthropology. He discovered his skill in drumming in 1991 followed by taking up rapping in 1994. He then formed a group called "Da Psychophats" which had 7 members
and they started going for shows and rapping in 1995, however they broke up before releasing any material. He went on to form another rap group known as "Da Oddz" with his brother Godwin and Muyiwa Osunrobi: they performed a couple of shows but didn't break through as their brand of rap was not accepted in Nigeria. In 2005 and 2006 Basketmouth won the National Comedy Award and the awards for Best Stand-up Comedian of the Year. Basket Mouth as bagged with so many endorsements deals. I GO DYE Francis Agoda popularly known as I Go Dye or I Go Die, was born on 4 April 1979, in Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria. He has organized several international comedy shows, such as "Igodye Standing. His elementary school days was at Ighogbadu Primary School and College of Commerce in Warri, Delta State,Nigeria..He had a creative disposition,been the zonal project manager of the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JET Club),while he also invented an helicopter, a hovercraft ship, a radio transmitter, and a battery table fan, which earned him a scholarship to study structural engineering at a university in New York. After series of top flight entertainment presenting mock news on Bendel broadcasting TV, with his friend I Go Save, that platform was used to translate issues affecting the society. Later, he received a contract to perform in the first comedy club in Nigeria, the Prest Motel
Entertainment
in Benin City, where he was paid one thousand Naira per show. He gained popularity on media stations. On one occasion, when he performed at the University Of Benin, he met Baba Kome, who took him to meet Opa Williams the organizer of Night of A Thousand Laughs'. He has been featured in MTV Africa Music Awards. He has also performed in opening and closing shows of various notable musicians, including Akon, Boyz II Men, 50-Cent, Rick Ross, The Game, and Kelly Rowland. I Go Dye has won various awards, including: African Best Comedian, The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation of Europe-SPAIN Award for his contribution to Nigerian culture and art, The Nigeria Best Comedian Award (NEA AWARD) ALIBABA Ali Baba was born in Warri, Delta State, on June 24, 1965 to the royal family of Agbarha Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area; the first son after several girls. He attended Ojo Primary School and Command Secondary School both in Lagos, He furthered his education at Ibru College in AgbarhaOtor and then went on to the now rested Bendel State University now known as the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma where he read Religious Studies & Philosophy. He began his professional career with corporate events, appearing on television shows with the likes of Patrick Doyle, Charly Boy and Danladi Bako. He also made cameo ap-
pearances on radio shows with Bisi Olatilo, Sani Irabor and Mani Onumonmu. He also worked briefly with Dapo Adelegan of DP Lekki Limited as executive assistant in 1991. He had made up his mind that he was going to do everything to enhance himself, improve his skill and the service he offered, in other words, be professional. However at the time there was hardly any precedent to follow because the funny men then were not into Stand-up comedy. Patrick Doyle, John Chukwu, Bisi Olatilo, Femi Segun, Femi Jarret, Leo Onwudi, Smart Otemu, Tony St. Iyke and many more were funny, very funny but did not do full-time comedy. Through guts, sacrifice and creative dynamism, Ali Baba carved a niche for himself as a comedian for both corporate and noncorporate events. In less than 4 years, he had also become the preferred Master of Ceremony at some events. Ali Baba made the rules, broke them and sometimes even discarded them depending on how effective they were. These days no event is considered complete without a Comedian to MC that event. In 1993, he registered his company Alibaba Hicuppuray 3rd and from then on his focus was on ensuring that the perception of comedians being never do wells changed and instead is seen as a profession and a respected way of life. He has been a professional standup comedian for the past 22 years and has in the last 13 years received several awards.
International Women’s Day: Following the Path of Rwanda
Page 23
The
Editorial
BOSS NEWSPAPER
BOSS The
ISSN-2052-1979
NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL TEAM ISSN-2052-1979
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dele Momodu momodudele@yahoo.co.uk
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Mobolaji Momodu EDITOR Michael Effiong
mikeffiong2009@yahoo.com mikeffiong@ovationinternational.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR Eric Elezuo, Bamidele Salako PHOTO EDITOR Adekoya Adegbite
PRODUCTION MANAGER/ART DIRECTOR Isaac Edoh-Philip
DESIGNER Adekoya Abiodun Afeez Kwaku Yeboah Darteh
PHOTO JOURNALISTS Colin Ramsay… Ade James (USA)...Dayo Adedayo Isaac Adegbite...Dragan Mikki (UK)…Bodise Wilson Soji Adekunle…Vera Odjugo...Tope Brown Segun Lawal...Ken Ehimen... Guy L’ Avenir (Benin Republic)...Ben Dzakah (Ghana) WEB DESIGNER/MANAGERS Innih Inyang
E
ver since the conscientious exposure of the womenfolk following the Beijing Conference of many years ago, so much good much tidings have come the way of the women, among them the setting aside of March 8 of every year to celebrate their relevance and great contributions to the world. However, as important as many believe the women are in the scheme of things, it is still disheartening that they are still placed at the lowest rung of decision making and taking. Most world governments are yet to see the need to equally allocate governmental functions in relation to their male counterparts. This is majorly as a result of culture and tradition which the African society tenaciously holds on to. A typical example is the Nigerian society where just a handful of women are manning top notch government positions, especially elected positions. From the north down to the south, the discrimination against the womenfolk especially as regards holding leadership position has gone beyond the ordinary, and entered into typical chauvinism. To further portray the disdain culture has made Nigerian men hold their female counterparts, a member of the House of Representatives,Hon. Gudaji Muhammed Kazaure, declared that giving women too much laissez-faire might lead to the eventual overthrow of men. Kazaure represents the Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa and Yankwashi Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, in the lower chamber.
MARKETING/ADVERTS Zed Dominic Okolue (Benin Republic)
US CORRESPONDENTS Samantha Ofole Prince...Shola Orolugbagbe
But the United Nations has taken the bull by the horn by appointing a woman, a Nigerian for that matter, the Deputy Secretary General, proving that time has come when women should be allowed to bite the bigger chunk of world administration. This is also highlighting the fact that a woman is in charge of the International Monetary Fund, and is performing creditably. But more kudos should be given to the government and people of Rwanda, who have come to realize that performance is not a function of what lies between the laps, but the content of the mind, which the women proudly possess and exhibits in no small measure. The Rwandan parliament boast of more the greatest number of women in its fold. The East African country has 49 women in its 80-seat lower house of parliament and 10 women in its 26-seat Upper house of parliament. Rwanda is followed directly by Bolivia, Cuba and Iceland. Sadly enough, Nigeria is ranked 180 out of 190 in countries that have given women chance to showcase the stuff they are made off. It is therefore, imperative that the Nigerian public should take in consideration the example of Rwanda, a country that saw years of civil war, yet got it right and give the Nigerian women more opportunities. We must be understood that the likes of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Oby Ezekwesili, late Dora Akunyuli among many others did not disappoint with the positions they manned or is it (wo)manned. Happy International Women Day!
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