Winners of Enterprise Challenge Competition receive prizes

Winners, Ese Odiete and Nasir Yammama, Andrew Pocock (British High Commissioner to Nigeria), Rachel Coffey (Country Manager, Virgin Atlantic Airways), Sola Oladipo (Executive Director, Zenith Bank)

 On the June 14, 2014, Eseoghene Ise Odiete and Nasir Yammama emerged winners of the maiden edition of an online competition tagged ‘Enterprise Challenge’, launched by the British Council, in partnership with Virgin Atlantic Airways and Zenith Bank in 2014.

They have since had the opportunity to meet with and be mentored by one the UK’s foremost entrepreneurs and Chairman of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson.

A total of 10 finalists (Nigerians based in the UK and at home) battled for the top two spots last year.

Eseoghene Odiete is an award winning young female fashion entrepreneur and the brain behind Hesey Designs, (an African inspired accessories label). Nasir Yammama just concluded his postgraduate studies in creative technology at Middlesex University in London and he is currently developing an agricultural themed mobile application which he hopes to launch before the end of the year.  

Other prizes won by the top two include, a five day entrepreneurship foundation course at the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship in South Africa and a business support grant of N1,500,000.00 (One Million Five hundred thousand naira) for each individual. The grant will be used to either support an already existing business or develop a business idea.

As a show of continued commitment to the development of Nigerian youth, the programme partners have committed to run another cycle of this competition in second quarter of 2015.

“Enterprise Challenge” is an online competition which seeks to give young, brilliant entrepreneurial minds the opportunity to further develop their skills in this area and bring their innovative ideas to the fore for possible future development.

This year’s competition will be open to Nigerians domiciled in Nigeria who fall within the 18 to 35 year age bracket.

 

PASTOR arrested with 174 kg of drugs

By Dennis Okosun
A resident pastor of the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim has been arrested by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Agodo-Egbe, Ikotun Lagos.
The pastor identified as Prophet Michael Raji was nabbed for unlawfully attempting to export of 174 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs to South Africa. He was arrested following the interception of the drug at the cargo section of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) during pre-shipment examination.

According to the Head, Public Affairs of the NDLEA, Ofoyeju Mitchell said preliminary investigation has indicated that the 60 years old suspect Michael Raji is a suspected top member of a drug syndicate operating in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.
Prophet Raji was said to have possessed three valid international passports bearing his photographs with the names Michael Raji and Kadigun Fatah Ola respectively. It was equally discovered that the church premises where he ministers also serves as a warehouse for narcotics.
The seized drugs concealed inside large bags of foodstuff were found to contain 91kg of Methamphetamine and 83kg of Ephedrine with an estimated street value of N609 million. A Mercedes Benz Jeep was also impounded during the operation.
Commander, NDLEA at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar described the suspect as a smooth operator. “I can tell you that this suspect is a smooth operator but we have uncovered his bag of tricks. The drugs were brought to the airport for export to South Africa where it was detected. Investigation eventually traced the movement of the drugs to his church premises where he was arrested,” Hamza stated.
Confessing to the crime, the suspect said that he collected the drugs from a friend. “I received the drugs from my friend and I kept them in the church since October 2014. I am the resident pastor of Cherubim and Seraphim Agodo-Egbe, Ikotun branch, Lagos. I attended Ansarudeen Primary and Secondary School Ibadan. I later attended Yaba College of Technology where I had my Trade Test in Electrical Installation. I was ordained a full time pastor in 1977. This is a great temptation for me and I pray to God to overcome it” Michael Raji stated.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade said that the game is up for the suspect. “The game is up for the suspect and we have strong evidence for prosecution. This is one of the largest seizures of psychotropic substances at the airport. We are working very hard to apprehend other accomplices and bring them to book” Giade stated.

What goes on Facebook and Twitwer is political masturbation - Doyin Okupe

Doyin Okupe posts on Facebook:
“People talk on face book and twitter as if the elections will be decided here. What goes on here is nothing but political masturbation. The actual voting takes place in the real world.
There are about 13m and 4.5m Nigerians on facebook and Twitter respectively. On the average because of multiple presence we can assume a number of 15m. 50% or 7.5m are not registered. Out of the remaining 7.5m another 50% will not vote. So we are looking at about a max of 3.75m voters from these platforms.
The projected voters for this election is expected to be about 52/55m. Therefore contributions from these two platforms is about 5/6%. Please be humble here and stop playing God.
I was on a national radio program at the weekend. For about 35mins 100% of contributors from all over the country were supportive of President Jonathan.
I have an independent poll report from the SW the result is astonishing. 60% of over 18000 participant prefered Jonathan to Buhari. This trend was most prominent in lagos. This study was done by a foreign group
Indeed there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth in the Buhari camp on the 28th of march and beyond. Those who have ears let them hear”

STATEMENT BY THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015

• Thank you for being with us this afternoon. This is yet another critical moment in our history. We have gone through difficult moments like this in the past. Nigeria survived and came out stronger. We are confident that we shall survive this too; because no one, no matter how powerful, can subvert the collective will of the people.
• In our preliminary reaction to the postponement of the 2015 General Elections, we noted that the decision taken by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) has thrown up so many questions, and that these questions will be reviewed by our party organs for a comprehensive response from the APC. Whilst consultation with the party organs is on-going, this briefing is to provide us opportunity to raise some pertinent questions and put some issues in their proper perspective.
• You will recall that on the 22nd of January 2015, Col. Sambo Dasuki(rtd) , the National Security Adviser (NSA) at Chatham House declared that INEC was not ready for the elections and he has therefore advised the electoral body to postpone the election. The reason he gave for his unsolicited advice was that substantial number of registered voters had not collected their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC). He did not say anything about security concern even though Boko Haram was an issue then as it is an issue now. So, at what point did concern over elections shift from PVC to security concern?
• When the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry visited on January 25th, he wanted a categorical commitment from President Jonathan that the elections would hold as scheduled. The President assured the American envoy that the elections would hold. Was it that his Security chiefs had not briefed him on the security situation in the country and how this would affect the election time table at the time he was making this promise?
• On the 2nd of February, at the National Peace Committee meeting in Abuja with the representatives of different political parties, the service chiefs gave assurances of their readiness for the elections. At the occasion, the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh gave assurances of the Armed Forces’s preparedness for the elections. According to him “even though we are busy in the North East, we also have capabilities across the nation.” Badeh also admitted that the role of the military is merely to support the police in providing security during elections. At the same event, Chief of Army Staff, General Kenneth Minimah said, “we are aware of the need for security, before, during and after the elections. We will deploy across the States of the Federation in areas we discover that have capacity for violence. We are prepared to ensure we have peaceful elections.”
• Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Adesola Amosun said “we have commenced the air lift of the materials needed for the elections, starting from Abuja. We will continue with the elections.”
• The sum total of all these is that only 12 days before the elections and despite the state of insecurity in the North East, the entire military high command assured the nation of their readiness to provide security for the elections. However, only 3 days later on Friday February 6th, these same Service Chiefs wrote to INEC, in a letter, which by all practical purposes could be described as blackmail, saying that they would no longer be able to provide security for the elections? What happened in those 72 hours that brought about this complete volte face?
• It is also important to note that at the National Council of States meeting on Thursday February 5th, INEC reaffirmed its readiness and commitment to hold the elections as scheduled. Even though the Service Chiefs briefed the Council that they had security concerns, the consensus of opinion at this august body of eminent citizens was that elections should go ahead nationwide except the 14 LGAS identified as problematic by the security chiefs.
• After all, it was recalled that in 1999, elections were not held in Bayelsa State because of the activities of militants at the time, but it held all over the country. The activities of Boko Haram were clearly limited to 14 Local Governments in three States out of 774 Local Governments in 36 States and FCT. How would this then warrant the blanket postponement of elections in the entire country? Considering all factors building up to this postponement, it is difficult not to come to the obvious conclusion that the Military High Command is in an unholy and dangerous alliance with the ruling party, the PDP, to subvert the democratic will of the people. We have no doubts that the letter sent to the INEC, warning it not to proceed with the elections, emanated from the Service Chiefs’ hands of Esau and President Jonathan’s voice of Jacob. Isn’t it curious that only the PDP and its supporters are celebrating the postponement? We know that at the Council of State meeting, all the former Heads of State in attendance spoke against the postponement except in the 14 LGAs and all the former Chief Justices’ also concurred. And every non-PDP Governor present in the meeting spoke against postponement.
On PVC Collection
• Another issue that has been brought up is the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards. The Federal Government and the ruling party have made a song and dance of the challenges INEC has had with the distribution and sought to underplay the achievements of the electoral body in this respect. The truth is that average national collection of PVC is between 65-70%, which would increase in the remaining days. According to INEC, this level of collection actually reflect a better voter participation that in the previous election in 2011. The question we should ask is what threshold is acceptable? In any case, it is the democratic right of every citizen to pick up or refuse to pick up his or her PVC and if a citizen refuses to do so, should INEC be blamed for this?
The Role of Security Agencies
• The greatest threat to our democracy today is the way the ruling party has compromised the leadership of the Nigerian military to serve the personal agenda of President Jonathan. This is a dangerous game. A recent court judgment in Sokoto clearly ruled that the military had no role in the electoral process. What happened with this postponement is that Service Chiefs simply vetoed a democratic process on the directive of President Jonathan. We know what politicisation is doing to our once proud military institution.
• We are aware that the Presidency has forwarded a secret memo to all commanders of divisions and battalions of Nigerian Army for a 3-day strategy meeting in Kaduna from today on how to use the military to intimidate voters in APC States to rig election in favour of President Jonathan. Since recent revelations about the role of the military in Ekiti elections is demonstrable proof of how far this government will go to compromise the military as an institution, could it be that when the Service Chiefs said they would not have enough personnel to provide security for the elections, what they are actually saying is that they would not have enough soldiers to intimidate voters in favour of the ruling party if the elections had proceeded as scheduled?
Divided We Stand?
• Never in the history of our country had a Federal Government and the President of Nigeria so wantonly mobilized ethnic and religious sentiments to divide the people against themselves for selfish political reasons. By now, everyone is aware how a close confidant of President Jonathan, Chief Edwin Clark, called for the sack and arrest of the Chairman of the INEC because, according to him, the INEC Chairman is working for the interest of the North. He said this under aegis of a Southern Nigerian People’s Assembly.
• We are also aware of how the Vice President of Nigeria, Architect Namadi Sambo unfortunately invoked religious sentiment to campaign for his party in Niger State. The level of ethnic and religious baiting that we are currently witnessing is unprecedented in the political history of Nigeria. The road to Rwanda and other countries that have suffered tragic ethno-religious conflicts is not far from what PDP is currently invoking on our country.. We owe it a duty to stress the point that under our watch, Nigerians regardless of their ethnic origin or religious disposition would be free to operate without let or hindrance.
• Only few days ago, the Director of National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri, claimed that government has uncovered a plan by Boko Haram to bomb polling centres without providing a single shred of evidence. The following day, President Jonathan declared in a church in Lagos that Boko Haram has planned to bomb the entire country. We see this as deliberate scare-mongering to discourage Nigerians from coming out to exercise their democratic right to vote. This is quite unfortunate. The President that should be protecting the people and assuring them of their safety is now the one scaring them.
The Making of a Constitutional Crisis
• It is important to note that the Service Chiefs’ letter to INEC demanded postponement for “at least” 6 weeks. This, we must note, is a booby trap. Embedded in that phrase “at least” is a window to push for another postponement. It is clear however, that any further postponement can only lead to a constitutional crisis. The constitution demands at least 30 days before the hand over date of May 29th . We have strong suspicions but hope this postponement is not part of an agenda to create a constitutional crisis in the country. We are just recently recovering from the crisis precipitated by the political crisis of 1993. We cannot afford another.
Intimidation
• We are all witnesses to the way INEC was intimidated into postponement of the elections despite repeated assurances of its readiness. We are aware of plans for worse intimidation in the days ahead. We are aware of plans to intimidate and orchestrate arrest of our leaders across the country on frivolous grounds. We are now aware of how PDP used intimidation and arrest to rig the last Governorship election in Ekiti State. We are aware that this is the plan of the PDP. But we have no doubt that Nigerians will stand up to this. We have no doubt that the international community is watching.
Our Position
• This postponement comes with a huge cost to all Nigerians and every one involved, directly or indirectly, in this election, including international observers and journalists. However, we should see this as the sacrifice we need to make for the survival of democracy in Nigeria. We must remain steadfast and committed to the cause of change. Like our Presidential candidate, General Buhari said, “our desire for change must surpass their desperation to hold on to power at all cost. We have no other country other than Nigeria, and we must remain focused and salvage it.”
• Gentlemen of the press, the contradictions we have pointed out in this briefing represent a clear and present danger to our democracy. It is clear that this is a surreptitious but badly disguised attempt to subvert the will of the people. But we must assure Nigerians and friends all over the world that the power of the people is greater than the people in power. These too shall pass and we shall overcome.
John E.K. Odigie-Oyegun, CON
National Chairman, All Progressives’ Congress, APC.

Kelani's Dazzling Mirage hits cinemas nationwide in February

Ace filmmaker, Tunde  Kelani brings a hero out of a sickle cell anaemia sufferer in his latest film, Dazzling Mirage coming to cinemas in February.
 Dazzling Mirage, adapted from Yinka Egbokhare's novel with same title, written by Ade Solanke, parades a robust cast including lead actor, Kunle Afolayan and favourite actress, Lala Akindoju,
 who as a sickle cell sufferer overcomes social stigma, prejudice and builds her own self- esteem to achieve success in her career, marriage and motherhood.
“All of us are connected directly or indirectly to the sufferers of this ailment. I'm intrigued by the writer's approach to weave a love story with it and that to me is an attraction.  I have also had personal relationship with sufferers of this aliment and I consider it my responsibility to bring their
 story to fore, said, Kelani, executive producer and director of Dazzling Mirage.
 Known for her stage productions, Lala Akindoju, with a growing fan base following her appearances in plays like The V Monologue and The Gods Are Not To Blame co-stars with star actor, Kunle Afolayan, exploring her character, Funmiwo with vigour and pain that will elicit sympathy from the audience.

Starring veteran actress, Taiwo Ajai Lycett, Bimbo Manuel, Carol King, Seun Akindele and Yomi Fash-Lanso, the astounding cast shows they are versatile, suave and convincing in their characters’ interpretations.
 In this season of love, Dazzling Mirage is a story that had to be told and for the umpteenth time. Kelani has succeeded in making another film that entertains yet raises awareness of social issues  that are not only staring at us in the face but needs to be addressed.
For Kelani, there's no pretention of bringing forward a story expecting it to change things but he wouldn't want to underestimate the effect that the film will have on lovers, society and decision makers on health and other social issues.
 Fans of Kunle Afolayan would find him more romantic than ever in his character, Dotun, playing opposite Lala, who has been betrayed by Sanya (Seun Akindele).  In his quest to find out who Funmiwo really is and what she represents – an intriguing and charming woman, he finds love. He simply looks beyond her failing health and frail frame to discover she's the most important thing in his life.
 The film which has enjoyed rave reviews and snapped up nominations at major movie awards, promises to generate a lot of discussions among the public and in the media. The story, from the
preview is strong enough for the film to succeed on its own.
 Dazzling Mirage which premiered November 7, 2014 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos, gone to film festivals home and abroad would open to cinemas audiences nationwide from February 20, 2015.

PTDF boss writes book on Goodluck

Emeka Ibemere

A book entitled: The Essential Goodluck Jonathan by Femi Ajayi, Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the Convener, Goodluck Good Governance Group (G4), has been launched in Lagos.

The event took place on Saturday January 31, 2015, at Elomaz Hotel Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos State.

Launching the book, the author, who is also former Secretary and Director General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, called on Nigerians to judge President Goodluck Jonathan by his track records and re-elect him instead of being swayed by sentiments.

Speaking at the book presentation to a group; Goodluck Good Governance Group, G4, Ajayi said; “It would be a great injustice if we urge the electorates to re-elect the President based on sentiments.  He should be strictly judged on his track record of achievements since he became the number one political leader of Nigeria in year 2010. He has proved to be a role model for democracy and good governance since he became the president of Nigeria,” he said.

“While it’s tempting to ask electorate to re-elect him because he is an easy going, likeable and humble gentleman or on the basis of his coming from a region that produces Nigeria’s black gold (oil revenue), this election should not be run on sentiments,” he added.

Ajayi in his book extol the President’s penchant for upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the constitution and Human Rights Act adding that his feat has been unprecedented among Nigeria heads of state.

According to him, the President has shown deference for rule of law, respect for court judgments and facilitated free and fair elections. The 72- page book with 66 contents is a highlight of the Presidents’ transformation agenda in the last six years on the saddle as the President of most populous country in the black race.

The Essential Goodluck Jonathan also contains the President’s giant stoic character and a personal testimony of the author about the President whom he said is his close friend since 33 years ago.

“My acquaintance, subsequent friendship, and enduring relationship with President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan; are all providential and divinely designed,” Ajayi writes.

“This personality profile can only be attempted by someone who has known the person under focus intimately in several capacities and who has the unique opportunity to observe him at close quarters under various situations over a long period.”

“So, while giving special thanks to President Jonathan for the intimate association that gave birth to this book, the glory for the connection and opportunity certainly belongs to our heavenly Father.”

According to the author, “the book is a passionate but critical and in-depth analysis of the person, passion, mission, vision, politics, policies, principles and philosophy of the man and the leader, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan”.

The author also added that the book is an x-ray which tries to unmask, explain and project the essence of the real GEJ, not as the messianic GEJ in the minds of his starry-eyed fanatics or the care-free and soft politician as misconceived by some well meaning Nigerians. Ordinarily, The Essential Goodluck Jonathan would have been a historical biography of Jonathan by a friend but a timeless personality sketch of the President which is based on his expressed visions and stated missions.

The writer stated: “it is a window into his thoughts, sayings and deeds; his candid views and opinions on specific subjects of human interest.”

The book under 24 sub-themes contained different quality leadership the president represents such as: “Jonathan- Much more Than Good Fortune, New Genre of Politics, Leader not Ruler; Sound Planner and Result-based Manager; A human Personality Par-Excellence; An accomplished Scholar; A Believer in Generational Justice; Advocate of Core Competence in Public Sector; Vanguard of Moral Values in Politics; A Case for Social Marketing; Promoter of Due Process and Rule of Law; Pragmatic Politician; A Democrats’ Democrat; Long Suffering and Easily-Forgiving; Apostle of Free But Responsible Media; Public Welfarist Extraordinaire; Quintessential Nation-Builder; Apostle of Peace; Pro-Youth Empowerment and Employment; Campion of Local Content; Crusader for Education and Capacity-Building; Pro-Poor but Anti-Poverty; Ally of the Private Sector; and My testament on GEJ.”

Essential of Goodluck Jonathan, apart from revealing the President’s sterling character also revealed tangible but crucial benefits of democratic qualities of the President, and made comment on the giant strides of Jonathan in sustainable development of the country.

=========

High Court strikes out suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday morning struck out a suit challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to stand for re-election in the 2015 presidential elections, rescheduled to hold on the 28th of March 2015, after it was shifted by the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, from its original February 14 date.
Source:  DAILY POST

Nigeria's economy growing

The ONLY REASON NORTHERNERS WANT TO DIE IN POWER IS BECAUSE OF OUR OIL.- Asari Dukobo

The revelation by Senator Ita Enang, representing Akwa-Ibom North that over 80% of the oil blocs in the country are owned by Northerners, ex- militant leader, Alhaji Asari Dokubo has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately revoke the licences.
“We must sound it clear to our brother, Jonathan, that if he fails to do something about it, we shall take our destiny on our own hands,” he said.

“It’s not a threat, but a warning to our brother to act fast.” According to the leader of the Niger/Delta Peoples Volunteers Force, the revelation has justified the reason behind the restiveness in the Niger Delta.
Asari said: “Can you now see what we have been fighting for? We own the oil and we are suffering for it. Is it a curse to have oil in our land?
“Now, you see why these Northerners want to die in power. The oil we have is being controlled by them. Is that not funny?”See, let me tell you, if Jonathan fails to revoke the licences, we will take our destiny in our hands. We will not sleep any more for people to take what belongs to us. Nigerians must stand to resist a set of cabals that turned our country to their personal empire.
“One single person is richer than Nigeria. They are sucking our blood. Our land is being destroyed every day. No water, we can’t fish anymore; the land is polluted. Yet, none of our people in the Niger/Delta controls an oil bloc” he fumed.

Riots erupt in Benin, Edo State

Protesters calling for the resignation of Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole

Like ·

·

Politicians vists The Lord's Chosen Church for blessings

Painful exit: Mrs. Serah Ojukwu Usu is dead

We regret to announce the painful exit of our loving, caring and humble wife, sister and aunt, Mrs. Serah Ojukwu Usu (Mother-In-Israel), who passed away on December 29, 2014 after a brief illness. Aged: 56.
Christian wake keep was held in her honour on Friday, January 30, 2015 in Lagos.
Another wake keep will hold this Friday, January 6, 2015 at Ndi Ojiugwo Abam, Arochukwu L.G.A., Abia State. Her remains will be laid to rest on Saturday, January 7, 2015 at Ndi Ojiugwo Abam, Arochukwu L.G.A., Abia State, Nigeria.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Sunday Onyeama Usu J.P., children, sisters, brothers, in-laws, friends and others.
 May her soul rest in the bosom of God. Amen.

Lagos billionaire businessman, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, is dead

Lagos billionaire businessman, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, is dead.
Okoya-Thomas, who holds the traditional titles of the Asoju Oba of Lagos, Babasuwa of Ijebu-Remo and Odofin of Ife, was until his death the Chancellor of the Lagos State University and Chairman of CFAO Nigeria Limited.
He was a sports enthusiasts and sponsor of the popular annual Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship.
He was aged 79.
Okoya-Thomas was born in Lagos on June 8, 1935 to late Hussam Okoya-Thomas (the first Baba Adinni of Furabay Mosque, Olowogbowo, Lagos and the first local staff of CFAO, who served the company for 52 years) and late Alhaja Suwebat O

Insurgents in Adamawa state killing, maiming and destroying

BREAKING NEWS: The blood thirsy insurgents are at it again, this time, somewhere around Adamawa state killing, maiming and destroying

BREAKING: Boko Haram 'currently killing people, burning houses' in Michika - TheCable

Members of the Boko Haram Islamist sect are currently attacking Michika, Michika local government area of Adamawa state, “killing people and burning houses”....

thecable.ng

Kehinde Bankole solicits votes as AMVCA'S Best Actress

Tayo olanipekun

As the race is now on for various categories in the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2015, one of the nominated actresses in the contest, Kehinde Bankole, has been urging fans and friends to vote for her.

The organisers of the event recently released the full list of nominees for the year in the event billed to take place on March 7, 2015, to the delight of the teeming fans of the talented thespian, who featured in Kunle Afolyan's movie, October 1.

 Bankole is nominated in the category of Best Actress Drama and is thus urging her fans to vote for her through this link: http://amvca2015 awards.dstv.com/Category/525/Nominee/4905.

According to her, voters will have to scroll down to register a connect Id once they get into the website and they can vote for as much as 100 times.

Voting lines are currently open and will close on the February 28, 2015.