Author: Olamide Obayemi

Some staff and Commissioners of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) have passed vote of confidence on the Chairman of the Commission, Dr Muheeba Dankaka. Some of the staff and Commissioners who spoke with our correspondent on Monday, 25 September, 2023 described the administration of Dr Dankaka as the best ever in the Commission. “She has brought innovation into the running of the administration and she has made staff welfare one of her major priorities. I’ve been here for years and I can testify that she’s the best Chairman I’ve worked with,” a junior staff at the headquarters of the Commission…

NOVA Merchant Bank, a leading merchant bank in Nigeria, has sponsored a Pediatric Surgical Intervention, as part of its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) program, specifically within its UPLIFT initiative project. This initiative, conducted in partnership with the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria (APSON), positively impacted 50 indigent child patients at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on Monday, September 18, 2023. APSON is the umbrella body of all Paediatric Surgeons in Nigeria engaged in the treatment of surgical issues in children, the education and training of specialists in Pediatric surgery, and the enhancement and preservation of the…

Following the directive of the Federal Government that this year’s Independence Day Celebration should be low-key, the Ogun State Government has cancelled all arrangements in respect of the anniversary on October 1st, 2023. The decision by the federal government is to reflect the mood of the nation. The state government enjoins citizens of the state to spend the time solemnly praying for the country. It is the strong belief of the government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun that the supplications of the people at this crucial time will be answered by God. We seek the understanding and cooperation…

The Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, recently disclosed that the Lagos State Government has generated an astonishing N400 billion in the first half of this year. This revelation came to light during the 2024 Budget Consultative Forum, where Mr. George expressed confidence in the state’s ability to meet its end-of-year target. While the Lagos State Government initially estimated an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N924.805 billion to finance its N1.768 trillion 2023 budget, Mr. George stressed the necessity of increasing the IGR target for 2024 to provide more essential services to the people of Lagos.…

The Lagos State Chapter of the Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) has mourned the tragic loss of Dr. Umoh Michael, a dedicated medical professional who lost his life on Sunday, September 17th, 2023, after reportedly working 72-hour marathon shift without respite at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where he worked as a resident doctor. According to the party, the tragic incident once again sheds light on the deplorable state of the healthcare sector in the country and the urgent need for adequate funding and comprehensive pro-workers reforms. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Dr. Umoh Michael’s family and loved ones.…

The first Nigerian Professor of Capital Market, Prof. Uchenna Joseph Uwaleke, has been named the keynote speaker of the 2023 annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP). Confirming this, the Chairman of the GOCOP 7th Conference Planning Committee and deputy president, Mr Danlami Nmodu, mni, said that Prof Uwaleke who is currently the Special Adviser to the Senate Committee Chairman on Capital Market will be giving a keynote on Thursday, 5 October, 2023 at Abuja Continental Hotel (Old Sheraton Hotel) Abuja. A press statement from GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Remmy Nweke, quoted Danlami as saying that Prof. Uwaleke,…

The Senator, representing Lagos West Senatorial District in the Upper Legislative Chamber, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, has congratulated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat on their resounding victory at the Lagos Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. Members of the tribunal who sat in Ikeja: Justice Arum Igyen Ashom, Justice Mikhail Abdullahi, and Justice I.P. Braimoh, affirmed the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat. Senator Adebule also felicitated the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State led by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; the Governors’ Advisory Council (GAC) and indeed all Lagosians…

The hospital where the late singer, Promise Aloba, better known as Mohbad was rushed to on Tuesday, 12 September, 2023, has said that he was brought in Dead on Arrival. In a statement released on its Instagram page, the hospital said Mohbad was brought into their facility at about 4.30pm on the said day with no sign of life in him. According to the statement, immediately after Mohbad was rushed in, medical personnel sprang into action and after assessment, discovered that he had no central or peripheral pulse, no heartbeat, no reasonable vital signs and his pupils were fixed and…

Mandela’s granddaughter, Zoleka Mandela is dead. She was reported to have died as a result of cancer infection. She was aged 43. Zoleta was a renowned activist and author. She was the daughter of Zindzy Mandela and the granddaughter of late South African’s Freedom fighter and president, Nelson Mandela (Madiba). On 15th of March, 2023, she tweeted; “On this exact day, 11yrs ago (March 2012), I was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I was re-diagnosed in April 2016 with Luminal Type B Breast Cancer and diagnosed with Terminal Cancer (Stage 4, Cancer of the Bones, Liver and Lung) in September…

By Barrister Segun Omobamibo Ayedatiwa, the Acting Governor of Ondo State, has been subjected to castigation and criticism recently. However, it is important to examine the reasons behind this criticism and whether it is justified. One of the main points of contention is the alleged misuse of palliative funds. However, it is crucial to note that Ayedatiwa is not the Chairman of the Palliative Committee, nor does he have the authority to direct the allocation of funds. Therefore, he cannot be held responsible for any breaches of procurement law or mismanagement of funds. Another aspect of the criticism revolves around…

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Gener­al Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, on Sunday, 24 September, 2023, said the late musician, Ileriolu­wa Aloba, popularly known as MohBad, may have reaped the reward of his actions while alive. Pastor Bakare, who spoke while preaching in Leicester, United Kingdom at the 2nd an­niversary of The Envoy Nation, said the late MohBad was asso­ciating with evil people while he was alive. While speaking on the theme, ‘Harvest’, the former presiden­tial aspirant said, “My wife and I listened to a tape last night on MohBad. How many of you know MohBad? The Nigerian artiste…

Palpable excitement enveloped Alausa — the seat of power of the Lagos State Government on Monday, 25 September, 2023, following the judgement of Lagos Election Petition Tribunal, which came in favour of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The Tribunal, which sat for about 10 hours, dismissed two petitions filed against Sanwo-Olu’s victory in the March 18, 2023 election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Governor ran on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC). The petitions were filed by the Governor’s main challengers – Dr. Olajide Adediran of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of Labour Party…

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 27th September 2023 as a public holiday. This is to commemorate the Eid-ul-Maulid celebration, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), according to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. While making the declaration in Abuja on Monday, 25 September, 2023, he congratulated all Muslim faithful both at home and in the diaspora for this year’s occasion. “His admonition to Nigerians is to imbibe the spirit of love, patience, tolerance and perseverance which are deep spiritual virtues that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified,” the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary…

The Lagos State Governorship Election Tribunal has affirmed the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and dismissed the petition of the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, who challenged the return of Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat. Justice Mikhail Abdullahi held that Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Hamzat, were qualified to contest the March 18, 2023, governorship election in the state under section 177 of the Constitution. The judge noted that they are members of political parties and educated up to school certificate level. Section 177 of the constitution stipulated that “A person…

Akeju, the celebrated Nigerian-American media director, left the world in awe as he proposed to his cherished long-time girlfriend, Kennedia Davis, in a breathtaking event at the Atlantis Dubai. Known for his exceptional contributions to entertainment and creative field, Akeju chose the iconic backdrop of Atlantis Dubai to mark this momentous occasion. Against the stunning vista of the Palm Jumeirah, Akeju’s heartfelt proposal left Kennedia spellbound, creating an indelible memory that will forever hold a special place in their hearts. Akeju’s engagement to Kennedia symbolizes a new phase in their extraordinary story, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to one another and…

Following series of unheeded warnings to markets in Lagos to shun filth and embrace proper environmental hygiene, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has sealed Oyingbo and Alayabiagba Markets in Lagos Mainland. Other markets that risk imminent shut-down for improper waste disposal and sundry environmental infractions include: Tejuosho Model Market Phase 1, Ladipo Market in Mushin, Anjorin Market, Irewolede Plank Market, Idi-Araba Obele Market, Oni Baba Market, Oba Morufu International Market, formerly known as Ejigbo Market, Ijora 7UP Market, Okeafa Plank Market, Ifelodun Fruit Market, Amukoko, among others. Commenting on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr.…

Veteran actor Yemi Adeyemi, popularly known as Suara, is dead. He died on Sunday, 24 September, 2023 according to a statement released by his family on Monday, 25 September, 2023. The statement signed by the deceased’s son Adedotun Adeyemi read: “It is with a heavy heart but with total submission to God that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, Oluyemi Lawrence Adeyemi (Suara) who went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 24, 2023. We are consoled because we know that he has gone to rest. We kindly request that the family be…

In line with his commitment to improving business performance and enhancing viability, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has distributed business enhancement tools to over 300 Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the state. The empowerment, which was executed by the Kogi Enterprise Development Agency (KEDA) in partnership with the World Bank, was done in two batches. Over 100 MSMEs benefitted on Monday, 25 September, 2023, while more than 200 benefitted in the first batch. The Managing Director, KEDA, Hajiya Rekiya Onaiovo, said the beneficiaries were selected, out of the 60,000 registrations received by the Agency, following a thorough…

Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has charged youths of the Niger Delta region, to embrace entrepreneurship as a springboard for sustainable development. Ogbuku, who made the call in his keynote address at the Ogbia Youth Summit in Ogbia, Bayelsa State, noted that for any community to achieve sustainable development and peace, the youths must be meaningfully engaged. The NDDC boss urged the youths to key into the Commission’s Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement, HOPE, meant to identify interests of the youths for skills training. He also advised them to eschew cultism, drug abuse,…

Leading technology company, MTN Nigeria, recently announced its achievements in promoting workplace equality and implementing family-friendly policies. The company was recognised for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as its leadership in fostering a supportive environment for working parents. Being the first telecommunications company in Africa to be awarded the Economic Dividends for Gender Equality (EDGE) MOVE certification, MTN Nigeria joins a group of over 250 organisations such as the World Bank Group, International Finance Corporation, Deloitte Switzerland AG, UNICEF, amongst others spanning 57 countries and 27 sectors. The certification is a globally recognised standard for Diversity, Equity,…