Friday 30 December 2016

Moving Away From Failure To Success - Ogechi Ogbueri



Be Inspired by this story of Precious Ogechi Ogbueri who wrote JAMB seven times, was labelled a failure but eventually went on to earn seven professional certificates and also qualified as a Chartered Environmentalist in the UK.

After my secondary education, I decided to further my studies.
I wrote the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th JAMB exams and they were all cancelled. I decided to take the bull by the horn. I went to Enugu State University for a pre-degree program. On the completion of the program, I was offered a course in faculty of Science but the cultism in the institution as at then was unbearable for me, having being attacked twice. I decided to use the 5th JAMB that was released to study at University of Port Harcourt. Then ASUU had a protracted strike that lasted for over six months, I needed to write a 6th JAMB and I scored 274 but that score couldn’t offer me admissions as the two JAMBS were combined because the strike entered another year.


Thursday 29 December 2016

220K farmers take part in ABP: Emefiele



About 220,000 farmers in 17 states of Nigeria are participating in the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Governor Godwin Emefiele, disclosed.

He said this on Thursday in Jibia, Katsina State at the inauguration of the 2016/2017 Dry Season Farming.

Emefiele said 246,837 hectares had so far been cultivated under the programme.

He said the programme was aimed at supporting farmers with agricultural inputs to enhance productivity, create job opportunities and diversify the country’s economy.

Wednesday 28 December 2016

Meet Imo State Mechanic Who Built Own Car



ALEX EPHRAIM is a gifted Mechanic passionate about developing the home front. After his training abroad, he opted for home eager to contribute his quota. Today, his workshop is one of the automated and mechanized ones in Owerri. He also has a manufacturing plant where he designs and builds vehicles.


Boko Haram fighters surrender in Niger


Niger Interior Minister on Wednesday said dozens of Boko Haram fighters have given themselves up to authorities in southern Niger, days after the Islamist group suffered key losses over the border in Nigeria.

Minister Mohamed Bazoum said that 31 young people from Diffa, who were enrolled a few years ago in Boko Haram, decided to surrender.

Monday 26 December 2016

Sambisa Forest To Serve As Training Ground For Army


The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Monday said Sambisa forest would serve as training ground for personnel of the Nigerian Army as from 2017.

Buratai said this in Damasak, Borno, while celebrating Christmas with troops of 145 Battalion after the road leading to the town was reopened by Gov. Kashim Shettima, three years after closure.

He said troops were already conducting a mop-up operation in the forest after the last stronghold of the Boko Haram terrorists was captured.

Our target’s to make Lagos third largest economy in Africa- Ambode



Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday said that one of his administration’s objectives is to propel the State from being the fifth to become the third largest economy in Africa.

He said to achieve this, the State Government would focus more on Education (especially vocational training), scaling up of its health facilities, including renewal and building of world class infrastructure in the coming year.

Sokoto strikes coal in large quantity


Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has said that coal in commercial deposits had been discovered in the state.

Tambuwal disclosed this in a statement issued by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, on Monday in Sokoto.

The governor described the discovery as a major boost to Federal Government efforts at diversifying the country’s economy.

Saturday 24 December 2016

After Esther – 11 Years, 11 Lessons


By Babafemi Aderounmu

11 years ago I shared the same joy every other kid would have returning home after their first lengthy spell away from home. I wanted so badly to share my freshman experiences. I wanted to tell her all about life in the University while we make reference to what transpired in her days. Unfortunately, life had other plans. Against my wish and expectations, life dealt her biggest blow ever when she took Esther away; the best amongst all. If you ask me today, I could barely remember our last conversation. This hurts me deep. No wonder I yearn daily for one more conversation, one more warm embrace, one more head on her shoulders, one more glance of her smile and larger than life presence.

Like the fighter that I have grown to be, I have moved on, developed the courage to soar and emerge from the shadows of passing through my teenage years without my mother, best friend, number one fan and pillar. Year after year, it’s been a new layer of lesson, one more message and one more food for thought in my journey through life. And if you were in my shoes, below are a few lessons you would have had the opportunity to learn.

Lesson 1
There would come a time when only the important things start to matter. You will crave for new experiences and the illusion called “stability”. Time would not be your best friend as you will have a lot to achieve within the possible 24 hours afforded to you. Being able to make the best out of every 24 hours becomes more important than ever. You will grow wiser with your dreams, possibly lament the chances you didn’t take and crucially learn to make the best use of every opportunity. Sometimes you will get a feeling of being left behind by contemporaries but your persistence, hard work, bigger picture mentality, extensive network built over the years and most importantly your faith in God would matter and become the foundation for the future. They will hold you through the storm and motivate you to keep fighting.

Friday 23 December 2016

Nigeria launches digital switchover


Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday launched and rolled out Digital Switch Over (DSO) on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari. The project is spearheaded by the Ministry of Information and Culture and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Buhari said Nigeria is “irreversibly committed’’ to meeting the June 2017 deadline for transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting.

The June 17, 2017 deadline for transition from analogue to digital television broadcasting in West African countries was set by the World International Telecommunication Union Council.

Nigerian wins international writing contest, to be honoured in Hollywood


A Nigerian writer, Walter Dinjos, has won the 2016 edition of the Writers of the Future Award.

The award, given for published fiction works, was described as “the largest, most successful and demonstrably most influential vehicle for budding creative talents in the world of contemporary fiction”.

Mr. Dinjos, who is based in Awka, Anambra State, won with his short story, “The Wood Cutter’s Deity,” published in the annual bestseller, “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 33”.

10 places to visit in Nigeria during Christmas holidays



“Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth, sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever,” Richelle Goodrich once said. Unfortunately, it won’t last forever. But you can make it worth remembering when you do things you never did before, or go places you’ve never been before this season.

With only a few days to Christmas, every fun-loving person should be thinking of an amazing place to be with loved ones, aside the traditional trip to the village for extended family reunions.

From the place where nature is at its perfect form, to classic and ultra-modern environment, we present you a list of 10 unique places carefully selected from across the 6 geo-political zones in Nigeria to spend the Christmas vacation.

EKO ATLANTIC

Roads around Eko Pearl Towers taking shape

Eko Atlantic is a magnificent new coastal city being built in Victoria Island Lagos, to solve the chronic shortage of real estate in the world’s fastest-growing megacity. It is attracting major investors who want to capitalise on development growth based on overwhelming demand.

Standing on 10 million square metres of land reclaimed from the ocean and protected by an 8.5 kilometre long sea wall, Eko Atlantic will be self-sufficient and sustainable. It will include state-of-the-art urban design, its own power, clean water, advanced telecommunications and efficient living. The Business District alone covers 700,000 square metres combining Grade A commercial space with residences, restaurants and bars to ensure a cosmopolitan atmosphere. 

Thursday 22 December 2016

Nigeria To Build Nuclear Plants – Minister



The Federal Government says it will embark on building of nuclear plants and careful application of nuclear energy to meet the needs of the country.

Ogbonnaya Onu, the Minister of Science and Technology, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr. Onu said that nuclear energy would bridge the energy gap needed to enhance agriculture, advance health, improve education and boost manufacturing in the country.

Nigeria Army constructs road to Sambisa forest


Nigeria Army has started the construction of road network to Sambisa to ease troops operations in mopping up Boko Haram insurgents in the forest.

Mai. -Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, stated this during a press conference at the Maimalari cantonment in Maiduguri.

Tuesday 20 December 2016

Church Of England Appoints Nigeria's Woyin Dorgu As First Black Bishop in 20 Years



The Church of England has appointed its first black bishop in 20 years in a move that significantly increases its handful of minority ethnic clergy in senior leadership positions.

Downing Street announced that Woyin Karowei Dorgu is to be the 13th bishop of Woolwich, and will be consecrated at Southwark Cathedral on 17 March.

Dorgu was born and brought up in Nigeria, and ordained in the UK.

Woolwich, in south-east London, has a significant Nigerian population, many of whom worship in black-majority Pentecostal churches rather than the Church of England.

Kano awards N167.5b for Kanawa economic city construction


The Kano State Government has signed a N167. 508 billion agreements with an indigenous company, Brian and Hammers Ltd., for the construction of Kanawa Economic City, situated at Dangwauro in the outskirts of the state capital.

The project, which will be executed in 72 months, will be cascaded in three phases and will accommodate a world Trade Centre, Educational Institute, Light factories, 160 mega warehousing facilities, banks, a clinic and trailer parks in addition to other auxiliary infrastructure. On completion, it is expected to create about 500,000 jobs for youths in the state.

Monday 19 December 2016

Mythical Modibbo Adama Mosque



...The Land Rover carrying my guide, Rabi Sule, and driver, Abdurrazak, screeched to a stop at the gate of Jokems Hotel at Jimeta to pick me up at about 7:30 am. I had waited for them near a tea seller’s shade directly across the road for over 30 minutes. 

We took off. We jubilantly snaked through some shortcuts of Jimeta towards ‘Yola, about 10 kilometers away.

As Abdurrazak negotiated the roundabout heralding us into the historical city, Jabbama (Welcome in Fulfulde, boldly written high up on the city gate) we were welcomed in. We snaked into the city’s courteous welcome while I scoffed Rabi for having to carry along a big plastic bottle full of diluted Gestid, however severe her Ulcer was, ‘just for this short trip.’

Sunday 18 December 2016

Nigeria Wins 2016 African Scrabble Championship




Saidu Ayorinde of Nigeria on Sunday emerged the 13th Africa Scrabble Champion winning 23 games of 32 in Tema, Ghana.

Ayorinde dethroned his Nigeria counterpart, Nsikakabasi Etim, the immediate past Africa Scrabble Champion, when he finished first in a 32-game marathon to become the best in the duel.

Friday 16 December 2016

Crude Oil Discovered in Borno


According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Jamila Shua’ra, who broke the news on Thursday 15th December at the presentation of the 2016 petroleum sector scorecard, Nigeria has discovered crude oil in large quantity in Borno State, North- East. 

Thursday 15 December 2016

Nigeria targets localising 50% of Internet traffic by 2020


By Guardian Nigeria

Nigeria is hoping to localise Internet traffic in the country by as much as 50 per cent by 2020 through the Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) Nigeria currently has.

Vetting A Startup Business Idea


By Osayi Alile

Business ideas are born everyday, but not every idea will be successful in the market place. So why do people keep coming up with ideas? One of the responses given by entrepreneurs is usually because they saw a gap they discovered by error, research, but mostly because they had a need that was not met. Although there is much evidence about successful businesses that start out of passion; however, throwing yourself head first, without examining the viability of the idea can have consequences.

Lagos commences rehabilitation of Oko-Oba Abattoir




The Lagos State Government has commenced the rehabilitation of the Oko-Oba Abattoir and Lairage Complex, Agege in fulfillment of its promise to develop the red meat value chain and restructure the complex for improved operations.

Nigeria Establishes First SIM Card Production Plant


Nigeria has commissioned the first SIM card production plant which was built with financial assistance from the Bank of Industry (BOI).

The 200 million capacity SIM plant located in Lagos was inaugurated by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah, on Monday.

Wednesday 14 December 2016

Nigerian Army Makes More Rescue From Sambisa Forest


The Nigeria Army on Wednesday said it had rescued additional 605 women and children during its operation in Sambisa forest.

Monday 12 December 2016

IT Savvy Nigerian Develops Election App



Mr Shamah Abubakar, a graduate of Bingham University,Karu, has invented an electronic election application that can improve the electoral process in the country.

The President of the University’s Alumni, Mr Haruna Yusuf, said the application called E-Franchise app was invented with the support of the Alumni.

Haruna said during the Alumni’s election in March, the app was used for the electoral process and proved to be a success with members voting and monitoring the electoral process from beginning till the end from their diverse locations.

“When we held our elections earlier this year, it was what we used and it was a success. Every member of the alumni voted electronically and the process was free and fair.

“Every member monitored the process from wherever they were. You don’t have to be physically gathered in one spot to hold an election. For us, we have active members in the diaspora who have voting rights. So this app helped us not to infringe on their rights,” He said.

The Alumni president however revealed that the app is not immuned from setbacks especially hacking hence the recruitment of young anti hackers to thwart the effort of hackers during the alumni election.

“We had anti hackers on standby who made sure no strange activity tampered with the app during the election from start to finish and every member monitored voting and counting till the end. Till date, no one has complained of foul play,” He said.

He also revealed that the Alumni has reached out to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), members of the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to look into adopting the app for the 2019 general elections.

According to him, electronic voting would not only reduce foul play, it would reduce the huge cost of conducting manual voting system and release results as soon as they come in just as it is done in advanced countries.

He said the Alumni was willing to collaborate with relevant government bodies to work to transition Nigeria towards electronic form of voting through its E-franchise app. 

(NAN)

Thursday 1 December 2016

Ayade Inaugurates 2016 Calabar Carnival Village



Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade on Thursday inaugurated the Calabar Municipal Garden, which will serve as the 2016 Calabar Carnival village.

Ayade said the village was chosen because it was central and accessible to residents and tourists.

The Governor said the village would serve as venue for funfair and market for Christmas shopping.

He said adequate security measures had been taken to safeguard tourists and fun seekers at the village.

Ayade said this year’s carnival would be used to highlight the issues of climate change.

“It is to the glory of God that we have witnessed the first and second dry run of the 2016 Calabar carnival.

“I wish to declare the 2016 Calabar carnival village open to all. The 2016 carnival will be better and bigger.

“We have put in place more innovations that would meet the taste of our esteemed tourists.

“I wish to assure all those coming in for the carnival of adequate security.

“Calabar carnival is the largest street party in Africa. It is time for the world to visit Calabar again for that fun fair.

“Calabar carnival is 12 years; the festival had continued to grow from strength to strength.

“We are happy because it had also promoted unity and created strong relationships between the state and the international community,” he said.

The 31-day festival begins on December 1.

Already, major roundabouts along the carnival routes had been decorated with sparkling colors, while shops and buildings are being painted with blue and white to reflect the state colors.

http://aitonline.tv/post-ayade_inaugurates_2016_calabar_carnival_village

Tuesday 29 November 2016

The important legal agreement to protect Startups and Founders in Nigeria


By Timi Olagunju

From over 5 years of practice, I have noticed one extremely important legal agreement that most startups in Nigeria are either unaware of or haven’t fully taken advantage of. This agreement is referred to as “the Vesting Agreement”. Quickly, before we go into the nitty-gritty of a vesting agreement, I will like to explain what “vesting” is and what are “vesting agreements or clauses”, strictly in the context of its functionality to a Nigerian startup.

Vesting is a process by which benefits, privilege, authority, rights, or interest in an asset or property passes unconditionally to a person; whether natural or artificial person. A natural person being a human being or an artificial person being a company or institution; a legal entity by virtue of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

In Nigeria, vesting seems more common in an area such as energy (in which electricity generation and distribution companies entered a vesting agreement of 15 years), and less and less in the startup or tech space, which is a huge error. Although, vesting is not expressly provided for under Nigerian law, it is a smart business and contractual consideration that can be enforced in the Nigerian court like any other valid contract.

Why Vesting Agreements are important

Now, a vesting agreement (or clause) is an arrangement that spells out which benefits, privilege, authority, rights, or interest in an asset or property (which includes a startup) accrue to who and at what time. Vesting agreements ensure that at the beginning of the startup, founders get their full allotment of shares or equity stake to avoid double taxation, nevertheless, the company has the right to acquire a percentage of a founder’s equity in case he or she walks away. This means that if your partner walks away after a couple of months, he or she will not be able to claim the full worth of the company. The company would reserve the rights to acquire the run-away partners’ equity when he or she leaves the company.

Some years ago, a client who was referred to me called me up complaining that he and his friend started an “App”, but after a while, the other partner got tired and walked away, without looking back. My client decided to keep working on getting traction and investments for it, until one day, a member of the Lagos Angel Network (LAN) offered to buy a large interest in it. This made the news, and it was not long before the run-away partner, gave a phone call to my client asking for half the share of the monies received. This could have been solved by a vesting agreement prepared by a lawyer with understanding on startups.

I will also like to use the Facebook case, since Mark visited Nigeria recently. However, Mark wouldn’t have been “The Mark Zuckerberg” but for a legally binding vesting agreement that secured his interests in Facebook, even in the midst of law suits. How, you might ask? Remember, the movie, The Social Network — Zuckerberg’s friend (besides the twin brothers) returned to demand for his stake as co-founder with significant interest in the Facebook, but his claims couldn’t hold water, because the vesting agreement provided for a significant decline in shares, if a founder is inactive.

In effect, vesting protects partners from each other and aligns incentives so everybody focuses towards the common goal of building a sustainable, rewarding, and successful company, much more than a mere partnership agreement would do.

How startup vesting works

Unlike clauses in a partnership agreement, vesting clauses for startups are usually prepared to last 4 years, with a 1 year cliff. This means that if you had 50% equity and leave after two years you will only retain 25%. The longer you stay, the larger percentage of your equity will be vested until you become fully vested in the 48th month (four years).

Each month that you actively work full-time in your company, 1/48th of your total equity package will vest onto you. However, because you have a one year cliff, if one of the founders leaves the company before the 12th month, then he or she walks away with nothing; whereas staying until day 366 means you get one-fourth of your stocks vested instantly.

Say, for instance, your company gained some traction and raised investment during its 24th month, and the equity was divided 35% for yourself, 35% for your partner and 30% for the investors. Should your partner walk away he will hold 17.5%. What happens with the other 17.5%? Nothing! It virtually disappears after the company has repurchased it from your partner. Remember, when the company was registered, a fixed number of shares- say 2,000,000 units- were issued to cover 100% of equity. If the previously mentioned example occurs, 350,000 shares vanish representing that 17.5%, bringing down the total to 1,650,000 shares. All the other shareholders benefit because now they have a larger percentage of the company. On the other hand, if the startup gets acquired before the founders are fully vested, then each founder (partner) vesting literally accelerates until all – or at least most shares get vested.

A sample vesting agreement

In conclusions, as we have established the significance of a vesting agreement for a startup specifically, here is an example of a vesting clause or agreement I drafted for you below. I must emphasise the importance of seeking legal support from a startup lawyer with the understanding of the Nigerian business climate, in such circumstances.

“Subject to terms of this agreement, vesting will occur based on the following schedule:
Until and through [FIRST VESTING DATE], neither Founder’s shares will vest.
On and not before [FIRST VESTING DATE]– [25%] of each Founder’s shares will vest.
On and not before the 1st of every month thereafter, [1/36TH] of the remaining [75%]will vest.
Thus, on [END DATE] (the “Full Vesting Date”), each Founder will be 100% vested.
If either Founder ceases to provide services to the Company, resigns from the Company, or is terminated from service with the Company by a majority vote of the Founders according to their respective ownership interests, with or without cause or good reason, (the “Terminated Founder”) at any time prior to the Full Vesting Date (the “Termination Date”), none of the Terminated Founder’s additional shares shall vest. The Terminated Founder’s shares which has not vested as of the Termination Date shall be canceled or returned to the Company, and the Founder’s ownership interest shall be reduced by the amount of invested shares so canceled or returned.

{Additional clause on acquisition before full vesting} If both founders are still fully involved with the business and a liquidity event (such as the sale to a third party, an initial public offering, or other liquidity event) occurs, 100% vesting will occur immediately”.


https://techpoint.ng/2016/09/29/vesting-agreements/

Nigeria's Olufemi Elias Secures United Nations Appointment


United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has announced the appointment of Olufemi Elias of Nigeria as the Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, with effect from 1 January 2017. 

Mr. Elias will succeed John Hocking of Australia, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his service, including his instrumental role in setting up the Mechanism and overseeing the construction of its new premises in Arusha, Tanzania.

Mr. Elias has been serving as the Executive Secretary of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal since July 2016, a position which he also held from 2008 to 2013. He was the Legal Adviser and a Director at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) from 2013 to 2016 and Senior Legal Officer at the OPCW from 2005 to 2008. He worked in legal positions at the United Nations Compensation Commission between 1998 and 2005. 

Mr. Elias is an associate member of the Institut de Droit International. A member of the Nigerian Bar, he holds a PhD from the University of London, a Master of Law from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford.

Monday 28 November 2016

Lagos to host Street Party



The Lagos state government in south west Nigeria, has concluded arrangements to host the maiden edition of the state’s Street Party.

The state Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Art and Culture, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola gave this indication while briefing journalists on the line up activities of the Ministry for the rest of the year and beyond.

Mrs Akinsola who said that the Lagos State Street Party will hold between 3rd and 4th of December 2016 at the Ahmadu Bello axis of Victoria Island Lagos promised event of international standard.

“I can liken the Lagos Street Party to what the British call Nottinghill carnival, though our own is not as big as that, but we are starting this year at Victoria Island and hopefully next year the train will move to other parts of the areas in the state”. she said.

The acting Commissioner who promised adequate security for the fun seekers at the events explained that the two-day event was in a bid to showcase the rich culture of Lagos.

“This is just to put Lagos at the front row in terms of richness in its tourism potential, from art, local cuisine, hospitality among others” she added.

According to her ” Our ministry is saddled with the responsibilities to promote tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Sports for Excellent and we have been doing these with numbers of activities in the past”.

Akinsola, a former member of the state house of assembly maintained that as part of effort to regulate hospitality business in the state, the state would soon begin a clampdown on the hotels in the state without sign post.

She noted that the ministry recently held a stakeholders meeting on the preservation of heritage sites in the state and hope to hold Tourism, Art and Culture summit next year.


http://von.gov.ng/lagos-host-street-party/

Saturday 12 November 2016

Diamond, gold mining to begin in Adamawa



The mining of solid minerals including Diamond, Gold, Bitumen and Barite in Adamawa by a Swiss firm is to commence in December.

The state Commissioner of Solid Mineral Resources, Ms Shanti Shashi, made this known Saturday in Yola at the 4th Adamawa Community Dialogue organized by an NGO, the Adamawa Community Advancement Initiative (ACAI).

Shashi said the Swiss firm, BTP Swiss Sovereign Asset, and the Adamawa Mining Company would be involved in the mining of seven minerals comprising diamond, gold, zinc, bitumen, barite, uranium and platinum in the state under a three-year agreement.

Shashi said that the state government, which was committed to taping its solid mineral resources, had already acquired 12 mineral exploration licenses from the Federal Government.

While noting the numerous potentials of Adamawa in area of solid mineral resources, Shashi said the state was far ahead of other states in its level of preparation to exploit the resources.

“Adamawa is the most organized state as far as solid minerals is concern. We have gone far in talks with Dangote Group on Guyuk Cement factory,” Shashi said.

She lauded ACAI for organizing stakeholders dialogue with the theme “Adamawa Without Oil Money: Meeting The Challenges of Sustainable Development Through Agriculture and Solid Minerals Resources Development” , which she described as timely and assured the state government commitment to key in.

In his paper, “Economic Diversification through Solid Mineral Resources Development: The Adamawa State Prospects”, Prof. Saidu Baba, lamented the long years neglect of agriculture and solid minerals which used to be the mainstay of the nations economy.

“Why we are in recession is because the money we realized from oil sector was not utilized to develop other sectors like solid minerals and agriculture”, Baba said.

While noting that Adamawa has the mineral potentials to generate revenue, Baba said that SWOT analysis has proven that Adamawa has limestone, coal, gypsum, baryte, clays and granites potentials.

“It is therefore recommended that the state government should consider well-organized and coordinated investments in these minerals, advisably through joint venture programmes as is done in the oil and gas sector.”

In his remarks, the Convener of ACAI, Mallam Bashir Ahmad, said the annual dialogue was meant to serve as a platform for Adamawa citizens to come together and discuss challenges of good governance and sustainable development in the state, with a view to coming up with common terms as to surmounting them.

While noting the current recession and the dwindling monthly allocation from Federation Account, Ahmed said Adamawa, with a population of over three million, needed to diversify if it must meet its obligation to the electorate.

“We must create immediate alternative sources of revenues to fund our developmental programmes since monthly allocation, which comes mainly from oil money, can hardly even pay the monthly salaries,” Ahmad said.

http://guardian.ng/news/diamond-gold-mining-to-begin-in-adamawa/

Thursday 10 November 2016

SIR ANTHONY OLADIPO ADEGBITE (KJW) - A FORTHRIGHT NIGERIAN



By Ayo Osunloye

Not many people can be described as FORTHRIGHT but in the case of SIR ADEGBITE, forthrightness comes naturally. His third book published to mark his 92nd birthday left a legacy of his wealth of wisdom to benefit the young. The book entitled "Strategies For Success" is a blessing to all who will read it..

1. Blessed is the man
    That walketh not 
    In the counsel of the ungodly,
    Nor stand in the way of sinners,
    Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2. But his delight is 
    In the law of the Lord,
   And in His law doth he meditate
   Day and Night.

3. And he shall be 
   Like a tree planted
   By the rivers of waters,
  That bringeth forth
  His fruit in his season,
  His leaf also shall not wither,
 And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Sir Anthony Oladipo Adegbite is the personification of the Psalmist's thoughts while the above words were committed to writing.

This man of great humor and literary ability, claimed in his own words. 

"I was conceived in Lagos but delivered in Shagamu on November 13, 1924". *(Man, Know Thyself" Autobiography and other Reflection of Sir (Elder) A.O. Adegbite Page 2).

This astute gentle man grew up in the Oshodi – Epetedo Area of Lagos Island. Born of Moslem parents but grew up a Christian taking the first name Anthony meaning "Priceless, praise worthy". He is another Anthony that has embodied the meaning of the name with the attendant honour.

I had my first encounter with him, while observing at a meeting, of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos State Chapter called, to deliberate on the burial programmes for its then Secretary – General, Revd. T. A. Ajayi. It was at this meeting that I observed his quintessential parliamentary attributes. He is a gifted orator, unrepentant democrat and master at debates for progress, be it in the church, community and all walks of life. You may have your way but he would have his say.

Sir Adegbite stands forthright and unshakeable on the side of the good and the right way to go on any issue. He deploys his vast arsenal of wit, wisdom and anecdotes in the pursuit of his cause. Like Nelson Mandela "A good teacher can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge the stronger. You don't have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial and uninformed".

Baba is humble,deep,knowledgeable,wise,experienced and of great understanding.

In the City Mission Church he was at various times the Senior Church Steward, Chairman Building Committee (for over 25 Years), Conference Treasurer of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocesan Officer, Circuit Officer, Senior Church Steward and Secretary of the Building Committee at Agbeni Methodist Cathedral Ibadan amongst several others. He is an accredited Lay Preacher of the Methodist Church Nigeria. Past National President, of the Men's Fellowship of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Officer of the order of Wesley (O.O.W.) and a Knight of John Wesley (KJW). He had represented the Methodist Church in various Ecumenical Associations. A recipient of various honours and awards; both in the church and ecumenical organisations.

He is one of the few people left in the Methodist Church that can speak the truth to authority. In his active days he fought many battles for the preservation of the Wesleyan heritage. The continuous and gradual erosion of the distinct Methodist flavour in our worship and liturgy has pitched him against many sloppy ministers who would rather import and impose the populist Nigerian Christ Apostolic Church doctrine or other Pentecostal fashion. Many a minster of the Methodist Church invoke the names of leaders of other denominations as if the leaders of the Methodist Church does not inspire them. This gradually tends to erode the confidence and faith of their parishioners in their church. Papa frowns at such indiscretion. 

Sir Adegbite is a strong and committed believer in Christ and in an undiluted Methodist doctrine which should be upheld, promoted and untainted by cross doctrinal affectations.

In the pre–Independence nationalist struggles, Sir Adegbite was a prominent political cadre who worked strenuously in the agitation and struggle for independence. He was in the vanguard of organising many political rallies and lectures through which the people were informed and enlightened on the need for independence and freedom. He was an associate of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola and Alhaji Ganiyu Dawodu. 

As an illustration, Chief S.L.A. Akintola was ushered back in to the political circuits of Lagos when he returned to Nigeria after completing his law studies in England at the instance of Sir Adegbite. He convinced him to deliver a lecture at the Glover Memorial Hall at Customs Street in Lagos. Papa in collaboration with his associates mobilized a huge crowd to the hall to herald the entrance of Nigerias greatest polemicist and political maverick to the country. Severally years later, when SLA was the Federal Minister of Labour, he was assigned to relieve the Minister of Communications who was out of office for a while. While familiarizing himself with the officials of the Ministry of Communication, he got to the desk of Sir Adegbite who he never knew was a civil servant! Chief Akintola exclaimed in his unique soprano voice "Mr. Adegbite, so you are here?!" It was said with such cadence that only the two nationalists understood the full import of the conversation while the colonial officer conducting him round was outflanked.

The political interventions and participations of Sir Adegbite were on the basis of the "Good of the People". He never sought to and did not benefit materially from politics. In contrast he used his affinity to uplift total strangers and people in genuine need of assistance. His greatest joy is to see the welfare of the people as the very aim of government and governance. 

He believes that the people must be organised for self and communal development. To him, “the glory of the king must be the welfare of the people".

While living in Lagos, he was a notable figure in the Adeniran Ogunsanya Community Development Association where he was the Chairman for several years. He was an opinion leader in Surulere Local Government and Lagos State.

Sir Adegbite was a victim of the military intervention in the polity. He was prematurely retired while on the Directorate Cadre of the Department of Posts and Telecommunication by the Murtala/ Obasanjo regime in 1975. The dislocation and regression foisted on the polity and the people by the military interregnum in Nigeria can only be imagined when Nigeria and its people are compared to countries of the same epoch and with their positions in world development. 

Baba was to weather the storm like the tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his seasons, his leaf did not wither, and he prospered in his business undertakings even though he was not trained or prepared for the intrigues, hustle and bustle of business life.

Baba Adegbite's life had been like an oak in the desert providing shade, rest and succour to all whose path crossed his way. He is a man never wanting in words of comfort, advice, encouragement, reprimand or humour as the occasion demands. His oratory is bereft of guile, he does not call a spade by any other name, forthright, blunt, jovial with a command of English that takes the pain from the prick of a pin.

The various literary offerings of Sir Adegbite reveals his penetrating insight of the society by his revealing anecdotes, historical recalls, political tit – bits, cultural life of the various communities in which he socialised and the common place fables of his life and times.

This self made man passed the junior and senior Cambridge examinations as an external candidate taking tuition at two extra mural evening classes. The focus and hard work germinated at this early stage in life and the special grace of God saw him advancing both at work, church and community to a man of stature and reckoning.

Papa found his missing rib in Miss Elizabeth Roberts and they got married on February 9, 1950. The marriage was blessed with six children of three males and three ladies. Mama passed on in February 1997. Papa is a family man par-excellence who doted on his family. The vacuum created by mama's demise can only be imagined than felt. The abundant grace of God has continued to sustain Papa these last twenty years. Papa is blessed with daughters and sons by marriage and many grandchildren residing in different countries of the world.

In all said and done, Sir Adegbite comes out to me as an all rounder in all the callings of life. A good child, a dutiful student, a diligent worker, patriotic, responsible and compassionate citizen, a servant of the most high God both in the sanctuary and at the City Gate. He truly belongs to the pantheon of our heroes!

When Papa was ninety, I was penciled to propose the toast, but like everything written in pencil, it was smudged and the toast was proposed by another eminent 'son' of papa. When the event was reviewed with Papa, I held the view that God was preparing me to propose his toast at 95 or 100 years. Papa in his humility and jovial self requested me to lower my sight to an earlier milestone. I believe this is not the last toast to our illustrious and eminent father as the Lord will keep him beyond the century mark!


Ayo Osunloye an Architect and a former Church Steward at City Mission Methodist Church writes in from Lagos. He is also a Politician and he is the Lagos State Chairman of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG)

Wednesday 2 November 2016

The Caliphate Of Usman Dan Fodio





The Sokoto Caliphate was an independent Islamic Territorial jurisdiction in West Africa which was founded during the jihad of the Fulani War in 1809 by Usman dan Fodio. The Caliphate was however abolished when the British defeated the caliph in 1903 and put the area under the Northern Nigeria Protectorate.

Lagos wins ''Best Performing SUBEB'' Award



The effort of the Lagos State Government to improve the standard of education in Lagos through State Universal Basic Education Board has started to yield positive result as the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Ganiyu Oluremi Sopeyin has emerged as the Best Performing Chairman in the South West while Team Lagos came third in the Inter-SUBEB Schools Debate Championship held recently in Minna, Niger State.

17 Year Old Nigerian Breaks Sporting Record in Indian University



Esther Ruby Daniel has become the foremost athlete at the Amity University, Haryana, India. The 200 level student from Akwa Ibom State, has won various medals in different sporting events in the University. During her very first month in the university, She won a silver medal at the All Indian Law Student University Game.

Tuesday 18 October 2016

The time is ripe for agribusiness : These are exciting times - Amaka Agbakoba Onyejianya

Amaka Beverley Agbakoba MD / Co-Founder UWA Earth Foods

By Agropreneur Nigeria - Associate of The Unknown Nigeria

Amaka Beverley Agbakoba, is the MD of UWA Earth Foods, a wholefoods and health conscious brand which was founded in 2015 by two friends with passion for health and nutrition to create a demand for minimally processed, under-utilized natural products and raw materials in Nigeria. Her product offerings include edible peanut butter, cashew butter, peanut crunch bites, pure handmade red palm oil, wet milled coconut oil, and Baobab fruit powder all NAFDAC registered and produced form raw materials sourced from local markets within Nigeria.

How I resigned my teaching job in Lagos to start a big farming business in Sokoto – CEO Sawah Farms

                     
By Agropreneur Nigeria - Associate of The Unknown Nigeria


Ezedike Fredrick is a “northern farmer” from Imo State. He is a graduate of Pure and Applied Physics from Lodoke Akintola University (LAUTECH) Fredrick’s interest in agribusiness developed during his youth service year when his students became his friends. They took him to their various farms after school hours and enlightened him about the business of agriculture. He was encouraged to buy bags of onions for storage and make extra money apart from his NYSC allawe. Unfortunately, the onions spoilt but He did not give up! In fact, the situation triggered him to have a better interest in farming. Today, he is an onion, garlic and tomato farmer and CEO of Sawah Farms based in Sokoto state, Nigeria. Fredrick is our Young Agropreneur of the Month!

Monday 17 October 2016

Tribute To Femi Fani-Kayode At 56: A Man With Indomitable Courage


By Musa Reef

He was born 15 days after Nigeria was granted political independence from British colonialists on October 1, 1960. At birth, the Heavens did not blaze the commencement of his earthly sojourn but the young child who was later to be christened David Oluwafemi Adewunmi and born to the family of Chief Remilekun Adetokunboh Fani-Kayode, carried the genes of astounding scholarly and cerebral greatness often associated with the family.

His great grandfather, Rev. Emmanuel Kayode, studied theology at Durham University in the United Kingdom in the late-1800’s and was one of the earliest and most distinguished Anglican Priests in Nigeria.

Development Bank Of Nigeria To Begin Operations


President Buhari on Friday declared that a new bank, Development Bank of Nigeria would soon begin operations to strengthen the government’s economic diversification programme.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Media and Publicity on Friday.

Wednesday 12 October 2016

Lagos empowers more than 1000 public primary school teachers


The Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Ganiyu Oluremi Sopeyin on Tuesday disclosed that no fewer than 1,110 public primary schools teachers spread across the 20 Local Government Education Authorities in the State would be trained in the Jolly Phonics method of teaching.

Thursday 6 October 2016

Nigeria’s dance crew wins $7,000



The `Supreme Task’ dance crew from Nigeria has won 7,000 dollars best prize in performance category at the 2016 Korean POP (K-POP) World Festival held at Chanhwon Sport Park, South Korea.

Nigeria Partners Tony Elumelu Foundation


The MoU between the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture and the Tony Elumelu Foundation will help to re-position the creative industries in Nigeria, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said.

THE COMING REALIGNMENT IN YORUBALAND BY OLUFEMI OLUKAYODE



By Olufemi Olukayode (Opinion)

There are two events that are of major significance this week. The first is the birthday of a man of immense integrity and a great son of the Yoruba by the name of Olusegun Rahman Mimiko who was 62 years old on October 3rd.