About Africent Group CEO, Juwon Lawal’s Business Innovation

In an era of increasing youth apathy and economy downturn, Juwon Lawal, is a case study for youth aspiring to be great.

The Kogi State, Nigerian born has no doubt carved a niche as a big player in almost every business sector with his ingenious venture in oil and gas, organic and non-organic food products, marine logistics and services, E-commerce, entertainment, feed mill, and information technology and services.

Juwon, an unassuming socialite in his mid-30s, sits atop Africent Group, Oillets Services, S8 Contractors, and Cropyfy Incorporated, a wide range of businesses that spans Africa and overseas.

With a master’s degree in management and business administration from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State, and having been experienced in the production of palm kernel oil business and oil extraction while in school, the young graduate burning with a passion for success, proved his mettle in 2007 when he successfully launched his first business innovation, ABD Fuels, a bunkering firm that marketed and supplied marine fuels to ships in port and at sea along West Africa coast, which has now transformed to S8 Contractors.

Success, they say, comes with resilience and taking a few more steps each day. Juwon Lawal’s entrepreneurial drive was evident by his attendance at various local and international business meetings like the 2018 and 2019 editions of the International Petroleum Week International Petroleum (IP) Week, a key event in the oil and gas industry where senior executives from all over the world gather in London for a three-day conference and round-table trade discourse.

The Africent Group boss was also at the 2018 edition of The Africa Forum, an international, landmark event aiming to promote greater economic integration through increased investment flows into Africa, alongside African leaders and business experts and entrepreneurs which include the president of Egypt who was the host, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi; Alhaji Samad Rabiu of BUA Group; Mr. Akinwunmi Adesina, president of Africa Development Bank, and a lot of others.

For Juwon, who made his first million at 23 consulting for corporations, Nigerian youths must be encouraged to be focused and committed, as his core value is dedication, noting that he is more dedicated to his business as he always strives to work ahead of others.

APC governors award to Buhari an endorsement of failure – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the presentation of a leadership award to President Muhammadu Buhari by governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a shameful endorsement of failure.

The PDP described it as the height of deception and a spit on the graves of victims of unrestrained killings and bloodletting in various parts of our nation.

In a statement on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said the award was another “failed image-laundering and botched endorsement” by the Buhari Presidency, which was being confronted by the weight of public rejection for its failures and the rigging of the February 23, presidential elections.”

The party said it was totally disgraceful that Mr. President’s handlers could conjure such “scandalous whitewashing project to gloat on Nigerians” at a time Nigerians were extremely hurting over the prevailing economic hardship and hunger among others.

“The PDP holds that by allowing themselves to be used for such image laundering for President Buhari in the face of his failures to find solution for the killings and kidnappings in Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Katsina and other states of the federation, the APC governors have again exhibited their party’s unpardonable insensitivity and disdain for Nigerians.”

“It is disturbing that at a time genuine leaders are exerting themselves for solutions to the myriads of crisis plaguing our nation, those elected on the platform of the APC are busy playing to gallery and acting scripts while our nation continue to slide; the very reason Nigerians voted for Atiku Abubakar on February 23, as their preferred presidential candidate.”

“The Buhari Presidency and the APC have chosen to engage in endless unprofitable celebrations in the safety of Aso Villa while Nigerians are left at the mercies of bandits, kidnappers, marauders and insurgents in their homes and workplaces.”

“The PDP counsels President Buhari to end the circus at the Presidency and face the stark reality of the dejection, despondency and misery Nigerians have been subjected to due to his incompetence as well as insensitivity to the plight of the citizens,” the party said.

I have no regrets challenging Rivers APC leadership impunity – Senator Abe

The Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Magnus Abe, has stated that the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) lost the gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 general election as a result of leadership impunity.

Recalling experiences of his travails in an interview with us in Abuja as Rivers governorship aspirant, the lawmaker maintained that the ruling party would be stronger if it allows its members’ participation instead of foisting decision on them.

Abe said he had no regrets over the conflict that stopped the APC in Rivers from fielding the gubernatorial candidate, adding that he will challenge the party if the same scenario plays out again.

“I have no regrets whatsoever for what I did. I am very proud of what I did and if it happens all over again, I will do exactly what I did and I think the party would be stronger if it is run according to its rules; according to its constitution.

“If the members are dignified and respected, it makes the party stronger.

“A party candidate is what makes the party. Having candidate is not the most important in a party. Having a candidate is part of what makes the party. A political party is about ideology about making lives better. You can have candidates that do not contribute to making lives better.”

The lawmaker believes that it was a price that Rivers APC had to pay for allowing godfatherism influence the choice of its gubernatorial candidates, noting that the outster would build the party in future.

“Yes, it is unfortunate that we ended not having candidates in Rivers State, it is the price we had to pay in order to build a party that respects the rule of law.

“We must be ready to build democracy and in doing that. People must take the bull by the horn. Let me sound a warning not just to political parties, but to dramatis personae in the parties that they will continue to lose elections if they don’t allow their members to contribute.

“People must be allowed to contribute. Nigeria is changing and all of us must be ready to change.

“I still insist that loyalty to the party is not loyalty to the Chairman nor loyalty to the leader; it’s loyalty to the rules of the part and that is what party supremacy means.

There has been no love lost between Senator Abe and his erstwhile political godfathers and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi over his gubernatorial ambition.

Emir Sanusi: Kano princes reject Ganduje’s offer to head new emirate

Three Kano princes have rejected an offer for appointment as Emir of Bichi, one of the four new emirates created Governor Abdullahi Ganduje on May 8 amid his face-off with the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.

Daily Nigerian reports that the governor had a meeting with Wamban Kano, Aminu Bayero; Chiroman Kano, Nasiru Bayero and district heads of Rano, Gaya and Karaye at the Government House on Thursday night.

The offer to serve as Emir of Bichi was first made to Chiroman Kano Nasiru Bayero, who rejected outrightly.

The governor then pushed the offer to Chiroma’s elder brother, Aminu Bayero, who also turned it down.

Ganduje’s third option was Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sanusi, the father of the state chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Abbas.

“When the offer was made to Galadima, he contacted Emir Sanusi, notifying him about the decision.

“The emir told him the choice is now left for the Dabo clan to be parties to the desecration of their heritage or be parties to the defense of their heritage,” a royal source quoted the emir as saying.

“From all indications, it is unlikely if Galadima will accept the offer. He too is angry with the creation of more emirates in Kano.”

Meanwhile, Ganduje, has said the creation of more emirates in Kano was not a “vendetta” against the Emir, Sanusi.

Ramadan: Lawmakers urge Muslim faithfuls to remember pray for Nigeria

Mr Wale Raji, Member, representing Epe Federal Constituency, has urged Muslim faithful across the nation to remember Nigeria in their prayers and supplications during the holy month of Ramadan.

Raji made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shortly after the Jumu’a service prayer in Epe on Friday.

He stated that the country was at a period when nothing could solve her predicaments and challenges than seeking for divine interventions from the almighty Allah.

Raji said Muslims should use the sacred month to pray for peace, stability, growth and development of Nigeria and her leaders.

“I will like to make use of this medium to felicitate with my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters on the opportunity of witnessing another holy month of Ramadan.

“We should be conscious that not everyone who observed the last Ramadan is alive to witness this year’s.

“Thus, it becomes expedient for us to greatly utilise the chance we have to improve in all acts and deeds in conformity with the dictates of the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), ” he said.

According to him, this holy month provides Muslims the opportunity to communicate directly with their creator.

“We should, therefore, use this sacred moments to seek for His forgiveness and mercies upon our nation and her leaders.

“We must pray for stability and peace of the nation, so that prosperity will spread across the nooks and crannies,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Oluwaseun Ogunkelu, the Lagos State House of Assembly Member-elect (APC – Epe Constituency 2), urged faithful to maintain peaceful coexistence across the country.

He said that, “Ramadan is a month of forgiveness, caring, sharing and showing love to one another, most especially to the less privileged.”

Ogunkelu described this year’s Ramadan as special, because it came within the time of power transition from outgoing to incoming government.

“I implore the good people of Epe Constituency 2 to use this special season to preach peace and be our brother’s keeper.

“This is the only way to sustain the virtues of Prophet Mohammed (pbuh). May we live to witness more of it in life,” he said. (NAN).

7 killed in Fresh attacks in two Taraba towns

7 people were reportedly killed in Rafin kada and Kente a Jukun towns in Wukari local government area of Taraba state in an early morning attack on Friday.

We gathered that several other persons were missing while hundreds of houses razed down.

The attackers suspected to be Tiv militia have also sacked other Jukun villages along Rafin Kada _Donga and Takum road.

The attacks came few weeks after Tiv people in Taraba rejected composition of membership of peace and reconciliation committee set up by Taraba State government to address lingering Tiv/Jukun crisis.

A source in the area,Mr James Agbo told Daily Trust that the attackers invaded the two towns with heavy guns and sacked the entire community.

The source said many people escaped into the forest with gun shots while hundreds of people including women and children are still missing.

The chairman of Wukari local government council, Mr. Adigrace Daniel told Daily Trust in a Telephone interview that five persons were killed in Rafin kada while 2 killed at Kente town.

The chairman stated several people who received gun shots have been taken to general hospital Wukari for treatment.

He alleged that it was Tiv militia that attacked the two Jukun communities early Friday morning.

Mr Adigrace Daniel also revealed that several other persons are missing while the two towns were razed down by the suspected Tiv militia who crossed from Benue state to launch the attacks.

The police public relation officer Taraba state command DSP David Misal did not pick calls made by our reporter.

BREAKING: Why we arrested Naira Marley, Zlatan Ibile, Rahman Jago, others – EFCC gives details [PHOTOS]

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained why it arrested Naira Marley, real name Afeez Fashola.

It also confirmed the arrest of Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael aka Zlatan

Also arrested is Rahman Jago.

The suspects are being held at the EFCC office in Lagos.

Tony Orilade, EFCC spokesman, in a statement on Friday said they were picked up in “connection with alleged case of internet fraud and money laundering.

“Intelligence report had also linked them to cybercrime offences.

“They were arrested along with: Tiamiu Abdulrahman Kayode, Adewunmi Adeyanju Moses and Abubakar Musa.

“Their arrest followed an early morning raid on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 9, Gbangbola Street, Ikate, Lekki, Lagos.

“At the point of arrest, the Commission found and recovered a number of items, including laptops, from the suspects.

“They have so far volunteered useful information about their involvement in the alleged criminal activities, even as investigations continue.”

Marley, some days ago, called on Nigerians to pray for Yahoo boys rather than condemn them.

In a viral video, the “Issa goal” crooner said Yahoo boys are the reason money circulates to the common man.

Repositioning Ekiti

There is a new dawn in Ekiti State as the state government under Dr Kayode Fayemi is determined to reclaim our land and restore our values by massively investing in agriculture, health, education and ensuring job creation in the state to lift people out of poverty.

Kayode Fayemi’s government has the capacity to make Ekiti to be rich by establishing farm settlements accross the 16 local governments in the state and by also establising cottage industries to process the farm produce.

This will boost the Internally Generated Revenue, keep the youths busy and transform the state economically.

Tayo Akinyede,

14 Ajilosun Street, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Nigeria Labour Congress Calls Nationwide Protest 'To Embarrass Ngige And His Family Members'

The NLC had accused Ngige of sponsoring an attack on protesters had picketed the minister’s Abuja residence.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its members to embarrass Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, as well as members of his family.

The labour union also declared that a national protest will hold in Abuja on Monday to express displeasure over the alleged use of thugs on its members who were on a peaceful demonstration.

The NLC had accused Ngige of sponsoring an attack on protesters had picketed the minister’s Abuja residence.

They had been protesting an alleged exclusion of a member of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) from the board.

The minister had initially refused to inaugurate the NSITF board following allegations of “monumental fraud”.

Addressing journalists after a central working committee meeting on Thursday, Ayuba Wabba, NLC president, said Ngige has no right to change the appointment made by the president on the basis that he never recommended Frank Kokori to head the NSITF board.

“He is not fit to be a minister. He has no reason to be called the minister of labour. He is a lord of his own and therefore instead of protecting us, he is against us. Therefore we have nothing to do with him under the circumstance,” he said.

“NLC has sent messages to all workers in the 163 countries who are members of the ITUC to embarrass the minister and members of his family anywhere they are seen, especially at airports where workers operate.

“The real reason he is opposed to Chief Kokori was that the veteran labour leader cannot be compromised. Since the minister has been talking about the issue of corruption in the NSITF, the government should put in place a judicial commission of enquiry to investigate the agency so as to unravel who the actual corrupt persons are.

“So, we are demanding that the Board, headed by Kokori, be inaugurated and all the thugs who attacked us in the full glare of security agents be investigated and prosecuted.

“The CWC decided to embark on a national protest on Monday, May 13, in Abuja against the brutalisation of its members during the peaceful protest.

“As minister of labour, he knows that there is a clear provision of the law on picketing, lockouts and even strike action and therefore for him to have instead of addressing the issues, descended so low to the extent of using thugs to attack workers who were on a peaceful conduct of the protest, is something that is less than desirable and is anti-workers.”

Why I created new emirates in Kano — Ganduje

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State says he decided to create four new emirates in the state in order to take it to the next level.

The Kano State House of Assembly on Wednesday initiated and passed a bill splitting Kano Emirate into five emirates.

Mr Ganduje signed the bill into law on the same day.

Many believe Mr Ganduje created the new emirates in order to reduce the power and influence of the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, over political differences.

However, speaking to State House correspondents Mr Ganduje said people condemning the decision “are entitled to their own opinion but we are taking Kano to the next level and we need the active participation of the traditional system, especially in the areas of education, security, agriculture”.

The conversation was on the sidelines of the ongoing Progressive Governors Forum Award Ceremony holding at the State House conference centre, Abuja.

He said the emirate was balkanised because Kano State “needs the effectiveness of the traditional rulers.

“By decentralising it, we are following history. Years back even before the 800 years you are referring to, the situation was not that.

“So if something developed 800 years ago, things are also developing now and there will be another 800 years. So look at the history.

“So, it is not vendetta, I am not against him. In fact, he is supposed to be reporting to the local government chairman according to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is the local government chairman that is supposed to discuss issues with him, not the governor,” he said.

Mr Ganduje also said the people of Kano are celebrating the decision, adding “we will make sure that the new emirate councils are effective in terms of developing Kano State”.

How Katsina student killed colleague over girlfriend

An 18-year-old student, Ahmed Abubakar, of Government Day Secondary School in Katsina State has allegedly killed his colleague, Mikailu Mustapha, following a misunderstanding between them over a girl.

The police said Abubakar, a.k.a Sha’aban, stabbed Mustapha to death during a misunderstanding, adding that he had confessed to the crime.

Consequently, he was arraigned before a Katsina Magistrates’ Court for culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Penal Code.

The police prosecutor, ASP Sani Ado, told the court on Thursday that investigation was still in progress.

The presiding magistrate, Hajiya Fadile Dikko, adjourned the matter till June 11 and remanded the accused in prison custody.

In a related development, a 20-year-old student of the Department of Sociology at the Federal University, Dutsin-ma, Sani Anas, is also facing prosecution for allegedly being in unlawful possession of a locally-made revolver pistol and six rounds of live ammunition suspected to have been stolen.

He was charged under Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms Special Provision Act, Cap. R11, LFN, 2004 and 319A of the Penal Code.

Anas was remanded in prison custody till June 13.

BREAKING: EFCC Arrests Musician Naira Marley

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Nigerian musician, Naira Marley, real name Afeez Fashola.

The fast-rising singer is currently being questioned at the EFFC office in Lagos.

Although the reason behind his arrest is yet to be made public, it might be in connection with his statements on social media which glorifies internet fraudsters, popularly called Yahoo boys.

The Issa Goal singer has somewhat become an advocate for cyber crime as he even bashed other celebs who tried to go against his views.

It all started when popular singer, Simi, discouraged Yahoo boys from listening to her music. Then Marley took it upon himself to call the singer out as well as praise Yahoo boys.

On one of his Instagram Live videos, the Issa Goal singer urged Nigerians to pray for Yahoo boys because they make money circulate and not the politicians.

He said: “All you guys, all the money in your pockets, all the money you spend, you think it’s the government that is making the money go round? You better sit down and pray for yahoo boys. If them stop yahoo, the money would not pass you guys.

“The money will go like this, from Obasanjo to Tinubu, from Tinubu to Mr Japa, you think me I need Yahoo? I make money from my music.”

Interestingly, despite Naira Marley’s views on fraud being controversial, the singer has several fans who support his message and he recently released a track titled Am I A Yahoo Boy? featuring Zlatan Ibile.

Catholic Archbishop of Benin Recommends ‘Life Lessons From Mudipapa’

The Catholic Archbishop of Benin City who also doubles as the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Fr. Augustine Akubeze has called on those who teach marriage courses to get the ‘Life Lessons From Mudipapa’ as part of their library.

In a forward he wrote on the book, Archbishop dissected the contents of Life Lessons From Mudipapa,’ touching on important aspects of life the author touched on.

He wrote, “I recommend this book for all those who teach marriage courses. Those in the academia will find the style and content of the work very rich. Couples who are struggling with day to day challenges will be able to find insights to their solution.

“The book is faithful to Catholic teachings on courtship, marriage, family, parenting, investment and retirement. The author in a single book is able to cover the entire span of life of the average human person. This book will make a good reading for all serious-minded inquirers into these important themes dealt with in this book.

“I therefore, commend the author Francis Ewherido for having the audacity to write on these complex issues. May all who read this book find new inspiration to continue to work for the family and marriage, so, that we all can have a good family and consequently have a good society,” he said.

‘Life Lessons From Mudipapa’ was launched last Sunday at the Bankers House Building at Victoria Island, Lagos. Prominent people from every walks of life were part of the epoch making event.

The launch had Olorogun Moses Taiga, President-General of Urhobo Progress Union (Worldwide) as the Father of the Day was Chaired by Chief Johnson Modika Barovbe, a prolific educationist, philanthropist and proprietor of the prestigious Westminster College, Lagos, and had  Engineer Chuka Eche, former Enugu APC Governorship Aspirant and Business, as the Chief Presenter.

Fayemi pledges support for command schools in Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi  has pledged his administration’s for the take-off  of  three proposed Command Secondary Schools in the state.

Speaking while receiving a delegation of the Army Education Corps from the Army Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, Fayemi, represented by his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, described the establishment of the schools in Ekiti as a landmark achievement.

The delegation led by Director of Personnel Headquarters, Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Julius Oni, visited Isan, Ijero and Ikere,the three towns where the schools would be located -to assess their suitability or otherwise for the projects.

Fayemi said: “As you are aware, education is the main industry of Ekiti State. Therefore, spirited efforts are on to ensure that Ekiti continues to be a leader and pivot in the education industry.

“The schools will be sited at Isan- Ekiti, Ijero-Ekiti and Ikere-Ekiti for geographical spread representing the three senatorial districts in the state.

“I am sure you have visited the entire temporary as well as the permanent sites. It is my hope that you found the sites suitable and acceptable for use.

“Ekiti people are accommodating and hospitable and you will be welcome everywhere you go. Let me quickly assure you of the support of the government and good people of Ekiti State.”

On his part, Oni disclosed that Fayemi had written a letter to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, requesting the establishment of the three command schools across the senatorial districts.

Oni added that having visited the three locations and assessed the sites and available facilities, the panel would write a report to be submitted to Buratai for further action.

He said: “We express our gratitude to Governor Fayemi for the warm reception accorded the team since Sunday.

“A few weeks ago, there was a letter written to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, personally signed by the governor for establishment of three command schools in the three senatorial districts of the state.

“The Chief of Army Staff places a high premium on the development of education. In fact, one of his vision is to enhance the development of education in areas where Army units and formations are established.

“He quickly constituted a team to pay a visit to all the sites and equipment available for the take-off of the schools.

“In the Army, we strive to attain a high education standard in our command secondary schools. We ensure that facilities, equipment and staff conform to a very high standard to ensure that a conducive atmosphere is created for teaching.

“We will put up our report and submit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, who will, in return, forward same to the state government.”

The three schools are expected to commence academic activities in September when a new academic year takes off.

Oyetola vs Adeleke: How Davido reacted to Appeal Court judgement on Osun guber

Popular Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, better known as Davido, has reacted to the Appeal Court judgement that did not go the way of his uncle and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in the last Osun State governorship election, Ademola Adeleke.

The Appeal Court on Thursday declared the state governor, Gbeyega Oyetola, as the winner of the last Osun State governorship election.

However, Davido hinted that the judgement would be contested at the Supreme Court.

In a series of tweets, the popular musician urged his followers to remain calm, expressing optimism that Adeleke would be declared winner at the apex court.

According to Davido: “We won the first leg. We have lost the second leg but I am certain the Highest Court in the land will rectify and restore all that has been stolen from us with this judgment! Everybody stay calm and stay safe! See you on the other side.

“As you all know there is one last and most important lap. It is time for that last lap and the God I know and serve is in control.

“My people. We can’t hide our disappointment this judgment of the Court of Appeal. It hurts, it’s extremely painful but guess what? It is not the end. Far from it. Everyone remain calm. I want to urge all our supporters to remain calm in this time.”

Fayemi describes deputy,75, as a dependable ally

Ado Ekiti – Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti on Wednesday described his deputy, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi as a dependably and reliably ally.

Fayemi said this in his congratulatory message to Egbeyemi who clocked 75 years on Wednesday.

The governor said this in a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Yinka Oyebode and made available to news men.

The governor also described  Egbeyemi as a reputable leader, seasoned administrator and an astute manager of men and materials.

Fayemi said, “My deputy is an experienced lawyer, grassroots mobiliser and seasoned administrator as well as someone with a his high level of integrity.lenges

“All these pedigrees have made Egbeyemi an asset to the present administration in the state.

“ On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ekiti State, I congratulate Chief Bisi  Egbeyemi and wish him a happy birthday today and pray that God continues to bless him with good health and wisdom.

“ It is also my hope that he will continue to make remarkable contributions to the restoration of our dear state,’’ the governor said.

Zedvance Restates Commitment To Quality Education With Back-To-School Campaign

Leading consumer finance company, Zedvance, has restated its commitment to provide support for quality education in Nigeria; urging parents, guardians, teachers and proprietors to take advantage of its Back-to-School offerings.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of Zedvance, Jerry Osagie, the company is providing parents, guardians and teachers easy access to loans ranging between N50,000 and N5million with a flexible repayment regime of up to 18months at very competitive rates.

“We are committed to promoting of[JO1]  quality education and financial inclusion in Nigeria. As a customer-centric brand, we pay attention to the yearnings and aspirations of our customers. Based on the realities of the market, we have decided to partner with parents, guardians, teachers as well as school proprietors to provide easy access to much needed loans. This is to ensure that school pupils receive quality education”, explained Osagie.

He equally pointed out that the company recently relaunched its Back-to-School campaign themed, Zedvance Back-to-School Unburden campaign to ease the burden of school fees and other sundry bills that comes with the resumption of a new academic term on parents’ and guardians’.

Zedvance loans are available to salary-earners in Nigeria with qualifying customers receiving loans in less than three hours (for already existing customers) and less than five hours (for new customers). Customers[JO2]  can access Zedvance loans through self-service digital channels including WhatsApp, by chatting with Zee on 09060003933; online, at www.zedvance.com and phone call to the Customer Service Centre on 07001001000.

Lagos Chief Judge commissions training Institute for judiciary staff

A training arm of the Lagos State Judiciary that will be responsible for the promotion of innovation and effectiveness in services rendered to Lagosians has been commissioned by the Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Institute in Ikeja, the Chief Judge said that the Institute, among other functions, is expected to provide continuing education for all categories of judicial officers through workshops, seminars and other programmes related to judicial education.

She said “the mission of this Institute is to promote excellence through training, competency, and professionalism in the Lagos State Judiciary. It is expected that the Institute will have a far-reaching impact on the quality of our human capital and productivity quotient”.

Justice Oke maintained that the Lagos State Judicial Establishment Institute will, in addition to the above functions, serve as a platform for updating judiciary staff on recent developments in the law, contemporary issues around legal procedure and practice, administration and judicial ethics. 

While noting that since the beginning of her tenure as the State’s Chief Judge, staff of the Judiciary had benefited from both local and international training, Justice Oke explained that the rationale behind the various training programmes were borne out of the conviction that training was the only way that judicial competency, standards, and professionalism could be achieved, maintained and sustained.

“Training is the only way that we can maintain and sustain our position as the foremost Judiciary in Africa.  It is one of the foremost ways to build public trust and confidence in the Lagos State Judiciary. We are the first Judiciary in the nation to formalise and set up its training arm”, the Chief Judge reiterated. 

Justice Oke expressed the hope that with the establishment of the Institute, judicial officers are now expected to sharpen their skills, increase efficiency, innovation, and effectiveness for the benefit and service to the good people of Lagos State

She expressed optimism that the Board of Governors of the Institute would design programmes and training for various categories of staff to address and improve the capacity and overall effectiveness of the Lagos State Judiciary.

The Institute was established, pursuant to the Lagos State Judicial Institute Law 2007, to serve as the principal focal point of judicial activities relating to the promotion of efficiency, uniformity, and improvement in the quality of judicial services in the superior and inferior courts in Lagos State.

Fuji Lord, K1 Blazes Another Trail in Business … Births Anjola Bread, Coffee Shop in Lagos!

In a renewed bid and vigour to further expand his business horizon and interests outside his original thriving music career, acclaimed and undisputed King of Fuji music, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal ,popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has just introduced his highly-successful bakery business to the Lagos market.

This is sequel to the one he earlier opened in his country home Ijebu Ode, not too long ago. The new massively hi-tech confectionary outfit, aptly called Anjola Bakery,named after one of his beloved daughters, Anjolaoluwa, has since commenced baking for the Lagos market, and promises to be a Mecca of sorts for lovers of pastries and related baked items.

The elitist bakery is audaciously located on the popular Adeniran Ogunsanya Street in Surulere, Lagos Mainland,where numerous people have been thronging since it opened shop for business days back.

Still in the attitude of broadening his business frontiers, a unique and bourgeois Coffee Shop, which K1 plans to open at almost every corner of the City of Aquatic Splendor, has also opened for business.

The coffee shop, which also has its office in the same Adeniran Ogunsanya building that houses the bakery will be dispensing Nespresso to compulsive coffee lovers in a very comfortable and conducive atmosphere. Just as the bakery and the coffee shop are opening for business, another branch in the heart of Ikorodu is on the verge of opening too.

K1, who spoke about the new business outfit, says, he has a dream of being the best in coffee shop ownership in the country, and will do everything humanly possible to attain this height, all things being equal and Allah helping him.

Senate summons minister over state of facilities in Nigerian teaching hospitals

The Senate has summoned the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, for briefing on the current state of healthcare facilities and services in Nigerian teaching hospitals.

The minister’s summon was one of the resolutions made after a deliberation on a motion titled ‘Alarming report on poor quality of services in Nigerian Teaching Hospitals.’ The motion was sponsored by David Umaru (Niger East).

Leading the motion, Mr Umaru lamented the widespread cases of poor electricity supply, obsolete medical equipment, decayed infrastructure and other factors which, he said, have made it extremely difficult for Nigerian teaching hospitals to provide tertiary healthcare to patients with complex ailments such as cancer, kidney failure etc.

He made reference to a report by Daily Trust Newspaper depicting poor healthcare facilities in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), University of Maidugun’ Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano (AKTH) and University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

The lawmaker explained that most teaching hospitals in Nigeria have been overstretched, “forcing patients to sleep on bare floors, plastic mats and other unhygienic conditions that put them at the risk of contracting other ailments.”

Gbenga Ashafa, in his contribution, blamed the poor healthcare facilities on lack of funding.

He said most of the hospitals are only entitled to budgets provided for them and thus they lack funds to meet up with maintenance requirements.

The lawmaker expressed worry that patients with terminal illness like cancer and kidney failure are now compelled to travel long distances to access chemotherapy and dialysis “at very high cosy due to absence of the requisite medical equipment for such services within their vicinity.”

Ajayi Borrofice (APC, Ondo), called for the establishment of a Teaching Hospital Commission which he said will help coordinate the services of teaching hospitals across the country.

Magnus Abe urged the federal government to look at the structures of the hospitals. He said chief medical directors “are not given opportunities to do the jobs they were appointed to do you because their activities are being dictated by people in higher authorities.”

For this reason, he called for the autonomy of the institutions. “We need to recognise the ones that can work well and the ones that cannot work should be removed. We need to stop this unnecessary bureaucracy and corruption in the system,” he said.

Resolution

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said the minister needs to appear before the Senate as quickly as possible.

“We need to address this issue where you have patients lying on the floor and waiting for hours to be attended to.

“And it all come down, as we rightly said, to corruption. It means the funds are not being used for what they are allocated for, the funds will be used for something else.

“We also need to strengthen the Auditor-General’s office. Until we begin to oversee monies being sent to MDAs, we’ll continue to have these issues.

“How inadequate can funding be that there is no light, patients are lying on the floor and meanwhile, they are getting funding and allocation every year. And they are also getting revenue,” he said.

Previous calls

This is not the first time health workers have raised alarm on the declining quality of services in Nigerian Teaching Hospitals amidst cases of overcrowding and lack of adequate funding and personnel necessary for optimal performance.

JOHESU, a body of all health workers, except doctors, has been asking the government to increase their pay and improve their members’ working conditions, among other demands since 2014.

This has led to pockets of strikes, over the period.

Last year, Nigeria’s health sector suffered one of its biggest blow when JOHESU members downed tools over similar demands, specifically in April 17.

The strike, which lasted six weeks, caused many deaths and left millions without care. Patients passed through untold pain and their relatives grumbled as both federal, state and local government health institutions were brought to their knees.
The strike was, however, suspended on May 31.

The union said it took the decision to halt the strike because of the sympathy it had for the suffering Nigerian masses and also to pave way for further negotiations.

In January, the health workers again, threatened to resume their suspended strike if the issues in dispute were not resolved.