The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • MSSN to service chiefs: ensure safety

    MSSN to service chiefs: ensure safety

    Our Reporter

     

    MUSLIM Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has urged the service chiefs to justify their appointments.

    MSSN Lagos State Area Unit Amir (President)   Miftahudeen Thanni congratulated them, saying  student have confidence in their capabilities.

    He, however, asked the service chiefs to ensure the security of students and other Nigerians.

    Thanni lamented a situation where students get kidnapped while in schools.

    Read Also: MSSN challenges Muslim women on hijab

    He said: “We don’t want a repeat of the mass abduction of students. It is disheartening. We appeal that special attention should be paid to schools under your tenure. We also appeal to your esteemed personalities to stop harassment of students by your officers.

    “”It’s our belief that you all merited the offices, so we urge you to justify your appointment through the discharge of the responsibilities.”

    Thanni hailed the outgoing service chiefs for their sacrifice.

     

     

  • ‘Return scriptural education to curriculum’

    ‘Return scriptural education to curriculum’

    Segun Showunmi, Ibadan

     

    THE Vicar of St. Paul Anglican Church, Odo-Ona, Ibadan, Ven. Isaac Adeyemi, has urged the federal and state governments to return scriptural education to school curriculum.

    This, he said, would reduce moral decadence.

    The cleric said there is need to restore morality to the country, adding that Nigeria can’t be at its best if scriptural education is left out in the curriculum.

    Adeyemi, speaking in Ibadan at a programme to celebrate the 110 Founders Day Anniversary of the church, with the theme: “Educational and Scriptural Trainings are Inseparable Panacea for Moral Decadence in the Society”, noted that lack of morality is the cause of vices.

    He said activities lined up for the event included visitation to the School of Handicap, Molete, Ibadan, prayer for the nation, praise concert, giving award to worthy individuals, launching of Vision 2030 and thanksgiving service.

     

  • Centre gives scholarships to 41 pupils

    Centre gives scholarships to 41 pupils

    Our Reporter

     

    CHIEF Executive Officer of Goodmus Learning Centre, a leading study centre for students planning to study abroad, Ambassador Adekunle Badmus, has presented scholarships to 41 pupils of God Provides Secondary School in Enugu.

    The educationist said he was inspired by the need to help the less privileged members of the society.

    Badmus, who is also the convener of Quality But Affordable Education in Africa, said the centre was interested in helping Nigerian students secure admission in tertiary institutions in Turkey, where government has subsidised education.

    Read Also: COVID-19: Anambra millionaires donate Medical center to UNIZIK

    He said: “Today, we are giving local students tuition scholarship, courtesy of Goodmus Learning Centre and partners. What we are doing is a concept that came into my spirit, years back, to look at ways to give back to those that could not pay the tuition fees for their wards. That was how we came about this programme.

    “We tried all we could to reach out to big companies to help us fund this, but they did not take us serious. Some of them said we should wait. But now, we are awarding these students, and I can see the happiness in them.

    “About 41 students benefitted and we spent about N1 million. What we did was to give back to the less privileged, to help those who want to study abroad but feel that the United States of America (U.S.A) or Canada is expensive to get quality and affordable education in Turkey.“

  • Wale Tinubu’s love for education

    Wale Tinubu’s love for education

    Oladapo Sofowora

     

    NASKING an average Nigerian business owner to share his or her experience in 2020, he or she will likely inundate you with some bitter-sweet tales. Indeed, you may not doubt him or her considering the inclement business climate under which many entrepreneurs around the world operated in 2020 due to COVID-19.

    But in spite of this doleful experience forced on many as a result of the pandemic, the year 2020 ended on a happy note for Jubril Adewale Tinubu, Group Managing Director, Oando Plc. Many would wonder how he was able to pull through when several business were crumbling.

    To some, his wizardry does not come as a surprise. Most expecially if you have been following his inspiring story with close interest. Over the years, he has sailed untroubled in the entrepreneurial ocean, navigating numerous business boats with grace and nous of a veteran captain. At a time business storm that would have drowned many of his peers, he stood tall and resisted every means to pull him down. He has also succeeded in engraving his name in the hearts of the company’s shareholders with his business wizardry. While many who have worked with him in the past confirmed that he is a go-getter, it is also a fact that his clear vision has given Oando an edge over its competitors, thereby making it one of the leading oil firms not only in Nigeria but also in Africa.

    As his company’s Oando foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary, with a goal of improving the environment and learning outcomes in Nigerian public schools. The foundation conducted four career talks, three book drives, four schools rehabilitation across Nigeria while it has also donated 1500 educational aids and it also awarded and sponsored 221 scholarships across the nation.

    Through the scholarship programme, it has impacted 1153 students from poor socio- economic background while beneficiaries have recorded remarkable strids, performing above 70% average consistently; others have represented their states and local governments different academic competitions.

    The foundation believes education is constantly evolving and so should the teaching methods, it has also successfully supported the professional development of 2,832 teachers and 210 head teachers in school management, modern pedagogical practices and subject content knowledge. It’s as a way to cushion the effect of COVID-19 on our education sector.

  • Tunde Folawiyo expands business frontiers

    Tunde Folawiyo expands business frontiers

    Oladapo Sofowora

     

    BABATUNDE Folawiyo, holds a special place on the list of men who dared to make their own wealth despite being born rich.

    Blessed with a deep pocket and huge financial war chest, the Chairman of Yinka Folawiyo Groups, a conglomerate with a wide interest in a business chain like Agriculture, Energy, Shipping, Real estate, Oil, and Gas, is one of those who have witnessed astronomic rises in whatever they venture into.

    The cosmopolitan dude who turned 60 in April 2020 has also held several top positions which have earned him several commendations for his Midas touch. In 2016, Folawiyo and his firm announced its first production of crude oil from the Aje Field, the first producing field outside of the Niger Delta area in Nigeria. Aje Gas and Condensate Field lies in Oil Mining Lease 113 in the Benin Basin, about 43 kilometres offshore Lagos State. He was said to have pulled huge investment spanning into millions of dollars for the exploration of crude to reduce the pressure from the Niger Delta region which will also increase the amount of barrel produce daily.

    According to sources, for Folawiyo to further pull more investment to expand exploration of his oil field in large quantity, he is allegedly planning to sell off his shares at Enyo Retails, a thriving Oil and Gas retail outlet currently taking over the industry’s downstream sector.

    And some thought Tunde is quitting the oil and gas sector.

    However, contrary to the claim, the London School of Economics Graduate is planning to focus more on the Upstream sector which is the exploration and refining of crude product. In the takeover bid, Tunde is said to be considering the sale of Enyo Retail to Ardova Plc formerly Forte Oil headed by Abdulwasiu Sowami of Prudent Energy.

    “The deal is underway and near completion. It should be signed and sealed before the end of Q1 of 2021. The shareholders of Enyo Retails have given their nod which makes the acquisition realistic. Immediately after the completion, Ardova Plc would retain the Enyo branded stations, which will operate side-by-side with the AP brand, whilst leveraging the strengths of AP and its group companies. it is subject to the successful completion of due diligence exercise and the receipt of all required regulatory approvals. If the deal is finally sealed, the synergy will give their competitors a run for their money,” an inside source divulged.

  • BBN star Dianne Russet takes a swipe at Instagram follower

    BBN star Dianne Russet takes a swipe at Instagram follower

    By Adeniyi Adewoyin

     

    EX-HOUSEMATE of the BBNaija reality show, Dianne Russet, has put a nosy follower on Instagram in her place when she compared her to a cancer patient.

    The reality TV show star had shared a new picture of herself on her Instagram page when the follower referred to her new look as being similar to that of a cancer patient.

    “You look like a cancer patient with that haircut,” the follower with the handle @veekeybella commented.

    Dianne was however quick to knock the fan and schooled her for her insensitive comment.

    She replied, “And you think it’s funny? I mean it’s ok not to comment but to be insensitive about certain things then you are very stupid or lack sense.

    “Y’all steadily troll people and be the first person to react when something happens. God forbid, I’m not a cancer patient but be careful what you type, you don’t even know half of what people go through you just come here to type whatever. Y’all need to learn Nigeria is not the problem you are.”

    Dianne participated in the 2019 edition of the BBNaija reality show tagged ‘Pepper Dem’. Though she didn’t make it to the finale, her best friend on the show, Mercy Eke, eventually won the show.

    Dianne has, since leaving the show, gone ahead to start a career for herself in the world of film. She already has two short films to her credit and acted in both films.

     

  • Felaman releases 15-track album

    Felaman releases 15-track album

    By Olaitan Ganiu

     

    DESPITE the influx of up and coming stars in the music industry, some still strive to deviate from the norm by doing things differently.

    Nigerian music act and record label owner, Omotayo Otunuga aka Felaman has announced plans to drop his new single ‘Orijo’ alongside a 15-track album.

    Currently signed to his Magik Records, the afro-fusion artiste and architect revealed this at the launch of the label and album.

    Speaking of his music, Felaman stated that everything he does is spiritual and original. He further explained that music is his life and he is excited to be making music for the world to listen to.

    Read Also: Fela’s shoes are too big to fill, says P.V.O Lala

    “Music is my life and it’s something I’ve been craving since I was a kid and I’m happy I have the chance to do music. I have been doing music since I was young, I love to sing, so when I got out of secondary school I felt I should do music, but I didn’t have the chance to do music.”

    On his early influences, the young artiste revealed that initially, he didn’t get approval from his mother, because she really wanted him to go to school, being a principal at the time, she was the one who told him music would always be available for him at the right time.

    He explained that even though his label is young and new, he is aware of what needs to be done.

    “I’m actually new in this but it doesn’t mean I don’t have an idea of what I’m doing. I believe my songs are very good and with better promotion, I will get there. Magik Records is all about spirituality and originality. So expect the unexpected from us.”

    Also commenting on the inspiration for his music, he shared that he draws inspiration from his personal life, and many of his fans understand the message in his songs deeply.

     

  • Akwa Ibom loses $5m daily for non-ship ownership

    Akwa Ibom loses $5m daily for non-ship ownership

     Bassey Anthony, Uyo

     

    THE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Norfin Offshore Shipyard, Mr. Iniekong Udonwa, has said Akwa Ibom State Government loses $5million revenue over inability of its indigenes to involve in ship ownership business.

    Udonwa, who briefed reporters at Norfin Offshore Shipyard in Oruk-Anam Local Government, urged the indigenes to develop interest in the maritime industry.

    He said the state produced 65 per cent of crude oil in Nigeria and there was need for Akwa Ibom people to get involved in the maritime sector.

    “This is a money spinning investment, and Akwa Ibom is losing $5million daily following the inability of our people to get involved in ship owning business and investment in the maritime sector. All we are concerned with is politics.”

     

     

  • Cross River House confirms Ikpeme as substantive CJ

    Cross River House confirms Ikpeme as substantive CJ

    Nsa Gill, Calabar

     

    CROSS River State House of Assembly has confirmed Justice Akon Ikpeme as the substantive chief judge after rejecting her twice.

    The confirmation followed a letter by the Secretary to the State Government, Tina Banku Agbor, upon the directive of Governor Ben Ayade to the legislature.

    The letter said: “I am directed to forward the name of Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme for confirmation by the Honourable House as Chief Judge of Cross River State in the state public service.

    “The purpose of this letter therefore is to request Mr. Speaker and honourable members to please grant the consequential confirmation of the nominee for formal appointment as chief judge of Cross River State in the state public service.”

    Speaker Eteng Jonah Williams, who presided over the confirmation session, told reporters that the House got additional information, which has caused the Assembly to change its mind and give the nod.

    Read Also: Cross River demolishes kidnap suspects’ houses

    He denied reports that the assembly regarded Justice Ikpeme as a security risk to the state at the time they first rejected her nomination in November 2019. Williams said: “At no time did we grant any interview as a legislature to say that she was a security risk to the state. We have additional information that has led to this confirmation today. She is qualified and we trust that she will dispense justice without fear or favour. She should be fair in the discharge of her duties.”

    The speaker added that he believed the confirmation of Justice Ikpeme would bring peace to the judiciary.

    Cross River State judiciary has been without a substantive chief judge since November 28, 2019 when the last substantive Chief Judge, Justice Michael Edem, retired.

    Justice Ikpeme as the next in rank of seniority was sworn in, in acting capacity of a three-month duration pending her confirmation by the National Judicial Council and the further recommendation of the governor to the assembly for the final constitutional confirmation.

    The governor recommended her to the assembly on the last day of her three months in acting capacity, but in what many believed was rather a political intrigue, the assembly refused to confirm Justice Ikpeme.

     

     

     

  • Delta Assembly majority leader dead

    Delta Assembly majority leader dead

     Elo Edremoda, Warri

     

    DELTA State House of Assembly Majority Leader Sir Tim Kome Owhefere is dead.

    Owhefere, a four-time lawmaker, died around 11pm on Wednesday at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, after being hospitalised for about two weeks.

    The deceased, who represented Isoko North Constituency, hailed from Akiowhe in Isoko Local Government.

    Although there was no official statement about his death at press time, sources confirmed the sad development yesterday morning.

    A post on the Facebook page of his media aide, Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel, which has drawn condolence messages, however, confirms his death.

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has expressed shock and sadness over the sudden demise of Owhefere.

    He commiserated with the bereaved family.

    The governor’s condolence was conveyed on Thursday in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba.

    Read Also: Gunmen kill two in Delta

    Okowa described Owhefere as a committed, hardworking, patriotic and thoroughbred lawmaker, who served the state and his constituents diligently.

    He said the deceased would be remembered for his humility, patriotism and commitment to the handling of the affairs of the Assembly as house leader from 2015.

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike on Thursday commiserated with the family of the majority leader.

    He said his death was a great loss to Delta State.

    Former Senate President David Mark on Thursday mourned Owhefere.

    He commiserated with the bereaved family and lamented that the majority leader died in his prime when his services were most needed.