The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Jimbo hosts old skool at Rhapsody’s

    Jimbo hosts old skool at Rhapsody’s

    deejay and style icon, Dj Jimbo, celebrated for his exceptional ability to blend world music, old skool, and modern tunes, will host his highly acclaimed Old Skool & Style remix sessions. These events, powered by Effrakata Entertainment and Inspiro Productions, will hold every Friday at Rhapsody’s located in The Palms Mall, Lekki, Lagos. It  began last Friday, June 14.

    After building a dedicated following and crafting unique musical experiences at various venues, Dj Jimbo aims to elevate the experience in this larger and more dynamic space. Known for his stylish appearance and energetic performances, he has earned a reputation for attracting a diverse crowd of music enthusiasts, party-goers, and dance aficionados. The new weekly event promises an exciting atmosphere where guests can dine and wine from 7-9pm with selections from the well set Rhapsody menu. Following dinner, guests can dance to a carefully curated playlist featuring hits from the 70s to 90s and more.

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    Rhapsody’s at The Palms Mall, Lekki, is a new branch of the contemporary Rhapsody’s chain, celebrated for its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and top-notch entertainment. The venue’s modern ambiance and state-of-the-art sound system provide the perfect backdrop for Dj Jimbo to showcase his talent, taking the audience on a nostalgic journey infused with a fresh twist. Attendees can expect an unforgettable night filled with nostalgic tunes, energetic beats, and a seamless fusion of old skool classics with modern hits.

  • ‘U.S. wants to avoid ‘greater war’ along Lebanon-Israel border’

    ‘U.S. wants to avoid ‘greater war’ along Lebanon-Israel border’

    The United States is trying to avert a greater war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement, U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein said yesterday.

    He spoke in the wake of an escalation in cross-border fire between the foes along Lebanon’s southern frontier.

    Iran-backed Hezbollah has been trading fire with Israel for the last eight months in parallel with the Gaza war.

    Last week, the group fired the largest volleys of rockets and drones of the hostilities so far at Israeli military sites, after an Israeli strike killed the most senior commander yet.

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    Hochstein, special envoy to U.S. President Joe Biden, said he had been dispatched to Lebanon immediately following a brief trip to Israel because the situation was “serious”.

    “We have seen an escalation over the last few weeks. And what President Biden wants to do is avoid a further escalation to a greater war,” Hochstein said yesterday.

    He had met the head of Lebanon’s army earlier yesterday and spoke to reporters following a meeting with parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who heads the armed Amal movement, which is allied to Hezbollah and has also fired rockets on Israel.

    The U.S. and France are engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure a negotiated end to the hostilities along Lebanon’s border.

    Hezbollah says it will not halt its attacks unless there is a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

    “Whether diplomatically or militarily one way or another, we will ensure the safe and secure return of Israelis to their homes in northern Israel.

    “That is not up for negotiation. Oct. 7 cannot happen again anywhere in Israel or on any of Israel’s borders,” Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said.

  • Sanwo-Olu ‘has achieved more with grassroots development’

    Sanwo-Olu ‘has achieved more with grassroots development’

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is to be honoured as the Most Grassroots-Friendly Governor at the 10th Anniversary of Elgee Info Media. The Sunday ceremony at Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, will recognise Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to grassroots development.

    Elgee Info Media, a community magazine, noted  Sanwo-Olu’s contributions to rural development through his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Development Agenda. Key infrastructure projects, such construction of roads in Ijake Community, Oto-Awori LCDA, Ganiyu-Oduntan in Ikorodu, Ayubu-Bashorun Road in Ijede, Erelu-Amikanle Road in Alimosho, and Onishon Street in Ibeju-Lekki, exemplify the governor’s commitment to improving rural communities.

    In a statement by Publisher/Chief Executive, Samuel Akinyemi, said “in addition to infrastructure, Sanwo-Olu has facilitated 500KVA transformers to communities, including Odan-Ilogbo-Eremi PH1 in Olorunda, Owu CDA in Ibeju-Lekki, Gengenla CDA in Agunfoye, Ama Street in Ijede, and Agbede Omolaye in Ikorodu.

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    These initiatives are part of his administration’s efforts to transform rural areas into semi-urban centres, thereby mitigating rural-urban migration.” The event will also honour individuals, including Oba Saheed Elegusi, Kusenla III, Lukman Lawal, Special Adviser to Speaker of House of Representatives, and some chairmen of local councils.

    State officials and other Nigerians are expected to attend the occasion. Originally scheduled for an earlier date, the celebration was postponed to allow time for mourning Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor, Gboyega Soyannwo, who was a close friend and ally of the governor.

    The event will feature an art exhibition, audio-visual documentary highlighting Sanwo-Olu’s achievements, and presentation of a compendium chronicling his administration’s accomplishments.

    Sanwo-Olu, with other grassroots achievers, will receive an award of merit. Additionally, the ceremony will include a lecture on grassroots governance by Special Adviser to Minister of Solid Minerals, Kehinde Bamigbetan, providing attendees with insight into grassroots governance.

    Organisers are of the view the recognition of Sanwo-Olu underscores his administration’s commitment to development and transformation of rural communities.

  • Rotary operates on kids with cataract

    Rotary operates on kids with cataract

    Rotary District 9110 Eye Hospital, Ota in  Ogun State, has organised a Cataract Surgical Mission where five children regained their vision. It was  funded by United Kingdom-based philanthropists.

    A statement by the organisation noted Dr Yinka Osoba of Rotary Club of Yeovil and Global Sight Solutions, a UK-based blindness prevention NGO, facilitated the mission.

    Three of the children were said to have been born blind due to congenital cataracts, while the other two developed cataracts in one eye after injuries.  The five surgeries required general anaesthesia.

    Dr Basirat Giwa, secretary of the hospital’s charitable trust, Dr Basirat Giwa, said it is the first of many “future interventions” to help restore sight and empower children on the verge of total blindness.

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    One elated parent, Mrs. Uba, said: “I appreciate sponsors, the medical personnel, and Rotary District 9110, who contributed to my child’s surgery. This intervention has lifted a great burden off the family.”

    The hospital seeks more partners, including Rotarians, corporations, and individuals, to expand its reach.

    Since its opening in December 2022, Rotary Eye Hospital has transformed lives. Over 2,000 individuals have benefited from affordable high-quality cataract surgery and 3,000 beneficiaries of glasses prescriptions and Glaucoma management.

  • N17b debt: 13 banks, 60 officials face contempt charges

    N17b debt: 13 banks, 60 officials face contempt charges

    Federal High Court sitting in Lagos will, on June 20, hear contempt proceedings filed by Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) against 13 banks and 60 executives in a suit to recover a N17 billion Anchor Borrowers Programme loan from Afex Commodity Exchange.

    Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke made the order on June 11, 2020, after hearing GTB’s counsel, Ade Adedeji (SAN), with A.О. Olaleye Esq, move a motion ex parte in Suit FHC/L/CS/911/2024.

    The judge directed GTB to serve the banks by substituted service through advertisements in The Nation, Punch and ThisDay newspapers.

    The bank chiefs include chairmen, managing directorss, directors, company secretaries.

    According to the motion, they allegedly failed to implement a May 27 No-Debit-Order reportedly placed on accounts of Afex Commodity Exchange with them.

    Justice Aneke held: “… It is hereby ordered as follows: (1) That an order is hereby made granting leave to the plaintiff/applicant to serve Form 48 (Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Order of Court) dated June 11, 2024 and all other forms and processes that may be issued in this contempt proceedings inclusive of Form 49 on the 1st-60th parties cited for contempt.

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    “That the suit is hereby adjourned to June 20 for hearing of the contempt proceedings.’’

    In the May 27 ruling, 20 banks were directed to transfer money standing to the credit of the respondent into AFEX’s account with GTB until the N17.81 billion is fully repaid.

    The N17.81 billion loans comprise N15.77 billion; the outstanding as of April 17, and cost of recovery and incidental expenses put at N2.04  billion.

    The court also granted an injunction allowing GTB to take over AFEX 16 warehouses in seven states and sell the commodities  in them, which it said were procured with Central Bank of Nigeria Anchor Borrowers’ loan facility.

    Earlier in the month, the court served contempt proceedings on AFEX and some officers, including Ayodele Balogun, Jendayi Fraaser, Justin Topilow, Mobolaji Adeoye and Koonal Ghandi.

    The plaintiffs averred that AFEX sourced the Anchor Borrowers Programme Loan facility from GTB to provide finance for smallholder farmers registered under the CBN Anchor Borrower’s programme.

    The loan was expected to be repaid from the sale of commodities. However, AFEX failed to uphold its end of the deal even after an extension.

  • Flour Mills commits to quality at global awards

    Flour Mills commits to quality at global awards

    Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc, food and agro-allied company, has clinched the 2024 Global Brand Award in the Food & Beverage category. The award recognises companies in industries that have demonstrated exceptional performance, branding, and service delivery.

    Global Brand Awards was established to honour excellence in finance, education, hospitality, lifestyle, automotive, and technology.

    With over 18,000 companies evaluated this year, FMN stood out for its innovative product launches, brand positioning, and customer-centric approach.

    “We are proud to receive this global recognition from Global Brand Awards,” said Boye Olusanya, the company’s group managing director and chief executive officer.

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    “This award demonstrates the group’s commitment to driving local content in Nigeria and on the continent with the goal of building sustainable food systems and entrenching self-sufficiency. At the core of our operations are our people whose commitment inspires the group to continue to feed and enrich lives, everyday.”

    The awards employ a rigorous evaluation process, with nominations screened by independent research agency before being scored on performance, branding impact, and service excellence by a panel. FMN’s nomination made it through this scrutiny to join other global brands.

    “FMN’s success is rooted in our delivery of superior quality products as a consumer-centric organisation,” added Olusanya.

    “Our footprint is indelible as we innovate and build our company in line with global best practice and standards.”

    FMN’s win marks a milestone and a testament to the company’s relentless pursuit of product quality, market relevance, and consumer delight. As it continues charting new frontiers, FMN remains committed to upholding the highest standards that made this prestigious recognition possible.

  • Party urges Fed Govt to prioritise welfare

    Party urges Fed Govt to prioritise welfare

    Youth Party has urged Federal Government to prioritise needs of citizens amid high cost of living.

    In a statement by National Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Adio, the party said Nigerians, including Muslim faithful, are struggling with record-high inflation, which has driven up the costs of ram, tomatoes, rice and other food items.

    The party urged the government to discharge its responsibilities to people, adding it is only when this is done that there can be love between government and the governed.

    Youth Party stressed the need to prioritise needs of Nigerians, saying democracy can only thrive when basic needs of people are met.

    Read Also: ‘Lagos committed to ensuring ease of doing business’

    It added the combination of higher costs and decreased customer spending are creating a challenging environment for buyers and sellers.

    The party said something must be done about high cost of transport and food.

    Youth Party congratulated Muslims and prayed their supplications and sacrifice this season and  after will receive rewards from Allah

  • ‘Fulfil your campaign promises’

    ‘Fulfil your campaign promises’

    Industrialist and chieftain of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Olufemi Ajadi, has called on political leaders to sacrifice for the country.

    Ajadi, speaking yesterday on Eid-El-Kabir, said they should fulfil their promises to voters.

    He urged them to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah’s command and fulfilment of promise to Allah, saying they should develop the country and bring prosperity to Nigerians.

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    Ajadi said: “Despite the harsh economy, I enjoin Muslims to rejoice for the gift of life. When we are alive, there is hope for a better tomorrow. We should be grateful to Allah for the peace we enjoy in our nation.

    “Political leaders must remember promises during electioneering campaigns and fulfil same to the electorate who defied rain and sun to vote for them.

    “Our leaders should fear and respect God. They should ensure people don’t not suffer.”

  • GOFAMINT biannual MEFEL conference holds

    GOFAMINT biannual MEFEL conference holds

    The Biannual National Conference of Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT) Men Fellowship (MEFEL) comes up between June 20 and 22 at the mission convention ground, Ogunmakin, on Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.

    The theme of the conference is: “Men of Issacha”. It will feature clerics within and outside the country.

    General Overseer of the mission, Pastor. Elijah Abina, will lead speakers at the conference.

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    Other speakers include General Secretary, Pastor Solomon Omowunmi; guest speaker, Pastor Segun Olatunji; the national MEFEL leader, Pastor Dr. Peter Oyewole and others.

    The conference promises to equip participants with teachings, financial inclusion and empowerment, drama, song inspiration, workshop seminars, leadership and mentorship, among other interesting experience at the conference.

  • Cleric debunks alleged unlawful detention

    Cleric debunks alleged unlawful detention

    Regional Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Sola Ajose, has debunked alleged detention of a couple, who were said to have paraded themselves as doctors.

      The  allegation had been debunked by some allies of the clergyman, who said the claims were false and intended to tarnish his reputation.

    According to a statement  by the media aide of the MFM pastor, Samuel Akinyemi, the couple, Oladapo Oyelakin and Kafayat Oyelakin, were in Kirikiri and Ikoyi prisons, due to failure to meet their bail conditions.

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     The couple faces serious charges under Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.  Oyelakin is accused of falsely presenting himself as a doctor and inflicting wounds on Ajose through administration of injections.

     Following an investigation by Police, Oyelakin admitted to being a laboratory officer with HND in Microbiology from Ibadan Polytechnic, 2005. He was  apprehended by the police, after evading questioning. His wife, Kafayat, is implicated as an accessory after the fact, allegedly concealing the truth about her husband’s qualifications. Both parties are involved in legal proceedings before the Magistrate Court.

     In the statement signed by Akinyemi, the management emphasised Ajose’s commitment to justice, fairness, and integrity, urging the public to disregard misleading information being circulated.

     They noted that the allegations are designed to undermine Ajose’s reputation. The statement reaffirmed Ajose’s dedication to teachings of Jesus Christ and his adherence to principles of justice and equity.

     “For further updates on this case, the public is advised to follow the official communications from the court and authorities,” Akinyemi said.