Senior Pastor Continental Grace Christian Centre Oto Lagos, Oluwabukola Akin Aina, has described 2016 as ‘God’s year of judgment’ for the nation’s enemies. According to him, God has already finalised plans to deal with those who have looted the nation’s treasury. He added that there is nothing anybody can do about it since it’s already ‘sealed by God’.
“The year 2016 will be God’s year of judgment for both the judge and the accused,” he said in a briefing on Wednesday as the ministry commenced its annual convention whose theme was ‘The Shadow of the Almighty.’
“God has sent me to announce this to the authorities. The unfortunate thing is that God will not give such people another grace because they have enjoyed such privilege in the past, even though they abused it. “In 2016, God is going to wash this nation clean as only those who hide under His Shadow will enjoy His mercy,” the cleric added.
Aina noted that those who surrendered their lives to Christ and eschewed sin will not only escape God’s judgment but also enjoy divine bounties.
He said further that the convention which began with a Bible study on Friday, included other activities such as vigil, praise/testimony nights, and deliverance hour, among others. The convention, he said, would be a prelude to certain strategies being embarked upon by the ministry.
As the convention ended yesterday, the ministry went to the streets to distribute foods, drugs and other gift items to the poor.
“This ministry comprises 97 per cent youths and this is where we would begin our advocacy to admonish government to improve the lots of youths nation-wide via positive engagement. We are not only targeting youths but also various segments of the society through humanitarian gestures.
“Some people erroneously believe that holistic gospel means mere preaching, but I say how can you convince a sinner who is hungry to accept the gospel? So, we will consider the setting up of vocations and business enterprises where we would engage the needy so that their lives can be more meaningful.
“God made the Israelites to begin to see a place of comfort in Canaan land. So, the church should not only be avenues where tithes and offering are collected, but where the less- privileged persons can find solace. “As a church, it is no crime if we go into livestock farming, or real estate. I also believe the church can set up a university with free tuition or charge moderate fee.
This is a challenge we at Continental Grace Christian Centre have decided to take up. We shall be diversifying into certain key investments in the coming year. We do not have the money yet, but we believe that God knows that our intention is genuine and by God’s grace, we shall get there.
Contrary to erroneously held view that Nigeria’s economic and political fortunes will nosedive, the General Overseer of Motar Prophetic Ministry, Pastor Ndubuisi Awom has said that Nigeria is on God’s mind. That President Muhammadu Buhari became Nigeria’s President at this time, he said, means that Nigeria would soon be out of the wood
Addressing newsmen at his Gethsemane Church Hall 9, Adejonwo Street Abogunloko by Ikotun Clinic off Carwash bus stop, Ijegun Road, Ikotun in Alimosho area of Lagos State, Pastor Awom stated that as the Israelites were supernaturally delivered and liberated from the Egyptian bondage, God has heard the cries of the poor in Nigeria. He also said that blood of the innocent people that was shed is before the Lord, even as he is set to take vengeance and rescue them from the taskmasters.
Describing the country’s path to glory to the defeat of the kingdom of darkness by the kingdom of light in a revival-like encounter, he said agents of darkness who have been working against the progress of the country will be devastatingly subdued by mighty power from above. He likened the imminent revival to that of Welsh that occurred from 1904 to 1905.
Making Biblical reference to Boko Haram, he quoted Jeremiah 1:14, adding that why government has not succeeded in wiping them out is because nobody knows them; nobody can tell who they are or say what they want.
“If we want to know why they are used to punish innocent Nigerians, the people have to reflect on the iniquities that people have perpetrated over the years. The suffering is allowed by God because as a result of our awful transgressions. Only national repentance will get us out of the problem,” he said.
Bemoaning the abduction of the yet-to-be-rescued Chibok girls, Pastor Awom noted that it is unfortunate that much as our military have tried to rescue the innocent girls, there is no success, even as the military have combed the dreaded Sambisa Forest. He said the Army is on top of the situation, yet there are pockets of bombings that have killed innocent Nigerians.
Lamenting that forces that doesn’t want the government to give Nigerians good governance, Pastor Awom said President Buhari has good intentions for the country butforces at the seat of power are desperate to make him fail, adding that President Buhari needs prayers to succeed.
He equally urged Nigerians to pray fervently against famine which he said would be much next year; falling apart of some stakeholders in the ruling party which will lead to exposure of certain issues; new deadly disease that will occur as a result of innocent blood shed; death of important personalities; Lagos State experiencing shock which will lead to its glory departing to make way for Calabar becoming the new centre of excellence.
Ado-Ekiti Main Market, the Erekesan, which was believed to have existed for over 100 years, has been demolished to pave the way for a new one. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA examines how the demolition affected the lives of traders and the city.
The Erekesan Market in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital is not run-of-the-mill market. It is the biggest, the busiest and the most patronised market not only in the city but in the entire state.
Otherwise known as the Oja Oba (the king’s market), it is in the heart of the city and adjacent to the palace of the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III.
As in other Yoruba towns and cities, it is located within the vicinity of the palace and is synonymous with royalty. Oja Oba in any Yoruba community serves as one of the symbols of the king and it is usually closed anytime a reigning monarch passes away.
The Erekesan Market, which is believed to have existed for over 100 years, grew in leaps and bounds as Ado-Ekiti expanded over the years and used to be patronised by customers from all over the country and beyond.
Other markets in Ado-Ekiti include Bisi, Okesa, Irona, Mojere, Enu Odi, Irasa, Better Life and Awedele. These markets are neighbourhood ones which serve the needs of people residing in the areas where they are located.
They exist alongside the city’s main market; but some of them open for business on specific days unlike the Erekesan which opens its doors for business every day.
The influx of more people into Ado-Ekiti, especially when the city became the capital of Ekiti State on October 1, 1996, widened the scope of the market; thus overstretching the little available facilities.
Having become a state capital without any known Master Plan, situations inside and outside the Erekesan Market became chaotic; judged by the huge crowd that visits it daily.
The market had no parking space. This resulted in making those who came to do business violate traffic rules. This is so because many traders; especially those without shops, displayed their wares in a disorganised manner and at unlawful places.
•Stranded traders who could not get shops at Agric Olope Market
Apart from this, the market suffered environmental deterioration as heaps of garbage turned it to an eyesore. Owing to lack of toilet facilities, traders and their customers experience difficulties anytime they are hard-pressed.
Besides, theft of money, goods and other materials were common place and on some occasions, the aggrieved resorted to jungle justice until a police post was established at the Ewi’s Palace.
The market has been gutted by fire several times in the past; with goods worth millions of Naira lost.
Two tragedies befell the market in quick succession in the month of May. The first was the violent clash between youths of Ado-Ekiti and Hausa traders which resulted in the burning of some shops and the Hausa traders temporarily relocated to Shasha, on the outskirts of the neighbouring Ikere-Ekiti.
As the victims were still brooding over their losses, unknown arsonists set the market on fire about a week after the first incident which affected greater number of shops.
The relics of the burnt shops made the market ugly and made many traders bankrupt.
Apparently shocked by the savagery of the unknown individuals who set the market ablaze and the huge losses which followed it, Governor Ayo Fayose was determined to give the city a new market that befits its status.
During this year’s Udiroko Festival, Governor Fayose officially announced his readiness to construct a new market to replace the Erekesan as a mark of his respect for the Ewi and in appreciation of the support he received from his subjects at the June 21, 2014 governorship election.
As time went by, Fayose, who was determined to bring his dream for a new market to reality, summoned owners of buildings at the market to a meeting where he unfolded his administration’s intent and the compensation package.
The governor issued deadlines three times and ordered those to be affected by the planned demolition to move to Agric Olope and Awedele markets expected to serve as alternatives to the soon-to-be demolished Erekesan Market.
Fayose’s predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, had wanted to demolish the market to build a new one but he was persuaded to put the plan in abeyance by Ado-Ekiti traditional rulers who wanted some sacred trees and shrines located in the market preserved.
Agric Olope Market was constructed by the Fayemi-led administration to be an alternative place in the event of the demolition of Erekesan Market. It was completed and allocated to traders but those to who shops were allotted did not move in there after they had paid the required fees.
The Fayemi administration also built the Awedele Neighbourhood Market in conjunction with the Oodua Investment Limited in order to reduce the pressure on the Erekesan Market and bring commerce nearer to the people.
As the demolition date approached, anxious traders began to remove their goods and other properties from the old market.
Fayose repeatedly announced that there won’t be an extension of date as some traders had demanded in view of the forthcoming Christmas season.
Many of them were pained that the market demolition was done few weeks to the Yuletide season. They had canvassed a shift of date to the middle of January next year to enable them to make some profits during the Christmas sales.
In spite of the passionate pleas, government’s bulldozers roared aloud and demolished the entire market. The skyline was covered with dust and the buildings and stalls were brought down one after the other.
Security agents, government officials, journalists, members of drivers’ union and other members of the public watched as the structures that had endured for a century were reduced to rubbles.
Commissioner for Works, Mr. Kayode Oso, told reporters that the demolition and excavation of the market premises would last for two weeks after which construction of an ultra-modern market with all the necessary facilities would begin.
He also assured that in 24 months, the market expected to cost N2 billion would be ready.
Oso said: “The project is already accepted by the people and would benefit them. The Oba and the Ewi- in-Council supports the project. Well-meaning and prominent Ekiti indigenes have all accepted it.
“Compensation was done in collaboration with market owners and in line with standards in the industry. About N360 million was expended on compensation to affected traders.
“The project will cost about N2 billion. It is going to be an elaborate shopping mall with many other facilities such as filling station, police station, motor parks and banks, among other social infrastructure.”
The Commissioner also assured that over 1,000 shop owners who have lost their shops to the reconstruction would have their shops back after completion of the project.
He further said: “We already have the list of those who have lost their shops and they would be taken care of. There would also be many other shops as we are going to have over 700 shops to be constructed in the mall.”
Some of the traders praised the efforts of the governor, saying he understands the needs of the common man.
Mr. Adeoye Adeyemi, popularly known as Oluomo Sketch in the market who sells shoes said: “Fayose is a good man and his tenure is good for us. This market is going to become better. God would continue to bless him. He should continue to remember us. We thank him for the great work he has done for us.”
Hon. Olasehinde Omotosho, former councillor of Ijoka Ward, Ado-Ekiti, said: “It is a welcome development. There is nothing we can do. The government has compensated the affected traders. We only need to thank His Excellency, because the project is for the good of the masses. It is not the first time this will be happening.
It was a gathering of families, friends, well-wishers of members of the Rotary Club of FESTAC Town District 9110, Nigeria who gathered to raise funds for various community projects. The event was also used to install Rotarian Alex Geonlebedum, the Executive Director, Summer Storm Investment Company Limited as the 34th President of the club who will pilot its affairs for the next one year.
It was also a gathering that witnessed a hand over of the reigns of leadership from its out gone President, Rotarian Gabriel Onyema, a renowned Accountant to the new President, Rotarian Geonlebedum. The event took place at the Golden Tulip Hotels, Amuwo Odofin Lagos State.
As his guest arrived at the massive hall to identify with his achievements, Rotarian Geonlebedum was appreciative of their presence.
Rotarian Gabriel Amalu and Rotarian Orji Udemezue anchored the event.
After introduction of some distinguished guests, the new president was ushered into the hall in the company of members of his family. Guests stood up in honour of the President.
In his address to welcome the guests, the chairman of the investiture committee, Mr. Collins Onyenze thanked them for coming and appealed to members of the club to support the new president in his efforts to raise funds for the success of the planned projects.
“In line with the Rotary International theme of ‘Be a Gift to the World’, we have resolved to make the future of Rotary better in our community through service,” he said.
Rotarian Onyema described his tenure as a year of learning and fulfilment, saying that, during his tenure, the club spent N25 million on humanitarian projects.
He added that the club also sent three children to India for hole-in-the-heart surgery.
Onyema recalled that when he assumed office on July 1, last year, the club began well in implementing its programmes.
“We had plans for the execution of 39 projects which were successfully carried out. N25m was spent on humanity which we are proud of. Some of the projects were water sanitation, provision of bore holes, disease prevention and treatment, economic and community development through training people in different fields and construction of Amuwo Odofin public library, among others,” he said.
Done with his speech, he installed the new president of the club.
He advised Geonlebedum to protect the name and integrity of the club, saying he has handed over to him a banner unstained and he must hand over in the same manner.
In his acceptance speech, Geonlebedum said he was overwhelmed by the honour done him, promising to continue where his predecessor stopped.
He said the club has six areas of focus for the year. These areas, he said, included peace and conflict prevention and resolution; disease prevention and treatment; water sanitation; maternal and child health; better education and literacy and economic and community development.”
He described his predecessor as a nice man, a jolly good fellow who is open- hearted and a guardian.
He said Rotarians’ expectation during his tenure is that every day is a plus in life, saying things have come to change.
The Guest speaker who is Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC) Chief Eze Duruiheoma (SAN), urged the new president and his directors to discharge their duties credibly.
He urged Geonlebedum to be resilient, accountable and diligent, stressing on the need to render service to humanity.
He commended Rotary’s service to humanity and called on Nigerians to ask for a credible census as they were in quest for a credible election this year.
After receiving his award, the father of the new president who doubled as Royal Father of the day, Chief Nze Alionu described his son as a child and appealed to everyone to support him in order to succeed.
The District Governor, Mr. Bolaji Onabadejo congratulated the ex-president and his directors for the good jobs they did. He also congratulated the father of the President, saying that it is not everybody that has the opportunity to celebrate with their children.
Mr Bolaji, who was represented by Mr. Wale Ogunbadejo spoke on the development of the club, saying it should embark on projects that have global appeal and work hard on partnership.
He added that the club should work towards recruiting new members for development.
Awards were later presented to members and non-members of the club for their contributions towards enhancing the well-being of people. There were also donations towards the club’s projects.
Patron, World Fashion Organisation, Dr. Merit Gordon Obua, who donated N5 million told Southwest Report that she has always taken pleasure in helping people. She said wealthy Nigerians should help the less-privileged persons.
“It’s not all about accumulating wealth for the future, rather wealth should be measured according to the number of lives you have touched and transformed,” she said.
A member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Moshood Oshun, has advised Nigerian youths, especially graduates, to opt for acquisition so as to become self-employed.
Oshun, who represents Lagos Mainland 2 State Constituency, spoke at the inauguration of the skill acquisition programme he organised for his constituents in Yaba, Lagos Mainland.
The beneficiaries numbering about 250 are to be trained in making of adire, soap making, chemicals, paint making, beads, make-ups and fruit juice processing, among others.
The lawmaker said the training was one of its kinds, adding that he organised it to tell Nigerians that white collar jobs are not enough to go round every job seeker. There are other things that people can do apart from white collar jobs to boost Nigeria’s econoýmy.
Oshun, who is Chairman House Committee on Public Account, stressed that the idea in Nigeria is that everybody must be in the office which, he said, is not possible.
“There are other things that people can do to boost the economy of ýthe country. This is why I extend the training to both young and old.
“We are ready to help people who will take the training serious. At the end of the day, it would encourage us to do more.
“In Lagos Mainland, there is no week people won’t organise up to seven parties and you see people with different designs of headgears. Unfortunately, they are not the ones who fixed the headgears themselves. So, you can also set up your own business to make money,” he said.
He said though the training could be rigorous, it is easier than stealing.
“Beneficiaries who would want to establish their businesses from what they have learnt from the training, would be encouraged financially,” he said.
The lawmaker, therefore, warned the 250 beneficiaries against not deploying what they learnt from the training to good use.
Contributing, the Executive Secretary of Yaba Local Council Development Area, Bola Lawal-Olumegbon said the training was important since it would help the beneficiaries to meet their basic needs.
“No amount of money given by the lawmaker can make up for the training. There is no job anywhere. Therefore, people live on what they know how to do best. We must, therefore, learn the skills with all seriousness. There is nothing you learn that would not benefit you,” she said.
The Ogun State Coordinator, Federal Road Safety Corps’ (FRSC) Special Marshal and Partnership (SMP), Elder Emmanuel Fagbenro, has urged motorists to stop believing in the efficacy of charms while driving. He also advised them against the erroneous belief that road crashes during the “ember” months are either spiritual or caused by evil spirits.
Elder Fagbenro spoke during the “ember month” campaign rally organised by the Egba Division of SMP at Panseke Motor Park, Abeokuta the Ogun State capital.
He noted that the last four months of the year are usually characterised by an upsurge in road crashes which are attributable to non-compliance with traffic rules and regulations. He reeled off these traffic infractions to include overloading, over speeding and driving against traffic by motorists. This, he said, is widespread due to an increase in vehicular movement and greater number of travellers.
He said: “Accidents occur on the road as a result of what we do or failed to do. Statistic has shown that most of the crashes occurred on the roads as a result of wrong beliefs and over-confidence on the efficacy of charms on the part of drivers.
Fagbenro reiterated the FRSC’s commitment to work with other traffic agencies to ensure discipline and orderliness are maintained on the highways during the Yuletide period and beyond.
The SMP Coordinator appealed to transport unions and other stakeholders to prevail on their members to have a change of attitude on use of the roads. This, he said, would guarantee safety of lives and properties during the Christmas festivities and beyond.
He urged motorists to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol while on the wheel. He advised vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are road worthy before setting out on a journey.
It is not how long, but how well as the aphorism goes. Achievements by agemates vary according to their strengths and abilities to turn unsavoury situations into laudable accomplishments. In the circumstances, therefore, the Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area could be likened to an entity that has achieved much than its contemporaries.
In the last 12 years of its creation, the Onigbongbo LCDA has witnessed tremendous development. The great achievements are not just a flash-in-the-pan, but based on the commitments of the various politicians and seasoned technocrats who were and still are obsessive about engendering development in the council area.
It is not enough to work towards enhancing the well-being of the people, council chiefs in the area thought it wise to, from time to time, invite residents of the council to brief them on, not only what the council has been able to achieve, but also on some of the challenges it is experiencing and how to chart a way forward.
Mindful of this, therefore, the Executive Secretary of Onigbongbo LCDA, Moshood Mustapha Abiola presented his score card to the people; detailing his achievements and constraints.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on year 2016 Budget held on Monday at the council’s secretariat, he said: “This year’s score card aimed at keeping the people abreast of what has been achieved so far and how we can become a formidable team to move this LCDA forward.
“This administration is passionate about executing people-oriented programmes, even though paucity of funds has largely affected the execution of most people-friendly programmes it had earmarked. Even in the face of this challenge, the LCDA was able to achieve much.
“This administration appreciates the obas, baales, management and staff of Onigbongbo LCDA, Chairman of the local government area, ward chairmen, women leaders, youth leaders, market men and women, members of the executive of Community Development Committees (CDCs), Community Development Associations (CDAs) and the entire people of Onigbongbo for their support to this administration.
“I would encourage us all to pay our taxes and rates to enable the council to carry out more people-oriented programmes.
The Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh has pledged the revolut-ionalise sheep and goat production in Nigeria through the roadmap set for the sector.
The Desk Officer of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Sheep and Goat Value Chain Department, Abuja, Mr Akeem Ibilade revealed this during a training session organised by the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association (OSACA) for Goat and Sheep Breeders Co-operatives.
According to him, Nigeria is said to be having 63.3 million goats currently, but largely kept under the free range system, which the new policy is set to change.
He said there is huge export window for the sector in the Middle East countries which have enormous potential to create self-sustaining jobs for Nigerians and earn the country enough foreign exchange.
In his address, the State Chairman, OSACA, Pastor Akinola Olotu urged participants and the citizens to key into any of the links on the sheep and goat value chain which include breeding, fattening, fodder, production and marketing, among others.
He said intensive sheep and goat mega projects will soon spring up in the state with the pilot one taking off at Ago Daadaa in Akure North Local Government Area.
Former Secretary to Lagos State Government and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olorunfunmi Basorun has received a merit award from the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS) for his immense contributions to the development of Ikorodu community, Lagos.
Other outstanding community leaders were also honoured.
Speaking during the occasion, Basorun urged notable indigenes of Ikorodu not to relent in contributing their quota to make life better for the less-privileged persons, stressing that they would be honoured in due course.
Basorun said the honour bestowed on him did not come as a surprise; noting that he and other politicians have been at the forefront of attracting development to Ikorodu.
He added that Ikorodu and Lagos State entirely will make tremendous progress under the present APC-led Federal Government, urging the people to support and participate in government’s programmes.
“Our people should support this government that is working relentlessly to develop the state. We should have faith in Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his team.
“I feel honoured by this award. In the Bible, it said a prophet is not honoured at home. I am grateful to my people for deeming it fit to give me this merit award.
“It is a call to service; it is a call not to relent in what I do for my people and I am not going to look back. I will always make myself available to the people. Our people should take part in the politics and support the ruling party. They should make themselves available the same way I serve them.”
Also speaking, the Ayangburem of Ikorodu HRM Oba Adewale Shotobi commended the APC chieftain on his efforts, adding that the politician has been a dependable leader.
He said the merit award was to put on records that no sacrifice made on behalf of one’s community is in vain. He called on other indigenes to emulate the sterling qualities of Basorun.
“Basorun, you have done well to make Ikorodu great. You are one of the few leaders who serve this community with dedication. Your political sagacity is well recognised and had attracted many developments to Ikorodu.
Former Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu has given the health sector a pass mark.
Speaking at the Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi Foundation yearly lecture in Lagos, the ex-minister said: “We are making progress in the health sector.’’ He, however, urged the private sector to partner the government, adding: “Everything cannot be done by the government.’’
Chukwu, who spoke on the topic “New National Health Bill”, described the Act as the best thing to have happened to the country. He listed some of its salient areas as provision of additional funding for primary health by, at least one per cent from federal revenue; right of Nigerians to universal health coverage; empowering health ministers and state commissioners to, for example, to decide which civil servants qualified for medical tourism and “every tertiary hospitals will now be regulated.’’
He urged the government to muster the political will to execute the National Health Act, adding that if well done, Nigerians would benefit immensely from it.
Chukwu praised the Jonathan administration for giving birth to the bill, which, he said, was initiated by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua administration. He called for a quick constitution of the National Health Council that would disburse the funds by next year. He asked President Muhammadu Buhari to increase the funding from the statutory one per cent to about five, saying he is constitutionally empowered to do so.
Chukwu advised tertiary hospitals to also partner private hospitals, which have better personnel and equipment, if the aim is to assist the cause of the people.
Lagos State Commissioner of Health Dr Jide Idris urged those seeking free medical health to have a rethink, as the system was “bastardised’’ in the past. He, however, said the government would continue to cater for the poor, noting that public health delivery for them is mandatory.
