The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • ‘Nigeria has good business environment’

    ‘Nigeria has good business environment’

    Nigeria is a place to be and establish business, Mr Taoboika, a Canadian, has said. He spoke during an interview with Southwest Report.

    Taoboika, who was visiting Nigeria for the first time, condemned the negative way Nigeria is being portrayed by other countries, saying that the country is very peaceful, despite terrorism and other criminalities that are not peculiar to it.

    Taoboika, who is a Video producer, described Nigerians as loving, caring and accommodating, urging other countries not to disassociate themselves from them.

    He urged the world leaders to embrace peace and unity and encourage their children to marry anybody of their choice from any part of the world. This, he added, would end ethnic and tribal problems in the world.

    Taoboika’s visit coincided with his traditional wedding to his heartthrob, Miss Cynthia Amaka Ekwuefi, in Lagos.

    Taoboika described his wife, who is indigenous to Enugu State, as the best lady he ever met. He promised to live with her forever. He also described his in-laws as accommodating, loving and non-discriminating. He prayed to God to give them long life.

    The wedding began with prayers, and breaking of kola nuts in accordance with Igbo customs and traditions. The carnival-like event was a showcase for pristine Igbo traditions which were on display. Friends and colleagues of the couple came together in celebration of the union.

    Taoboika and his friends were ushered to the venue to pay homage to his in-laws, after which he sat down in the midst of the family before his wife was ushered in; accompanied by her bridal train to greet her husband and his families.

    Chief Peter Ekwuefi, described the day as one of the most remarkable for the family.

    On why he allowed his daughter to marry a white man, he said gone were the days when parents chose life partners for their children, adding that what parents need to do is to support and pray for their children.

    He urged parents to train their children in the way of the Lord, give them good education, and support them to detect their future career in their early stages of life.

    He appealed to youths to shun all forms of criminality.

    “Marriage is an institution, not what someone would engage in and run out tomorrow. Marriage is an everlasting agreement,’’ Chief Ekwuefi added.

  • Ogun shuts down illegal health facilities

    The Ogun State government has shut down no fewer than 186 illegal health facilities in the past one year in its bid to curtail the excess activities of quackery among health workers.

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye made this known while addressing reporters in Abeokuta, the state capital, against the backdrop of some health workers operating illegal health facilities and increase of quack doctors.

    He said those arrested by the monitoring team of the ministry, either operating with fake certificate, invalidation of licenses or engaging in health facilities without government’s authorisation, are being prosecuted in law courts by the state Ministry of Justice.

    Ipaye emphasised that the state would not condone any illegal health activities, as the state had contributed greatly to the health sector, noting that anybody arrested as a resulted of engaging in any unlawful act would not go scot free.

    “The state government will not fold its arms and allow anybody to operate illegal health facilities. Those who intend to do so or has been doing that should henceforth desist from it or be ready to face the full wrath of the law”, Ipaye said.

    He said it was imperative for owners of health facilities to revalidate their licenses, as the inspection teams of the Ministry of Health would soon go out for thorough inspection of their facilities and if anyone is caught with fake certificate or license that has expired; he would be dealt with accordingly.

    He noted that the government must ensure proper protection and safeguarding its citizens against untimely death of those illegal health facilitators, emphasising that those quack doctors and nurses contribute, in no small measure, to the sudden death of some people, including expectant mothers.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner says its introduction of Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme (CBHIS), Araya was to enable government to pay for the bills of the less-privileged masses, including expectant mothers and children under five years.

    He noted that over 16,000 residents had keyed into the programme across the state, while the targeting numbers of expectant mothers and children under five was about 40,000. He enjoined the residents to continue to register for the programme in their respective maternity centres across the 20 local government area and 37 local council development areas nearest to them.

    “The Araya programme is a continuous progress for the less-privileged people, expectant mothers and children under five years of age. All you need to do is walk into the Primary Health Centres nearest to you and register. Once you have registered and collected your registration cards, then you are entitled to free health care delivery”, Ipaye said.

  • Group decries marginalisation

    A group, Isokan Mainland has urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to rescue Mainland Local Government Area from dictatorship.

    The group’s leader, Mr. Wale Olugbodi said democratic principles had been jettisoned for the rule of one man, adding that some politicians were compromising the collective will of the people.

    He explained that the same set of politicians of Kwara origin had held public office in the past 20 years, noting that others who aspired to serve had been blocked by those he allegedly called Kwara Cabals.

    He said: “We want a total change of government in Mainland council. We are fed up of the same set of people who have been ruling us since 1999 without any positive impact.

    “These Kwara cabals are the ones sponsoring hood-lums, sycophants and miscreants to foment trouble during elections. The even supply them with weapons with which to wreak havoc in order to discourage genuine people who have ambition to serve.

    The group appealed to Senator Oluremi Tinubu to caution the cabals, stressing that they were in the habit of dropping her name to hijack legitimate mandate.

    “We want to crave our dear mother, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to caution these elements from using her name to hijack positions in Lagos Mainland. Though the APC said it has not announced the names of its candidates, some people have been claiming they had been chosen by the party for this month’s council election

  • Group donates to charity

    Group donates to charity

    Adetayo Alasoadura Memorial Foundation (AAMF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has donated various items worth thousands of Naira to an orphanage home in Akure, the state capital.

    Besides, the group presented food items to ‘Ago Ireti’ Camp, School for the Dumb and 21 widows as part of activities to commemorate one year remembrance of Mrs Adetayo Alasoadura, wife of the Senator representing Ondo Central District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) Chief Omotayo Alasoadura.

    Mrs Alasoadura died on May 19, last year. She was survived by her husband and children.

    Speaking while presenting the items, the group’s Coordinator, Funmilayo Lebi said the group, as part of its social responsibilities and honour to the departed woman leader, donated the items for the disabled and deprived in the society.

    Lebi noted that it was imperative to reach out to women and children and other less-privileged persons in the society.

    The Coordinator described the late Alasoadura as a distinguished woman of impeccable character whose memory will linger on in the life of members of the foundation.

    Lebi, who lamented Mrs Alasoadura’s exit, however, said AAMF was consoled with the fact that the woman carried out her service of humanity while alive as an epitome of womanhood, sacrifice and philanthropy.

  • Ambode’s elixir for Lagos economy

    Ambode’s elixir for Lagos economy

    Confronted by seemingly scary unemployment situation, the Akinwunmi Ambode administration evolved the Eployment Trust Fund (ETF), a platform through which loans are disbursed to potential entrepreneurs. MIRIAM EKENE-OKORO writes that about 4,000 beneficiaries have accessed loans from the N25 billion provided by the scheme to establish their own businesses.

    When Governor Akinwu-nmi Ambode conceived the idea of an Employment Trust Fund (ETF); a platform through which loans will be made available to people who want to establish and grow businesses, many did not believe that the initiative would be real; as many had believed it was another gimmick by a government that seeks relevance and cheap popularity.

    But with the success story by some of the beneficiaries of the pilot scheme, through which the government disbursed N1b to 705 beneficiaries, even the opponents of the scheme have agreed that the initiative is critical in addressing the economic challenges plaguing the country.

    On Tuesday, June 13, cheques for N924.7 million were disbursed to another set of 1,438 beneficiaries to enable entrepreneurs, artisans, traders and others to have the necessary funds to boost their businesses; thereby reducing unemployment and increasing wealth creation among the people.

    So far, about 4, 000 beneficiaries have accessed funds from the N3.5 billion provided by the scheme. The state government is committed to support about 100,000 micro, small and medium enterprises and create at least 300, 000 direct and 600, 000 indirect jobs by 2019 through the initiative.

    To create more awareness and reach out to more beneficiaries, the Board of the ETF has embarked on a tour of the various local governments to sensitise the public to the importance of the scheme and to ensure that everyone benefits from it.

    Addressing some of the artisans at one of the sensitisation forums, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Mr. Akin Oyebode said the N25 billion fund was established by the government in order to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and improve the skills of entrepreneurs, with a view to helping Lagos residents create a thriving SME-driven economy.

    He further explained that the fund was established by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Law 2016 to serve as an instrument to inspire the creative and innovative energies of all Lagos residents and reduce unemployment.

    He said the fund would raise additional N25 billion from international donor agencies to boost its programme of micro, small and medium (MSME) funding. This, he said, will bring the total amount in the Fund’s management to N50 billion; having received a take-off grant of N25 billion last year.

    Oyebode added that about 25,000 small scale entrepreneurs have been targeted to benefit from the fund to grow their businesses this year.

    “People are passionate and their zeal has challenged us to do better. We are privileged to be saddled with the responsibility to ensure the success of the objective,” he said.

    He expressed his satisfaction that beneficiaries of the pilot scheme have started paying back their loans.

    “The businesses we support must demonstrate capacity to repay our loans; be owned by Lagos residents duly registered by the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA); show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) and have valid Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs),” he said.

    The LSETF boss said in addition to MSME financing, the Board will also train unemployed residents to either take up identified jobs or run their businesses such that beneficiaries can access maximum loan of N500,000 at an interest rate of 5 per cent per annum, to be spread over 12 months.

    The business must have a minimum turnover of N20, 000 monthly. In cases where an applicant does not patronise banks, turnover can be estimated using price of applicant’s service and walk in or buying rate.

    Speaking while presenting cheques to 1,438 beneficiaries at De Blue Roof, LTV 8 Ikeja, Governor Ambode expressed delight that the government was on course to meet the objectives of the initiative, adding that it was also encouraging that the previous beneficiaries have started repaying their loans.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Dr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, Ambode made particular reference to one of the earlier beneficiaries simply identified as Jand2Gidi, saying that it was a thing of joy that they have started contributing to the growth of Lagos economy.

    “One of the success stories of this programme which I am very proud of is the achievement of one of the first set of beneficiaries, a company called Jand2Gidi, run by two young women.

    “We eagerly expect to celebrate many more success stories such as this,” he said.

    Ambode also praised the Board of the ETF for the good work done so far. He urged them to increase the pace of work and ensure that by the end of this year, about 20,000 businesses would have benefited from the scheme; a plan, he said, would ensure that the overall target of the scheme would be met by 2019.

    “It is only when you pay back your loans, and grow your businesses, that we can truly celebrate the success of this programme. Your success is our success, and together we will grow Lagos State’s economy and create jobs for our residents.

    “The initiative is another example of taxpayers’ money working for the people. I thank all taxpaying citizens for providing the resources from which the state government contributes N6.25 billion annually to the N25 billion Employment Trust Funds,” he said.

    In her opening remarks, Chairman, Board of ETF, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru said the event was another milestone by Ambode’s administration.

    Omoigui-Okauru also revealed a partnership between the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to improve technical and vocational training.

    Under the programme, she said, the LSETF will contribute $3 million, while UNDP will contribute $1million and the fund will be used to train  Lagos residents in manufacturing, construction, health care, hospitality and entertainment, while successful trainees will be provided with jobs at the completion of the programme.

    Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr O.A Goriola of November 16 Nigeria Limited, commended the government for the initiative and pledged judicious use of the funds.

    With the disbursement of the fund, stakeholders are confident that the state government is firmly on the right path.

  • Women acquire skills in Ondo community

    Over 150 vulnerable and unemployed young women in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State benefited from the benevolence of the wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu when she visited the area.

    The women, who hitherto had no means of sustenance or certification that could attract gainful employment, were empowered to become self-reliant, as part of activities marking the 100 days in office of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    Mrs Anyanwu- Akeredolu, who presented certificates to the women after the few days training further, urged them to deploy the knowledge they acquired during the training to ventures that will make them useful to themselves and the society, noting that the goal of the empowerment exercise was to ensure that more women are empowered.

    While acknowledging that more women are unemployed because of marginalisation; she further stressed that when a woman is empowered and has a reliable source of income, her family’s source of income becomes stable.

    Participants at the programme, which was organised by the Office of the Wife of the Governor in conjunction with Make Mee Elegant, benefited from numerous training exercises which included bag making, shoe making, hairdressing and wig making.

    Speaking on the impact of the exercise, the Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government Area, Mrs. Morenike Alaka affirmed that the support given to the women through the training exercise was unprecedented as it would go a long way in equipping them towards contributing to their family’s development.

    “Some of the women that are being trained were impregnated and abandoned; some are school dropouts who have no form of certificate to acquire jobs that would sustain them.

  • Ilogu, others get award

    Pleased with their contributions to the task of nation-building in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general, the Landmark Africa Magazine has honoured some prominent Nigerians who it considered worthy of its prestigious awards. The event took place at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    Those rewarded for their good works were wife of Kwara State governor Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) and wife of Jimoh Ibrahim, Modupe.

    Others rewarded were Prof Guy Chibuzoh Ilogu of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Archibong Edem Archibong, Prof Samuel Olu Ewoola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Babcock University, Prof Sunday Owolabi and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Okon Effiong Munam.

    Explaining why the awards were given to the recipients, Head of Corporate Planning of the magazine Bassey Ubong said they were honoured for excelling in their various professions and for their numerous contributions to nation-building. He specifically praised Mrs Ahmed for her pet project.

    Wife of the Secretary to the Kwara State Government Mrs K.K. Gold, who represented Mrs Ahmed, thanked the magazine’s management for the honour.

  • ‘Buhari’s anti-corruption war in order’

    Despite criticisms over the leadership style of President Muhammadu Buhari, especially with regard to his anti-corruption war, he has received unreserved support and commendation from Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu (MFR, OFR CFR).

    Addressing some members of Igbo community at his Abimbola Awoniyi Street, Victoria Island Lagos home whom he hosted, Chief Iwuanyanwu said he appreciated President Buhari’s anti-corruption programme.

    He said: “I agree with President Buhari’s submission that if corruption is not killed, it will kill Nigeria. This is because it’s become a terrible and widespread social problem that has bedeviled the country. It has become so endemic, and is eating fast into the fabric of the Nigerian society. If allowed to linger, the country will continue to experience stunted growth roundly.”

    Expressing his gratitude to the Igbo community in Lagos under the leadership of Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu (JP) for organising a solidarity session to mark the Golden Jubilee of Lagos State as a geographical entity, the Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo said he was confronted by a very solemn moment that will remain sublime in his life.

    Regretting that he was not present at the event to be decorated by the community as planned due to flight cancellations by the authorities of British Airways, Chief Iwuanyanwu commended the Igbo community for coming to honour him in his residence.

    “Ordinarily, some people will say we invited him and he didn’t come, so why should we bother ourselves honouring his invitation? But you have taken the pains to come to see me in my house.  This is the hallmark of love.  This shows you appreciate me. l am very grateful to you,” he said.

    Continuing, Chief Iwuanyanwu, who was the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Calabar said: “I have spent a lot of my time serving Igbo and Nigeria. I thank God for the gifts with which l enhance the cause of humanity and for which l am recognised and honoured.

    “Without sounding immodest, l am fortunate than some people, because there are people who served and will not be recognised and honoured.

    “I have been a champion of youth development. I believe that human capital development should be the best investment.

    “In the circumstances, l have trained over 3, 000 youths in various universities. That could be why youth groups all over the country and beyond the shores of the country have honoured me as their patron. I try the much l can to enhance humanity and leave the rest to God.

    “Your honour on me today is a thing l will always remember. It means that the services l rendered to Ndigbo are not in vain. l feel proud for the honour you bestowed on me today.  It will spur me to service my people more. While l am still alive, l will continue to do my best for the Igbo, l will continue to do my best for Nigeria and l will continue to do my best for humanity.”

    Speaking earlier, Eze Nwachukwu said the Igbo Community in Lagos State considered Chief Iwuanyanwu as one of the pillars in Igbo land and in Nigeria, adding that his contributions to the socio-economic and political development of Igbo land in particular and Nigeria in general cannot be ignored, hence the honour bestowed on him.

    He said: “Chief Iwuanyanwu, propelled by the virtues of hard work, honesty and unalloyed faith in God, has attained an enviable height as a successful role model, a political colossus and industrial giant, a dedicated soldier of Christ, a professional icon of superlative class, a pace-setter, an unprecedented philanthropist, a champion of youth development and empowerment, a detribalised Nigerian patriot and an epitome of integrity.”

    Contributing, the member representing Oshodi/Isolo 11 State Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. (Sir) Jude Emeka Idimogu (KSM) who described Chief Iwuanyanwu as a living legend of our time said Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo has blazed the entire political landscape like a legend.

    He noted that Iwuanyanwu is an inspiration to the young generation of politicians. His philosophy that love is the greatest thing in the world and it can overcome hate, greed and rancour is what the country needs at the moment when she seems to be at a crossroads.

    He prayed God to grant him long life so that “those of us who are up-and-coming will still learn more from him.”

  • Six-month-old needs N2.7m to live

    Six-month-old needs N2.7m to live

    The hope for little Davis Yode Anjolaoluwa to spend the rest of his life in sound and good health remains doubtful as the six-month-old baby has been diagnosed with Cyanotic Congenital heart disease- (hole in the heart). DAMISI OJO reports.

    On December 16, last year, the family of Mr and Mrs. Davis Yode Maja who are indigenous to Owo in Ondo State, was enveloped with joy. That was at the birth of their beautiful daughter, little Davis Yode Anjolaoluwa.

    At birth, little Davis was bubbling with life and was the joy of her parents until two months later when her parents noticed that she, unlike their other two kids, was having stunted growth and was not breeding properly.

    His father, who is a popular musician in Owo said: “I was worried when I observed that Anjolaoluwa was not growing as she should, even as she was not breeding properly, unlike other kids of mine, who, at one month, would have grown big.

    “We took her to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo and we were told that she has hole in the heart.

    “We were referred to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife in Osun State where another set of test was carried out by one Dr. Salau, who confirmed that she has Cyanotic Congenital heart disease (hole in the heart) adding that the issue was beyond them.

    “At OAUTECH, another test was carried out on her by Dr. John Okeniyi, and he also confirmed that she is suffering from that same disease.

    “We were told to get N2.7 million for the operation before the end of August so that they will be able to carry out the operation by September.

    “Since then, she had been placed on drugs which are very expensive and I have spent all my savings and sold all my property in order to buy the prescribed drugs and carry out tests on my daughter.

    Since then, the parents and relations have spent huge amount of money in order to save little Davis’s life; a situation has stretched the family’s resources beyond its malleable limits, even as it has plunged them into massive debts.

    “I am left with nothing and I am pleading for help from government, philanthropists, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and others to help save my baby from dying.

    The inability of her parents to raise the needed N2.7 million has prevented little Davis from enjoying her normal life again. Ensuing from this seedy situation, Little Davis has remained in pains. N2.7 million has stood between this once bubbly and lovely baby and normal life full of growth.

    Pained by her situation, the parents said: “We cannot afford to lose Davis. We have tried our best. That is we are pleading with well-meaning Nigerians to render helping hands.

    “Please help keep Davis alive. Your help and support in areas of prayers and financial contributions will be highly appreciated, as they are essential to her overcoming the debilitating health challenge at this critical phase of her life. No amount is too small.”

    For more information, willing donors can contact the father, Mr Yode Maja on his telephone number 08033645301 and any cash donation can be made to the bank details below: Account Name: Yode Maja, Account Number: 1014742651 Bank: Skye Bank.

     

  • In Ogun, crackdown on erring drivers, hawkers continues

    Commercial drivers in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, who pick and drop passengers on the highways had a bad experience as their vehicles were impounded during a joint task force operation which began from Sango-Tollgate on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. The seven-hour operation began by 7:00 a.m. and ended at 1:00 p.m.

    The operation, led by Sango Ota Deputy Area Commander, Superintendent of Police (SP) Camillus Okoye. Others in the team were the Sango Divisional Police Officer Sola Ogunwale, Sango Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) Adekunle Awoniyi, Ota Unit Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kunle Oguntoyinbo, Ota Divisional Commander, Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) Adekunle Ariyo Ajibade, Ota Divisional Commander, Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) Paul Kehinde Osukoya and the Ogun State Vigilance Service.

    The DPO warned traders and hawkers to desist from displaying their wares on the road in order to facilitate free flow of traffic. He said it was impossible for any driver whose vehicle brakes were faulty to manoeuvre when the road is blocked.

    Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Prince Bashiru Oladele Adeniji, said his administration would not lift the ban on trading, picking and dropping of passengers on the road sides.

    He noted that it was his vision to see the local government environment free of traffic jam.

    He spoke through the Secretary to the local government, Adewale Adegoke Dada, when he visited Ota Command’s office of Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE).

    Reacting to the incessant crashes on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and other roads across the council, he said crashes had claimed lives and properties worth millions of Naira destroyed.

    The chairman denied that the council officials were collecting money from the street traders.

    He said: ‘’There is no truth in the allegation that the council encourages insanity at the Tollgate by collecting money from traders and allocating spaces to them in order to display their goods.  We’ve just completed cleaning of Oju-Ore. Tollgate is the next port of visit.”

    According to him, it is difficult for vehicles to manoeuvre their way in case of brake failure or other mechanical fault because 75 per cent of the road had been blocked by traders and illegal/indecent parking by commercial transporters.

    He said the council would continue to partner traffic agencies, the police, military and paramilitary to restore sanity on all roads across the local government.

    According to Prince Adeniji, the exercise began from Oju-Ore with the Department of Environmental Sanitation sealing off the shops of some traders who breached environmental laws while goods of traders were seized to ensure compliance with the traffic and environmental laws.

    He appealed to Ado-Odo/Ota residents to obey traffic rules, saying anyone that breaches traffic and environmental laws would be prosecuted according to the established laws of the state.

    Ajibade said eradicating indiscriminate parking, picking and dropping of passengers on the road by commercial drivers, and hawking were the target of the joint task operation. He said it will be a continuous exercise until sanity returns to the highway.