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  • Ajah CDA sacked our community, say villager

    Ajah CDA sacked our community, say villager

    By Robert Egbe

    The heads and principal members of Omomunmi Oja Chieftaincy family of Oko Egan Alapa Village in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos state have accused the Registered Trustees of Ajah Community Development Association (ACDA) of illegally sacking their community.

    They said the ACDA, supervised by the Lagos State Taskforce on Land Grabbers (LSTFLG), Lagos State Ministry of Town Planning, armed police and thugs on June 11, 2020, chased residents of the community and levelled tens of buildings with bulldozers.

    They accused the ACDA of engaging in a land grab.

    But the Lagos State Government and the ACDA denied the claims, adding that it was the victims of the exercise that were the suspected land grabbers.

    The family’s leader, Baale Wasiu Shitta, lamented that their ancestral shrines, as well as their farms were also destroyed, despite the land being the subject of litigation in suit No EPD/7325/LMW/2018 pending before Justice Ganiyu Safari of the Lagos High Court, Epe division.

    The suit is between Chief Wasiu Shitta & Another Vs Registered Trustees of Ajah Community Development Association & Governor of Lagos State & Attorney General.

    According to Shitta, his family is the owner of approximately 58 acres of land with plan number LA/237/2007/107 A & B drawn by a surveyor, W. Adeniyi.

    “We have been living in our inherited land that was established by our forefathers since we were born. Some years ago, some people from the Ajah Community Development Association came and said the government had allocated our community to them,” Shitta said.

    He said resolution of the matter had been dragging for years before the family sought redress in court.

    “Two weeks ago, we got a call that our matter was coming up on June 18. But on 11th of June, we just saw a team of Taskforce, Ministry of Planning officials, armed policemen and others with cutlasses and machetes. They started demolishing our homes, destroying houses and sending people and children out of the community.

    “We have all been displaced right now, from our community. The community people cannot be found,” Shitta said.

    According to him, residents are being prevented from returning to the site by armed persons stationed there.

    “The place is empty now, all our houses have been destroyed. We are outside, we don’t have anywhere to stay right now that is why we are calling on the media to help us out,” Shitta added

    READ ALSO: Lagos dislodges land grabbers from Lekki land.

    But, in a statement, the Lagos State Government said the enforcement exercise was carried out by officials of the LSTFLG to dislodge suspected land grabbers from parcels of land measuring 50.06 hectares at Block E, Plot 2 at Sangotedo, Lekki Peninsula Subregion in Eti-Osa Area.

    The ACDA said the suspected land grabbers had forcibly encroached on and seized the parcels of land belonging to the association.

    He said they prevented the association from taking possession of the land, following which the association petitioned Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN.

    General Secretary, Oladele Ojogbede, thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Ministry of Justice and the State Attorney General for helping the association take possession of the land.

  • Pharmaceutical council outlines priority

    Pharmaceutical council outlines priority

    Moses Emorinken, Abuja

    The Chairman of the newly inaugurated governing council of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Prof. Ahmed Tijjani Mora, has said repositioning the PCN to effectively address the challenges in pharmacy education, training and practice, is the council’s priority.

    He said it is worrisome that many young pharmacists after induction and administration of oath of pharmacy do not find a place for internship and continue to struggle and go round for months on end.

    While speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Mora stressed the new governing council would address challenges associated with internship placement of young pharmacists, foreign graduate orientation programme, functions of the governing council itself, examination of pharmacists after internship and the chaotic drug distribution chain among others.
    He said: “We have set up committees to look into the sundry challenges and will address the problem so that by the time students are administered the oath, they already know where they will be doing their internship.”

    READ ALSO: Nigeria faces drugs shortage due to Coronavirus, NAFDAC warns

    He enjoined dissenting voices to sheath their swords and embrace his inauguration as the will of God and the right choice by the government.

    The Federal Government last Monday inaugurated the governing council of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN).

    Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanirem, said the governing council of PCN was to provide guidance and direction for the efficient discharge of the functions of the council as stipulated in its enabling Act.

    “The Governing Council is also to ensure that it aligns its functions with the vision of President Muhammad Buhari, GCFR, for the country on health as spelt out in the 2nd edition of the National Strategic Health Development Plan (2018 – 2020),” Ehanire said.

    He said key issues that should engage the attention of the new council include: standard of training, code and ethics of practice, proliferation of illegal premises, unsatisfactory distribution of medicines, and drug abuse.

    Registrar of the PCN, Pharmacist Elijah Mohammed, said the inauguration of the council was a welcome development and that the council hopes to work with the new governing council to move the profession forward.

  • Sexual violence: NLC calls for ratification of ILO Act

    Sexual violence: NLC calls for ratification of ILO Act

    Joseph Jibueze 

    As the world commemorates 2020 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Nigerian Government to ratify the International Labour Organisation Convention 190, also known as ILO C190.

    The Convention, adopted at the centenary conference of the International Labour Conference in Geneva Switzerland in 2019, seeks the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work.

    NLC says it is using the occasion of the commemoration, along with its allies in the Civil Society to show solidarity with the victims of sexual violence in Nigeria, the African continent and all over the world.

    The President of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said in a statement that available statistics show that majority of the victims of sexual crimes are females.

    “According to official statistics from the United Nations Women, 35 per cent of women all over the world have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence by a non-intimate partner.

    “It is estimated that 137 women lose their lives on a daily basis as a result of violence mainly in the hands of family members. Out of the total number of trafficked persons globally, 72 per cent of them are women and girls.

    “In Africa south of the Sahara, one out of every four girls are most likely to be married out before their 18th birthday,” Wabba said.

    Ayuba Wabba, who is also the Global President of the International Trade Union Confederation ITUC, believes that the best gift the Nigerian government can give to the Nigerian people is the ratification of the all-important Convention.

    “It is the persuasion of the Nigeria Labour Congress that the best gift that the Federal Government of Nigeria can give to the Nigerian people especially our women at the commemoration of the 2020 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is to ratify ILO’s Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment.

    “We urge that the ratification of this important centenary Convention of the ILO be done with the same zeal with which the Federal Government ratified Convention 185 on Seafarer’s Identity Documents Convention (Revised), 2003, as amended,” he said.

    READ ALSO: ‘Enforce laws against rape, sexual violence’

    According to the ITUC President, this year’s celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflicts is very significant given that the current COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the incidence of sexual violence in conflict.

    He said that owing to the restrictions in movement, many victims of sexual violence have been confined almost permanently with their abusers thus creating opportunities for repeats of abuses, adding that the dread of infection with Covid-19 and limited access to healthcare facilities and social support means that victims of sexual violence are forced to live for a prolonged period with the hurt, scare, and scars of their experience.

    The NLC stressed, that the theme of this year’s commemoration, “The Impact of COVID-19 on Survivors of Conflict-related Sexual Violence,” rightly draws attention to the need for urgent action in addressing increased risks and dangers faced by victims of sexual violence.

    “Recent studies suggest a proliferation of sexual violence in conflict in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps. There is need to de-escalate the abominable pressure on girls and women whose material conditions make them highly at risk of being objectified, commoditized and targeted by sexual predators.

    “Organised Labour in Nigeria will remain committed to the elimination of all forms of sexual crimes and violence especially those perpetrated against vulnerable persons and groups,” Wabba said

  • ‘No standard measurement for plot of land in Nigeria’

    ‘No standard measurement for plot of land in Nigeria’

    Our Reporter

    Prominent entrepreneur and Chairman of M.I. Okoro and Partners, Meckson Okoro, has said that there is no standard measurement for a plot of land in the country.

    Making the disclosure recently on a television show, National Real Estate Today, sponsored by his company, Okoro said, “There is no standard measurement for a plot of land in Nigeria. Some may even tell you that if you can’t build on a acre, forget it. I can authoritatively tell you that there is nothing like an official measurement for a plot of land in Nigeria.

    “It varies from state to state, and neighbourhood to neighbourhood, but no such thing as a standard measurement in the country. In Ikoyi today, some talk of a 3/4 acre. So, the issue of measurement has to be treated independently.

    “There is a difference between a tenancy agreement and a lease agreement. The tenant has no right to sublet to a third party without the consent or the landlord or his agents and he must also not carry out any structural renovation without the approval of the landlord.”

    In a bid to drive home his point, Okoro explained the obligations of a tenant in every tenancy agreement.
    His words: “The tenant may not refuse to carry out his obligations as contained in the tenancy agreement. For any reason, if the tenant wants to vacate the premises, there is a clause in the agreement that he must inform the landlord before the tenancy expires. Such notice must be issued between three to six months.

    “The tenants can’t just wake up and pack out. If the tenanat is living with other tenants, he has to consent to what is called service charge to ease the cost of the services commonly enjoyed by all. On such issues like the septic tank, waste management or generator power supply. These are the obligations of the tenant. He is even to repair what has been spoilt due to wear-and-tear during the tenancy or the occupation of the house.

    Okoro had, recently, called on investors, entrepreneurs and small business owners to invest in the Lekki Trade Centre. Similarly, the popular entrepreneur also spoke on the ultramodern Tejuosho Shopping market which has over 1,600 shops in the care of his company.

    His relentless calls on prospective entrepreneurs had necessitated a sightseeing visit by the members of Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association (PAPDA) to the Lekki Trade Centre.

    Recall that Okoro, recently, disclosed that efforts to promote real estates related ventures have taken a new shape, necessitating him to float the property television show, National Real Estate Today, aired on Sundays at 5:30pm on Television Continental (TVC), Saturdays at 10pm on NTA 2 Channel 5 and Thursdays at 2pm on Silverbird TV.

    Having bagged several advertorial deals, owing to its rich content and massive publicity, the show has continued to appeal to the senses of many businessmen and investors in the real estate subsector.

  • Simon Adozi: Lockdown affected real estate than COVID-19 itself

    Simon Adozi: Lockdown affected real estate than COVID-19 itself

    Our Reporter

    A Real Estate Consultant, Simon Adozi, has revealed that the real estate business was more affected by the nationwide lockdown than the COVID-19 pandemic itself.

    Nigeria went into a total lockdown in March in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja, as part of measures to curb the spread of the deadly virus that has affected millions across the globe.

    The economic effect of the virus has been damning on many nations including Nigeria, as many have been rendered jobless while companies had to cut jobs/cost due to its effect.

    Speaking with our correspondent, Adozi who is an expert majorly in Commercial and residential properties in Nigeria and Dubai said that they “recorded more sales in May than in January and February.”

    As a real estate solution provider, Adozi assists individuals and families in the purchase of Real Estate properties and investments without hassles.

    “I felt so pained seeing people being scammed, their hard-earned monies lost due to bad decision making i.e buying properties that are not genuine from untrusted Real Estate or property agents and also, buying properties that they do not need. I had to step into the Real Estate business in order to rescue same from such bad investment decisions and also, educate intending investors so as to prevent recurrent losses,” he said.

    For Adozi, life as a real estate consultant is not a bed of roses. He revealed that “in a bid to source for cheaper lands and property investment, innocent investors fall prey to these fake Real Estate Agents, unprofessional and unqualified Brokers who rip them off their hard-earned funds as decisions taken may lead to loss of lands, investment properties and loss of tens and millions of Naira (funds) in most cases.”

    Speaking on the effect of COVID-19 on his line of work, he said that “Real Estate wasn’t directly affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic but rather affected by the LOCKDOWN as we recorded more sales in May than in January and February. More properties were sold after the LOCKDOWN than before. The only roadblock was that physical site inspection could not be achieved.

    READ ALSO: LASRERA sets new guidelines for real estate agents

    “Soon, the normal movement will begin and site inspection will become possible.”

    Adozi also predicts that “after the Pandemic, the Real Estate sector will definitely be a hot cake because in RECESSION, Real Estate is the surest form of investment! In the Pandemic, it is also the surest form of investment! Therefore, to the Real Estate sector, the pandemic is a BIG advantage. The Pandemic sent Nigerians in Diaspora back home, making them purchase more houses and in turn, this increases the value of Real Estate sector.”

    The real estate sector also has other challenges apart from the coronavirus pandemic. According to Adozi, such problems range from regulation to marketing and so on.

    “Non-regulation by the Government of all Real Estate companies who are involved in Real Estate Business and marketing Real Estate properties is a very huge challenge because untrusted companies pose a high risk to intending investors. The Government should regulate the Real Estate Sector in order to protect the interest of property investors and limit or eradicate fraud in the Real Estate sector,” he said.

    For Nigerians planning to invest in Real Estate e or purchase land and property in Nigeria, Adozi believes that “there are properties that sell for as low as N50,000 and can be affordable by many.

    He, however, noted that “real estate investment is actually intended for those who want to be rich and not just for those who are rich as is perceived by some.

    “So, if you do not have a Real Estate Property Investment, you have no real claim to being a citizen in Nigeria. Pastor Paul Adefarasin made a statement about his father’s long term investment such that when it was liquidated was enough to start them up in life and also saw them all through school.”

    To guide upcoming Realtors, Adozi revealed that he has written a book titled ’10 DEADLY MISTAKES TO AVOID IN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS’ which “will guide you through the process of acquiring an investment or properties in the Real Estate sector in order to help you make wise investment decisions and this book will also resolve the major challenge of ‘IGNORANCE’ which some intending investors who lack knowledge of Real Estate investments and processes possess.”

  • Chinmark Group appoints Macduff as Brand Ambassador

    Chinmark Group appoints Macduff as Brand Ambassador

    Our Reporter

    Chinmark Group of companies has appointed Emetu Kalu Macduff Chukwuebuka as the Brand Ambassador for Lagos State.

    The company’s General Manager, Marksman Chinedu Ijiomah officially announced Chukwuebuka popularly known as ’Cosmic Macduff’ appointment.

    He wrote: ”Congratulations Cosmic Macduff on your appointment as Lagos State brand ambassador for Chinmark Group. Best wishes from the GMD.”

    Speaking on his appointment, Macduff said he is honoured to be a representative of the well-respected organisation.

    “I feel very honoured to be a representative of this organization and I know that I will stand with them in spirit and in might. I will wear the Redking crown for the world to see. This is an organization I cherish so much and I am ready to take her to the next level.

    ”When I got the mail to become the brand ambassador that came directly from him with the contract paper for me to sign, it was like a dream. I began to envision myself in the pedestal of greater achievement. This is because Chinmark Group of companies is not just a small organization —it’s a global organization that has branches all over Nigeria and Diaspora.”

    He further described the GMD as a man who that has impacted lives positively.

    “To whom much is given, much is expected. I feel the ecstasy and exaltation of my own spirit having been appointed as the Brand Ambassador of Chinmark Group of Companies. Over time, Sir Marksman Chinedu Ijiomah has built a mansion in my heart that is very indestructible. This is because he is a man that has impacted lives positively and his humility lifestyle is second to none.”

    Until his new appointment, Macduff his well-known as a global thought leader and an avid philanthropist. He is a good sort after National Leader, Public Affairs Analyst and Anti-Corruption Crusader; An Advocate for Youth Empowerment and National Development. strong systems-thinking abilities, human capital development and community services.

    READ ALSO: Tee-A is real estate brand ambassador

    The graduate of Abia State University, Uturu, A is Abia State, is the CEO of Macversity Consulting Limited (www.macversity.com), a firm of professional consultants established in May 2018 that specializes in ISO consultancy & certification, Professional Trainings, Research & Development, Strategic Consulting, Benchmarking, HR Outsourcing and Educational Management in Line with ISO standards and implementation. MCL Consulting is focused on providing high-quality Management and Strategic Consulting Services.

    Macduff is a certified Master Life Coach from the School of American Union of Nero-linguistic Programming and also Certified as a Lead Auditor/Lead Implementer in ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System from PECB Canada www.pecb.com.

    He is also a certified graduate member of the Chartered Institute of Public Management of Nigeria (CIPM). He is certified in Human Resource Management (HRM) from “Envirofly, United Kingdom”. He is certified also by “Envirofly, United Kingdom” as a Health, Safety and Environment personnel.

    Macduff is also the author of a fast-selling book titled: “GET PREGNANT BEFORE MARRIAGE” a controversial book that focuses on the ability of the womenfolk to acquire skills and become global influence thereby affecting people around them positively. He is also wrote a book that focuses on the self-development and spiritual awareness of the body, soul and spirit, titled: ”BEING WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO BE.”

  • Susan Chanel makes waves with skincare business

    Susan Chanel makes waves with skincare business

    Our Reporter

    Popular entrepreneur and cosmetologist, Susan Chanel, has continued to make waves with her skincare line of products.

    When she founded the Susan Chanel Skin Beauty Line, her mandate was clear – to make African women beautiful while restoring their confidence and pride.

    The UNILAG explains her quest and passion for cosmetics business prompted her to start a skincare line.

    “I have always had this passion even back at the university. I sold cosmetics to my friends and from room to room in the hostel. I have always had passion for it.

    “If you asked my friends, they would say the same thing. I have always had a dream of going into the cosmetics business because I love good skin and light skinned ladies. I love good skin because good skin makes a good impression,” she explained.

    The young entrepreneur has since undergone professional formulation trainings to create a clean and sophisticated beauty brand that addresses specific and general consumer concerns, including dark skins, face and body spots, skin discoloration and exfoliation treatments, to name but a few.

    Susan believes nature has more to offer than what exisiting products offer, which explains why she explores natural ingredients that can nurture, nourish and even repair the skin, and bring true wellness. This belief drives her to produce a unique line of body care products.

    READ ALSO: Kim Oprah launches skin care line

    According to her: “Susan Chanel Skin Beauty Line is initiated as an end for African women skin disorder. The average African skin is exposed to different disorders and imperfections due to the nature of our weather, poor diet, poor skincare routine and the quest for perfection with the wrong skin products containing harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the skin.

    “At Susan Chanel Skin Beauty Line we are not only interested in making African women beautiful, we are here to restore the confidence and pride in the African woman. As we all know, the skin is the largest and most fragile organ of the body and should be treated with so much care and attention. A beautiful, glowing and flawless skin is the true beauty of a woman,” she stated.

    As with any other business that comes with the challenge of facing stiff competition from similar brands, Susan believes that having a strong passion, commitment and determination are the keys to keeping afloat in the skincare business.

    “Self-discipline is the key and you also need to have passion for what you do. Passion is the basic thing in running a business. If there is no passion, the moment any challenge comes, you would just want to give up. But when you have passion there is always the determination to succeed.

    “I don’t really see anyone as a competitor. Susan Chanel is a brand that stands out amongst others. I think we lead and others follow. Our signature products speak for us, so I don’t see anyone as a competitor. The sky is wide for all the birds to fly. Susan Chanel is a unique brand and our clients can testify about us. Our brand is good and we sell authentic products. We don’t sell imitations,” she added.

  • DJ Nu kidd to launch, distribute customized face mask

    DJ Nu kidd to launch, distribute customized face mask

    Our Reporter 

    Ever since the news of the novel coronavirus pandemic broke in Wuhan, China and its eventual spread to other countries, governments, corporate organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), religious groups and individuals have been doing all they could to ameliorate the situation, pending when a vaccine is finally discovered.

    While Nigerian celebrities continue to contribute to preventing further spread of the virus, popular Disc Jockey, Akinleye Soyinka, better known as  DJ Nu Kidd, a fast rising Nigerian-American DJ in America has unveiled plans to do his bit in curbing continuous spread of the virus.

    According to the skilled DJ who has been making waves in the United States of America, he would be distributing fifty thousand (50,000) face masks in New York and New Jersey, as part of measures put in place to curtail further spread of the virus.

    READ ALSO: NGO backs kids with face masks, soap

    He said; “This pandemic is a very deadly one. It’s quite unfortunate we have to deal with such at a time when resources should’ve been channeled into something more productive.

    “Distributing 50,000 face masks in New York and New Jersey is my own way of sensitizing the public on the need to always wear it to prevent further spread of the deadly virus, if we actually want it to become history.”

  • BREAKING: Obaseki joins PDP

    BREAKING: Obaseki joins PDP

    By Samuel Oamen

    Embattled Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki has joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He joined the opposition party at its State Secretariat in Benin.

    The party confirms the development in a tweet on his official handle.

    Read Also: Edo polls: Obaseki’s new permutations

    Obaseki had been disqualified from seeking reelection by the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) on the grounds that he possesses “defective qualifications.”

    Details shortly…

  • APC aspirant unveils five point- agenda for Ondo state

    APC aspirant unveils five point- agenda for Ondo state

    Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, Minister of Mines and Steel Development says the Federal Government has designated seven of the country’s strategic minerals to unlock the enormous potential in the mining sector.

    The Minister, who stated this on Thursday in Abuja at a webinar organised by Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), named the minerals to include: coal, iron ore, bitumen, gold, limestone, lead-zinc and barite.

    He noted the country was endowed with over 44 different mineral resources occurring in over 500 locations across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “Seven of these minerals have been designated strategic to unlock the enormous potential in the sector, they are coal, iron ore, bitumen, gold, limestone, lead-zinc and barite.

    “Alongside the seven strategic minerals, the ministry is also looking into key minerals to fuel the future.

    “These include metals such as titanium, tungsten, lithium and cobalt, which have various applications in futuristic industries such as aerospace, telecoms and electric vehicle manufacturing,” the minister said.

    He commended NESG for the effort it had put in place to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the country’s economy.

    He said the webinar which was to discuss the opportunities and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Nigerian mining industry was timely.

    He noted that the double-ended shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent sharp decline in oil prices had led to a revenue shortfall for the country.

    Adegbite added that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had been making efforts to diversify the economy from oil through the development of the mining and agricultural sectors.

    He said these efforts were being fast-tracked, adding that mining offer robust economic potential to diversify the economy, create jobs and increase government revenue.

    According to him, the Nigerian Mining Industry Roadmap formulated in 2016, highlights clear policy direction on how to develop the sector which is being improved upon to unlock the potential in the sector.

    He added that structural reforms embarked upon in the industry were geared towards supporting the emergence of a vibrant private sector and to stimulate resource-based industrialisation.

    READ ALSO: Ondo APC governorship: Chairman, NWC lack power endorse aspirants

    “It is predicated on the principle that government serves as a regulator, providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    “We are trying to stimulate mineral processing across the country using a cluster or hub approach.

    “Each cluster will be provided with road and power infrastructure to encourage investors in processing and refining equipment to support a network of miners and processors.

    “In the longer term, the upgrade, completion, and operation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant operations would enhance jobs and revenue generation.

    “The project is based on a bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Russia, with funding from the Afreximbank and the Russian Export Centre,” he said.

    He added that other ongoing initiatives to stimulate the growth of the industry include: working with several stakeholders to design mining-specific and credit enhancement instruments among others.

    Adegbite expressed confidence that the country’s mining industry was on track to reach its goal of 5 per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contribution in the next five years.

    He said this would be made easier with support from the federal government and its ethos on diversification, job creation and sustainable revenue generation.

    (NAN)