The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lagos

  • Lagos to sponsor Afolayan’s historic movie

    Lagos to sponsor Afolayan’s historic movie

    •As filmmaker scouts for Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti’s double

    FILLING a gap created by the dearth of historical movies in Nollywood, young filmmaker and son of the late Yoruba movie icon, Ade Love, has secured the support of Lagos State government to produce his much talked about documentary feature. Kunle Afolayan, one of the few Nollywood filmmakers who have enjoyed corporate sponsorships for movie projects, has come to be identified with award-winning flicks, and his next project, entitled October 1, may just be another blockbuster.

    The producer of Irapada, Figurine and most recently, Phone Swap, is excited that Lagos State is leading the way of corporate support needed for the huge budget movie.

    He said the support is coming through the office of the governor, as part of his initiative for ‘Project Nollywood Update’, headed by Deputy Chief of Staff, Ms. Moji Rhodes.

    A N2 million budget film, Afolayan revealed that actors already confirmed for the production include popular TV presenter, Sadiq Daba, notable Yoruba comic, Kayode Olaiya (Aderupoko) and some British actors.

    The audition for the movie which took place at his Golden Effects Productions outfit on Ladipo Kuku, Ikeja, Lagos on June 6, 2013 had over 1000 hopefuls reading for different characters in the movie.

    The filmmaker himself is expected to act in the movie, which has been scheduled for locations in Lagos, and Ilaramokin in Ondo State, and shooting slated for July. It was also gathered that the filmmaker is still in a frantic search for an elderly actress who fits the personae of late Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, mother of the legendary Afrobeat King.

    Reports say Toyota Nigeria and Nigerian Breweries Plc may be keen in coming into the project which is fully in pre-production stage.

    A psychological-thriller, October 1, pictures September 1960, with Nigeria on the verge of independence from British colonial rule. It tells the story of a northern Nigerian Police Detective, Dan Waziri, who is urgently despatched by the colonial government to the trading post town of Akote in the Western Region of Nigeria to solve a series of female murders that have struck horror in the hearts and minds of the local community. On getting to Akote, more murders are committed, and with local tension high and volatile, Waziri has a race on his hands to solve the case before even more local women are killed. Matters take a turn for the worse, however, when Waziri discovers that his prime suspect is none other than the highly influential, university-educated son of the King of Akote, Prince Aderopo. Intelligent, good-looking, charismatic, witty and daring, the prince proves to be a most complicated adversary for Waziri. Set against the backdrop of the national celebratory mood of the impending Independence, Waziri and Prince Aderopo indulge in a game of cat and mouse as they try to outwit each other… leading to the climatic end in which the life of a popular local female teacher and village belle, Tawa, is held in the balance. Waziri has to race against the clock to nab the prince, save Tawa and solve the crime before the British flag is lowered and the Nigerian flag is raised on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.

    A visionary young Nigerian filmmaker, Afolayan was recently at the centre of a hit documentary series on the Yoruba heritage entitled Isedale. The work, which provoked thoughts about Yoruba Kingdoms and culture among AfricaMagic audiences, proved a success when the channel moved the series to prime-time.

  • ‘Don’t panic on Lagos roads’

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has said that the administration of Babatunde Fashola is committed to the development of infrastructural facilities in the state.

    Hamzet, who was fielding questions from reporters on why the state is seemingly struggling to get the infrastructural development of the metropolis right, said: “We are not struggling. We have the master-plan that we are implementing, which, of course, can’t be exhausted magically in a calendar year, given the enormous challenges inherited by this administration. The state believes that improved infrastructure is a major pivot on which poverty eradication can rest,” he said.

    Citing the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Isheri-Oshun-Jakande Road, now fully awarded to Hitech Construction Company to complement the bridge works that started some time ago, and the Blue Rail Line project as examples, Hamzat said “the ultimate target of the administration is to develop sufficient infrastructure portfolio across the state for a competitive business environment.”

    On residents’ fears about the deplorable state of most inner roads, especially in the suburbs, the commissioner stated: “Across the state, some roads are federal while some belong to the state. It is important that the major roads are made fully motorable before we fix a good number of the inner roads. But the state government has fixed a lot of the federal roads, thus reducing its financial ability to fix most state roads.”

    He, however, hinted that the state had constructed a lot of major roads, adding, “others are currently under construction across the state. Last year, we started the construction of 156 roads, mostly, inner ones. And importantly, we are being careful with the number of roads being constructed at a time to prevent gridlock.” Continuing, he said: “We use the same approach in the rural areas-to rehabilitate as much as we can, bearing in mind that we can do all in a short while. However, many are resurfaced to bring relief to users. Such include the Isuti and Powerline roads in Ifako Ijaiye, Oke Agbo Street in Ojo Council Area and many others.

    “It is to allow for motorable roads because it will be a traffic nightmare if we shut down all the roads at a time for rehabilitation or construction.”

    On the crippling effects of vehicles that ply the roads daily, especially, oil tankers, heavy-duty and articulated ones, he said: “The load on our roads is very heavy; thus causing faster deterioration. Ninety-three per cent of containers coming into Apapa Port travel through Lagos roads. They are important to the economy of the state, since as a nation, we don’t have a standard rail infrastructure. The state traffic law regulates the movement of these vehicles to certain time of the day for the safety of road users.

    The commissioner further said that it was good to develop satellite towns and it comes with standard and auxiliary roads. But, it is important that we take care of the existing roads. Now, the state is renewing the blighted areas such as Badia, Ajegunle and Sari Iganmu. A typical example is the housing construction at Badia with the accompanying auxiliary infrastructure.”

    When reminded that most of the roads deteriorate easily, he said: “Some of the biggest threats to the roads are willful damage, conversion of roads to mechanic shops and car wash. Hence, the advocacy that we must as a community, take ownership of our roads. Also, we see concrete is an option; hence, we constructed the road leading to Gbagada hospital in Kosefe Local Government Area with concrete.”

    Hamzat revealed that the state’s plan was to build infrastructure that can cater for 40 million people. He further said: “The state has also expanded its capacity for water transportation. Also, the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) is on top of our waste disposal. Lagos State is making good progress on all fronts. As a mega city, there are unique challenges such as transportation, refuse disposal and others. Our approach is to tackle these challenges one after the other.”

    Calling on the Federal Government to carry out its responsibilities in Lagos, he said: “Our prayer is for the Federal Government to take care of its responsibilities by fixing the Airport Road, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Road and other such infrastructure. Importantly, the Federal Government should allow the states to control these roads, but that must come with the resources that will allow them to carry out this responsibility. In essence, the Federal Government must shed weight and focus on security, immigration , and general aviation policies.

    Drawing a comparison between Lagos and some states in the United States, the commissioner said: “The infrastructural availability in New York is far higher and the federating states in the US are truly independent and can control their destinies. That is not the case in Nigeria. We must practise true federalism. Lagos will continue to build infrastructure that will give us a competitive advantage to be a knowledge-based economy. We are already on the rise; we just need to keep the momentum going. We continue to focus on our developmental strategy of Power, Agriculture, Transportation and Housing.

    “It is important that the two components in the budget, the revenue and expenditure, perform optimally. As a state government, we have focused on the capital expenditure which is why we have been able to achieve the type of infrastructural upliftment we have seen in the state. The revenue and the expenditure components must perform for the state to deliver people’s infrastructural needs. The revenue must be fully enhanced and reliable for us as a state to continue to uplift our society. So, we as people, must pay our taxes to build roads, sustain our hospitals, schools and so many other social amenities for people to enjoy better life.

     

  • Court urged to grant accelerated hearing

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has been called upon to give accelerated hearing in the suit between the family of Ahmed Martins and Bristol Hotel Limited over a disputed property on Martin Street, Lagos.

    Counsel to the Martins family, Mr. Bayo Bello in a formal petition, explained that the matter which has been at the Appeal Court was being prejudiced.

    He said: “The subject matter of the said appeal which is the property comprising the defunct Briton Hotel has been forcefully entered into by some people acting for the management of Wemabod Estate Limited.”

    He expressed the belief that if the process was not prevented, the property which is under litigation will be demolished and reconstructed.

    “We hereby pray your lordship to grant an accelerated hearing of the said suit so thatthe right of the claimants is not seriously and negatively affected by the action of one of the defendants,” Bello said.

     

  • Micro-credit scheme thrills Deltans in Lagos

    Micro-credit scheme thrills Deltans in Lagos

    Joy coursed through Ajegunle, a sprawling Lagos suburb, as 230 residents of Delta State origin got soft loans to boost their small-scale businesses. The facility was provided by the Delta State Micro-Credit Programme (DMCP), the loan certificates handed out at a Navy base located in the area.

    The service enlivened the beneficiaries called clients operating in 23 cluster-groups. In songs and dance, they expressed their joy. Firewood sellers hailed Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the DMCP, coordinated by the state Ministry for Poverty Alleviation. Kerosene marketers spoke of an anticipated boost in their business. The soft drinks group thanked the governor and the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Dr Antonia Ashiedu who presented the loan certificates to the clients.

    The credit facility is not like the regular bank loan. Accessed through micro-finance banks, it has no interest rate, which removes the usual repayment difficulties which attend other loans. Yet, perhaps the greatest thing about the DMCP credit lifeline is that it helps to open up the clients’ business opportunities and boost their profit profile. It has revolutionised small businesses in the state, some going on to become cottage industries.

    The Ajegunle loan disbursement has expanded and extended the jobs scheme beyond borders.

    Presenting the loan certificates, Dr Ashiedu said Governor Uduaghan is showing the true meaning of democracy by caring for Deltans living in other states of the federation.

    The commissioner also emphasised the need for every Deltan, irrespective of where they live, to be good ambassadors of Delta State.

    “My happiness is that the governor of Delta State Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan is leading by example and that is how it should be – anywhere you are, your government should care for you especially if you are a good ambassador of the state; that is what we’ve come to do in Ajegunle, Lagos State today”.

    Comrade Joseph Evah, a leader in the Niger Delta, who facilitated the event, also commended Governor Uduaghan for showing love and care for his people in Ajegunle. He pointed out that Lagos State has the highest number of Deltans living outside Delta State, and that consequently there are some who are also economically weak.

    He called on other state governors to emulate Dr Uduaghan and empower their people living outside their states of origin as that is a sign of good leadership.

    He said: “For Governor Uduaghan to do this for us, it shows that he loves his people living outside Delta State. By the time every governor will do the same to their people, Nigeria will be a better place. It shows we love ourselves in Niger Delta.

    The Managing Director, Bank of Industry Microfinance Bank Ltd where the money will be accessed, Mr. Kelvin Iyamu thanked the state government for finding the bank worthy, saying that the award-winning programme aimed at improving the living standard of the economically weak persons in the society is a grassroots-oriented programme.

    “The Delta State government is improving the living standard of Deltans in Nigeria and I believe it is a nice and good way to show democratic leadership”.

    The DMCP clients, who could not hide their joy, appreciated Governor Uduaghan for remembering them in Ajegunle and promised to pay back the loan on time to access bigger loans.

    The clients thronged the venue with their various products, happy to be associated with the micro-credit scheme.

    A firewood seller, Helen, thanked the governor for coming to their aid.

    “Ah!” she exclaimed, “we thank our governor so much. Now me and my group, we will order for more firewood and supply to others; you see that means more money for us”.

    Another client, Omonigho, a kerosene seller, said: “My governor has demonstrated why he is the best in empowerment programmes. Look at us in Ajegunle, being empowered outside Delta State. He came to us oh! It is a dream come true for us; for my group we can now buy a tanker of kerosene. God bless you for us”.

    The clients are involved in three categories of business such as trading, services and cottage industry.

  • New commandant for Lagos police college

    New commandant for Lagos police college

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has approved the appointment of Malam Yahaya Garba, a Commissioner of Police, as Commandant of the Premier Police College, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Garba has since taken over from the former Commandant, Ibrahim Yerima, who was redeployed to the Eastern Port Authority Command in Rivers.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the college’s Spokesman, DSP Samuel Jinadu, on Thursday in Lagos.

    According to the statement, the new commandant was, before now, the commissioner of police in-charge of Research and Planning at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the IGP and the Army Works Commandant, Maj.-Gen. Funso Owonubi and some senior police officers had inspected the level of work at the College on May 18.

    During the inspection tour, Owunubi said the rehabilitation had reached 90 per cent completion.

    “The remaining works in the rehabilitation of the college will be completed in the next two weeks, before handing over to the police,’’ Owonubi added.

     

  • Lagos, stakeholders urge action on cyber safety

    Stakeholders at a conference on cyber safety has called for a decisive intervention of governments at all levels to put in place measures which will protect, and rescue internet users, especially the most vulnerable-children and teenagers from on-line predators.

    In a statement the Director of Press and Public Relations, Lagos State Ministry of Science an Technology, Tunde Awobiyi, stated that stakeholders, who met at a conference put together by the Ministry and FB Innitiatives in Ikeja, included public and private school children, polytechnic and university students, educationists, policy makers and parents in the state. Concerns were raised about cyber safety, especially cases of predators taking advantage of the innocence of the children and teenage population on juvenile pornography, bullying, human trafficking and exploitation through extremism and child abuse.

    The Chief Executive Officer of FB Innitiatives, Mrs Funke Babatola, said the stakeholders have resolved to collaborate with the government to reverse the inadequate provision of legislation specific to children on-line protection, adding: “It is our duty to ensure that children are protected in the enjoyment of their basic rights and liberties.’’

  • Reconnecting with the roots

    Reconnecting with the roots

    The Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos, in colloboration with the Museum of Contemporary African Diaspora Art, New York, has held a group exhibition in Lagos, featuring three female Nigerian artists

    The art works were rendered in different media by three United States-based female Nigerian artists, who are recipients of Fulbright Scholar and Guggenheim Fellowship Awards.

    They used their recent group exhibition, No One Belongs Here More Than You, held at the Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos (CCA), in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary African Diaspora Art, New York to express their ideas and notions of belonging, of space and time, of notions of the individual and the collective.

    The works, which are in drawing, mixed media, sculptural installation, performance art, video and photography highlight the artists’ responses in this context in varied manners and methods.

    No One Belongs Here More Than You, features works by Ruby Onyinyechi Amanze, Wura-Natasha Ogunji and Nnenna Okore, who took advantage of their temporary stay in the country to engage with their country of origin in a critical moment of their artistic practice as well as their professional development.

    The show, which opened on June 15, will run till September 14.

    The trio works in diverse media; drawing, sculptural installation, performance art, video and photography. All these works dwell on ideas and notions of belonging, of space and time, of notions of the individual and the collective, highlighting their own responses to this context in a unique and individual manner.

    By marking, drawing, snapping, twisting, shredding, tying, dyeing, sewing, by the layering of actions, violent, poetic, by the conversations, loud,public, intimate and above all by the movements and encounters in their current space, the totality of these divergent and converging processes and experiences encapsulate the diverse ways in which they situate themselves and their practice beyond any fixed notion of place or identity allowing them the freedom of artistic, contextual as well as aesthetic possibilities. In particular, Amanze creates large-scale drawings and art works which are influenced greatly by textile processes, print-making, collage, and architecture.

    As artists of Nigerian descent who have spent most of their lives living, migrating and journeying across continents, their individual and collective movements, histories, memories and perspectives integrate to highlight points of intersection and overlapping. No One Belongs Here More Than You embodies both a metaphysical crossing of time and space, as well as the relationship of each artist to materiality. This experience marks the onset of a journey of reintroduction, rediscovery and reconnection to their ancestral place of origin. Inevitably, as the artists navigate the unique nuances of their longitude and latitude, their current artistic explorations are intricately woven into the here and now.

    Ruby Onyinyechi Amanze creates large-scale drawings influenced by textile processes, print-making, collage, and architecture which explore themes of authenticity, hybridity and mobility. She is the recipient of several awards and residencies including the Fulbright Scholar Award at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 2012/13

    For Wura-Natasha Ogunji, a performance and visual artist, who works in a variety of mediums, is best known for her videos, in which she uses her body to explore movement and mark-making across water, land and air. Her recent performance series explores the presence of women in public space in Lagos, Nigeria. He has received many awards, including a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship (2012) and grants from the Idea Fund, Houston (2010), and the Pollock-Krasner Foundation (2005).

    An Associate Professor of Art at North Park University, Chicago, Nnenna Okore, shows works that comprise mainly sculptures and installations. Until now, she has been exhibited in museums and galleries across Chicago, New York City, London, Paris, Cancun, Sao Paulo and Copenhagen. She is a recipient of Scholar Award; and has also been recognised by the Chicago Tribune, BBC and New York Times, among others.

  • ‘Don’t panic on Lagos roads’

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has said that the administration of Babatunde Fashola is committed to the development of infrastructural facilities in the state.

    Hamzet, who was fielding questions from reporters on why the state is seemingly struggling to get the infrastructural development of the metropolis right, said: “We are not struggling. We have the master-plan that we are implementing, which, of course, can’t be exhausted magically in a calendar year, given the enormous challenges inherited by this administration. The state believes that improved infrastructure is a major pivot on which poverty eradication can rest,” he said.

    Citing the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Isheri-Oshun-Jakande Road, now fully awarded to Hitech Construction Company to complement the bridge works that started some time ago, and the Blue Rail Line project as examples, Hamzat said “the ultimate target of the administration is to develop sufficient infrastructure portfolio across the state for a competitive business environment.”

    On residents’ fears about the deplorable state of most inner roads, especially in the suburbs, the commissioner stated: “Across the state, some roads are federal while some belong to the state. It is important that the major roads are made fully motorable before we fix a good number of the inner roads. But the state government has fixed a lot of the federal roads, thus reducing its financial ability to fix most state roads.”

    He, however, hinted that the state had constructed a lot of major roads, adding, “others are currently under construction across the state. Last year, we started the construction of 156 roads, mostly, inner ones. And importantly, we are being careful with the number of roads being constructed at a time to prevent gridlock.” Continuing, he said: “We use the same approach in the rural areas-to rehabilitate as much as we can, bearing in mind that we can do all in a short while. However, many are resurfaced to bring relief to users. Such include the Isuti and Powerline roads in Ifako Ijaiye, Oke Agbo Street in Ojo Council Area and many others.

    “It is to allow for motorable roads because it will be a traffic nightmare if we shut down all the roads at a time for rehabilitation or construction.”

    On the crippling effects of vehicles that ply the roads daily, especially, oil tankers, heavy-duty and articulated ones, he said: “The load on our roads is very heavy; thus causing faster deterioration. Ninety-three per cent of containers coming into Apapa Port travel through Lagos roads. They are important to the economy of the state, since as a nation, we don’t have a standard rail infrastructure. The state traffic law regulates the movement of these vehicles to certain time of the day for the safety of road users.

    The commissioner further said that it was good to develop satellite towns and it comes with standard and auxiliary roads. But, it is important that we take care of the existing roads. Now, the state is renewing the blighted areas such as Badia, Ajegunle and Sari Iganmu. A typical example is the housing construction at Badia with the accompanying auxiliary infrastructure.”

    When reminded that most of the roads deteriorate easily, he said: “Some of the biggest threats to the roads are willful damage, conversion of roads to mechanic shops and car wash. Hence, the advocacy that we must as a community, take ownership of our roads. Also, we see concrete is an option; hence, we constructed the road leading to Gbagada hospital in Kosefe Local Government Area with concrete.”

    Hamzat revealed that the state’s plan was to build infrastructure that can cater for 40 million people. He further said: “The state has also expanded its capacity for water transportation. Also, the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) is on top of our waste disposal. Lagos State is making good progress on all fronts. As a mega city, there are unique challenges such as transportation, refuse disposal and others. Our approach is to tackle these challenges one after the other.”

    Calling on the Federal Government to carry out its responsibilities in Lagos, he said: “Our prayer is for the Federal Government to take care of its responsibilities by fixing the Airport Road, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Road and other such infrastructure. Importantly, the Federal Government should allow the states to control these roads, but that must come with the resources that will allow them to carry out this responsibility. In essence, the Federal Government must shed weight and focus on security, immigration , and general aviation policies.

    Drawing a comparison between Lagos and some states in the United States, the commissioner said: “The infrastructural availability in New York is far higher and the federating states in the US are truly independent and can control their destinies. That is not the case in Nigeria. We must practise true federalism. Lagos will continue to build infrastructure that will give us a competitive advantage to be a knowledge-based economy. We are already on the rise; we just need to keep the momentum going. We continue to focus on our developmental strategy of Power, Agriculture, Transportation and Housing.

    “It is important that the two components in the budget, the revenue and expenditure, perform optimally. As a state government, we have focused on the capital expenditure which is why we have been able to achieve the type of infrastructural upliftment we have seen in the state. The revenue and the expenditure components must perform for the state to deliver people’s infrastructural needs. The revenue must be fully enhanced and reliable for us as a state to continue to uplift our society. So, we as people, must pay our taxes to build roads, sustain our hospitals, schools and so many other social amenities for people to enjoy better life.

     

  • Micro-credit scheme thrills Deltans in Lagos

    Joy coursed through Ajegunle, a sprawling Lagos suburb, as 230 residents of Delta State origin got soft loans to boost their small-scale businesses. The facility was provided by the Delta State Micro-Credit Programme (DMCP), the loan certificates handed out at a Navy base located in the area.

    The service enlivened the beneficiaries called clients operating in 23 cluster-groups. In songs and dance, they expressed their joy. Firewood sellers hailed Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the DMCP, coordinated by the state Ministry for Poverty Alleviation. Kerosene marketers spoke of an anticipated boost in their business. The soft drinks group thanked the governor and the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Dr Antonia Ashiedu who presented the loan certificates to the clients.

    The credit facility is not like the regular bank loan. Accessed through micro-finance banks, it has no interest rate, which removes the usual repayment difficulties which attend other loans. Yet, perhaps the greatest thing about the DMCP credit lifeline is that it helps to open up the clients’ business opportunities and boost their profit profile. It has revolutionised small businesses in the state, some going on to become cottage industries.

    The Ajegunle loan disbursement has expanded and extended the jobs scheme beyond borders.

    Presenting the loan certificates, Dr Ashiedu said Governor Uduaghan is showing the true meaning of democracy by caring for Deltans living in other states of the federation.

    The commissioner also emphasised the need for every Deltan, irrespective of where they live, to be good ambassadors of Delta State.

    “My happiness is that the governor of Delta State Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan is leading by example and that is how it should be – anywhere you are, your government should care for you especially if you are a good ambassador of the state; that is what we’ve come to do in Ajegunle, Lagos State today”.

    Comrade Joseph Evah, a leader in the Niger Delta, who facilitated the event, also commended Governor Uduaghan for showing love and care for his people in Ajegunle. He pointed out that Lagos State has the highest number of Deltans living outside Delta State, and that consequently there are some who are also economically weak.

    He called on other state governors to emulate Dr Uduaghan and empower their people living outside their states of origin as that is a sign of good leadership.

    He said: “For Governor Uduaghan to do this for us, it shows that he loves his people living outside Delta State. By the time every governor will do the same to their people, Nigeria will be a better place. It shows we love ourselves in Niger Delta.

    The Managing Director, Bank of Industry Microfinance Bank Ltd where the money will be accessed, Mr. Kelvin Iyamu thanked the state government for finding the bank worthy, saying that the award-winning programme aimed at improving the living standard of the economically weak persons in the society is a grassroots-oriented programme.

    “The Delta State government is improving the living standard of Deltans in Nigeria and I believe it is a nice and good way to show democratic leadership”.

    The DMCP clients, who could not hide their joy, appreciated Governor Uduaghan for remembering them in Ajegunle and promised to pay back the loan on time to access bigger loans.

    The clients thronged the venue with their various products, happy to be associated with the micro-credit scheme.

    A firewood seller, Helen, thanked the governor for coming to their aid.

    “Ah!” she exclaimed, “we thank our governor so much. Now me and my group, we will order for more firewood and supply to others; you see that means more money for us”.

    Another client, Omonigho, a kerosene seller, said: “My governor has demonstrated why he is the best in empowerment programmes. Look at us in Ajegunle, being empowered outside Delta State. He came to us oh! It is a dream come true for us; for my group we can now buy a tanker of kerosene. God bless you for us”.

    The clients are involved in three categories of business such as trading, services and cottage industry.

  • Micro-credit scheme thrills Deltans in Lagos

    Joy coursed through Ajegunle, a sprawling Lagos suburb, as 230 residents of Delta State origin got soft loans to boost their small-scale businesses. The facility was provided by the Delta State Micro-Credit Programme (DMCP), the loan certificates handed out at a Navy base located in the area.

    The service enlivened the beneficiaries called clients operating in 23 cluster-groups. In songs and dance, they expressed their joy. Firewood sellers hailed Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the DMCP, coordinated by the state Ministry for Poverty Alleviation. Kerosene marketers spoke of an anticipated boost in their business. The soft drinks group thanked the governor and the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Dr Antonia Ashiedu who presented the loan certificates to the clients.

    The credit facility is not like the regular bank loan. Accessed through micro-finance banks, it has no interest rate, which removes the usual repayment difficulties which attend other loans. Yet, perhaps the greatest thing about the DMCP credit lifeline is that it helps to open up the clients’ business opportunities and boost their profit profile. It has revolutionised small businesses in the state, some going on to become cottage industries.

    The Ajegunle loan disbursement has expanded and extended the jobs scheme beyond borders.

    Presenting the loan certificates, Dr Ashiedu said Governor Uduaghan is showing the true meaning of democracy by caring for Deltans living in other states of the federation.

    The commissioner also emphasised the need for every Deltan, irrespective of where they live, to be good ambassadors of Delta State.

    “My happiness is that the governor of Delta State Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan is leading by example and that is how it should be – anywhere you are, your government should care for you especially if you are a good ambassador of the state; that is what we’ve come to do in Ajegunle, Lagos State today”.

    Comrade Joseph Evah, a leader in the Niger Delta, who facilitated the event, also commended Governor Uduaghan for showing love and care for his people in Ajegunle. He pointed out that Lagos State has the highest number of Deltans living outside Delta State, and that consequently there are some who are also economically weak.

    He called on other state governors to emulate Dr Uduaghan and empower their people living outside their states of origin as that is a sign of good leadership.

    He said: “For Governor Uduaghan to do this for us, it shows that he loves his people living outside Delta State. By the time every governor will do the same to their people, Nigeria will be a better place. It shows we love ourselves in Niger Delta.

    The Managing Director, Bank of Industry Microfinance Bank Ltd where the money will be accessed, Mr. Kelvin Iyamu thanked the state government for finding the bank worthy, saying that the award-winning programme aimed at improving the living standard of the economically weak persons in the society is a grassroots-oriented programme.

    “The Delta State government is improving the living standard of Deltans in Nigeria and I believe it is a nice and good way to show democratic leadership”.

    The DMCP clients, who could not hide their joy, appreciated Governor Uduaghan for remembering them in Ajegunle and promised to pay back the loan on time to access bigger loans.

    The clients thronged the venue with their various products, happy to be associated with the micro-credit scheme.

    A firewood seller, Helen, thanked the governor for coming to their aid.

    “Ah!” she exclaimed, “we thank our governor so much. Now me and my group, we will order for more firewood and supply to others; you see that means more money for us”.

    Another client, Omonigho, a kerosene seller, said: “My governor has demonstrated why he is the best in empowerment programmes. Look at us in Ajegunle, being empowered outside Delta State. He came to us oh! It is a dream come true for us; for my group we can now buy a tanker of kerosene. God bless you for us”.

    The clients are involved in three categories of business such as trading, services and cottage industry.