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  • Manager assures passengers of comfort

    Manager assures passengers of comfort

    The Manager of Osubi Airport, Osubi in Okpe Local Government of Delta State, Mr. Winston Egwuatu, has assured passengers of continued comfort, safety and security.

    He gave the assurance during his acceptance speech shortly after receiving the Best Airport Manager Award at the 13th Nigeria Aviation Award (NIGAV) ceremony.

    The award was presented to him by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management. Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN).

    The manager said the award was a proof of his passion, professionalism and leadership skills garnered over the years in the aviation industry.

    He said under his leadership, with the support of workers, Osubi Airport also won the 12th edition of the NIGAV award as the Most Improved Airport in Nigeria.

    He noted that the feat came just after a year that he took over the affairs of the moribund airport that was grounded for about 17 months.

    “Osubi Airport under my leadership also won the 12th NIGAV award as the Most Improved Airport in Nigeria.

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    “Osubi Airport has achieved transformation in all areas of its operation under my leadership. The airport remains one of the best maintained aerodrome facilities in Nigeria.

    “The progress made by the airport management under my watch has been achieved fully from the funds generated from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the airport,” Egwuatu said.

    Responding to the win, Mr. Ofulue Kasiemobi, head of Human Resources, Osubi Airport, congratulated Egwuatu on the milestone.

    He said with the manager’s kind of drive and passion, it was right to say Osubi Airport was in safe hands, adding that it could only get better.

  • Aberdeen appoint 75-year-old manager on interim deal

    Aberdeen appoint 75-year-old manager on interim deal

    Neil Warnock has been named Aberdeen manager until the end of the season; the 75-year-old takes charge of his 17th  professional football club.

    Warnock replaced  Barry Robson, who following a successful caretaker spell was sacked less than nine months as permanent boss after a 1-1 draw at home to Dundee last week, which left the club eighth in the Scottish Premiership.

    First-team coach Peter Leven, who oversaw the side’s 1-1 draw with Celtic at Pittodrie on Saturday, will remain as first-team coach with Ronnie Jespon joining Warnock as assistant ahead of his first game in charge at Rangers today.

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    Warnock’s recent spell at Huddersfield was his second at the club and he has spent time in charge of the likes of Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City in a managerial career that has spanned more than 40 years.

    He announced his retirement from football in 2022 before taking over at Huddersfield and now extends his career even further in the Granite City.

    Speaking after joining the club, Warnock said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge here at Aberdeen.

    “I’ve made no secret of the fact I’ve always wanted to manage in Scotland, so when I spoke to Dave and Alan and they asked me to help out, it just felt like the right opportunity.

    “By all accounts there is a good group of lads here and it’s my job now to get the best out of them.

    “Aberdeen is a big club with clear ambition and I’m hoping that during my time here the supporters will get behind the team and I can put a smile on their faces.”

  • How we killed hotelier, manager,by suspect

    The police have arrested a member of the gang that allegedly robbed and killed an hotelier and her manager.

    Olusola Olusoga, who owned Etashol Hotels and Suites in Ojodu, Lagos, and the manager, Tunji Omikunle, were strangled on January 25 at the hotel.

    Outgoing Lagos police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal at the command headquarters in Ikeja yesterday, said the suspect, Ehizojie Vincent, carried out the act with others at large.

    He said the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage available to the police showed the role played by each of the suspects.

    The plan to rob the late hotelier, he said, was hatched by Vincent and four other workers of the hotel. The others are  Henry Lolo, Okechi Light Ezi, Dubai and Dangote.

    Vincent was arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he fled to after the dastardly act. “We all agreed that we had no future in the company because we believed our employers were miserly,” he said.

    He said they resolved to rob the late hotelier of her local and foreign currency, being a London returnee.

    To have a hitch-free operation, Vincent  said they chose  Lolo, to prepare Indomie noodle, laced with a sleep inducing stimulant called SK, to be served for the workers.

    “Our plan worked, as we successfully sent the other workers to sleep, except the late manager, who was already asleep before he could be served with the drugged meal,” he added.

    Edgal said the suspects’ attempt to steal the key to the late hotelier’s bedroom from the late manager’s pocket failed, as he woke up and struggled with them at the reception.

    The manager, he said, was strangled during the scuffle, adding that after strangling him, they searched his pocket, but couldn’t find the key. They then went upstairs to the late hotelier’s room and forced the door open.

    The police boss said they met the woman in the room and bound her hands and legs.

    “By the time they were through, the woman had died. The suspects stole her N50,000, jewellery and other personal effects, but could not take them out of the hotel for fear of being challenged by the police team stationed close to the hotel. So they abandoned the loot in the hotel, which have been recovered,” Edgal said.

    He said efforts were on to arrest the fleeing suspects.

  • Manager accused of stealing employer’s N1m

    A 52-year-old Sales Manager, Ayoola Okunola, was yesterday arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing his employer’s N1.1 million, four months after employment.

    Okunola, a resident of Ikorodu, Lagos, is being tried for alleged stealing.

    The accused committed the offence on May 28 at Fatal Atere Way, Matori, Mushin, Lagos, prosecutor Emmanuel Ajayi told the court.

    He alleged the accused stole N1.1million belonging to New Home Distribution African Ltd.

    Ajayi alleged the accused obtained goods to deliver to the company’s customers, but diverted them to other customers.

    “After selling the goods to other customers, he refused to remit the money to the company’s account, but converted it to his use.

    “When the company questioned him, he could not give a satisfactory answer.

    “The case was reported to the police and the accused was arrested,” the prosecutor alleged.

    The offence contravenes Section 287 (7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The accused denied committing the offence and was admitted to a bail of N500,000, with two sureties.

    Magistrate Mrs. O.J Awope said the sureties should be employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State government.

    Further hearing has been fixed for August 14.

  • Delta South PDP: Uduaghan, Manager, Diden battle for Senate

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is warming up for next year’s senatorial election in Delta South District. Three aspirants- former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator James Manager and Micheal Diden-are in the race. Who wins the ticket? Correspondent OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE examines the battle for the ticket.

    Politicians in Delta State are leaving nothing to chance in their bid to get the tickets of their parties as they prepare for next year’s general elections. Many have begun consultative visits to sell their candidacy to the electorate.

    In the Delta South Senatorial District, which comprises Isoko, Itsekiri, Ijaw ethnic nationalities and Urhobos, the battle for supremacy is a straight fight former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator James Manager and Michael Diden, a member of House of Assembly representing Warri North Constituency.

    The three aspirants, are all influential members of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    While Manager is of the Ijaw ethnic group, Uduaghan and Diden are Itsekiris.

    Although Manager has been silent on his ambition, Uduaghan and Diden have not hidden theirs aspirations and they have intensified subterranean moves to various groups.

    Diden has said that he will run for the Senate. He said: “It is also to let you know that I have gone round to the seven L.G.A so that, by tomorrow, if anybody asks you of my bid to run for senate you will be able to tell them about it as I want to run, and I will run.”

    Despite this, it is safe to assume that the incumbent senator is eyeing the coveted senatorial seat, and will deploy enormous resources to get re-elected.

    Recently, while speaking with reporters in Warri, Uduaghan hinted of his readiness to contest the election.

    He said, “I am ready for election. If I get the nomination of the party, I will contest”.

    He added: “Legislation is about lobbying and being a legislator you must have the ability to lobby. And lobby is easier when you know who you are talking to. People in the National Assembly, many of them are my former colleague whether in the Executive Arm or the National Assembly. Many of them are my friends and they are people we have played politics with for a long time.

    “It is easier for me, for instance, to take up my phone and call Fashola for one road project somewhere in Isoko than any other person in the race to do that or call Amaechi that I want this port here than any other person to do that.

    “It will be easier for me to talk to them one-on -one whether I am a senator or not. I will get an appointment for us to meet and talk… So what I’m saying in essence is that if you have the capacity it will be easier to get things to your place because it is easier for you to lobby and it is easier to attract development to your area. And I think I have that capacity to lobby and not just to pass whatever bill I’m presenting but to attract development to my constituency.

    “One other thing that I think is critical for the National Assembly is that; there are a lot of national issues that are raised in the National Assembly. They are national but they affect various region of this country and if you don’t understand the politics and depth of this country you might just stay there and not be able to contribute and see the benefit of that particular issue raised to where you come from.”

    It is unclear which party he meant. For there has been speculations that  he may have dumped the PDP for the All Progressive Congress (APC). But, Uduaghan has neither denied nor confirmed his alleged romance with the opposition.

    Secret consultations between the ex- governor and the ruling PDP kingpins and some Itsekiri leaders have held following the endorsement of many pressure groups.

    But, what are the chances of these three aspirants? Given the cries of marginalisation by the other ethnic groups in the zone, how will the PDP resolve the impasse? Will other three ethnic groups allow Manager an unprecedented fifth term in office? In the event of a tie breaker, who will the Urhobos in Delta South throw their weight behind?

    Undoubtedly, the cry of marginalisation in Delta South will become more strident as the election draws closer. The alleged marginalisation was reechoed in a recent interview, by the former Secretary to Government Mr. Ovuozourie Macaulay, an Isoko man.

    He said: “It will be unfair for any Ijaw man to show interest in the senatorial seat for 2019, having occupied it for 16 years. I think the matter is between Itsekiri’s and Isokos. We are three brothers. It does not call for fighting or mudslinging because the person you want to destroy today may be the one who will help you tomorrow. If the Isoko want to go, they will need the Itsekiris and Ijaw and vice versa. Hence, it is a matter for all to sit at the table and discuss. This is where the interest of the three ‘I’s and the G3 come together. They should be able to guide the children in order to minimize acrimony”.

    Also, the leader of the apex socio-cultural pressure group, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT), Edward Ekpoko, has thrown its weight behind the clamour for Manager not to contemplate a return to the Senate saying: “Manager has overstayed at the Senate and it is time for him to go”.

    According to the group: “It is the turn of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality to produce the candidate to represent the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Isoko ethnic nationalities that make up the Delta South Senatorial district at the NASS”.

    Of the three ethnic nationalities in Delta South, the Itsekiris and the Urhobos are the only groups that have not represented the district at the NASS. While Isoko enjoyed one term when Senator Stella Omu was elected in 1999; neither the Itsekiris nor the minority Urhobos have tasted the position.

    Ordinarily, based on the number of wards in Delta South, it is easy for the Ijaws to claim the senatorial seat. But, should there be a gang-up between the Isokos and the Itsekiris and the minority Urhobos, then the Ijaws will face a herculean task holding on to the seat.

    The Ijaws have 40 wards, the Isokos 24 wards while the Itsekiris have 18 wards. The Urhobos have six wards.

    But, politics in Delta State is not only about numbers, other extraneous factors play significant roles in determining who gets what.

     

    Uduaghan

    Although Uduaghan had in 2015 indicated interest in running for the senatorial seat, he nonetheless, pulled out of the race at the eleventh hour, citing his desire to allow “peace reign” in the state.

    Uduaghan, a two term governor, wields enormous   influence within the PDP and in the state; he could leverage on his political machinery cultivated over the years across the senatorial district to clinch the ticket.

    The former governor has a huge war chest to prosecute his election, coupled with the influence of ex-Governor James Ibori, he may just nick the ticket.

    But, some Deltans say his failure to install his successor and many of his political allies into elective position during the 2015 election, count against him for this reason they discount his chances.

    But, his supporters point at his achievement in the areas of education, health, infrastructure, the Asaba Airport and the new Government House and prompt payment of civil servants as records that could endear him to the electorate.

    According to his group, Uduaghan will bring to bear his vast experience and contacts nationally, adding that he will be an asset to the region, if elected.

    Some critics say his pacifist nature may not augur well for the zone in the rough and tumble of Nigerian politics, pointing at his withdrawal from the Delta South 2015 senatorial elections, following threats of violence from militant groups.

    In the macho world of Delta politics, this may be a sign of weakness.

    Manager:

    Manager is a seasoned politician. He was the pioneer PDP chairman in Delta State and one -time commissioner under Ibori. For the past 16 years, Manager has been Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Also, since the creation of the ministry, he has held the position of Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Ministry of Niger-Delta Affairs.

    This is besides being in many other vibrant committees. His critics claim he has used his influence as the chairman of the committee to concentrate most of the Delta State projects within his ethnic Ijaw land; while other ethnic groups have had to battle to attract projects to develop their areas.

    Political analysts blame him for not supporting the emergence of an Isoko person after Governor Okowa won the PDP primary in 2015 and as such may not get the backing of the Isokos in 2019.They claimed he backed another Ijaw man for the position of deputy governor.

    An activist and coordinator, Delta South Coalition for Progress, Mr. Tosan  Omojuwa, has this to say about Manager: “As Senator Manager did nothing to support the emergence of an Isoko candidate for the position of deputy governor, the Isoko people also owe him no moral obligation to return him to the Senate”.

    The ambition of Uduaghan recently got a boost following an endorsement by Ijaw Liberation Movement in Ijawland.

    Its coordinator, Peremotebi Simeon, said: “The only dynamic thing is change; where there is no change, the people are not happy.  There is no doubt in our minds that it is the turn of another section to represent us. That is fair game.

    I am not saying our brother did not do well or is not doing well, but I believe a fresh candidate will bring something fresh to the table for our own benefit. We had followed Dr. Uduaghan’s painstaking effort to develop our area, nay the whole state, while he was governor of Delta State. We are also aware that he stepped down for our son to continue a few years ago, so he is the most suitable person for the job now.

    He added: “Above all, we the Ijaws benefitted so much from his government. He did so much to make life comfortable for us through his development plans then. Now it is payback time as one good turn deserves another. Uduaghan is the only person seeking for the office who has ever told us why he is going there. The reasons are quite important to the Ijaw people and we shall put him there. We shall hold him accountable thereafter.”

    A major stumbling block to Manager’s ambition is the cry of marginalization among the three ethnic groups in Delta South. How he navigates this clear and present danger to his aspiration remains to be seen.

    Diden:

    Diden is the lawmaker representing Warri North Constituency. Of the three aspirants,  Diden appears to have the least political experience.

    But, he is a proven grassroots politician with a large youth followership. He is an enormously wealthy businessman, prepared to deploy huge resources in the pursuit of his ambition. Diden is admired for his courageous approach to politics.

    In the run-up to the 2015 elections, Diden, against the wishes of Uduaghan, publicly supported Okowa’s candidacy when it was dangerous to so do.

    In 2003, he was appointed Transition Committee chairman of Warri North Local Council. A year later, he contested for the position of chairman of the council on the ticket of the PDP which he won resoundingly.

    Uduaghan in 2008 elevated him to the position of Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters from where he was made Special Adviser on security in 2010. In 2011, Diden was appointed as Commissioner representing Itsekiri Nation in the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

    He became a legislator in 2015. Diden is an Okowa loyalist and a member of his kitchen cabinet. Some analysts believe that Okowa may be the one behind Diden’s ambition and with the party machinery firmly in Okowa’s hands, Diden may have the last laugh.

  • Manager, others charged with N250m recharge cards theft

    A manager  and three other workers with Mind The Gap Company in Yaba, Lagos Mainland and three others were yesterday arraigned an Igbosere  Magistrates’ Court  for allegedly stealing  N250 million worth of recharge cards.

    Oluwatosin Ogundana, 36,  Ayotunde Anuoluapo, 31, Shittu Abolore, 31, and Demi Mayungbe, 26, are standing trial before Chief Magistrate O.O. Oshin on a three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Friday Mameh told the court that the defendants committed the offences between January and December 2017 at the firm’s Yaba office.

    Mameh alleged that the defendants obtained various bulk purchased recharge cards valued at N250million belonging to their employer under the pretext that they would sell them and remit the proceeds into the firm’s account.

    The court heard that they  sold the recharge cards but converted the money to their own use.

    Mameh said the fraud was uncovered when the firm’s Managing Director, Mrs Ifeoluwa Fashola, audited her  books.

    Fashola petitioned the officer-in-charge of Zone II, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Adamu Ibrahim, who ordered an investigation.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

    Chief Magistrate Oshin granted Ogundana N1 million bail with two sureties in the like sum, each of whom must deposit N500,000 in the court registrar’s account.

    The others were granted  N500,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    Their trial begins on March 27.

  • Manager, others charged with N250m recharge cards theft

    Manager, others charged with N250m recharge cards theft

    The Zone II Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, yesterday charged a female manager with Mind The Gap Company, Yaba, Lagos, Oluwatosin Ogundana, with the theft of N250 million worth of recharge cards.
    Ogundana, 36, was arraigned along with three other employees of the firm, Ayotunde Anuoluapo, 31, Shittu Abolore, 31, and Demi Mayungbe, 26.
    They are standing trial before Chief Magistrate O.O. Oshin on a three-count charge of conpiracy and stealing.
    Prosecuting Sergeant Friday Mameh told the court that the defendants committed the offences between January and December 2017 at the firm’s Yaba office.
    Mameh alleged that the defendants obtained various bulk purchased recharge cards valued at N250m belonging to their employer on the pretext that they would sell them and remit the proceeds into their employer’s account.
    The court heard that they allegedly sold the recharge cards but converted the money to their use.
    Mameh said the fraud was unconvered when the firm’s Managing Director, Mrs Ifeoluwa Fashola, audited her acount books.
    Fashola petitioned the officer-in-charge of Zone II, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Adamu Ibrahim, who ordered an investigation, following which the defendants were arrested.
    According to Mameh, the offences contravened sections 412, 314 and 287(7) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
    Each defendant pleaded not guilty.
    Chief Magistrate Oshin granted Ogundana N1 million bail with two sureties in the like sum, each of whom must deposit N500,000 in the court registrar’s account.
    Oshin admitted each of the other defendants to N500,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.
    She ordered that all the defendants be remanded till they fulfill their bail conditions.
    The case continues on March 27.
  • ‘As a manager, I do as I say’

    ‘As a manager, I do as I say’

    Mrs. Titilope Aleero Okubadejo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Heritage Homes Limited, a real estate investment company with properties across the federation has over 20 years practical experience in property management and consultancy. In this interview with Omolara Akintoye, she bares her mind on the future of real estate business, management style among others. Excerpts:

    Foray into real estate business

    I’ve been practicing for the past 20 years now. I had worked with some real estate firms before I started off on my own. And it’s been a wonderful experience because I’m doing what I have passion for. One thing about professionalism is when you are effectively involved in your profession. I’ve been quite involved in the field I qualified in i.e. Estate Management. I’ve not done any other business apart from real estate and I’m enjoying it.

    Going solo

    I started off on my own in 2003 shortly after I left my paid employment. Starting out was tough because when I was leaving my paid employment, I left with nothing: my legs were my vehicle and my core strength was doggedness, patience coupled with resoluteness. These have helped me over the years. I could remember when I started; I would leave home everyday 6.am as if I was going to resume government work. Then I had no office and no car, I go from one street to the other looking out for vacant properties, ones that are dilapidated and require renovations as well as properties that needs remodeling. I kept moving from one street to the other and little by little, clients started taking note of my drive and I started getting jobs to do. Here we are today, it’s been 14 years and the company is still going strong.

    Overcoming teething problems as a start-up

    Challenges are bound to come in whatever you are doing. It came in a lot of ways but I was able to overcome them one after the other. Firstly, I never saw any challenge as the last bus stop, I only see it as a step to going further. There are disappointments whereby you are handling a big project and along the line you are instructed to hands off the project. There is another one that I was in charge of a property and all the occupants were not paying their rents. It’s a big challenge because the clients start feeling that you are not fit for the job. You are the middle man and you are now caught between the two; either to be sympathetic to the occupants or to stand firm on your business ethics and your loyalty to your clients. I can tell you that it has been a very wonderful experience and we’ve been able to surmount so many challenges.

    Success stories thus far

    I got my first opportunity that same year 2003 but the actual work commenced in 2004. I got a call from a client whom I had interacted with while I was in paid employment. And till today as we speak that client remains one of our biggest clients.

    Coping with recession

    There was a boom time where properties were having fictitious values and people were ready to pay any amount of money to acquire any property irrespective of the actual value. Then, it was fun because those in the business felt that they were making a whole lot of money. But I warned a lot of my colleagues in then to be very careful, because as we are experiencing boom now there will definitely be a big bang and when it comes its only the strong ones that will be able to stand, it will be survival of the fittest. How prophetic I was. Today, I tell you if you go to Victoria Island, Lekki, Surulere, Ikeja etc, a lot of properties are just there, nobody is interested in buying them. Every day you see properties for sale and the ones for rent, exhaustive. So many people are now selling to recover debts, to save face; everybody is caught up in recession. I thank God for His grace to still remain in the business.

    Management style

    I ensure that here in Heritage Homes we employ qualified graduates from reputable universities and polytechnics, I’m not particular about tribe and gender but rather, I employ the best brains. I have surveyors in charge of organisations and surveyors in charge of lettings. Aside from immediate staff, I also have subsidiary staff involved in construction and renovation works and they’ve been with the company since inception. I’ve kept all my old hands and over the years, we’ve trained each other and we’ve learnt a lot from each other.

    Modus operandi

    For any business to thrive you definitely must be firm, you must be conscious of the core vision and values of that business. Firstly, you as the head must ensure that you act what you preach and do whatever will help in simplifying your activities to its barest minimum. For instance I don’t send my surveyors to sites without me being there. I go to every location, there is no property my company is handling that I don’t have a one-on-one interaction with the managers as it were. The rule here is that we brainstorm before I ask my subordinates to go to site. I ensure everything is done with close supervision.

    Staff motivation

    I work with my staff, once my subordinates see me on site; they are encouraged to put in their best. I don’t see my staff as just paid employees, but rather, as the foundation of my business. Let them know that irrespective of what you are putting in there you are building an establishment. Secondly, I carry every of my staff along with the financial position of the organisation. I ensure that I don’t hide any account from them. I have some of them as signatories to the company’s account.

    Toughest decisions

    There was this property that one of the occupants of the property was having problem paying his rent and along the line the man died and I could not ask the widow to vacate the building. The owner of the property on the other hand was not listening to any pleas. For all she cared, the widow and the children ought to be ejected from the property. In this case one has to be careful so as not to be the cause of another tragedy, the woman mourning the death of her husband and at the same time being faced with ejection. Few months later, the woman vacated the property, but because we did not throw out the woman’s property the first day the owner asked us to do so, I was instructed to hands off the property. Although, the owner want me back now that she is having problem with occupants of her property but I said no, I’m no longer interested. Another one was the property I was remodeling for someone; we did a lot of breakings among others. But unfortunately, a part of it collapsed thank God no lives were lost. We had another challenge with costing with an artisan and in the process, they left and I had to bring in others. In the process, we incurred the debt of about N2.5million rather than making profit. But in line with my motto ‘service above self’ as far as this work is concerned, it’s always about putting the customers first above all else. I took an overdraft on my own, and ensured the work was completely done. Later, the owners took possession and settled down. As I speak, the same client had given me several jobs over the years and we are still with the company till today. I didn’t allow my loss to affect our business relationship. We’ve recovered from there and have moved on. I also try as much as possible not to handle family properties and if I have to, there has to be a contractual agreement.

    Prospect in real estate business in Nigeria

    The business of real estate in Nigeria cannot die. But there is need for us to know the true value of properties to thrive. Nigerians should try and do away with fictitious values. Also government should create policies that will streamline real estate business to estate matters. Real estate professionals should be allowed to do their work, not quacks.

    Matters arsing from regularity of building collapse

    There are frequent collapsed buildings because of the proliferation of quacks in the profession. People patronise non-professionals out of ignorance because people thought professional are too expensive. This is a major reason for building collapse. Expectedly, government officials should take the blame for this. Apart from government giving approval for constructions, proper inspection should be carried out on site while work is ongoing. Supervision should be done properly. Also the bureaucracies created around getting approval for construction work is also making it easy for non professionals to thrive in real estate business.

    Managing work, life balance

    (Laughs)…It takes an understanding and patient husband and wonderful children. This is coupled with the fact that I’m a restless and busy person. I thank God for everything.

    Passion for humanitarian work

    I joined Rotary Club even years ago. Prior to that time I have been involved in humanitarian work. I have passion for the less privileged in the society. I remember in my younger days, I use to give to the needy from my pocket money. Most times I give out to my detriment, but it has never been a setback. Being a member of Rotary now is doing humanitarian work on a platform with like minds, people that we share the same vision together to give a lift to the less privileged. We have carried out a lot of humanitarian work such as giving of start-up materials like sewing machines, grinding machines, hairdryers, digging of boreholes in the community, etc. We also intend giving out incubator to Isolo General Hospital, donation of computer to public schools, among others. I’m a recipient of so many awards by virtue of my community service. The awards and recognitions are inspiration for me to do more and continue to give back to the society.

    Final word

    My take is that as a human being; try to know who, what and where you are to be able to get advancement into the sphere of life that God has created for you. Once you’re able to do this, you’ll be at peace with yourself and creator.

  • Jim Iyke’s debt case still in court, says manager

    Jim Iyke’s debt case still in court, says manager

    Following a court order served to Nollywood actor Jim Iyke, asking him to pay the sum of 15.7M to a lady by the name Habiba Abubakar, the actor’s manager has revealed that the case is still in the court and there is no definite answer from the side of the actor presently.

    In a chat with The Nation, the manager, simply known as Sam, further stated that by the end of the week, the actor’s camp should be able to come out with a more concrete response.

    Reports alleged that the actor, having been dodging the court for years, has finally been found guilty over the infamous suit Habiba filed against him.

    Recall that Habiba accused Jim of owing her the sum of N16.5 million some years ago.

    She said: “I run a charity organization called Elderly and the Poor, a self-sponsored charity organization. Jim Iyke needed help for his aged mother who is crippled by leg problems and high blood pressure and now bed-ridden. We took her to both England and India.”

    As reported, during the court session, Habiba had proof of the UK visit, as the actor’s mum had stayed with her in her UK residence where she took her for a complete health checkup.

    “We were told what was wrong with her and how much her hospital stay for knee replacement will cost my charity in UK and we have a policy for money, so we decided to take her to India in first class because it’ll be cheaper there, attached are tickets, photos as exhibit no,” she claims in the court reports.

    The report further claims that Jim Iyke finally ran to her for assistance, wanting her to help his new clothing line grow by investing in it, she had no option than to invest, even though she was told by many people that he is bad, but she didn’t want to judge him by what others said.

    “Jim told me he has been on the street since age 11 and that he had no childhood. I cried, because I had a son of that age at that minute. It was really heart breaking. But I realize now that you can take a person off the street but you can’t take street off the person, no matter what you do,” the report also states.

  • Pandemonium at Abuja Airport as irate passengers attack Air Peace duty manager

    Pandemonium at Abuja Airport as irate passengers attack Air Peace duty manager

    •We’ll no longer tolerate attacks on our staff, airline warns

    Pandemonium broke out last night at the departure hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NNIA), Abuja, when irate passengers attacked the duty manager of Air Peace over cancelation of Abuja-Benin flight.

    The passengers got angry when the airline announced the cancellation of the flight.

    The aggrieved passengers, according to eyewitnesses, vented their anger on the duty manager and the airline’s facilities.

    A source said it took the intervention of some men of the Nigerian Air Force, who were invited, to save the duty manager from being killed.

    Confirming the development, the spokesman of Air Peace, Chris Iwarah, said : “While we were making effort to resolve the challenge with the decision to commence our operations very early on Friday, a truck operated by SAHCOL rammed into another of our aircraft at the Benin Airport and the aircraft was again declared unserviceable.

    “The aircraft involved in the Benin incident was scheduled to do seven sectors, including our Abuja-Benin service.

    “Given the development, we had no choice but to cancel our Abuja-Benin service and asked those who were willing to reschedule for Saturday to do so, while others should be immediately refunded.

    “Some passengers, who were to fly with us from Abuja to Benin, however, went violent. They attacked our staff in Abuja and almost killed our duty manager.

    “It took the intervention of Air Force personnel, who were reportedly called in by the airport authorities, to rescue our duty manager from the mob.

    “But that did not prevent the passengers from destroying our facilities. The menacing passengers also prevented others from boarding their own flights, thereby complicating the situation.”

    Meanwhile, Air Peace has condemned the attacks on its staff by some unruly passengers in Abuja, Lagos, Calabar and other parts of the country, warning that it would no longer condone members of the public endangering the lives of its workers.

    A statement issued by the Corporate Communications Manager of Air Peace, Mr. Chris Iwarah, regretted that security agents had failed to halt the trend of members of the public invading airport facilities to attack airline workers.

    The airline said: “On Thursday, April 20, 2017, the winglet of one of our aircraft, which was being towed within the very limited space at the ramp of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos to position for departure, had a partial contact with the stabiliser of another of our aircraft.

    “We subsequently declared the two aircraft unserviceable in line with our high safety standards.

    “We were, therefore, compelled to adjust our schedules to close the gaps created by the two aircraft, which were scheduled to do 14 sectors.

    “While we were trying to salvage the situation, some unruly passengers took the law into their own hands, preventing passengers from boarding and making it impossible for our aircraft to fly.

    “In Abuja, a former number three citizen of this country, whose flight returned to Abuja when it could not land in Enugu due to the closure of the airport at 7 p.m., refused to disembark and incited others to join him in his lawless action.

    “The aircraft was eventually detained overnight in Abuja.

    “The action of the former federal lawmaker and other unruly passengers in our different stations worsened the already difficult schedule we were making effort to save.

    “Some flights we were prepared to operate despite the challenge we were facing were eventually cancelled.

    “In Lagos, some other passengers attacked and almost killed our station manager.

    “Also in Calabar, unruly passengers had an unchallenged day, preventing our aircraft from flying.

    “On Sunday, April 16 our staff were also attacked at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.

    “It is surprising all these attacks could take place at the nation’s airports, a high security environment, without any challenge whatsoever from security agents.

    “The situation has, therefore, left us with no choice but to resort to our right to self-defence to prevent our staff from being killed.

    “We can no longer tolerate unruly passengers maiming our staff simply because we have chosen to provide service in a very challenging environment.