The Nation Newspaper

Tag: releases

  • Ekiti CJ releases 40 prison inmates

    The Ekiti State Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Ayodeji Daramola, has released 44 awaiting trial inmates (ATIs) at the Federal Prisons, Ado-Ekiti.

    Justice Daramola granted them amnesty based on ill health, want of evidence and lack of diligent prosecution during the first prison visit of the year.

    Justice Daramola released 34 of them unconditionally, four on no case submission while five had their bail conditions reviewed and one was granted bail on liberal terms.

    Armed robbery suspects topped the ATI list with 147 inmates, out of which 15 were set free.

    Murder case came second on the list with 62 inmates out of which only four regained freedom.

    Rape cases have 25 suspects out of which only two were pardoned.

    Justice Daramola, while releasing a detainee, Folorunso Ogundana, who had been discharged and acquitted by the court since 2014, urged stakeholders to desist from flouting court order.

    The CJ, who applauded the improvement of the prison services and condition of the inmates, called for more buildings.

    He commended the state Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Gbemiga Adaramola and the Police Officer in-charge of Legal Matters, Mr Femi Falade, urging them to put more efforts at ensuring that cases were procesed timely.

    The state Comptroller of the Ado Ekiti Prison, Mr Afolabi Akinyemi advised the freed inmates to stay away from crime.

  • Tony Okoroji releases ‘Oriaku’

    Music icon, Tony Okoroji’s new recording, ‘Oriaku (New School)’ is finally set for national and international release on radio, TV and across several digital media platforms.

    TOPS, the 360 Degrees entertainment company run by Chief Tony Okoroji, in a statement signed by Babatunde Odubanwo, announced that all is set for the release of the song and its video. The sweet song ‘Oriaku’ with the thumping bass guitar line, was a key song in Tony Okoroji’s iconic album, “Juliana”, which used to burn up the dance floor across the country.

    “We have re-oxygenated Oriaku,” said Okoroji, who is currently Chairman of the Board of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON).

    “It has a new groove. You need to listen to this beautiful song to appreciate what I am talking about. This is not a re-mix but a completely brand-new recording with new orchestration. Working with TOPS All Stars, my young team of very talented creative artistes, we have kept the essential elements of the great song and brought in a fresh new feel to give what we call ‘Oriaku New School’ a new groove.  I believe that lovers of good music, young and old, will rock to this new sound. The video is also very-very electrifying.”

    The video shoot of Oriaku New School had the photography directed by the prince of video animation, Ademola Tajudeen popularly called ‘Awoko’. According to Awoko, “we have spared nothing in creating a music video that will stand the test of time wherever in the world it is seen. There is a lot of colours, exceedingly beautiful women and a lot of dance, both traditional and contemporary. If you know Chief Tony Okoroji, then you know that I have worked with a man who does not accept mediocrity. Tony Okoroji only goes for the very best.”

  • Accountant releases debut single 

    An accountant-turn gospel minstrel, Toyin Grace, also known as Teegrace has released her debut album titled Redeemer. The event took place at The Redeemers Christian Church of God, Lekki, Lagos.

    The soul-lifting dynamic nine-tracker has been produced by one of Nigeria’s finest music producers, Wole Oni. The album features blessing Irorere, Reigny Franklin, Nene Ukpo, Joy Obiekwu, Clifford Hnery, Melody Gabriel, Philladephia kes and Annie Jonathan.

    Speaking at the launch, Teegrace said: “I ventures into gospel music because God has called me to minister to my world, the message of repentance and reconciling men to God.”

    The artiste who said that her entry into the music industry is with a difference, added, “I am not an artiste but a minstrel. I am sent to save souls, restore backsliders, heal and deliver the oppressed from the shackles of the enemy.”

    She stressed that gospel music has the intrinsic power to change the world. “No matter the challenges faced by man, gospel music sang by men who are redeemed can do wonders that will shake the world.

    “I took a number of risks with this album and during the process l learnt to appreciate other different genre of music that I would have never thought I would enjoy or see myself doing,” she said.

    Teegrace opined that it is often easy to get discouraged, but, when we focus on God’s direction and plans for our life, we can overcome the urge to flee His plan.

    She added that to get the attention of our youth, our music must be danceable and enriching with soul-lifting lyric.

  • Psalm Peters releases ‘Almighty God’

    Gospel artiste Psalm Peters has released a new single titled ‘Almighty God.’

    The Ekiti State born artiste whose real name is Adeleye Peters said the song is about the awesomeness of God.

    According to Psalm Peters, he did not venture into music by chance.

    “It is the best thing I can ever do to make me complete and happy,” he said.

    “Singing is part of my life, just like when you can’t separate water from fish.”

    The musician who has over ten tracks to his credit said his mentors include Decovenant, Kingsley Ike, Dr Panam Percy Paul, Sammie Okposo, Soji  Isreal and Mike Abdu, among others.

    He also said he would have gone into auto trade if he wasn’t doing music.

    “I love anything automobile both mechanical and after sales services,” he said.

    He further said that life has taught him to give his best in whatever he found himself doing and never allow challenges to swallow him up.

    “I come out of it with quest to succeed,” he said.

  • NBA electoral committee releases list of cleared candidates

    The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has released a list of cleared candidates to contest the association’s July 27 and 28 elections.

    Those cleared to contest for the NBA presidency are Paul Usoro (SAN), Prof Ernest Ojukwu (SAN) and Chief Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN).

    Former NBA General Secretary Mazi Afam Osigwe was not cleared.

    Imo Stanley Chidozie was cleared and is unopposed for the office of first vice president.

    For the office of second vice president, those cleared were Benedict Nwosa Oji, Dr. Foluke Olayemi Dada, John O. Aikpokpo-Martins and Oludare Akande except Habeeb Adedotun Adebayo Adetunji .

    Only Theophilus Terhile Igba was cleared for the office of third vice president. Abimbola Adesola Sunday and Odo Everastus Okechukwu were not.

    All the aspirants for the office of General Secretary were cleared. They are Musa Alhaji Ya’u, Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe, Dr. Ojibara Mobolaji Idris, Chief Rafiu Oyeyemi Balogun and Jonathan Gunu Taidi.

    Also cleared were three aspirants for the office of treasurer, namely Obianuju Mary Chukwuma Okafor, Mercy Ijato Agada and Olagbegi Oloba Victoria Banke.

    Two aspirants, Olayinka Oyeniyi Farounbi and Nnamdi Innocent Eze, were cleared to run for legal adviser.

    Williams Ekpo Anwan and Olukunle Edun were cleared to run for publicity secretary, but Abdulrasheed Ibrahim was not cleared.

    Anyai Sabastine and Joshua Enemali Usman were both cleared to run for welfare secretary.

    For the office of financial secretary, Dorcas Nnennaya Ngwu was cleared, but Elias Emeka Anosike was not.

    A statement by the ECNBA Chairman Prof Auwal Yadudu and Secretary Bolaji Agoro said the election would “principally” be by electronic voting based on universal suffrage.

    “Aware of the importance of the voters list, the committee had written letters to the branches to demand for the list of eligible voters and have received from each of the 125 branches of the association a list of their eligible members.

    “We are at the moment working with the lists received from the Branches and will publish a comprehensive voters register at least 28 days before the Elections as specified in the Guidelines and NBA Constitution.

    “The committee has also held discussions with technical service providers and obtained proposals from them and in due course, the Committee will engage the best company with the requisite expertise and capacity to handle the e-voting exercise with integrity,” the committee said.

    On campaign, it said: “Campaigns shall be strictly guided by the provisions of the Electoral Guidelines earlier published on April 2018 11, and the NBA Constitution, particularly paragraphs 2.3 (f),(g) and (h) which provides as follows:

    “‘2.3(f) candidates shall submit by email not more than four pages of A4 size electronic copy of their Curriculum Vitae, comprehensive manifesto and other campaign materials to the electoral committee for publication in the NBA Website, not later than the day fixed by the Electoral Committee (June 22, 2018)

    “‘2.3 (g) the publication, printing or distribution of any campaign materials, gifts and any form of souvenir whatever by a candidates or the supporter(s) is hereby prohibited and any candidates who contravenes this provisions shall be disqualified from being voted for.”

    According to the committee, any disqualified aspirant who is aggrieved may within seven days of the communication of the decision, appeal against such decision. Such appeal should be presented not later than June 22. The ECNBA upon the receiving an appeal will consider it and give its decision within 14 days.

     

  • Tomi Owó releases new music video

    NIGERIAN singer and songwriter, Tomi Owó, in collaboration with HelaBase and Samsung, has released a new music video titled ‘Linger.’

    Written by the artiste, the song is part of an audio-visual campaign collaboration with Hela Base, the creators of premiere Afrocentric popular culture entertainment, and Samsung, the globally recognized technology company.

    Her soft, smooth vocal tenor and superb writing skills, shine through in this sweet piece of music and art. Derived from the depth of this sound, the music video was shot to capture the story told within the song.

    ‘Linger’ is available on global music platforms such as Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Spinlet, Amazon Music, BoomPlay, and Deezer.

    The artiste began her music career in 2015 with the one song a month project, that culminated in the release of “PIECES,” a compilation of songs from that initiative.

    In 2017 she embarked on the Nostalgia Sessions project to cover golden songs from back in the day.

  • Ganduje releases N 344.6 polio fund

    The Kano State government has released N344, 671,368 million as its counterpart funding in the tripartite agreement with Dangote Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for the 2018 poliomyelitis immunisation.

    Commissioner for Information Muhammad Garba, who addressed reporters after the state executive meeting yesterday, said Governor Umar Ganduje is committed to ensuring that children under five are fully immunised against polio.

    He said: “In the last three years, Kano has not recorded any polio outbreak and we want to continue to sustain this record. The government is investing hugely on health. You are aware that the health sector is allocated over 13 per cent of the 2018 budget.

    “Just recently, the Dangote Foundation and Bill and Melinda gates Foundation hailed the government for the success recorded so far in the fight against diseases like polio, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, measles and other child-killer diseases.”

    Garba added that the council approved the release of over N22 million to procure two million assorted seedlings to checkmate desertification.

    The council also approved N417,310,519 for the Ministry of Works to build roads and drainages in Ganduje town, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, and another N32 million to build low-cost housing estates.

    Ganduje has approved the appointment of Aminu Kabir Yassar as the Director-General, Media and Communications in the Government House.

    Before his appointment, Yassar was Director of Press to the governor.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, said Salihu Tanko Yakasai, who was former Director-General, Media and Communications, has been moved to the Social Media department as Special Adviser to the governor on social media.

    Abba Auwal, a reporter with Guardian Newspaper in Kano, has been appointed as the governor’s Chief Press Secretary.

    The appointments take immediate effect.

  • Reps summon Adeosun, others over military budget releases

    Reps summon Adeosun, others over military budget releases

    •As Army boss canvasses for Military Trust Fund

    The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and her Budget and National Planning counterpart, Sen. Udo Udoma have been summoned by the House Representatives to explain budget releases to the nation’s security agencies this year.

    The  Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele was also expected to appear alongside the others before House Committee on Army next Monday on the same issue.

    Chairman of the Committee, Rimande Shawulu made the disclosure yesterday during a one-day public hearing on the need to re-energise the nation’s security agencies to meet up with their primary responsibilities.

    Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the hearing include Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre,( CISLAC), Policy and Legal Advocacy  Centre (PLAC ) and Network on Police Reforms (NPR) among others.

    According to Shawulu, the current socio-economic and political situation of the country has made it neccesary for the military and other security agencies to be accountable.

    “Security agencies must reflect the huge funds they garner from private and public companies in their annual budgets to be said to be accountable,” he said.

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai said the military needed a National Defence Act to enhance its operations.

    Represented by Maj. Gen. Lamidi Adeosun of the Defence Headquarters, Buratai  also called for the establishment of a national Security Trust Fund.

    According to him, the  fund will provide a platform for the engagement of individuals and corporate entities for better funding of the security agencies.

  • Development Bank releases N5b for 20,000 MSMEs

    Development Bank releases N5b for 20,000 MSMEs

    The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), has started its lending activities to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) valued at over N5billion.

    This initial facility will be available to over 20,000 Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) through three Microfinance institutions.

    Speaking at the commencement of lending activities in Abuja yesterday, the Managing Director of DBN, Tony Okpanachi, said “the DBN loan repayment tenure is flexible (up to 10 years with a moratorium period of up to 18 months) and the pricing is pragmatic and referenced to market rates.”

    On the applicable interest rates, he said the rates will be “bench marked against the current macroeconomic rates, so as the macroeconomic situation improves and the rates are going down, our rates too will go down unlike when we come out with fix rates irrespective of whatever the macroeconomic situation is.”

    He said the bank’s intervention will come on a systematic basis, it will begin to bring down interest rates, not the kind where you come in and announce an interest rate that is not sustainable. One thing for us is long term sustainability of the businesses.”

    Speaking on his engagement with the MSMEs, Okpanachi said “a lot of the issues they have, arose because the funds are always short term funds, but the funds the DBN will provide will ensure that it will influence the rates to be much more lower than what they are getting now.”

    He said the bank is “going to provide those funding in such a way that will reflect  the macroeconomic environment, such that when macroeconomics go down of course interest rates will go down as well.”

    He said: “In crafting DBN, lessons were learnt from the past experiences of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) over the last 50 years. The idea behind DBN is to have an institution that will be self sustaining so that eventually, it can go to the market, both local and international to raise funds and continue its business. The issue of subsidy which is not sustainable is not part of the business model.”

    The credit facility to MSMEs he said will be channeled through “three Participating Financial Institutions, all of who are National Micro Finance Institutions with coverage all over the nation: they are: Fortis Microfinance Bank Plc; LAPO Microfinance Bank Ltd and NPF Microfinance Bank Plc.”

    Responding to questions from journalists on the true nature of DBN, Okpanachi stated that “the Nigerian economy is powered by the MSMEs, however unstructured. The activities within this segment account for over 50% of Nigeria’s GDP. However, less than 5% of these businesses have access to credit in the financial system.

    “Statistics show that there are over 37 million MSMEs in Nigeria. However, regardless of the number, many of these businesses still struggle with access to adequate financing.

    “With an increasing educated demography graduating from tertiary educational institutions, coming home to meet limited vacancies in the job market, and a corresponding number in the diaspora returning to Nigeria to create value, solve problems and start businesses, the time for DBN is now. Existing financing options are inadequate to address the demands of the segment.

    “It is against this context that the DBN loan will provide sustainable financing to Nigeria’s burgeoning MSME segment.”

  • Experts urge probe of Paris Club releases

    Experts have urged state Houses of Assembly to probe Paris Club disbursements.

    With indications that the Federal Government will release another tranche of Paris Club disbursements to states  soon, the experts have challenged state Houses of Assembly to probe earlier releases.

    Former House of Representatives member and economic expert, Anthony Aziegbemi, told The Nation that “the process adopted in the payment of this Paris Club refund has not been very transparent and this can give room for abuse”,

    The government, he said, “needs to tell Nigerians what this refund is all about and since the monies are not appropriated in the budget, how does the National Assembly and the state Houses of Assembly oversight this expenditure.”

    He then called “on the Houses of Assembly to organise public hearings on how much has been received and how it was spent”.

    Odilim Enwegbara, a development economist and financial expert, and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Pan Africa Development Corporate Company (PADCC), described the states as “federating units, so they are quasi- independent of the Federal Government. For this reason, they are never accountable to the Federal Government nor to federal lawmakers, but rather to their states’ Houses of Assembly.”

    He noted: “Since what they’re requesting from the president isn’t a federal loan, I can’t understand why they should have the Federal Government dictate to them how they should spend their money. Let their own state lawmakers with such mandate toscrutinise them be the ones coming up with how the governors should and on what the money should be spent on.”

    The Federal Government has indicated interest to release another tranche of Paris Club funds to state governments to pay beleaguered state workers their outstanding salaries and allowances.

    However, for the next tranche of funds to be released, the Federal Government is considering what conditions to tie the releases to, so that governors would use the funds for what they’re meant for.