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  • Ogun APC kicks as Amosun appoints VC, others for MAUSTECH

    Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC)  yesterday kicked against new appointments and transactions  by Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, saying these transactions would not be binding on the in-coming government in the state.

    In a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee of APC in the state, Tunde Oladunjoye, it alleged that Governor Ibikunle Amosun- led administration has engaged in last minutes awards of contracts, withdrawals from treasury, sales of land and illegal recruitment of Senator Amosun’s cronies into senior positions of the Ogun State Civil Service, ostensibly to tie the hands of its successor.

    APC noted that such reported transactions are shocking,  and warned members of the general public that such hurried deals would not necessarily be binding on the incoming administration.

    The party stated: “It has come to our notice that the outgoing administration of His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, is busy with last minute awards of contracts, selling and auctioning of government properties, and secret  recruitments into the civil service,  in a way to tie the hands of the incoming Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

    “While we find these reported last-minutes awards of contracts, withdrawals from treasury, sales of land and illegal recruitment of Senator Amosun’s cronies into senior positions of the Ogun State Civil Service, very shocking, our party wishes to warn the members of the general public that such hurried transactions would not necessarily be binding on the incoming administration.

    “We urge Ogun State’s top senior civil servants not to be part of the desperate moves of the departing governor to undermine socio-economic stability of our state, by engaging in, condoning or being part of any act that breaches or constitute a flagrant abuse of laid-down rules, regulations and due process.

    “It is our belief that an administration with less than two months to handover, should, by now, be preparing its handover notes for a smooth transition, instead of digging pits for the incoming government.

    “May we also reiterate here that all loans, overdraft and financial obligations that do not follow due process, including the approval of the Ogun State House of Assembly, would not be honoured…”

  • Suspected ritualist kills 22-yr-old, dumps body inside river

    A suspected ritualist identified simply as Samuel has allegedly killed a 22-year-old , Quadri Omilani and dumped his body in a river in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    It was said that the deceased was lured to a birthday party organized by Samuel, from where he was allegedly seized, bounded and taken to a river where his body was dumped.

    Samuel was also believed to be a suspected internet fraudster otherwise known as yahoo boy.

    According to sources, it was at the party held on March 4, 2019 that Omilani got drunk and posted his photographs at the event on his social media pages.

    The Nation learnt that Samuel urged Omilani to accompany him to see his mother and was being driven toward bush paths when the deceased became suspicious that something was fishy.

    It was at this juncture Omilani told Samuel that he was no longer willing to accompany him to see his mother.

    Sources said Samuel convinced him that his mother was a river goddess priestess and that she has a grove near the river.

    It was gathered that Samuel suddenly brought out a small calabash and gave Omilani, but he declined.

    Read also: Police rescue six year old child sold to ritualist

    Omilani was brutalized, bounded with a rope and spluttered incantations on his body before he was thrown into the river near Oyo dam in the Sabo area of Abeokuta.

    Samuel was said to have confided in a lady called Halimat who was used to lure Omilani to the party that the deceased drowned in a river.

    The lady was given Omilani’s mobile telephone with a stern warning never to answer incoming calls on the phone.

    Exasperated by persistent calls from the siblings of the deceased, Halimat answered their call and relayed what Samuel had told her about Omilani’s tragic death.

    Omilani’s body was later recovered from the river by the police.

    Samuel, according to sources , has since been arrested by the police and transferred to state police command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

    Contacted, the spokesman of Ogun State Police Command, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi said the case has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) where the suspect (Samuel) is currently being detained.

  • YOU DON’T HAVE TO SLEEP WITH ANYBODY IN NOLLYWOOD –NOLLYWOOD FILMMAKER BIODUN STEPHEN

    BIODUN Stephen is a Nigerian film director, writer and producer, who specialises in romantic drama and comedy films. Her first film, The Visit, was one of the first Nollywood movies bought by Netflix and earned AMVCA nomination. OLAITAN GANIU met her at the private screening of her latest movie, Joba and she talks about her biggest fear as a producer, how female filmmakers have been given a space to flourish among other issues.

    Her humble beginning

    AS a teenager, Biodun Stephen dreamt of being an actress, but fate took her through a different route.

    “It was initially acting,” said Stephen who eventually became a film producer.

    “I really wanted to be an actor. I was busy going for auditions, though, it was never about not passing an audition. It was always about not being picked for whatever reason. Also, I think when I was much younger, there were just few men who were as tall as I was, so pairing me was difficult. And when they paired me, they paired me with older men. So, they were automatically doubling my age in real life.”

    For Stephen, she wanted to avoid being typecast, one of flaws on which Nollywood seems to place actors.

    “You know how Nollywood works? The moment you are known for a character, that’s the character you will always be playing. For instance, Carol King, I always assumed she was old. And when I met her 10 years after, she said ‘oh, I am not as old as you think.’ You know because she always plays someone’s mother for a long time, I had a perception that since she is a mom, she must be in her 50s. But alas, she is still young.”

    Investing on upcoming actors

    BUT that was not the only thing Stephen noted about Nollywood. She saw how upcoming actors did not get their breaks and after her own break, she decided she was going to consciously give other actors a chance to shine whenever that opportunity comes.

    “Someone gave me an opportunity in the person of Late Chris of Koga Entertainment. Someone took a gamble on me, so why won’t I do that to others,” she said about her humble beginning.

    “And probably because I have come from a place of hunger. I mean being hungry for the space I am now. And also, because I write my script myself, I need to find the perfect person. If it means that I have to drill talents till we get it right. I like working with young talents because someone needs to give them the chance.”

    Passion and inspiration

    STEPHEN whose ability to do so many things is a perfect definition of ‘Jack of all trades.’

    “On my own part, I was confused for so long. One of the crises I suffered from was an ability to do so many things. I can write, act, directing, present and so on.”

    She added: “I was on radio for a long time which has helped me to find my purpose as a film maker because I did a talk show on radio which was about sharing life issues. So that helped me to realise that even as a film maker, whatever I am writing has to speak the truth and help someone find peace.”

    Her fresh-out-of-Film School movie, The Visit, instantly shot her into limelight, received accolades from movie practitioners as well as netting international endorsement.

    “My maiden movie, The Visit, was one of the first Nollywood movies bought by Netflix,” Stephen said.

    “When I wrote it then, my goal was just to produce a fantastic movie with small budget, but it turned out big and received great accolades. It was on Netflix, Africa Magic, Rok TV, Ebony Life, and other platforms.”

    Female filmmakers overtaking

    And proud to be a part of the growing folds of Nollywood female filmmakers, Stephen remains focused on producing more amazing movies.

    “The paradigm has shifted,” she said with smile.

    “The top films of last year were made by women. Women have been given a space to flourish, career wise, in this field. I think the men are out there supporting us. People like Amaka Igwe and Emem Isong paved the way. That evolution has also brought women to the fore. I am happy for Nollywood. I am happy that a lot of things have changed. Now, you can have a talent in industry and the talent is recognised without having to sleep with anybody or kiss anybody’s ass.”

    Her biggest fear

    However, revealing her biggest fear as a producer, Stephen said, “I think one of my biggest fears is accepting money to shoot a movie, though I do get several offers.”

    “In as much as content is king, the demand for it is getting higher but the remuneration is getting lower. Producers who have made huge box office returns, check out what they have put in and their returns. If you say you make N100million in cinema, split that in three ways first before you start considering returns on investment from the one-third that comes to you.”

    And airing her view on the talk around town that Netflix, owning a particular Nollywood series, might tamper with the originality of the story, Stephen disagrees.

    “I doubt if they will tamper with the originality because it’s the authenticity of the story that will make it different. You can’t sell sand to the Arabs. They already have enough sand. I think what they will focus on will be on technicalities, qualities, production value and picture but the core of the story, I doubt if they will tamper with it because that’s what will make it different.”

  • Asian-African Leadership Forum honours business leaders

    The impact of the Asian-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACII) Intercontinental Leadership Forum held in New Delhi, India  will linger on for a very long time.

    The forum, which drew diplomats from various countries, including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Korea, Mallawi and South Africa with over 250 professionals and many industrial sectors, had its theme dedicated to the United Nations Sustainable Developmental Goals 2030.

    Leadership awards were conferred on leaders and organizations that have shown exceptional pace-setting performances in developing businesses.

    In his opening address, the Founder and Chairman of AACCI, Dr. G.D. Singh, called for collaboration between African and Asian countries for the development of business in Asia and Africa.

    He described the forum “as the first of its kind which gave an open platform which amalgamates the most brilliant talents and empowers the leaders of tomorrow.”

    In his own contribution, Mr. Chris Eze, Nigerian High Commissioner in India, highlighted the existing relationship between India and Nigeria in various areas, including agriculture, defence, trade, capacity building, health care, infrastructure and socio-cultural relations.

    He added that “India is a developmental partner of Nigeria with emphasis on strong knowledge and experience with a view to improving capacity building in diverse areas.”

    In his own contribution, Mr. Maxwell Ranga, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe in India, emphasized the need to tap natural synergies between India and Zimbabwe and scope for engagement in health care, agriculture, hospitality, infrastructure and SME sectors.

    The Asian-African Chamber of Commerce (AACCI) and Indian Importers Chamber of Commerce signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will strengthen business relations and develop reciprocal cooperation to establish a practical framework to facilitate the development of stronger business relations between the two chambers.

    All dignitaries at the event emphasized the role of Africa in the next economic boom and chambers like AACCI would be elemental in catalyzing this boom.

  • Motorcycle association welcomes restriction, laments killing of members

    National Association of commercial motorcycle and tricycle owners and riders association has applauded the imposition of curfew on motorcycles and tricycles in Zamfara State, considering the escalating security situation in the state where its members are made to be the scapegoats.

    “We have been receiving reports of our members being killed, machete or doped while their motorcycles carted away, especially in the night hours,  but with the curfew on motorcycles and tricycles in place, the reports are no more there.”

    Zamfara State chairman of the association, Usman Muhammad Haido, disclosed this to The Nation while reacting to imposition of restriction of motorcycle and tricycle from 7PM to 6AM in the state.

    Haido explained that when security threat is rampant, drastic measures that may not augur well to many people have to be taken to arrest the situation.

    He revealed that they had wanted the curfew hours to be reduced from 9PM to 6AM but considering the situation at hand, it has changed their demand after their meeting with the state Commissioner of Police Thursday.

    “We have also told the police that if any of our member is caught violating the law,  he should face the full wrath of the law as we cannot go to ask for his bail and if they arrest anybody without ID Card, then he is not our member, “ Haido said

    He revealed that restrictions of the movements of motorcycles in Zamfara State have been existence for years.

    According to him it is only when security threat becomes low that the law is relaxed saying that the law should have not been imposed on all the local governments but that also becomes necessary in order to fully control the situation.

  • Melaye damaged two police vehicles while attempting to escape from custody — Witness

    A prosecution witness told a Federal Capital Territory  High Court at Apo, Abuja, yesterday that Senator  Dino Melaye damaged two police vehicles in an attempt to escape from custody.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dennis Agbi made the allegation while testifying in the ongoing case of attempted suicide, attempt to escape from custody and damage to police property filed against Melaye.

    Melaye, who represents the Kogi West Senatorial District, is facing a trial on six counts of attempted suicide, attempt to escape from custody and damage to police property.

    The witness informed the court that while he was on duty on April 24, 2018 as a  member of the IGP Special Tactical Squad,a white-coloured Toyota Hilux with Registration No. MKA 603 GY, was brought to him to record as exhibit.

    He said when he inspected the evidence,  he discovered that the right headlight of the van and part of the vehicle bumper were damaged.

    Read also: Saraki, Melaye, Murray-Bruce urged to surrender

    Agbi said he  marked the Hilux as exhibit NO. CER/STS/11/2018A in his records.

    The vehicle was brought to court

    He said the front right side mirror and left side back window glass were of the  second vehicle, a white Hiace bus,were also broken.

    After the inspection of the vehicles by the judge, they were admitted and marked as exhibits by the court.

    The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Jovi Oghojafor, said that the Certified True Copy of the records of exhibit was not available to be tendered in court.

    He further requested for an adjournment to enable him bring it at the next adjourned day.

    Justice Silvanus Oriji adjourned the case until May 16, May 27 and May 28.

  • Board ratifies NFVCB 2018 budget, lauds agency’s leadership

    MEMBERS of the board of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) have commended the Executive Director of the agency, Mr. Adedayo Thomas over some reforms on effective steering of Nigerian movie industry.

    NAN reports that the board members noted in Abuja, on Tuesday, that the film censors board, under its current leadership, has been repositioned for better staff welfare and relationship with relevant stakeholders and industry players.

    According to Mr. Lawal Mai-Arewa, Acting Chairman of the Board, “Before we were constituted, the NFVCB as an agency of government has no board until Adedayo Thomas was appointed to head it.

    “So, when he assumed office as the Executive Director, he met a lot of challenges facing the organisation, such as poor staff welfare, accommodation problems and very poor stakeholders-relationship.

    “As a board, we give him a pass mark today, and we are very committed to working with him because he has changed the story for good.

    “In the meeting today, we have ratified the 2018 budget because it was well implemented, as staff welfare, programs and other initiatives other agency are well taken care of,” he said.

    Thomas, who assumed office in March, 2017, spoke on some of his reforms that have taken place in the agency within the two years he had so far.

    He said: “When I assumed office, there was no effective enforcement operation and today that has changed, I even go to the field on enforcement operations.

    “Staff welfare, which was at zero level before I came, is now a topmost priority with two successful promotion exercises conducted under my watch, and that has not happened for a long time.

    “Officers at all levels now have the opportunity to attend film festivals and other relevant events that expose them to how the industry works at the global stage.

    “The board is currently on its media literacy campaign across the six geo-political zones, where Nigerians, especially youths are sensitized on the menace of  piracy and spreading hate speeches on the internet, among others.”

    Corroborating Mai-Arewa, another board member, Hon. Zuwaire Gambo said that for the first time, they are able to understand their roles as board members, and have decided to work according to the mandate of the board.

    “Based on the minutes and reports presented by him, he has shown accountability, prudence and transparency in the day-to-day running of the NFVCB,” she said, adding that, “as an industry person himself, the Executive Director has been able to come up with initiatives and programs that boost the morale of his workforce towards better service delivery by the board. This is what is making it easy for all the board members to key into his vision for the board.”

    She urged members of staff and the management team of the board to support the Executive Director in his poise towards building a strong agency, saying that the task of regulating the evolving Nigeria’s film and video sector, reputed to be largest in Africa and second in the world, was enormous and required a strong and united board.

  • …cleric urges FG to declare state-of-emergency

    The Chief Imam of Al-Furqan Mosque in Kano, Dr Bashir Omar, has urged the Federal Government to declare state-of-emergency in Zamfara State to address incessant kidnappings and killing of innocent citizens.

    He made the call in his sermon during prayers in the mosque on Friday.

    Omar said that the call was necessary in order to check the wanton killings currently going on in the state.

    “The wanton killings and kidnappings can only be stopped through the introduction of State-of-Emergency by the Federal Government.

    “The people of Zamfara State deserve pity and all forms of compassion to enjoy a peaceful living because the pogrom has consumed many lives with almost no end in sight.

    “This is not the first time I am calling on the Federal Government to declare a State-of-Emergency in the state to end the killings,” he said.

    According to him, the perpetrators of the dastardly acts are made to have a field day in the absence of punitive measures on ground to checkmate such despicable atrocities.

    The cleric stressed the need for the government to match its words with action on how to end the disturbing spate of criminal banditry in the state.

    He stated that kidnapping innocent citizens on the highways and other secluded areas had become a money-spinning business.

    “Only those who lack absolute fear of Allah turned kidnapping as a business hence our decision to call for the imposition of emergency rule to put the abduction kingpins out of business.”

  • PTAD pays N2.6bn as arrears to pensioners

    The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) said yesterday that it had paid N2,608,455,504.24 (Two Billion, Six Hundred and Eight Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand, Five Hundred and Four Naira, Twenty Four Kobo Only)  to 103,710 Civil Service pensioners.

    The payment, according to PTAD, is the balance of the 33 percent pension increase to pensioners in the civil service which has dragged on for several years.

    It also explained that the payment  ”is the final tranche being made to Civil Service pensioners on the 6 months arrears of 33% pension increment and is in fulfilment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration’s commitment to pensioners’ welfare.”

    Read also: ICPC praises PTAD on fight against scammers

    It recalled that in July 2010, the Federal Government announced a 33% pension increase for pensioners with payment of the increment commencing from January 2014 leaving arrears of 42 months outstanding.

    It added: “out of the 42 months that was outstanding as at 2014, 24 months was paid in 2016, 6 months was paid in 2017, while 6 months was paid in November 2018.

    “The Directorate has now cleared the backlog of the 33% pension arrears of three main Departments of Civil Service Pension Department, Police Pension Department and Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Department.

    It pledged that the backlog of 33% arrears owed Parastatal Pensioners will be cleared in due course.

  • Osun CSDP meets, reviews status of developmental projects

    As part of efforts to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of various developmental projects in the local communities across Osun State, Local Council Managers and Desk Officers in Osun have reviewed their activities for the first quarter of this year.

    The review was facilitated by the Osun State Community and Social Development Project (Osun-CSDP). The CMs and DOs from the 30 council areas and 38 Local Council Development Areas, Administrative Offices and Area Councils highlighted their activities towards the maintenance and functionality of CSDP assisted projects.

    Read also: How we’re keeping peace in Osun, others, by AIG

    The CMs and DOs presented the status reports of the projects in their respective council areas and reported how they adopted Community Driven Development (CDD) Approach in the process.

    In their presentations, the CMs and DOs also gave status reports of the projects in their councils and also revealed the challenges militating against the effectiveness of  projects.

    The projects reviewed at the meeting include, boreholes, transformers for electrification, health centers, road, civic centers, community libraries and vulnerable groups targeted interventions among others.