INEC redeploys Edo, Ekiti REC, reopens collection of PVC in Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo.

INEC redeploys Edo, Ekiti REC, reopens collection of PVC in Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has redeployed the Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) in Edo and Ekiti states to Bayelsa and Lagos States respectively.

The commission has also announced the collection of Permanent Voters Cards in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states ahead of the off-circle elections in the three states scheduled for November 11.

In a statement signed by the newly appointed national commissioner in charge of Information and voter education, Sam Olumekun mni, the commission said while Obo Effanga takes over in Bayless state, Prof. Ayobami Salami heads to Lagos from Ekiti.

He said the redeployment of the new RECs followed the expiration of the tenure of the RECs in Bayelsa and Lagos states,

Olumekun also said that the collection of Permanent Voters Cards will only affect the three states where the governorship election will take place.

The statement reads: “In continuation of our preparations for the forthcoming off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, lmo and Kogi States, the Commission has approved the resumption of collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for registered voters who could not collect their PVCs before the suspension of the exercise on 5th February 2023 ahead of the last General Election.

“The current exercise only covers the three states where Governorship elections will be held on Saturday 11th November 2023.

“The PVCs will be available for collection at all our Local Government area offices in the three states: eight in Bayelsa, 27 in Imo and 21 in Kogi.

“In addition, the Commission has created other designated centres with a large number of uncollected PVCs. The details of all centres will be made available by the Resident Electoral Commissioners in the three states.

“The Commission has earmarked weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm for the collection of PVCs for a period of four weeks from 11th September – 9th October 2023.

“The Commission once again enjoins all political parties and candidates to conduct themselves peacefully and to avoid utterances and actions capable of causing a breach of peace in their ongoing campaigns”.

DSS Arrests Officials Diverting FG’s Palliatives.

DSS Arrests Officials Diverting FG’s Palliatives.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Tuesday, nabbed some officials of State Emergency Management Agency diverting palliatives meant for the citizens to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

Some of the suspects arrested at a popular market in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital where the items were being resold included officials of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) and their accomplices.

Spokesman of the secret police, Peter Afunanya, who disclosed the development to journalists in Abuja, explained that some of the diverted items were recovered from the suspects.

Afunanya called on members of the public who may have information relating to the emerging trend to report same to the relevant security agencies for necessary action, saying the culprits would be punished according to laws.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) has received reports from some State Governments relating to diversion or sale of palliatives meant for their citizens.

“Consequently, the Service undertook investigations in that regard and has recovered some of the items as well as apprehended the suspects,” the DSS spokesman noted.

He noted that while their operation was ongoing in other states, the service has already intercepted a suspected criminal syndicate in Nasarawa State responsible for the diversion and sale of the palliatives meant for the vulnerable in the place.

The federal government had a few weeks ago shared thousands of bags of rice, a staple food, across 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory in order to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal, particularly on the vulnerable citizens.

Hon Ojuawo Congratulates Senator Adaramodu on his victory at Court.

Hon Ojuawo Congratulates Senator Adaramodu on his victory at Court.

Hon (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, Member of house of representatives representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1 has joined the good people of Ekiti South Senatorial District to congratulate  Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, on his victory at court.

In his Congratulatory message, Ojuawo said, 'it was cheering news to the good people of Ekiti South Senatorial District to have Our dear distinguished Senator win his case at tribunal against Senator Abiodun Olujimi.

 'your victory is a testament to our people resolve on 25th February 2023 election to return the  south senatorial District to the progressive fold having been in opposition for two consecutive term. We are happy with your victory at the court, who affirmed your electoral victory collectively to the opposition.

Speaking further, Ojuawo stressed that the judgement will now allow our distinguished senator to concentrate on his primary assignment at the senate and also in his public engagement as senate spokesman. 'I am confident that this victory will energize your soul and spirit toward the task ahead at the red chamber and also as Committee chairman on media and publicity', 

'I use this opportunity to appreciate the courts for being the hope of common man and justice to the oppresed. We shall continue to uphold and respect the sanctity of our judiciary in their resolve' Ojuawo added.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM.

𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗬 𝗔𝗗𝗘 👑: 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗝𝗨𝗝𝗨 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗠𝗬 𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡.

𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗬 𝗔𝗗𝗘 👑: 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗝𝗨𝗝𝗨 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗠𝗬 𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡.

𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗲 (Real Name: Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, born 22 September 1946) is a 77-year-old Nigerian jùjú singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is counted among Africa’s first pop musicians to become successful internationally.

Best described as the king of Juju music and a major inspiration to younger Nigerian artists such as Lagbaja, 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗲 (KSA) has come a long way in the Nigerian music industry and beyond. The iconic singer holds many impressive records, titles, and awards, some of which are yet to be surpassed by any Nigerian singer or entertainer. For instance, 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗲 is the first Nigerian to have received a Grammy nomination.

He has also been recognized severally both within and outside his home country for his contribution to the world of music, including being dubbed as “One of the World’s Great Band Leaders” by The New York Times; he was inducted into the Afropop and Hard Rock Cafe Hall of Fame. Dubbed ‘The Chairman,’ the Afropop legend, to date, is considered one of Africa’s most influential artists and West Africa’s number one juju king.

The veteran music star was welcomed into the world as Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye on the 22nd day of September 1946, in Osogbo, Osun State but originally hails from Ondo State. He was born to a mother who was a trader and a father who was a church organist. His parents both hail from royal families, with his maternal grandfather being a King in Akure in Ondo State.

At the age of 8, 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗲 lost his father, Samuel Adeniyi Adegeye, to death. As such, he was left with his mother, Princess Maria Adegeye, who raised him. His mother, who died in 2010 at the age of 112, was a major force in molding the man KSA grew up to become. Although the veteran singer has many siblings, with a number of them being strict while growing up and wanting him to act like royalty, other details about them remain unknown.

He attended a grammar school in Ondo but later dropped out after a few years to join the Lagos-based highlife band Federal Rhythm Dandies in 1963 at the age of 17.

𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗲 got his stage name by shortening his real name when the Green Sports band was formed. He adopted the name because he didn’t want his family, who thought he was in Lagos in school, to find out he had started his band. Nevertheless, KSA quickly rose to become the king of Juju music and remained in that position for decades.

𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗲 musical career began in Lagos in 1963 when he joined singer Moses Olaiya’s highlife band called Federal Rhythm Dandies. Seven years later, the singer launched a band called The Green Spots, which he later renamed African Beats and then Golden Mercury. Famed for his classic guitar touches and dancing steps, Adé has embarked on several tours within Africa, Europe, and America.

He released his debut album titled “Juju Music” in 1982 under Island Records, while his second album titled: “Syncro System” was released a year later. The latter earned him his first Grammy Award nomination, while “Odu,” which he released in 1988, earned him his second Grammy Award nomination. As is common with a few Yoruba artists.

He collaborated with notable stars like Stevie Wonder, Bola Abimbola, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, and Manu Dibango. Besides his illustrious musical career, King Sunny Ade has a nightclub, a studio for budding musicians, a performing arts center, and a foundation. He is also a visiting lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. A recipient of the national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗲 was rewarded for his immense contribution to the world industry at the International Reggae and World Music Awards in 2008.

He was inducted into the Afropop Hall of Fame at the Brooklyn African Festival in the U.S. in July 2009. His music has been featured in a handful of Hollywood movies. In 1983, his song played in the film “Breathless” and the 1986 comedy series “One More Saturday Night.” He was appointed a ‘change’ ambassador in March 2017 by Nigerian minister Lai Mohammed.

The singer at present has over 100 songs to his name and about 20 albums. All of his songs are hits as each sold nothing below 150,000 copies, He has shared stages with modern music acts that include Wizkid, Asa, D’banj, and TuFace. At his current age of 76, KSA, who has composed about 3,000 songs, does not see himself retiring from music but intends to sing till he dies.

The Singer Has 7 Wives and Over 15 Children. Also, at that time, the music legend made it known that he cherishes education, and since he could not get a University education, he works hard towards making sure that his children get it. In this regard, he said none of his daughters will ever get married without obtaining a university degree. 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗲 is also a grandfather. Some of the grandchildren are adults, but other details about the private life of the music legend and details about them remain concealed.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴? 

Gossip House

President Tinubu Partners with Oracle for Technological Advancements in Public Service.

President Tinubu Partners with Oracle for Technological Advancements in Public Service.                                                              By: Olamide Akinwumi 

President Bola Tinubu, in a forward-looking move to digitize the public service and enhance the efficient use of public funds, has announced a partnership with global technology leader Oracle. During a meeting with Oracle's Global Vice President, Mr. Andres Garcia Arroyo, at the State House, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of accurate and transparent data for effective public sector planning and accountability across various sectors.

The President welcomed Oracle's commitment to supporting Nigeria's civil service reform process and data management sector. He stressed the need for knowledge transfer through the establishment of academies and training institutions in the country to ensure the successful implementation of cutting-edge technology.

President Tinubu, drawing from his experience as the former Governor of Lagos State, praised Oracle's role in automating the Lagos State payroll system, which served as a model for other states across the federation. He highlighted the positive impact of technological solutions in improving accountability and expediting service delivery without compromising quality.

"In Lagos State, what we did in effective collaboration with you, has been copied across the states of the Federation. We can only build our institutions with accurate data and cutting-edge data management capabilities that are reliable and effective. We can only rely upon our human resources for excellent service delivery to Nigerians if they are well trained and ready to learn," President Tinubu stated.

President Tinubu further expressed concern about the bloated civil service payroll at the national and sub-national levels. He emphasized the importance of implementing technological controls to manage and optimize transaction processes, allowing funds to be allocated more efficiently for infrastructure development.

Each time they give me the payroll number, I get so frightened. Where am I going to get the capital to develop the infrastructure we desperately require if the payroll of 1% - 2% of the population is consuming all the revenue? I think we need a tight technological control that can check and balance all necessary control points of our transaction processes. I'm looking forward to working with Oracle because I have the belief and confidence that you can do it as you have in the past," President Tinubu explained.

Mr. Andres Garcia Arroyo, Oracle's Global Vice President, proposed a comprehensive digital transformation of federal-level administration processes. This transformation aims to achieve greater macro-economic visibility, streamline government processes for cost and time savings, and provide skills development opportunities for Nigerians.

"We have partnered with you and we know how determined you are to achieve all that you set out to achieve. This is why we are offering Nigeria a free national diagnostic of the present situation in the public service with a view to dimensioning across sectors the scale of solution required. We look forward to partnering with you again," the Oracle VP concluded.

This strategic partnership between President Tinubu and Oracle signals a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria's public service and ensuring the efficient utilization of public funds, setting the stage for a more accountable and technologically advanced government.

Lagos commissioners: Sanwo-Olu drops five names in new list.

Lagos commissioners: Sanwo-Olu drops five names in new list.

In Pic: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Five names were dropped in the new list of commissioners-nominees sent by Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to the House of Assembly.

The affected nominees are Folashade Adefisayo (Education), Solape Hammond (SDG), Aramide Adeyoye (Works and Infrastructure), Lekan Fatodu, and Rotimi Ogunwuyi.

They were replaced by six new names – Afolabi Tajudeen, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Tolani Sule-Akibu, Yekini Agbaje, Iyabode Ayoola, and Sola Giwa.

Clerk of the House of Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko, read the governor’s letter during plenary yesterday.

The speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, thus directed the screening committee, led by the Chief Whip, Fatai Mojeed, to reconvene and start screening the nominees on Tuesday, September 5.

The committee is to report back to the House on Thursday.

Epetedo indigenes seek review of cabinet list

Sanwo-Olu advocates multi-sectoral partnerships for development

The governor’s letter reads: “After careful consideration of the 17 names that were rejected, I have decided to represent a list of nominees which includes a balanced selection of previously presented and new individuals. This list represents a broad political spectrum and diverse backgrounds reflective of the rich diversity of our lovely state. I am confident these new nominees would bring fresh ideas that would help the growth and progress of Lagos.”

Other names on the list are former commissioners Gbenga Omotoso (Information and Strategy); Prof. Akin Abayomi (Health); Olalere Odusote (Energy); Cecila Dada (Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation); Sam Egube (Economic Planning and Budget); as well as Folashade Ambrose-Medem, Yomi Olorunyomi, Rotimi Fashola, Mosopefolu George, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Mrs. Barakat Bakare, and Olumide Oluyinka.

Meanwhile, the House of Assembly has resolved to review the performance of the 2023 budget in preparation for the presentation of the 2024 budget estimate by Governor Sanwo-Olu. The House approved N1.768 trillion for the Year 2023.

Obasa urged the committee for the budget review, headed by Sa’ad Olumo, to ensure a proper review and make its report available to the House.

President Mnangagwa Takes Oath for Second Term Amidst Election Controversy.

President Mnangagwa Takes Oath for Second Term Amidst Election Controversy.

In Pic: President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Zimbabwe celebrated the inauguration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's second term today with a renewed sense of hope for democratic progress. Despite concerns raised by international observers regarding the fairness of the August elections, the nation's leader emphasized Zimbabwe's commitment to democracy during the ceremony held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

President Mnangagwa, 80, acknowledged the challenges and controversies surrounding the election but expressed his determination to uphold the country's constitution and the rule of law throughout his second term. He vowed to work tirelessly to address the concerns raised by various organizations and opposition parties.

The recent election was not without its controversies, as international observers cited issues such as voter intimidation, electoral roll falsification, and the composition of the electoral commission. The main opposition party also contested the results, alleging voter suppression and abuse.

According to the official results from the electoral commission, President Mnangagwa secured 53 percent of the votes cast, while Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party, the leading opposition candidate, received 44 percent. Furthermore, President Mnangagwa's governing Zanu-PF party achieved a solid majority in parliament.

Zimbabwe has faced decades of economic turmoil, marked by soaring inflation and high unemployment rates. This inauguration signifies an opportunity for the country to address its pressing issues and work towards a brighter future.

Zimbabwe's journey towards democracy has been a complex one, marked by historical challenges and transitions. The nation, once a British colony, gained independence in 1980 under the governance of the Zanu-PF party. It has since embarked on a path towards democratic reform, with today's inauguration signaling another step in that direction.

As Zimbabwe looks ahead to its future, the world watches with hope that this second term will bring about meaningful reforms, economic stability, and strengthened democratic institutions. President Mnangagwa's commitment to upholding the rule of law and the country's constitution is a positive sign that Zimbabwe is on the path to becoming a true democracy with maturity.