Two Professionals who are of Nigerian descent as special advisers, by the United States President, Joe Biden.

Two Professionals who are of Nigerian descent as special advisers, by the United States President, Joe Biden.

Both Osagie Imasogie and Chineye Ogwumike were part of the 12 members of the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States.

The appointment was contained in a statement released by the State House on Wednesday.

The members include Silvester Scott Beaman who will chair the council, Mimi E. Alemayehou, Rosalind Brewer, Viola Davis, Helene D. Gayle, Patrick Hubert Gaspard, C.D. Glin, Osagie Imasogie, Almaz Negash, Chinenye Joy Ogwumike, Ham K. Serunjogi, and Kevin Young.

The members of the council will serve for the 2023-2025 term.

According to the statement, the establishment of the council was aimed at enhancing dialogue between United States officials and the African Diaspora.

“The Council’s members include individuals who have distinguished themselves in government, sports, creative industries, business, academia, social work, and faith-based activities.

“They will provide invaluable guidance to reinforce cultural, social, political, and economic ties between the U.S. and Africa, and promote trade, investment, and educational exchanges between the United States and Africa,” the statement read in part.

Below are the profiles of both Imasogie and Ogwumike:

Osagie Imasogie is Chairman of the Investment Bank and SEC/FINRA registered Broker-Dealer, Quoin Capital and Quoin Advisors. In addition, Osagie is a co-founder of PIPV Capital, a private equity firm that is focused on the life sciences vertical and has invested over $1 billion into that industry.

Prior to co-founding PIPV Capital, he established GlaxoSmithKline Ventures and was its founding Vice President. Osagie has held senior commercial and R&D positions within pharmaceutical companies such as GSK, SmithKline Beecham, and DuPont Merck.

He has also been a Price Waterhouse Corporate Finance Partner as well as a practicing attorney with leading U.S. law firm, Schnader, Harrison, Segal & Lewis.

Osagie is a serial entrepreneur and investor who serves on the board of a number of financial institutions such as FS-KKR Capital Corp and Haverford Trust, institutions that cumulatively manage over $28 billion.

He is an adviser to Brown Advisory, a firm that manages in excess of $140 billion. Osagie is the Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and a member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center.

In addition, Osagie is a Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, a member of the Executive Committee of the University, and is also the Chairman of the Board of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, where he is an Adjunct Professor of Intellectual Property. Osagie holds LLM degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, and is a member of the New York State Bar in addition to being admitted to practice in other jurisdictions.

Chinenye “Chiney” Ogwumike is a 2-Time WNBA All-Star for the Los Angeles Sparks and a full-time, multi-platform ESPN host and NBA analyst.

Chiney stars on ESPN daily on ESPN’s NBA Today and NBA Countdown, and also stars on the court as a forward for the Sparks. Chiney is a proud first generation Nigerian-American, born in Cypress, Texas. The 1st overall pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft, she graduated from Stanford University with an International Relations degree under the mentorship of Dr. Condoleezza Rice.

Chiney led Stanford to three Final Fours while distinguishing herself in academics, earning multiple honors for her academic success, including being named the 2014 Capital One Academic All-American of the Year and the Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Chiney Ogwumike was the 2014 WNBA Rookie of the Year and is a 2-Time WNBA All-Star (2014, 2018).

She served as the vice president of the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) from 2018 to 2022, instrumentally helping negotiate the groundbreaking 2020 collective bargaining agreement.

In August 2020, Chiney became the first Black woman to host a national, daily sports-talk radio show. The 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree also holds the title of Executive Producer, producing an ESPN Films documentary “144” on the 2020 WNBA season.

In 2018, Chiney became a full-time multi-platform ESPN NBA Analyst, becoming one of the youngest national sports studio analysts and one of the only full-time professional athletes to currently hold a regular national sports media position.

She has made numerous trips to Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa with NBA Africa and other nonprofits to help launch youth empowerment and education initiatives, using basketball as a tool for development.

Wike Fires FCTA Heads of Parastatals, Agencies.

Wike Fires FCTA Heads of Parastatals, Agencies.

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has relieved the heads of parastatals, agencies and companies in the FCT administration, of their appointments.

Anthony Ogunleye, director of press in the office of the minister, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday.

According to Ogunleye, the directive of the minister was with immediate effect, adding that all the concerned officials were to hand over the affairs of their offices to the most senior officers in rank.

He added that appointments into the offices would be made in due course.

Below is the list of those affected;

1. Group MD/CEO, Abuja Investment Company Ltd.

2. CEO/MD, Abuja Markets Management Ltd

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3. MD/CEO, Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company

4. CEO/MD, Abuja Property Development Company

5. CEO/MD Abuja Technology Village Free Trade Zone Company

6. CEO/MD Abuja Film Village International

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7. CEO/MD Powernoth AICL Equipment Leasing Company Ltd

8. MD Abuja Broadcasting Corporation

9. MD, Abuja Enterprise Agency

10. GM, FCT Water Board

11. DG, FCT Emergency Management Agency

12. Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Healthcare Board

13. Director General, Hospital Management Board.

14. Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Board.

15. Director, FCT Scholarship Board

16. Director FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board

17. Director, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board

18. Coordinator, Abuja Infrastructure Investment Center

19. Director, FCT Health Insurance Scheme

20. Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department

21. Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council.

INEC: insecurity threatens Nov 11 governorship polls.

INEC: insecurity threatens Nov 11 governorship polls.

INEC Chairman, Yakubu Mahmood

There is security threat to the November 11 governorship elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said yesterday.

It added that there is need for the government to bring down the level of insecurity to guarantee free and credible elections.

INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna stated this yesterday during a media engagement in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The electoral umpire implored political  ”actors “ and other stakeholders like security operatives and the media to work for peace ahead of the polls.

It, however,  said  that in spite of the security challenges, it was working assiduously to ensure that the elections turned out successfully.

The commission explained that  of the 13 items mapped out for the November polls in the three states, eight had been taken care of.

Haruna lamented that insecurity in Imo and Kog had resulted in a situation where residents were scared of applying as ad hoc staff for the election in the states.

He said: “We have gone so far with our preparedness for the off-cycle elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states.

“But the commission is truly worried about the growing level of insecurity and violence  in Kogi and Imo states. This is unacceptable, unnecessary and not healthy for our democracy.”

Haruna explained that the security situation in Bayelsa a shade better than the situation in the other two states.

He added: “Campaigns in Kogi State have been violent and this is most unfortunate. Our political gladiators and indeed, all citizens, must work towards ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

“It stands to reason that if this situation is allowed to continue, there is the likelihood that people will be afraid to come out to vote, on the election day.

“Already, INEC is having a shortfall in the number of ad-hoc staff needed to superintend over the forthcoming elections. This is because most people expected to work are afraid of their safety.

 ”It is very important that peace prevails otherwise voters will not come out to vote.

“I appeal to all actors to observe peace because at the end of the day, if there is no peace,  there will be no free,  fair and credible election.”

Early this month, there was a renewed insecurity and a series of killings that put residents of Imo State. One of the incidents was in the Umualumaku in  Ehime Mbano Local Government Area   where gunmen attacked and killed five security personnel.

Earlier in  April 21, a group of gunmen killed five police officers and a couple in  Okpala  in Ngor-Okpala  Local Government Area.

Kogi State has also had a series of security breaches, especially kidnappings, of recent. The latest is the kidnap of a medical doctor Austin Uwumagbe, in Ogaminana, Adavi  Local Government  Area. His abductors are demanding N80 million for his release.

Raising the hope that things might change so that the elections will be done under a safe atmosphere, Haruna recalled that  during the preparation for  the  election that produced Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as Anambra State governor,  ”people called on us to postpone the poll,  but INEC went ahead to conduct it and today,  that election was one of the most  peaceful we ever had.”

He also charged media people to adhere strictly to the ethics of their profession by reporting factually, objectively and accurately.

“In reporting the activities of the Commission, pre-election, election, and post-activities, we plead with the media to be factual, objective, and professional in their reportage.”

The INEC chief noted that diatribes heaped on the electoral body in respect of previous elections arose chiefly through inaccurate and unverifiable reports.

He assured  voters hat INEC had put in place the necessary mechanism to guard against the resurgence of the odds that marred previous elections.

Haruna recalled that INEC received kudos for the successful conduct of the last Osun State governorship poll but received bashing from some members of the public over the conduct of the February 25 presidential election due to glitches during the transmission of election results to the IREV.

He said: “We tested the BVAs up to state level and created files for each level, by the time there was this glitch, we were worried because the other elections were perfect.

“But we asked the petitioners if what they have at ward, local government to state levels are  different from what the polling agents presented.

“There was no malice and we will not have such problems in the governorship election and we need the media to tell the story as it is without bias or misrepresentation.”

Imo State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Sylvia Agu said the commission would continue to see the media as partners in progress.

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) , Ifeanyi Nwanguma described vibrant media and democracy as indispensable instruments for national development.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Meet Ekiti 2 Gold, Sliver and Bronze Medalists from Same Parents.

Meet Ekiti 2 Gold, Sliver and Bronze  Medalists from Same Parents.

Abdulrahman Mustapha and Abdulrahman Fatai stated their goal of becoming Nigeria's and world  top golfer after overcoming Team Brono to win at the golf men's singles finals.

In the golf competition at the National Youth Games in Delta Asaba, The Abdulrahman's  from Ado Grammar School in Ekiti, representing Team Ekiti, defeated Team Brono in sudden death on hole 2.

After winning, the brother Abdulrahman Mustapha expressed his gratitude to God the Almighty, his parents, and coach. 

He emphasised to also appreciate the government of Ekiti  for their support thou far 

He stressed further saying he has  never competed in the National Youth Games before. And  pleased to have won the gold medal. 

The 14-year-old went on to discuss his aspirations for the future, saying that he wanted to be the best golfer player in Nigeria and the world.

He exhorted Ekiti's sports enthusiasts to keep praying for our contigents here .

Congratulations to Ekiti

President Tinubu Celebrates NUPRC Boss Komolafe At 60.

President Tinubu Celebrates NUPRC Boss Komolafe At 60.

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, as he clocks 60 years of age.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the president commended Komolafe for his meritorious services to the nation in various capacities.

He observed that the various expertises of the technocrat will keep him relevant for other national services in the nation’s quest for quality service delivery.

The statement read: “President Bola Tinubu sends greetings to Engineer Gbenga Komolafe on his 60th birthday, September 26, 2023, felicitating with the engineer and reputable technocrat in the oil industry, who has served the nation meritoriously in various capacities.

Read Also: Tinubu rescuing Nigeria through foreign investment drive – NW-APC

“President Tinubu joins family, friends and associates of the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to celebrate the former banker for attaining the Diamond Age and his many years of dedicated service to the nation in the Oil and Gas sector at various levels.

“As the NUPRC CEO clocks 60, President Tinubu affirms that Engr. Komolafe’s deep knowledge of the Oil and Gas sector, and his other contributions in Engineering, Economy and Human Resource Management are highly appreciated and will keep him relevant as the nation strives for excellent service delivery and better living standard for her citizens.

“The president prays for more years of greater accomplishments for Engr. Komolafe and wishes him good health and continued service to our nation.”

Spanish Football Club Plans Tributes For MohBad.

Spanish Football Club Plans Tributes For MohBad.

Spanish La Liga club Cadiz CF has said it will hold its own tribute for late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad.

Recall that the 27-year-old singer died on September 12. His death has continued to generate reactions, the latest being from Laliga side Cadiz CF who expressed heartfelt condolences to family of late singer,

The club announced in a post on their official X page that they would display a Mohbad jersey on their substitute bench during their game against Rayo Vallecano to give the team strength.

They wrote: @iammohbad_ will be with us for tomorrow’s home game against Rayo Vallecano.

The singer’s Cadista shirt will be on the bench to give us the strength we need to win the match.

Labour Party backs NLC, TUC Proposed Strike.

Labour Party backs NLC, TUC Proposed Strike.

The leadership of the Labour Party on Wednesday threw its weight behind the planned industrial action of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, saying the presidency has been insensitive to the plight of Nigerian workers.

The development is coming in the wake of organised Labour’s resolve to ground activities nationwide from October 3 following the failure of the government to successfully implement policies to alleviate the sufferings of the masses after the removal of fuel subsidy.

After the 21-day ultimatum given by the NLC lapsed last week, the NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, had lamented that none of the demands put before the Federal Government was addressed.

Among other things, the NLC and the TUC are asking for wage awards, implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage.

Reacting to the proposed strike in a statement titled ‘Workers strike: Labour Party identifies with Nigerian workers’ on Wednesday, National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, bemoaned that Nigerian workers have shown enough patience and understanding.

While charging supporters of the party to stock up on food, Ifoh warned that the leadership of LP will support any legitimate means to demand better welfare for Nigerian workers.

He said, “We have followed with keen interest, in the last four months, various meetings between Organised Labour and various government bodies including the president of the Senate, the presidency and the ministers of Labour as well as all the efforts made by the Labour leadership to get the government to understand the magnitude of sufferings its policies have thrown Nigerian workers into since the enthronement of this administration.

“We are not in any way surprised at the government’s apparent indifference, insensitivity, intransigence, and recalcitrant posture towards the genuine demands of the Labour bodies because their usurpation of power was not sanctioned by both the workers and generality of Nigerians.

“Nigerians went to the polls with clear conviction of the government they wanted but this was denied them through institutional conspiracy. Today, Nigerian workers are being punished for taking a stand during the February 25 Presidential Election. Labour Party is also aware of the sordid conditions which workers, the majority of them being our members, are subjected to, where many go to the office on a Monday and are forced by the prevailing economic challenges to sleep in their offices all through to Friday before returning home.

“We are also using this medium to inform all our members and supporters to stock their homes with their necessary needs ahead of a long-drawn mass action until victory is ascertained. No retreat, no surrender.”