Dr Pastor Paul Enenche Visits Collapsed Dunamis Church Building In Makurdi.

Dr Pastor Paul Enenche Visits Collapsed Dunamis Church Building In Makurdi.

....Says-we thank God because It could have been worse.

....Late Resident Pastor was a committed and dedicated servant of God.

The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Pastor Paul Enenche has visited the scene of the collapsed Mission Ward branch of Dunamis Church in Makurdi offering praise to God that the tragedy would have been worse

Recall that the Church building collapsed very early on Tuesday morning (at about 1am) while 5 Pastors of the Church were in a night prayer session.

Unfortunately, the Resident Pastor of the branch,  Sunny Ezekiel Ahmed lost his life in the tragedy while 4 others escaped unhurt.

Pastor Paul who was accompanied to the scene by his wife, Becky, was conducted around the vicinity by Pastors of the Church.

After being briefed, he addressed the gathering of members and sympathisers saying the situation would been worse but God averted a major tragedy that would have befallen His people.

While mourning the death of the branch pastor, he said he was a committed and dedicated servant of God. It is in the character of Pastor Paul to commiserate with the family of the departed among other actions to encourage them whenever such is experienced in Dunamis.

He however gave thanks to God that the incident did not occur during.

“the 7 hour Liberty Service that held on the Independence Day.

“So we thank God that it did not happen when the Church was filled to overflow.

“But I can assure you that affliction will not rise again.” He urged the people to be strong in Christ and not be despaired.

He said normally the Church applies due diligence when erecting its structures assuring that the church would step up on that going forward.

Oyebanji Appoints New Board Members.

Oyebanji Appoints New Board Members.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of nine members of the Board of Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA).

This is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser, Media to the Governor, Mr. Yinka Oyebode.

According to the statement, the nomination is in line with the provision of Section 7 of the EKDIPA Law, 2019, which provides for a Board to be chaired by the Governor; and a Vice Chairman to be appointed by the Governor from the private sector.

The law also stipulates that membership should include two serving commissioners whose portfolios are connected to development and investments; and six other persons, two of whom shall be women, to be chosen from various professional backgrounds.

The Board shall, among other roles, promote policies and transparent procedures that will enable the Government to work with potential investors and business partners to develop the natural resources base and assets of the State. It shall also develop appropriate institutional and regulatory framework for investment promotion and facilitation in the state.

The nominees are:

H.E. Biodun Oyebanji Chairman

Chief Kelvin Dele Oye- Vice Chairman

Ms. Adedoyin Ayobami Adelabu Member

Engr. Alaba Owoyemi – Member

Mrs Olatokunbo Fagbemi Member

Mr Emmanuel Akinwunmi Member

Dr Tope Aroge Member

Mrs Tayo Adeola – Member

Mr. Akintunde Oyebode – Member

The appointments take immediate effect.

See profile of nominees.

Chief Kelvin Dele Oye:

An accomplished Entrepreneur and Legal Practitioner, Chief Oye is a major player in the Nigerias organised private sector with extensive investments in real estate, oil and gas and digital economy. The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Law Graduate is currently the National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). He also chairs the Nigeria-Turkey Business Council and is a Governing Council member of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

Ms. Adedoyin Ayobami Adelabu:

A Chartered Accountant with a wealth of experience in the oil and gas industry had her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. She is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

She has had stints with Shell Petroleum Development Company and ExxonMobil where she held different positions as Accountant, Tax Specialist and Strategic Planning Advisor. She rose to the position of Senior Business Developer in the Commercial department and later served as General Manager Business and Government Relations, before she resigned from ExxonMobil early this year to set up a management consultancy, 3 Streams Synergy.

Engr Alaba Owoyemi:

A notable business leader and entrepreneur with impressive record of delivering business goals and objectives through exceptional execution of innovative business strategies.

A graduate of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and alumus of London Business School, Engr Owoyemi has worked, managed and consulted for a lot of A-listed companies in the utility, oil and gas and industrial sectors. He is the Executive Chairman of A-Bamisil International Ltd, an Agro based company and Group Executive Director, Commercial, Business Development and Technology of Century Group- an energy infrastructure investment company.

Mrs Olatokunbo Fagbemi:

A former Group Managing Director for NAHCO Plc, Mrs Fagbemi is a reputable entrepreneur with track record of driving business transformation efforts that deliver performance, profitability and stakeholder value. She possesses a unique blend of commercial and operational management and board experience spanning consulting, aviation, maritime and logistics industries.

Fagbemi is currently a director of Spring Fountain with responsibility for maintaining strategic relationships with international partner brands. She holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from Instituto de Studios Superiores de la Empresa (IESE), Spain; with expertise in developing international business relationships. She is an Airports Council international (ACI) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Certified International Airport Professionals (IAP).

Mr Emmanuel Akinwunmi:

A multi-talented banking, investment, business and international development professional with extensive experience in three continents Africa, Europe and North America. He has over 38 years cognate experience providing services and leadership in various sectors- manufacturing. Investment, merchant banking, mortgage banking, financial consultancy, business advisory, international development and resource mobilisation.

The Ado-Ekiti born professional has had stints with Africa Development Bank (AfDB), as Portfolio Manager and Principal Private Sector Development Officer. He also undertook projects monitoring and evaluation work for the Banking consultancy role in no fewer than 11 African countries, including Bostwana, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya and Zambia. A graduate of Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Emmanuel is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria, Institute of Chartered Secretaries Administrators of UK (ACIS) and Charter Professional Accountant of Canada (CPA), among other professional qualifications and memberships.

Dr Tope Aroge:

The Managing Director/CEO of Arog Bio Allied Agro Services Limited (ABAAS Ltd), a major player in the Agribusiness sector, which owns and runs a 20 ton per day capacity high quality cassava flour (HQCF) plant on Esun-Ipao Road, in Ikole Local Government Area of the State.

Dr Aroge is a 2006 graduate of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, before veering into Agribusiness. He is an executive Council member of Industrial Cassava Stakeholders Association of Nigeria and represented the Federal Government at a JICA sponsored specialised training in agricultural cooperatives in Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan in 2016. A multiple award winner in agribusiness, Dr Aroge is a member of the governing council of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti.

Mrs Tayo Adeola:

Currently the Commissioner for Investment, Trade and Industry in Ekiti State, Mrs Adeola came into public service as a Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Trade and Industry.

Adeola is an investment banker with over 31 years cognate experience. She began her career with the ICON Limited (Merchant bankers) in 1991 and join Consolidated Discounts Limited in 1996 as a pioneer security dealer and managed assets in excess of $1,2billion. She later served as Managing Director of Capital Express Assets and Trust Limited and was Vice President, bank of America Merrill Lynch International where she managed assets in excess of $50 billion.

Mr. Akintunde Oyebode:

Currently Ekiti State Commissioner for Finance, a position he is manning for a second consecutive term. He had previously served as Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Trade and Innovation.

Oyebode is a trained Economist who is passionate about sustainable development, investment and youth employment. He started his career as a Research Assistant at the Lagos Business School, before going into the banking industry where he spent over a decade in various roles with First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Stanbic IBTC Bank, where he was Head of SME Banking. The 2002 Economics graduate of University of Lagos, Akoka, was the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), established to provide financial support to residents of Lagos State, for job and wealth creation and to tackle unemployment.

The Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration is committed to working with individuals, corporate organisations and institutions in the bid to ensure growth and development in line with the shared prosperity mantra of the administration.

Ekiti Commences Disbursement Of N5,000 Fuel Subsidy Palliatives TO 7,000 Vulnerable Individuals.

Ekiti Commences Disbursement Of N5,000 Fuel Subsidy Palliatives TO 7,000 Vulnerable Individuals.

……. Another 3,000 to benefit soon.

Ekiti State Government has commenced a monthly disbursement of N5,000 each to 7,000 vulnerable individuals in the State for a period of five months as part of efforts to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun who made this known in Ado Ekiti, reiterated Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s commitment to poverty alleviation and improvement of the living conditions of people in the State, particularly the most vulnerable.

Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun added that the payment of the same amount of N5,000 each will soon commence to another 3,000 vulnerable persons also for five months making a total of N25,000 per beneficiary for 10,000 beneficiaries.

He explained that the list of the 10,000 beneficiaries drawn from all communities in the State was mined from the Social Register in the Ministry of Budget, Economic planning and Performance Management with at least one recipient from each community across the State.

The Commissioner listed the categories of beneficiaries to include 559 people living with disabilities; 3,065 widows with at least one dependant; 1,101 elders above 65years old, 1,153 youths with at least one dependant and 1,122 randomly selected people.

He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the intervention to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal and improve their livelihood, adding that government would continue to fashion out policies, programmes and activities that would positively impact on the lives of people in the State.

Ekiti State Government Launches Anti-Malaria Drug Distribution to Over 200 Health Facilities.

Ekiti State Government Launches Anti-Malaria Drug Distribution to Over 200 Health Facilities.

Ekiti state government has flagged off the distribution of anti-malaria drugs and commodities to over 200 health facilities across the 16 Local Government Areas of the State.

The programme under the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transformation Services (IMPACT) project of the World Bank was aimed at defeating the scourge of malaria disease in the State.

The commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani who spoke while flagging off the distribution in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on Tuesday, said the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji was committed to the eradication of the malaria disease in the State.

Represented by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Mrs Olushola Gbenga-Igotun, the commissioner said the commodities would be given to residents freely when they approach the primary health facilities in their localities.

He explained that malaria has been identified to be one of the toughest diseases not only in the country but sub-Saharan Africa, adding that the commodities were procured to achieve effective management and treatment of the disease in the State.

He called on the officials at the 200 health facilities to be responsible to the people, especially at the grassroots who were mostly affected by malaria and as well keep proper records of the commodities as they were being distributed.

The commissioner admonished residents to take advantage of the opportunities by walking into these facilities where they would be tested and offered free drugs for malaria treatment, rather than engaging in self-medication.

He said, “We all know that malaria has been a tough war in sub-Saharan Africa and all energy is being put together to eradicate it in our society. It is a serious disease that should be defeated with support from all stakeholders.

“It is going to be in faces but what we are having now will cover 200 health facilities out of the 774 in the state. It is particularly for malaria treatment. We also have drugs that can be used at the secondary facilities to treat malaria.

“The tendency for our people to do self-medication for malaria treatment is there, but we want to stop this habit and we urge our people to approach the hospital in their area where they can be tested to know the kind of malaria we are looking at and the kind of drugs to use.

“I want to advise our people to approach these health facilities to get drugs free of charge for malaria treatment and make use of the opportunities provided by the governor. It is safer and effective for malaria management.”

On her part, the program manager of the project, Mrs Helen Bankole said the state alongside five other states of Lagos, Abia, Borno, Imo and Rivers were selected to be part of the project by the World Bank in a bid to defeat the malaria disease in the State.

“As of today, Ekiti is the first State on the World Bank-funded Malaria Project to have concluded the NSA-engagement and payment of mobilization fee culminating in the commodities distribution to 200 Health facilities that were selected based on their target population as specified by the project,” she said.

The General Manager, State Drug Management Agency, Michael Oyeniran warned the health officers against selling the drugs to the patients, saying it has been paid for by the government for the people to have access to it for free.

Lagos distributes 2,000 food pack boxes to indigent residents.

Lagos distributes 2,000 food pack boxes to indigent residents.

Lagos State Government yesterday distributed 2,000 food pack boxes as palliatives to indigent residents, to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

The items were distributed to the beneficiaries by the Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement. Each pack contains 10kg bag of rice, 5kg bag of beans and 5kg bag of garri.

The Special Adviser, Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Tajudeen, said the purpose of the event was to distribute food pack boxes as palliatives to indigent Lagosians.

He said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was mindful of the plight of the people, occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, which he noted, informed the distribution of the palliatives.

Tajudeen said the recipients of the items presented their Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) identity card.

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Abiola Kosegbe, an engineer; said the distribution of the palliatives would be a continuous exercise.

Mohbad Death: Police detain Naira Marley.

Mohbad Death: Police detain Naira Marley.

The Lagos State Police Command has detained controversial singer, Azeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley.

 He was said to have reported to the Police shortly after arriving in Nigeria but was taken into custody yesterday.

 His detention is connected with the ongoing probe into the death of another musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba (aka MohBad).

 Spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the development on his verified  X (formerly Twitter) page. 

 Hundeyin wrote, “Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley has been taken into custody for interrogation and other investigation activities…”

 Before his detention, the Marlian Records boss announced via X   that he had arrived in Lagos to assist in the ongoing probe of the death of MohBad., who was his former signee.

 He wrote, “I’d like to share that I’ve just arrived back in Lagos, Nigeria to assist the authorities with the ongoing investigation. It’s important I do my part for Imole.

 “I’ll be meeting with the police with hopes for the truth to be uncovered and for justice to prevail.”

MohBad died September 12.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Impeachment: Ondo Assembly directs CJ to raise panel on deputy governor.

Impeachment: Ondo Assembly directs CJ to raise panel on deputy governor.

The days of Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, in office may be numbered. 

The House of Assembly yesterday took another major step in actualising his removal from office.

It directed the Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola, to raise a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations of gross misconduct levelled against him.

The House of Assembly’s decision followed Ayedatiwa’s failure to respond to the Letter of Notice served him on September 25 over the allegations. 

The allegations include subversion of his boss, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, corrupt enrichment and waste of public fund, spending N5.4 million to buy tyres and batteries for his convoy vehicles, and purchasing automatic transmission box of Lexus (armoured) SUV Staff car as Acting Governor for N10.548m.

Other allegations are collection of  N2.695m for the purpose of travelling to Ilaje and Ese-Odo, and assault and causing bodily harm on his wife, Mrs. Oluwaseun Ayedatiwa, contrary to Section 20(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Ondo State, 2020.

The Speaker said the Letter of Notice transmitted to the deputy governor, was received on his behalf by the Chief Protocol Officer.

Last week, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje set up a reconciliation committee to resolve the crisis between the deputy governor and the House of Assembly. The panel has not visited the state.

Speaking at the plenary session in Akure, Oladiji said the House’s resolution that the deputy governor should be duly served a notice of the allegations was in line with Section 188 of the constitution.

He said: “Concerted efforts were made to serve the Notice on the deputy governor, who for some time was not available for the service, prompting the House to approach the court for a substituted service.

“On 25th of September, a substituted service of the Notice of allegations was made on the deputy governor duly signed by more than one-third Honourable Members of the House as required by the constitution in Section 188, Sub-section 2.”

Oladiji said the constitution stipulated that the Assembly should wait for seven days for the embattled deputy governor to respond, which has lapsed.

A motion calling on the chief judge to set up the panel was moved by the Majority Leader  Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, (Owo 1-APC) and seconded by Felix Afe (Akoko North West 2-PDP).

With an overwhelming  voice vote, the lawmakers gave a nod that the chief judge should constitute the panel, after Speaker Oladiji’s call.

The Speaker subsequently directed the Chief Judge to immediately set up a seven-man panel to investigate the deputy governor on the allegations levelled against him.

Oladiji said: “Distinguished colleagues, I, therefore, wish to seek your opinion to direct the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Hon. Justice Olusegun Odusola, to, in line with this section of the constitution, set up a seven-man panel to investigate the deputy governor on the allegations levelled against him.”

Some Ondo APC leaders said the move by the National Working Committee (NWC) to avert the impeachment of the deputy governor may not succeed because party stakeholders in the state have agreed that Ayedatiwa should go.

However, the state chairman, Ade Adetimehin, said the chapter would work with the national body for the resolution of the impasse.

A source said many aides who sided with Ayedatiwa, especially those already penciled to be deputy governor, Chief of Staff, Secretary to Government by him may be sacked soon.

A traditional priest, Chief Olupelumi Fagboyegun, has urged the party stakeholders to exercise caution. 

Fagboyegun, founder of Isese Life Ministry, United Kingdom, told reporters in Osogbo, Osun State capital, that Ondo State should not thread the path of violence.

He said: “In 1963, political wrangling led to uprising, which my own father, the late Rev Canon Fagboyegun, vigorously mediated, but failed. It led to total breakdown of law and order, resulting to death within Owo and Usho town. It later escalated to what is known as ‘Operation Wet eh’ in Southwest which led to a chain of reactions, which culminated in the termination of the First Republic.”

He added that the same scenario played out in 1983, which led to destruction of wealth and death of many residents of the state.

Fagboyegun added: “Akeredolu should address the whole state to distant himself from all the plotters that are hauling barrage of insults at the deputy governor and Ilaje people.

“If all the suggestions fail, President Bola Tinubu should declare a state of emergency in Ondo State before the issue degenerates into bloodshed.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper