Drama as Ambassadorial nominees fail to recite National Anthem, Pledge
ON July 26, 2016 7:25 PM / IN
News / Comments
By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke
ABUJA - THE Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has begun the screening of Ambassadorial Nominees forwarded to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari.
There was however drama as two of the nominees who appeared the Senator Monsurat Sunmonu led Committee on Foreign Affairs failed to recite properly stanzas of the National Anthem and the pledge.
One of the Ambassadorial nominees, Vivian Okeke from Anambra State faulted when she was asked to sing the National Assembly.
During her screening, Mrs Okeke was asked by Monsurat Summonu, the chairman of the committee to sing the National Assembly.
Mrs Okeke during the recital mumbled the last stanza of the National Anthem but was aided by a member of the Committee, Senator James Manager.
The last stanza reads," to serve with heart and might, one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity", just as she removed heart and might and ended with freedom, peace and unity.
She was the first nominee to be screened out of the 47 ambassadorial nominees.
However, the nominee said that the three major changes that should be made must be in the area of fighting corruption, insurgency and diversification of the economy.

THAT OSUN STATE MAY LIVE AGAIN.

By Adelowo OGUNTOLA

On the 26th November, 2010, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola was declared the legitimate winner of the April 2007 Governorship Election in Osun state. He came in with a lot of promises for the state, telling us the the immediate past administration of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola had been a monumental failure and that by the time he completes his service to Osun state as the Governor, he would have placed the state on the National map as one of the most developed states in the country.

November will mark exactly six years of assumption into office, our dear Osun state seems to have become permanently registered in the hearts of many as one of the most backward states in the federation. So that we may trace our way back to the path of sustainable development, we must remind ourselves how Aregbesola led us onto the path of retrogression so we can continually put him on his toes to do what is right. Let us remind ourselves of the ills Ogbeni and his cohorts has engaged in close to six years. The continuous remembrance of these will guide our future political and administrative decisions. For when we know the truth, it shall definitely set us free.

I- Aregbesola purchased a unit of 'Opon IMO' at #35,000 only. At the time when his government purchased the tablets, e-commerce website www.alibaba.com were selling tablet PCs that had such specifications at #9,000 only. Ogbeni scammed our dear state of #26,000 on each of the tablets. They have disappeared today.

II- The Government of Rauf Aregbesola began deductions of loans for staff cooperative societies about three years ago. Unfortunately, government has refused to remit monies deducted from workers' salaries to those cooperative societies who were obedient enough to register with government. We must ask the question, where are those monies?

III- We must ask Aregbesola, if Ayegbaju International Market was indeed built to raise the commerce standards of Osun people, why is it so expensive to rent even an open stall in that market?

IV- We must ask him, his associate to whom he sold the 6-acre parcel of land upon which Fakunle Comprehensive High School once stood. Who is this buyer and what has the buyer done on this land so far? If we must lose an educational institution of such proud heritage, at least we deserve to know why.

V- We must ask Aregbesola, the security justification for the purchase of a #500 million helicopter for surveillance when Osun has always been a state with one of the lowest crime rates in the country.

VI- We must Ogbeni, why did he expend our state millions on gift packages of one million naira each to members of Oyo state House of Assembly before the 2015 reelection of Governor Abiola Ajimobi to pacify them on their reported anger against Ajimobi?

VII- We must ask Aregbesola how he spent the about #3.4 billion he collected as SURE-P allocations under Goodluck Jonathan.

VIII- We must ask our dear Rauf Aregbesola, why is it that only Lagos-based contractors are being awarded contracts in Osun state? Why did he abandoned our professionals?

IX- We must ask him again, how much can we justify the huge billions he has so far spent on the Osun Aerodrome in Ido Osun?

X- We must ask Ogbeni Aregbesola, how did he use the #3.5 billion loan he took from Guaranty Trust Bank towards the 'Igi-Iye' project? Where today are the trees the project managers claimed will be planted under the scheme?

XI- We must ask Ogbeni, why he is collecting taxes through consultants. What exactly is the duty of the workers employed in the State Inland Revenue Service? Are they just supposed to sit in the offices while some consultants go out to collect tax and deduct percentages from an amount that could not even serve Osun state well?

XII- We must as well ask Aregbesola, what role is his son Kabiru playing in his government? Why has he so degraded our institutions of government that his biological son now has access to government decisions and even wield so much influence? Under what arrangement did he award the contract for the supply of the disappeared 'Opon Imo' to his own biological son?

XIII- We must ask Aregbesola why he has refused to release Local Government allocations to the LGs thereby grounding all activities at the LGs?

XIV- We must ask Aregbesola on his role in the current  face-off between the Muslim body and Christian Association of Nigeria [CAN].

XV- Aregbesola has received over #250 billion as allocations in the last five and half years. Yet, his total budget covering the last six years has been around #900 billion. We must ask him, how did he plan to raise the deficit? We must as well ask, has he landed us in so much debt if he has borrowed such huge deficit? Can we justify a budget of #900 billion by the level of growth and development that we see in our dear state?

Dear Osun people, if our state must live again, we must start asking questions now. We must put Aregbesola and his cohorts on their toes so that they may understand that at any time soon, we may begin to lynch them based on the vast knowledge we now have of the atrocities that has been committed in the last five years.

Our society will be free again I believe.

STREET BEGGING VS CORPORATE BEGGING.

By Adelowo OGUNTOLA

Sometimes around early June, 2012, I was at Osogbo-Akure MotorPark, Osogbo, Osun state in order for me to board a bus to convey me to Akure for my POST-UTME exercise at the Federal University of Technology Akure [FUTA] then. Lo and behold, I met hordes of poor, destitute and downtrodden people (the collective name for those people is 'Beggars'). I was apprehensive to see a tumultuous number of beggars in such part of the country. You will think they are staging an Open Crusade around the motor park, praying all manners of prayers. By virtue of my desperation to pass the exam, I was meeked to alleviate their poverty life and abject hunger by donating handful amount of money to them. Fast forward, November, 2012, after which I was admitted into the prestigious and reputable institution of learning "FUTA", I still have to board a bus at the same park to commence academic studies but to the utmost surprise and chagrin of my humble self, I still met the same set of beggars- Same People! Same style of soliciting for money! Same shared belief! Same dress. Alas, I can conclude that all the money that they have been receiving- they are plundering those resources. In less than two months, I will be a 500-level undergraduate student, I can authoritatively tell you that those beggars are still parading around the motor park. So for the space of FOUR (4) years, their lives have no meaning. They are doing the same thing over and over again which according to the greatest Physicist, Albert Einstein is Insanity. Definitely, they are career-beggars! Here in Ibadan, an average ten (10) beggars always meet me on the highways pleading for money everyday. It is appalling!

In Nigeria, you see able-bodied men filling sands on our treacherous long stretch that we called 'Roads' all in the name of begging. Lately, I have seen another form of street begging, a man well above 30-year old was seen cleaning car wiper and motor glass of vehicles in places where there is traffic congestion.

It is in this part of the world that you will see beggars purchasing exotic and expensive foods in restaurant whereas you donors of money can't think of consuming such food.

The rate at which beggars parade on our highways, roads and functions is despicable nowadays. They have metamorphosed all the aforementioned places to their abode and working place. You think you have seen plethora of beggars, kindly come to Iwo Road in Ibadan, you will be extremely frustrated. Go to Sango, Academy, Adamasingba, Ojoo, Challenge. If we plan to conduct a 'Population study' for them, the Government of Nigeria will know that all the statistics being released by National Bureau of Statistics [NBS] about people being bewildered by poverty is a mere fallacy.

Who are the Corporate beggars? I heard you asking yourself. The Corporate beggars are those that 'Behind' the modus operandi of street begging. They completely change from the crude and primitive ways of soliciting for money to save them in the period of cash crunch. Mention National Association of Nigerian Students [NANS] that you will see their letter-head papers on the desk of every secretaries planning to confer unmerited award in the name of hunger to people in the society; Civil Society Organizations/ Non-Governmental Organization that have commercialize activism and peoples' movement for a plate of porridge; our journalists that have sold their conscience and mighty pen all in the name of brown envelope; our clerics who have converted religious centres to an avenue of defrauding members all in the name of Allah [SWT] and Jesus Church. Ah... GOD! May you forgive them for they are now anti-masses.

I have many fear concerning the #500 Billion earmarked for Social Security. How will they disburse the fund to reach the indigent in the society? Hope it will not be political? Guess some bottom-filled useless and ignoramus politician will not sit on the money and appreciate GOD for providing another yam.

Don't get me wrong, I am not mocking those who indulge themselves in begging activities. Some are facing critical ailments and illness and they are in dire need of help and assistance to save them. If you see such men, donate to them. What I detest is seeing an homo sapien with two hands, two legs, functioning ear, eyes, nose and mental fitness soliciting for alms. That's antithetical to societal advancement, the Lord GOD Almighty will not be happy with such development. Begging should not be seen as the last resort to financial freedom.

Nevertheless, my people, don't eat double when your neighbours do not have anything to eat, cater for the needy in the society for GOD in His infinite mercies will multiply your folds.

Namaste!

Guestartiste:
Training holds on the 11th day of June, 2016 in Eleyele Ibadan and payment is at the venue.

Time and venue pls

Registration starts by 8:00am sir and the sessions start by 10am. You can call me on 08039447854

The venue is Alphalinks Computers, Ijokodo Ibadan. The venue is just after Poly Ibadan by the left, opposite Cheshire High School.

Will expect you there

BETTING, SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE FUTURE OF YOUTHS.

By Adelowo OGUNTOLA

"Every generation must, out of relative obscurity, discovers its mission, fulfill or destroy it"- Frantz Fanon.

Before I start this piece, kindly read the transcript of the phone conversation that occurred between one of my dear friend and I some few days ago. After then, fasten your seatbelt and follow me on this intellectual discourse.

MY FRIEND: Hello Lowo. How are you doing? It has been a while that I've heard from you. Abeg I'm sorry that I've not called your telephone line all these days.

ME: Woo... Mabinu si emi naa. Bawo ni IT?

MY FRIEND: IT is good oh. But there's not been money to sustain me. As we are talking now, I'm on my way to Football Betting shop in a bid to survive myself in this cash crunch. My mummy saw me and I lied that I want to buy Recharge Card.

ME: Young man, that's a criminal offence under the law. I will file a legal suit against you in the court of law. *LOL!!! Why should you lie?

MY FRIEND: Don't mind me. Football betting is now the latest money-spinning venture. You can amass wealth quickly without stress. Yesterday, I staked with #100.00 but one game spoiled my ticket. Since I have been playing, I have not win any game but I know my luck will come soon. Just be praying for me.

ME: Ore, I wish you the very Best of your heart desires in your new venture. Remember you are not on the right course. You will soon call me back that you have not win any game.

**** CONVERSATION STOPPED***

The sincere truth is that everybody have seen gambling (or betting) as the last resort to financial freedom. The young and old constantly and daily troop into the Betting shop to stake with their hard-earned money that should have been appropriated rightly. It is disheartening and despicable to see how youths play virtual (subset of gambling) with them not really playing. The common street urchins nowadays are "Aja 1", " Aja 2" and the likes.

We have to wake up from our slumber as the clock is ticking to reposition our society and reinvigorate our norms and societal values. While I was discussing with some intellectual minds few weeks ago, I posited that the Chief Executive/ Owner of NairaBet, Akin Alabi once sold Chicken during festive periods on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway via hustling. He is now living an ostentatious lifestyle with the money that youths labored for to get. What a pity! The rate at which our youths sleep on the social media nowadays is alarming, with the usual trading words mechanism.

Remember Mark Zuckerberg is now one of the most powerful homo sapien. He was not a graduate. Yet, he is the Co-Founder/ CEO of Facebook and Facebook Messenger with more than 1.65 billion presence and 900 million presence respectively. He recently acquired WhatsApp (the social network consists of more than 1 billon users and has relegated the SMS). Instagram is one of his assets with more than 400 million users across the globe. He worths $51.8 billion (as at May, 2016). This is a clear pointer that 32-year old American controls the cyberspace and New Media. Imagine how world will be like without the aforementioned social networks. Imagine how you will be disturbed if you can't access the quartet in a day.

Our neighbor, Seun Osewa of Nairaland controls a vast populace of Nigerians via his public forum. The followership base of the platform is more than 1.5 million. Try and look at our not-yet-married sister, Linda Ikeji. She is one of the most revered young person in the country today. That's why she can afford a palatial residence that worth more than half a billion at Banana Island.

Oluwaseun Onigbinde, the Founder of BudgIT saw the need for the government at all levels to be transparent and faithful in all their dealings with the masses. He is now driving the technological hub of the North of Limpopo and South of Sahara, Nigeria. Now, he is one of the ICT Manager of Chelsea FC.

We must see the big picture. Think of what your immediate surrounding urgently need. Use the New Media to uplift and promote your image, brand and not to dent and tarnish your reputation. Time and tide waits for no man. Don't sit on the unemployment bomb. Invent your FUTURE.

BETTING, SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE FUTURE OF YOUTHS.

By Adelowo OGUNTOLA [08106006057]

"Every generation must, out of relative obscurity, discovers its mission, fulfill or destroy it"- Frantz Fanon.

Before I start this piece, kindly read the transcript of the phone conversation that occurred between one of my dear friend and I some few days ago. After then, fasten your seatbelt and follow me on this intellectual discourse.

MY FRIEND: Hello Lowo. How are you doing? It has been a while that I've heard from you. Abeg I'm sorry that I've not called your telephone line all these days.

ME: Woo... Mabinu si emi naa. Bawo ni IT?

MY FRIEND: IT is good oh. But there's not been money to sustain me. As we are talking now, I'm on my way to Football Betting shop in a bid to survive myself in this cash crunch. My mummy saw me and I lied that I want to buy Recharge Card.

ME: Young man, that's a criminal offence under the law. I will file a legal suit against you in the court of law. *LOL!!! Why should you lie?

MY FRIEND: Don't mind me. Football betting is now the latest money-spinning venture. You can amass wealth quickly without stress. Yesterday, I staked with #100.00 but one game spoiled my ticket. Since I have been playing, I have not win any game but I know my luck will come soon. Just be praying for me.

ME: Ore, I wish you the very Best of your heart desires in your new venture. Remember you are not on the right course. You will soon call me back that you have not win any game.

**** CONVERSATION STOPPED***

The sincere truth is that everybody have seen gambling (or betting) as the last resort to financial freedom. The young and old constantly and daily troop into the Betting shop to stake with their hard-earned money that should have been appropriated rightly. It is disheartening and despicable to see how youths play virtual (subset of gambling) with them not really playing. The common street urchins nowadays are "Aja 1", " Aja 2" and the likes.

We have to wake up from our slumber as the clock is ticking to reposition our society and reinvigorate our norms and societal values. While I was discussing with some intellectual minds few weeks ago, I posited that the Chief Executive/ Owner of NairaBet, Akin Alabi once sold Chicken during festive periods on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway via hustling. He is now living an ostentatious lifestyle with the money that youths labored for to get. What a pity! The rate at which our youths sleep on the social media nowadays is alarming, with the usual trading words mechanism.

Remember Mark Zuckerberg is now one of the most powerful homo sapien. He was not a graduate. Yet, he is the Co-Founder/ CEO of Facebook and Facebook Messenger with more than 1.65 billion presence and 900 million presence respectively. He recently acquired WhatsApp (the social network consists of more than 1 billon users and has relegated the SMS). Instagram is one of his assets with more than 400 million users across the globe. He worths $51.8 billion (as at May, 2016). This is a clear pointer that 32-year old American controls the cyberspace and New Media. Imagine how world will be like without the aforementioned social networks. Imagine how you will be disturbed if you can't access the quartet in a day.

Our neighbor, Seun Osewa of Nairaland controls a vast populace of Nigerians via his public forum. The followership base of the platform is more than 1.5 million. Try and look at our not-yet-married sister, Linda Ikeji. She is one of the most revered young person in the country today. That's why she can afford a palatial residence that worth more than half a billion at Banana Island.

Oluwaseun Onigbinde, the Founder of BudgIT saw the need for the government at all levels to be transparent and faithful in all their dealings with the masses. He is now driving the technological hub of the North of Limpopo and South of Sahara, Nigeria. Now, he is one of the ICT Manager of Chelsea FC.

We must see the big picture. Think of what your immediate surrounding urgently need. Use the New Media to uplift and promote your image, brand and not to dent and tarnish your reputation. Time and tide waits for no man. Don't sit on the unemployment bomb. Invent your FUTURE.