A helicopter carrying Iran President, Ebrahim Raisi has reportedly crashed after it developed a hard landing on Sunday, May 19.

Sunday Telegraph gathered that the tragic incident occurred near Jolfa, a city located on the border with Azerbaijan, in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province.

The site of the incident is approximately 600 kilometres (375 miles) northwest of Tehran, the capital of Iran. Despite poor weather conditions, rescuers are making efforts to reach the location.

As of the time of filing this report, no further details have been provided by Iranian state television.

However, emerging reports revealed that it remains unclear whether the President was actually on board when the tragic incident happened.


On Sunday, Raisi reportedly visited Azerbaijan to participate in the inauguration of a dam alongside President Ilham Aliyev.

This dam marks the third joint project between the two nations on the Aras River.

Iran operates a diverse range of helicopters within its borders, but international sanctions hinder the acquisition of spare parts. The majority of its military air fleet predates the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Raisi, aged 63, is known for his hard-line stance and previously served as the head of Iran’s judiciary.

He is considered a protege of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, leading some analysts to speculate that he may succeed the 85-year-old leader upon his retirement or demise.


© 2023 All right reserved. New Telegraph, Nigeria

DAILY POST reported earlier that a helicopter carrying Raisi was involved in a hard landing while visiting a northern region and his condition is currently unknown.

His death comes on the heels of a fraught moment in the Middle East, with war raging in Gaza.


Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

The intractable feud between Governor Simiminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is one that has both political and legal dimensions. In this analysis, EMMANUEL MASHA writes that the judiciary might just be the only arbiter to resolve the dispute

The recent exchange of tantrums by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and Governor Simiminelayi Fubara of Rivers State points to one thing – the festering battle for the soul of Rivers State is one whose end is far from sight. Wike’s disclosure that his choice of Fubara as his successor was a mistake he is ready to correct sparked an equally vociferous retort from the governor who said, “if I am a mistake, may they continue to make mistakes…Jungle don mature.” Not done, he picked on his former Boss, disclosing for the first time his government’s readiness to probe Wike, whom he said left a debt burden, especially on various contracts to the tune of billions of Naira. Fillers from the state however, show that the current political crisis is completely outside the expectations of Rivers people. Many are unhappy that rather than an inviting environment for businesses to thrive, there is tension, panic and an atmosphere of turmoil due to political disagreement. Some Rivers people complain bitterly that they voted in the last election hoping that there would be a radical shift from the political bickering which trailed the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike. Recall that while Wike governed the state, he consistently feuded with Rt..Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who was Minister of Transportation who blamed former President Goodluck Jonathan for preventing him from installing Dr. Dakuku Peterside as successor. It was Amaechi’s attempt to reclaim the state’s political leadership that fueled the bitter feud with Wike for eight years. What is understandable is that Amaechi was already a prominent member of the APC, while Wike remained in the PDP. That is why the eight years (2015 to 2023) of Wike, were the toughest that the state has witnessed in terms of opposition politics. But within Chose eight years, the State Assembly complex was peaceful and lawmaking was carried out under speakers who showed utmost loyalty to Wike. Fubara has not been that lucky. Politicians loyal to Wike, who were mostly picked by the FCT Minister to offer their wealth of experience in the running of the state openly worked against Fubara while proclaiming their loyalty to Wike.

Why the feud?

The questions that observers have asked are: Why should there even be issues between Wike and Fubara? What flaws did Wike not notice about Fubara throughout his eight years in office that he suddenly noticed less than six months after he left office? What is the bone of contention? In all of this bickering, is the interest of the state on the agenda of the feuding parties? How come it didn’t last up to a whole year before trouble started? In digesting these questions, there is a need to revisit the run up to the 2023 election. For eight years, after Wike had succeeded in fending off the attacks and plots of the APC and the other opposition parties to take over power, the 2023 election was conducted with less violence compared to what happened in 2019. Wike’s choice of Fubara as his successor among 15 other top contenders within the PDP must count for something. There must be some unique qualities of Fubara that must have endeared him to Wike. And other contenders recognized this fact and threw in the towel very early even before Wike had officially announced Fubara as his choice. That was why the majority of the contenders quickly settled for other positions. Some of the contenders were in the trenches with Wike in the build-up of the 2015 general elections. He knew their worth and the sacrifices they made to his political rise, yet none of them was as high as Fubara in his rating. For this reason, some observers have accused Wike of mistaking Fubara for a weakling who would do his biddings without scrutinizing them. Those who disagreed with Wike on Fubara, were the party leaders who are also kingmakers in their own right. They were the party chiefs who also opposed Wike’s presidential ambition, and teamed up with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who they felt was much more qualified for the job than Wike. Also, in a state where the political elites, chiefs and elders give strong meaning to the riverine and upland dichotomy, the fact that power was moving from Ikwerre after 16 years had already assured Fubara’s victory at the polls. Many voters, including some APC leaders felt comfortable with Fubara, hence voted for him. Fubara, an Ijaw from Opobo was up against Tonye Cole, another Ijaw from Kalabari contesting under the platform of the APC. Who would have told Wike that a man he initially saw as an accountant without any political history or background withstand the pressure mounted against him from different angles and ultimately save himself from impeachment. The truth remains that had Martins Amaewhule and others succeeded in their impeachment bid against Fubara, it would have dealt a huge blow to Fubara’s political career. It would have also left a huge leadership void whose impact would have simply taken the state years to recover from.

Godfather factor

But there are also some Rivers people who hold the view that any politician who is gifted a political structure or elevated politically by a godfather should always be loyal to the benefactor. Wike, they argued, must have seen some good in Fubara, and made him governor with the hope of maintaining a cordial relationship with him. It is, therefore, a sign of disloyalty, they argue, for Fubara to act against the internet of his godfather. Wike buttressed this point a few days ago at a function in Ogu Bolo Local Government Area, where he said he does not expect Fubara to worship him because he is not God. He also apologised to the people of the state for the “mistake” he made supporting Fubara. He vowed to correct the mistake at the appropriate time. Wike said: “God uses people to help others. So, when you have been helped, you appreciate them. God will know you have appreciated him. Nobody can worship man. All of us believe that it is only God we will worship. “I want to say this clearly: in life, we make mistakes. I have made a mistake. I own it up and I say God forgive me. I have said all of you forgive me. But we will correct it at the appropriate time. I am human. I am bound to make mistakes. So, forgive me for making a wrong judgment. So, nobody should kill.” Wike also called the court order stopping lawmakers that are loyal to him as an “odd hour injunction.” He said that: “If they like, they can go to anybody by 2am or 4am to get an injunction. The law will take its course. We must follow due process. “Don’t be afraid. Nobody will remove you as lawmakers. Most of you don’t understand. This is our work. Our business is to make them to fear. That is what I am doing. We will make them angry every day and they will continue to make mistakes. So don’t worry yourselves. We won’t give money to anybody to go and buy arms to kill anybody. I have maintained peace and I want to beg all of you to continue to maintain peace. “Nobody will tell me that I can’t live in my house or not go to my house. But all of you should maintain the peace. Follow law and due process. We will get to the end “In politics, when people with brains agree they disagree. Those who didn’t know what to do said they would bring me down. Who gave birth to them? They are nowhere. When you are in charge, you are in charge. “Everything will calm down. All these people running around, they would come down. Boma worked for his appointment, he showed loyalty and commitment, and that is why God placed him there. Don’t the other party; you won’t blame them and you must forgive them.

What plans do you have to protect the party from money bags hijacking it again?

The PDP was formed by people, who were independent (minded) and who were free from any particular encumbrances. So, it means our problems were self inflicted. So, these are the things we have to look at when we meet. By the time we come together, we will reconcile. You know money is very important but it is not all about money because others made sacrifices in forming the party. Why should supporting your party be a problem?

What are your impressions of the APC and its impacts on the political landscape?

The All Progressives Congress ( APC) is a formation of hate; a formation of evil; a formation of malice and envy. The amalgamation is a combination of all these things put together. There was nothing like a Nigerian vision or ideology behind it and they knew that no matter what, they can’t defeat the PDP in a fair contest. The party had no philosophy beyond just grabbing power, and that is why in 2015, the nucleus of the Buhari’s government was PDP; all the big shots were products of PDP. I said that APC is the paralysed part of PDP because up till today, most of the key elements in government are from the PDP. Even the current National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who is he? He was discovered by the PDP and made the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. So, you can see that with the exception of people like Bola Tinubu and Adams Oshiomhole, who came from ACN, the bulk of the other key actors since 2015 are from the PDP.

The Tinubu administration will soon be celebrating its one year anniversary; do you think it has done well?

I am in opposition and for fairness and justice, you don’t go to an opponent and ask ‘how is your opponent doing?’ You don’t do that because whatever I tell you could be taken as the opinion of a man, who is not happy because he is out of power. They will say I’m talking because my party failed and was voted out. I think it is better you go out on the streets and ask the Nigerian people, whether they are better and happier under the APC, than they were when PDP was in power. So, it’s not me that should rate their performance. Let Nigerians do it. Don’t ask me whether they are doing well because I was in government and they accused us of failing. Now, Tinubu is there. So, go and ask Nigerians if their lives are better now than when they were under the PDP.

What is the performance of the legislature under the Tinubu administration?

Is the National Assembly doing well in the task of checkmating the executive? You see, the word is not checkmating. You don’t checkmate. It is the same Nigerian government. The President is like the Chief Executive of Nigeria and therefore, our sovereign symbol. So, you don’t checkmate him. The principle of checks and balances is what is enshrined in the constitution and every arm of government has a role to play in maintaining the balance of power. There are clearly defined roles for the executive, legislature and judiciary under our Constitution. Now, if one arm of the government allows the other to oppress or suppress it, what can I say? If the executive has a lot of appetite for power, it is going to consume the judiciary and the legislature. It is not for me to say don’t do it. No. It’s for them to assert themselves as separate arms of government with distinct constitutional roles.

How would you rate Tinubu’s economic policies in the last one year?

Again, I’m in opposition and would rather leave that too to the Nigerian people. However, all I can say is that before a policy is pronounced, government must have clear purpose for it and should be able to anticipate the likely impact of that policy on the people. Now, in the event of some repercussions following the announcement or implementation, what is the arrangement put in place to be able to contain it? So, as a government, you should plan with foresight and ensure that you also plan on how to address the likely consequences of your policies. The is because anything you do, should be in the interest of the people. So, in the event of that policy hurting Nigerians, whom you’re trying to lead and better their lives, you must put measures in place to mitigate the pains of that policy before it matures. I feel that whatever the government is doing today is simply ad hoc. There is nothing like deep thinking behind it to be able to plan and mitigate the impact of the policies on the people and the future.

Nigeria will be celebrating 25 years of uninterrupted democracy by the end of this month. Don’t you think Nigeria should do away with zoning of offices and adhere to merit in the choice of leaders?

I beg of you, don’t be detached from Nigeria because you’re part of Nigeria. The way you’re talking, it is as if you’re outside talking about Nigeria. Your generation appears impatient and thinks that everything should have been achieved between 1999 and now. Democracy needs time to mature, from generation to generation. This is why when people say Constitution, Constitution, I say give it some time because if we have the right leadership with commitment, sacrifice and capacity to be able to meander through these difficulties, we will make progress. Instead of changing Constitution, changing the processes of government because you encountered a small challenge, why don’t you try to change your attitude first? Let us be united, do the right thing and may be, in the next 50 years, the next generation would build on what we have done. But, if you are too impatient, you’re not law abiding, you can’t make sacrifice and you’re not disciplined, how do you build a nation? You don’t believe in your own laws or you’re obeying it in the breach. You’re impatient, you’re intolerant, you’re not disciplined, how do you hope to achieve your goals as a people? Let’s learn to be patient.

Rela
© 2023 All right reserved. New Telegraph, Nigeria

Delta State government has flagged off the establishment of College of Health Technology in Ovrode, Isoko North local government area of the state.

This brings to two the number of such institution in the state, the first one being located in Ufuoma, Ughelli north council area.

While performing the groundbreaking ceremony of the administrative building of the new College on Friday, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the health institution would take-off in earnest from the existing structures in Ovrode grammar school.


The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu said his administration was investing in education and healthcare infrastructure for the sustainable prosperity and longevity of citizens of the state.


He said, “Today, the flag off of the School of Health Technology here at Ovrode, marks a major step in the march towards strengthening our health care sector through the M.O.R.E Agenda. With this state-of-the-art facility, this institution will provide quality education and requisite practical know-how for healthcare professionals who are currently in short supply in the state.

“Today, we have less than a thousand servicing our health sector, whereas we need about seven thousand technical personnel to sustain it. It is to bridge this yawning gap that has informed the establishment of this college.

“I urge the management and staff of the college to be dedicated and committed to producing high quality health care professionals capable of serving our people, with transparent diligence, love and empathy.

“Healthcare is not just about diagnosis and treatment of illnesses; it is also about promoting wellness and preventing diseases through effective advocacy to ensure the well-being of every citizen.

“Through investment in education and healthcare infrastructure, we are investing in the sustainable prosperity and longevity of our dear citizens. I sincerely appreciate the World Bank for its timely supportive partnership with the Delta State Government in the improvement of our health indices.

“I commend the Delta State Ministry of Health, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Delta IMPACT Team for making this vision, a reality. For the Ministry of Education, I recognize your support by willingly providing Ovrode Grammar School for the take-off of this institution.

“I also thank other stakeholders who have demonstrated unflinching support for this project. Let us, together, build a healthier Delta State, both for the present and future generations.”

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme had earlier said the project signified the State Government’s commitment to enhancing health care education and infrastructure across the state in line with Governor Oborevwori’s campaign promises.

He said College of Health Technology would play a crucial role in shaping the future of health care delivery in the state, adding that Delta keyed into the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress By Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services Project (IMPACT) in response to the Nigerian Government’s commitment to improve its human capital with the goal of reducing under-five mortality rate by half by year 2030.

On his part, the President- General of Ovrode Community, Comrade Simon Okata, thanked the Governor for appointing an illustrious son of the community as Commissioner for Health and for approving the siting of the College of Health Technology in Ovrode.

He said the establishment of the College was a divine fulfillment of Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda and appealed to the Governor to construct the 3 km Ovrode – Aradhe Road to link the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway.

The President- General of Isoko Development Union, IDU, Prof. Chris Akpotu, lauded Governor Oborevwori for choosing Isoko and Ovrode for the establishment of the College of Health Technology.

Akpotu said: “Isoko people are happy and overwhelmed and we appreciate our dear Governor on this massive project. We also thank Governor Oborevwori for the ongoing works on the College of Medicine at the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, as well as the massive transformation on the Isoko section of the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway.”


© 2023 Tribune Online - an online publication of African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc. All rights reserved

Medical activities have been paralysed across all government and private hospitals in Akwa Ibom State at the instance of aggrieved doctors under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in protest against the continued incarceration of their member who has been in kidnappers’ custody for over two weeks.


Gunmen had on April 30, 2024 abducted a senior member of the doctors’ association, Dr. John Esu at Oron local government area and he has not been freed till date.

The development forced the angry medics to down tools in what they described as the insensitivity of government and security agencies towards the safety of lives and properties of the people, including medical workers.

Expressing their anger over the continued captivity of the doctor in the hands of the criminals for over two weeks, the NMA State Chairman, Prof. Emem Abraham said it have become necessary to enforce the industrial action to draw the attention of the government and security agencies to the plights of medical workers who have become endangered species in the state.


Consequently, the NMA chief ordered all members including consultants to the state government and privately – owned hospitals to withdraw their services saying the action would be reviewed after 72 hours.

“Arising from emergency general meeting of NMA, Akwa Ibom State branch on May 15, 2024 at Doctors’ Mess, Uyo, over the kidnap of our member, Dr. John Esu, at Oron LGA, on April 30, 2024.


“The NMA, Akwa Ibom State has resolved to withdraw services from all government and private hospitals in sympathy with our member who had been in captivity for over 15 days. The withdrawal of services takes immediate effect, and shall be reviewed after 72 – hours.


“The entire members of our association have been psychologically traumatised by this unfortunate situation, and are not in any good frame of mind to continue serving the public, while Dr. John Esu, remains in kidnappers’ den,” the resolution read.

The Akwa Ibom NMA branch appealed to the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno “to help enforce safe release of our member unhurt within a short period of time, and to improve security of lives and properties in the State.”


© 2024 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved.

MASTAkiLLAh:
useless animals like you dont know what a constructive criticism looks like walahi

don't vent your frustrations on people

No fewer than 24 persons were critically injured on Wednesday following an early morning mosque explosion at Gadan Village, Gezawa local government area of Kano State

The Public Relations Officer of the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday.

“Today, 15/05/2024 at about 0520hrs, reports were received that, there was an explosion at a Mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa LGA, Kano State during “Subhi Prayer” and that some people got injured.

“On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, immediately deployed the command’s combined teams consisting of experts in Explosive Ordnance Disposal Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) led by CSP Haruna Isma’il and other Crime-Scene Policemen led by Divisional Police Officer, Gezawa Division, CSP Haruna Iliya.

“The scene was cordoned-off and twenty-four victims including 20 male adults and 4 male children were removed and rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano where they are currently receiving treatment,” he said.


Kano explosion painful, Buhari says at meeting with victims' families
Pictorial: Buhari visits Kano, condoles with Emir over explosion
According to him, forensic analysis at the preliminary stage revealed a suspected petrol explosion, of which a full investigation is ongoing.

He said that the principal suspect had been identified and arrested adding that the suspect is now with the Police.

“The suspect is Shafi’u Abubakar aged 38 years who said his action was purely in hostility following prolonged family disagreement over sharing of inheritance of which those that he alleged to have cheated on him were in the mosque at that moment and he did that for his voice to be heard,” Haruna said.

While the suspect is currently in police custody, he noted that a detailed investigation is ongoing and will be made public in due course.

Wigwe University is set to open its doors to the first set of students soon.

The university, founded by the late former Access Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, is keen on providing a world-class education that equips students with the knowledge and skills to be future-ready.

Wigwe died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife Chizoba, and son Chizzy in California on February 9, 2024.

Located in Isiokpo, Rivers State, the university will offer a diverse range of programmes across four major colleges, including the College of Management and Social Sciences, the College of Art, the College of Science and Computing, and the College of Engineering.


Now, fees to study in any of these colleges do not come cheap.

It is said that the school when it opens officially, will be the most expensive university in the country.

A check on the school’s website shows that the cheapest college is Arts with a total fee of N9.6m.


The fees cover tuition, books, laboratory supplies and consumables, personal protective equipment, project lab resources, e-learning resources, health insurance, student membership in professional associations, student activities, and facilities maintenance.

There are also additional charges covering accommodation fees which include the luxury single bedroom apartment plan- ₦1,000,000 / per month; premium one en-suite bedroom plan – ₦3,845,000 per session; classic one plan – ₦3,707,000 / per session and classic two plan – ₦3,500,000 / per session.

The fees can be paid in two installments per session.

The management of the university, while defending its decision to charge in dollars, recently stated that home students would pay their fees in naira, while international students could select the dollar payment option

It said the decision was a strategic one that aligns with its vision to attract a diverse and international student body.



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MASTAkiLLAh:
you're a bloody liar obviously suffering from acute short term memory loss or a severe lack of comprehension abilities. Point out one place in my post where I forced people to be sad in my post when I only focused on my region and it's political elite ? If your area got something, of course be happy but leave me alone to focus on my region. HELINUES PLEASE AVOID ME PLEASE

Your criticisms are not constructive

A presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday, shared a summary of 20 key projects and policies approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its two-day meeting which ended on Tuesday.

The projects include road construction and purchase of buses while the policies were in different areas including housing, visa and digital infrastructure.

Mr Onanuga shared the information on his X handle.



HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD ON 13TH AND 14TH MAY, 2024

Yahaya Bello vs EFCC

The Federal Executive Council concluded its meeting that started yesterday today, Tuesday May 14, 2024.

After exhaustive deliberations, the council approved a number of policies and projects that will further boost the economy, facilitate investments and promote the ease of doing business in the country. The under-listed are the major highlights:

1. Council supported a series of initiatives set to be launched that will revolutionize Nigeria’s Infrastructure and Housing sector through Public-Private Partnerships

The initiatives which can unlock about N2 trillion are aimed at transforming the nation’s infrastructure and housing mortgage sector, meet the urgent demand for critical infrastructure and affordable homeownership, fostering job creation, inclusive growth, and long-term productivity enhancement.

Inspired by the 1970s era, the government envisions a future where ordinary Nigerians can access 25-year mortgages at low-interest rates to realise their dream of owning a home. By collaborating with private institutional investors, the government seeks to replicate past successes and address current challenges effectively.

This strategic partnership aims to leverage the expertise and capital of private investors to accelerate the delivery of vital projects, driving sustainable development and economic progress for all Nigerians.

2. FEC approved that all users of Federal airports all over the country must now pay tolls at the gates. No one is excluded. The President and Vice President of Nigeria will also pay the toll.

3. The council announced a ban on sand dredging 10 kms from all Federal bridges throughout the country.

4. Council annouced a 4-week deadline for review of visa policy to enable tourists, business people, and creative professionals visit Nigeria. The ease of doing business, the council agreed cannot materialise if prospective visitors face a herculean problem getting our country’s visa. Part of the review envisaged is that visa applicants can apply for the visa online and get one within 48 hours. Also visas may be waived for holders of visas of some countries.

5. The council granted approval for the supply, installation and training of operators of disabled aircraft recovery system at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. The contract will cost N4.2 billion. Similar contract was awarded in 2021 for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in 2021.

6. Council approved Special Purpose Vehicle to be created on a PPP basis to develop 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable to increase Nigeria’s internet connectivity by 60-70 percent. The SPV intends to copy the NLNG model.

7. Council approved a consultancy service for the reconciliation and expansion of the remittances to NITDA.


8. Council approved the request of the Ministry of Communications to convert the property at 324 Jackson Street, San Francisco, USA into a Nigerian Digital Technology Exchange Programme Hub. Property owned by the Nigerian government is valued at close to $7million.

9. The Federal Executive Council also approved the award of contract for the building of bus terminals and other transport facilities in the Federal Capital, Abuja. Terminals will be built within 15 months at Kugbo, Abuja Central Business District and Mabushi. The whole project will cost N51 billion and will be executed by Planet Projects Nigeria Limited, which did similar contracts in Lagos and Oyo states.

10. Council approved the award of contract to Messrs El & Matt Nigeria Limited to upgrade Kwaita-Yebu Road in Kuala Area Council of Abuja at a cost of N7.6 billion. Completion time is 18 months.

11. Council approved contract for the building of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division at a cost of N37.2 billion. Project will be executed by Messrs Visible Construction Limited.

12. The Council awarded contract at a cost of N412million for street lights on Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Expressway. The job includes the procurement of 8 back-up generators, which will be powered by Compressed Natural Gas( CNG) or Solar, in line with government’s decision about migrating from fossil fuel to renewable energy. The council discussed extensively the need for this energy transition, as it is climate friendly, because of low emissions and also because it will reduce cost of transportation and inflation.

13. Council approved the request by Nigeria Customs Service to buy 200 Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo V6 at a cost of N12.5 billion. All the vehicles will be CNG powered. Government also approved insurance cover for the vehicles at a cost of N522 million. The cover will be provided by NEM.

14. Messrs Yuan Resources Limited was awarded the concession to deploy a revenue assurance platform under PPP arrangement in the lottery and gaming sector. The concession which will be for 15 years, will be done via DFBOT option, which means Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer.

15. Before the Monday meeting was adjourned till Tuesday, council approved several road projects. Among them was the reconstruction of Iseyin-Okeho-Iganna Road in Oyo State.

16. Council approved Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway for construction, at a cost of N1.6 trillion.

17. Approval was granted for the award of contract for reconstruction of Koton-Karfe -Abaji Road (Abuja bound), along Abuja-Lokoja Route in Kogi state at a cost of N89 billion.

18. On Day 2 of the FEC meeting, approval was given for the award of contract for the equalisation of Lokoja-Benin Road, Okpela Section, Lokoja-Benin, Dualised Auchi Section -Uromi Link Road and Lokoja-Benin Road, Ekpoma Section. It was on this road that a fuel tanker fell into high water recently, with villagers having to swim to rescue the occupants of the tanker. The reconstruction will be financed by BUA Cement at a cost of N120 Billion under the tax credit scheme.

19. Council approved contracts to various contractors to build roads and bridges in Kaima-Tesse, Kwara State, Benin-Agbor, BeninByepass and Ngaski-Wara in Kebbi State. All the four contracts will cost N546 billion.

20. Messrs CCECC was awarded contract at N230 billion to build Kano Bypass. The road which is 37kms long will include bridges and several flyovers. The company has 36 months to complete the work.

21. The Council approved for procurement the Sokoto-Illela-Badagry superhighway, which is meant to join the Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway. The road was first awarded in 1976 and then abandoned.


All content is Copyrighted © 2024 The Premium Times, Nigeria

A man has reportedly stormed a Nigerian bank in Dadin Kowa town, Jos South, Plateau State with belts packed with what appeared to be a Person Borne Improvised Explosive Device(SPBIED).

It was gathered that he was apprehended on May 13, 2024, when the suspect was found with an apparent bomb strapped to his body to detonate at the bank.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region that the vigilante Security at the bank prevented the attack after they spotted the suspects.

They immediately apprehended him before he could achieve his aim. The suspect was later surrounded by an angry mob who demanded that he should be killed immediately.

It is, however, not clear if the suspect is linked with the Islamic State of the West African Province or Boko Haram. He was taken to the Police station where he was undergoing investigation.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/pmnewsnigeria.com/2024/05/14/man-invades-nigerian-bank-with-bomb/%3famp=1

Cmanforall:


Some top military men will kick against it

because it benefits them mostly

The Federal Government has announced its plans to embark on a comprehensive review, restructuring and reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in a bid to meet up with the demands of the future.

The Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim made this announcement at the opening ceremony of the maiden meeting of NYSC management with heads of corps-producing institutions in Nigeria, held at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, on Monday.

According to the Minister, over 5000 corps members will have their entrepreneurial ventures funded with up to N10 million.

He explained, “Permit me to inform us very briefly on what is to come regarding NYSC reforms. I’m pleased to announce that I will be inaugurating a team to undertake the review, restructuring and reforms of the NYSC. The first of these reforms will be centred on reviewing participants with an entrepreneurship mindset and making skills development a core of the programme.”

He further explained that they envisioned a future where the NYSC programmes are not only self-sustained but also a revenue-generating programme within the next five years. To achieve this and would institutionalise the NYSC ventures as an investment and asset management outfit.

He also reaffirmed the NYSC’s commitment to the security and general welfare of corps members, appealing to corps-producing institutions, parents, and the general public to complement efforts in sensitising young graduates on call-up for national service.

“We urge you to use all available avenues to complement our efforts in sensitising young graduates on call-up for national service to avoid travelling at night when reporting to their states of deployment,” Ahmed said.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, in his address, welcomed the participants to Abuja and commended the NYSC management for choosing the city as the venue for the meeting.

Wike who was represented by the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCT Administration, Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi said, “NYSC has consistently symbolised our collective commitment to national development, unity, and integration. We must adopt innovative strategies to surmount challenges and enhance best practices for the engagement of our young graduates in national development efforts.”

He praised the NYSC’s efforts to enhance its operations through technology-driven approaches and urged the to actively contribute to the meeting’s success.

https://newtelegraphng.com/fg-announces-plan-to-restructure-reform-nysc/#:~:text=I'm%20pleased%20to%20announce,a%20core%20of%20the%20programme.%E2%80%9D

Ofodirinwa:
this is what Nigerians like

This is not what Nigerians like,it was foistered on Nigerians by the rulling cabals

paramakina202:


The naira gain previously was artificial it will gradually depreciate towards #2000 where it was headed to before Tinubu wuruwuru and magomago Lagos economic team intervention.

They used our foreign reserve to pad it up.I know it will not last

Melagros:
COMRADES, Nigeria is already in for it, how to get out of this quagmire is now a big challenge, and an ignorant miscreant is saying tinubu is working, apc is working

All the economic indices is working against nigeria as a result of the age long neglect of the economy

jkpbestseries:
Nigeria past and present presidents, minister of economy and CBN governors are to blame for all this misfiring of the currency

They've plummeted our foreign reserve to support the naira,a short lived and temporary measure

The Nigerian currency, which has been depreciating against the U.S. dollar in the past few weeks, has completely erased its gains from early April, making it the worst-performing currency in the world. The decline of the naira is attributed to Nigeria’s ongoing foreign exchange shortages. One economist expects the pressure on the currency to peak in the second half of the year.

The Nigerian currency, which was briefly the best-performing currency in April, has now erased those gains to become the worst-performing currency, according to the latest Bloomberg report. The report states that the naira earned this distinction after it slipped to NGN1,466.31 per U.S. dollar for the first time since March 20.

Before the naira’s short-lived resurgence against the U.S. dollar, the currency had been in free fall, prompting Nigerian authorities to implement a series of measures aimed at halting its slide. Additionally, the Nigerian government began a crackdown on global crypto exchanges, accusing them of enabling currency manipulators.

While these measures initially appeared to be effective, subsequent reports suggested that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had used the country’s foreign exchange reserves to support the naira. However, shortly after the CBN was forced to deny these reports, the naira began to lose ground against the U.S. dollar. As previously reported by Bitcoin.com News, the naira had erased the gains made in early April within just two weeks.


Naira Expected to Depreciate Further in the Second Half of 2024
Meanwhile, the Bloomberg report quotes Razia Khan, the chief economist for Africa and the Middle East at Standard Chartered, explaining why the naira has fluctuated in the past month. “When the currency appreciated very fast, there had been a bout of profit taking by offshore investors, and this meant that dollar-naira exchange rate backed up again,” Khan said.

Although Khan describes the performance of the naira as standard, many believe the depreciation is likely to increase pressure to raise interest rates. In the meantime, Danelee Masia, a senior economist specializing in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa at Deutsche Bank, has warned that the naira is expected to decline further.

Bitcoin.com

Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is likely to raise interest rates when it meets next week, following the renewed pressure on the naira and rising inflation.

The naira has gone from the world’s best performing currency in March to the worst in April as dollar inflows thin. The currency exchanges between a rate of N1,400 and N1,440 per US dollar at the official and unofficial FX markets, after reversing gains made in March that saw it hit a high of N1,000.

Inflation, meanwhile, accelerated to 33.2 percent in March 2024 compared to 31.7 percent in February 2024, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).


Most of the analysts polled by BusinessDay expect another increase in the interest rate, also known as the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), as the MPC meets on May 20 and 21, 2024.

“Another rate hike perhaps to help encourage a stronger naira, which is the best way to get inflation down,” Charlie Robertson, head of Macro Strategy FIM Partners UK Ltd, said.

The CBN expects inflation to peak by June, providing it a chance to hit the brakes on rate hikes which now sits at a record 24.75 percent following a combined 600 basis points hike this year.


Uche Uwaleke, professor of Capital Market at the Nasarawa State University Keffi, said the MPC is likely to increase MPR by at least 100 basis points at the meeting this month.

“They had raised it by 4 percent in February and added 2 percent in March. In line with the tightening stance of the CBN, we should expect another increase of at least 1 percentage point,” Uwaleke said.

“Inflation rose year on year in March despite the hike in February and the exchange rate has yet to stabilise. So, MPC will still be concerned about the need to narrow the negative interest rate,” Uwaleke said.


Economists polled by BusinessDay all predict inflation to rise further in April, putting pressure on the CBN to respond with another rate hike. However with the inflation rate close to its peak, the CBN may adopt a wait-and-see approach before raising rates.


“We think headline CPI edged up to 33.7 percent year/year in April from 33.2 percent in March,” Razia Khan, managing director, Chief Economist, Africa and Middle East Global Research, said.


CBN’s recent tightening measures, including adjustments to the Standing Deposit Facility rate, implemented at the end of March, have contributed to a stabilising effect on prices.

However, Khan warns that the full impact of these measures may not be fully realised for several months, but says the measures may provide enough comfort for the CBN to hold off another rate hike.

“While the full effect of the CBN’s tightening may not feed through for some months, we think headline inflation may now be close to its peak, suggesting little need for the CBN to raise its policy rate further,” Khan said.

Despite indications that headline inflation may be nearing its peak, Khan emphasises the lingering uncertainty in Nigeria’s inflation outlook.

Factors such as a recent fuel shortage, prompting speculation of potential fuel price adjustments, and fluctuations in the USD-NGN exchange rate due to profit-taking by foreign portfolio investors, add complexity to the economic landscape.

Market concerns are further amplified by the impending maturity of approximately USD 1.3 billion equivalent Nigerian Naira (NGN) futures on May 29th. Nevertheless, Khan suggests a glimmer of relief in the form of the state-owned oil company’s forward sale of oil, totaling USD 1.1 billion in May. Additionally, a new CBN circular indicates a potential shift in International Oil Companies’ selling mechanisms, which may alleviate pressure on the foreign exchange market.

With these dynamics at play, analysts are deliberating the necessity for further policy rate adjustments by the CBN. While Khan underscores the possibility of inflation nearing its zenith, the broader economic landscape remains fraught with uncertainties, warranting a cautious approach by monetary authorities.

For Chinazom Izuora, Senior Associate, Parthian Securities, “The month-on-month slowdown in inflation observed between February versus March inflation figures was a glimmer of hope that the monetary policy initiatives to curb inflation were heading in the right direction however the actions of other regulatory agencies, such as the electricity tariff hike, increased the burden on businesses and households so we expect the May inflation numbers to be critical to the MPC decision.

She said, higher interest rates translates to higher cost of funds and finance costs so in light of rising cost of living due to electricity and fuel costs, another hike at this point is likely to spur inflation rather than dampen it so my expectation is for the MPC to hold at this point and revisit hiking rates at subsequent meetings.

Uwaleke, who said he expected a hike, also said he would vote for a hold if he were an MPC member.

“Nevertheless, if I were a member of the MPC, I would vote for a hold position as the aggressive policy rate hike is taking a toll on output. Production is stifled because of the very high cost of funds. Moreover, the seeming over reliance on the MPR as a tool to tame inflation does not appear to be making any meaningful impact due to the significant non-monetary factors driving inflation in Nigeria such as high cost of energy, transport as well as insecurity in the food-belt regions of the country,” Uwaleke said.


© 2023 - Businessday NG. All Rights Reserved.

NiRfreak:
Those guys are inspiration to me

nice

Kobojunkie:
From whose point of view is this? The religious leaders who are merely scammers(thieves) or the gullible individuals who follow these scammers in hopes that through their much devotion, they could be touched by the divine and hence assure themselves they have been chosen for heaven by that?

These young and versatile pastors bridge the gaps where our leaders have failed, they teach the youths on entrepreneurship and leadership skills and also empower them as well,is it that you are referring to as 419

Kobojunkie:
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

modern day religion is not all about going to heaven.

Kobojunkie:
LOL... value in terms of? Nigerians are known to follow anything for the sake of it, eg. their politicians whom they gain absolutely nothing from. So why assert in this case that a different pattern is to be expected from the same?

lie,on the contrary, Nigerians mostly follow what add value to their lives

Kobojunkie:
419 everywhere!

Do you have evidence,if the followers are not getting value they wouldn't be following them

In today’s digital age, many churches leverage social media and widespread coverage to enhance their global visibility. Led by young pastors, some of these churches have expanded their physical and virtual audiences, gaining significant popularity online. Faith Ajayi looks at some of these influential young pastors making waves in the digital realm.

Jerry Eze

Jerry Eze is the lead pastor of Streams of Joy International with over sixteen branches spread across Africa, Canada, the United States of America, United Kingdom, since its inception in 2013. He is also the convener of the largest online prayer meeting, New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations popularly known as NSPPD which he started during the Covid-19 period on YouTube and other social media platforms.

He is said to be one of the youngest and richest pastors in Nigeria with over 1.2 million followers on Instagram.


The impact of his media presence has reached global levels as a renowned global institution such as CNN amongst many others has rated Pastor Eze’s YouTube channel as number 1 in the world with factual statistics and as the second most viewed ministry in the world. NSPPD is also ranked as the most-watched live channel in Nigeria (Leading in all parameters: Daily, weekly and monthly) and as the channel with the most live viewers in Nigeria, amongst many others.

Before going into ministry, he worked with the World Bank project on HIV/AIDS and the United Nations Population Fund as a Communications Specialist. In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, he noted the reason why he left his job with the UN. He said, “I realised that there could not be any higher calling than the call of God on one’s life. So, I came to the reality that purpose would always trump any human satisfaction at any time. It was extremely compelling to fulfil the desire of God for my life. When I weighed what I wanted and what God wanted me to do, I realised that destiny was much more important than what I wanted to do for myself. I left the secular job to do the work of God. Meanwhile, at the time nothing was exciting about it (the job). I knew I had a mandate to fulfil for a generation waiting to hear my voice.”

Eze is married to Eno, a lady he met seventeen years ago. He made this known via his social media when celebrating his wife’s birthday in February 2024 in a now-deleted post. He wrote “To the little girl I met at 17 who has blossomed into a virtuous woman. To the young Christian, I knew who has grown to become a fireful vessel in the hands of God. To the shy girl I met who has grown to be a pillar of confidence and boldness.


“Who would not love a woman like you? Onye Oma m from way back, a million words cannot describe all that I have in my heart but on this special day of yours, I pray may history be kind to you. May posterity remember you with joy. Our children – biological and spiritual all over the world will call you blessed.”

The couple is blessed with two children Samara and Jerry (a girl and a boy).

Femi Lazarus

With over 1.3 million followers on Instagram, Femi Lazarus is the lead pastor of Sphere of Light Church and the Principal of the International School of Ministry; a platform through which he has trained ministers from more than thirty nations.

Lazarus founded Sphere of Light Church in June 2018 with branches in Osun State, Kwara State, Rivers State, Abuja, the United Kingdom with its headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State. The church which began at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Osun State in 2014 was then known as the ‘Friends of the Word’ ministry.

He also founded Femi Lazarus Ministries Ecumenical, popularly known as FLAME, which includes other institutions like the Campus on Fire Conference, International School of Ministry and Flame Radio.

Lazarus continues to impact lives through other platforms like the ‘School on the Street,’ which he founded to impact the lives of people and was recognized for his contributions. In January 2020, he received an award at the Royal Awards and Leadership Summit Ceremony hosted by the Ooni of Ife Foundation.


In his bid to raise Godly people, he hosts a free mentoring program and conducts a weekly online bible study on telegram. He authored a book titled ‘The Final Move of God’.

Lazarus is a Public Health practitioner by training from Obafemi Awolowo University. He is married to Miracle popularly known as Pastor Mimie who is a public speaker, writer, and a certified relationship, marriage and love coach. Their marriage is blessed with two children.

Jimmy Odukoya:

Oluwajimy Odukoya is the son of the late clergy, Taiwo and his wife Bimbo Odukoya. Jimmy is the lead pastor of Fountain of Life Church, Lagos. He has an active social media presence of over 571 thousand followers on his verified Instagram page. He started his acting career in the entertainment industry in 2016 with ‘Baby Shower’. He acted in the movie, ‘Woman King’ in 2022. Although well-known as an actor, he was officially ordained in September 2023 and later took over as the Lead Pastor of the church after the death of his father.

In a report, he noted that although God had called him into ministry, he had no plan of quitting as an actor. “When I started, people said I couldn’t be a pastor and an actor together. They said the church and the world wouldn’t accept me. If God sends you somewhere, he will clear the path for you. I was there for six years in an industry that is hard to break into. From Nollywood, I moved to Hollywood. God has shown that with him, nothing is impossible. Now, he has asked me to do this (Be a pastor). Whether it’s production, behind the scenes, or in front of the camera, God will figure it out. Although I’m focused on the church now, that doesn’t mean I cannot act. Once an actor, always an actor.”

However, after Jimmy was ordained, there was a controversy about his physical appearance contradicting his role as a Lead Pastor and whether he was the right person for the office.

Addressing the controversy in an interview with BBC Pidgin, he said “God has called me into this new season of my life. All my focus is on the church. This new position is a big responsibility. As for my dreads, most people don’t know I can back up everything I do with scripture. As a pastor, I can tell you that God told Samson in the Bible not to cut his hair, which means long hair is never a bad thing. If you also say the pastor is keeping a beard, I can tell you that the Bible says that when Jesus was tortured, they pulled hair from his face.

“If you say I am putting on earrings, I can tell you that when the children of Israel left Egypt and wanted to make a golden calf, they collected jewellery, earrings and rings from their sons and daughters. You should not use your personal opinion to judge me. A personal opinion is different from saying something is sinful.

“Anybody can do what they want. In 2009, I was ordained as a minister and I became a pastor in 2012. I was the lead pastor of the youth church until 2021.” He added.

Since he resumed as the lead pastor, he has been seen not only as a celebrated man of God but also for his philanthropic contribution to members within and outside the church. He is known for raising finance to support people even during church service.

Beyond his ministry and entertainment career, Jimmy is also a motivational speaker, dancer, and fitness enthusiast. He has demonstrated a wide range of interests.

In 2013, Jimmy married Oluwakemi Odukoya (nee Banjoko) in London and their marriage is blessed with children.

Emmanuel Iren

Emmanuel Iren is another force on social media with over 769 thousand followers on Instagram. He is the founder and the lead pastor of Celebration Church International in Ikeja, Lagos with branches in Lekki, Abuja, River State, Oyo State, and Canada.


For a boy with a history in church, Iren served as a pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God for nine years, which he noted to have an indelible impact on his life. He started from being a drummer boy to representing his zone at Sunday school bible quizzes and at the age of 13, he preached his first ever sermon on a Sunday morning at Teens Week for his then RCCG branch.

In 2011, Iren obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in building technology from Covenant University, Ota, Ogun state and a Master’s in business administration from the University of Lagos. While in school, it was said that he received his ministerial calling and began a fellowship known as Triumphal Youth Fellowship, which he inaugurated at the young age of 22, on November 11, 2012, and in 2014, the fellowship grew under him to become a church renamed the Celebration Church International.

Along with overseeing the Celebration Church International, Iren also oversees an interdenominational bible training school called ‘Manifest Bible Course’ and a daily devotion platform, ‘Triumph30 Devotional’.

As a man of many passions, he is also involved in gospel music and is known as a singer, principal songwriter and the founder of a Christian record label, ‘Outburst Music Group’. He first released his debut album, ‘Kerygma’ in December 2017 and has continued to minister in songs, featuring other gospel artists over the years including his recent song, Agalliao featuring Nathaniel Bassey.

He also authored a book titled ‘Leading Seeks You’.

Like some pastors, he, in 2023 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Myles University, Benin Republic, as a recognition of his efforts and contributions to society. In April 2020, he was also recognised by the YNaija Church 100 as one of the 100 people who has made a great impact on the body of Christ.

Iren is married to his heartthrob, Laju and their marriage is blessed with four children; Ruby-Grace, Nadia, Nasara, and Kairo Iren. Iren got married to his wife in November 2014 at the age of 24.

Michael Orokpo

Michael Orokpo who has 255 thousand followers on Instagram was born on March 1, 1981 (43 years). He is the founder and President of Encounter Jesus Ministries International in Abuja, Nigeria, founded on November 11, 2021. He also runs an online mentoring program on Facebook with over 77.3 thousand members in a private group.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Pure Chemistry, a master’s in Physical Chemistry and a doctorate in Chemistry all from Benue State University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.

He is known as one of the fiery preachers with a message of revival and deliverance. Although he started his ministerial work at a young age, he was officially ordained a pastor on May 24, 2019, and has continued to impact lives through the gospel.


In an interview with Leke, the son of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Orokpo noted that he was caught in some controversial situations in his previous ministry, and has learned more useful lessons during difficult times than when he was having a good time.

He said, “Where I was serving a lot of controversies came up. People told a lot of lies against me. I had to go and beg the authorities about four times. I pleaded and begged but things boomerang. I became so bitter against the people around me. I sowed seed and respected all people but they wanted me to go down. I began to wonder, is this a church? Is this the house of God?”


But, in the midst of it, he remained committed to ministry so much that he still ministered a day after his brother’s death.

Orokpo is married to his lovely wife, Osenaga Umobuarie. They got married traditionally on April 23, 2021, and had their white wedding on April 24, 2021, at Assemblies of God Church, Ugbowo, Benin City. The couple gave birth to a baby boy on February 7, 2022.

Daniel Olawande

Daniel Olawande is an ordained minister in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and the Lead Pastor at the Afternoon Church, RCCG Living Seed Church, Ikorodu.

Other offices he occupies include serving as the RCCG Youth Evangelist and the current National Youth President, of the RCCG. P Daniels as he is fondly called coordinates the National Youth Representative Council and is a National Executive of the Pastor’s Seed Family, where he serves as the National Representative for Region 26 Ikorodu Lagos.

He is also the President of Inspired Team International and the Director of the Flaming Network.

He is a youth development advocate who is passionate about raising young people who will fulfil their purpose and impact the kingdom of God. As a result of this, he makes use of several platforms to awaken the youth and cause a revival. Olawande is the founder and principal of Flaming College, a mentorship platform to raise, build and equip people for all-around effectiveness.


He is the President of the Flaming Youth Empowerment Initiative, an NGO with a mandate of empowering the next generation and becoming a beacon of hope.

Olawande founded the Young Minister Retreat Global, in 2017; a 72-hour end-of-the-year meeting designed for young believers and ministers across the world with the vision of raising burning kingdom giants across several denominations.

He is also the host of the annual Awakening the Giants Within conference for campuses with the vision of raising 360-degree leaders. Alongside, he is the convener of the Youth Aflame Conference, a conference for young Christian professionals.

In terms of education, Olawande holds a BSc. in Biology Education, M.Sc. in Educational Psychology, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Theology. He also participated in the basic and advanced courses at Daystar Leadership Academy. He is certified by the World Creativity and Intelligence Team at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and an alumnus of the Texas Bible Institute, U.S.A.

As a result of his global impact on the body of Christ in terms of youth development, management and empowerment, Olawade was awarded an honorary doctorate of Leadership and Management from Irgib Africa University, Republic of Benin.

In addition, he was also listed as one of the 100 guardians of faith in Nigeria (2020) and a Special Marshal in the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Not only is he an internationally sought-after speaker at churches, conventions and conferences, he is also a songwriter and music minister with a debut album titled ‘The Outpouring’. Olawande also acts and has authored different best sellers and transformational books like Fire Tonic and Burden Capsules amongst several others.


He is happily married to Oluwanifemi Olawande and they are blessed with two daughters.

Kingsley Okonkwo:

He is the senior pastor of the David’s Christian Centre in Lagos with over 1.1 million followers on Instagram and over 514 subscribers on YouTube.

He is popularly known as a relationship coach and has authored several books on marriage and relationships.

He was born in Lagos into the royal family of King Rowland Okonkwo and Rosannah Okonkwo of the Obowo Kingdom in Imo state. He initially founded David’s Christian Centre as a Youth Fellowship in 1996 which later became a church in early 2000. That same year, he founded a monthly relationship seminar called ‘Love, Dating and Sex’ to help individuals and families build healthy and successful relationships. However, in 2005, after his marriage on September 3, the seminar was renamed, ‘Love, Dating and Marriage’.

To impact the world outside the church circle, Okonkwo founded Heart and Mind Consulting Services in January 1999 to help individuals and businesses build healthy relationships in the workplace and at home. He also hosts seminars, training and conferences to equip coaches across continents with invaluable relationship coaching content.

Aside from this, he also hosts annual seminars like ‘Manual’, which is an only-women conference aimed to help women understand what men want in a relationship; ‘Man up’, an all-men mentorship program; ‘Together Forever’, an annual conference for married couples and ‘International Family Life Practitioners Conference’, a conference for family life practitioners, coaches, counsellors and pastors.


He is a member of the Forbes Business Council, an invite-only community that brings together accomplished executives and entrepreneurs from different industries. He is also a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors among others.

He bagged a Diploma in Biblical counselling from the Light University, and an advanced diploma in Marriage and Family life coaching amongst others.

He was conferred an honourary doctorate in Transformational Leadership, from Myles Leadership University, Benin Republic, on September 9, 2022, for his contribution in the areas of youth development, leadership, mentorship, and philanthropy.

He has other interests aside from being a speaker. He has authored several best-selling books on relationships and marriage and has been featured in some movies like the award-winning movie, Twelve Forty-Five by the Winlos.

He is married to Mildred Chijide, and their union is blessed with three children. In his leisure, he plays tennis and football, watches movies when he can, rides a power bike and travels around the world while still preaching the gospel.



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