Source: https://ogunnewshub.com/lovely-photos-from-the-closing-ceremony-of-afcon-2021/

Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon hosted the final match between Egypy and Senegal

Egypt took their place in the final after beating Cameroon on penalties, while Senegal qualified after defeating Burkina Faso in the semi-finals.

South African artist, Master KG performed during the ceremony with the participation of other African singers.

The President of the Republic of Cameroon, HE Mr Paul Biya in the attendance alongside CAF President Dr Patrice Mostepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were present at the event.

See photos below...

Despite freezing temperatures and tight Covid restrictions, Beijing on Friday tried its best to celebrate the start of a Winter Olympics chilled even before its start by the pandemic, frosty relations with the West, and a dose of been-there-done-that indifference.

Thousands of invited spectators braved a several-hour ordeal just to get to the opening ceremony in Beijing, where the Chinese capital became the only city to open both a Summer and Winter Games












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Source: https://ogunnewshub.com/photos-from-the-opening-of-beijing-winter-olympics/

Timi Frank condemns abduction of Journalist in Bayelsa by DSS, demands immediate release


Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Monday, condemned in strong terms the abduction of a journalist from his house in Bayelsa State by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Sunday.

Operatives of the Service numbering about 15 had invaded the residence of the journalist and publisher of tracknews.ng, Bara Ogidi, and whisked him away in the presence of his wife and children to an unknown destination.

The action of the DSS is believed to be in connection with Ogidi’s consistent reportage of an alleged controversial libel suit involving the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Simbi Wabote, and the publisher of Pointblank news, Mr. Jackson Ude, presently being heard in the United States of America (U.S.A).

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, in a statement in Abuja, said it has been confirmed that Wabote ordered the arrest of the journalist using his office to compromise the DSS.

He urged the DSS to urgently release Ogidi, who was merely carrying out his legitimate duty by reporting proceedings of the said case for the benefit of the reading public.

He insisted that such Gestapo-styled abductions are reminiscent of military juntas and should never be condoned in a democratic setting.

He urged the Director General of DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, to steer the Service away from being used by political office holders to harass, intimidate and victimise innocent journalists for exercising their constitutional rights.

He called on Nigerians to hold Wabote and the DSS responsible should any harm befall Ogidi in custody.

He noted that the wife and children of Ogidi have fallen under severe trauma over the action of the operatives against their husband and father respectively, and insisted that nothing short of unconditional and immediate release of the detained journalist would assuage their pains.

He noted that journalists and media houses have unfortunately come under intense attacks, harassment, intimidation and victimisation under the regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) through illegal arrests, invasion of media houses and prolonged and unjustified detention of journalists in violation of their fundamental human rights to freedom of speech and expression.

Frank said: “This is not a DSS matter. Let them make public his offence or charges. We understand that Ogidi’s abduction by the DSS and plans to export him to Abuja is meant to blackmail him in order to implicate innocent Nigerians under duress.

“Why arrest a journalist because a politician was not pleased with a report?. Every Nigerian who feels he has been unduly misrepresented has a right of reply in the media or in the alternative to seek legal redress in a court of competent jurisdiction.

“Why make the DSS or any security agency for that matter the fall guy anytime a politician is aggrieved over a media report? This is definitely not the work that should command the attention of the DSS or any security agency whatsoever at a time the country is being buffeted by bandits, kidnappers, terrorists on every side.

“Therefore we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Ogidi from detention to enable him go back to his family in one piece as the arrest is an embarrassment to the country.”

He called on the National Human Rights Commission and the International Press Institute to intervene to ensure that Ogidi is not detained longer than necessary or for him to be arraigned in court to enable him seek bail.


https://wotzup.ng/timi-frank-condemns-abduction-of-journalist-in-bayelsa-by-dss-demands-immediate-release/
Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Armed Operatives numbering about fifteen from the Department of States Security, DSS, have on Snday morning arrested Mr Ogidi Ben Bara, a journalist and publisher of Tracknews based in Yenogoa, the Bayelsa State capital, family sources confirmed.

Although family sources could not confirm reasons for the journalists arrests but security sources said the order for his arrest came from the Director General of the DSS on the request of the Minister of State, Petroleum, Timipre Sylva and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Simbi Wabote.

Further investigations revealed that the arrest may not be unconnected with a publication by Bara in which he berated Wabote for attempting to use their personal conversations as evidence in his defamation case against Jackson Ude, a U.S based investigative Journalist at a U.S Court.

Wabote had tendered Whatsapp messages between him and Bara at the U.S District Court in Pennsylvania suggesting that Bara and Ude are being used by opposition politicians to blackmail him and publish negative articles against him.

Bara denied the allegations and wrote an apology letter to Mr. Ude for the embarrassment the whatsapp messages between himself and Wabote may have caused him.

Sources said the apology letter to Mr. Ude by Bara which was published by some media organizations was considered embarrassing to Wabote, hence his reaching out to the Minister of State, Petroleum, from where they met with the DG DSS and demanded the arrest of the Journalist.

Below is the statement released by Ogidi where he berated Wabote:



Mr Simbi Wabote stay off me--Ogidi.

The chief executive officer and the managing Director of www.tracknews.ng Mr. Ogidi Ben Bara has berated the executive Secretary of Nigeria content development and monitoring board NCDMB Mr. Simbi Wabote to stay off him and his company www.tracknews.ng.

Mr. Ogidi made the statement after obtaining a US court document where Mr. Simbi Wabote tendered a private conversation he had with Mr. Ogidi Ben Bara as defence stating that Mr. Jackson Ude the Editor-in-Chief of PointBlanknews.com and Chief Timi Frank that both is using Mr. Ogidi Ben and his media company www.tracknews.ng to blackmail and extort money from him and his agency.

In an open writing by the chief executive officer and the managing director of www.tracknews.ng Mr. Ogidi Ben Bara address to Mr. Jackson Ude and Chief Timi Frank reads.

My attention has been drawn to a U.S Court document from the U.S Eastern District Court, Pennsylvania, U.S, wherein one Mr. Simbi Wabote the executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NDMB) tendered my personal conversation with him to claim that you, Mr. Jackson Ude, the Editor-in-Chief of pointblankNews and Chief Timi Frank are both using me and my media company TrackNews to blackmail and extort money from him over news publications on Pointnlanknews.com. That is a complete lie.

I want to make it categorically clear that, I, Mr. Ogidi Ben Bara or any staff from TrackNews have never met you in person, never had any conversations with you either by text, voice calls or any form whatsoever. And that we also have never had any business relationship. And Chief Timi Frank has never asked or solicited from me any media support or help to report any negative news against Mr. Simbi Wabote.

Mr Wabote’s attempt at using my personal conversations with him to enrich his case at the U.S Court, is at best a blackmail and an attempt to infringe on my professional integrity and score a cheap legal goal. I urge you and the Honorable Court to please disregard any communication between me and Mr. Wabote being tendered in Court. Mr. Wabote should please show to the Court that he is not corrupt in both the U.S and Nigerian Courts where corruption cases against him are pending.

For the records, I had a phone conversation and WhatsApp chats with Mr. Simbi Wabote on my personal relationship with him based on the fact that my company, TrackNews, has been publishing articles about him and his agency over the years. I have never in anytime collected a dime from Mr. Wabote and his agency or demanded to be paid to either pull down stories or reach out to any other News organizations. My conversations were basically for institutional supports which he also have rendered to other media houses who publishes positive stories for him.

Mr. Wabote Simbi should stop using me and my company TrackNews to blackmail you and Chief Timi Frank and any other media organization.

It is on record that Mr. Simbi Wabote has numerous corruption cases both in Nigeria and US. He should go and defend his corruption cases and stop using my name to blackmail you and PointBlankNews to gain favour or judgment in US court.

As a Journalist and publisher of a News website, I do cull up articles from some trusted and dependable news site of which PointBlank News is one of them and republish especially when they are of public interests and when they meet our journalistic standards. I do that not for monetary gains. All the publications we republished about Mr. Simbi Wabote corruption allegations we got them from PointBlank News because we trust the News site and they meet our standard of news judgement.

Lastly, I like to apologize to you Mr. Jackson Ude, Chief Timi Frank and any other person or media organization that Mr. Simbi Wabote may have used to attempt to beautify his Court case in the U.S. I feel terribly embarrassed that a personal conversation I had with him is now being used as evidence against. I have respect for you as a thoroughbred professional whom I look up to.

Mr Jackson Ude, please accept my unreserved apology.
Thanks.
Yours faithfully,


MR. OGIDI BEN BARA
CEO/MD TrackNews Media L


https://www.naijalivetv.com/allege-libel-dss-arrests-bayelsa-based-journalist-bara-ogidi-over-allege-wabote-ude-us-suit
Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

In a recent Instagram post from popular youth movement, 7th Republic has expressed gratitude for the Leadership and poise displaced by the Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan.

The Civil Society Movement has tagged the Popular Chief as a definition of true Leadership in the country:

"Our Dear Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan,

In the course of this present system of things in Nigeria, you've shown the essence of your selfless Leadership. 

Your sense of coordination and confidence in Humanitarian activities is remarkable.  You have stretched your hands at every instances, and continue to invest in Human Capital. 

I'm awed at the lives you've affected gainfully across the country. I'm certain that if Nigeria has a couple of you, the country would have been a much better fit to compete on global grounds. 

I admire your industrious foresight. You're business oriented, but you've outlined your concentrations in creating opportunities for the poor and lonely. 


You're indeed a man with Character and dignity. Continue to be 'YOU'. 


God keeps you."

One of Nigerian Popular Publicist and Blogger, Adenekan Mayowa aka Mayorspeaks has shared his views on Singer, Portable.

Habeeb Okikiola aka Portable is the newest face in the Nigerian indigenous rap scene. Portable has been making music for some time now, struck gold recently when he teamed up with Poco Lee and Olamide on the hit single, Zazuu Zeh.

Mayorspeaks took to his Instagram page to talk about the looks and appearance of the singer.

He also revealed that his management needs to work on him.



See post below..


Source: https://ogunnewshub.com/singer-portable-should-start-working-on-his-looks-and-appearance-mayorspeaks/

Timi Frank to Bisi Akande: You lied in your claim that Obasanjo opposed Buhari’s bid for president

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Sunday, disagreed with a chieftain of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, over his claim that ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo opposed the Presidential ambition of the President, Major General Muhammdu Buhari (retd.) in 2015.

The pioneer National Chairman of the APC, Chief Akande, in his memoirs titled: “My Participations” which was presented in Lagos on Thursday, alleged that Obasanjo worked behind the scene to stop APC from picking Buhari as its presidential candidate.

In his reaction, Frank in a statement in Abuja, described Akande’s claim as contrived lies aimed at gaining political mileage for his preferred presidential aspirant ahead of 2023 general elections.

He recalled that being one of the youngest among prominent leaders that worked for Buhari’s emergence as President, he is aware of the critical roles played by Obasanjo and other prominent leaders to make the APC win the presidency in 2015.

He wondered why the former Governor of Osun State, with due respect, failed to name the presidential aspirant that Obasanjo backed after his alleged opposition to Buhari’s emergence.

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, said: “As a major opposition figure then and chieftain of the APC, we know those who fought to make Buhari President and Obasanjo is definitely among them.

“Obasanjo fought to make Buhari President. I also played a major role. If we want to count those who helped make Buhari President, prominent on the list would be Aliyu Wamakko, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Murtala Nyako, Rotimi Amaechi, Abdulfatai Ahmed, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Senator Dino Melaye, Musa Kwankwaso, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Malam Nasir el’Rufai, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, among others.

“Obasanjo supported Buhari and worked both nationally and internationally to lobby for him against the then incumbent President, Goodluck Jonathan, after he resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party and openly shredded his PDP’s membership card.

“Photos of the many shuttles of the above leaders to Otta to solicit Obasanjo’s support for the Buhari project abound and pictures don’t lie.

“Like some of us who supported and worked against Jonathan, we have since realised our mistake and I have apologised and begged Nigerians for forgiveness over my role in making Buhari President who has turned out to be a colossal disappointment.

“Same for Obasanjo. The former President supported Buhari and wrote a powerful open letter to Jonathan which convinced majority of the electorate to vote Buhari and Buhari won the election.

“Obasanjo supported Buhari because he believed he will fight corruption and restore security in the country as a retired military officer. He only turned his back when Buhari failed woefully on this two count. Nigerians can testify.

“As one of the key actors in the crusade that brought Buhari to power, I am also writing my book and very soon I shall appropriately situate some of the high points of that joint mistake and who did what.”

He added that: “While Akande’s memoirs titled: “My Participation” is commendable, branding Obasanjo as ‘anti-Buhari’ prior to the 2015 General elections is at best attention seeking to cajole Buhari into sympathy and support for the rumoured presidential aspiration of a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress from the South West, ahead of the 2023 general elections.”

He urged Akande to seek better ways of canvassing support for his benefactor and choice presidential candidate for 2023 rather than attempting to malign Obasanjo in order to sway Buhari.


Source: https://wotzup.ng/timi-frank-to-bisi-akande-you-lied-in-your-claim-that-obasanjo-opposed-buharis-bid-for-president/

Recently Kizz Daniel has been on headline over his comment that the music industry is filled with cabals.

Pr Expert, Mayorspeaks took to his twitter page to reveal the real reason why Kizz Daniel is lamenting about cabals in the industry.

He tweeted saying..

Someone is talking about cabal in the industry, Kizz Daniel has a brand that I am sure the said cabal cant shake, Kizz Daniel has no bad song but give me a song of him that can put him on the world Map witout gud PR

He sees himself so big too early that he ignored the role of PR

While we Kizz Daniel was at GWW, he made it known to some folks that was restricted from doing features, hence years after he left the label. Tell me the number of artist he has featured; you can't build a shield around you and except people to have you on board.

Source: https://ogunnewshub.com/kizz-daniel-ignores-the-role-of-pr-pr-expert-mayorspeaks-says/
Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Popular Pr Expert, Mayorspeaks has joined the list of celebrities that gift Davido 1M on his birthday.

The Publicist and Blogger, Adenekan Mayowa took to his Instagram page to share the screenshot of his alert to davido.

He posted saying...

Davido manage this one, is for everything � � prayo

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWYk_3iPw0S/?utm_medium=copy_link

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Photos: Nigerian Comedy Skit Makers, Taaoma, Woli Agba & others meet with Yemi Osinbajo

The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo yesterday met with a delegation of young Nigerian (comedy) Skit Industry practitioners under the auspices of the Nigeria Skits Industry Awards (NSIA), led by its promoter, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, at the Presidential Villa Abuja.

The delegation included Maryam Apaokagi, popularly known as Taooma; Josh Alfred (Josh2funny); Ayo Ajewole (Woli Agba); Adebamiro Adeyanju (Mr. Hyenana), Adeoye Adeyemi Elesho (Yemi Elesho), among others.

During the meet the Osinbajo said the federal government will continue to create an enabling environment for the growth and development of youths in the country.

But the question now is why was Mr Macaroni, Broda Shaggi absent?

Source: https://ogunnewshub.com/photos-nigerian-comedy-skit-makers-taaoma-woli-agba-and-others-meet-with-vice-president/
Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

The mother of Ex-BBNaija Star, Kiddwaya has today kicked start her governorship campaign in Benue State under the ruling party PDP.

Susan Waya, wife of popular billionaire Terry Waya last year declared her intention to become the next governor of Benue State by 2023.


Susan Waya and her UK-based billionaire husband, Terry Waya came to the limelight when their son participated in Big Brother Naija reality TV show in 2020.

Kiddwaya’s journey in season five of the show ended when he became the 12th housemate to be evicted on September 13, 2020.

See photos below…



Source: https://ogunnewshub.com/photos-kiddwayas-mother-susan-waya-kick-starts-her-governorship-campaign-in-benue
Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

More photos https://ogunnewshub.com/photos-nlc-residents-block-lagos-abeokuta-expressway-over-bad-roads-in-ogun-state/
Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Protest is currently going on by NLC, TUC members and residents at Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

This protest is coming after the NLC had given the Ogun State government and the Federal government a 21-day ultimatum for them to fix the deplorable road.

The NLC had on October 6 stormed the Sango portion of the Lagos-Abeokuta highway, with a threat to shut down the state if nothing was done within 21 days.

Below are photos from the protest ….

Source: https://ogunnewshub.com/photos-nlc-residents-block-lagos-abeokuta-expressway-over-bad-roads-in-ogun-state/

According to a Press release made available to the public by Adenekan Mayowa, the PR Manager to Ace Tv broadcaster, VJ Adams. He confirmed that the Instagram account of the broadcaster has been deactivated for Reasons he didn’t state.

See Press Release Below.

Dear Friends and Family,

This is to bring to your notice that the Instagram account of @iamvjadams has been disabled.

The news of this development is brought to your notice by the technical team of the Brand “VJ ADAMS” through the office of the Publicity Manager, Its indeed a disheartening event but we are doing everything technically and humanly possible to get back the page.

While we work on this, a backup page @veejayadams has been launched to communicate with you all to avoid mix-ups as far as the brand name is concerned.

Kindly desist from doing business or liaising with any page in the name of VJ ADAMS except through this page @veejayadams, While we work with the Instagram team to get back to the old page, @iamvjadams

To all our brands and advertisers, please bear with us, we will get our page shortly, meanwhile, feel free to communicate with us via the new page or other verified official social media of the brand VJ Adams.

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/iamvjadams
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/iamvjadams
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/VJAdamsVEVO
EMAIL: Bookvjadams@vjadams.com


Thank you for standing with the VJ ADAMS brand.


Yours Sincerely,
Adenekan Mayowa
PR Manager to VJ Adams
I

However, he mentioned that the team is working on getting the page back, also he warned that people should desist from doing business with any other page aside a new back up that was set us @veejayadams.



Source: https://ogunnewshub.com/instagram-deactivates-tv-presenter-vj-adams-account/

Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

A foremost Image Consultancy conglomerate based in Abuja has extol Governor Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers State, for his tendencies is driving his agendas and policies under the auspices of Youthful leadership.

Image X applauded his ever willing insights in engaging Youths and Women in his cabinet.

In his word, the Spokesperson of ImageX - Theodore Ogbeyi spoke highly of how the Governor has transformed Cross Rivers State into an Industrial Hub.

“I think Governor Ben Ayade is a massive voice amongst the Nigerian Youths. He has shown reliable character towards his directions In Leadership. You can clearly see how he has transformed Cross River State into an Industrial Hub. It is quite evidence that he redirects his activities by engaging more Women and Youths in his cabinet.

He has indeed shown leadership, and I’m certain that his Visionary values is highly essential to this great nation, going forward.”, Mr. Theodore remarks.


Source: https://ngg.ng/imagex-lauded-governor-ben-ayade-for-his-youthful-vigor-in-leadership/

At a time Nigerians are struggling to survive due to harsh economic conditions, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has urged the masses to prepare for worst times ahead.

Frank is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, said his fear was predicated on the “2022 Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability” recently laid before a joint session of the National Assembly by President Muhammdu Buhari.

He said since the purchasing power of the average Nigerian has been inexorably eroded by rising cost of goods and services coupled with expected increases in the pump price of petrol, electricity tariffs and introduction of new taxes, the people must of necessity tighten their belts to survive the economic tsunami ahead.

Frank in a statement in Abuja, berated President Buhari for again deceiving Nigerians with a budget he knows will bring more hardship to them than succour.

“In the history of Nigeria,” according to him, “no President or head of state has lied to Nigerians like Buhari.”

“For instance, Buhari stated that his regime is targeting N17.70trillion as total federally-collectible revenue for 2022. Yet, he plans to finance the 2022 Budget Deficit of N6.26trillion through borrowing thereby pushing up the nation’s debt.”

He lamented that since Buhari took over in 2015, annual budget performance has remained below 30 per cent.

“This is because they are budgets of lies and no one can implement a lie,” he declared.

He insisted that Buhari’s plan to seek further amendments to the Finance Act 2020, is meant to lay additional financial burden on the shoulders of Nigerians.

“This invariably means, among others, that some present taxes will either be reviewed upwards or new ones introduced,” he said.

He recalled that based on the law, which became fully operational on January 1, 2021, Value Added Tax (VAT) was increased from 5% to 7.5% while impoverished Nigerians are now being charged N50 levy on every electronic money transfer deposited in any bank or financial institution, on any account, on the sum of N10,000 and above.

According to him, this levy is in addition to other charges like Short Message Service (SMS), Account Maintenance, etc, which Nigerians are already being made to pay by commercial banks.

He also said that a new way to further plunder the downtrodden Nigerians by Buhari is the planned reintroduction of tollgates on Federal Highways in the country.

He said when the scheme becomes operational, according to the Federal Government, motorists will be made to pay N200, N500, and N1000 respectively depending on the type of vehicle.

He added: “It is grievous that Buhari did not tell Nigerians that as he was speaking to his Halleluya and Amen Boys in the highly comprised ninth National Assembly and fixing the 2022 official exchange rate at N410.15k to $1, the Naira on Thursday last week (same day) traded at N570 to the dollar at the unofficial (parallel) market.

“The Naira also exchanged at N410.81 per dollar at the Investors and Exporters (I&E) forex window, thereby putting a lie to Buhari’s proposal of N410.15.50 to a dollar officially.”

He insisted that the National Assembly had hurriedly approved the passage of the PIA, in the interest of Buhari and not for the benefit of Nigerians.

“The rubber stamp National Assembly hurriedly passed the Petroleum Industry Act, not because they love Nigeria but because Buhari and his cronies want to perpetually be in charge of the incorporated entities.

He recalled that Buhari and Nigerian oil industry have become inseparable since the the regime of Olusegun Obasanjo as Head of State.

He “When Olusegun Obasanjo became a military Head of State in 1976, Buhari, then a Colonel, was appointed the Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Petroleum and Natural Resources.

“In 1977, when the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was created, Buhari was appointed as its Chairman, a position he held until 1978.

“Buhari served as the Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), a body created by the regime of late General Sani Abacha. He has doubled as the President, Commander-In-Chief, and Minister of Petroleum Resources since 2015.

“I dare say that with the ongoing incorporation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, in line with provisions in the PIA, the petroleum industry in Nigeria will continue to be in the firm grips of Buhari, post 2023, through his proxies and cronies who have concluded plans to mop up the initial share capital of N200billion of the company soon to be put up for sale to Nigerians.

“The purchase and control of Nigerian power assets by both present and former political office holders is telling in this direction.”

He insisted that Nigerians are terribly disappointed in some opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly who joined APC lawmakers to clap for Buhari as witnessed by viewers during the live telecast of the budget presentation session.

He said: “Instead of them to make Buhari to understand that they were only there because duty demands that they be there, they were apparently carried away.

“One wonders if they cannot borrow a leaf from the way opposition lawmakers in other climes react whenever the President told a lie or says anything that is doubtful or inaccurate during presentations.”

END

Signed

Comrade Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East

Source: https://ngg.ng/2022-budget-timi-frank-urges-nigerians-to-prepare-for-worst-times/

Without stretching the conversations and highlighting an exodus of achievements,  Governor Bala Mohammed would definitely fall into the shortlist of performing Governora in Nigeria at the moment.  


The insightful and people's oriented Governor has annexed a spec of opportunities, which is consistently beneficial to the good people of Bauchi.


Indeed, some of his policies has attracted viable possibilities, and the State's economy is thriving in all sectors; especially in Agriculture, ICT, Solid Minerals, and and solving the housing deficits in the State.


Governor Bala's poise to carry the good people of Bauchi along is remarkable. As Bauchi maintain a decent position amongst other Nigerian States for ease of doing business. The soft Spoken Governor isn't relenting in creating a track which every Local and Foriegn Investors. 


Ofcourse, Governor Bala Mohammed is a palpable definition of Generous and Innovative Leadership. 




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bQYMuGlz2Y

Source: https://ngg.ng/bala-mohammed-a-governor-defining-the-pace-of-leadership-in-bauchi-state/

Veteran actor, Chinwetalu Agu brutalized by soldiers for wearing a Biafran flag outfit.

At some point in the video, the actor was spotted out of his car which had the inscription “Chinwetalu Film”.

The car was the searched by the security operatives before he was manhandled by the soldiers who fired some shots to scare off the crowd which gathered.

The incident reportedly occurred today October 7, at Upper Iweka in Onitsha, Anambra state



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SODw9nBUf0

Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress has becomes 2021 women’s Afrobasket champions.

They retained their title.

Today D’Tigress beat Mali 70-59 to claim the crown in Cameroon.

With the win, D’Tigress have now lifted the Women Afrobasket title for the third consecutive time.

Source: https://ogunnewshub.com/dtigress-defeats-mali-to-become-womens-afrobasket-champions/

Like stones and sticks thrown at fruit-bearing trees, the blooming career of Acting Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko is experiencing what appears like orchestrated attacks against his person, to bring him down.

There are unsubstantiated allegations of money laundering, and illicit dealing against Bello-Koko and his wife, Agatha Anne Koko.
However, to discerning and intelligent minds, these accusations are nothing but grapevine, that beg for logic.

Claims that would be dismissed into thin air under cross-examination, for its lack of merit. The tales are at their best, conjectures from the senile minds of certain elements.

When people throw stones at you, it is because you are a good tree full of fruits. They see a lot of harvest in you, and their malevolent minds would stop at nothing, until they try to bring you down.

Now, for a man marked by moral integrity and goodwill, it is expected of Bello-Koko, that when his adversaries go low, he should fly high.

When they toss stones and sticks at you, do not go down to their level by flinging them back the stones. Instead, gather the stones, and build a castle with it. Bello-Koko is expected to rise like a phoenix from the ashes.

When the dust finally settles, Bello-Koko would have become stronger, smarter and even more powerful, to the disarray of his adversities.

Slicker than average

A perusal at the antecedents and track records of Bello-Koko, one will understand, that he did not rise through the rank and file of his career by fluke. Instead, the man is a product of dedication, hard work and brilliance.

Until his latest appointment, the 51-year-old Kebbi State indigene served as the Executive Director (ED), Finance and Administration. He was appointed in 2016, and is not just one of the longest serving EDs, and member of the management team, but also, one, who has exemplified himself with his penchant for good corporate governance and best practices.

He is equipped with about two decades of work experience in the banking sector. He started his working career with FSB International Bank Plc, Port Harcourt, as executive trainee-banking operations and was there between 1996 and 2004.

He rose to various positions such as Banking Officer-Credit and later Senior Banking Officer, Senior Treasury Officer and later manager.

He later joined Zenith Bank, where he became the Deputy General Manager, Zonal Head and member, Zenith Bank management team. Bello-Koko embarked on a leave of absence from the bank to take up his appointment as NPA Executive Director in 2016.

With his appointment in July 2016 as the NPA ED Finance and Administration, his job, for which he is recognized to have done meritoriously well, was among others, to provide oversight for all divisions within the finance and administration directorate and ensure they operate at optimal levels and deliver quality services within defined service level agreements and to provide improved revenue collection measures.

It was also his responsibility to provide measures that ensure blockage of revenue leakages with a view to improving revenue generation and collection, consolidate the preparation of the authority’s annual budget for presentation to the relevant authorities by the CEO, coordinate the budget implementation in the organization and report same to the CEO and ensure that appropriate strategies were developed to achieve the organization’s goals and objectives.

Bello-Koko oversaw the automation of key port operations, thereby improving operational efficiency and plugging identified revenue leakages, embarked on periodic introduction of cost-cutting measures and prudent financial management strategies, and he worked in close collaboration with the external auditors to deliver audited accounts that are International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) compliant.

His job description also encompassed the design and implementation of internal process improvement strategies and performance measurement techniques, ensuring the NPA human resource management practices are designed to promote manpower development, competence and high performance that will positively impact productivity and performance and overseeing the human capacity and manpower development processes in the organization while ensuring the implementation of a strategic and well-designed annual staff training plan.

The tasks of promoting staff welfare, interfacing with labor unions and ensuring prompt resolution of industrial conflicts as they may arise, overseeing the activities of the medical services division responsible for the provision of medical care services to both serving and retired employees, ensuring functionality and efficiency of the NPA medical facilities across the port locations, were also parts of his duties.

Koko-Bello was also in charge of the management of NPA’s superannuation funds and pension assets, ensured prompt payment of retirement benefits to all retiring employees and prompt payment of pension allowance to the retired employees on pension payroll, facilitated regular verification of the NPA pensioners and provision of medical welfare services.

He also oversaw the activities of the Enterprise Risk Management Department responsible for insuring all the Authority’s assets, ensured prompt payment of premium and claims processing, ensured circularization and strict implementation of government policies across the organization, presided over directorate meetings, and served as a member of the Executive Management Committee and Board of Directors.

In his resume, Bello-Koko boasts that he possesses special skills such as strong communication skills (both oral and written), broad orientation in credit analysis, management, documentation, and training, broad-based exposure, competence in managing oil and gas relationships and profound knowledge of public sector business in Nigeria, including at local, state, and federal levels, with additional experience in the South-south region, strong negotiation skills and prudent financial management.

He completed his secondary school education at the Federal Government College, Sokoto in 1986, and headed for the University of Sokoto, where he bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Studies (B.Sc) in 1992 and Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto in 1995. He also obtained an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School, USA in 2019.

Uneasy lies the head

With his assignment as the helms man of NPA, expectations are high, and many industry stakeholders are of the view that Bello-Koko has all it takes to deliver on the job has in his hands as helms man of the NPA, overseeing her affairs and performing the functions of the CEO as provided in the act establishing the agency. Howbeit, with detractors throwing occasional slings to shift his gaze from his assignment, we hope that he stays focused on his primary assignment.


Source: https://ngg.ng/mohammed-bello-koko-npa-and-the-parable-of-the-fruitful-tree/

Civil society groups, including Non-Governmental Organisations are a positive force for change and progress in society, oftentimes helping to bridge the gaps of alienation between government and the people. In developed parts of the world, CSOs and NGOs have been in the forefront of making our world a much better place by helping to fight injustice, man’s inhumanity to man, environmental abuses, global health challenges, gender discrimination and the evolution of a rules-based international system. Ordinarily, power figures succumb to the temptations of power, they get carried away, they trample on the people’s rights, they subject everything and all things to the caprices of politics, civil society organisations help to pull such delusional figures back to the real world of blood and flesh. The academic distinction that is often drawn between CSOs and NGOs may well be quite frankly a matter of nomenclature and the fine distinctions quite blurry, for both are linked by the service that they offer, rather than profit, and their devotion to the common good, and the fact that both are outside the state, working in the interest of the community.

In developing and underdeveloped countries, civil society organisations have similarly helped to advance common causes, and in Africa, they are as old as the communities themselves. Since the 70s however, there has been an explosion of those groups that go by the name NGOs, a label that seeks strictly to differentiate the activities of such groups from the state and business. Most of these NGOs are described as charity organisations, or not-for-profit, or philanthropist efforts. They rely on donations, mostly foreign and are meant to be seen as voluntary organisations making a contribution to the human community. Nigeria certainly has a positive history of CSOs and NGOs role in its development.

I can attest to that having had an insider view of the CSO/NGO community in Nigeria. I was once a consultant for an international agency where my job was to help rewrite and review proposals from Nigerian NGOs. I also worked for other international agencies on public communication processes, change projects and development ideas. At a time, I was co-founder and director of an NGO. I also co-wrote the political agenda of a major NGO. I later sat on the board of an International NGO which decided funding for many projects in Nigeria. I travelled around the world attending conferences on health, population, environment, women empowerment issues, democracy and good governance. I cannot disclose the identities of these groups, but there was no doubt about the quality of the NGO community in Nigeria and how that construct called “the third sector” could propel societal development for good. Nigeria has indeed been a major beneficiary of the efforts of men and women who stepped away from the state and business and tried to give back by devoting time and energy to key issues of our time.

Within the general civil society community, churches, community-based groups, professional associations, labour unions, volunteer groups have also done so much in the making of Nigeria. For anyone who may have forgotten, the Nigerian civil society led the struggle against military rule in this country, and fought valiantly to demand a return to civilian rule. Many died. Lost their loved ones. Hundreds of persons fled into exile. Many more were hauled into detention and jails on trumped up charges. The Nigerian media was courageous. Journalists stood at the barricades along with human rights activists and resisted oppression, at great risk to their lives. At a time in this country, it was a crime and an attempt at suicide to write or tell the truth, yet many spoke the truth. Nobody thought of profit or gain. The only gain was the common good. Many persons and groups went to the streets and shouted “Never Again”. Of course, there were opportunists who profited from the people’s anguish, but my point is that in the 80s and 90s, the Nigerian civil society had its golden moments. We are all beneficiaries of the heroism of those who made the sacrifice in the political arena, regardless of what ails us today.

So, where is that same civil society today? Its complexion has changed. And that is a source of concern. With return to civilian rule in 1999, civil society, praised for its commitment to the major task of saving Nigeria, more or less relaxed. The explanation we offered at the time was that having won the battle over the authoritarianism of the military and the violation of the people’s rights, it made sense for civil society to catch its breath and allow the new democrats to settle down as Nigeria’s Fourth Republic began. This new phase in national development coincided however with an explosion in the number of Non-Governmental Organisations in the country. Having seen the power of civil society, setting up an NGO became a special kind of enterprise. There is nothing wrong in anyone electing to help promote the frontiers of law, human rights and democracy but the lines became strikingly blurred: between NGOs that were truly non-profit and an emergent phenomenon known as NGIs: Non-Governmental Individuals: special purpose, one-man organisations with neither structure nor organisation, but a fanciful name, a business card, an indeterminate address and a fancy-dresser who goes by the name of Chief Executive with a talent for peripatetic conduct in NGO circles and the larger society. In due course, someone took the trouble to prepare a directory of NGOs in Nigeria. Our finding: Many states in Nigeria have more NGOs than companies and direct investments. Each NGO looks for funds from international agencies and local donors. Most of them are vehicles for gaining access to government departments and agencies.

The result was the emergence of the NGO chief as an entrepreneur. And some of the guys really live it up. Loud fashion. Big cars. Opulent quarters. Like everything Nigerian, the NGO community, once a haven of good, became a vehicle of access to the good life. The legacy of the early heroes has since been overtaken by many who are out there to make a quick buck, or offer special services to the highest bidder, no matter how shady the deal may be. It is perhaps not surprising therefore that the Nigerian Government has been trying to control the NGO community, has been very suspicious of it, and continues to attack the civil society community. The contempt is mutual. Between 2015 and 2016, the National Assembly proposed three different bills to regulate CSOs and NGOs viz: A Bill for the Registration and Coordination of NGOs in Nigeria and for Connected Purposes (2015), the Civil Society Commission of Nigeria Bill (2016) and A Bill for the Establishment of the Non-Governmental Organisations, Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria and for Related Matters (2016). The sponsors of these Bills argued that the objective was to ensure transparency and accountability in the NGO sector to the extent that while freedom to act on behalf of the people was important, such freedom must come with responsibility. The big problem was that the phrasing of the bills was adversarial. Most of the provisions sounded like a deliberate attempt to shut down “the third sector” and free speech. In September 2017, 23 NGOs went to court to demand that the Bills should be declared unconstitutional. The hashtag #NoNGOBill dominated Nigerian social media. The Bills died a-borning.

The matter of the NGOs in Nigeria came up again last week when the Federal Inland Revenue Service speaking through one of its directors, Temitayo Orebajo announced that Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria that are involved in “trade and business” must pay tax, obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) or get sanctioned in accordance with the law. This has generated mixed reactions among stakeholders. There is nothing new really. The relevant laws for NGOs are the Companies and Income Tax (CITA) 2007, the Personal Income Tax Act No 104, 1993; the Value Added Tax 2007 (as amended). Under the extant law, NGOs in Nigeria are required to pay the PAYE tax, Withholding Tax on goods and services, Local taxes and fees such as parking and garage levies, Capital Gains tax where applicable and Income Tax on passive income. I do not see what the furore is all about. It is not every NGO that is non-profit in the real sense of it. Every NGO is required to be registered by law. The tax exemption that is enjoyed by an NGO is conditional. It is not absolute. Any NGO that wants an exemption can apply to the Minister of Finance through FIRS.

Once an NGO begins to engage in “trade and business”, it must be prepared to pay taxes. This includes those churches and places of religious worship that run travel agencies, schools, bakeries and that manufacture water and other items, including anointing oil, from which they make huge profits. Some of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria today belong to churches. In God’s name, people are cashing out and claiming that they are NGOs. I am of the firm view that some level of regulation, accountability and transparency is required. There are too many NGOs out there that are merely fronts for other businesses. Nigerians are too busy trying to break or evade the law. Too many individuals parading as non-profit organisations. The usual tendency is to see every attempt at control or regulation on civil society groups as an assault on the civic space. While it is true that the Nigerian government has been complicit in this regard, it is also true that civil society in Nigeria is problematic and cannot be placed above scrutiny.

I recall two instances and with the following illustrations, I will rest my case. I was shocked when during the crisis involving the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a member of the Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei-led interim management committee, Dr. Cairo Ojuogboh appeared on international television to claim that the civil society community in Nigeria, so-called CSOs and NGOs were part of the problem because these were groups on the payroll of the NDDC. At the time, the NDDC had come under heavy fire from persons who justifiably condemned how a development agency had been turned into a rent collection point by those who were expected to use provided resources to develop the Niger Delta and improve the people’s lot. Cairo Ojuogboh argued spiritedly that if anybody collected contracts, most of them were lawmakers in Abuja and NGOs from the Niger Delta Community, including groups that offered media services. It may be argued that these may have been phantom groups created by the thieves within the system as vehicles for self-enrichment. But they went by the title of NGOs nonetheless, claiming to be non-profit entities! They collected contracts and funds! In Nigeria, anybody can set up an NGO and buy newspaper space and make all kinds of claims. Half of the NGOs out there are not even registered. Just grab a name, design a logo and recruit an online team, generate a fanciful title and you are in business. Nobody double-checks.

I was also particularly alarmed when recently an NGO known as HEDA Resource Centre and its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraj wwere both accused by the Police ,in a report, of having made false accusations against Mohammed Bello Adoke, former Attorney General of the Federation in the OPL 245 case involving Malabu Oil and Gas Limited. Suraj and his NGO accused Adoke of using an email address belonging to a company owned by a certain Aliyu Abubakar to engage in corrupt activities. Adoke was also accused of having had a phone conversation with an Italian journalist in 2017 where he admitted that the OPL 245 deal was a scam. Adoke has since denied the claims made against him by HEDA. He petitioned the Nigeria Police and asked for an investigation. The Police investigated Olanrewaju Suraj’s claims and wrote a report stating clearly that this was a case of blackmail, and that the information shared on social media against Adoke was unverifiable. Suraj responded by saying the Police Report was fake. The Nigeria Police Headquarters has since responded with the rebuttal that its report is authentic. To worsen matters, we are told that Olanrewaju Suraj’s Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) is “an unregistered organisation.” The Police invited Olanrewaju Suraj but the police in their report said “he feigned sickness, jumped bail and resorted to issuing press statements maligning the Police, writing frivolous counter petitions and filing suits in Court against the IGP Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters and the Police…” Olanrewaju Suraj, the report states, has foreign partners!

I have cited these two examples to show just how in our context, “the third society” is very much like government and business – the two other major societies in Nigeria. The NDDC Audited Report has shown the extent of the rot in that body, over 13, 000 abandoned projects and N6 trillion down the drain over the years, with nothing to show for it. The Board that Dr Ojougboh defended may not be innocent, but why would NGOs be part of the loot-sharing at the NDDC? Does the NDDC Audit report include an opinion on these NGOs turned contractors and rent collectors over the years? As for HEDA and Suraj, Mohammed Bello Adoke was maligned. His reputation was dragged in the mud of social media. Although the Italian Court threw out the entire Malabu/ENI trial, Bello Adoke, who was not on trial in Italy, was continuously maligned by HEDA, trying to influence the Nigerian Courts. Our people believe the worst about anyone who ever served in government. NGOs are supposed to be change agents not tools for untruths and blackmail. The Nigerian Government however overstretched the argument when in the wake of the #EndSARS protests in 2020, it made an attempt to descend on the civil society groups in that protest. That was a clear case of lumping the pigeons with the chickens. The main spirits behind the #EndSARS protests meant well, they wanted the good of all, but their ranks were infiltrated by a group of “chicken” forces in civil society who changed the colour of the protest.

The time has come for soul-searching within the Nigerian civil society community. It is not everyone that carries placards that means well. It is not every loud-mouthed, fist-clenching character that is a revolutionary. It is sad that the Nigerian Revolution is a gathering place for anyone at all who can shout loud or bold enough to show up at the barricades. Not even NGOs should be above reproach or the law. But who will guard the guardians? Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?


Source: https://ngg.ng/csos-ngos-and-their-discontents/

Baba Reno is right
..

Afrobeats Sensation, Tee Dee Premieres His Blazing Hit Single - JAH LIVES

As Afrobeats engages more people globally than any other musical genre in the world. It is presently the prime conversation at every gigs, festivals, concerts, clubs, and homes. 


The Nigeria is presently churning out some new voices, who finds pleasure in telling their stories through Afrobeats. One of such distinguished Art is Tee Dee, a sensational singer and Songwriter.  


Born Micheal Chinonso Onwukwe. TEE Dee is telling a new story that everyone can relate to as Real Life. His versatility in creating a new dimension in Afrobeats has drilled him into the studio, as he's scheduled to drop his highly anticipated "Generation" EP.


You can enjoy this awe-inspiring frontline song off his Generation EP.

Listen/Download JAH LIVES


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfCGQJ9h9D0

Reno Stars of Ikenne has qualified for the Nigerian Professional Football League.

Remo stars played a 2-2 draw with Bendel Insurance in their last Group B game of the 2021 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 on Sunday to seal the final promotion ticket to the top flight Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Imade Osarenkhoe gave Bendel Insurance the lead in the first half before Nduka Junior’s equaliser.

Two more goals were scored in the second half with Insurance equalising after Remo Stars’ second goal.

Remo Stars finished second in Group B with five points behind Shooting Stars.

They joined the likes of Nigeria Tornadoes, Gombe United, and Shooting Stars to gain promotion to the NPFL.

Shooting Stars will face Niger Tornadoes in the final of the 2021 NNL Super 8 to determine the Champions.

https://ogunnewshub.com/remo-stars-qualifies-for-npfl-for-the-third-time/

Ogun state representative at the just concluded Most Beautiful Face Nigeria Contest, Queen Omowunmi Dorcas Emerged as the pageant first runner up

Queen Dorcas, who's in her early 20s, a student of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoyi Ogun State as emerged as MBFN first runner up and will be representing Miss Beauty Girl Nigeria at Bali Indonesia in 2022

Most Beautiful Face in Nigeria 2021 grand finale was held on the 12th August at Koga Studio, Ikeja Lagos, organized by ZANZY ENTERTAINMENT.



Source: https://ogunnewshub.com/ogun-rep-queen-dorcas-emerges-mbfn-1st-runner-up/
Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Ahead of the 2023 general election reflecting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may lose its grip on power, the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has indicated that the party would win the elections with a margin of 30 million votes.

Governor, Aminu Bello Masari said evaluating the massive registration of APC members across the country during the party’s membership registration and revalidation exercise, even if only 70 per cent of those registered came to vote in the forthcoming polls, the party is sure of getting 30 million votes.

Masari, said this after receiving the mid-term report of the last local government congress of the party from the National Working Committee headed by Aliyu Kumo at the Government House, Wednesday night, said APC was laying solid foundation ahead of the 2023 elections.

He said:

“APC has done well all over the country and we are going back for state congresses and finally we cap it to the national convention that would produce elected leaders of the party.

“We are laying solid foundation for APC, preparing it for 2023 elections which I hope APC would win by a widmembersbecause if we took the members on of membership of the APC even if 70 per cent of those who registered came out to vote for APC, APC is sure of getting close to 30 million votes.”

According to the governor,

“So we can say that success is only a short distance from us. We will be there and we will achieve it.”

He explained that APC in the state adopted consensus for the just concluded ward and local government congresses held across the 34 local government areas and 361 political wards of the state after a unanimous decision taken during APC stakeholders’ meeting in the state.

He, however, commended journalists in the state, particularly members of the correspondent’s chapel, for their foresight, effective and balance reportage and called for the sustainability of the tempo.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Government Congress, Kumo, described the congress of the party as a huge success, stressing that there was no parallel congress or skirmishes anywhere in the state.



https://2023.ng/katsina-state-governor-bello-masari-reveals-apc-will-win-2023-election-by-30m-vote-margin/

Leg Over: IK Ogbonna, Mary Lazarus, Kachi Nnochiri Star in New Romantic Thriller by Seunmanuel Faleye

Acclaimed Journalist, Documentary Filmmaker and Movie Producer Seunmanuel Faleye has released BTS photos for his new movie titled, Leg Over. The romantic thriller, parade a stellar cast including IK Ogbonna, Mary Lazarus and Kachi Nnochiri.



Shot on location in Victoria Island, Lagos, Leg Over is directed by Perekeme Odon, Onyi Okechukwu doubled both as Director of Photography and Associate Producer.

Principal photography for the movie started August, 23.

Log Line

In search of happiness, a topsy-turvy wife gets stuck, between a husband with a skeleton in his closet, and, an old flame, whose plan is to use her as decoy for his selfish-ambition.

The movie was written by Murphy Anifowose and Seunmanuel Faleye. Desmond Ejay is Production Manager, while MakeUp and SFX was done by Jane Chineze.


Media consultant for this project is, Solutions Media.

See more BTS photos:



Source: https://ngg.ng/leg-over-ik-ogbonna-mary-lazarus-kachi-nnochiri-star-in-new-romantic-thriller-by-seunmanuel-faleye/

Angry youths in Sango Ota, Ogun state staged a protest today over the bad roads in the city.

The federal roads have become a nightmare for motorists and commuters.

The youths step out in mass to protest and ask the government for help.


From Joju road on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway through Sango-Idiroko road, Oju-ore, Lafenwa, Itele, Sango-Ijoko, Bible College road, Temidire, Dalemo to Sango Park, among others, the roads are in horrible state of disrepair.

https://ogunnewshub.com/photos-angry-youths-protesting-over-bad-roads-in-sango-ota-ogun-state/