Groups clash outside court premises over Nnamdi Kanu’s trial
source; https://eyesoflagos.com/2021/11/10/groups-clash-outside-court-premises-over-nnamdi-kanus-trial/

Two opposing groups have clashed outside the premises of a court where a separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is being prosecuted.

Supporters of Mr Kanu, who were seeking access to the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, were confronted by a ‘pro-Nigeria’ group who accused the former of supporting Mr Kanu and his call for the break up of Nigeria.

According to reports gathered by Eyes Of Lagos, The former were addressing journalists outside the court where they accused the government of injustice in the trial of Mr Kanu.

They accused the federal government of trailing Mr Kanu in secret before his eventual arrest in Kenya. They also accused the government of barring Mr Kanu’s foreign lawyer and some of his supporters from the court.

The pro-Nigerian group, carrying placards with different inscriptions, confronted the pro-Biafra group while the latter was addressing journalists.

There was a shouting match between both groups that almost resulted to violence.

Peter Obi vowed never to leave our party till death — APGA Chairman, Victor Oye
source ; https://eyesoflagos.com/2021/11/10/peter-obi-vowed-never-to-leave-our-party-till-death-apga-chairman-victor-oye/

The national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Victor Oye, has revealed that a former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi,…

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Victor Oye, has revealed that a former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, vowed never to leave the party till death do them part.

However, Obi, who emerged as the governor of the state in 2006 and spent two terms in office, later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party in 2014. He became the Vice-Presidential candidate for the PDP in the 2019 general election.

Speaking about the defection and how APGA was able to win the Anambra election on Arise TV, Oye noted that Obi has not achieved anything politically since he defected because of the covenant he made with the party.

Oye stated that for Obi to achieve anything politically, he will have to return to APGA

He said, “Remember that Peter Obi was in APGA and when he was with APGA, he performed superlatively well. The moment he left APGA, the APGA spirit left him. He has never achieved anything politically ever since. If he wants to achieve anything politically, he should come back to APGA; then, we will now re-ignite the APGA spirit in him.

“That is how it is done. Let me tell you, let him continue to jump from pillar to post, he cannot achieve anything because APGA gave him a platform and he took a vow that he will never leave APGA until death does them part. Now he left APGA; what do you expect would happen when you take a vow? A vow is a covenant and you must keep it. That is what is happening here.”

The APGA national chairman further cleared the air about his statement, noting that the party is not into occultism.



He said, “I did not mean a cult orientation when I said that Peter Obi vowed never to leave APGA till death do them part. What I said was an open thing and there is a video to that effect. For me, I believe in covenant. He made a covenant with God and not with APGA; is APGA God? He said he will never leave APGA until death does them part. That was what he said, it is open, I have the video.

“I am a Christian and I don’t have any business with cults; I don’t believe in that. My God is sufficient for me. What my God cannot do for me does not exist. In fact, what God cannot do for me, let it be. I am very proud of the God I serve.”

Restructuring: Devolve powers to states, Akeredolu urges FG
source; https://eyesoflagos.com/2021/11/10/restructuring-devolve-powers-to-states-akeredolu-urges-fg/

Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has asked the Federal Government to devolve power to the states to enable them work effectively….



Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has asked the Federal Government to devolve power to the states to enable them work effectively.



Akeredolu made this call on Tuesday while receiving officials of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission, who visited the state for an education stakeholders’ summit.



Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State, Richard Olatunde, made this known on Wednesday in a statement titled, ‘Gov Akeredolu to FG: Devolve power to states, make them effective.’



According to the Governor, the issue of restructuring in the country can be linked to the devolution of power to the states.





He added that the “over-centralisation” of power by the FG has turned Nigeria into a unitary nation.



The statement partly read, “Governor Akeredolu, who declared that he doesn’t believe in the disintegration of the country, said the fiscal policy and over-centralisation of power in the hands of the Federal Government has turned the country into a unitary nation.

“Lamenting that putting many items in the exclusive list has concentrated too many powers in the hands of the federal government, Arakunrin Akeredolu noted that the unity of the country is based on sustainable true federalism.



“He identified over centralisation of structures of governance as a major reason for the unending agitations for restructuring.



“Arakunrin Akeredolu, therefore, called for devolution of powers to enable the states function effectively as federating units within the federation.”

Ikorodu-Based Cultists Arrested In Ogun After Failed Gun Deal - Eyes Of Lagos
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2020/12/04/ikorodu-based-cultists-arrested-in-ogun-after-failed-gun-deal/

The Ogun State Police Command has captured six associated cultists in Odogbolu territory with the state.

Eyes Of Lagos reports gathered that, The Lagos-based speculated cultists Oluwadamilare Aboyeji, Matthew Adebiyi, Jacob Solomon and Iliasu Jubril, and Odogbolu-based presumed cultists Segun Olubanjo and Samuel Olaniyan were captured by the police subsequent to closing on an arrangement to buy a privately made gun for an activity.

Ogun police representative, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi said;

“Examination uncovered that the Ikorodu-based speculates contracted Samuel Olaniyan to buy a privately made gun for them, and when the weapon was conveyed, they found that the gun was not workable; henceforth they accompanied full power to manage the Odogbolu-based cultists for deceiving their trust.

“While the mayhem was going on, a trouble call was made to the Odogbolu Division, outcome whereupon the DPO, SP Awoniyi Adekunle, immediately drove his men to the scene, where the six suspects were secured.

“Recuperated from them were one privately made gun and two live cartridges.”

The Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, had coordinated that the suspects and shows be moved to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for additional examination with the end goal of charging them.

Lagos bus service scraps standing in buses
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2020/03/27/lagos-bus-service-scraps-standing-in-buses/

The Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL) on Saturday announced restriction of passengers to sitting alone in a bid to contain the spread of Coronavirus.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The Managing Director of the company, Mr Idowu Oguntona, said this in a statement issued by the LBSL’s Public Affairs Officer, Mr Afolabi Olawale.

Oguntona said that the decision was in line with the State Government’s directive to limit the number of persons in any crowd to a maximum of 50 across the state.

“As efforts are being made globally to contain the spread of COVID-19, LBSL in conformity with State Government’s directives to avoid gathering of more than 50 people will henceforth restrict passengers from standing in all its buses.

“Prior to the index case of COVID-19 in the state and the subsequent directive from the state government, the company has always maintained high hygiene practices in all its buses.

“In view of the current reality of the COVID-19 outbreak, the company has started taking some more stringent decisions as part of efforts to contain and limit the spread of the virus.

“Based on our usual operating standards, we would pay more attention to the cleaning of our buses.

“As we speak, we have enhanced our cleaning regime to ensure that all surfaces within our buses are properly disinfected, including the handrails, hand poles, seats, drivers’ cabin and dashboards,” Oguntona said.

The managing director said that the company was putting in place necessary parameters to check the possible spread of the virus.

Oguntona said: “As we speak now, protective gears are being provided for all our staff that are interacting with commuters.

“The use of sanitisers in all our stations is now continuous, this is in addition to infrared thermometers that are being deployed at the company headquarters and across our stations and depots.

“Apart from the above mentioned measures we are also sensitising all our stakeholders to the measures to curb the spread of Coronavirus and how to conduct themselves to be safe in our buses.”

He assured the commuting public that the management of the company would continue to monitor advice and guidance from the government and public health authorities.

Oguntona said that the firm would make further changes as required.

The LBSL boss implored motoring public to always wash their hands more often at least for 20 seconds when they got home, or to work.

He advised them to observe necessary precautions when they sneeze, cough, eat or handle food.

He urged Lagosians to call the COVID-19 Lagos toll free line 08000CORONA, to receive important information from experts on how to stay free from the virus.

President Buhari promises access to food, medication
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2020/03/27/president-buhari-promises-access-to-food-medication/

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised not to restrict access to food and medications but urged Nigerians to adhere to instructions meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari commended the unity of purpose in fighting the spread of COVID-19 in the country, particularly the willingness for self-isolation, social distancing, and contributions of public-spirited individuals and institutions who consistently mobilize resources to supplement efforts of Federal and State governments.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The President also extolled state governments, religious bodies, health workers, Federal Government agencies, including security outfits, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) for rising to the occasion to protect the country and its citizens, assuring that the government will remain steadfast in deploying more resources to lessen the burden of the pandemic.

Shehu said Buhari while calling for more compliance with regulations and restrictions on movement and gatherings for the safety of all citizens, reassures that government directives will not affect production and distribution of food, medications, medical equipment and other essentials as the nation wades through the global health challenge, which already portends dire economic strains.

The President directed all relevant agencies and regulators to provide an enabling environment for industries to sustain their operations by ensuring reasonable access to industrial supplies and inputs like water, fuel, gas and essential infrastructure and relaxing of stringent laws while commending the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and commercial banks for the interventions to make forex and credit more accessible to those on the manufacturing line.

In giving assurances of firm support for the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria by proactively addressing the potential impact of the pandemic on the Nigerian economy, the President requests that all necessary measures be put in place to protect and promote the health and safety of industrial workers.

President Buhari called on all leaders across the country, including religious and traditional leaders, to further support the Federal and State governments in the ongoing sensitization programmes on the need to stay at home and keep a safe distance in the public, and to dissuade citizens from panic buying and rumour-mongering.

Buhari affirmed that the collective effort of all Nigerians will make a historic difference in checking the spread of COVID-19, rehabilitating those already affected and keeping citizens alive.

Congrats Seyi awolowo

Second to comment

Lalasticalala , seun

I Left My Marriage To Save My Life -Bimbo Akinsanya
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2020/02/03/i-left-my-marriage-to-save-my-life-bimbo-akinsanya/

Following the sad saga of Maryam Sanda who was recently sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, renowned Yoruba actress and mother of one has stated why she left her marriage.

Eyes Of Lagos report that, According to her:”I left that marriage when my son was just 3 months old. Do you think it was easy to make that decision? No. I left early because I didn’t want to die. I left early because I didn’t want to lose my child, I left early because I didn’t want to be a murderer. ( its a story for another day)

I was married for a year and 4 months and it was hellish. Hello, do not kill another person’s child all in the name of marriage. I am also a mother and I know how I am striving to train and feed my son. Please, don’t pray or wish for a woman to labour in vain,?” she wrote.

Recall that Maryam Sanda fatally stabbed her husband to death in Abuja on November 19, 2017. However, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory ruled recently that Maryam should die by hanging.

Bet9ja boss, Hon. Kunle Soname throws classy 90th birthday party for mum in Ikenne-Remo

See video :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt6XgxTN-U8

source : Spotlight Africa Magazine

Niger, Benin, Others Must Engage Nigeria Before Border Reopens – The Governor Of The Central Bank Of Nigeria

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, on Monday insisted that neighbouring countries must engage with Nigeria before the Nigerian border is reopened.

The border was closed few weeks back due to the substandard products that are smuggled and dumped into the Nigerian markets.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Emefiele spoke with State House correspondents after closed doors meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He also claimed that the Nigerian economy is doing well with the closure of its borders.

The border closure, he said, is helping to create more jobs for Nigerians, while local producers of rice, and poultry, among others, are now able to sell their goods.

read more : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/10/29/niger-benin-others-must-engage-nigeria-before-border-reopens-the-governor-of-the-central-bank-of-nigeria/

Within 24 Hours, ISIS Names New Leader

Abdullah Qardash has been named the new leader of the dreaded Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), officially known as the Islamic State (IS).

The United States of America (USA) hunted down former leader of the dreaded sect, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, announcing his death on Sunday.

Within 24 hours of the US special raid that killed the ISIS leader, the terror organisation named its new leader.

As per reports gathered by Eyes Of Lagos generally , Abdullah Qardash, also known as Hajji Abdullah al-Afari, will now take charge of the ISIS.


Qardash is the same man handpicked by Baghdadi to run ‘Muslim affairs’ for ISIS.

Abdullah Qardash is a former Iraqi military officer who served under the infamous Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Apart from this, little is known of Qardash as he has often stayed in the background.

A US special forces raid and killed the ISIS’ long-standing leader and self-proclaimed Caliph of the IS in Syria’s Idlib province on Saturday.

On Sunday evening, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Baghdadi was killed in a raid carried out by the US forces.

“Baghdadi is dead, the world is now a much safer place,” Donald Trump said while officially announcing from the White House the success of US special operation.

Trump added, “He died like a coward, he spent his last minutes in fear and dread. Last night was a great night for the United States and for the world.”

He also said that several pieces of information were collected from the location,” highly sensitive material and information from the raid, much having to do with ISIS — Origins, future plans, things that we very much want.”

Trump monitored the whole operation which lasted about two hours, from the situation room in the White House.

This is the same situation room from where former President Barack Obama monitored the operation that killed Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/10/just-in-within-24-hours-isis-names-new-leader/amp/

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) in its latest report released in Abuja on Sunday reveals that the solid Minerals sector contributed N52.75 billion to the federation revenue in 2017.

The figure was a 21% increase on the N43.22 billion contributed by the sector in 2016.

NEITI says the information and data sprang from an independent reconciliation of company payments and government receipts in the sector.

From the sector’s total revenue contribution of N52.75 billion, payments to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) accounted for N49.162 billion, which is about 93% of the total revenues realised during the period under review. Payments to the Mines Inspectorate Department (MID) and Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) amounted to N1.59 billion and N2.08 billion, or about 3% and 4%, respectively, of the total revenue from the sector.

NEITI, however, noted that “except for revenue from MID, there was significant increase in revenue from all other streams” in 2017.

Amedu Onekpe & Co, an accounting and auditing firm, conducted the 2017 solid minerals audit for NEITI.

While underlining the importance of a comprehensive action plan to shift attention from oil to the development of the solid minerals sector in the face of dwindling oil revenue, the report noted the significant reforms and development in the sector. Some of them include:

— Increased funding to the sector from various sources from N1billion in 2015 to N7 billion in 2017;
— Approval of ₦30 billion ($100 million) as intervention fund to facilitate exploration projects towards the much-needed geosciences data and other regulatory framework;
— N5 billion support fund launched by the Bank of Industry for small-scale miners at 5% interest rate;
— A $150 million loan secured from the World Bank for the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification Project (MinDiver) which became operational in 2017;
— Inauguration of a project delivery team (PDT) to invigorate the coal sub-sector and concession of coal blocks of the Nigerian Coal Corporation as part of MMSD’s contribution to the energy policy in other to increase the contribution of coal power plants to 30% of the nation’s electricity by 2020;
— Discoveries of some mineral deposits in 14 states have led to an appreciation in Nigeria’s limestone resource base from 2.3 billion tonnes to 10.6 billion tonnes making Nigeria sufficient in cement production;
— An estimated 4.8 billion tonnes of Marble was found in the FCT, Nasarawa, Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and Kebbi states;
— Engagement of M/S Fugro by MMSD to carry out aeromagnetic survey covering various mineral deposits across the country with discoveries made on the existence of base metals in Ebonyi State, gold in Osun and Kaduna states;
— Acquisition of diamond core drilling rigs and assaying equipment by MMSD for the National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency and the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), which would aid gathering of more credible geosciences data;
— The MCO has been decentralized, upgraded and six zonal offices established; the MCO has introduced online mineral title administration to ensure transparency and improved turn-around time in mineral title processing from 45 days to 15 days;
— The strict implementation of the “use it or lose it” provision of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 that stipulates the revocation of non-performing or defaulting mineral titles to curtail the activities of speculators.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, According to NEITI, “A trend analysis of the revenue flows showed that there has been a very remarkable increase in revenue accruing to the Federation from the solid minerals sector from 2013 to 2017, though 2016 witnessed a decrease of 31.02% compared to 2015.”

Other revenue flows from the solid minerals according to the NEITI report, include sub-national payments. These are direct payments to states and local governments as a result of national laws, contractual obligations or local regulations which are disclosed as unilateral disclosures by the extractive companies.

“The total payment was ₦2.877 billion representing about 5.45% of total government revenue from the sector,” NEITI stated.

On production, the NEITI Solid Minerals Report disclosed that 35.33 million metric tons of minerals valued at N32.78 billion was produced in Nigeria during the same period.

“The production data was based on minerals either used or sold during the year,” the report stated.

A breakdown of the production showed that Limestone, Granite and Laterite accounted for 85.72% of the total minerals produced with Limestone alone contributing about 55% of the production volumes. However, in value terms, Granite and Limestone contributed 37.28% and 35.57%, respectively.

On state-by-state contribution, the report highlighted that Ogun State produced the highest quantity of minerals in terms of both volume and value.

“The state accounted for over one-third of total production quantity and 23% of the total minerals production value. The contributions by Ogun and Kogi states put together accounted for over half of the total production quantity.”

A further analysis showed that the two states led in Limestone as major minerals produced in the states. However, in terms of production value, Ogun, FCT and Kogi states accounted for 23%, 20% and 18%, respectively.

A review of minerals production by states also shows that with the exception of the Federal Capital Territory, there was a material decline in states production in terms of both quantity and value. Total production quantity decreased from 41.87 million metric tons valued at N34.09 billion in 2016 to 35.33 million metric tons valued at N32.78 billion in 2017. The figure represented a decline of 15.64% in production volumes and 3.83% in production value in 2017.

The NEITI 2017 Solid Minerals report also revealed that Dangote Cement dominated activities in minerals production in 2017. The company alone was responsible for about 46% of the total minerals production that year. Other big players in the sector included Lafarge Cement Plc., CGC Nigeria Limited and Julius Berger Plc.

“The four companies produced over 27 million tons of minerals, representing 77.31% of the total minerals production quantity and over 60% of the production value,” the report says.

The sector’s contribution to employment in 2017 was about 0.3% of Nigeria’s total employment, same as the figure recorded in 2016. The report also affirmed that artisanal and small-scale miners currently dominate the sector.

On the solid mineral sector’s contribution to exports, the NEITI report stated that about 16.34 million metric tons of minerals valued at $29.90 million was exported in 2017.

According to the report, “Nigeria’s total export was about ₦13.60 trillion with solid minerals contributing N77.23 billion or 0.57% of total export in 2017.”

The trend analysis shows that in 2015, solid minerals export was N1.94 billion. This witnessed a geometric leap to N11.16 billion in 2016 and an equally impressive figure of N77.23 billion in 2017. This is an indication that the solid minerals sector is steadily contributing to the federation’s export earnings but requires greater government attention.

The report also disclosed, “5he major destination of Nigeria’s export during the year under review is China. The country accounted for 68% of the total export value during the year”.

Other destinations are Malaysia, Vietnam and India. The report, however, observed that export data received from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) include minerals that were not captured in the production data provided by the MID as well as inconsistency in FOB value of minerals.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The report also contains comprehensive information and data on how many licenses were issued as well as gross revenues that accrued to the federation account from both oil and non-oil sources for the year 2017.

It asserted that while Nigeria’s gross revenues stood at ₦7.35 trillion, revenues specifically from the solid minerals sector represented only about 0.05%. The report explained that the absence of an industry-specific fiscal regime made it difficult to tie revenue flows from the solid minerals industry to the federation account. According to the report, the development equally affected efforts at quantifying the contribution of the solid minerals sector to Nigeria’s GDP, which presently stands at current basic price of ₦113.72 trillion. The report however highlighted that the sector’s contribution to GDP was an abysmal 0.11%, which showed a decline of 0.01% and 0.02% from the data of 0.12% in 2015, and 0.13% in 2016.

The report further explained that out of 1,072 entities covered by the exercise, only transactions by 59 companies were reconciled. These 59 companies accounted for over 86% of the total royalty payments made by the sector in 2017. Royalties paid by fifty-nine (59) companies in 2017 was N1.3billion as against the N1.4 billion paid by fifty-six (56) companies in 2016 resulting in a decrease of about 7.7% in revenue. This may be an indication of lower investment in mining activities in 2017.

On payouts to the federating units from solid minerals revenue, NEITI stated that the last distribution of solid minerals accumulated royalties occurred in July 2016, when the sum of ₦9.92 billion was distributed by FAAC.

“The accumulated balance in the account as at December 31, 2017, was ₦8.54 billion. However, as of April 30, 2019, the accumulated balance in the account increased by 66.4% to ₦14.21 billion,” NEITI explained.

The NEITI report, among its many recommendations, called for closer inter-agency collaboration specifically between Nigeria Customs Service and the Mines Inspectorate Department in revenue collection and management in efforts to develop the industry. The transparency agency reminded companies to provide their annual financial statements as failure to do so would attract sanctions based on the NEITI Act of 2007.

The independent audit of the solid minerals sector is consistent with NEITI’s mandate under the NEITI Act 2007 and in fulfillment of Nigeria’s obligation to the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) as an implementing country. Data for the report was obtained from extractive industries companies and seven government agencies: the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bureau for Public Enterprises, Mining Cadastral Office, Mines Inspectorate Department, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria Customs Service and Federation Account Allocation Committee.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/nigeria-earned-n52-75-billion-from-solid-minerals-in-2017-neiti/amp/

News Update : Bauchi Governorship And Mohammed’s Victory At Tribunal
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/10/16/news-update-bauchi-governorship-and-mohammeds-victory-at-tribunal/

In this report, BEATRICE GONDYI chronicles the beginning of the end of the long awaited judgement of Bauchi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which was delivered in favour of Governor Bala Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

There was ecstatic jubilation in Bauchi, the capital of Bauchi State, last week Monday, as members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and supporters of Governor Bala Mohammed thronged in their numbers to felicitate with the governor on his victory at the petition tribunal.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in March this year declared the gubernatorial election held in the state inconclusive as a result of the contentious Tafawa Balewa local government election result. The drama started with the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections held on 9th March, 2019.

The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 13 local government areas which included Giade, Warji, Ningi, Jama’are, Itas/Gadau, Katagum, Gamawa, Shira, Toro, Kirfi, Darazo, Ganjuwa and Dass.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) however won in six local governments which included Bauchi, Bogoro, Alkaleri, Misau, Dambam and Zaki local government areas. The PDP’s eventual victory came from Bauchi Local Government Area when PDP’s 102,467 against APC’s 56,663 was declared.

With the massive support from Bauchi LGA, the PDP candidate, Bala Muhammed, was in the lead with 4,059 votes. The PDP had 469,512 votes while the APC candidate, Governor Mohammed Abubakar, got 465,453 votes.

With this lead, the result from Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area was rejected by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a result of the complaint filed by the local government’s returning officer, Mrs. Dominion Anosike, who said the collation was done under duress and allegedly disrupted by thugs even though the election was free and fair at the polling units.

She said that she started collation at around 11:00 pm and that hoodlums arrived around 3:00am, held them hostage and stole forms on which the results would be written.

Senator Bala Mohammed, Kauran Bauchi, emerged winner of the supplementary poll which was also conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) within the stipulated 21 days in line with the electoral act.

He was declared winner of the election after the Tafawa Balewa result was regenerated and collated. He defeated the then sitting governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, of the APC. He got 515,113 votes against outgoing Abubakar who got 500,625 voters. The PDP candidate got 39,225 votes in Tafawa Balewa local government area while his APC opponent got 30,055.

The Tafawa Balewa local government area elections result was presented by the newly appointed Returning Officer, Dr. Musa Dahiru, a lecturer with the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State. He replaced Mrs. Dominion Anosike, the former local government area returning officer who collated the results after the election.

According to him, Tafawa Balewa has 11 wards or registration areas with 139,240 registered voters, while 74,181 voters were accredited for the election held on 11th March, 2019. He further disclosed that a total of 73,779 votes were cast with 73,041 valid votes while 738 votes were rejected.

The former governor following the declaration of Bala Mohammed as the Bauchi State governor-elect, had initially conceded defeat and congratulated him.

But he later reversed his decision, claiming that his party had agreed to go to court to reclaim his mandate from the PDP.

Abubakar and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) eventually filed their petitions at the Election Petition Tribunal challenging the election of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Bala Mohammed.

The suit was filed by the Bauchi State chapter of the APC at the Tribunal.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Speaking with journalists at the High Court 6 Complex shortly after filing the petition, APC chairman in Bauchi State, Uba Ahmed Nana, said they sought justice from the tribunal. He explained that: “We are here to file a suit on behalf of the APC challenging the results of the governorship election in Bauchi State held some weeks ago.

“What we want is justice, as always, from the court because we know that the court will do just that”.

Abubakar, who addressed his supporters at his campaign office then said he had earlier accepted his defeat as “destiny” but that he had met with President Muhammadu Buhari and APC leadership who informed him that they would file a suit to challenge the result.

The APC then filed a petition at the tribunal challenging the declaration of Mohammed as the duly elected governor of the state.

The first, second and third respondents were the INEC, Mohammed and the PDP, respectively.

The petitioners had prayed the tribunal to set aside the election of Mohammed, alleging that it was marred by corrupt practices.

They also stressed that he was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast during the election.

But in his over six hours lead judgement, Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Salihu Shuaibu, last week Monday struck out the suit for lack of merit for failure to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Shuaibu said, “The election of Senator Bala Mohammed as the Governor of Bauchi State is valid as declared by the first respondent (INEC). He was duly elected by a majority of lawful votes scored in the election.”

Not satisfied with the outcome of the Election Petition Tribunal, Abubakar has declared his intention to appeal the judgement.

The former governor, who spoke through his Media Aide, Ali Mohammed Ali, declared that, “We are appealing the judgement. Our lawyers have been instructed to file an appeal after studying judgement”.

While expressing optimism that the APC and himself will get judgement at the Appeal Court and reclaim the mandate given to them by the good people of the state, he however called on his teeming supporters across the state as well as other members of the APC to remain calm, law abiding citizens and should not do anything that will lead to the breach of peace in the state.

According to him, “We are peaceful and peace loving people in the APC, we believe in the rule of law and so we are going to tread the path of law to reclaim the mandate massively given to us by the generality of the people of Bauchi state”.

The party also appealed to its members not to be demoralized by the outcome of the governorship election petition tribunal’s judgement on Monday that dismissed the party’s petition against the victory of Mohammed.

The APC urged all party chieftains, members and supporters to remain committed to the success of the party, assuring that they were making consultations on the outcome of the tribunal’s judgement with a view to deciding next line of action.

He appreciated their supporters for showing solidarity to the party throughout the court’s proceedings asking them to remain in the party.

On the other hand.

Meanwhile, Mohammed has described his victory at the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as victory for the people of the state regardless of their political affiliation.

While addressing journalists on his victory, the governor described the development as a denouncement of the uneasy calm that has gripped the state.

According to him, after every effort by the opponent failed to give them victory, he would establish a framework for the urgent task of restoring hope to what he described as demoralized, disenchanted and dispirited people of the state.

The governor said the confirmation is so loud and clear that it rings from Azare, Alkaleri to Ningi and all the nooks and crannies of the state as the sound of the victory reverberates through the length and breadth of the state.

He said for his administration, the victory is without doubt, a deeply sobering moment by revalidating the sacred mandate entrusted to him by the people of the state, adding that the administration was being summoned to greater heights of service delivery.

He also stated that the development summoned the administration to remove the cloak of partisanship that breeds injustice and fuels hatred to unfasten the parochial prism that beclouds the sense of oneness and deepens the stagnation of the environment, adding that the victory will only make sense when every Bauchi child of school age is in the classroom or when every school leaver is productively engaged in addition to ensuring that every pregnant woman has the reasonable assurance that she will not die from childbirth.

He dedicated his victory to the entire people of the state, and insisted that nothing will distract him from his sustained pursuit of the 7-point agenda until he attains the ultimate goal of achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of all those who reside in the state.

The governor used the medium to appeal to all stakeholders especially his opponents at the tribunal to sheath their swords by supporting his administration for the development of the state.

We‘ll Recruit Teachers To Strengthen Lagos Education – Sanwo Olu
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/09/04/well-recruit-teachers-to-strengthen-lagos-education-sanwo-olu/

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Tuesday his administration would soon be hiring trained teachers to strengthen quality education in its schools.

The governor said his administration would spare no effort to expand quality teaching to pupils in all state-owned schools.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The revelation came following the governor’s directive to the Ministry of Education to recruit trained teaching personnel and provide vital resources that would strengthen quality education across government’s schools.

Sanwo-Olu spoke at the inauguration of three key projects in Ajah, Eti-Osa Local Council Development Area (LCDA). The projects include the 110-bed Maternal and Child Centre (MCC), a 12-block classroom junior secondary school and a rehabilitated Primary Health Centre.

The state government built the Maternal Centre. Tabernacle of David, Lagos Province 46 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) financed the construction of the school and the upgrade of Primary Health Centre as part of the church’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Unveiling the school and the rehabilitated health centre, Sanwo-Olu said: “My administration is not going to walk away from its responsibility of catering for the educational needs of every child that is of school age. We will give our children the opportunity to attend quality schools that will not be too far away from them. This morning, I gave a directive to the Commissioner for Education that all schools owned by the state government be equipped with well-trained teachers that will help us to deliver quality training to our children in line with development agenda of my administration.

“The charge to the commissioner also involves the provision of basic resources that would strengthen our schools and empower them to deliver the desired results we envisage in education and manpower development.”

The governor said his administration would remain open to corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGO) and religious institutions for partnership that would be beneficial to all residents of the state. He reiterated that the government under his leadership would not shirk its responsibility in providing necessary amenities to the citizens.

Sanwo-Olu hailed RCCG for the intervention, which he described as a “progressive doctrine” from a religious institution. The Governor urged other religious bodies to take a cue from the RCCG’s intervention, stressing that government would make greater impacts with collaborations.

The Assistant Pastor in charge of Province 46 of the RCCG, Kayode Pitan, noted that the decision to embark on the projects was in response to dearth of basic education and healthcare facilities in the area.

He added that the two projects gulped N180 million, noting that school, which has 12 blocks of classroom, was completed with N130 million; the church spent N50 million to rehabilitate and upgrade the services of the Primary Health Centre.

The opening of the Eti-Osa Maternal and Child Centre, the eighth of its kind in the state, was replete with fanfare, as residents trooped out of their residents to welcome the Governor and members of his cabinet to the occasion.

Sanwo-Olu said the provision of the secondary health facility in Eti-Osa axis would reduce pressure on the Lagos Island General Hospital and save expectant mothers living in Ajah axis of the pain to travel a long distance for antenatal and post-natal care.

Also on Tuesday, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso said the most visible achievement of Sanwo-Olu administration in the first 100 days in office is the disappearance of heaps of garbage on major streets.

He spoke at a news conference to roll out activities to mark Sanwo-Olu’s first 100 days in office.

He expressed delight at the modest achievements so far recorded by the administration.

“The most visible impact of the course of action this administration has taken so far in respect of the environment is the disappearance of heaps of garbage on major streets and highways across the state,” the commissioner said.

He promised that government was going to be more scientific about dumpsites.

According to the commissioner, the first 100 days of any elected public official represents a significant milestone, adding: “For any visionary leader who wants to leave an indelible mark in the sands of time, the first 100 days in office are not only significant, but could be quite epochal. It sets the tone and course for any new government.

“What happens during this period is akin to what a builder does preparatory to the construction of a structure. Any slip at this stage could spell doom for the building.”

He assured Lagosians that the administration would keep expending on the implementation of its THEMES agenda and the Executive Order signed by the governor within hours of assuming office.

On assessment of his administration so far in office, he said: “We are leaving the assessment of performance in the last 100 days to the judgment of the good people of Lagos.”

Angry Mobs Sets Mtn Office On Fire In Ibadan
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/09/04/angry-mobs-sets-mtn-office-on-fire-in-ibadan/

MTN Office has been set on fire in the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that the office had earlier been shut over widespread attacks on South African companies in the country.

Protesters had attempted to vandalise the office during the day but security operatives resisted the attack.

However, some individuals reportedly regrouped at night and set the office on fire.

Firefighters got to the scene after the havoc had already been done. However, they tried in preventing the inferno from spreading to other buildings.

The violence against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in South Africa had sparked a nationwide outrage.

In Lagos, protesters targetted Shoprite, MTN, and other South Africa-owned businesses. Similar attacks were also recorded in Akwa Ibom state.

Earlier on Thursday, the telecommunications company issued a statement condemning xenophobic attacks.

“MTN Nigeria strongly condemns hate, prejudice and xenophobia and reiterate our unequivocal condemnation of all violence,” the statement read.

“We seek to connect people, bring people together and provide a platform for everyone’s voice to be heard. We are against all forms of bigotry and discrimination; they should have no place in society.

“Everyone has the right to a world where their rights and freedoms are respected — the right to live and earn a living, freely, safely and protected by the law.”

Lai Mohammed, minister of information, had also discouraged Nigerians from reprisal attacks, saying most South African businesses in the country are being run by Nigerians.

DOWNLOAD : T-Classic X Rodney – Pick Up
source : https://makesensemusic.com/download-t-classic-x-rodney-pick-up/

Rodney Brown Spades come through with a brand new collaborative banger ft the NFPY crooner T-Classic, the song is tagged ‘Pick Up‘ a fusion of afropop, afrobeat and highlife, Produced by Geofficialmix. Listen up and share your thought”

NSE Indices Record 0.21% Loss
source- https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/21/nse-indices-record-0-21-loss/


Inspite of improved market breadth, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) market indices shed 0.21 per cent due to loses in some blue chips.

Eyes Of Lagos reports that the All Share Index (ASI) lost 57.27 points or 0.21 per cent to 27,058.62 against 27,115.89 posted on Monday.

Also, the market capitalisation dipped N28 billion to close at N13.186 trillion against N13.214 trillion achieved on Monday.

The downturn was impacted by losses recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; MTN Nigeria, Conoil, PZ Cussons Nigeria, NCR Nigeria and Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN).

Speaking on market’s performance, Mr Ambrose Omordion, the Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Consulting Limited, attributed the development to cautious trading and low confidence of investors.

“These are signs of low confidence and cautious trading as the nation’s economy remains unpredictable with the government yet to provide any economic direction,” he said.

However, market breadth closed positive, 27 stocks posted gains while 10 stocks posted declines.

Transcorp recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent, each to close at N3.85 and 99k, respectively.

Chams followed with a gain 9.52 per cent to close at 23k, while Berger Paints went up by 9.49 per cent to close at N7.50 per share.

UACN appreciated by 9.38 per cent to close at N5.25, per share.

Conversely, Cutix led the losers’ chart dropping by 9.62 per cent to close at N1.41 per share.

PZ Cussons and Union Diagnostic & Clinical Services followed with a decline of 8.33 per cent each to close at N5.50 and 22k, respectively, per share.

May and Baker lost 6.83 per cent to close at N1.91, while Honeywell Flour Mills shed 6.06 per cent to close at 93k per share.

The total volume traded declined by 16.39 per cent with an exchange of 209.62 million shares worth N3.24 billion traded in 3,743 deals.

This was against 250.74 million shares valued at N3.53 billion transacted in 4,116 deals on Monday.

Transactions in the shares of Transcorp topped the activity chart with 43.59 million shares valued at N42.73 million.

Guaranty Trust Bank came second with 42.97 million shares worth N1.14 billion, while Zenith Bank traded 34.11 million shares valued at N591.99 million.

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) sold 24.21 million shares valued at N148.56 million, while FBN Holdings recorded a turnover of 6.32 million shares worth N31.36 million

Siemens: $5 Billion Annual Revenue Likely In Electricity Sector
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/20/siemens-5-billion-annual-revenue-likely-in-electricity-sector/

To unleash the full economic potential in the Nigerian power sector, Siemens AG has said that the sector must not only aim to remove Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collections losses, ATC&C, but also increase its generation capacity.

The company also noted that the power generation capacity of Nigeria must be expanded to above 10 GW in the short-term and 25 GW in the mid-term to improve its annual earnings to $5 billion.

The Federal Government and Siemens last month signed a Letter of Agreement on the Nigeria Electrification Roadmap deal that will lead to the production of 25,000 megawatts of electricity by 2025.

The road map involve three phases. Phases one and two, will see the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, work in synergy to achieve 7,000MW of reliable power supply by 2021 and 11,000mw by 2023.

After the transmission and distribution system bottlenecks have been fixed, the third and final phase will be to drive generation capacity and overall grid capacity to 25,000MW, by 2025.

A document obtained by Eyes Of Lagos from the company, on the road map, stated that, to unleash the full economic potential, Nigeria must not only aim to remove ATC&C losses, but also include a rapid increase of power generation capacity in their short and mid-term planning.

The report also stated that “Nigeria’s power system faces severe challenges to meet the demand of the Nigerian people and economy – both the actual demand (considering also significant amounts of “suppressed demand”) and even the demand that is already connected to the system.

“The existing system is constrained by an imbalance between power generation and consumption. While 13 Gigawatts, GW, of power generation capacity is available, only between 3 and 4 GW is reaching final customers (households, commercial and industrial users) on average, with a peak operating capacity of 5.2 GW achieved in 2018 (versus 5.1 GW in 2016). The facts that the “wheeling capacity” in the national transmission network is between seven and eight GW according to TCN, and the actual distribution capacity in 11 kV and LV in today’s existing systems is up to 11 GW as per previous investigations by Siemens, hint at certain bottlenecks and misalignments especially in the transmission and distribution networks in today’s situation.”

On the phase one of the Nigeria Electrification Roadmap the project, the report noted that it will increase the operational capacity of the Nigerian power system to 7 GW from generation via transmission and distribution networks to the actual end-customers, by addressing immediate bottlenecks and “quick-win” projects.

The Eyes Of Lagos report gathered that, “In the subsequent Phase 2, the existing capacity of the 11 kV distribution networks should be enabled completely – which requires a detailed analysis of remaining bottlenecks and shortfalls in TCN’s transmission network and the 33 kV networks of the Distribution Companies.

“Subsequently, in Phase 3 the Nigerian power system is to be developed up to a system operating capacity of 25 GW in the long term. To achieve this target, a strategic and well coordinated program will have to be defined and implemented in both the generation, transmission and distribution levels of the Nigerian power system.

“For the generation system, recommendations on the expansion of the generation capacity and on the development of the generation mix will be derived – also considering the role and potential of renewable energy sources appropriately,” the report added.

FCMB Introduces Commodity Trade Finance Facility
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/06/fcmb-introduces-commodity-trade-finance-facility/

First City Monument Bank (FCMB), has introduced an enhanced agro-commodity trade finance facility for agribusiness operators.

The development marks another bold step by the bank to expand and deepen its support to the agriculture sector, its value-chain and the overall growth of the Nigerian economy.

The revamped facility is designed for agro-commodity merchants with supply contracts to multinationals, large corporates and processors of agro-commodities. Targeted commodities are cocoa, cashew nuts, sesame, ginger, palm oil, grains (maize, sorghum, soya beans, paddy rice).

Under this new FCMB trade finance facility which is structured in the form of a working capital, the minimum amount that can be accessed by a qualified customer is N100million, while the maximum is N2billion.

Explaining the rationale behind the introduction of the facility in an enhanced form, the divisional head, Agribusiness of FCMB, Mr. Kudzai Gumunyu, said the bank recognised the gap that exists in agribusiness financing as well as other challenges faced by operators, including farmers, in the sector.

Eyes Of Lagos learnt that, According to him, “ We realise there are millions of agro-traders and processors across the country that need credit at convenient and affordable rates, considering the level of attraction the agric sector has garnered.

“Our decision to introduce a revamped agro-commodity trade finance facility is part of our intervention in the agribusiness space to ensure agribusinesses and other stakeholders are empowered with the requisite funds and enablers to boost production and marketing of agricultural commodities.

“Commodity producers and traders stand to immensely benefit from this facility, because it is a veritable and convenient opportunity to access funds that ensure cash flow is available for maximum output. We urge all to take advantage of this offering.”

He assured that FCMB was focused on being a strategic partner in the agriculture sector to drive the diversification of the Nigerian economy, food self-sufficiency, employment and export earnings.

Highlighting FCMB’s contributions to agribusiness, Gumunyu said the bank had sustained the tempo of support through numerous cutting-edge initiatives through innovative products.

He said FCMB in 2018, provided lines of credit that peaked at 8 per cent of the bank’s total loan book to the agriculture sector with the intention to improve on this milestone.

FCMB has consistently proved its mettle as an inclusive and impact investment lender and as an institution that accords agribusiness top priority.

For instance, the bank facilitated and guaranteed the procurement of 50 tractors by the Tractor Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN) Ventures from the Bank of Industry (BoI). The tractors were handed over to the association recently at Ilero town, Oyo State. In addition, FCMB is in partnership with several local and international institutions, such as CBN, BOI, DBN, FMO, International Finance Corporation, USAID, AFD and AGF to provide funding and other classes of support to the agriculture sector.

Nigeria were once ahead of Brazil, India at that time – Oyegun
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/06/we-were-once-ahead-of-brazil-india-who-at-that-time-its-difficult-to-state-where-we-missed-it-as-a-nation-oyegun/

The immediate past Chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun turns 80 next week. Eyes Of Lagos gathered from his interview He shared his journey through the murky political terrain

What is the feeling like celebrating your 80th birthday in the next few weeks?

I am actually holding my breath looking forward to it so anxiously. I can hardly believe that 80 years have already rolled by because a lot of events you start recalling like when America went to the moon and they all sound like yesterday.

I am happy, praying to God every day to wake me up because I want to see that day. I am counting days to my 80th birthday. I am really glad about it and I can’t wait to see my 80 productive years, 80 fulfilling years and 80 good years.

I remember celebrating my 70th birthday in Benin and I recall that Babagana Kingibe was the chairman at the reception. I celebrated it because 70 years is a biblical promise and between 70 and 80, the bible says if you are strong and my prayer is to thank God that I am still strong at 80 years.

My 70th birthday was good and it was the talk of the town and I had to give the testimony even though as a catholic we don’t believe that miracle happens in life like when a cripple is healed. However, we failed to realise that miracle happens in our lives virtually every day of our lives.My 60th birthday was nice but the first birthday I really felt something strongly about was when I was 40 years. I could not wait to clock 40 when I was 39. I was very anxious to get to the age of maturity. You are at zenith at 40 and after that age, one starts very gently and quietly on the downward slope.

I am lucky to have good fortune between 40 and 80 specially blessed to the level of being the National Chairman of APC with a distinct honour of leading a campaign that uprooted an incumbent government. I am lucky to be active in the political terrain and I participated in all the Buhari presidential campaigns except when he was a candidate of the CPC.

The reason is that I realised then that all these so called minority parties were not going to get anywhere. It was then we started working on the coming together of the regional parties. I was 52 when I entered the race to be the governor of first old Bendel State before the creation of Edo where I became the governor.

I was equally active politically during the MKO Abiola presidential mandate and the NADECO days. When I read some criticisms today and I think how many times I have put my life at stake for the nation, it surprises me. People pontificating now are the people busy sitting at home yet talking to you that went into the trenches over June 12.

I have to run away and become a fugitive yet they would say the man is too soft. I laugh at them because they don’t know that people like me will choose and fight. It is not my nature to fight and I don’t go looking for one and if it is possible, I avoid it but if there will be a fight, then let there be a fight. When I believe in something, I give it everything regardless of the attendant risk to my person.

You became a permanent secretary at age 30, can you reflect on why you were called a super perm sec?

That was a different world from the Nigeria we have today. At the risk of been immodest, I was lucky to be a very good student. I read a lot from the elementary school. I was such a voracious reader. At Standard five, I was already reading Julius Cesar and most of Shakespeare’s works.

There was a library in Benin City where I spent most of my time reading all those novels. I will be consumed that the staff would tell me to leave when they want to close for the day. And I will be there the next morning waiting for them to open the office. I actually prepared myself.

I went to the university and then the luck was multiplying. They first sent me to Inland Revenue when I was employed. People were astonished when I told them that I don’t want to work there because I did not apply for Inland Revenue. They arranged for another interview and subsequently redeployed me to this very lucky new ministry of Economic Development.

It was there I came across people like Ayida, Imi Ebong, Philip Asiodu, Abdulatif Ganchiga and of course Ahmed Joda who is still very much alive. They are fantastic people that encouraged you to reason, to be critical, to speak, which helped at the end of the day to acquire that extra skill.

However, most importantly, I had to do my homework. Somebody like Asiodu will come to meeting with a notebook and whatever the newspapers had, he must have read all and made notes. It influenced me positively because whenever I read papers, I make note too.

We had person like Ayida who was a bundle of common sense and very intelligent. He would dissent something you think it was impracticable and make everything look very normal. With that kind of tutelage, it was not surprising that I found myself in a lot of boards like Nigeria Airways, Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria National Shipping among others.

Before I attend the meetings, I had already done my research on the subjects of the agenda. I contribute in such meaningful manner that even my worst enemy will know that I know what I am talking about. The truth behind the name Super Perm Sec is that I was more powerful before I became a Perm Sec. There were instances Perm Secretaries delayed meetings for me to be part of them.

There was a particular international negotiation in the then Yugoslavia. I was late by one day. They had reached agreements and signed the MoU but when I went through the documents, pointed out the flaws, we had to reconvene to sort out the issues I raised. I was just lucky that I usually do my homework.

The story of my becoming a Perm Sec is an interesting one. When I was very young and a Level 15 officer, Udoji report qualified everybody from Level 15 for selection. I was in NPA Board meeting when someone informed me about my nomination. I was surprised and thought it was all a joke and even many people questioned my competence to the extent that the then Head of State, Murtala Mohammed tried to find out who I was.

My nomination caused a lot of dismay in the system and when the late Adamu Ciroma, then Minster of Education was going on his annual three months Leave, I was drafted to act on his behalf for the duration. It was another job and experience.

I sorted things out there and when Ciroma resumed, I was sent to the ministry of works where there were mundane issues like competition among the professionals. I spent another three months there to total the acting period of my nomination to six months.

I was in the Ministry of Works when the coup that cost Murtala’s life took place. Still wanted to be sure, I was appointed the acting Perm Sec and deployed to Cabinet Office an equivalent of the Presidency now. I was in charge of the economic department.

They were obviously satisfied that when there were difficult issues, I will be asked to take the minutes at Council Meetings. I spent another six months before they confirmed me as substantive Perm Sec and gave me ministry when my seniors were yet to get one. That is the story of the so called Super Perm Sec.

It was such that whenever there was a problem, I will be deployed there. For example, when the ministry of communication collapsed, I was sent there for four years to resuscitate it. It was the same thing when passport became a serious issue, I was also drafted to Internal Affairs.

Whether that qualifies me or deserves the name super Perm Sec, I don’t know but we all know that the Ayida’s, Asiodu’s were the real Super Perm Secs and if I am honoured to be in that group, so be it and I give God the glory.

However, the people who brought me up in the civil service were the people I later joined on the same table of Perm Secs and the first time I was to say something, I was shaking because they were my bosses. Government equally took me to General Purposes and Economic Committee (GPEC) where everything in the civil service was decided including promotion and budget.

What is the turning point of your life?

One pound was the turning point of my life. I was very small when I gained admission into St Patricks Collage Asaba. In fact, my getting tall was towards the end of my collage life. I had two teachers that everybody feared most, Latin teacher and one other subject.

The Latin teacher would tell us to translate a passage into English and once you made mistake, he would punch you in the stomach. The two teachers terrified me and always did poorly in the two subjects. The tradition was that a student drops two subjects between class three and four and I decided to drop the two subjects but resolved to pass them before doing so.

I passed them well and in a class of 90 students; I took the third position in the transition of class three to class four from the previous 40th or 30th position. During the holiday, I had a good uncle, who also grew up with my father that I visited, and he asked me about my exam by way of conversation, I told him I did very well.

Previously he would stop it at that but he went further that day asking me the position I took. When I told him third in a class of 90 students, he stormed into his room, came out and gave me one pound. I have never seen it or handled it before. That was in 1954 or thereabout. With that appreciation that time, I never looked back again knowing that good thing is appreciated and rewarded.

As a matter of fact, I am still planning to set up a one pound foundation in honour of that my uncle. There are too many children today that don’t get that kind of acknowledgement and recognition because the history of their lives is totally different. The history of my life would have been totally different and if there is a turning point in my life, that money and gesture was what I considered a turning point of my life.

The money was a huge sacrifice and even when I later became a clerk in Lagos after finishing secondary school, I was earning seven pounds. The share significance of that gesture and the magnitude of that sacrifice made deep impression that never left me.

At 80, what would you consider as your deepest regret?

Well, everybody has a regret perhaps there were one or two things one would have done differently. But I have every reason to give glory to God because he has been so good to me. Look at how many careers I have had. In the civil service, I made good the opportunity, I was respected and you won’t believe I retired when I was less than 50 years.

I ventured into business when I left civil service, became a fisherman and within two years, I became the chairman of Nigeria Trolley Owners Association for two years. I ventured into politics and became the first governor of Edo state. I later became the deputy national chairman of the ANPP, national chairman of the APC where my efforts were blessed with the first chairman to oust a sitting government at federal level. More importantly, up till this 80 years, I have never spent one day in the hospital.

In all your career progressions, which one would you consider you enjoyed most?

I don’t know about enjoying most because I enjoyed all of them. I don’t engage in anything that I don’t put myself into it. I must do it to my satisfaction and in a way that makes me happy, gives pleasure and fulfilment. I want to think that it is the reason God made me reach the top. I did not go into any of them to just earn a living. I only liked and enjoyed what I was doing.

In retrospect, what were the decisions you took you would have done differently if given the opportunity again?

I would say none because nobody should look back. When you make mistake, it is meant to teach you a lesson and to instruct you. One should benefit from it because nobody goes through life claiming perfection in everything he does. I made mistakes, learnt from the mistakes and moved on. I cried sometimes and smiled at other times and those are the realities of life.

At 80, would you say this is Nigeria of your dream?

I will tell you something. I enjoyed the civil service of the 1960s. We were burning with passion. Olu Falae, Chukwuemeka Ezife and one or two others in the service then. We all enjoyed what we were doing, burning with that spirit of nationalism and part of the Independent celebration.

As at the time we were in the economic development, oil was virtually gushing out and the potentialities including all international reviews, tipped Nigeria as one nation that will break out of the underdevelopment and developing nations. Nigeria has the best prospect to break out that underdeveloped ranks.

We were ahead of Brazil, India who at that time people was dying in the streets because of hunger. We were ahead of Malaysia and few other countries. We had the resources, good planning, we brought in UN, World Bank and it was a fantastic atmosphere with expatriates, professors and civil servants planning for the growth and development of this country.

Seeing the bright future that was beckoning us, don’t ask me where it all went wrong. Whether it was the nosedive we took into military intervention, I cannot tell. It is difficult to explain the persistent, inexorable downward trend to the extent that we now leave it to prayer warriors.

What is your advice to the young politicians?

We are all headed in a wrong direction. Our politics should not be bitter but must be based on principles, believes and rooted in service. Our politics must be removed from the realms of violence like losing any one life to get someone elected. It does not make sense to me one dying let alone thousands.

Power should not be at all cost and we are going deep into the negative aspects of political life. I tried to bring in some degree of decency into politics but we are headed in the wrong direction and we have to get people who will lead us back from the rate at which we are going now.

I always think of the agony we have created for INEC, I pity the young man currently heading that commission. What is happening in the field, the kind of subterfuges and direct aggression, I wonder how they manage to cope.

It is really sad the way things are going and it does not have to be like that. This is what pains me. I thought we were coming out of it but we have sunk deeper that I don’t even know how we are going to get out of it again.

External Reserves Drop By $1.6bn In One Month
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/06/external-reserves-drop-by-1-6bn-in-one-month/

The 30-day moving average of Nigeria’s foreign external reserves has dropped by $1.67 billion from $45.046 billion at the beginning of July to $44.878 billion in early August.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Statistics on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) website showed that the external reserves which stood at $43.07 billion as at the beginning of the year rose to $45.04 in July but declined to $44.90 at end of July and $44.87 billion in the first week of August.

Commenting on the development, the managing director and chief executive of B. Adedipe and Associates Limited, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, stated that with a monthly import bill of N1.277 trillion (or $3.31 billion) from Q3 2018 to Q1 2019, current external reserves of $45.044 billion represents 13 months, which is above the minimum threshold of six months (it was 11 months during recession).

Despite the decline in the external reserves, the CBN has maintained its intervention in the foreign exchange with at least $210 million weekly to meet the demands of small, medium scale business owners, manufacturers, the invisible segment, tuition fees, medical payment, Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), and personal needs making the naira to remain stable at N360/$1.

The foreign exchange rate data on the CBN website showed that the naira appreciated to N306.85/$1 as at August from N306.95 at the beginning of July. The naira also appreciated against the pounds sterling and the Euro to trade at N372.17 and N350.69 from N388.23 and N348.32.

On the investors and exporters window (I&E) window, the CBN said that the naira traded at N362.57 as at the close of business yesterday with the local currency selling at an average of N364-N310.

But the data on the official website of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) showed that the naira traded at N358.5/$1, N460/1£ and N401/€1.

Nigeria attracts $15.15 billion investment commitment in first half of 2019
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/05/nigeria-attracts-15-15-billion-investment-commitment-in-first-half-of-2019/

Foreign investors in several sectors of the Nigeria economy made investment commitments to the tone of $15.15 billion within the first half of 2019.

According to reports gathered by Eyes Of Lagos that Figures obtained from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC, shows that the $15.15bn proposed investments were made for 43 projects in 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Comparatively, the proposed investments for the first half of this year showed a 67 per cent decline when compared to the corresponding period of 2018.

Investments ‎commitments are made by would be investors in specific sectors of the economy, which the NIPC follows up to ensure its full maturity and benefits to the Nigerian economy.

According to NIPC records, mining and ‎quarrying recorded investment announcements of $12.3 billion averaging 81 per cent of the total investment proposal made

Manufacturing also recorded $2.2bn worth of investment announced.

Within the period under review,‎ finance and insurance recorded $200 million investment worth; while information and communication $200 million.

NYCN Dissociate Self From Revolution New Protest
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/05/nycn-dissociate-self-from-revolution-new-protest/

The leadership of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has distance itself from the planned revolution march slated for Monday August 5, 2019.

The Council in a statement signed by its president, Comrade Almustapha Asuku Abdullahi, said exercising rights to freedom of speech, association and assembly should be with decorum.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Abdullahi said the “RevolutionNow Movement” call for mass action across the country against the Federal Government of Nigeria is ill-time and uncalled for and that Nigerian Youth will not be part of any unlawful gathering in the name of revolution.

“At a time when Nigeria is battling with barrage of security challenges no sane or right thinking individual will be instigating the populace against the Government and calling for total short down of Nigeria. We call all security agencies to take charge and not allow any dissidents and foreign agents to draw us back as a nation.

“The RevolutionNow Protest and the Convener are opposite in nature hence it became worrisome and explicitly pertinent for every concern Nigerians to ask several questions, the questionable antecedents and alleged fraudulent AAC National Chairman/Former Presidential Candidate send a big signal which deserve details verification.

“This can be best described as deliberate attempt to destabilise Nigeria and government of President Muhammed Buhari. As such any group of persons collaborating the call for revolution protest is unpatriotic.

He therefore called on youth in general to always be law abiding and not to allow anybody or agents of the fourth columnist to use them as cannon fodder.

While urging the Federal Government to avert and tame any attempt to plug the nation into crisis and civil unrest by “this set of greedy and political jobbers who are perceived to be under sponsorship of the external enemies of our dear nation.”

Nigerian Businesses Spend N5trn Annually To Generate Power – NACCIMA
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/04/nigerian-businesses-spend-n5trn-annually-to-generate-power-naccima/

National Association of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has lamented the high cost of generating power by businesses in the country.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Director-general of NACCIMA, Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni stated that majority of businesses in the country spend N5 trillion annually to generate own power. Specifically, he said, the $14 billion which translates to a whooping N5 trillion is expended on generators, maintenance and fueling by private businesses.

“We spend about $14 billion annually on generators, maintenance and fueling in other to keep our business afloat,” he said. Such humongous cost, he regretted, is a big drain on resources and may be responsible for the dwindling fortunes of most businesses.

“Generally, the business environment in the country in the past 12 months was certainly not palatable, but things can be better. We have not gotten to where we are supposed to be, though we are heading towards where we can just say that things can be better.

“We need to look at alternative source of power, such as cost of purchase, maintenance and fueling of generating sets in the country for the purpose of electricity both for manufacturing and general consumption.” Olukanni charged the federal government to address the power situation squarely, said the cost expended on power generation was unbearable.

“If such amount is being dedicated to boosting business in the country and if the government gets the power situation right, then businesses would boom and we will become more competitive, especially now that we have signed the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA)

Oyo To Partner With FAAN In Transforming Ibadan Airport
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/08/01/oyo-to-partner-with-faan-in-transforming-ibadan-airport/

Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde has expressed the preparedness of his administration to partner with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in transforming infrastructures at the Ibadan Airport for it to complement economic expansion policy of the state government.

The governor stated this when he received top management staff of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to his office on a courtesy visit.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Makinde explained that there was need to partner and synergize with authority of the airport to ensure expansion of the runway, provision of security and other procedures that would facilitate cargo operation and other mode of operations.

While expressing hope that pilgrims from the state would be airlifted from next year at Ibadan airport, he noted that Ibadan Airport was central to the state economy and could assist the state agricultural sector for required economic development.

Earlier the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Rabiu Yadudu recounted some challenges confronting the Ibadan Airport and called for necessary support from the state government while pledging to remain committed to its mandate.

The managing director thereafter assured that Ibadan Airport would continue to evolve in it procedures, processes, personnel and structures and appreciated the people of the state for cooperation and patronage.

Unilag announces date for post-UTME
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/07/28/unilag-announces-date-for-post-utme/

The University of Lagos has fixed Aug. 1 to Aug. 21 for application for its post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Matriculation Examination (post UTME) screening into all courses/programmes for the 2019/2020 academic year.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Registrar, Mr Oladejo Azeez, on Saturday.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, According to the university, only candidates who made the institution their first choice in the 2019 UTME and scored 200 and above are eligible for screening upon payment of screening fee of N2, 000.

“Candidates who will not be 16 years old by Oct. 31 are not eligible and need not apply.

“In the same vein, candidates who do not participate in the UTME screening will not be considered for placement,” it said.

According to the institution, the post UTME aptitude test will hold from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30.

It added that qualified candidates must possess five credits passes at one sitting in relevant ‘O’ Level subjects including English Language and Mathematics.

It also said that former students of the institution whose admissions were withdrawn for poor academic performance or absence could reapply on the condition that the new admission should be for a new programme/course.

The university added that any student expelled from the university would not be offered fresh admission.

It urged eligible candidates to log in to the university,s website, www.unilag.edu.ng, click on admission and follow the registration procedure.

“Candidates are to log in with their post UTME number as user name and the surname in lower cases, as password, and then continue with the procedure to generate their post UTME examination pass,” it said.

The university urged candidates to adhere strictly to the guidelines and obtain necessary clarifications.

It said that it had zero tolerance for drug abuse, warning that any student found wanting would lose his/her studentship.

Apapa Gridlock Ultimatum: We’re Making Progress, Ensuring Sustainability — FRSC
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/05/29/apapa-gridlock-ultimatum-were-making-progress-ensuring-sustainability-frsc/

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that the new task team to clear Apapa gridlock were making progress as measures were also being put in place to ensure sustainability in accordance with the recent President Muhammadu Buhari’s ultimatum. Eyes Of Lagos reports that the team had commenced “’Operation Totality Enforcement” to ensure timely implementation of the president’s directive that trucks parking on Apapa roads should vacate with 72 hours. The President had said that the vacation would help in clearing the gridlock in Apapa and its environs and help in restoring law and order in the area. Mr Hyginus Omeje, the Lagos State Sector Commander FRSC, told Eyes Of Lagos that tremendous progress had been made in clearing the Apapa traffic constituted by the tankers and other articulated vehicles. According to him, the whole exercise started with stakeholders meetings to ensure everyone involved is carried along in the exercise. “We are making tremendous progress in clearing the gridlock along the corridor. “We started with a stakeholders meeting so that we can be on the same page with the organisations involved like Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Shippers Council and the transport unions. “We needed to appeal to the unions for them to take their vehicles to the various identified parks,” Omeje said. The FRSC boss said that a total of 54 private parks were identified where the trucks were expected to move into before going to the port with the assistance of manual call-up system that NPA was practising now. Omeje said that the Lily pond’s park had also opened for containerised vehicles for parking before accessing the port. He said that for all the vehicles carrying exports had access to the port directly because some of them carry perishable goods. “I can tell you that since Saturday, Sunday and up till this morning the task team has done a noble job. “This morning there is no more trucks on Eko bridge, all these vehicles you used to see upto Jibowu, Alaka to Stadium have all disappeared. “By Friday, everywhere will be clear of traffic caused by articulated vehicles along the corridor but we are not only clearing it, we are also putting measures in place for sustainability. “When the Presidential task team have finished with their job, then the enforcement arm of the various agencies involved, the FRSC, LASTMA and the Police will continue their statutory duty which is to control and manage traffic respectively,” he said. Eyes Of Lagos reports that the vacation notice was issued on Wednesday as one of the outcomes of a meeting convened by President Buhari and chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on April 25. Eyes Of Lagos also reports that FRSC, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have began “Operation Totality Enforcement’’ to ensure timely implementation of the president’s directive that trucks parking on Apapa roads should vacate with 72 hours. Mr Chris Olakpe, the Chief Executive Officer of LASTMA, had made the disclosure last Friday in an interview .

B Naira acquires Multi-Million Naira Ferrari, Releases New Song “Fall on Me”
source : https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/05/29/singer-and-businessman-b-naira-acquires-multi-million-naira-ferrari-releases-new-song-fall-on-me/

Nigerian pop star, Adewale Adebayo a.k.a B Naira has acquired a multi-million naira Ferrari and released a new album “Fall on Me”. The Entrepreneur/Musician disclosed this on his Instagram page @bnaira, where he would not hide his excitement. B NAIRA He said “I feel very honoured to be joining the Ferrari family and becoming a part of the most prestigious team in the history of Formula One. #mynewrarri #ferrari #sellfastpayfast, @selfastpayfast,” “I bought this Ride Just to Take photos – Abeg make una No Vex cus it’s l season #na dem go tayaaa for this tire.” The budding Nigerian singer and top notch bitcoin broker is certainly having a swell time as he reaps the fruit of good labour and hard work. Eyes Of Lagos report gathered that, It has been revealed that the singer was slowing down in attaining success for himself, but with this exotic whip, the singer has made a great achievement. With the new song he just dropped, the musician said the new single, “Fall on me”, is a song that aims to inspire hustlers. The lyric of the song “Fall on Me” focuses on the many good things that brings excitement and pleasure. B Naira, who has won numerous awards including the Best Yoruba Actor at the 17th African Film Awards popularly known as Afro Hollywood, contributed to the entertainment industry. Tiwa Savage is among artists that acquired Ferrari recently

Equities Market Extends Bullish Outlook, Gains N372bn To Cross N13trn Mark
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/05/23/equities-market-extends-bullish-outlook-gains-n372bn-to-cross-n13trn-mark/

The Nigerian equities market extended positive stance at the close of trading yesterday with a gain of N372 billion, driven by the bullish run in the shares of MTN Nigeria and Dangote Cement. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The All Share Index (ASI) gained 844.74 absolute points, representing a growth of 2.88 per cent to close at 30,218.14 points. Similarly, market capitalisation grew by N372 billion, to close at N13.310 trillion. The upturn was significantly impacted by value appreciation recorded in some medium and large capitalised stocks, MTN Nigeria, Dangote Cement, Forte Oil, Guaranty Trust Bank and Africa Prudential. Also, at the end of its 267th meeting, yesterday, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to maintain status quo, following the rate cut at its previous meeting. It retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 13.5 percent, Asymmetric corridor around the MPR at +200/-500bps, Cash Reserves Ratio (CRR) at 22.5 per cent and Liquidity Ration (LR) at 30.0 per cent. Analysts at Afrinvest Limited expected the market to sustain its bullish run largely due to the strong investors’ interest in the highly attractive MTNN stock. However, market breadth remain in the negative region with 16 gainers against 20 decliners. MTN Nigeria recorded the highest price gain of 9.98 per cent, to close at N131.70 per share. Africa Prudential followed with a gain of 9.44 per cent to close at N3.94, while. Thomas Wyatt Nigeria appreciated by 8.82 per cent to close at 37 kobo, per share. Forte Oil rose by 8.81 per cent to close at N27.80, while Courteville Business Solutions appreciated by 8.70 per cent to close at 25 kobo, per share. On the other hand, Livestock Feeds led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent, to close at 63 kobo, per share. Juli Pharmacy followed with a decline of 9.58 per cent to close at N1.51, while Afromedia depreciated by 8.89 per cent, to close at 41 kobo, per share. Custodian Investment went down by 7.69 per cent to close at N6, while Cutix declined by 6.78 per cent to close at N1.65, per share.

Aero Marks 60 Years Of Flight Operations In Nigeria
source: https://eyesoflagos.com/2019/05/22/aero-marks-60-years-of-flight-operations-in-nigeria/

Nigeria’s oldest surviving carrier, Aero Contractors Ltd., on Tuesday celebrated its 60th anniversary of flight operations in the country. Speaking at the ceremony, Capt. Ado Sanusi, Chief Executive Officer, Aero Contractors, said the airline which began operations in 1959 had hugely contributed to human capacity development in the aviation sector. Sanusi said the airline had an enviable safety record with zero fatalities since it began both commercial flights and helicopter charter services. He, however, noted that Aero had faced hard times from February 2013 to August 2016, which led to its takeover by the Federal Government through the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON). Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, According to him, the AMCON intervention was aimed at returning Aero to profitability through repositioning of its operations and expansion of its portfolio of services. Sanusi therefore, said the management had to make tough choices to sustain and stabilise the airline’s operations and ultimately return it to an active player in the Nigeria’s aviation sector. He said: “It is my sincere pleasure to inform you all that like a phoenix, Aero has risen from its hard times. “Our individual and collective sacrifices, resilience and insistence that this airline is lifted back up is paying off and yielding visible results.” According to him, the airline services has since December 2016, returned to full operations and grown its fixed wing operational aircraft from one to four. “It is our expectation to grow our fixed wing aircraft to six by the close of this year. The present count of four aircraft improved our domestic flight operations to 32 daily. “From one helicopter in 2017, we now have five operational helicopters with capacity to further grow this number to 10 helicopters by close of the year so as to deepen our services. “In all, we began our repositioning journey growing our domestic operations from eight to 32 daily flights. “From ferrying 8,000 passengers per month, to 52, 000 passengers per month into and out of the several airports on our route,” Sanusi added. He disclosed that the Aero Aircraft Maintenance Organisation which was approved by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to carry out C-checks on Boeing 737 Classics had helped to turn around the fortunes of the airline. Sanusi said Aero had successfully conducted C-checks on 737 CL Boeing aircraft and had secured approval from the Governments of Ghana and Democratic Republic of Congo to carry out C-checks on B737 aircraft registered in the countries. Speaking on behalf of the Ibru family, Mrs Cecilia Ibru, former Managing Director of the defunct Oceanic Bank, commended the staff of the airline for putting in their best towards sustaining its operations. Ibru also acknowledged the role played by the incumbent Aero management in repositioning the airline and restoring the confidence of the flying public in its operations. Eyes Of Lagos reports that Aero Contractors was first formed in 1959 in the Netherlands before being officially registered in Nigeria in 1960. At inception, it was wholly owned Schreiner Airways B.V. of the Netherlands. Aero later became a partly Nigerian-owned company with an initial 40 per cent Nigerian shareholding in 1973. This grew to 60 per cent by 1976 in fulfillment of the requirements of compliance with the Nigerian Enterprises Promotion Decree of 1977, also known as the Indigenisation Decree. By January 2004, Schreiner Airways was bought over by CHC Helicopter which acquired a 40 per cent holding in Aero. while the 60 per cent majority share remained within the lbru family. By July 2010, CHC sold its interests in Aero and the airline became wholly owned by the Ibru family until it was taken over by AMCON in 2013 due to its huge indebtedness.