Niger Delta Groups Carpet Independent Marketers Over Pomp Price Increment, Urge FG To Review Petrol Price

 

Niger Delta Groups, including the Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC), South-South Movement for Good Governance (SMG), the Urhobo Progressive Vanguard (UPV), Niger Delta Women for Change (NDWC), Cross River Youth Democratic Front (CRYDF), and 13 other groups, have expressed deep concern over what they described as “the recurring pattern of deception orchestrated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in matters of critical national importance.” 

In a joint statement issued by the leaders of the over 17 groups, they carpeted the independent oil marketers over immediate hiked in pump prices of petrol as soon as the subsidy removal was announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “in order to sabotage the sincere efforts of the government.” 

Those who signed the statement include Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, the National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC); Barr. Raymond Oporomo, the National President of South-South Movement for Good Governance; Comrade Efemena Esamagu, the President of Urhobo Progressive Vanguard; Mrs. Abigail Asibie, the National Coordinator of Niger Delta Women for Change; Comrade Julius Emaluji, the National President of the Cross River Youth Democratic Front, among others. 

The groups keenly observed that “on numerous occasions, the NLC has deceived the public by creating an illusion of safeguarding their welfare, only to betray their trust by engaging in backdoor negotiations with the government, ultimately disregarding the plight of the suffering masses.” 

Cautioning labour unions over their planned strike action against the removal of subsidy on petrol, the organisations said, “We emphatically caution the NLC that it can no longer deceive anyone after having stripped itself of credibility, public trust, and confidence. 

“We urges Nigerians to be vigilant and reject the NLC's attempts to drag them into a situation with uncertain outcomes it. We urge our compatriots not to fall for the gimmicks employed by the NLC, who seem to be taking advantage of the suffering of the masses for their selfish negotiations.

“The NLC must first and foremost provide a comprehensive explanation regarding its absence during the preparation, presentation, defense, and passage of the budget by the former President Muhammadu Buhari's government and the 9th National Assembly, which did not include provisions for subsidy. 

“It is disheartening to witness opportunistic actions being taken by the NLC only when it suits their agenda, rather than consistently advocating for the welfare of Nigerians”. 

The groups called on Nigerians to hold the “independent oil marketers accountable for the drastic deterioration of petroleum prices, we vehemently condemn these acts of extortion by the independent marketers who hiked pump prices as soon as the subsidy removal was announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to sabotage the sincere efforts of the government. 

“This inhumane act of wickedness and greed demonstrates a lack of regard for the already burdensome living conditions faced by the Nigerian people.

“Moreover, we are not ignorant of the fact that the removal of fuel subsidies has placed an additional financial burden on the Nigerian populace, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society. 

“The sudden increase in fuel prices has had a ripple effect on the cost of transportation, food, and other essential commodities, further exacerbating the hardships faced by the people. 

“Therefore, we urge the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to critically review the fuel price template provided by the NNPCL. By reducing the fuel price template, the government will be lessening the financial burden on the masses”.

In addition to addressing the immediate concern of the fuel price template, the group called on President Bola Tinubu “to prioritize finding a lasting solution to the inherited issues plaguing the petroleum sector. One crucial aspect that demands urgent attention is the state of the existing refineries. 

“The continuous reliance on imported petroleum products has not only proven to be economically unsustainable but also undermines our national energy security.

“We implore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to proffer a comprehensive and sustainable plan to revamp and rehabilitate the existing refineries within the coming months. 

“This measure will not only reduce our dependence on imported petroleum products but also create job opportunities, foster local content development, and ultimately contribute to the economic growth and development of our nation.

“We urge all stakeholders to work together to build a nation where the welfare of the people is paramount and where the actions of all stakeholders align with the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria”, they concluded.

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Glam African Fashion Festival (GAFF) Calls for Audition in Nigeria

 

Organisers of the prestigious fashion programme, the Glam African Fashion Festival (GAFF) have announced an upcoming audition event in Nigeria.

The audition offers a veritable platform and unique opportunity for African fashion designers to showcase their special talents and exquisite designs to the world.

Emerging and exceptional designers are encouraged to register and submit their portfolios for the event as registration is ongoing on website and will end on June 21st 2023.

Convener of the programme, Ms. Naomi Olapeju Sigsmund, on Saturday, said, "The event billed to take place on July 16th, 2023, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos was designed to identify and harness inspiring and talented individuals to participate in the GAFF event in Ontario Canada, which will hold in November from 13th to 18th, in conjunction with the African Canada Investment Expo & Summit."

She noted that GAFF is a commercial hub that showcases the creativity, diversity, and richness of African fashion and also helps African designers to exhibit their work through collaboration with International fashion brands.

Sigsmund stated: "In partnership with the African Canada Investment Expo & Summit, GAFF is set to present a remarkable showcase of African fashion, and the rich culture in manufacturing of African designs, offering a unique opportunity for talented African designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts to exhibit their creativity and skills on a global stage.The event also promotes bilateral trade among African nations and facilitate connections among industry professionals.

"The African Canada Investment Expo & Summit is a prestigious business gathering, bridging the gap between African businesses and Canadian investors. This premier event creates a conducive platform for networking, business growth, and investment prospects between African and Canadian enterprises.

"We are inviting all emerging and exceptional designers to register and submit their portfolios for this laudable event as registration is ongoing on our website and it ends on June 21st 2023. It is a must event for those seeking to explore and expand the full potentials of their business beyond their current reach."

She also appealed for sponsorship and partnership support from interested public, private and corporate organisations in Nigeria, to join their international counterparts for the event.

Ms. Naomi Olapeju Sigsmund, is also the convener for Hope For Sure Foundation, African Canada Investment Summit, and Impact People Food Bank.

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Subsidy Removal: You Can't Fool Nigerians Again, CNG Tackles NLC

 

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has kicked against what it described as the deceptive move of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government. 

The spokesperson of the group, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, in a statement issued Thursday, said it observed that on every occasion, the NLC would deceive the public into believing they are protecting their interests, only to betray the course and negotiate with the government at the expense of the suffering masses. 

It said the first instance was the NLC protests over the harsh economic policies of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government in February 2017 which came to an abrupt end without achieving any results and no convincing explanation to the public. 

It said, “Then came the September 2018 strike, which was also terminated after the NLC met with government officials and compromised the effort with no effect. 

“The worst scenario was the October 2020 organised labour plan to shut down the entire economy in protest over the increase in the pump price of petrol and a hike in electricity tariff.” 

The group noted the strike was called off at the last minute after a meeting between government officials and labour leaders in Abuja. 

The group stressed that it took exception to the move by labour at that time, describing it as a huge trade-off and compromise in its strongly worded letter of October 6, 2021, to the former President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, expressing disappointment in the labour leadership, for deliberately suspending an action meant to check the arbitrary hike in fuel prices by the Buhari administration. 

“Now that NLC wants to take the nation for granted once more, we demand that it should first of all explain its whereabouts at the time the budget was prepared, presented, defended by the government of the former president Muhammadu Buhari and passed by the 9th National Assembly without the provision for subsidy,” it said. 

According to Abdul Azeez,”We call on the new administration of President Bola Tinubu to handle this obviously dicey situation with utmost wisdom and compassion so that the innocent public is not made victim. 

“We call the attention of the Tinubu administration to be vigilant over the latent trap set for it with the subsidy issue by the outgone government aiming to set it on a collision course with the public early in the day. 

“We therefore advise government to deploy maximum wisdom, and caution to chart a workable means of dealing with the bad situation deliberately thrown on its laps in such a way that no one gets.

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CBN Has Not Devalued The Naira - Official

 

Nigeria's apex bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has denied report that the naira has been devalued contrary to a news report on June 1, 2023, titled “CBN Devalues Naira To 630/$1”. 

In a statement signed by the Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Dr Isa AbdulMumin, the CBN described the report as replete with outright falsehoods.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to a news report by Daily Trust Newspaper of June 1, 2023, titled “CBN Devalues Naira To 630/$1”.

“We wish to state categorically that this news report, which in the imagination of the newspaper is exclusive, is replete with outright FALSEHOODS and destabilizing innuendos, reflecting potentially willful ignorance of the said medium as to the workings of the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, the exchange rate at the Investors’ & Exporters’ (I&E) window traded this morning (June 1, 2023) at N465/US$1 and has been stable around this rate for a while.

“The public is hereby advised to ignore the news report by Daily Trust in its entirety, as it is speculative and calculated at causing panic in the market. 

“Media practitioners are advised to verify their facts from the Central Bank of Nigeria before publishing in order not to misinform the public”, the statement concluded.

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Cleanse EFCC Quickly, 107 Anti-Corruption Crusaders Tell Tinubu

 

Following a massive protest in Lagos, a conglomeration of about 107 Anti-Corruption crusade groups led by Crime and Corruption Monitors has impressed on the incoming administration of President-elect, Bola Tinubu to ensure the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is cleansed of entrenched corrupt leadership symbolized by its current Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa.

The Anti-Corruption crusade Conglomerate speaking after the protest which terminated at the Youths Sports Complex, Lagos, pointed out that EFCC is an important government agency in Nigeria, established primarily to rid the society of corruption and not conceived as an agency for settling scores for political godfathers. 

The convener of the conglomerate, Idowu Bello who read the statement in the Lagos rally warned that "If a government agency expected to fight crime is found going about its business in a manner that mimics witch-hunt and selective justice while also being unable to deal with the corruption going on within its own workforce, the nation is headed for real time crises, conflict of confidence."

He noted that despite government's claim of making the fight against corruption and related practices a top priority, EFCC, the agency charged with the execution of the war, is in questions over mounting allegations of monumental corrupt practices. 

"Allegations that about 80 per cent of cases under EFCC investigation are not taken to court. EFCC offices now literally serve as courtrooms. 

"Last week, Zamfara state governor, Bello Matawalle, alleged that Bawa demanded the sum of $2million from him as bribe to stop a purported probe against him.   

"Even before Abdulrasheed Bawa was presented as substantive EFCC Chairman, he has been arrested and detained by the anti-graft agency in 2019 for selling at least 244 trucks worth between N20-30 million each to his proxies at N100,000 per unit. 

"He is also accused of recently expanding a large amount of money to the tune of $300,000 for hotels and other activities, which is far and beyond his income as civil servant, during a visit to Mecca with his family on a lesser Hajj. 

"There are also allegations of connivance with the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami in auctioning of sea vessels holding crude oil seized by the Federal Government, violating Section 31(2) and (4) of the EFCC Act 2004.

"Malami and Bawa also allegedly authorized the sale of vessels by companies under EFCC prosecution for similar offence of illegal bunkering.

"Bawa and Malami were fingered in the discontinuation of a N25billion criminal charge against Senator Danjuma Goje without any justification after over seven years of diligent investigation and prosecution. 

"Equally, the incident of Abel Isah, an EFCC cadet in Sokoto who was allegedly beaten to death by superior officers for refusing to sign off on incomplete exhibits is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians," the statement read. 

The Crusaders demanded the immediate sack of Bawa as EFCC Chairman and to be subjected to wholistic probe the way his predecessor Ibrahim Magu was treated. 

"Like every other agency of government everywhere, there are global standards of practice for officials who had been accused of gross misconduct to step aside while investigations were conducted to ascertain the veracity of the allegations. 

"As pointed out earlier several eminent eminent Nigerians have claimed to possess evidence of corrupt practices, breach of public trust and abuse of office against the EFCC and its Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa. 

"It is based on the above observations that the Crime and Corruption Monitors and 107 Anti Corruption Crusade Groups deem it necessary to demand that Abdulrasheed Bawa excuses himself from office and surrender for investigation. 

"We demand that if Bawa remains adamant, he be forced out and subjected to comprehensive probe the way his predecessor Ibrahim Magu was made to do. 

"Since it is obvious by now that the Buhari administration which brought Abdulrasheed Bawa is not disposed to initiating action, we call on the incoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make it first priority to cleanse the EFCC of corrupt leaders. 

"Corruption is one of the most serious social and security challenges facing Nigeria today which is the more reason why Tinubu should see it as an existential matter that needs to be addressed and tackled robustly and defeated once for all. 

"No nation can aspire to greatness or seek to remain secure and safe when corruption and other corrupt practices are allowed to find their way into all its vital institutions including the agency saddled with the responsibility of fighting it. 

"For this reason, corruption must be confronted with the entire will and resolve of the incoming administration beginning with thorough cleansing of the EFCC by first getting Bawa out and subjecting him to probe before extending action to cover other organs and tiers of government in Nigeria without exception. 

"Failure to do so will indubitably mean that every effort made the anti-graft agency is headed by suspicious leaders will defeat all development endeavours of the incoming administration and render its task the more difficult and futile. 

"We remind the President-elect that National challenges such as the corruption we are faced with should not be treated with levity and condescension. 

“Neither should action be limited to targeted individuals or tiers of government. On the contrary, corruption is a cross-national issue that affect every one of us regardless of where we live or come from," the statement concluded.

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Ohanaeze Youths Call for EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa To Step Aside, Face Probe

 

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has demanded that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, should “leave office and face investigations in accordance with the standard practice globally for officials who had been accused of gross misconduct to step aside while investigations were conducted to ascertain the veracity of the allegations the way his predecessor Ibrahim Magu did.” 

In a statement signed by the National President,

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the apex Igbo youth group noted that “in the past couple of days, we in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide have watched with dismay the drift currently going on at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.”

According to the group, "Needless to say that we are not so surprised owing to the fact that in the not so distant past, we had raised the alarm that the EFCC czar, Abdulrasheed Bawa, was merchandising the anti-graft commission. 

“This came to the fore when he unleashed the commission on Senator Ike Ekweremadu, a victim of circumstance, who was then facing charges in the United Kingdom. 

“The EFCC under Bawa has never charged Ekweremadu for any crime, but while the lawmaker was in far away UK, he rushed and misled a Nigerian court to confiscate all his properties. Thank God that the court later reversed itself. This is just one of the major unholy and sponsored jobs of the EFCC under Bawa. 

“In the history of the EFCC, no chairman of the commission has ever come under public scrutiny in such a short period of time like Bawa. 

“The same goes for many of the staff under him, justifying the aphorism, ‘like father like son’. A few days ago, it was even reported that two of the staff members killed another colleague while they were fighting for exhibits. This shows how dirty the commission has become. 

“Since the Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle’s recent outburst exposing corrupt practices against the Abdulrasheed Bawa, more damning allegations also crept up that some of the Commission’s officials simply negotiate with suspects, get assets and cash retrieved and do plea bargains.” 

Continuing, the Ohanaeze youths noted that “This opens limitless opportunities for corrupt bargaining and self-enrichment by the operatives of EFCC under Bawa’s watch.

“We are also aware that EFCC is undertaking a selective invitation to outgoing Governors in Nigeria while exempting other government officials who have loads of petitions against them, while also being unable to deal with the corruption going on within its own workforce. 

“Apart from the corruption fight taking a nosedive under Bawa, it is also no longer news that the EFCC under him has totally become a tool for political witchhunt, it is now merely being used to settle political scores. 

“Based on the foregoing, it is time for Bawa to pack his luggages and step aside as the Chairman of the EFCC. We even expected that he should have resigned on his own volition judging by some weighty allegations against him. 

“However, since he is obstinate about towing the path of honour, we advise President Muhammadu Buhari to do the needful by purging his government of all the ridicule brought upon his avowed anti-corruption stance by Bawa and the EFCC under him. 

“We join the call for Bawa to leave office and face investigations in accordance with the standard practice globally for officials who had been accused of gross misconduct to step aside while investigations were conducted to ascertain the veracity of the allegations the way his predecessor Ibrahim Magu did. 

"We insist that all allegations must be thoroughly investigated by a technical Commission of Inquiry to dig into the modus operandi of EFCC investigations in the last three years by thoroughly analysing records of arrests, investigations, outcomes and final closure of each incident and individual suspects and how the matters were eventually dispensed with. 

“But should Buhari fail to do so, the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu should consider it as one of his very first assignments- to make Bawa step aside and face investigation. This is the only way Nigerians would rekindle their hope on the anti-graft commission”, the statement concluded.

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North Central Citizens Demand Thorough Investigation Into Allegations OF Corrupt Practices In EFCC Under Abdulrasheed Bawa

 

The North Central Citizens Council has noted that the main purpose of the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as a law enforcement agency that investigates financial crimes, has been eroded “under the inept leadership of Abdulrasheed Bawa.” 

The Coordinator, North Central Citizens Council (NCCC), Comrade Mohammed Eneji in a statement said that “the flamboyant lifestyle of Abdulrasheed Bawa have always raised suspicion as to the income of the embattled Chairman.” 

While calling for thorough investigation of allegations corrupt practices in the agency, the group noted that “several credible media houses within and outside the country have reported stories about an alleged embezzlement of public funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission boss.

“One of the allegations is that the Chairman recently expended a large amount money to the tune of $300,000 for hotels and other activities, which is far and beyond his income as civil servant, during a visit to Mecca with his family on a lesser Hajj. 

“Equally, the incident of Abel Isah, an EFCC cadet in Sokoto who was allegedly beaten to death by superior officers for refusing to sign off on incomplete exhibits is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians, Several calls were for the Commission to initiate a thorough investigation into his death, but up to this point, there has been no clear indication by the powers-that -be at the Commission that a probe has begun. 

“It stands to reason that there are ulterior motives why the Commission is reluctant to commence an investigation in this most heinous crime. What is the Commission hiding?

“North Central Citizens Council, representing the voice for the masses from the North Central geopolitical zone is calling for the immediate suspension of Bawa and also demanding that the federal government begin a thorough investigation into several allegations against him, especially for the fact that the commission have suffered a lot of set backs as it relates to corruption on previous leadership of Magu, this also shouldn't be swept under the carpet. 

“It is for these reasons that we are calling on the relevant authorities to initiate a proper investigation into Bawa’s spending spree in Saudi Arabia and also his involvement in concealing and/or obstructing the investigation into the death of Abel Isah. 

“We are also calling on the Senate Presidency to halt any plans for the confirmation of Bawa as a substantive EFCC Chairman until the conclusion of the investigation, as doing so will send the wrong signal to Nigerians”, the group said.

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AMVCA 2023: Popular Celebrities Win Big, See Full List of Winners

 

Here is the complete list of winners for the ninth edition of the 2023 Africa Movie Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA), which took place on Saturday at Eko Hotels in Lagos State.

The 2023 AMVCA event was hosted by IK Osakioduwa and former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi.

In the category of Best Actress in Drama, Osas Ighodaro triumphed. Three previous Big Brother housemates also made huge gains at the ceremony.

The prize for "Best Original Drama Series" went to Diane Russet; Elozonam was honored for "Best Online Social Content Category," and Tobi Bakre was named "Best Actor in Drama."

An actress with experience, Patience Ozokwo, received the 2023 Industry Merit Award.

Beauty Tukura, a former BBNaija housemate, won the AMVCA Best Dressed award for women, while Enioluwa took home Best Dressed award for the males.

Fast-rising Nollywood actress Bimbo Ademoye breaks the five-year record held by her older colleague and box office record breaker, Funke Akindele.

She was nominated alongside strong candidates such as Mercy Johnson's "Battle On Buka Street," Roselyn Ngissah's "Red Carpet," Funke Akindele's "Battle On Buka Street," Grace Wacuka's "Married to Work," and Mercy Johnson Onogie's "Passport."

In the Best Actress in a Comedy or TV Series category, Bimbo Ademoye triumphed over formidable competitors like Funke Akindele and Mercy Johnson, among others.

Bimbo Ademoye was declared the winner, and the competition's organizers shared their joy on Twitter. They also emphasized how proud they were of this up-and-coming actress.

“We’re thrilled to announce that the #AMVCA9 ‘Best Actress in a Comedy/TV Series’ award goes to the talented [@BimboAdemoye Selina]! 🏆 We celebrate her comedic talent and unforgettable performances. Congratulations!” it wrote.

Anikulapo‘s film was acknowledged as the Best Overall Movie in Africa.

Here is a full list of winners for the AMVCA 2023:

Best Actor in a Comedy – (Movie/TV Series)

Samuel Perry (Broda Shaggi) –

Best Actress in a Comedy – (Movie/TV Series)

Bimbo Ademoye – Selina

Best Actor in a Drama – (Movie/TV Series)

Tobi Bakre – Brotherhood

Best Actress in a Drama – (Movie/TV Series)

Osas Ighodaro – Man of God

Best Supporting Actor (Movie/TV Series)

Abdisattar Ahmed – Gacal

Best Supporting Actress (Movie/TV Series)

Efe Irele – Four Four Forty Four

Best Short Film

Adeoye Adetunji – Pa Aromire

Best Online Social Content Creator

Elozonam, Kie Kie – Back From The Future

Best Original Telenovela

Mpali

Best Unscripted Original

King Bugar

Best Original Comedy Series

Njoro Wa Uba

Best Original Drama Series

Ricordi

Best Art Director

Wale Adeleke – King Of Thieves (Agesinkole)

Best Costume Designer (Movie/TV Series)

Adeola Art-Alade – The Real Housewives of Lagos (Reunion Episode)

Best Lighting Designer (Movie/TV Series)

Mathew Yusuf – Brotherhood

Best Picture Editor (Movie/TV Series)

Holmes Awa & Daniel Tom – Crime & Justice

Best Sound Editor (Movie/TV Series)

Anu Afolayan – Anikulapo

Best Soundtrack (Movie/TV Series)

Kent Edunjobi – Anikulapo

Best Makeup (Movie/TV Series)

Maryam Ndukwe, Hakeem Effects Onilogbo – Shanty Town

Best Writer (Movie/TV Series)

Sola Dada – Anikulapo

Best Cinematographer (Movie/TV Series)

Loukman Ali – Brotherhood

Best Movie, Southern Africa

Jewel – Elvis Chucks

Best Movie, East Africa

Click Click Bang – Philip Karanja Njenga

Best Movie, West Africa

Brotherhood – Jade Osiberu

Best Television Series

Crime & Justice – Yinka Edward

Best Documentary

Nigeria-the Debut – Nora Awolowo

Best Director

Loukman Ali – Brotherhood

The Multichoice Talent Factory Film

Leaked

Best Indigenous Language, Swahili (Movie/TV Series)

Philip Karanja Njenga – Click Click Bang

Best Indigenous Language, Yoruba (Movie/TV Series)

Anikulapo – Kunle Afolayan

Best Indigenous Language, Hausa (Movie/TV Series)

Aisha – Abubakar Bashir Maishadda

Best Indigenous Language, Igbo (Movie/TV Series)

Uhuruchi – Victor Iyke

Best Overall Movie, Africa

Anikulapo – Kunle Afolayan

Industry Merit Award

Patience Ozokwor

The Trailblazer Award

Angel Onigwe

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“Ifeanyi Loved Nature, Trees, and Elephants”: Davido Breaks Silence On How Timeless Album Art Was Created (Video)

 Popular artist Davido has broken the silence on his late son Ifeanyi Adeleke's love for nature while dissecting the Timeless album art.

The famous artist had taken a break from the music business after the tragic death of his adored son, but he has come back with a wind swirl.

Davido released his Timeless album, which continues to dominate charts and shatter numerous streaming platform records.

In a recent interview, Davido disclosed that the inspiration for the album's artwork came from his late son Ifeanyi, who adored trees and the outdoors and thought an elephant was the cutest animal.

He incorporated these items into the artwork as a tribute to Ifeanyi, who was featured on the record cover.

Watch Davido speak below:

🙏🏿

"He loved nature; like trees. His best animal was like an elephant," Davido breaks down the #Timeless album-art. pic.twitter.com/SKEdBgjfcO

— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) May 19, 2023

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Northern Elite Concensus favours North for Senate Presidency

 

...  Insists on independence for Legislature 

A meeting of Northern Nigerian elite and other critical components of the Northern society has reached a consensus that the North having played the most significant role in the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at February presidential elections, becomes the automatic claimant to the position of the Senate President. 

The elite consensus was reached in Kaduna at a colloquium organized by the Democracy Watch Initiative with the theme "Inclusive Participation for sustainable Democracy" under the Chairmanship of former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. 

Various speakers at the event which was attended by several civil society, women, youth and trade groups, concluded that the northern voter has done his job and it is now payback time. 

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, in his address delivered virtually, noted that some people voted because of convictions over qualities of candidates, some because they were induced; some along faith lines and others along party lines. 

The result, he said, was that the North was the only region that gave all the candidates huge votes and made the difference in terms of who became elected at presidential level. 

"The northern voter has done his job," he said. 

He advised individuals and groups lobbying for positions for northern legislators to be conscious of a number of things. 

"First, the best thing is to respect the independence of the legislature and allow members to choose their leaders," he said. 

Hakeem warned that the North does not want just any legislator from the North to become Speaker but one that should have the highest personal integrity and a good idea of how his position can help him. 

"All of them contesting should submit to a process by which their fellow contestants nominate them and then support. 

"The same thing should be done at Senate level.If they who know each other better than us cannot decide who will serve our interests as Northerners best, then we stop campaigning for all of them. 

“We do not want legislators who want to be in positions of power to fulfill personal ambition," Hakeem Baba-Ahmed said. 

Another speaker, Prof Abubakar Abdulllahi, while supporting the calls for the North to be compensated, said democracy is never given its taken and who ever came in come with his interest. 

"People have to negotiate with you for votes and for sharing of positions," he said. 

Other speakers, Dr Sadiq Gombe, Prof Abubakar Jika jiddere all agreed that the North should be the rightful claimant to the senate president position. 

They however all concur on democratic election as the best and only acceptable means of credible leadership selection and called on the political parties particularly the ruling APC to respect democratic values and allow the legislators choose leaders for themselves.

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