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Sanwo-Olu, Amao, others bag Asian-African leadership awards

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu
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Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Saturday bagged a leadership award in infrastructural development, conferred on him by the Asian-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI), Nigeria Chapter.

Dr GD Singh, Chairman, AACCI, during the award presentation said that Sanwo-Olu’s leadership had birthed huge infrastructural growth.

Singh said some of such growth was the construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port; Lagos Rice Mill, Imota; 18.75 killometres Eleko-Epe rigid pavement six lane expressway; first phase of the 13 kilometres of Lagos Blue Light Rail and the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History among many others.

He said these infrastructural developments had further opened the economy of Lagos to boost its mega city status.

“Infrastructure holds the ace for real development and socio-economic growth in any country and Lagos State in the last three years under the leadership of Gov. Sanwo-Olu has seen tremendous growth in infrastructural development in the state.

“This also has birthed new opportunities and economic empowerment in the state.

Also, Chief Oluwabunmi Amao, Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC),  got a leadership award in tourism, arts and culture.

Singh noted that Amao in her capacity had been able to promote the Nigerian cultural heritage through diverse programmes, such as  celebrating the diversity of black and African traditional music and many more.

Mr Gboyega Isiaka, a politican and Chairman, Edgefield, got the leadership award in nation building and human development.

According to Singh, Isiaka has managed to stay above greed and corruption that has plagued Nigerian politics.

“Having contested three governorship elections between 2011 and 2019, he has not been involved in any scandal till date.

Mr Michel Deelen, Consul-General, Kingdom of Netherlands, bagged the diplomatic excellence award for support of smallholder farmers in Nigeria.

Mr Abiodun Oluseyin, Chief Executive Officer, Bifarmas Ltd. and Abols resources, got the leadership award in extractive industry.

Chief Emmanuel Umenwa, Chairman, Geneith Pharmaceutical Ltd., clinched the leadership award in pharmaceutical industry and Mr Anamene Levi, Founder, Bace and Eclise Nigeria Ltd., got the award as the most promising enterprise (innovation) in information communication technology.

In his response, Isiaka said, “I am happy to be here and this  means so much to me, we will do a lot to promote this chamber within the country because our economy and the nation need chambers like this for economic growth.

“As we prepare toward the electioneering period, I urge all of us to partake in it as it will determine the state of  the nation in another four  years.”

Earlier, Dr Abolaji Anifowose of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Department of Banking and Finance, Lagos State University, Ojo, urged Africans to invest in knowledge economy index to spur economic growth.

Anifowose said there was need for knowledge transformation in Africa.

He said that the future of Africa now depends on the nature and outlook of its economic vision and the realignment of national institutions to reflect major trends in global and regional economic affairs.

“Africans should follow success models of the Asian cointries like Singapore, Korea and India, these nations transitioned from poor agrarian models to become global leaders in technology, innovation and finance in the space of few years.

“It is high time to realise that it is the time for Africa, as it is now well documented that knowledge created through innovation and technological advancement is critical for long-term economic growth,” he said.

 

(NAN)

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#EndSARS Movement Was Funded From US To Ambush Tinubu From Becoming President – Bisi Akande 

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Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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The former interim National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has claimed that the #EndSARS movement was designed and funded from the United States of America against President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, the #EndSARS movement was heavily funded from the US with support from America and only brought to Nigeria to ambush Tinubu from becoming President.

Speaking in an interview with Edmund Obilo, as seen in a video which has now gone viral on social media, he mentioned that the .obedient movement were the ones behind the #EndSARS movement and protest.

He added that it was after the protest they attempted to transform into a political party and when it became impossible, they all migrated into another political party.

“EndSARS was designed to be the end of Tinubu. Those behind the EndSARS knew that’s what they were doing,” Akande declared during the interview.

Asked by the interviewer to identify those behind the EndSARS movement, Akande replied, “The obidients.”

“The Obidients were behind EndSARS; it was manufactured in America and brought in just to stop him (Tinubu).

“Obideints came from America to do the EndSARS and later became a movement to form a party, and they couldn’t form a party and joined whichever party,” the APC chieftain said.

Pushing further, the interviewer noted that Obidients are tied to Peter Obi and Akande, in response said: “Well, maybe Obi’s party, I don’t know, maybe Obi’s movement, I don’t know, but the obidients were behind the EndSARS.

“It was well planned with a lot of money from America.”

He added that it was an ambush that President Tinubu wasn’t aware of.

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Court Grants Sowore ₦10m Bail

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Omoyele Sowore
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The judge gave him 24 hours to perfect the bail conditions or be remanded by the police until the bail is perfected.

The convener of #Revolutionnow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has been granted bail to the tune of ₦10 million and one surety in like sum.

The surety must be a responsible individual with landed property valued in like sum.

The surety is expected to deposit the original documents of landed property and a passport photograph to the registrar of the court.

While ruling on the bail application, the trial judge, Justice Musa Liman, ordered Sowore to deposit his international passport with the registrar of the court.

The judge, however, gave him 24 hours to perfect the bail conditions or be remanded by the police until the bail is perfected.

Sowore had honoured the invitation of the police on Monday, January 27, 2025, when he was questioned at the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

He was subsequently granted administrative bail but rejected the conditions of bail and remained in custody.

The police later filed a 16-count charge of cybercrime against him.

In count three, the police said Sowore on December 20, 2024, through his X handle, called the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, “the illegal IG of Nigeria Police Force”.

Sowore is being accused by the police of posting the picture Egbetokun on his X handle with the caption: “Mediocrity, incompetence, corruption, a country run by characterless people can not make progress”.

The police also alleged that Sowore, through his X handle, said, “IGP Kayode Egbetokun will destroy the Nigeria police if we don’t act now”.

He pleaded not guilty to 16 count charge of alleged cybercrime.

 

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Nigeria Was On Life Support When Tinubu Assumed Office – Akpabio

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President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio
President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio
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The Senate President and Chairman of the 10th National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has said the country was on a “life support” as at the time President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

Speaking at his 2024 Constituency Briefing and Empowerment Programme held at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District, he called on Nigerians, particularly the people of Akwa Ibom State, to continue supporting President Tinubu as he works to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“Nigeria Was on Life Support,” he said.

His stance comes following ongoing major reforms such as the introduction of the tax bills, removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira, and others introduced by Tinubu.

Akpabio recounted a conversation with President Tinubu about the state of the economy inherited from the previous administration.

“Nigeria was on life support when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu took over. I once asked him, ‘Are you excited about being president after seeing the economy left behind by Emefiele?’ He replied, ‘I must tell you, I didn’t know it was this bad.’”

The Senate President expressed optimism about ongoing economic reforms, noting that while they may be painful, they are necessary for sustainable growth.

“You did it in Lagos, and you will do it again for Nigeria. It’s just a matter of time. We are praying for you, and God will grant you the wisdom to lead us to El Dorado.”

He advised beneficiaries not to sell their empowerment tools but to use them to uplift their families economically.

“We have enough foodstuff to distribute; there should be no stampede. These items are being extended beyond Ikot Ekpene to other senatorial districts in the state.”

“Your support has not only enhanced our educational experience but also inspired us to strive for excellence. Thank you for your unwavering support.”

Akpabio commended Governor Umo Eno for promoting peace and inclusivity in Akwa Ibom.

“Without peace, there cannot be development. The governor has embraced all Akwa Ibom people, regardless of political affiliations.”

He also acknowledged the governor’s Christmas gesture of distributing 1,000 bags of rice to the APC family in the state and announced an additional 1,500 bags of rice for the PDP State Chairman.

Akpabio praised Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, for fostering unity in the Senate.

“Everyone in the Senate has an equal voice, regardless of party affiliation. Opposition is good, but it should be constructive.”

Senator Abba Moro described Akpabio as a leader committed to empowering his people.

“It takes wisdom to know what to give people for lasting benefits rather than instant gratification.”

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, called the empowerment programme “mega, marvellous, and magnificent.”

The event was attended by key political and community leaders, including,

Obongemem Ekperikpo Ekpo (Minister of Petroleum Resources, Gas) Senator Ita Enang (APC Chieftain), Senator Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South), Paramount Rulers of Ikot Ekpene and Essien Udim

In closing, Akpabio emphasised the importance of collective effort in building a better Nigeria and assured constituents of continued representation and development-focused initiatives.

 

 

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