LASU faults report of age falsification against Prof Okebukola

Success Damian:

Authorities of the Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo, have again faulted a report by an online media outfit alleging that a member of its academic staff and former Executive Secretary of National Universities Commmission (NUC), Professor Peter Okebukola of falsification of age, saying the report is entirely a falsehood.

The university said there was no ambiguity in any form in the date of birth or the retirement status of Professor Okebukola as in his record with the university, nor with any other known institution.

LASU said this in its reaction to a report by an online publication claiming that Professor Okebukola has a multiple days of birth records with LASU and therefore not fit as the Chairman of Governing Council of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to oversee the appointment of a new vice-chancellor for NOUN and that he had planned to impose a candidate on the university.

Coordinator, Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations of LASU, Mr. Ademola Adekoya, who made a statement to debunk the report available to newsmen at the weekend, said the university would not have reacted to the report having done so before but for the purpose of putting the record straight so as not to mislead the public on the issue referred.

He said LASU management without doubt abides strictly with the rule of law, statutes and conditions of service guiding operations of the university, and that the practice is greatly helping the university to make steady progress particularly in the recent years.

He said Professor Okebukola, who is the Director of Africa Centre of Excellence at LASU and  also Chairman of Governing Council of NOUN, joined the service of LASU from the then Oyo State College of Education, Ilesa and that the date of birth on his record of service forwarded to the university by his former employer is 17th February, 1951.

“So, the university is bound to stand by that date because the Record of Service is the officially recognised record of his past service and also confirmation of the assertion by Professor Okebukola that he was born on 17th February, 1951,” he said.

He said “Though, based on the foregoing and in compliance with the law and subsisting Conditions of Service guiding senior members of staff of the university as at 2015, Professor Okebukola was due for retirement on the 17th February, 2016, being the date he attained the age of 65 years, the new law promulgated by the Lagos State Government on 5th of January, 2016, extending the retirement age of professors in academic circle to 70 years and other lecturers less professorial cadre and non-lecturers to 65 years from 60 years as applicable in other universities nationwide changed the projection in Okebukola’s favour,” the statement said.

Explaining how, he said Professor Okebukola was captured by the provisions of the new law and that apart from him, five other academic and 20 non-academic members of staff of the university including those on terminal leave at the period were also beneficiaries of the new law.

“So, we don’t know the ambiguity in that to warrant the false report by the media organisation,” he stressed.

On the issue of conferment of Distinguished Professor on Okebukola, which the same online newspaper claimed was a sole decision of the vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun, Mr Adekoya said such claim was another falsehood spread by the newspaper.

According to him, no vice-chancellor of any university including LASU has a unilateral power to confer on any individual the rank of distinguished professor.

He said, “It was the university Senate in the exercise of its powers as provided in Section 9:2(f) LASU LAW 2004 (as amended) that recommended to the Governing Council, the conferment of the rank unto Professor Peter Okebukola. The Governing Council also duly approved same.

He said LASU and all members of the university community would not in anyway and by any means allow themselves to be derailed in their resolve to take the university to enviable position in global ranking.

When contacted for reaction, the Director of Press and Public Affairs Unit of NOUN, Mr Ibrahim Sheme, said he had no comment to make over the issue.

Fire Grace & Mercy Restoration Ministry holds Thanksgiving, distributes food items to less-privileged

Success Damian:

In continuation of its mandate, vision and mission, Fire Grace & Mercy Restoration Ministry on Sunday distributed various quantities of food items and cash to the less-privileged in the society.

It was all joy and celebration by the less privileged especially those living around Ijegun, Lagos State as the poor went home with various food items, thereby having a sense of belonging and care.

The church carried out the act of philanthropy during its Thanksgiving /Inauguration of the Church’s NGO (DDHFF) at 1, Ayinda Street, by Fire Bus-stop, Ijegun Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Founder and Pastor of the church, Pastor (Mrs)Tessy Chika Nwokedi said that what matters in life is being able to touch life no matter how small.

While speaking on the sustainability of the philanthropic gesture by the church she said, “No matter how small it is, but let it be that you have touched life, even if it is One Naira, because it is going to solve a problem. Whether the country is good or not, we will continue, no matter how little, some people are partnering with us, giving us things, even many families brought things while we the church also brought ours, a lot of people are behind us, so we would continue no matter how the county is.”

She also talked about the motive and how the NGO Divine Destiny Helpers Family Foundation (DDHFF) was conceived “We have been doing Church NGO every last Tuesday of every month, but we decided today to upgrade it today to bring it to limelight to people, the NGO started far back in 1997/98, from my school days where I did a lot of things, there was a group we had in the church then we called it Madonna Mercy, what we did was that we saved our money we used in drinking minerals, we  dropped that money to feed the less-privileged so I promised God that time, that I will carry it on.”

Pastor Nwokedi disclosed that whatever that was made at the thanks giving would be shared to the less-privilege and the poor in the church and those outside. “Whatever we make here, I don’t go home with anything I make, I make sure I share it to the less-privileged, the widows and the orphans. Then the remaining ones we go to the streets and share to less privileged ones and beggars on the way.”

Speaking also on his plan for expansion she said “In the next five years to come, I am seeing it in another dimension where I want to have a building like where we can train women to help their families, give them money to help them to start businesses, the youth among them too that don’t have anyone to help them, also we will have something, so I have a very big plan for them, but as time goes it will unfold by itself.”

On relocation of the church to a bigger environment she disclosed that the church is trusting in God for movement to Permanent site “By His grace when the lord said that we should move, we move, but I know we are working towards that because I know this place by next year, I don’t think it will be able to contain people so, let’s see what God could do next year,” Mrs Nwokedi said.

Appreciating those that attended the programme Pastor Nwokedi prayed ”From the depth of my heart, I said thank you very much, because when you cook and you did not see anyone to eat, it becomes an issue, so but this time around when you call people they answer you. It is an honour. I really appreciate them, I say, may the good Lord bless them, as many as have entered here to drop there One Naira, God will bless them, from the minister to the visitors, to every soul, to the least child , even the ones still in the womb, I say the lord will bless them and keep them, they will not see anything of tears in life, when they call one, a thousand will answer them.”

 

BBA/ICC Election: John Ezeako unveils programme, saying the people are suffering …As he set to bring sanity back to the market

 BBA/ICC Election: John Ezeako unveils programme, saying the people are suffering

…As he set to bring sanity back to the market

Hon Chief (Dr) John Ezeako (Ozor Ojiji Eri ji na Eke) is one of the aspirants jostling for the position of president of Balogun Business Association/International Centre for Commerce (BBA/ICC) in the forthcoming election in the market. He has served the association for two consecutive terms as Treasurer hence he believes that he is eminently qualified to serve as the President of the market association. Ezeako in this Excusive chat with CYRIACUS NNAJI, SMART OMON and CHIOMA UDEFUNA in his office at BBA on Thursday said his selling points are experience, consistency, integrity, accountability, transparency, credibility and competence, the report.

Election into the central executive body of BBA/ICC by all standards is a great event in the annals of one of the biggest markets in Nigeria, nay, Africa, comparable only to the American Election, because the best candidates are expected to emerge and occupy the exulted positions especially that of the association’s president.

However the uniqueness of this year’s election is hinged on the participation of one man generally acclaimed to be a man of integrity and honour.

The name Hon Chief (Dr) John Ezeako (Ozor Ojiji Eri ji na Eke) rings bell in the ears of members of the business community and has also unsettled his opponents’ camps ultimately for the good and betterment of BBA.

Ezeako who is variously known as Enyikeuzor 1, and Ijele 1 of Eke Kingdom is the current treasurer of BBA serving his two tenures from 2014 till date. He is a businessman and also a manufacturer. He is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of U.J. Amez Ventures Limited.

Introducing himself to The AUTHORITY crew he said “I am a dealer, a distributor and a producer of wines, bitters and beverages. I am also a member of association of producers of wines and beverages in BBA. I was the first person that brought and distributed ALOMO BITTERS in Nigeria from Ghana in the year 2007.”

Speaking on what gave him the conviction to vie for the position of BBA president, he said having served the association for two consecutive tenures as treasurer, he said he has the experience to take BBA to another level. “This year I will have served the association as treasurer for two tenures, one under Pele, and now under Tony Bell, so I believe I have gathered lots of experience from the leaderships, I will make a good president. Again my chance depends on the people of BBA, although BBA knows what they want despite money politics that is trending in the union now. Some of them are collecting peanuts against their conscience. And for those that I have come in contact with one on one, they know my antecedents. So I have a better chance,” he said.

 Ezeako also spoke on his manifesto which he intends to pursue aggressively once elected to the office as president. He unveiled what his first 90 days in office will look like “First and foremost, we have come to BBA to trade, and if you look at the situation of the roads and parking lots, it’s deteriorating. First 90 days in the office, I am going to ban people from putting their goods on the parking lots of every Cluster. I will bring sanity into the movement of cars and goods within the complex. If you look around the complex you will see some uniform men working in BBA, I brought them, it’s my initiative. As the Patron of the Peace Corps of Nigeria Lagos Command, I used my connection to bring the Peace Cops men to work with BBA in this Covd-19 situation. And I believe that if I become the president, BBA will work again. I will stop multiple-taxation by government agencies.”

With smelling and dirty drainages, lack of attention to rule of law, impunity and others, a lot needed to be done to remedy the wrongs in the market, nontheless there is hope as Ozor Ojiji has made himself available, to serve the people in order to bring sanity back to the business community.

On the issue of miscreants collecting money from people around the market, Ezeako maintained that those issues are part of the nuisance which he must stop once he is voted into power. “Those things will stop as soon as I am elected as president; that is part of what I meant when I said I will bring sanity back to BBA/ICC.”

On whether he sees the election as a do or die affair, he responded saying “It is not a do or die affair for me, I have my business, I volunteered myself to serve the people, because there is a lot of suffering in Balogun. On the other hand, if it is not the will of God, I will simply go back to my business.”

Ojiji also spoke on his willingness to integrate his opponents in the election into his executive body so as to tap some of their good ideas for the running of BBA.” In fact it is my intention to also carry my opponents along once I am elected President, so that we can input their own ideas into the running of the market.”

With the promise of experience, consistency, integrity, accountability, transparency, credibility and competence, Ezeako is good to go. Tested and trusted, having served Balogun Market Association for two consecutive tenures as treasurer, many call him a game changer, adding that giving Ezeako opportunity to serve BBA will be the brightest decision BBA can make to better the lives of the business community.

Ezeako, according to many is not only educated, he has the character, outspoken, real and has the interest of all to restore the glory of BBA/ICC. Many also call him the servant leader who has heard the yearnings of the business community, adding that with Ojiji who is passionate about the well being and development of BBA/ICC, it is hoped the community will soon be a true World Trade Centre.

According to Ozor John Ezeako, while soliciting for vote said he is accessible “I am accessible and I have always given listening ears and attention to everyone’s issues as well as giving the much needed assistance to matters that concern anyone that comes my way anytime, anywhere by God’s grace, based on the information, resources and contacts I have.”

He also said he has prudently managed the resources of the BBA/ICC as treasurer for two consecutive terms “I have served and managed our resources as BBA/ICC treasurer for two consecutive terms without any form of negative report. I am transparent. Trust me again with your vote, to serve you better,” Ezeako urged.

Speaking on the secret of his business success, Ezeako reiterated that it is openness, hard work and defense of the vulnerable in society “The secret of my success is openness, hard work and defense of the vulnerable, being there for the less privileged, being accessible to the people that gave you their trust and their mandate. Then lastly in the business and other things, truth is a major key of every business, truth is life. Saying the truth at any situation means much even if it will cost you your business.”

He said he is a pioneer member of BBA by allocation of shops. “When they were contributing money to build shops, I contributed and this made me to have shops at Kaduna 1, Kaduna 2 and Kaduna 3. But then I was trading at Lawanson, Surulere. Although when BBA finally relocated to Trade Fair in 2002, I was overseas for a short period of time, bringing products to my workers to cell and supply in BBA Complex. As I came back from abroad, I joined BBA fully in 2006 till today.

On his advice to members of Balogun Business community he said, “My advice to the good people of BBA/ICC concerning the coming central election is they should vote wisely for the person who cares for them, who loves them without segregation. They should vote for the person who sees any member of BBA as his own brother, and that person is Hon. Chief (Dr) John Ezeako (Ojiji eriji.) This is because I care for BBA. I love BBA, their problem is my problem, their success is my success, their BBA our BBA.”

Bishop Okon holds Service of songs for father, the late Elder Bassey Udoh …Urges Nigerian leaders to have the fear of God

Success Damian:

The prayer of every man is to live long, however in this time of economic, political and security challenges in the world life has become brutish, nasty and short, as life expectancy has been pegged at 53 in Nigeria while the bible says otherwise, with 70 as its benchmark, any addition is said to be by the grace of God.

However in the case of the late Elder Okon Bassey Udoh, everything was double. He lived a ripe age of 106 before he went to meet with the Lord. No wonder the family in conjunction with Mount Zion Pentecostal Victory Mission, a church pastored by his first son, Bishop (Dr) Edet Bassey Okon, organized a Service of songs in his honour on November 27, 2020, venue was 17/19, Nwachukwu Drive, Okota, Lagos.

In his Exhortation, Reverend (Dr) Emmanuel Jack referred to Matthew 25: 1 to the end, whereby he re-enacted the story about a rich businessman who on embarking on a journey gave his three servants 5 talents, 2 talents and 1 talent in that order, for them to invest with and make profit. On return he called them for accountability. He said the talents represented the number of years that man live on earth. He said the number of years you lived on earth does not matter, that what matters is the positive impact you make with it. He disclosed that the late Elder Bassey Udoh lived a fulfilled live by having children and training them in the way of the Lord and today, they are a success.

Bishop (Dr) Edet Bassey Okon, the eldest son of the diseased, while speaking to the media said he is happy burying his father and not the other way round. “I believe I am the one giving my father the final farewell and not my father burying me and God has been very faithful for making me a son to a man who lived 106 years in this hard time.”

Giving a brief biography of the late Elder Udoh he said “My father belonged to a royal family in Ikot Ebom, in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa -Ibom State. He left the village at very young age, about 30-31 years for Calabar, where he stayed briefly about a year, where he came in contact with a Yoruba sailor by name Olunloyo whose brother eventually became a one-time governor of Oyo State, that man brought my father to Lagos, that was how from village to Calabar and down to Lagos, until he got married and started having us.

“I lost my mummy 11 years ago. And coincidentally my Mum was buried on the 5^th of December 2009 and my Dad will be buried on the 5^th of December 2020, how that came about I don’t know; 5^th December 11 years ago and 5^th December 11 years after.”

He said the family would definitely miss their father so much “Without mincing words I believe among all the children I feel him the most, because he was living with me. He lived with me the last four years of his life. He died in my home. He died in the hand of my wife and one of my younger sisters; he just finished his meal that fateful night about after 10. They then went to the parlor to listen to Channels news at 10pm only to be called back to the room, within 1-2minutes before they got back to his room, he was gone.”

Speaking on how healthy his father was before his death, the Bishop said. “At age 106 it takes special grace for those organs to still be effective at that age. My father still had good sight, he was able to read papers without eye glasses, but his memory had failed him to an extent. He didn’t know all his grand children any longer.  And any of his children that was not close by for a long time, he will lost their faces.”

On being entrusted with leadership of the family he said, “It is actually a heavy burden but I believe God for the grace to succeed. As you understand a tree cannot make a forest, it is not all about me; it is about every one of us. Even before he passed on, for so many years, he had relinquished that position of leadership, I was virtually running the family notwithstanding he was still around. Also my siblings actually support me, without their support this wouldn’t be possible.”

While thanking his co-tenants, and his Landlord, Eze (Dr) Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu, Eze Ndigbo of Lagos, he has a word of advice for people who still don’t believe that it is possible to live a longer life. “The bible says that it is not the swift that wins the race, it is whom the lord showeth mercy. Presently I believe by now he must have been interred, that is the chairman of PFN in Lagos State, Bishop Shola Ore. He died at age a little above 60, if we talk about righteousness, a man of God of that stature, we can give it to him for righteousness, but here he is, he died. It is not all about human effort, it is just the grace, because we are aware that people with so much wealth, too powerful, medical doctors, they also die at younger ages, I believe it runs in the family, some families have that grace for longevity, some may not have it.

“In my father’s case I believe it is the grace, because he was diabetic and he was hypertensive for so many years, although we made sure we took care of him medically, but I refuse to ascribe that to medical care, or diet, or whatever, I still believe it is the grace of God,” Bishop Okon maintained.

Bishop Okon used the opportunity to advise the Nigerian leaders on what leadership means, he said “My advice is that anybody that assumes any position of leadership, should not forget that he is in that position for service, not for self-aggrandisement, not for wealth, not for power. You get there to serve the people. The bible says when the righteous rules, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rules the people suffer. With the look of things in the country today, it appears the wicked are in power, because everybody today in this country has one complain or the other about the leadership. And I advise our leaders to have the fear of God, and have compassion, love for the people, everybody cannot become senators, governors, president, but when you get there, do your best with honesty and sincerity, then leave the rest for God. Nobody can solve every problem, but do your best.”

Describing the late Udoh, Pastor Mrs Okon said “Papa was my father in-law, a very lovely father, and God made it possible to make him to come and stay with me. He was in my hand before he died. When I was feeding him, and he gave up the ghost, before that he was looking at me, but I didn’t understand, but I still thank God he died in my hand.”  

Mrs Okon said they took good care of their late father “We took very good care of Papa. He was a loving father; there is no one who would not take care of such a loving father.”

Speaking on death she said death is inevitable, “It is God that knows everything, it is said that a man born of a woman is of few days, soon after he would go. Death is what God has ordained. It is just the departure of life from the flesh.”

 

Rescheduled LASU 24th Convocation ceremonies to hold between 10th and18th December, 2020 …As Sanwo-Olu performs ground breaking of 8,230 bed space hostel

Success Damian

Lagos State University is set to hold her rescheduled 24th Convocation Ceremonies between Thursday, 10th December and Friday, 18th December, 2020

In a press statement signed by Ademola Adekoya, Coordinator Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations, LASU, the ceremonies will be flagged off with the Convocation Cup Competition for Staff (final) on Thursday 10th December, 2020 at the LASU Sports Centre.

This will be followed by Jumat Service on Friday, 11th December, 2020 at the University Mosque Ojo by 1:00pm. Special Thanksgiving Service will hold at the University Chapel (Chapel of Light) Ojo by 10:00am prompt on Sunday, 13th December, 2020.

The statement further revealed that on Monday, 14th December, 2020 there would be the Coconut Breaking Festival which will hold at the Badagry Gate entrance of the University Main Campus, Ojo by 9:00am, followed by the Command Performance and Convocation Play by the Department of Theatre Arts and Music at the Buba Marwa Auditorium complex.

It read “The Award of First Degrees and Diplomas will hold on Wednesday 16th December, 2020 simultaneously in two (2) batches. In the first batch, graduands from the Faculties of Arts, Education, College of Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, School of Communication, School of Transport, Education/Sandwich will be conferred with their awards while the second batch will be the Award of Postgraduate Diplomas and Master Degree at the Buba Marwa Auditorium Complex, Ojo by 9:00am”

Other activities, according to the statement revealed that on Thursday 17th December, 2020, the Governor of Lagos State and Visitor to the University, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, will attend the Convocation Lecture in a grand ceremony, which will also feature the Investiture of Chancellor, Award of Directorate Degrees, Conferment of Honorary Doctorates and Distinguished Professor by the University at 9:00am prompt. On the same day, the governor will formally perform the ground breaking ceremony of the 8,230 bed space capacity students hostel, at the main campus, Ojo.

On Friday, 18th December, 2020, the final day of the ceremonies, the Vice Chancellor’s Valedictory lecture will hold between 10:00am and 12:00noon at the Buba Marwa Auditorium complex, Ojo, followed by a partnership meeting with Cornell University(Virtual) by 3:00pm. 

The 24th Convocation Ceremonies is a hybrid programme, which will hold both physically and virtually. Only invited graduands and guests are expected at the physical events while others are to join virtually via the links that will be provided by the University, the statement said.

 

 

IT specialisations, NCS standards key criteria for 2020 NITMA awards, says Sodiya

Success Damian:

National President of Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof. Adesina Sodiya has restated his commitment to merit saying that key criteria for the 2020 National Information Technology Merit Award (NITMA) would be based on IT specialisations, NCS standards and global best practices.

Prof. Sodiya made the disclosure while briefing journalists at the National Headquarters of NCS in Ikeja, Lagos recently.

Prof. Sodiya said “This year, the key areas and issues affecting growth in the sector and society are addressed, for all awards, key criteria include IT specialisations, NCS standards and global best practices.”

Speaking further he stated that annually the society recognizes, celebrates and rewards outstanding excellence and exceptional contributions in the Information Technology space through the unique national platform NITMA provides.

According to him, “Our focus as a society is progress for the sector in particular and for the nation as a whole. As the acknowledged professional authority facilitating the development of an inclusive, globally competitive, prosperous and knowledge-based digital economy in Nigeria, NCS is committed to recognizing and rewarding outstanding hard work and excellence in accelerating IT development.

Sodiya disclosed that there would be professional fellowship, honourary fellowship, IT Gold Merit prize, as well as digital governor of the year awards among others.

He explained that the professional fellowships would be conferred on members of NCS who are recognized as authorities in their field of computing and have distinguished themselves through significant contribution to the growth of Information Technology through their professional expertise and activities, whereas, the Honourary Fellowship would be conferred on distinguished personalities for their dedication and exemplary service to IT growth and development in Nigeria.

Those designated for the honourary fellowship award would include Engineer Abdullahi Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Adesola Kazeem Adeduntan, CEO First Bank of Nigeria Ltd and Subsidiaries, and Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Chairman of the organizing committee, Mr. William, said plans have been advanced to comply with the COVID-19 protocols, hence, an estimated 200 participants would be accommodated at the venue while others would be joined online via various streaming options including Zoom, Facebook live to name a few.

 

NCC clears air on 5G deployment in Nigeria, says Commission still consulting

Success Damian:

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has cleared the air on permutations and side talks surrounding the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) Mobile Technology in Nigeria, even as the commission said it is still consulting.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta made the clarification at the Capacity Building Programme for members of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) which took place on November 18, 2020 at the Citiheight Hotel, Lagos.

Danbatta said “A lot of falsehoods and misinformation have been peddled both on online and traditional media outlets about the health and safety implications of deploying 5G technology. 

“The Nigerian Communications Commission just recently published the Draft Consultation Document on the Deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) Mobile Technology in Nigeria and I wish to use this medium to draw your attention to the fact that the Commission has not concluded plans for the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) network,” he said.

Danbatta who was represented on the occasion by the Director of Public  Affair, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, said that Nigeria only undertook 5G trials in selected locations within the country in collaboration with an Operator in 2019. The trial, according to Danbatta, was to study and observe any health or security challenges the 5G network might present. “The Commission also has an ongoing engagement with the academia while at the same time funding 5G related research projects, all in a bid to ensure the nation is provided with the best in terms of research findings and policy input to drive the implementation and deployment of 5G Technology in Nigeria.”

According to the NCC Boss, the Draft Consultation Document for deployment of the 5G technology in Nigeria has been produced and uploaded on the Commission’s official website (www.ncc.gov.ng). “I invite you all to please take advantage of this document, peruse it and share it with your readers so they can be informed about the 5G technology,” Danbatta stated.

He maintained that a recent landmark economy study conducted by Qualcomm states that 5G will affect the global economy and drive growth exponentially. “5G’s full economic effect will likely be realized across the globe by 2035, supporting a wide range of industries and potentially enabling up to $13.2 trillion worth of goods and services. This impact will be much greater than the current 4G network.”

Danbatta disclosed that 5G when fully deployed will provide increased speed and bandwidth as well as provide deeper coverage to reach people in rural or challenging locations, adding that 5G will provide strong security for the various sectors of government and private organizations. 

He stated that due to its sheer scale and scope, the ITU predicts 5G will accelerate the achievements of all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) from affordable and clean energy to zero hunger, adding that the misrepresentation of 5G technology has the potential of derailing the launch of this new technology in Nigeria. 

Commenting on the training he said “Training such as this is necessary for members of NITRA who have continued to cover the ICT industry in Nigeria. We will ensure that the NCC maintains this training periodically for our crucial stakeholders in the media to ensure that the information that reaches the average Nigerian is accurate and timely.

“It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that whatever we want to introduce to the Nigerian telecoms space is well understood by Nigerians and all those who make use of our telecoms services. 

“The onus is on all of us here today to make sure that we take this training seriously and take advantage of it to expand on our horizons. This is very necessary so that when we report events or activities relating to the industry, we are able to translate them into a language that the common man will readily understand,” Danbatta stated. 

Danbatta added that the Commission will continue to support capacity building and other initiatives which foster closer interaction and build stronger relationship with NITRA members. 

 

Iri Ji: Nwachukwu hosts Ndigbo in Lagos, says Igbo Community Centre now home for tradition, Custom

Eze (Dr) Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu (Igbo 1), Eze Ndigbo of Lagos and Chairman Council of Ndieze on Saturday, November 14, 2020 gathered all the Igbos in Lagos at the Igbo Community Centre at Okota for the singular purpose of celebration of the New Yam Festival, SUCCESS DAMIAN reports.

Iri Ji Ceremony is globally acclaimed to be synonymous with the Igbos both at home and in the Diaspora and that is the reason the Igbo Community Centre which has become the epicenter and custodian of Igbo tradition and custom made it an annual ritual to gather all the Igbo people in Lagos, their friends and well wishers to celebrate the Yam Festival.

The Iri JI day is a unique occasion mapped out by an Igbo community to celebrate the yam as the king of crops in Igbo land; it is also designed for the people to eat together, drink and make merry. Not just that, it is a day the people showcase their cultural heritage in the form of masquerade, dance, songs, beautiful attires, food, in fact when things have not falling apart, it was an opportunity for men and women to find their suitors because the people came out in their best attires and mannerisms.

No wonder Igbo Community Centre under the indefatigable Leadership of Eze (Dr) Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu as usual hosted the entire Igbos in Lagos for this year’s Iri ji Festival.

Speaking to a crowd of Journalists, Nwachukwu disclosed that Igbo Community Centre has been fully recognized by the Lagos State Government as a house of Tradition and Custom. “The Igbo Community Centre is the house of tradition and custom, we are here to perform our cultural heritage which is the Iri ji, that is the New Yam Festival and it is also a day for the commissioning of Igbo Community Centre by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who sent the Director of Ethnic Community to commission the centre, today, Saturday, November 14, 2020.”

Eze Nwachukwu used the opportunity to express gratitude to the Lagos State Government for recognizing the centre as the house of tradition and custom especially for mediation and maintenance of peace between ethnic communities. “We thank the Governor, we thank the Chief of staff; we also thank the Director that came to commission the centre. This place is now purely recognized by the government of Lagos State, that all Igbos in Lagos State should attend functions, events, and seek redress on any issues that bring about disagreement among them and between them and other ethnic communities in Lagos State, we have the Hausa community, Igbo community and Yoruba community, our host community.  We have a relationship that is built over many years now under Governor Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, followed by Governor Fashola, Ambode till our present able Governor, His Excellency Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.”

The event which was graced by illustrious sons and daughters of Ndigbo in Lagos including Hon. Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu, the lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 2 in the Lagos House of Assembly, also played host to Sariki Hausa, other ethnic communities as well as representatives of Government at all levels.

High point of the celebration was the coronation of some illustrious sons and daughters of Ndigbo in Lagos, who have excelled in their various fields of Human endeavors.  “We have Ada Igbo 1 of Lagos, she is a good lady, the second is a police DPO, we crowned her Ocho Udo 1 of Ndigbo for her effort in resolving the crisis that emanated during the last election, she played a very vital role and brought back the two tribes having misunderstanding and she arrested the situation and assisted the person who supposed to be the injured man and saved life, so with that we saw her as a problem solver who made that peace to come at that point in time. Therefore we gave her Ocho Udo 1.

“Another one is DC Ops, he is an Assistant Commissioner of Police Lagos State, he also assisted to have mobilized the CP and AIG to come down to Oba of Isolo where we gathered and arrested the situation. All the communities were there, and we resolved in principle that everyone should now go and take care of his community and there was peace. So based on their contributions and crime fighting intelligence, they brought peace between the two communities, we appreciate them. The DC Ops we gave Dike Ndigbo na Ala Igbo because he played a vital role.”

 Speaking on his relationship with Igboburuotu Social Club of Nigeria he said, “Igboburuotu is a very big association, a respected one for that matter in Lagos State. They have really played a pivotal role in mobilizing for many businessmen and women; they exist by helping themselves and helping people the less privileged. The association president, Chief Chika Nwokedi is my relation who is very honest and determined person. As a God-fearing president he helps those members in their businesses, so I am their patron. Igboburuotu and Igbo Community are working hand in hand, as patron and president.”

Eze Nwachukwu thanked the indigenes of Lagos for creating an atmosphere of peace and an enabling environment for business to thrive. “We thank the indigenes for given us this chance of relationship.”

 Nwachukwu used the opportunity to sympathise with the people and government of Lagos State over the EndSARS crisis. “We sympathise with the government of Lagos State, we sympathise with Ashiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, we sympathise with all the affected areas, organizations, businesses that had issues during the EndSARS protest in Lekki, also we have assured the government  and party that Ndigbo are not behind all the issues, we have also assured the governor that the Igbos  will stand by him and his government in his policies and programmes, we have a common understanding with Lagos State government and we believe in one Nigeria.”

Advising the Nigerian youths, Eze Nwachuwu said that the youth should see their protest as an honest demand from the federal government but that they should also apply caution. “God never leaves any man alone, it is only patience, endurance, forbearance that is the key in life,” Nwachukwu advised.   

Lagos First Lady, Fagbohun, others harp on MSMEs as engine for national productivity …As LASU marks 2nd Research Fair

Success Damian:

First Lady, and wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr lbijoke Sanwo-Olu; the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun and other experts have stressed the importance of research and micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMES) in national productivity 

This much was gathered at the 2nd Lagos State University Research Fair which took place at the university main campus at Ojo on Tuesday, 17^th November 2020.

Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu who was Chairperson of the Fair, while assuring the university of continued support by the Lagos State Government; stated that the MSMEs remained the engine room for national productivity “There are many global brands in Nigeria but they are not the engine room of national productivity. The MSMEs are. This shows there is hope for our young people to go out there with their small businesses and compete with the best. There is hope to be more creative, innovative and do research.

She added that as part of measures to ensure productivity, the Lagos State Government launched its MSME funds designed to equip them with survival strategies against unexpected challenges thrown up by Covid 19. She added “Whatever we do to improve MSMEs in Lagos will have a multipliers effect on job creation, security, amongst others.”

She concluded by saying that the theme of the Fair was therefore a testimony of LASU's contribution to the THEMES agenda of the state government.

On his part, Prof. Fagbohun said that the idea of having a LASU Research Fair, which was in its second edition, was conceived upon establishing that there was a dearth in getting a conducive forum within the university space where individuals with laudable research ideas could come together, ventilate, share their ideas and network with colleagues.

He recalled that the first edition themed ’Driving national development through research and innovation’ which held last year was a huge success. “We had 19 exhibitors with over 500 participants cutting across different areas such as the academia, industry, government ministries and parastatals. 

“As a follow up to the maiden edition, we have decided to adopt the theme: Innovative Products and Designs for Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMES). Our focus this year is on MSMEs because government is making efforts to diversify the economy by reducing its dependence on crude oil for revenue generation,” Fagbohun disclosed.

Stating the impact of MSMEs on national economies, Fagbohun said MSMEs are important agents of economic growth across the world. “In Japan for instance, 80% of the total industrial workforce is in the SMEs sector while it is 50% in Germany and 4600 in the United States of America. In some developing nations such as lndia, Indonesia and Mali, SMEs have been recognised to constitute more than 9500 of the manufacturing sector and have become a very strong engine for development in terms of provision of employment, industrial output and export promotion. 

“As an institution that is responsive to the needs of its society and an incubator for research and technology, we decided to choose this theme so that we can contribute our quota to the advancement of MSMEs in Nigeria,” the VC said. 

Chairman Governing Council, Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo, on his part said that if the country was serious about increasing its GDP and reducing the current unemployment rate, more emphasis must be placed on MSMEs.

“Universities are also expected to play their part, contribute to knowledge creation that will improve the lives of the citizens. I hope the papers to be presented will lead to advancement in different areas of MSME and I hope the take home will be applied by the government. 

“I want to congratulate the Vice Chancellor for the creation of the Centre for Innovation and Research being spare-headed by Prof. Odusanya. The heartbeat of a university is research and innovation.

Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, Director, Directorate of Research Management gives his welcome address said “Our university has taken a strong step to strengthening research culture; many of our academic have won major research grants.”

While stressing the significance of MSMEs, he asserted that the MSME sector employs over 80% of our workforce, adding “Through this research fair, our university demonstrates its commitment to solving national problems and being valued partner to the state government,” he said.

Director, Centre for Entrepreneurial studies, Prof. Martins Anathekhai described entrepreneurship as self-reliance and development of knowledge. He maintained that entrepreneurship is self-development, which could lead to self stability and comfort, insisting that everybody must think like an entrepreneur. “Today, we should all think about knowledge based activities that can make all self-reliant.”

 

 

Round peg in round hole: Ikechukwu Nnamani emerges ATCON President, set agenda

Success Damian:

Telecoms Sector in Nigeria is set to witness an era of robust and efficient operations through advocacy as Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) elected Ikechukwu Nnamani as their new president.

Nnamani who is the president, Medallion Communications, emerged ATCON head at the Annual General Meeting  (AGM) and National Executive Council Elections 2020 of the association which was held at Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday.

Nnamani who took over from Olusola Teniola, has also set his agenda which encapsulated all that he will be doing to propel the association to greater height in the next two years.

The new ATCON President said that his core agenda for the association was to strengthen the membership. “The core agenda is to strengthen our membership, make sure that every member of ATCON gets good representation in area of advocacy. We are going to focus on the needs of our members and how can we promote it especially in areas where they are having challenges with government agencies, the regulators, to help out in that advocacy, because what we found out is that it is a lot easier when members come through the association to address issues affecting them than when they go alone.

“You suddenly notice that you are not the only one facing the same challenge. So when the regulator sees that more than one entity is facing the same challenge they take it more serious than when they see that it is isolated to one particular company. So that has been one of the advantages, you noticed that a few of our members gave testimonies how the association has helped them out in the area addressing challenges affecting, may be, on issue of right of way, especially and other regulatory challenges both local, state and federal,” Nnamani disclosed.

Nnamani added that another area of focus by his administration is in the area of Telecom Financing. He stated that a lot of the members have complained about challenges of getting access to the right means of debt equity and FOREX for importation of technical equipment. “The other area that is very key to us, which we also intend to pursue, is Telecom Financing, a lot of our members have complained about challenges of getting access to the right means of debt equity, or even FOREX for those that require importation of technical equipment and infrastructure. So we will be engaging with relevant government agencies on that.”

Nnamani also disclosed that the new executive will also work to strengthen the Secretariat to make it more efficient. “As an organization we will strengthen our secretariat, make it more active, more efficient in its operations and ultimately in the next two years that this particular Exco will work we intend to help grow the industry. We are discussing with our members, how do we extend communication service across the country, not just in the big cities?”

He added that his tenure will see to the uplifting of the members that are still struggling in their businesses. “Part of what we intend to do is also use advantage of some of our members that are already established to help out the ones that are still struggling, it is a major area we want to focus on. How do we ensure that people look at it as an industry thing, not just having one or two people that are doing well and others are not, so we actually intend to do that, because what we found out is that there was no platform for people to talk, sometimes, even among members there are challenges that should have been easily resolved if it is discussed under a common platform,” he said.

Speaking on Covid-19 and the role of the Telecoms Sector in the new normal, he said “From a head perspective, we were all unhappy with Covid, we actually wanted it to go away sooner than later. But the truth also is that it has, for our particular sector, it has made our services more important and more viable. The challenge is that before now, a lot of the plans most of us had like five years plan, we suddenly found out that those services are needed now. So there is a need to accelerate the process and timeline to implement some much needed critical infrastructure. So that again, goes back to issue of having the right funding in place for that. But from a country stand point and industry stand point as you noted, imagine if this Covid came 20 years ago, and giving the state of the telecom infrastructure that time, it would have been a disaster, but from the e-health solutions that members were able to offer, to even Fintech services that members were able to offer, to traditional phone, SMS and data services that our members were able to offer, the country at least was able to operate, so the new normal really is a digital normal and that is the truth. Covid only accelerated it, making that obvious to everybody and we feel, from the sector we play in, this is a call for our members to step up more and be able to offer more efficient services.”

On issue Communication Bank he said it is part of the agenda of the new Exco. “It is a key thing we intend to work on. It is actually among our agenda of this section, but we don’t want to tie it to just a bank because it could be in other formats. We are rather looking at it from a telecom financing standpoint, whether it leads to establishment of a telecom bank, fine, if it doesn’t, as long as finance is available in one form or the other. Not just the availability of the finance, but at the right structure. Today finance is available but it is very expensive, the terms and conditions , very few companies can meet it, in fact those that can meet those terms and conditions  are those that don’t need the finance, so that is what we found. So it makes it very important to us that in one way or the other, the right means of financing is available.

“One of the things we are looking at, which is another way that the industry can grow, is through direct foreign investment. One of the things that have been helping our members is actually, how do you structure your company to be able to attract foreign investment, so that you are not only relying on local funding, but you can actually get inflow of funding from the outside,” Nnamani stated.

Paylink sponsors UI SME Fair, provides digital empowerment

Success Damian:

Paylink, an e-commerce platform that empowers businesses to showcase their products and services online and get paid instantly, has partnered with the University of Ibadan (UI) to sponsor the premier institution’s Small and Medium-scale Enterprise Fair (UI SME Fair) which would hold at the International Conference Centre of the university on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

In a release, this disclosure was made recently when authorities of the university announced plans for the event which, among others, would foster a robust town-gown relationship between the university and the SME community. The event also offers participating SMEs varied opportunities which include the discussion of specific business issues with SME coaches and mentors, interaction with business and product researchers as well as guidance on intellectual property protection.

Now in its second year, the UI SME Fair would further expose small and medium scale businesses to how they can better leverage digital platforms like Paylink to more easily expose their products to local and international markets, make it more convenient for customers to pay them through multiple channels, and help them better manage inventory, invoicing and revenue tracking.

“As an organisation committed to the development of the Nigerian economy, we are always ready to partner to help bring to fruition the dreams and aspirations of Nigerians, especially millions of SMEs spread across the country. This is evident in our previous partnerships with organisers of similar SME-focused initiatives like Lagos SME Bootcamp and the Social Media Week Lagos,” said David Okeme, Division Head, Vertical Markets and Payment Applications at SystemSpecs, providers of Paylink.

“It is for this reason we areglad to collaborate with the University of Ibadan on the hosting of the SME Fair especially at a time like this that the national economy needs to be rebuilt and accelerated following the slowdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Okeme added.

Themed “Co-create the Future”, the 2020 edition of the UI SME Fair follows the inaugural edition last year which featured hundreds of SME owners and managers, researchers, representatives of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, financial institutions, Industrial Trust Fund and government. The event’s keynote will be delivered by the managing director of Nigeria’s Bank of Industry, Kayode Pitan.

According to a statement signed by the university’s Deputy Vice Chancellor responsible for research, innovation and strategic partnerships, Professor Olanike K. Adeyemo, the event would “showcase SMEs in order to inspire research direction/focus of the University Community” and also “establish a web-based platform (UISME-HUB) to moderate the collaborative network between the SMEs and the University of Ibadan.”

While participation is free, SMEs interested in attending and showcasing their product and service offerings at the fair can register via the website for the organisers, sme.ui.edu.ng.   

The 2020 UI SME Fair would be streamed live on Paylink’s Instagram account, PaylinkNG, as part of SystemSpecs’ support for SME capacity development and digital empowerment.

NTITA: NCC, Danbatta bag Fresh Awards for broadband development

Success Damian:

The critical role being played by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, in advancing the frontiers of broadband development has been recognised at this year’s edition of the Nigeria Tech Innovation and Telecoms Awards (NTITA), 2020.

Regarded as the Oscars of Nigeria’s telecoms industry, the awards, powered by Instinctwave, Africa's leading business-to-business event organizer in collaboration with the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) in Abuja at the weekend, saw the Commission and other industry stakeholders, including the Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, carting away distinguished awards.

According to a press statement signed by Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, Danbatta was honoured with the “Broadband Oxygenator of the Year” for his remarkable role and commitment to the development of broadband infrastructure to support the country’s digital economy drive while NCC, as a corporate organisation received the “Outstanding Contribution to Driving Greater Broadband Penetration Award of the Year.”

Through the articulation of a Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) for the fiscal years 2015-2020, which symbolises the focused leadership Danbatta brought on board as the chief telecoms regulator in the country, broadband penetration increased from 6 percent in 2015 to 45.43 in September, 2020.

Also, basic active internet subscription grew from 90 million to 143.7 million while active voice subscription increased from 151 million to 205.25 percent during the same period with teledensity also reaching 107.53 percent as at end of September, 2020.

The last five years have seen the number of licensed Infrastructure Companies (InfraCo) increasing from two in 2015 to six currently. The InfraCos are to deploy broadband infrastructure, on a wholesale basis in the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria. 

The Commission is currently reviewing the framework for the licensing of InfraCo to ensure sustainable funding options for effective implementation of the proposed national fibre project towards increasing broadband penetration to 70 percent target, as set in the new national broadband plan by 2025.

The ongoing review of the InfraCo framework is to cater for the delays in take-off, change in exchange rate, supply chain and other challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to InfraCo implementation.

NCC and Danbatta’s recognitions at the NTITA 2020 were also hinged on the increase in the contribution of the telecom sector the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 8.5 percent in 2015 to 14.30 percent as of the second quarter of 2020, translating to N2.272 trillion in financial value.

In the last five years, under Danbatta leadership, telecoms investment grew from around $38 billion to over $70 billion currently with appreciable remittances in spectrum fees and operating surplus by the NCC into the Federal Government Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

Increased e-commerce services, other digital services and more access to financial inclusion were also enabled through increased deployment of broadband infrastructure being promoted by the telecoms regulator through a number of regulatory initiatives.

Speaking on the significance of the NTITA, President of ATCON, Olusola Teniola, said: “Our thinking is that if we decide to ignore the contribution that our sector has made to the development of Nigeria by not recognizing the actors that made it possible, what we are saying invariably is that we are unappreciative of their concerted efforts in changing the story of our industry.”

He hoped that the awards would spur the Nigerian government to pay more attention to the sector and that state governments would continue to support the efforts of the industry to transform their various states into digital cities.

#EndSARS: Nwokedi knocks police authorities for not calling defunct squad to order

Success Damian:

High Chief Chika Nwokedi, President of Igboburuotu Social Club of Nigeria, a social cultural organization cum Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) has blamed police authorities whose lack of leadership brought rot in the defunct Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS).

He maintained that those who superintended the affairs of that arm of the force should have called their personnel to order especially when there was public outcry against them.

Chief Nwokedi took the position at the monthly meeting of Igboburuotu at Ijegun, Lagos on Saturday.

Heading a group that has helped the police, and people who do not have helpers, Nwokedi advised the government on what to do to bring sanity to the nation’s security architecture.

Speaking on #EndSARS protest he said “I have said I would not say something about SARS, but I will say it now. I have helped the police a lot, I have given more than 1000 tyres to police, I have given revolving light more than fifty to police, each one is N120,000. I have given security torch more than 2000 in Nigeria, Umuahi, Enugu, Anambra, and Abuja, I have given sockets, more that 500 to police, why because the police helped me when I came to Lagos.

“But now they are talking about EndSARS, let us say the truth for once, end SARS for what? Those SARS they are condemning, they have commanders, they have CP, There are three DCs for each state and they see the way they dressed, they see the way they were behaving, who will you hold? Let us say the truth.

“There was SARS in every state in this Nigeria, and those superior always see their dressing, see how they put earrings, dress like touts, what of the CP of that state, the DC? Every state has three DCs, they were seeing them.

“If I am the Head of State, I will hold their superior not the boys because they know what they are doing. Before my child leaves the house I will know how he dressed. I will know the kind of clothes that he put on, if I don’t like it I will say go and change it, because if he goes out people will say this is his son or daughter and that I cannot keep my daughter or son very well, that is how it is.”

Nwokedi spoke on what should be done to sanitize the force “Thank God that they have ended SARS but believe me, the best criminal is still worse than a bad SARS, for that SARS, they have those that are doing the work very well; they have bad eggs. I cannot because of three eggs are not good and throw away the remaining 27, because every crate of egg is 30, and because 4 or 5 is not good I throw away the entire crate, no. I will choose the 25 or 26 that are good and throw away the bad ones.”

He advised that police authorities should embark on reforms that would bring about freshness to the force. “They know those that are not good because even my brothers SARS have dealt with them seriously. One of my brothers paid N500,000 from POS in Benin, he is here, otherwise they would take him into the bush. But what I am saying is that you cannot throw away the entire personnel, there are good ones,” he advised.

Iri ji: Eze Anyalebechi gathers Ndigbo in Ajeromi, calls for harmonious existence among ethnic groups

Success Damian:

Eze Ndigbo of Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Eze Valentine Ezeugo Anyalebechi has called on ethnic nationalities in Nigeria to cultivate the culture of harmonious coexistence.

Eze Anyalebechi made the appeal in his Welcome Address at the Annual New ^Yam Celebration/Forum for a Better Ajeromi/Ifelodun, Lagos, which was held in his palace on Saturday 7^th November, 2020.

Titled For a better Ajeromi/Ifelodun Local Government, he said the LGA accommodates almost every ethnic group in Nigeria and therefore stressed the need for peace. “I titled my Forum For a Better Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government due to the need for unity and peace in our area, which accommodates almost every ethnic group in Nigeria. It is not disputable that we have been tolerating one another in the past, despite all odds, it is therefore important that we do not relent, so that unity, love and peace amongst us will continue to reign, says Anyalebechi.”

He advised the Igbos especially to remain peaceful and go about their business without fear “I call on Ndigbo to remain peaceful and law-abiding and go about their normal and genuine businesses without fear of intimidation.”

Speaking on the Covid-19 pandemic which brought hardship and pain to many families across the globe, Eze Anyalebechi said “I want to thank God for saving our lives at the heat of Covid-19 pandemic which devastated the whole world. In Nigeria, the case was an eyesore, and one unforgettable experience we had was due to its effect on families, corporate bodies, religious groups, educational institutions, the government service givers and individuals.”

Eze Anyalebechi expressed pain that while the country was about overcoming the tragedy occasioned by Covid-19, the issue of EndSARS resurrected itself. “Unfortunately, as Nigerians were struggling to survive the effects of covid-19, EndSARS protest, another serious issue came up. Hoodlums hid under the protest, which was initially peaceful to kill, loot and destroy properties. During the period, there was insecurity, many died, properties worth billions of Naira were destroyed and businesses were shot down for weeks due to the curfew that was put in place. Both tragic events had negative effects on the nation’s economy, but we are grateful to God for taking care of us during and after the tragic periods.”

He said yam, as a crop like others, is given a special status and regard in Igboland and has been celebrated long time ago.

Chief (Dr) Solomon Ogbonna, President Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos Chapter, on his part, expressed joy that the Igbo culture is promoted in every part of the world. “I have said it time without number, Igbos are not thieves, they are not arsonists, but the allegations we face in Nigeria, is rather bringing the Igbos prosperity and progress, such falsehood end up opening doors for the people. Anywhere the Igbo find themselves, once the land blesses them, they also bless the land. We know how Lagos was. A plot of land is now N680million, it is Ndigbo, Ikoyi is N400m, Admiralty Way N400m, it is Ndigbo, some live in Epe now but when you ask them they say they live in Lekki, it is Ndigbo. What I am telling Ndigbo now is how we can be united, because if you go to police stations in Lagos, if you have 100 cases, 80% is usually Igbo versus Igbo, so we must stop that kind of thing.” He thanked organizers of the Iri ji in Ajeromi/Ifelodun.

High Chief  Vincent Ahui Osu Riurhobo, Lagos State and Chairman South-South Council of Chiefs, Lagos,  said the country needs peace and progress “What we need is progress in this nation, where freedom exists at all levels. We have a lot of things in common with the Igbo people, ‘Up’ is enu in both Igbo and Urhobo. We have lived together in love and it is time to join forces with our brothers to ensure peace in our land. He thanked Eze Ndigbo of Ajeromi/Ifelodun for organizing the new yam festival.

Dr. Princewill Chukwuma Ojiaku, Ugochinyeremba 1 of Orlu, former lecturer and Chairman of the Occasion said he is especially happy because iri ji Ndigbo is not only done in Igboland but also in the Diaspora. He said “Yam is the king of crops in Igboland, we are here to celebrate with our brother as a farmer who has made immense harvest and to tell him that God has blessed him.

“Today is a day of fashion show, young ladies would carry out parade in their best attires, catwalk; masquerades of all shades would come out; people would roll out drums, spectacular shows, boys and girls, that is our own celebration. It is not a minor issue, it is really big.

“In Igboland we fetch firewood and water for the host; that is how it was done in Igboland, not that he will go and buy water or firewood, we support him. But if we don’t have all those things, if we have 1000, we can give him to support what he is doing.” He advised Ndigbo to continue to be hard-working and ensure they are never idle.

Elder Emmanuel Obioma Iwuagwu, Igbo Apex Leader, Ajeromi/Ifelodun LGA, said he was happy because he who works must eat. He said “Among all the Ezes in Ajeromi, Eze Anyalebechi is the only Eze that has found me worthy for a chieftaincy title, even when I told him I don’t want a Chieftaincy. He honoured me for piloting the affairs of the Igbos in the LGA”

He decried the unjustifiable factions observable among the Igbos in Lagos, saying “Some say they are coalition, this one Igbo Vision, Some Igbos in APC, while others call themselves Stakeholders.” He called on all Igbo to be united under one umbrella.