Idimogu lauds Ohanaeze, says ruling party good for Igbos in Lagos

Success Damian:

Chief Solomon Aguene, the new President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos Chapter (centre) flanked by Hon. Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu and wife Roseline and others during the inauguration at National Arts Theatre, Lagos.

Hon. Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu, the Lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 02 at the Lagos State House of Assembly has lauded the new leadership of Ohanaeze Lagos Chapter.

Idimogu also stated that Ndigbo in Lagos State should join the ruling party in order to have a stronger voice in Lagos State.

The Lawmaker was speaking at the inauguration of the newly elected leadership of Ohanaeze Lagos Chapter at the Presidential Banquet Hall, National Arts Theatre, Lagos recently.

Idimogu added that he appreciated God for the peaceful conduct of the election that brought in the new executive, saying it was held without rancor which showed a sound democratic system.

He spoke on the importance of Ohanaeze as a group “Without Ohanaeze in Nigeria and in Lagos, of course, the Igbo man doesn’t have a voice, but now we have a voice and direction, particularly in Lagos State. So that is my joy and that is why I came here to honour them, be in there presence and continue to encourage them, so that together we can always work together to help Lagos. It is very important to have a voice in Lagos, and it is more critical especially now that 2019 is approaching, we must have a voice.”

He said “Even though Ohanaeze is a nonpolitical organization, whether you like it or not, politics is involved, because they are the people that direct the affairs of an average Igbo man in Lagos State.”

For the newly sworn in leadership he stated, ”A responsibility has just been placed on their shoulders. Leadership is not just fun, it has to do with responsibility, so today, they have taken that responsibility, and we are looking forward to them, so when there are issues people, will come to them, for them to give us direction, and advice.

“My prayer for them is that they should do well, I believe the President, Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, is a man of timber and caliber, and God will give him wisdom to direct the affairs of Lagos State chapter of Ohanaeze, after all his name is Solomon, if he does not have wisdom, God will give him one”

Idimogu used the opportunity to talk about is political activity and the place of the Igbos in the Lagos politics.

“By the grace of God I have declared to go again one more time, I was in PDP, now I am in APC, and I am believing that the reason is simple Ebe onyebi ka ona awashi.

This is Lagos and APC is ruling Lagos, and the Igbos supposed to have a voice in the ruling party, and that is how we can also protect the interest of our people. If you are in the opposition, minority will have their say, but majority will always have their way, so which one is better, let us have our way and that is why they  need to join the ruling party and that is why they should join me, so that I can have a stronger voice to represent my people, and I am looking forward that, probably by next year, more of my brothers and sisters will join us in Lagos House of Assembly so that I will not be the only one there.

Ohanaeze, Afenifere kick as Solomon takes oath of office

It was the gathering of who is who in Igbo land and their Afenifere friends at the inauguration of newly elected leaders of Ohanaeze Lagos Chapter at the Presidential Banquet Hall, National Arts Theatre, Lagos. Success Damian reports.

Chief Soloman Ogbonna Aguene and his executive members were on Saturday inaugurated to officially assume their various positions as leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos Chapter.

Speaking after being inaugurated under the supervision of Barr. Chijioke Okoli (SAN), Aguene assured Ndigbo that his administration will ensure the unity of Ndigbo in Lagos in particular and Nigeria at large.

From left, Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko; leader of Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo; President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief John Nnia Nwodo; Chairman of the occasion, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe during the inauguration  of Executives of Ohanaeze Lagos Chapter on Saturday at the National Arts Theatre, 

During the elaborate and high profile event, the apex Pan-Igbo socio-cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and her Yoruba counterpart, Afenifere, used the occasion to further demand for the total restructuring of Nigerian federal system, to allow for equity, justice, and constitutionalism which would ensure growth and development of regions of the country.

Chief John Nnia Nwodo, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, insisted that restructuring will enable Nigerians to live together as one indissoluble country, adding that the reason for restructuring is due to the fact that Ndigbo cannot be drummed into another war.

Nwodo recounted that Biafra and Nigeria involved in the civil war lost in various ways.

“I fought war on the side of Biafran army and we can’t afford another war. Ndigbo lost 3.5 million people to the war. One million were killed, another one million were starved to death and the remaining 1.5 million people got missing, which nobody could account for,” Nwodo added.

At the event which attracted the crème de la crème, including Comdr. Ebitu Ukiwe, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, and an array of first class red cap chiefs, including Eze Ndigbo Lagos, Eze Dr. Christian Nwachukwu, Chief Nwodo didn’t stop at rejecting the 1999 constitution and demanding structuring of the country, he also clarified three key areas of concern, which must be taken seriously if the unity and peaceful co-existence of Nigeria must be realized.

According to Nwodo, there is the need for state’s ownership of police to deal with abuse and unwholesome attitude of federal police.

Nwodo, stated that with state police, the states will not have much business with federal police, except on issues of immigration laws, currency laws or other serious offences, he also wants states to own and control their resources as part of the restructuring agenda.

On education Nwodo said, “Again, we don’t want quota system in Nigeria. We don’t need JAMB. The situation whereby some regions will do so well academically but another less competitive will be given more admission slot under the disguise of quota system and education less-privileged region is wrong.”

Also speaking on restructuring, an elder statesman and former leader of Afenefere, Ayo Adebanjo, who said ‘no restructuring, no Nigeria,’ warned Nigerians against voting any anti-restructuring candidate in the next election, saying that 1999 Constitution of Nigeria was imposed on Nigerians.

In a chat, Hon. Jude Idimogu, the Lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 02 at the Lagos State House of Assembly said he appreciated God for the peaceful conduct of the election that brought in the new executive, saying it was held without any rancor which showed a sound democratic system.

“Without Ohanaeze in Nigeria, of course in Lagos, Igbo man doesn’t have a voice, but now we have a voice and direction, particularly in Lagos State, so that is my joy and that is why I came here to honour them, be in there presence and continue to encourage them, so that together we can always work together to help Lagos, It is very important to have  a voice in Lagos, and it is more critical especially now that 2019 is approaching, we must have a voice.”

“The Enemy Submitted” will ensure the devil remains bound – Muoka

 Success Damian:

The General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Muoka has stated that the upcoming crusade titled “The Enemy Submitted” will ensure the devil remains bound.

Muoka stated this at the International Headquarters of the Church during a media briefing to announce this year’s programme titled “The Enemy Submitted” which will come up between Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17, 2018 in Lagos.

He said the crusade is meant to address the problems the nation and people are going through, adding that since the last programme it is evident that God has guarded the nation.

“The problem with nations is not human, but as a result of end time prophecy. In the last days perilous time will come, there will be increase of iniquity, many a time God allows these things to make people draw closer to Him.

“Our programme will ensure that principalities and powers, those things handled humanly are addressed spiritually, while we are still here we have authority from God to bring these enemies that cause problems to man under our feat.”

Muoka stated “As we bind and decree, God almighty will bring the enemies under our feat. The people on earth will continue to enjoy until rapture takes place. As we pray during the programme all the principalities and powers will be bound and remain bound.”

On who the enemies of Nigeria is he said “the devil is the enemy of the nation as it goes roaring like lion looking for whom to devour and the mission is to steal, to kill and to destroy. The devil works with agents who are human beings.” He added that all these problem will be a thing of the past as the programme takes place.

Muoka maintained that people whose businesses have been wrecked, hunger, famine, barrenness will be taken care of. He said when all these are met the nation will enjoy peace.

He said his move to evangelise the North is a command from God and it is not limited to North but to the entire world, adding that the programme is meant not just for the Chosen but for the entire public.

The iconic evangelist said what is happening in Nigeria is happening to both Christians and non-Christians but the prayer being made is affecting not just Nigeria but the while world.

Muoka said Nigerians and the world as a whole should repent and come to God. He said many people have made money but they have gone without knowing where they will spend eternity.

Umuotuasi Kindred Meeting Lagos Branch calls on citizens to join meeting

 Success Damian:

Umuotuasi kindred Lagos Branch has called on her citizens living in Lagos to ensure they join the meeting.

Speaking in Lagos during their quarterly meeting, Vice Chairman of the organization, Samuel Obialor, said it is necessary to be where their brothers are in case of eventualities.

Umuotuasi is a kindred in Eluama Village in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State.

Obialor added that as a people that came from a far place there is every need for all Umuotuasi citizens to be part of the meeting.

He said there are several entitlements derivable from becoming a member of the meeting which include but not limited to having a fellow feeling, rallying together in case of emergencies, and even death.

Obialor disclosed that it cost virtually nothing to register as member of the meeting, he therefore mandated members to embark on hunting for new members.

"It costs virtually nothing to register as member of the meeting, I therefore enjoin you old members to embark on hunting for new members."

He stated that he is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the success of the meeting.

Among those that attended the meeting was Cyriacus Nnaji, a media practitioner and publisher of Newworldnewsng and Ictbizfrontpageng.

Suru Worldwide Ventures decries takeover of properties by AMCON

Success Damian:

Suru Worldwide Ventures Limited, a Real Estate group, has decried the takeover of the company’s properties by Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON).

In a press statement signed by the company’s Secretary/Legal Manager, Anomneze Obianuju Peace, AMCON was said to have stormed and taken possession of the company’s property located at 12, Rev. Ogunbiyi Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, with troops of mobile policemen despite the fact that there was a ruling before court of Appeal which is still pending.

“Despite the fact that the ruling before court of Appeal is still pending., AMCON stormed our property located at 12, Rev. Ogunbiyi Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, with troops of mobile policemen on the 25^th day of May, 2018 to levy execution on the said property without courts bailiffs which said matter was reported at Area F Police Station Ikeja for breach of peace and contempt of court,” Anomneze stated.

According to the statement issued on Monday, the company averred that the statement is in line with previous publication on the status of the case between AMCON and Suru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Limited, to update the members of the public on recent action by AMCON.

The statement read “You will recall that AMCON in the Judgement No. FHC/L/CS/1059/16 got a Judgment dated 30/5/2017, against the IGP and Civil Defence Corps without the knowledge of our company. This judgment was kept away from our company until our company’s properties affected by the order were stormed in Commando style by AMCON.

“AMCON mobilized Armed Mobile Policemen to the Best Western Hotel, switched off the Hotel Generator, teargased the workers and the Lodgers and brought our company’s business to an abrupt and complete halt. The operation commenced at 4:30am and lasted till 9:00am in the morning.”

The statement went further to state “In the suit, to which our client was deliberately not made a party, AMCON prayed the Court to allow it take possession of our company’s properties at No. 12 Allen Avenue Ikeja, Lagos [Best Western Hotel], 86 Opebi Road, Ikeja, Lagos, and No 12, Rev. Ogunbiyi Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos as according to it, the properties are securities of alleged debt.”

Suru Ventures also said that AMCON chose to make the Inspector General of Police; the Commandant-General of the Corp, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Lagos State Commandant of the Corps, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence the only parties to the suit leaving out the alleged debtor. As expected, according to the company, those Defendants on record, who had nothing to defend nor at stake, did not appear in court to defend the Suit. The case was therefore decided as an Undefended Suit.

“Our company had filed an appeal against the above Judgment in CA/L/1257M/17 and AMCON through their

Lawyer (Joseph Nwobike & Co) also filed their reply and the application was heard on the 4^th day of May, 2018 and same reserved for ruling, worthy of note is that AMCON was represented at the court of Appeal same day during the hearing.

“On the 8^th day of June, 2018, AMCON again reinforced and brought more mobile police men from Mopol 20 and dislodged our security men at their duty post, also brought their security guards to mount the gate.

“In spite of AMCON being aware that our client’s application praying the court for orders staying the continuing and or further execution of the said judgment, it has continued to levy execution on our remaining properties obviously with a view to confronting the court with a fait accompli.

“We consider the action taken by AMCON as contempt of the court despite the pendency of the ruling before the court of Appeal. We are particularly dissatisfied with the firm of Joseph Nwobike & Co who led the troops of Policemen on the 25^th day of May, 2018, being officers in the temple of justice that ought to respect and uphold the tenets of law rather than disrespect the court,” Anomneze stated.

Dambatta congratulates Business Journal, says Nigeria's economic growth possible through infrastructure

Success Damian:

Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has congratulated Business Journal on its tenth anniversary, even as he said that economic development of Nigeria could only be facilitated and accelerated by the presence of infrastructure.

Dambatta stated this during the Business Journal 10th Anniversary Lecture and Award which took place at Sheraton, Ikeja.

The theme of the event was 'Infrastructure and Economic Growth: Exploring the Strategic Alliance'.

Represented by Mr. Edoyemi Ogo, Assistant Director (Technical Standards) NCC, Dambatta said that telecommunication was an infrastructure industry that contributes to all economic growth drivers in one way or the other.

He said that the liberalisation and deregulation in the telecom sector placed Nigeria in a position to increase the contribution of the industry to overall GDP.

"With the advancement in telecommunication technology, the world has experienced a rapid growth in communications.

"Telecommunication sector development has acted as a catalyst to drive growth and efficiencies in many other sectors.

"Telecommunication infrastructure has a direct and indirect positive effect on economic growth.

"This effect can be seen in the economic growth indicators which include real GDP, Industrial production, employment, price stability, education, technology and innovation, "Danbatta said.

He added that the World Bank had found out that a 10 percent increase in broadband penetration in developing countries results in a commensurable increase of 1.38 percent in GDP.

Danbatta also said that the telecom sector contribution to Nigerian GDP had increased from less than 1 per cent in 2001 to about 8.66 percent in December 2017.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe, who doubled as Chairman of Open Media Group as well as Chairman of the occasion said “Infrastructure remains our biggest problem in Africa. Power was very critical to the development of the telecommunication industry and therefore urged the government to build enough infrastructures for electrical power.

"Many small scale industries would have done very well but because of inadequate power supply, most of them are dead.

"We as a nation cannot develop without infrastructures, it is needed so that we can grow our economy,” Ndukwe said.

Ojobo stresses gains of digital economy to Nigeria

Success Damian:

Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Tony Ojobo, has stressed the gains derivable from a digitized economy.

Speaking on a paper titled “Drive Towards Digital Economy: The Journey So Far” at DigitalPay Expo 2018 in Lagos, Ojobo said Digital economy means the worldwide network of economic activities, commercial transactions and professional interactions that are enabled by information and communications technologies (ICT).

According to him, “It′s the economic activity that results from billions of everyday online connections among people, businesses, devices, data, and processes.”

He went further to say that digital economy refers to a broad range of economic activities that include using digitized information and knowledge as the key factor of production, modern information networks as an important activity space, and the effective use of information and communication technology (ICT) as an important driver of productivity growth and economic structural optimization.

Ojobo said Internet, cloud computing, big data, Internet of Things (IoT), fintech and other new digital technologies are used to collect, store, analyze, and share information digitally and transform social interactions. Digitized, networked and intelligent ICTs enable modern economic activities to be more flexible, agile and smart, adding that the digital economy is experiencing high growth, rapid innovation, and broad application to other economic sectors.

“It is an increasingly important driver of global economic growth and plays a significant role in accelerating economic development, enhancing productivity of existing industries, cultivating new markets and industries, and achieving inclusive, sustainable growth.”

He said “Looking at G20’s Digital Economy Initiative, priority areas recommended for cooperation for promotion of the digital economy as identified by its Digital Economy Task Force, DETF, readily present a clear direction of digital economy. An Accelerated network infrastructure connection, promoting broadband network coverage in competitive environment, expanding high speed Internet at affordable price; Improved business environment with policy framework that facilitate R&D, innovation and investment, social funds investment on ICT, welcome public private partnerships.”

He said other policy programmes include “Encouraging Internet-based RDI, taking advantage of Internet to promote innovation in products, services, processes, encourage integration of digital technology in manufacturing, e-education, e-health, e-government, e-agriculture, among other,” Ojobo said.

Part of the address

Other priority areas include Mutual recognition of digital authentication, trade facilitation for e-commerce by using trusted digital means, prevent barriers to market access, strengthening cooperation in protecting consumer rights and privacy; Enhancing digital inclusion which means using policy measures and technical means to bridge digital divide between countries, groups, men and women, open access to Internet and equal digital opportunities, promote broadband connectivity within the poorest communities, promote universal access.

On promoting Promote development of MSMEs, he said Promoting policies that encourage micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to use ICT technology for innovation, improved competitiveness and channels in the market, promote affordable digital infrastructures needed for digitization of MSMEs operations.

Bench-marking Nigeria’s Digital Economy and Entrancing digital economy in Nigeria began with the licensing of the digital mobile service providers in 2001. He disclosed that before 2001, the nation had less than 400,000 lines with teledensity of less than 0.05 per cent.

Private sector investments in the sector was just some US$50 Million before the injection of funds following the successful auction in 2001, adding that Nigerian Communications Act, (NCA) 2003 energized a robust regulatory environment.

ICT now contributes more than 10% to GDP; Private sector investment in the telecom industry since 2001 till date, US$68 Billion; Telephone Subscription being 160.5 Million as at April 2018.

Teledensity has bourgeoned to 114.66% as at April 2018 while Internet Subscription stood at 101,209,503 as at April 2018.

Nigeria’s Value-Added Market, according to him now valued at US$200 Million but estimated to hit US$500 Million in 2020.

In 2016, about 16 Million Nigerians were connected to Facebook. In 2018, Facebook recorded 26 Million users. Out of this figure, 25 million connect with mobile devices, adding that more than 35 Million people around the world connect to Nigerian businesses on Facebook.

Point Agenda, primed towards Digital Economy include Facilitating Broadband penetration through provision and optimization of access to, and use of Affordable fixed and mobile broadband in Nigeria; Improve Quality of Service by promoting the availability of reliable, interoperable, rapidly restorable critical ICT infrastructure that are supportive of all required services; Optimize usage and benefits of spectrum by maximizing availability of spectrum in order to provide diverse and affordable ICT services.

Others include promote ICT innovation and promoted in ways that improve the nation’s ability to compete in the global economy, increased investment in youth and promotion of SMEs for new business delivery breakthroughs; Facilitate Strategic Collaboration and partnership with relevant stakeholders to foster ICT for sustainable economic development and social advancement, among others.

Speaking further on the regulatory impact in promoting digital Economy, he said “A close look at the 8-Point Agenda of the current leadership of NCC, tallies with the recommendations of the G20, a clear indication that Nigeria is on the right direction.

“Essential drivers like broadband deployments, innovations, promotion of universal access, quality service delivery, diffusion of services in the ICT sector, are critical for achieving a result-oriented digital economy; Creation of an enabling investment climate, and encouraging businesses to deploy ICT services and tools is one of the best ways to achieve a dynamic digital economy; Broadband equation, Digital economy is Internet economy. Availability, accessibility and affordability, of broadband, are very critical in today’s digital economy.”

He said Nigeria has currently achieved 22 percent broadband penetration as reported by ITU/UNESCO Broadband Commission, saying that World Bank study concludes that 10-percentage point increase in fixed broadband penetration would increase GDP growth by 1.38% in developing countries.

Through the Open License regime, Nigeria has issued licenses to INFRACOS for deployment of broadband in Lagos (MainOne), North Central (HIS) North East (Brinks) and South East (Zinox). He said Licenses have been offered in the 2.3GHz, 5.4GHz, 2.5GHz, 700GHz and that Re-farming of frequencies are being undertaken, all targeted towards broadband availability.

Again he said Globacom, MainOne, Ntel’s Sat3, MTN’s West African Cable System, WACs, Ace Cable by Dolphine all estimated at more than US$ 1 Billion provide undersea cable broadband connectivity to Nigeria.

Commenting on Online Financial Transactions, e-gov and Social Media, he said Online banking, online shopping, online trading, and myriads of blogs and social media platforms has provided a new vista in the digital economy landscape of Nigeria, saying that Online financial transactions and mobile banking has redefined banking and financial inclusion.

Online shopping malls like Konga, Jumia, Olx, Yudala, Dealdey, Slot, Buyright, Mystore are turning over millions of Naira worth of businesses on daily basis. Online hotel and flight reservation sites like Wakanow.com, Jumia Travels, Agoda, Hotels.ng, 9jahotels.com. Social media news platforms have altered news and information sharing and diffusion.

Smart City projects are springing up in some parts of the country. NITDA projects that 50% of Nigerian cities will smart status in 2019 (Champion).

E-government platforms available in virtually all government agencies Interactive portals are now being developed by various government agencies to enhance their operational efficiencies – Immigration services, Road safety, Police, Procurement, etc.

The provision of digital infrastructure for un-served and underserved communities or groups in Nigeria through the Universal Service Provision Service, USPS, is one of the critical accomplishments in growing a digital economy.

A number of projects undertaken by USPF represents critical steps in bridging the connectivity divides in the less urban centres.

The key programmes of USPF includes Connectivity Programes like: Rural Broadband Initiative, RUBI: provides subsidies to enable service providers to enable provision of broadband services in less urbanized areas.

UniCC- University InterCampus Connectivity: Connects networks of main campus of selected universities to networks of their corresponding medical colleges and teaching hospitals through deployment of fibre cables.

3BTS =Base transceiver Stations: Providing subsidies to network operators to for deployment of base stations in underserved areas to enable easy connectivity to the citizens.

Connectivity/capacity-building programmes aimed at growing the ‘user-force’ that would absorb the explosion in future digital economy e.g. Digital Access Programme, DAP, in whch more than 223 schools have benefitted.

ADAPT-Digital Awareness Programme for Tertiary Institutions: training of Professors and lecturers, Internet Clouds, and Internet connectivity.

University Internet connectivity to enable online sharing of information is ongoing in consultations with the National Universities Commission.

An interconnectivity programme to tie teaching hospitals and similar institutions into one network with connectivity potentials.

Digital economy is an inevitable phenomenon of the growth potentials of the dynamic ICT industry to which economies and nations of the world cannot resist.

The biggest economies of the world are pursuing it with more vigour, and nations like Nigeria, with an internationally acclaimed telecom regulator, has not been left out in this pursuit.