Okunbo’s Heart Of Gold And Royal Recognition, By Sufuyan Ojeifo

October 7, 2014

I was not surprised when on Thursday, October 2, this year, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Erediauwa, Oba of Benin, adorned an illustrious son of Benin, Captain (Dr) Idahosa Wells Okunbo (JP) with the “Traditional Beads” for being a worthy son of the ancient Kingdom. This recognition, which I understand is a precursor to a traditional chieftaincy title that is in the offing, is well deserved when gleaned from the prism of his invaluable contributions to the development of the Kingdom and its people.
With a lifestyle of building business empires, massive investments in human capital development, philanthropy, respect for constituted authorities and loyalty to friendship, leadership and followership alike, Captain Hosa (as he is widely referred to by his associates) has defined his eon and occupied his space in the socio-economic and political setup of Benin Kingdom in particular as well as Edo State and Nigeria in general.
Perhaps, it is in the locale of philanthropy that he has, by far, impacted positively and manifestly on the lives of his people. The narratives in many quarters in Benin bear confirmation of how God has used Captain Hosa to liberate people from the shackles of poverty and how he has assisted institutions to thrive. Having prospered in his business enterprises, he must have reasoned that the best way to appreciate God and man is to give to charity, uplift the poor and give back to society.
Captain Hosa is, indeed, a successful man in ventures that span a wide range of sectors, including oil and gas, power, security, properties, et al. His chain of investments supports his multi-billionaire status in all its ramifications. But one virtue that characterizes the life of this 56-year old businessman and perhaps neo-politician is his simplicity.   He does not play to the gallery. He does not crave for recognition despite having the wherewithal to get it. He may have something close to the wealth of Croesus, the last King of Lydia who was renowned for his great wealth; he certainly does not splash it with the sybaritic indulgence of Adnan Khashoggi, Saudi Arabian businessman, who spent his wealth on lavish parties and was reported to have, in his heyday, spent $250,000 daily to maintain his lifestyle.
For Captain Hosa, his focus is people-oriented, transformation-driven and human capital development-targeted. He is said to have given out multi-billion naira over time in donations to noble and progressive causes.   Apart from his philanthropic gestures, he has played a frontline role in the integration of the Benin Kingdom in the politics and policies of the Federal Government. This is after he has become sure-footed about his own sphere of influence as a key player in the nation’s politics and economy.
He was instrumental to the Friday, 25th April, 2014, visit of the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Ambassador Eheneden Erediauwa, to the Presidential Villa to deliver a message of goodwill from his father (the Oba of Benin) to President Goodluck Jonathan. The highly respected Oba, who was constrained by age to travel, in the goodwill message commended the President, prayed for him and invoked the ancestral spirits of the Kingdom to give him the strength to continue with his good work, in spite of daunting security challenges.   Significantly, the Monarch had urged the President to seek a second term to complete his work of transforming the nation.
Captain Hosa’s other involvements in socio-political and economic activities at the Federal level have in recent times projected him as a force to reckon with in the critical economic sector. Before now and way back in 1997, under the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha, he led a team that nurtured the idea that culminated in the introduction of transparent ballot boxes for use in the nation’s elections. This remains a landmark contribution to the electoral process in Nigeria. These and other accomplishments must have convinced the Oba of Benin that it was time he recognized him (Captain Hosa) as a worthy son of the Kingdom.
Prior to the latest honour, this illustrious son of Benin kingdom was in 2007 honoured with the Justice of the Peace (JP) in recognition of his astounding contributions to the promotion of peace and good governance as well as development of his constituency. Again in 2012, in faraway United States, the American Congress honoured him with the “African Titans” Award for being a voice of the Niger Delta people through a multi-million dollar movie production that he sponsored, titled: “Black November.”
Consider, for instance, what he did in 2005 in Benin: he assisted over 774 women of Oba Market in Benin who suffered various degrees of losses as a result of the inferno which gutted the market with a multi-million naira intervention to keep their various trading activities afloat. He had also financed a Youth Empowerment Programme with a view to uplifting the quality of life of his people as a service to humanity. It was against the backdrop of these huge accomplishments that the University of Benin on November 24, 2012 conferred on him the honorary Doctorate of Science (D.Sc) degree.
Indeed, with incredible streams of income, he is arguably the Nigerian equivalence of Midas-a Phrygian King, in Greek mythology that turned objects, everything he touched, to gold. This may explain his meteoric rise to the top of his chosen profession as a pilot from where he retired before venturing into other businesses such as the Hoslyn Ventures Nigeria Limited, which has been into procurement in the Oil and Gas sector; Ocean Marine Security Limited, a company responsible for offshore asset protection for major oil companies in Nigeria, including the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); PPP Fluid Mechanics Limited, a crude oil logistics company; Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Limited, a company that won the bid for Ibadan and Yola Power Distribution Companies (Discos); Wells Dredging Limited, involved in dredging, sand filling and shore protection in the Niger Delta Region; Wells Property Development Company Limited, involved in the development of affordable properties for low-income earners, high net-worth individuals and office development; and a host of others.
Captain Hosa’s friends and well wishers must be keeping their fingers crossed as the Benin Kingdom plans a bigger recognition for a worthy son, an ambassador of good fortune.

‪
• Mr. Ojeifo is an Abuja-based journalist.

[myad]

Nigeria’s Challenges: I See Light At End Of Tunnel – President Jonathan

Greenbarge Reporters

October 4, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the pecular nature of how certain things have been happening to Nigeria has made him to see the light at the end of the tunnel for the success in tackling the security and other challenges facing it.
“We may have our challenges as other nations but when things begin to happen in a particular way, I begin to see light at the end of the tunnel.”
President Jonathan who received Abuja Muslim residents that paid him Sallah homage at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today referred to this year’s Arafat Day in Mecca, which coincided with Friday, as quite significant in terms of celebrating Sallah.
From what I was told, it (Arafat Day) takes a long time to have that coincidence and remembering the fact that 2014 is our centenary year, that shows that something good is happening to this country.”
President Jonathan said that a number of things that has to do “with our belief system suppose to encourage us to see our neighbour as ourselves.”
He noted that Muslim pilgrimage is quite unique, saying: “we just watched the people who are performing (Hajj) on television; you see that everybody wore the same clothe. It showed that the kind of ranks we give to ourselves here are for the earthly journey. There, no president, no messenger. That should teach us that we should be humble and be kind to ourselves in the spirit of the moment, giving gifts. That should remind us about the significance of the moment when Abraham was to sacrifice his son: the only one he had. Of course, the Angel replaced it with a ram. That is the essence of this period.”
He spoke about terrorism, insisting that what is now happening globally has no religious basis.
“Only yesterday, a British Aid worker was slaughtered by ISIS and that is not Islamic.”
President Jonathan also insisted that members of the outlawed Boko Haram who have been ravaging parts of the North, killing innocent children and women in market places, in mosques, schools definitely has nothing to do with religion.
“For us as a nation, we should use this period to charge ourselves, call on ourselves, encourage ourselves to continue to pray for the forgiveness of those who are doing things that are not religious and for Allah to see us through.
“I believe in this country, I believe that Nigeria has a lot to offer not only to Nigerians but to the world and that surely we will get to where we want to go.
“Whatever obstacles we see are very ephemeral and part of history of nation building. If you read the history, there is no nation that does not pass through some challenges but they got over them and move ahead. I think we are getting over our problems.”
The Abuja Muslims residents were led to President Jonathan residence in the Villa by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo and the minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mrs. Olajumoke Akinjide. [myad]

Skye Bank Wins Mainstreet Bank Top Rank

Greenbarge Reporters

October 4, 2014

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria has announced Skye Bank Plc as the preferred bidder for Mainstreet Bank Limited.
The corporation also announced Cedar One Investment Partners Limited as the first reserve bidder and Fidelity Bank Plc as the second reserve bidder for the acquisition of the entire issued and fully paid up ordinary shares of Mainstreet Bank.
Skye Bank, Fidelity Bank and a Moroccan bank were among the seven potential buyers that were shortlisted for the acquisition of Mainstreet Bank.
Head, Corporate Communications, Strategy and Research, Kayode Lambo, made the announcement after receiving the approval of the Board of Directors of the bad debt manager.
Lambo said: “the completion of the transaction is subject to the fulfillment of the conditions precedent as stated in the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement to be executed with Skye Bank Plc as well as the receipt of all required regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“In the event that Skye Bank is unable to complete the transaction in line with the payment terms and other provisions of the SPA, the SPA entered into with Skye Bank would be terminated and Cedar would become the preferred bidder.
“Further, in the event that Cedar is unable to complete the transaction in line with the payment terms and other provisions of the SPA, Fidelity Bank would become the preferred bidder.”
The process for the sale of Mainstreet Bank started with interest shown by 25 parties cutting across local and international investors.
The emergence of Skye Bank, Cedar and Fidelity Bank as the preferred, first and second reserve bidders, respectively, AMCON noted, resulted from a rigorous and competitive bidding process, which was coordinated for the corporation by Barclays Africa Group Limited and Afrinvest West Africa Limited (financial advisers) and Banwo & Ighodalo (legal advisers).
The latest development came about three weeks after Lambo announced Heritage Bank as the preferred bidder for Enterprise Bank.
The CBN had, on August 5, 2011, revoked the operating licences of Afribank, Spring Bank and Bank PHB, which it said did not show enough capacity and ability for recapitalisation. [myad]

Governor Uduaghan To Nigerians: Let’s Eschew Hatred And Bitterness

Greenbarge Reporters

October 4, 2014

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has appealed to Nigerians to eschew bitterness and hatred by allowing peace to reign in the country.
In his goodwill message to Nigerian Muslims who joined the Muslim world to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir today, Dr. Uduaghan said that peaceful co-existence and understanding among citizens are essential to tackle the prevailing security challenges in the country.
According to him, the Eid-el-Kabir celebration is a period of sacrifice and reflection, stressing that Muslims should emulate the virtues of total obedience and selfless service as demonstrated by Prophet lbrahim.
He enjoined the Muslim community “to be steadfast in promoting the virtues of lslam, which are peace, love and harmony in all their undertakings.
“I sincerely urge Nigerians to unite and always pray for peaceful co-existence and understanding and for them to eschew bitterness and hatred on the basis of faith, ethnicity or political leanings.”
Dr. Uduaghan said that his administration would continue to consolidate on its economic development model of Delta Beyond Oil for all round development of the state and for the benefit of all inhabitants of the state.
He promised to bequeath a peaceful, social and economically developed Delta State which the succeeding generations would be proud of. [myad]

Sweden Recognizes Palestinian State, US Says It Is Premature, As PLO Hails It

Greenbarge Reporters

October 4, 2014

Swedish Premier — Sweden Prime Minister, Stefan Loefven

Sweden’s new prime minister has announced that the country will recognize a Palestinian state, even as the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) hails such move. Sweden is the first European Union (EU) member in Western Europe to so recognize Palestine.

Left-wing Social Democrat leader, Stefan Loefven, who won last month’s general election said that the Nordic country wanted to bolster a “two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Washington reacted quickly, describing Stockholm’s recognition of Palestinia as “premature,” while Palestinians cheered the decision as “courageous” and urged the rest of the European Union to follow suit.

“A two-state solution requires mutual recognition and the will to co-exist peacefully,” Loefven said in his inaugural address to parliament.

This should take place with respect for the “legitimate demands of the Palestinians and the Israelis as regards their right to self-determination and security.”

Seven EU members in eastern European and the Mediterranean have already recognized a “Palestinian state.” They are Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Poland and Romania. Non-EU member Iceland is the only other western European nation to have done so.

But the United States cautioned against Sweden joining them.

“We believe international recognition of a Palestinian state is premature,” State Department spokeswoman, Jen Psaki told reporters.

“We certainly support Palestinian statehood, but it can only come through a negotiated outcome, a resolution of final status issues and mutual recognitions by both parties.”

Israelis and the Palestinians, Psaki said, must be the ones “to agree on the terms on how they live in the future two states, living side-by-side.”

Sweden’s new foreign minister, Margot Wallstroem told public broadcaster SR that Sweden was “in good company since 130 countries in the world have already done the same”.

At least, 112 countries have recognized the Palestinian Authority as a “Palestinian state,” according to an AFP count, although a PA estimate puts the number at 134.

Wallstroem said that a recognition would be “an important signal facilitating… a two-state solution”.

Senior Palestinian Authority negotiator, Saeb Erakat said the rest of the EU should follow Sweden’s example.

“We hope that all countries of the European Union will take the same courageous and remarkable decision… as there is no reason not to recognize the Palestinian state,” he said in Ramallah.

Loefven’s Social Democratic-Green Party coalition – which formed a minority government on Friday – is more supportive of demands for a Palestinian Arab state than Sweden’s previous center-right administration.

The Social Democrats, the largest party in the Swedish parliament, wrote in their election manifesto that “Israel’s war crimes must be investigated and the occupation of Gaza lifted”.

The party added that “Sweden and the rest of the world must actively support its (Palestine’s) work towards reconciliation”.

The prime minister did not specify whether the policy would be put to a vote in parliament.

The PA envoy to Sweden, Hala Husni Fariz, said in a statement that the decision “reflects the historical support of the Swedish government for freedom, dignity and human rights”.

Sweden voted in favor of Palestinian observer status at the United Nations in 2012, which was granted despite opposition from the United States and other countries.

The Swedish announcement coincided with the start of the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement”, and an Israeli government spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

The PLO said: “the Swedish announcement recognizing Palestinia, is in fact, a sign of a genuine commitment to justice and the requirements for peace, including the two-state solution on the 1967 boundaries,” said PLO Executive Committee Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi.

“We hope that other countries in Europe will follow Sweden’s lead. Those who claim to support the two-state solution must realize that in order to reach it, what’s missing is a sovereign Palestinian state,” she said.

According to the PLO 138 countries recognize Palestine as a state, including Brazil, South Africa, Chile, Russia, the Holy See, Argentina, India and China among others.

But it has failed to gain major recognition in the West, with the European Union and the US preferring to the conflict resolved through negotiation. [myad]

Federal High Court Slams Sports Minister, Others With Contempt

Greenbarge Reporters

October 4, 2014

Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau state has charged Nigeria’s sports minister, Tammy Danagogo and Aminu Maigari, immediate past Chairman of Nigeria Football Association (NFA) with contempt of court.

Also charged with the offence are the Secretary General of the association, Musa Amadu, and Plateau Football Association for itself and all the football associations in the country, including the Federal Capital Territory.

The contempt charge, which was signed by the Registrar of court, Mr. A. Bawa, was brought against the three persons following Tuesday’s conduct of NFA board’s election in Warri, Delta, in defiance of an order of the court stopping the exercise.

The notice of the charge was pasted on the main door of NFA in Abuja on Friday evening.

Vice Chairman of the Chris Giwa-led NFA board, Obinna Ogba and another member, Yahaya Adama, obtained the injunction from the high court restraining the Maigari-led board from holding the Sept. 20, 2014 and Sept. 30, 2014 extraordinary congresses.

Both congresses held contrary to the court order and the Chairman of Delta Sports Commission, Amaju Pinnick, was elected the new NFA Chairman.

The court notice directed the defendants to ensure that they appeared in court on Oct. 8, 2014 “and prove why they should not be committed to prison.”

Part of the notice reads, “Take notice that the plaintiff will on Oct. 8, 2014 at the hour of 9. O’clock apply to this Court for an Order for your committal to prison.

“This is for disobeying the Order of this Court made on Sept. 19, 2014, enjoining and restraining you jointly and severally from convening or holding a general assembly or extraordinary general assembly.

“Also, for holding election into the board of the NFA pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed in this case.”

It was gathered that the Giwa-led board is challenging the non-recognition of their election on Aug. 26, by majority of the football associations’ chairmen in the country. [myad]

Jonathan Opens Up: What Will Inform My Decision To Run In 2015

Greenbarge Reporters

October 3, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has finally let Nigerians know things he would consider before he accepts the call by various Nigerians on him to seek a second term in office.
“In deciding on an appropriate response to such calls, I will place the greater interests of national harmony, cohesion, unity, security, political stability, progress, equity, justice and fairness above any personal ambition or sectional agenda.”
President Jonathan, who used the opportunity of the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir to thank “the many individuals, stakeholders, groups, associations, non-governmental organizations, unions and political leaders from across the country who have, in recognition and appreciation of our efforts and commitment to repositioning our dear nation for more rapid growth and development, urged me to seek a second term in office.”
He said in a statement signed by him that with this week’s issuance of a formal notice of the impending general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), another national campaign season is now truly upon us.
Jonathan urged all political leaders in the country to place the overriding interest of the well-being and progress of the fatherland above all other considerations in the coming campaigns and elections.
He said that administration has done its sincere best in the past four years to implement its agenda for national transformation and move the country forward on several fronts, even as he asked all other political leaders rise above unedifying, unpatriotic and selfish personal interests and divisive sectional agenda in the coming national elections.
“Let us also commit ourselves more to the sustenance of democracy and political stability which are essential prerequisites for the advancement of good governance, inclusive economic growth and rapid development.
“In spite of the significant progress we have made in the past four years, our dear nation continues to face critical challenges in some areas. I am convinced however that if we persevere and continue to build diligently on what the present administration has achieved, we will surely overcome all hindrances and fully establish a stronger, more united and prosperous nation that meets the aspirations and yearnings of all of our people.”
President Jonathan said that as Nigerians celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir, they should rededicate and commit themselves to the Holy Prophet’s injunctions of piety, honesty, charity and generosity to the less privileged, impartial leadership and true justice for all.
“These virtues and lessons will surely stand our nation in good stead as we continue our journey towards the fulfillment of our founding fathers’ vision of a great nation.”
He sent goodwill message to all Nigerians Muslims who are celebrating the Eid-El-Kabir.
“I also congratulate all believers who have successfully undertaken the Hajj this year as enjoined by Prophet Mohammed (May Peace Be Upon Him).
“As they conclude the rites of the Hajj and prepare to return home, let us all join them in offering special prayers for greater security, peace, unity and progress in our dear country as well as for the peaceful and successful conduct of next year’s general elections.
“May Allah’s blessings be upon all our compatriots who have undertaken the Hajj this year and on our dear country.
“I wish all Nigerians currently in the Holy Land a safe journey back home.”

[myad]

Eid-el-Kabir Is Celebration Of Trust Between Man And God, Says Atiku

Greenbarge Reporters

October 3, 2014

Former Nigeria Vice President and presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, has described Eid-el-Kabir being celebrated across the world as a celebration of trust between man and God. The APC presidential hopeful, in a goodwill message to Nigerians said thay the significance of the festival is rooted in the fulfillment of promises made at any time by individuals and groups..
In a statement from his media office in Abuja today, Atiku said that trust is the foundation of the relationship between man and God, adding that the two principal religions in Nigeria – Islam and Christianity – place premium on the need for people to fulfil the terms of agreements.
“I rejoice with fellow Muslims across the country who are celebrating the Eid-el-kabir festival. The significance of the celebration today is not in the blood or the flesh of the rams that are slaughtered.”
The APC chieftain said that the message is for people to be honour bound to respect the terms of the promises made to other entities.
“As a society, we must place a premium on trust. Our greatness as a country is attainable only when government honours the promises it makes to the people. A leader who has a track record of reneging on every promise he makes cannot drive the process of change we desperately yearn for.
“As a people too, we must be vigilant and thorough about the decisions that we take in conjunction with others. It is our responsibility to ensure that we enter into agreements with people of proven character and credibility. The prevailing mindset of placing trust on people based on primordial sentiments such as ethnic or religious considerations without recourse to due diligence is not healthy for the growth of individuals or nations.”

[myad]

My Marriage Has Actually Crashed, Ini Edo Confirms

Greenbarge Reporters

October 3, 2014

A popular Nollywood actress, Ini Edo has confirmed the rumour making the rounds in recent that her marriage to US-based businessman, Phillip Ehiagwina has broken up.

In a message posted on her Twitter page on Thursday, the actress did not only confirm the story that her marriage had crashed, she also went on to refute a rumour that she cheated on her former husband.

She tweeted: “There is a conscious and malicious attempt to tarnish my image. I asked for a divorce from my ex-husband because of lots of irreconcilable differences. I never cheated on him.”

The erstwhile love birds would have celebrated their sixth anniversary of their marriage next month. The couple got married in November 2008 in an elaborate ceremony that was held in Houston, Texas in the United States.

Ini’s bio-data on Instagram now bears the word ‘actress’ without ‘wife’. Sources note that while she has reverted to her maiden name and dropped her ex husband’s surname, she was spotted in a few public appearances without her wedding ring.

The breakup, which has been trending on social media since about two days ago, is still being received with shock and disbelief for obvious reasons.

With more than 50 appearances in movies to her credit and a large fan base, Ini comes across easily as one of the most popular actresses in Nollywood. Naturally, her fans and well wishers would be interested in whatever happens to her or become touched by any change in her fortune.

At the outset of her marriage, Ini enjoyed a lot of goodwill, especially from those who had been anxious to see her get married. Not one of this people expected that their icon’s marriage would end up this way crashing in less than eight years. [myad]

American Biggest Bank, JP Morgan Reports 76 Million Customer Accounts Hacked

Greenbarge Reporters

October 3, 2014

The United States of America’s biggest bank, JP Morgan has revealed it suffered a massive cyber attack on 76 million private and seven million business customers in the US.

The raid gathered account holders names and addresses but the bank said it did not involve critical information such as account and social security numbers.

It said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it had not seen any “unusual customer fraud related to this incident”.

Earlier this year, there were reports that Russia had hacked into its systems.

In August, the bank said it was cooperating with law enforcement officials over this suspected incident.

The bank said that “customers (whose accounts had been hacked) are not liable for unauthorized transactions on their account that they promptly alert the firm to”.

JP Morgan says it is unlikely customers will need to take any action, such as changing their passwords or account information.

Its company spokeswoman, Patricia Wexler, said that the bank is not offering credit monitoring to customers either because it does not believe any financial information, account data or personally identifiable information was taken.

Other major US firms, including Home Depot and Target have been the subject of similar widescale attacks.

The Home Depot breach affected 56 million customer payment cards, while Target saw credit card data for 40 million customers stolen, as well as personal and identification information for 70 million other customers. [myad]

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