Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has condemned the killings in the Southern part of Kaduna State, describing the heinous act as “madness that must stop immediately.”
“No man in his right senses will go on a killing spree of innocent people under whatever guise.
“You keep on igniting killings based on ethno-religious differences because it is the innocent children that are killed while those of the elites are protected,” Abubakar declared.
The Sultan stated this while speaking on Monday at the opening of a meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Kaduna.
He called on sponsors of the killings to stop the dastardly act, declaring “enough is enough.”
Abubakar criticised politicians, alleging that they are behind the crisis. He declared that any politician who ignites violence does not mean well for the people and challenged the people to shun such politicians.
He, therefore, called on Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used by the politicians who would rather do everything to protect their family members than exposing them to such dastardly acts.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday suspended its planned protest in Port Harcourt, over a lingering industrial dispute, which led to sealing of the group’s secretariat in the state.
After a six-hour dialogue, NLC President, Ayuba Wabba told journalists that the organised labour agreed to resolve contending issues after signing a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Rivers government.
In its reaction to the planned protest last Sunday, Rivers government had said it would be illegal for the NLC to hold a protest, alleging Wabba threatened that workers would rally in the state against unfair labour treatment.
According to the communique signed by both parties and read by Wabba, labour has agreed to suspend the planned protest.
”At the meeting between the organised labour and Rivers government, the parties agreed to sign the agreement on the implementation of the national minimum wage and consequential adjustment.
”The NLC secretariat sealed for correction of the structural deficit will immediately be unsealed, while the government continues with correctional work.
”Government shall restore the remittance of check-off dues and pay outstanding arrears to the respective labour union,” he said.
On salaries withheld from health workers because of their involvement in a 2017 strike action, the NLC president said that the state government has agreed to commence payment.
”Both parties agreed to set up a tripartite committee to discuss and resolve other outstanding issues.
”This include adjustment of pension in line with the constitution and payment of all pensions and gratuities.
”Parties shall take steps to discontinue all ongoing litigation in relation to the disputed matter,” Wabba said.
He added that the parties agreed that no worker would be victimised as a result of the planned rally.
Confirming the resolutions reached by the government and the organised labour, especially on suspending the planned protest, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, urged workers in the state to go about their normal businesses without fear.
ECOWAS leaders who met in Niamey, Niger on Monday have given the military junta in Mali until Sept. 15 to name a transitional president and a prime minister, according to a statement read at the end of a summit on Monday.
The 15-nation bloc said the president and prime minister, who will lead the transitional government, should be civilians.
The meeting maintained the sanctions it imposed on Mali in the aftermath of the coup.
But it also welcomed steps taken by the junta in the past week to start talks with Mali’s political parties and civil society groups over the transition.
ECOWAS closed its borders with landlocked Mali and halted financial flows amid concerns that the military coup could undermine the democratic gains in the region.
A group of army colonels has ruled Mali since ousting President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita on Aug. 18.
No consensus has yet been reached on the make-up and duration of a transitional government ahead of promised elections.
ECOWAS is calling for a swift return to civilian rule and a vote within a year, a timeline the junta, the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), has not committed to.
ECOWAS Commission President Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, said both the president and prime minister must be appointed by Sept. 15 at the latest.
Talks in the capital Bamako about the transition period got off to a bumpy start on Saturday, when supporters of the influential M5-RFP political coalition accused the junta of sidelining them.
The junta’s negotiations, which are also being held in regional capitals across Mali, will continue later this week.
Veteran Nollywood actor, known for his sensational Yoruba comic, Yekini Omobolanle Oyedele widely referred to as Baba Legba, is dead.
The news of Oyedele’s death was made known in a Facebook post on Monday, September 7, 2020, by Adejumo Boisala Emmanuel, son of another late veteran, Baba Sala.
Adejumo confirmed that the actor has however been buried according to Islamic rites.
“Alhaji Yekini Omobolanle popularly known as Babalegba died in the early hours of today (midnight precisely).
”He joined Alawada Theatre Group in 1974 and was playing comic roles along with Baba Sala, sometimes he played Babalawo, Police officer but the most time one comic role to another.
”He is a friend of the family and supporter of my Daddy till his death. He used to be called Sunday Omobolanle then, before he went to Mecca and he turned Muslim. Personally, he contributed a lot to my success too”, Adejumo Boisala said.
Also, in an emotional laden message posted on Instagram, Nollywood actor, Foluke Daramola Salako expressed regret at the passing of Baba Legba.
“And we lost another veteran…though Baba Legba was old but we never want to see our loved ones die. I spoke with Baba last week but I was too busy with my restaurant to check like I always do because he told me he was under the weather, quite unfortunate I couldn’t bade him goodbye before he gave up the ghost, quite unfortunate we lost him.
“I feel kind of guilty I didn’t check on him when he called”, Salako stated.
Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, Monday took over from his predecessor, Elkana Bala, and subsequently released a contact mobile number for the public to ensure effective communication with the populace and Lagosians.
Adejobi was briefed by his predecessor on the general happenings in the state and he thereafter announced 08037168147 as his mobile number.
He charged Lagosians to share information and intelligence data for smooth partnership between the police and the general public.
Adejobi was last week appointed by the Inspector General of Police, Muhammadu Adamu.
He assured the general public of commitment to duties and responsiveness to issues that could promote effective policing, protection of human rights and sustainability of justice across board in the state
The new spokesperson primised to perform his duties in line with the policing agenda of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, describing image making and management of the command’s information as very key.
Today, I celebrate my father, mentor and helper, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, who clocks 80 today.
Since my encounter with you about 15 years, I have had every cause to appreciate God for granting me the opportunity to meet and know you. You’ve ever since then embraced and adopted me as your son, and you’re always ready to support my vision.
I would always appreciate your impactful words of wisdom and encouragement. You’re always everly ready to listen, advise, guide and guard me accordingly, counselling and providing alternative viewpoints where necessary to achieve better results.
Thank you for your fatherly support and wonderful show of love over the years. Thank you sir for granting me the initial capital for the ongoing project I’m executing. Thank you for supporting my vision. Thank you for offering me fresh and new perspectives all the times.
Even when I don’t remember to call or update you on the status of the project, you’ll call me to inquire to know and find out if there’s any difficulty on my way. What a wonderful father I’ve got in you!
Ten years ago, we gathered to mark your 70th birthday anniversary and it was indeed a celebration of your great deeds as one of Nigeria’s most influential personalities of all times.
At 80, you remain one of the greatest and most outstanding Nigerians who has essentially contributed to the development and transformation of our dear country.
Your indelible marks of achievement, most importantly, your quests for investment and encouragement of local content remain subjects of reference while you served as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nestle Nigeria Plc; Chairman, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria; Chairman, Lafarge Plc; Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria; and President, Society for Corporate Governance in Nigeria.
You have touched many lives with your managerial acumen, creating employment opportunities for a large number of people. And you remain one of Nigeria’s finest boardroom gurus and excellent administrators of all times.
As you celebrate your 80th birthday anniversary today, I pray Almighty God to continue to sustain you with good health and grant you fresh grace to enjoy your old age. Amen.
Happy birthday to you, my dearest father and mentor.
The installation rite of Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan Lawal as the 15th Oniru of Iru land in Lagos State came to peak over the weekend with the coronation reception and public presentation of the kingdom’s insignia.
Oba Lawal, at the event, unveiled his economic development plan for the kingdom – Let’s Develop Iruland Together – with the acronym “LeGIt.”
The blueprint, the monarch disclosed, was designed to reflect key deliverables of the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda being championed by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The event, held at Iru Palace, Victoria Island, was marked with a parade of royalty and culture.
The reception, which was initially suspended due to Lagos State’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols, came three months after Oba Lawal formally received traditional staff of office and instrument of appointment from Sanwo-Olu to ascend the Iru throne.
A roll call of VIPs, administrators and politicians, led by the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, his wife, Ibijoke, graced the occasion.
The event was also attended by traditional rulers within and outside Lagos State, including Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi; and the representatives of Oba of Lagos, Alayeluwa Rilwan Akiolu.
Oba Lawal described the event as “another significant chapter” in the annals of the kingdom, thanking Sanwo-Olu for approving his selection by the kingmaker and the support since his installation.
He specially praised Tinubu, whom he called a mentor and father, for giving him the opportunity of his shots in public service.
The monarch said the priorities of his leadership would focus on socio-economic development of the kingdom, disclosing that the palace had established an independent nonprofit organisation – HRM Abisogun II Foundation for Peace and Development (HAIIF) – with the objective to drive multi-stakeholder partnerships for peace and prosperity of the kingdom.
According to him, “The burning desire to proffer pragmatic solutions to challenges facing Iru land has led to the initiative called LeGIT. This will be a rallying point and clarion call to all stakeholders to work with me to develop Iru into one of the most sustainable communities in Lagos. Our plans are in line with development agenda of the Governor.”
The monarch, thereafter, unveiled the traditional insignia of the kingdom, which reflects Iru culture and its dominant means of livelihood. The insignia depicts fishermen, newbouldia leaves and the iconic Iru crown in golden hues.
Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, described traditional institutions as “indispensable branch” of Yoruba society, noting that the socio-economic growth witnessed in Iru kingdom in the last two decades had contributed in no small measure to the development of Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, commended the monarch for keeping peace and for sustaining the effort to unite members of the royal families after ascending the throne.
The governor said he looked forward to more rewarding development activities in Iru land, but urged residents to rally round the Oniru and maintain peace in order to achieve the monarch’s outlined objectives.
Sanwo-Olu said he had absolute confidence in the leadership ability of Oba Lawal to transform the kingdom into a 21st Century city of commerce and culture, urging him to bring his wealth of experience in public service to bear in the administration of Iru land.
He said: “I have absolute confidence in the ability and capacity of His Royal Majesty to bring about greater transformation that will benefit everybody and further reposition Iru land within the metrics of development in Lagos State.
“During the installation ceremony in June, I enjoined the Oniru to strengthen the existing bond of unity within Iruland for the overall development of peace and progress of this kingdom.
“Two months on the throne, I’m pleased to note that the monarch took this advice to heart as exemplified by his very impressive actions characterised by wisdom, knowledge and large heartedness.
“My advice to all citizens of this great kingdom, as well as residents, is to continue to stand firm and united behind the king in order to advance the development and prosperity of this kingdom for the benefit of all.”
Also speaking at the event, Tinubu said the event should signal an end to the tussle and controversies that trailed the selection of Oba Lawal as Oniru, saying it was time the kingdom moved on.
He vouched for the leadership qualities of the monarch, pointing out that Oba Lawal has enormous capacity to endure, learned and listens.
Tinubu, who described the Oniru as a son, said the Oniru was a good choice for the kingdom and urged members of ruling houses in the kingdom to rally round the Oniru for the progress of Iru land.
He, however, urged the monarch to show good character as key component of his leadership, noting that his effort to move the kingdom forward would be futile without character.
The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government Monday announced temporary closure of Oba Ogunji Road, between Iju and Ijaiye Road, for rehabilitation works from September 9 to 30, as part of the ongoing construction of Pen Cinema Flyover.
The governor, in a statement by his Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde, said access to the restricted routes would be limited to construction vehicles and local residents to enable work move smoothly towards meeting timelines set for repairs.
The statement hinted that different alternative routes have been rehabilitated and made accessible for road users during the construction period, adding that Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other traffic management agencies would be available to direct traffic for free vehicular movement.
“Motorists with the intent to use Oba Ogunji Road from Iju or Old Abeokuta Roads are advised to use Iju Road to connect Agege Pen Cinema and link Ijaye Road (Maternity, Stadium and Marketing) to their destinations.
“Alternatively, they can also make use of Old Abeokuta Road to connect Odejobi Road to link College Road through Oyemekun Road to Yaya Abatan, which will lead them to Ijaye Road to connect their desired destinations,” the governor said.
Other alternative routes listed include: the diversion to Abule-Egba Road through Old Abeokuta Road to connect Charity and Jonathan Coker Road, which would lead to Iju or Old Abeokuta Roads to connect Agege Motor Road (Isokoko Ashade Railway Crossing) through Akanni Doherty and Oba Akran/Guinness Roundabout axis (Mobil/Ashade) towards Akilo and Ijaye axis.
“Motorists coming from Akilo/Wemco/Ijaiye Road towards Oba Ogunji Road are advised to use Ijaiye Road (Marketing, Agege Stadium) all the way to Ijaiye Road intersection (Maternity) to link Agege Pen Cinema which will connect them to Iju Road,” the statement added.
The state government disclosed further that motorists would also be able to use Ijaye Road (Excellence Hotel) to Yaya Abatan Road to link Oyemekun/College axis to access Iju Road, while Ijaiye (Marketing) to Akilo Road and Guinness Roundabout through Oba Akran and Akanni Doherty Road would also connect Agege Motor Road (Isokoko) to access Old Abeokuta Road onwards to desired destinations.
Soliciting for the cooperation and understanding of all road users during the period, Lagos State Government appealed to residents, especially motorists plying the axis, to support the project because the roadworks are aimed at achieving efficient traffic management and transportation policy.
An Integrated ICT services provider, Internet Solutions Limited, has rebranded and set to operate as Dimension Data from the end of this year in all its operating companies.
The company said the rebranding was part of Dimension Data’s larger plan to consolidate its businesses, enhance efficiency, and better delivery of the changing technology needs of its clients in Nigeria and beyond.
To this end, Olugbenga Olabiyi has been appointed as the Country Manager to head the company’s business operations in Nigeria.
Speaking on the new developments, Olabiyi assured clients that the company would continue to deliver services seamlessly and efficiently even as the firm works through the rebranding and integration process.
He noted that the company would be focusing on developing uniquely tailored IT solutions as well as providing value-driven services through customer engagement and outstanding technology infrastructure – that advance productivity and business growth.
According to him, “We are happy to have received the government’s approval allowing us to rebrand and operate as Dimension Data.
“Our vision is to be a partner of choice for businesses; delivering innovative, game-changing technology and solutions not only in Nigeria but in the Middle East and Africa.”
The Dimension Data Group of companies is also consolidating and rebranding all its subsidiaries in the Middle East and the rest of Africa where it has operations.
The realignment saw Internet Solutions Managing Director Richard Hechle appointed to head the group’s consolidated business in East and West Africa.
Dimension Data East and West Africa Managing Director, Richard Hechle, said consolidating the company’s business would help the firm unlock opportunities for greater innovation, as well as giving clients the power to build their futures using game changing technology.
“Bringing all our people and operating companies together will allow us to effectively and efficiently execute our go-to market strategy and enable our clients’ success in a digital-first world.
“This digital-first world is characterised by technologies that are converging to deliver unified, hybrid and holistic solutions for real business impact,” he said.
As the market continues to evolve, he said the company was conscious of the need to remain relevant by delivering products and services that enable clients to meet the increasing demand for personalisation and customisation.
He added that leveraging technology is critical for businesses and our products and services play a vital role in empowering them to build their future.
The group is reorganising around five go-to-market areas to deliver intelligent technology and services that are aligned to our clients’ journeys, including Intelligent Infrastructure, Intelligent Workplace & Customer Experience, Intelligent Business Applications, Intelligent Innovation, and Intelligent Cyber Security.
“Reorganising ourselves to deliver what the market demands is driven with growth in mind and we are very excited about the future and are committed to bringing these changes online quickly.
“The role of technology in business is changing, therefore, how it is consumed, and the decisions related to technology are also changing. We are adapting to align our organisation to that of our client choices,” Hechle said.
“The way we collaborate with our clients is where we create the most significant value and sustainable business outcomes for them. The logic is clear: the more we focus on seamless client experiences, the more focused we become on delivering solutions that work. We believe that when we understand our clients’ needs, we deliver better solutions,” he noted.
Founded in 1983, Dimension Data is a USD8 billion global leader in designing, optimising, and managing today’s evolving technology environments. Headquartered in Johannesburg, Dimension Data employs 28,000 people across 46 countries.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
