TodayPrice

Category: Uncategorized

  • DecemberIssAVybe: FirstBank Sponsors Kakadu the Musical

    DecemberIssAVybe: FirstBank Sponsors Kakadu the Musical

    Head, Branch Services, Marina Branch, FirstBank, Abosede Ajewole (left); Head, Retail Mass Market In-branch and Digital Enhancement, Adeyemi O. Asolo; Winner, FirstBank Win Big promo, Nsikan Grace; Head, Other Asset & Liability Products, Personal Banking, FirstBank, Chukwuka Okonkwo; Winner, FirstBank Win Big promo, Balogun Jelili Adekunle and Business Manager, Retail Banking, Marina Branch, Adewale Bello at the recent official presentation of 100,000.00 naira to winners of the ongoing FirstBank Win Big Promo in which 310 customers won N100,000 each in the maiden draw 

    First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced its sponsorship of Kakadu the Musical, a theatre production from the stables of Playhouse Initiative.

    The play, which is set to return to stage from 28 to 30 December 2023 at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos, is among the activities lined up in the 2023 edition of FirstBank’s annual DecemberIssAVybe.

    Written and produced by Uche Nwokedi, Kakadu the Musical is a reverberating drama of survival and hope that trails the journey of four friends from different tribes-Emeka, Kola, Osahon and Dapo alongside their female counterparts -Bisi, Amonia, Enoh and Hassana as they navigate a crisis that would change their lives forever.

    Set in the 1960s Lagos against the backdrop of a famous club Kakadu, the award-winning play will run from December 27 to 30, 2023 at the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre in Lagos. On the heels of its successful performances at the Nelson Mandela Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2017, Kakadu the Musical will thrill the Lagos audience with this nostalgic story that raises consciousness about friendship, humanity, love and nationalism.

    Crafted with an emotional plot, Kakadu the Musical is a pulsating theatrical spectacle that blends Anglo-American soul, pop music with highlife, Afrobeat and Nigerian folk music. Although Kakadu, as a nightclub, is a metaphor for Nigeria’s social reality between 1965 and 1972, the story still resonates with present-day realities.

    Kakadu the Musical fuels our collective memory with the truth about the consequences of ethnic bigotry, corruption and abuse of power. Through the plot structure, the playwright seeks to interrogate aspects of Nigeria’s history that obscures national unity.

    While announcing the return of this box-office hit, the producer of Kakadu the Musical, Nwokedi remarks that musical promises to be exciting, reviving theatre patronage in the fast-paced city.

    “Kakadu the Musical is like fine wine at 10. With the synergy of new and old cast members, the audience will enjoy a most exhilarating fusion of music, drama, fashion and dance.

    At Playhouse Initiative, we are keen on using these elements of arts to entertain and educate as well as to empower talented youths in the creative industry.

    We are excited to announce the return of Kakadu the Musical as the first of several activities lined up in our DecemmberIssaVybe bouquet this year. Kakadu the Musical is a successful export from Nigeria’s growing, admirable and globally renowned arts and entertainment industry.

    In a statement, the Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Folake Ani-Mumuney, the bank said: “As a Bank woven into fabric of society for over 129 years, our First@arts initiative has played a pivotal role in the recognition of the abundant talents that abound in the country and we remain committed to being at the forefront of nation building; supporting through resourceful partnerships to build the Nigerian creative industry value chain which contributes to Nigeria’s GDP.”

    The FirstBank DecemberIssaVybe is a yearly campaign implemented to support the arts and entertainment sector in the country. During the month, the Bank provides more opportunities and platforms for yet another eventful Homecoming Experience for Nigerians.

    Foreigners are not left out as fun seekers are granted premium access to witness their favourite acts – live on stage and attend in-demand concerts and shows. DecemberIssaVybe is all about memories.

    To participate, all that is required is to register on FirstBank’s website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/home/impact/sponsorships/events/decemberissavybe/ and follow the Bank’s social media pages – Facebook: First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Instagram: @firstbanknigeria.

     

  • Tinubu Appoints Gbajabiamila Chief of Staff, Akume as SGF

    Tinubu Appoints Gbajabiamila Chief of Staff, Akume as SGF

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed the outgoing Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff (CoS).

    He also named senator George Akume, the immediate past Minister of Special Duties, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

    This is contained in a statement issued by Abiodun Oladunjoye, the State House Director of Information on Friday.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Friday in Abuja announced the appointment of Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, and Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, as Deputy Chief of Staff.

    “In a meeting with Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), the President also named former Governor of Benue State and immediate past Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)”, the statement read.

    Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism.

  • cs Tinubu Appoints Ribadu, Alake, 6 Others as Special Advisers

    cs Tinubu Appoints Ribadu, Alake, 6 Others as Special Advisers

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Nuhu Ribadu, Dele Alake and six others as Special Advisers.

    The appointments were announced in a statement signed by the State House Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye on Thursday.
    ⁣
    Dele Alake assumes the role of Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, former EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, as Special Adviser on Security and Wale Edun as Special Adviser, Monetary Policies. ⁣
    ⁣
    Other appointments include Yau Darazo, Political and Intergovernmental Affairs; Olu Verheijen, Energy; Zachaeus Adedeji, Revenue; John Uwajumogu, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Dr. Salma Anas Health.

    Tinubu had on June 6, asked the Senate to approve his appointment of 20 special advisers to run his administration.⁣

    Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG and ghost writer, is a maritime journalist of over two decades’ of practice with multidisciplinary background. He holds a masters degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology(LAUTECH) with bias for logistics. He is also an alumnus of the Times Journalism Institute where he obtained a post graduate diploma in Journalism.

     

  • Tribunal Affirms Governor Oborevwori’s Victory, Dismisses Omo-Agege’s Petition

    Tribunal Affirms Governor Oborevwori’s Victory, Dismisses Omo-Agege’s Petition

    The Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, has struck out APC’s Senator Ovie Omo-Agege petition for lacking merit, hallenging the election of Governor Sheriff Oborevwor.

    The three-member tribunal panel headed by Justice C.H. Ahuchaogu, in it’s judgment on Friday, September 29, 2023, affirmed the return of Oborevwori as the winner of the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election in the state.

    The tribunal held that the petitioners failed to prove allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and corrupt practices beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Meanwhile, Omo-Agege has directed his legal team to immediately proceed with an appeal against today’s judgment of the governorship election tribunal that upheld the election of Sheriff Oborevwori as governor of Delta State.

    Senator Omo-Agege said the Tribunal failed to reckon with the fundamental flaws in the March 18, 2023 governorship election that mortally rendered the declaration of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the winner untenable.

    Joshua Okoria is a Lagos based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills makes him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses.

  • FULL TEXT: Atiku’s Press Conference On Tinubu’s Academic Records

    FULL TEXT: Atiku’s Press Conference On Tinubu’s Academic Records

    Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, addressed a press conference in Abuja on Thursday over the academic records of President Bola Tinubu released by the Chicago State University (CSU).

    Here is the full text of his address.

    Protocol

    Gentlemen of the Press, Fellow Citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I consider it important to address and report to you today on issues that define the future of elective government and legitimate leadership in our country.

    Political leadership and active citizenship matter because they are ways through which we all work together to build a country that works for all who live in it. Our country is bigger than any of us, and its standing in the world affects the fate of all who come from or live in it. As leaders, it is our duty to advance the well-being of all our people and of the country.

    For this purpose, my generation worked hard to return the soldiers to the barracks and to defend the right of the people to elect and establish for ourselves a legitimate government. Our elections are established and governed by law and founded on the constitution from which leadership and government in Nigeria alone derive their legitimacy.

    The people look up to us as leaders to respect these rules and, where necessary, to defend them. This is what brings us here.

    Today, we are called upon again as a people to uphold and defend the ground rules of elective government in our country. The constitution prescribes the requirements for those who seek the highest elective office in the land.

    It should not take months or, indeed, decades, for the institutions concerned to be able to do their work in establishing the credibility of any certificates presented by candidates for public office

    We undertook this journey at great cost and for important reasons. The ground rules for legitimate governance in our country need to be upheld, and the reputation of our country is at stake. That affects everyone, Nigerians everywhere.

    I am a democrat by conviction and a citizen of a country that I love. The issues at stake in this case require us once more to re-dedicate ourselves to both the country and our constitution.

    Now, we entrust these facts to us all as citizens and as leaders of the institutions charged with interpreting our constitution. I should thank the lawyers both in Nigeria and in the United States, who have assisted us in bringing clarity and definitive answers to these issues that appear to have defied our institutions for nearly a quarter of a century. I also want to extend my gratitude to Nigerian citizens and friends of Nigeria both within and beyond the shores of our country for their patience as we have sought to find the facts and establish the truth.

    I wish to pay tribute to the late human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, who inspired us on this path of discovery. Now, he can truly rest in peace in the assurance that what he started about 23 years ago has come to fruition. Gani’s vindication today gives credence to the saying that no matter how fast a lie runs, the truth will someday overtake it.

    Former American President Thomas Jefferson once said, “If I had to choose between government without newspapers, and newspapers without government, I wouldn’t hesitate to choose the latter”. From exposing the Watergate scandal and unravelling the dubious certificates of politicians, journalists have maintained eternal vigilance by bridging the gap and stepping in when other arms of government failed.

    It is for these reasons that commendation must be given to David Hundeyin, an independent journalist whose extraordinary work and those of many more young people like him has become a source of inspiration. Special thanks must be given to the millions of Nigerian youths and citizen journalists too who continue to put out the truth online even when no one is listening. Indeed, the price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance. 

    They have put the country first in their firm commitment to unravel the truth and hold leaders accountable. This gives me the hope that we have worthy partners in the struggle to reclaim the country we call home.

    This quest is not for or about Atiku Abubakar. It is a quest for the enthronement of truth, morality, and accountability in our public affairs. In line with this, therefore, I am calling on all well-meaning Nigerians, leaders of thought, our religious leaders, our traditional leaders, our community leaders, our political leaders, and in particular, Governor Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Governor Rabi

    Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP and, the leaders of every political party in Nigeria, and, indeed, every single person who loves this country, as I do, and who wishes nothing but the best for the country, as I do, to join me in this campaign to enshrine probity, accountability and the basic principles of justice, morality and uprightness in our country and in our government. This is a task for each and every one of us.

    Thank you for listening. May God bless you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Joshua Okoria is a Lagos-based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills make him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses.
  • Tinubu Pledges 500,000 Jobs As Ajaokuta Steel Nears Completion

    Tinubu Pledges 500,000 Jobs As Ajaokuta Steel Nears Completion

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared on Sunday that with the hitherto abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Complex now nearing completion, will have the capacity to employ 500,000 Nigerians once designated as a free trade zone.

    The President further promised to fully harness the potentials of the Complex once it is completed, as it would boost Nigeria’s foreign direct investment and provide avenue for the creation of the much-needed conducive business environment for all sectors to thrive.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, made this known at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress governorship campaign in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

    The governorship poll in the state is slated for November 11.

    Addressing a mammoth crowd in Lokoja, Kashim Shettima also noted that President Tinubu remained committed to completing the constructions of the River Niger, the Kabba-Lokoja and the Abuja-Lokoja roads.

    According to Shettima, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man of plenty ideas who is determined to reposition the nation in its rightful place, especially as it borders on restructuring and stimulating the Nigerian economy.

    “Given Mr President’s commitment to the development of Kogi State and indeed the entirety of Nigeria, Kogi in particular being a confluence state, cannot afford to have a governor who is hostile to the center. We must be partners in progress and work hand in hand to develop this great nation,” the Vice President said

    He further hinted about plans by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make the Itakpe crop processing project a dream come true, just as he promised jobs and affordable education under the present government.

    Reemphasising that the welfare of the citizenry would never be willfully compromised, Vice President Kashim Shettima called on Kogi citizens to come out en masse on November 11 to vote for the candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC), in order to consolidate on the achievements of the APC government in the state

    He added that the natural endowments of Kogi State would be harnessed for the development of the state and the nation at large, adding that President Tinubu had further given his nod for the rehabilitation of Obajana-Okene road in Kogi State.

    Speaking earlier, Kogi State Governor,  Yahaya Bello, thanked President Tinubu for accepting to flag off the governorship campaign in his state, disclosing that his administration has achieved a lot, and it is time for consolidation in order to move the state forward.
    “We have done a lot in the area of security, education and health, among others. We want to consolidate on that. I am, therefore, calling on the people of our dear state to vote for our candidate in order to move Kogi State forward,” he said.

    For his part, National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, said because Governor Yahaya Bello has provided good governance to the people of Kogi, the state cannot afford to be left behind by giving power to another party different from the one at the center.

    Also, the Chairman of the APC Campaign Council for Kogi State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, enjoined the people of Kogi State to clean up their voter cards and turn out in numbers to vote for the candidate of the APC in the November 11 governorship election.

    On his part, Kogi State APC governorship candidate, Ahmed Usman Ododo, pledged to carry the people of the state along if elected, saying he remained committed to the development agenda of Kogi State

    “We will build on the legacies of my mentor, Governor Yahaya Bello. We will give attention to security, education, agriculture and health. Our women will also be empowered,” he said.

    Other dignitaries at the campaign rally were the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Governor AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman; Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and members of the National Working Committee of the APC, among others.

    Joshua Okoria is a Lagos based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills makes him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses.

  • Dennis Idahosa Emerges Edo APC Governorship Candidate

    Dennis Idahosa Emerges Edo APC Governorship Candidate

    Afederal lawmaker, Dennis Idahosa, has emerged the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the election in Edo State.

    The House of Representatives’ member polled a total vote of 40,483 at the primary on Saturday ahead of the governorship poll on September 21, 2024.

    Announcing the results, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who is also the chairman of the APC primary election committee, said that having polled the highest number of votes among the nine aspirants, Idahosa becomes the candidate for the party.

    Joshua Okoria is a Lagos based multi-skilled journalist covering the maritime industry. His ICT and graphic design skills makes him a resourceful person in any modern newsroom. He read mass communication at the Olabisi Onabanjo University and has sharpened his knowledge in media practice from several other short courses.

     

  • Pre-marital testing as key to HIV prevention – Sokoto Traditional Ruler

    The District Head of Gagi and advocate for family planning in Sokoto State, Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi, has called on Sokoto State and other legislative assemblies nationwide to pass a law requiring potential couples to undergo mandatory HIV, sickle cell, and genotype testing before marriage.

    The monarch made these remarks in his goodwill message at a one-day media roundtable organized and sponsored by Devcoms/TCI in Sokoto State.

    He emphasized that mandatory testing is the only effective preventive measure and can only be achieved with the support of stakeholders and civil society organizations advocating for legislative action.

    According to Jabbi, community stakeholders play a crucial role in supporting civil society organizations to establish the legal framework for mandatory pre-marital testing. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based advocacy in driving family planning progress, saying, “Civil societies play a central role in realizing this process, as they are the engine of progress.”

    Jabbi further stated that traditional rulers and community leaders would continue their advocacy efforts to encourage the state assembly to enact laws that help reduce the spread of diseases in society. He called for collaboration between religious and traditional leaders to enhance advocacy efforts and facilitate a coordinated approach for effective service delivery.

    In her remarks, Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal, Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA), commended Devcoms/TCI for organizing the session. She noted that the roundtable would increase awareness of the benefits of family planning in Sokoto communities. Represented by Dr. Tukur Garba Magaji, a Director in the agency, Dr. Tambuwal highlighted the critical role of media in disseminating information on family planning activities.

    Dr. Tambuwal also pointed out that the state government has made significant investments in healthcare, especially in family planning, leading to increased acceptance of such services.

    Alhaji Musa Ubandawaki, the State Media Coordinator for Devcoms/TCI, stated that the meeting’s primary goals were to enhance media engagement in support of family planning initiatives and to share preliminary findings from the 2023/2024 National Demographic and Health Survey.

    The State Manager for Devcoms/TCI, Dr. Bello Muhammad Kilgori, presented an overview of the survey’s preliminary findings, along with successes, challenges, and future strategies for advancing urban health systems and promoting the use of modern family planning strategies.

  • Minimum wage: Labour calls for reversal of tax imposed on Kwara workers

    Minimum wage: Labour calls for reversal of tax imposed on Kwara workers

    The organised labour in Kwara State has appealed to the state government to reverse the new tax regime following the implementation of the new minimum wage of N70,000.

    The labour expressed disappointment over the move to effect a percentage on tax deductible from workers’ salaries, arguing that it is contrary to the negotiation with the government for tax relief for workers upon the payment of the new minimum wage.

    Rising from a joint State Administrative Council (SAC) meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Ilorin last Thursday, the labour leaders called for a downward review of the tax percentage on salaries of workers.

    The labour said this in a joint statement signed by NLC Chairman, Comrade Muritala Olayinka; TUC Chairman, Comrade Olayinka Onikijipa; Coalition of Health Workers Union (COHESU), Comrade Isaac Bolatito; and state Chairman and Secretary, Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Comrade Saliu Suleiman and Comrade Tunde Joseph respectively.

    They lamented the refusal of the state government to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage for pensioners in the state.

    The labour leaders urged the government to grant tax holiday to workers on the consequential adjustment of the new minimum wage of N70,000 for 12 months as succour.

    According to the joint labour congress, the state government should swiftly act on the demand of the labour to avert industrial disharmony.

    “This was at variance with government/labour discussion at the negotiation table for tax relief on added sum or status quo ante on the percentage tax deduction,” they said.

    “In view of the above, the committee resolved that government should grant tax holiday to Kwara State workers on the added sum for at least 12 months to serve as succour for workers in the state, and to review downward the tax percentage on workers salary.

    “Arising from the Joint SAC of NLC and TUC, we strongly condemned the recent tax imposed on Kwara State workers and demand reversal of it to avoid industrial disharmony.”

    Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulazaq last Saturday approved the payment of N70,000 minimum wage for the least paid worker in the state as announced by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    The state Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru in a statement said that the approved wage will be implemented across the Kwara State public service, with immediate effect from October 2024.

  • Father of four commits suicide in Ondo

    Father of four commits suicide in Ondo

    A father of four has committed suicide in Igburowo town, Odigbo Local Council Area of Ondo State, after consuming a chemical substance and pesticide, commonly known as snipper.

    The lifeless body of the 58-year-old deceased man identified as Bamidele Omolayo was discovered when an octogenarian in the community raised an alarm.

    According to sources, before terminating his life, the deceased had a minor argument with a member of his family and threatened, after which he threatened to terminate his own life.

    One of the sources who craved anonymity stated that “I was told that he was engaged in a shouting match with his brother before he took the rash decision.

    “It was later that his corpse was discovered lying flat on the main road that links the community to a farm settlement.

    Following the development, the community was said to have been thrown into a state of shock, with a resident of the community stressing that the deceased might have left his house early in the morning and trekked for some kilometres to the outskirts of the community before committing suicide.

    With no suicide note found on the deceased, residents of the community subsequently reported the incident at

    reported the incident at the Ore Area Command of Nigeria Police Station, after which his body was evacuated and deposited at the mortuary of the State Specialist Hospital, Ore, Odigbo Local Council.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami, who confirmed the incident, stated that an investigation had begun.

    She said, “The police are aware of the report of suicide, but we do not have details of what led to it; an investigation will unravel that.”