Author: Emmanuel Opara

  • Nigeria Music star, Tiwa Savage writes petition against Davido to IGP, alleges threat to life

    Nigeria Music star, Tiwa Savage writes petition against Davido to IGP, alleges threat to life

    There seems not to be end in sight to the feud currently tearing Afrobeat queen, Tiwa Savage and music star, Davido as the former has filed a petition with the police, claiming that her life is under threat from Davido.

    The dispute unfolded on December 23 when Tiwa posted on her Instagram Story alongside Sophia Momodu.

    In response, Davido messaged Tiwa’s manager, expressing displeasure and accusing her of taunting him with disrespectful words.

    Tiwa responded, reminding Davido not to contact her, especially considering her past support during challenging times, such as the loss of his son.

    The aftermath of this exchange resulted in a barrage of calls and messages from mutual connections, questioning Tiwa about her actions.

    Davido allegedly portrayed her as the aggressor, expressing dissatisfaction with her maintaining a relationship with Sophia Momodu, Imade’s mother, with whom he is reportedly having issues.

    Disturbingly, Davido warned through mutual connections that Tiwa should “be careful in Lagos” because he intended to harm her.

    It was observed that Tiwa perceived this as a form of online and offline harassment, affecting not only her but also members of her team.

    In her petition, she contended that Davido’s actions violated her constitutional rights to life, privacy, and dignity.

    “The events of that day have also led to a barrage of calls and messages from our mutual connections, asking me what I did to MR. DAVID ADELEKE that he’s upset that I choose to maintain a relationship with Imade’s mother, Sophia Momodu who he’s having issues with and also painting the exchange to look like I was the aggressor. He has also told our mutual connections to warn me to “becareful in Lagos because he was going to f**k me up”.

    This is beginning to feel like some form of online and offline harassment not just to me but also members of my team.

    The actions of MR. DAVID ADELEKE are unethical and can be viewed as a direct threat to my rights to life, privacy and dignity of my person.”

    She specifically references Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.

    She added further that “1 therefore would like to make this complaint, and to state that in the event that anything untoward or harmful were to happen to me or any member of my family, I will like the members of the Nigerian Police Force to hold MR. DAVID ADELEKE responsible. I am available to answer any questions or provide any additional information regarding this matter.”

    Their recent unfollowing of each other on Instagram serves as a public manifestation of their discord.

    Tiwa emphasised that if any harm befalls her or her family, she holds Davido accountable.

    She attached screenshot images of the exchange between them to support her claims, urging the Nigerian Police Force to investigate the matter promptly.

  • Trending: President Tinubu reacts as Funke Akindele’s movie breaks record

    Trending: President Tinubu reacts as Funke Akindele’s movie breaks record

    President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the ingenuity, creativity, and immense artistic talents of Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry.

    In a statement by Presidential spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu also congratulated Ms Funke Akindele on her record-setting film and commends the ace thespian for her contributions to the growth of the industry.

    The President extolled the creative industry’s pivotal place as a medium not only for artistic expression but also a source of enormous soft power and viable export.

    “The creative industry is one of the high-employment sectors, providing jobs for our able and talented youths. It is an industry that is crucial to my administration. I salute Nigerians for their enduring support and patronage of home-grown creative efforts. We will provide the conducive environment for the industry to thrive further,” Tinubu said.(NAN)

  • Tinubu appoints new executive directors for NPA, NIMASA

    Tinubu appoints new executive directors for NPA, NIMASA

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, approved the appointment of new Executive Directors in two agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

    For Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) the president appointed Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet as Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Engr. Olalekan Badmus as Executive Director, Marine & Operations and Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar as Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services.

    For Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), he appointed Mr. Jibril Abba as Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services, Mr. Chudi Offodile as Executive Director, Finance & Administration and Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi as Executive Director, Operations.

    According to a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity, the President approved the appointments with the firm belief, after studying their impressive profiles, that the new appointees would expeditiously and efficiently execute on their collective mandate to create the conditions required to significantly raise the contribution of the Marine & Blue Economy sector to the nation’s GDP while evolving the Nigerian economy into a labour-intensive and inclusive one that creates new opportunity for all Nigerians in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda, under the able guidance of the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

  • Safety Signatures Boss, Gregg Joins Alfadarai To Open Civil Defense Office In Lagos

    Safety Signatures Boss, Gregg Joins Alfadarai To Open Civil Defense Office In Lagos

    The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Safety Signatures Limited, Dr. Cynthia Gregg, one of the leading private security outfit joined the outgoing Lagos State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), Commandant of Corps Usman Alfadarai to declare open the Public Relations Officer’s office in the state.

    The aforementioned, seasoned, security doyen and expert known for her for collaborative impacts and supports within the Private and public security industry as well as humanitarian circle also pledged, to play a formidable role in ensuring the image of the Corps is promoted, in the state as that remained one of her vision for the service.

    The Commandants of Corps Usman Alfadarai and Adedotun Keshinro, were thrilled, by her love for the Corps and they therefore, seized the opportunity to extol her and called on well meaning people in the state to be partners in progress with such efforts as displayed by Dr Cynthia Gregg.

    The CEO/MD of Safety Signatures Limited, made it clear in her remarks during the commissioning that the Civil Defence Public Relations Officer in Lagos has contributed immensely, to the elevation of the Corps’ name in the state and across the federation, without any iota of doubt and as such to encourage such brilliant performances one has to ensure physical, structural and human capacity upgrade and more attention given to the Public Relations Officer and the entire unit for more excellent results.

    “Hardwork and patience is being rewarded and celebrated today,” she says.

  • Tinubu’s New Year Message Lacks Time Frame For Economic Recovery – Oghenesivbe

    Tinubu’s New Year Message Lacks Time Frame For Economic Recovery – Oghenesivbe

    Executive Assistant on Orientation and Communication to Delta State Governor, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that President Ahmed Tinubu’s new Year message to Nigerians was devoid of hope, transparency and time frame for economy recovery.

    He noted that removal of fuel subsidy and liberalization of the forex market were the two key drivers of hardship and high inflation rate in the country, which Mr President knowingly triggered, and that his new year address ought to have focused on strategies put in place by his administration to crash inflation and pump price of petrol.

    Oghenesivbe while reviewing President Tinubu’s speech with Elder Statesman Akin Fatunke on MiTv live show on Tuesday via DSTV Channel 255, further posited that the vague nature of Mr President’s message to Nigerians had increased the level of hopelessness and overflowing tears for the ordinary citizens who majorly bear the brunt of the nation’s economy woes occasioned by unrealistic anti people economic policies of APC national government.

    He averred that national defence, internal security, job creation, macro economic stability, poverty reduction, investment environment stabilization, human capital development, humanitarian services, agriculture, social welfare and/or security which formed the basis of the N28.7 trillion budged signed into law by President Tinubu, ought to have receive prime attention in the speech by way of setting time frame to achieve results for Nigerians.

    Oghenesivbe who is also a full member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, and Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation Bureau, DSOB, further stated that for foreign investors to be favourably disposed to invest substantially in Nigeria, the Tinubu administration must urgently end the wave of internal insecurity, and to also do the needful to stabilize power supply for industries to thrive, as well as solve the vexed problems of massive corruption at the corridors of power in APC national government.

    He faulted President Tinubu for not deeming it necessary to mention the recent unlawful killings in Plateau State, and for not personally visiting the victims and families of the bereaved, saying that it was old fashioned for Mr President to send his Vice on such a critical mission that requires his personal attention and solidarity.

    And on the political crisis in River State, Oghenesivbe said former governor Nyesom Wike, ought to know that Governor Similanayi Fubara now cut the shots as incumbent governor and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and her structures in River State, pointing out that it was not the practice for past governors to claim ownership of the party structure, rather the incumbent governor controls the party structure in trust for the party, leaders and all members.

    He said Wike’s claim that he had to support President Tinubu to bring power to the South does not hold waters, adding that after Atiku Abubakar emerged as PDP Presidential candidate, Wike schemed to become Atiku’s Vice Presidential candidate, which obviously nullified his claim and clamour for a southern President.

    “Mr President’s address to the nation on new Year day was vague, deceitful, hopeless and a mere academic exercise.

    “He ought to briefly tell Nigerians the strategies his administration had put in place to end the dwindling value of the Naira, and to explain how the Port Harcourt and Dangote Refineries would crash the pump price of fuel, so that Nigerians can better appreciate his efforts in that direction, if any.

    “President Tinubu should have done well in his speech by briefly articulating his Macro economic reforms and how it will set a new dawn in upscaling our national economic fortunes.

    “He did not also explain strategies for job creation and how many of our unemployed youth would benefit from the N28.7 trillion budget. It was a vague speech altogether.

    “Mr President deliberately avoided the serial massacre which took place recently in Plateau State. Nigerians social contract with Mr President cannot be overemphasized. He didn’t do well by not vising plateau state to sympathize with the bereaved and victims of the unlawful killings.

    “PDP has been vindicated as Tinubu who once said that Fuel Subsidy was a scam to now agree he removed it. In fact, President Mohammadu Buhari paid the highest subsidy ever after demonstrating against what he called nonexistent of petrol subsidy.

    “Coming to power by deceit is now glaring. Nigerians now prefer the PDP. Life was better and enjoyable during PDP government at the centre. Nigerians are pained that PDP missed the golden opportunity of coming to power in 2023.

    “As a party, PDP will bounce back in 2027. The mistakes of 2023 will not again rear it’s ugly head as we strategize to take over power from APC in 2027.

    “As for Rivers State, Former governor Weysom Wike should know that God gives power. He wants to completely crash PDP in Rivers State, but governor Fubara is resisting.

    “We are praying for Fubara and God will secure Rivers for PDP and for the good people of the state who voted Fubara as governor,” Oghenesivbe said.

  • Oborevwori commits to completion, continuity of projects for sustainable devt

    Oborevwori commits to completion, continuity of projects for sustainable devt

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, said his administration would ensure completion of all ongoing projects while also initiating new ones for the sustainable development of the state.

    Governor Oborevwori disclosed this during inspection of construction of storm drainage channel from Owa-Alero and its environs through Owa-Alizomor and Owa-Ofie to link Iyi-Amah stream in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state.

    The Governor who was conducted round the site by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Engr Fred Edafiogho and Project Consultant Mr John Onwualu, expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, adding that his administration has zero tolerance for project abandonment.

    He said: “For the past few days we have been going round to inspect projects. We are taking advantage of the dry season to know how many projects that will be completed.

    “We are here to see what they have done because you cannot know the extent of work just from the paper work. I am very impressed seeing what they have done.

    “It is to discharge water from Owa-Alero to Iyi-Ama stream. They have assured us that the job will be completed in the next four months.

    “I am satisfied with the work done so far by the contractor, CCECC. What is going on here is the same thing going on in Warri. The other phase of the Warri storm drainage project will soon commence.

    “The only way to cure the flood water problems here, is to build this storm water drainage and that’s what we are doing here.

    “The major work of about 75% have been done already. The remaining 25% will be completed by April like the contractor”.

  • Gov.Oborevwori felicitates business magnet, Daniel Omoyibo at 55

    Gov.Oborevwori felicitates business magnet, Daniel Omoyibo at 55

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated business mogul and Managing Director of DANMOTECH Nigeria Limited, Chief Dr Daniel Omoyibo on his 55th birth anniversary.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described the Oleh-Isoko-born businessman as a consummate entrepreneur and philanthropist, whose benevolence has lifted many lives.

    He said that the government and people of the state appreciated Omoyibo’s support and selfless contributions to humanity through his philanthropy and corporate social responsibility.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate you, my dear brother and friend, Chief Dr Daniel Omoyibo, on the joyous occasion of your 55th birth anniversary.

    “Through your several investments in oil and gas and hospitality, you have created several jobs and provided many opportunities for our people to utilize their God given potential to earn a living.

    “As a government, we appreciate your generosity and benevolence to our people which had earned you a large, devoted and loyal followership across Isoko and Delta State.

    “It is my prayer that God will continue to grant you a life of more accomplishments as you strive to make life better for mankind,” Oborevwori said.

  • Delta Gov hail military for fight against oil theft, sundry crimes

    Delta Gov hail military for fight against oil theft, sundry crimes

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the country for their fight against oil theft and sundry crimes.

    Oborevwori gave the commendation at the 2023 combined West African Social Activities (WASA) for Headquarters 63 Brigade and 181 Amphibious Battalion held at the 181 Amphibious Battalion New Barracks, Alifikede, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

    Governor Oborevwori who was represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu said the efforts of the Army and other sister security agencies have helped to maintain peace and phenomenal growth of infrastructure as well as unity across the state.

    He said the success story of the Oborevwori administration cannot be told without the collaboration of the Army, the police and other sister security agencies.

    He said: “I am delighted to be in your midst today at as Special Guest of Honour for the year 2023 West African Social Activities for the Headquarters 63 Brigade and 181 Amphibious Battalion.

    “The tradition of WASA dates back to the days of the Royal West African Frontier Force when troops and their families come together at the end of the year to socialise and celebrate the achievements of their formations or units for that year.

    “I am proud to say with all confidence that officers and soldiers of Headquarters 63 Brigade and 181 Amphibious Battalion as well as their families have given a good account of themselves in the true spirit of WASA.

    “The year 2023 was an eventful year characterised by challenges and successes. Worthy of note is the gallant performance and sacrifice of the personnel towards the fight against oil theft, sundry crimes and the successful conduct of the 2023 General elections among other operations and assignments.

    “Therefore, I commend you for the sacrifices towards ensuring an enduring peace across the state and I must sincerely appreciate the Commander 63 Brigade and his wonderful team for this,” he stated.

    Oborevwori while urging the officers and soldiers to remain loyal and committed to their duties, assured the Army of the continued support of the State Government and paid special tribute to fallen heroes who paid the supreme price to keep the country safe and united.

    In his opening remarks, the Chief host and Commander 63 Brigade Asaba, Brig. Gen. S. Aliyu said WASA is aimed at bringing the soldiers and their families together to celebrate the activities of the year.

    He said the exercise helps soldiers and their families to bond together through the display of various cultural activities

    Brig. Gen. Aliyu said the Brigade will continue to ensure the welfare of soldiers in the performance of their duties and commended Governor Oborevwori, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Port-Harcourt and the Chief of Army Staff for their support.

    Welcoming guests earlier, Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Agbor, Lt. Col. A. N. Abubakar, said the exercise was one of the activities organised annually to celebrate the successes recorded by the Army during the year.

    The celebration featured the famous tug of war draw, stripping and assembling, cultural dances as well as local cuisines across the country.

  • Dangote: The beats MTN, Globacom, Banks to take 6th MVB award in Nigeria

    Dangote: The beats MTN, Globacom, Banks to take 6th MVB award in Nigeria

    Dangote Industries Limited has emerged as Nigeria’s most valuable brand for the sixth consecutive year. This achievement was confirmed by the brand and marketing firm, TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA, as part of its comprehensive 2023 Top Brands perception assessment.

    Winning the award for a record 6th time confirms the foremost African indigenous Conglomerate’s unwavering dominance of the domestic brand space.

    TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA, is a qualitative, non-financial evaluation of top corporate brands in the country.
    The annual top brands league table which has become like a report card, with which top corporate brands have a feel of their ranking in the market is done with a special purpose model, the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM Index).

    The rating firm in a statement said that Dangote got an impressive aggregate score of 86.2 on the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) index, reinforcing its position at the forefront. The score reflects the consistent excellence of the brand

    MTN remains a strong contender, securing a close second place with an 85 BSM index score. This year’s third and fourth positions are secured by Airtel Nigeria and Globacom, both with BSM index scores of 77.9 and 77 respectively. Interestingly, this reaffirms the prominence of telecom brands, with three out of the top four hailing from this sector. Among the Top 10 brands are Access Bank, Zenith Bank, Coca-Cola, GTCO, and First Bank, Globacom was adjudged the Most Popular Brand following the outcome of a Top of Mind (TOM) Survey, where respondents mentioned 10 brands that came to their mind or that they could easily recall.

    This year’s survey had as respondents Chief Marketing Officers and Head of Corporate Communications of major companies across the land.

    TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA announcing the ratings said, “this annual top brand evaluation provides a qualitative, non-financial assessment of the value of leading corporate brands in the country. It gauges consumers’ perceptions of brands and their impact on overall brand strength, using the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) index—a model designed to assess a brand’s ability to deliver on its promises from the consumer’s perspective.”

    In today’s market, brands have woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives, from dawn to dusk and even in every consumer choice. This phenomenon is amplified by the rise of concepts like consumer awareness, differentiation, and the dynamics of the global economy, making brands pivotal actors.

    Chief Executive Officer of TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA Taiwo Oluboyede, speaking on the outcome of this year’s evaluation, likened brand to a person. He said, “A brand is like a person with all the traits that define his/her personality to the audience. When you hear someone’s name, you are likely not just going to remember their faces or apparel, but who they really are and what they mean to you.”

    “Someone may claim to be the best man in the world, and could even go as far as doing paid advertising to attract attention. However, the real description of the person to you is your experience. Perception about a person could change from like to dislike or the other way round, the same is also true for a brand. That is why promoters go the extra length consistently remain in the target audience like-list” he added.

    He elaborated that the onus lies with brand owners and promoters to uphold compelling propositions and consistently deliver on promises. “It’s not just about making pledges anyway; it’s about steadfastly living up to them—a commitment that separates the top brands from the rest,” he stated.

    A breakdown of the 2023 evaluation report indicated that Nigerian-owned brands continued to shine among the top 10, with 10 brands. These are Dangote, Globacom, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTCO, and First Bank.

    Five of the top ten brands are Banks, while three are Telecoms. Impressively, 9 of the 10 were among the top 10 last year, while 4 maintained their previous position. Airtel Nigeria made a remarkable ascent to third place. Also, six brands have consistently maintained top 10 positions for a remarkable 7 years in a row.

    Overall, 26 or 52% of the 50 brands are multinational, while 24 or 48% are Nigerian brands.

    Rite Foods Limited stands out as the highest gainer this year, leaping 14 places from 46th to 30th. Notably, Wema Bank makes a noteworthy debut in the annual brand ranking. Furthermore, nine brands maintained their 2022 positions, they are Dangote, MTN Nigeria, GTCO, First Bank, Multichoice, Fidelity, Toyota Nigeria, FMNPLC, and AXA Mansard.

    A breakdown of the report indicated that Banking Services, as usual, had the largest entries with 12 entrants, representing 24% of the total. Access Bank topped the category. This is followed by Consumer Goods with 9 brands, that is 18%, with Dufil Prima Foods leading the charge.

    The Conglomerates category has 6 brands, making up 12%, with Dangote Group on top. The Oil and gas, Beverages, and Telecom sectors each contribute 4 brands, with Oando, Coca-Cola, and MTN leading their respective categories

    The Insurance sector has 3 brands, with AIICO at the forefront. Meanwhile, the Building & Construction Services, Media, and Electronics categories had 2 brands each, featuring Julius Berger, Multichoice, and Tecno Nigeria leading their respective categories.

    Automobile, Agricultural, and Aviation/Logistics sectors had 1 brand each —Toyota Nigeria, Olam International, and Air Peace.

    Of note in the report also is a class called Brands to Watch, a set of 10 brands that have shown some level of vibrancy in recent times and are gaining momentum in consumer acquisition with the possibility of achieving the 50 top Brands League Table in a few years. It should be noted that, while these brands have considerable mentions in the TOM survey, they were not strictly subjected to the rigorous BSM evaluation

  • Customs Set To Review Stakeholders’ Complaints – Vehicle Identification Number

    Customs Set To Review Stakeholders’ Complaints – Vehicle Identification Number

    The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has promised to look into complaints by licensed customs agents and freight forwarders over newly introduced Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) valuation that has resulted in a strike action across ports in Lagos

    Plus Naija reports that the Zonal Coordinator of NCS in Zone A, Mrs Modupe Aremu who represented the Comptroller General of Customs at a stakeholder meeting on Tuesday, assured that the customs management will meet Wednesday to review the complaints.

    Mrs Aremu who described customs and it’s licensed agents as members of one large family also disclosed that a solution to the issue will be arrived at soon

    Addressing the media after the meeting, acgy Aremu, explained that the Customs is going to modify the complaints of the clearing agents to arrive at a conclusive arrangement for the VIN.

    According to ACG Aremu, “We are going to modify their complaints going forward. The modification will take care of the complaints of the clearing agents as regards VIN.

    “We also talked and rubbed minds on a solution to this ongoing strike at the ports.

    “The agents were actually trained ahead of the implementation of the VIN valuation. That was why we were not expecting this kind of response from them when we began the implementation.

    “Due to the complaints the agents gave today, we are going back to the drawing board to modify all the issues that they raised. Hopefully, very soon we will get back to them on the outcome of the modification. VIN has come to stay, it cannot be suspended.”

    Also speaking at the event,Aliyu Galadima Saidu, Assistant Comptroller General in Charge of ICT and Modernisation disclosed that efforts will be made to bring training closer to customs agents.

    He said the training will be decentralized to area commands to be organised by Customs Area Controllers .

    ACG Saidu added that that trade in an ICT driven era requires sincerity and integrity as according to him, some persons were found to change VIN figures of their imported used vehicles so as to be processed as non standard VIN to evade complete duty payments.

    A chieftain of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Chief Taiye Oyeniyi decried the high cost of vehicle clearance using VIN Valuation .

    Chief Oyeniyi advised NCS to reconsider it’s defunct Customs Consultative Forum as a way to bridge communication gap between the NCS and agents

    He also urged the striking agents to allow members of customs management team present at the Lagos meeting to take their complaints to Abuja for consideration.

    Babatunde Keshinro, General Manager of Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) , a major area for vehicle importation in Lagos, said there are backlog of vehicles waiting to be evacuated.

    Keshinro said the strike has caused a congestion leading to inability of more RoRo vessels calling at the port to discharge.

    According to him, as at February 24, some ships that are bringing cars to Lagos have gone to wait in Cotonou awaiting information about space to discharge their vehicular cargoes.

    For over two weeks, licenced customs agents and freight forwarders have embarked on a strike action over alleged increase in duty payment on imported used vehicles under a new VIN Valuation regime.

    The regime addresses the duty variation and alleged non uniformity said to have existed before now. It also uses artificial intelligence relying on supplied data by the trader and other third parties to evaluate and decide on duty payments without human interference.