Business

Adewale Ayuba Special : Why I built a digital studio + clears the air on the controversial born again report

Published

9 years ago

February 26, 2016

Multiple award winning fuji star, Adewale Ayuba has cleared the air on his born again controversial story. In an exclusive chat with Sahara Weekly, he opened up on his career, new studio and host of other sundry issues

Q –. Can you tell us what you are working on presently?

R – We are working on digitalizing fuji music. We are trying to see fuji from a different angle. We want to put fuji music in a level where people can tap from,. Where you can easily send singles from your phone to another because the world now belongs to social media and we are trying to do what is in vogue. To realize this, we must have our own digital studio because 99% of fuji music is done by analogue studio. We want to make it crispy now.

Q – Arguably, everybody acknowledge your standard when it comes to fuji. Your own style differs from others. A lot of people blend with your style. What inspired that?

R – From day one of my life, my prayer has been to make fuji music popular. I want to be a preacher that will preach fuji to the western world. When I started, I had 5 albums that wasn’t even played at all and all my friends were mocking me in school that I was doing something local., I realized it’s not their fault, , its because fuji wasn’t doing well. In this fuji music, lyrics is supposed to be in Arabic or Yoruba but how do you want young ones to understand and appreciate Arabic and Yoruba? And that is why we started writing 50% of English and 50% of Yoruba in our songs. Even for foreigners, it will be understandable for them that way.

Furthermore, the sound of fuji music rhythm used to be slow so we made the tempo fast and thank God everything went fine.

Q – A lot of people had this general belief in those days that Fuji music is for illiterates but when you came on board, a lot of people believed that your level of education is why you were able to make it to the top and modernize fuji music, would you agree with that?

R- I can’t lie to you, it’s part of it. The reason is that education is life but at the same time, I’m a good listener. If you are working for me and I want to do something, I’ll call you to hear your own part before going on. I can call my gateman or anybody and that is why my producer can work with we smoothly.

Q – Another thing people appreciate about your brand is the energy. A lot of people believe you brought the energy into fuji industry. Where do you get the energy from?

R – I had an artist I always look forward to then. He was Micheal Jackson. Anytime I watch him, I marvelled with the energetic things he does. I also wanted to be like King sunny Ade because of his energy .That is the brain behind that.

Q – Interestingly, You just got a new studio, can you tell us more about that?

R – The studio you are talking about is to digitalize fuji music. I realize that I don’t need analogue studio alone. I need the combination of Analogue and Digital studio. There’s no analogue and digital studio in Nigeria, I’m not saying I’m the only one but it’s not much here in Nigeria because nobody wants to digitalised fuji . I’m the one that realize that we need to do this in order to make fuji music move forward. When I start, other artiste will join me. The push came from Late Ayinde Barrister. Before he died, he called me and told me not to let Fuji music go down and that I should do my own. He laid the legacy.

Q – To what extent will the digitalization affect your brand and how about the fund?

R – It’s about determination. Once you are determined, you won’t think of how much you are paying. My prayer is that God should let me achieve this. My plan is to see other artiste come in to record because it’s not for me alone, it’s a commercial thing but whoever does fuji music will pay just 70% of the normal amount because I opened it because of Fuji music.

Q – How do you joggle your music career and your hospitality business?

R – Thank God for that and there is nothing bad in trying to diversify especially when you don’t make money from entertainment. When we sell our albums, we don’t make money because of piracy. My hospitality business is just something I have. It’s just there to boost my career. I don’t know much about it because I have someone managing it for me, it’s just for my career.

Q – Can you clear the air on the issue surrounding your testimony in church recently?

R – About religion, we are talking about Christian and Muslim, which are the same thing. I was misquoted as regard my testimony. I said I had wanted to be a Christian from my day one maybe because I don’t understand Arabic but I have to know it because without it, I won’t be able to read the Quran and I realize I’m not serving my God well with what he has done for me. I’m calling myself a Muslim but can I read the Quran? But I can read the bible well because it’s comprehensive. But because of my background; my parents are Muslims and most of my fans are Muslims too, I was afraid. It’s not as if my parents were going to kill me, they are not killers, Muslims are not killers too. I was just misquoted. Nobody should care about my religion; they should talk more about my career. I did the testimony in my church, not to the public. I’ve been to Hajj and most of my fans are Muslim so it’s impossible for me to say there are going to kill me.

Q- That means you still appreciate and associate with your muslim fans…..

R – Of course. I’ve been a Christian since 2010. Had it been I just got converted last week, it would have been a different story. In my band, most of them are alhajis. I can’t say muslims will kill me. NO!!!. Religion is like Chelsea and Arsenal, you choose the one you prefer. I was surprised when people started calling me to know if I’ve become a Gospel musician now. Nigerians should talk more about my career. If anyone was offended by my testimony, they should just forgive and forget but I didn’t mean when everyone thought. My parents are not killers. Muslims have given me four different notable titles so why would I say they will kill me? I did the testimony in church and someone spread it and I was misquoted.

Q – People believe Fuji is a house that isn’t united. To what extent do you want to unite artiste in the fuji industry?

R – I don’t know why people think fuji musicians are not united. Have they ever seen two fuji artiste fighting each other publicly? If I say I’m the best dancer in the world now, people will say I’m throwing shades at one artiste. It’s people that is making it look like we are not united. If I call Pasuma and Osupa now, they will join me here and they will be relating well with each other but because marketers believe people like negative stuffs, they sell it to people too. Journalist should help too because their pen can change lives, change the nation.

Q – What should your fans expect from you this year?

R – By God’s grace, the studio is working and my single Is coming up. It will be out before easter. I don’t want to do lengthy albums again. When my album comes out, it will be like 12track in an albums. Also the studio gives discount to all fuji artistes.

Business

Oil marketers counter Dangote

Published

13 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Oil marketers counter Dangote over allegation of substandard product importation

The Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has countered the claim by Dangote Refinery that any oil importers landing petrol at a price cheaper than what the refinery is selling are importing substandard products and conniving with international traders to dump low quality products into Nigeria.

The refinery had made the claim on Sunday.

In a statement yesterday, DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, said none of its members was engaging in activities that could shortchange Nigerian fuel users by conniving with anyone to bring in low quality product into the country.

“We’ve said this for the umpteenth time, and it bears repeating, those in the downstream sector business of petroleum products trade are patriotic Nigerians who will not shortchange Nigerian citizens for filthy lucre. Our members are in this business to add value to the businesses of their fellow Nigerians and not to defraud them.

“Prices of products in the international market are dynamic as they’re dictated by prevailing circumstances at every given situation. We calculate our landing costs based on the dynamics of market forces, and the templates are always in the public domain. To claim that if the landing cost of imported product happens to be lower than that of the refinery indicates importation of low quality product is not only preposterous, but also fallacious. In any case, the management of the refinery has, until now, kept its cost and prices close to its chest and put it away from public scrutiny. “

“This type of submission, targeted at projecting our members negatively before the public, cannot help the management’s desire to have oil marketers patronise its products. What will ensure such patronage is transparency, fair play, and readiness to compete with others, including foreign refineries, on an even keel and on a level playing field.”

Adewole said the disclosure by the refinery’s management that the facility has a huge stock of 500 million litres fuel reserve came to its members as news.

“We were surprised because we believe that if the refinery has such huge stock, it’s the marketers that should be put in the know first.

‘Secondly, it was even more surprising given that the news came about the time the refinery was working on rationing what each marketer could pick from the refinery. If they had such huge stock, how is it then that they’re rationing what marketers could buy?

“On all these developments in the industry, the position of our members is very clear: we’ve always played by the rules, and we’ll continue to play by the rules. We’ll not be tired of advocating for a level playing field and a highly competitive and transparent sector that’s devoid of arm twisting and devoid of any form of dominant tendencies,” he said.

Similarly, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) said it had concluded plans to import the best quality petroleum product and sell at far cheaper prices.

The association said it was awaiting the NMDPRA to grant it import licence, saying it “has successfully incorporated a strategic business unit called PETROL.”

Its spokesman, Joseph Obele, said PETROAN had concluded plans with her foreign refinery counterparts and financial partners to import the best quality of PMS and “then sell far less than the present selling rate of PMS in Nigeria.”

He said the allegations that PETROAN would import inferior products and that an international company was trying to establish a PMS blending plant in Lagos “are all strategies for Dangote Refinery to push others out of the market…”

Also, Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, in a statement by its Chief Executive Officer, Bob Dickerman, denied blending substandard petroleum products.

Business

Why Protesters demanded Kyari’s resignation

Published

14 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Why Protesters demanded Kyari’s resignation

Scores of youths stormed the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on Monday, demanding the immediate resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mele Kyari.

The protesters, led by some Civil Society Organisations, described Kyari’s leadership as incompetent, citing skyrocketing fuel prices, endless fuel queues, and economic hardship in Nigeria.

The protesters carrying placards with different inscriptions such as “we demand the immediate resignation of Kyari”, among others, said the leadership of the NNPCL boss has failed.

The aggrieved youths led by Abdullahi Bilal of the (Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal) and Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria demanded immediate action to address what they described as failed leadership in managing the country’s oil sector.

Central to the protests were grievances over skyrocketing fuel prices and the never-ending queues, which they argued have driven inflation and plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.

They also decried the importation of adulterated fuel, which they said is a corrupt practice that harms citizens by damaging vehicles and businesses.

They demanded an immediate halt to these imports and accountability for those responsible, questioning how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite quality control assurances.

Additionally, the group criticized the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote refinery to resolve Nigeria’s fuel crisis, expressing frustration over the billions of dollars spent on refinery development and refurbishing existing facilities.

They argued that despite these investments, fuel shortages persist, leaving Nigeria reliant on costly imports even as an oil-producing nation.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by overhauling leadership in the oil sector, enforcing greater accountability, and putting citizens’ needs first. The protesters vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands for reform and transparency are met.

Speaking to journalists during the mass demonstration, Abdullahi Bilal said, “The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every citizen who has been betrayed by a system that continues to enrich a few at the expense of many.

“Today, we call for the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the country’s oil sector. Their management has failed Nigerians.

“Under their watch, we have seen fuel prices skyrocket without consultation or consideration of the devastating impact on the people. We have endured fuel scarcity while substandard, adulterated fuel is imported, causing further hardship.

“We demand the complete removal of the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime that has only served to enrich a select few. Full deregulation is necessary to introduce transparency, competition, and fairness to our oil sector.”

On their part, Otache and Isaac, insisted, “This act of economic sabotage has led to endless fuel queues, skyrocketing fuel prices, and unprecedented disruptions in the daily lives of Nigerians.

“We demand an immediate end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from all involved parties. We want to know how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control.”

On July 7, 2019, former President Mohammadu Buhari appointed Kyari as the 19th GMD of NNPC, but with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, his current portfolio is without recourse to previous employment ranks in the company.

NNPCL reacts

Reacting, the NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, said the protestors lack understanding of the sector.

He explained that contrary to their agitation, the GCEO ensured Nigerians had access to fuel at N620 per litre for over a year, even when the landing cost was above N1,100.

Responding via a chat, Soneye said, “Unfortunately, they lack understanding of the sector. If they were informed, they would know that the GCEO is not responsible for the fuel price increase; in fact, he ensured Nigerians had access to fuel at N620 per litre for over a year, even when the landing cost was above N1,100.”

Business

Renewed Hope Agenda and Impacts in Aviation* By Mary Odoma

Published

15 hours ago

November 5, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Renewed Hope Agenda and Impacts in Aviation

By Mary Odoma

President Bola Tinubu’s knack for selecting top talent is unparalleled. In his quest to build a prosperous Nigeria, he’s assembled an exceptional team. By leveraging their expertise, experience, and strategic insight, he’s fostering national stability, economic growth, and a sustainable future.

His latest win is in Aviation and Aerospace Development, where he’s appointed a fearless and straightforward leader, Festus Keyamo, SAN. Keyamo’s commitment to excellence makes him an ideal fit. President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria is taking shape, and his leadership choices are truly commendable.

A dedicated, charismatic and impactful lawyer, the dynamic and astute developer is a terror to mischief makers and enemies of progress. A tough and forceful personality who is determined with an ultimate goal to change Nigeria.

Appointed on 21st August 2023 as the helmsman of the Ministry, Keyamo has been unwavering in his drive for positive transformation, reforming the sector and bringing about enduring positive impact in a transparent manner.

His Ministry has the core mandate of regulating air travel and aviation services in the country. It is also responsible for overseeing air transportation, air development, maintenance, provision of aviation infrastructural services and other needs.

A very patriotic Nigerian, Chief Festus has several achievements, in line with the Renewed Hope Aviation Roadmap approved by President Tinubu to his credit.

In a steadfast commitment towards revitalizing the nation’s aviation sector, Mr Keyamo was able to ensure the approval of the concession of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano Airports. This is in line with the initiation of the Nigerian Airport Concession Strategy.

Also, in line with the Federal Ministry of Aviation Roadmap, Chief Keyamo initiated the signing of an MoU with the Nile University for the take-off of African Aviation and Aerospace University (AU). This milestone achievement of the Minister aims to integrate and create an avenue for the training, research and development of ready middle-class manpower for the sector.

Equally, under his watch, the pragmatic leader led the Ministry into partnership with the ICRC and also a collaboration with the IFC on infrastructural development. This partnership is to both develop and implement a comprehensive and durable framework that will meet the infrastructural needs of the sector over a long period.

Through Keyamo’s congruence and dynamism, the BASA arrangement is another revolutionary innovation aimed at ensuring the operationalization of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.

Keyamo’s motivation and altruistic devotion to having a functional aviation and aerospace sector also moved him to upgrade the Muhammadu Buhari, Airport, Maiduguri to the standard of an international airport. This airport is ready to commence full operation on January 1, 2025

In the area of staff motivation, retirees of the Ministry now have no cause for alarm as their interest is covered. Recently, the Ministry honoured 24 retirees drawn from the lowest rung to the highest. It is in a bid to acknowledge those who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the sector as Nation-builders.

His prompt response to issues including distress reveals an empathetic personality and someone who is very much alive to his responsibilities. Recently, while reacting to the accident involving a helicopter on the 24th October 2024, Mr Keyamo, immediately upon receiving the distress call, activated protocols aimed at search and rescue operations, mandating all relevant bodies to do everything humanly possible to ensure the safety of the passengers on board the ill-fated vehicle.

The Minister was also actively involved with all the relevant agencies towards ensuring a coordinated response. His active and physical involvement led to the minimization of casualties.

In a show of collaboration and solidarity, the Hon. Minister travelled to far away Marrakesh, Morrocco, to give support to the 2024 International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) congress. His presence was to underpin the importance the federal government attaches to the role of the transport workers in stabilizing the aviation sector.

Festus Keyamo as the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development is certainly the best thing that has happened to the industry. He has exhibited passion, dedication and selfless forthrightness in the discharge of his duties and a total comprehension of what it takes to carry out his roles. He is well-groomed for the job and his background has helped him greatly towards shaping the positive impact he is making on society.

Today, Festus has proved that a faithful, disciplined, and dedicated Nigerian can stand out of the crowd because he symbolizes what governance is all about. These feats can only be achieved by a man with the right comportment and conduct in the service of humanity and the fatherland.

Deserving of note is that Chief Keyamo, through the foresight of President Tinubu has well-prepared team leaders appointed as heads of the agencies of the Ministry.

The supportive and collaborative roles of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Nigeria Metrological Agency, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Nigeria Airspace Management, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), have brought about those tangible and noticeable volte-face experienced today in the Aviation sector.

With Keyamo at the helm, Nigeria’s aviation sector is experiencing a transformative shift, thanks to President Tinubu’s foresight in appointing well-prepared team leaders. The Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Nigeria Metrological Agency, and others are working together to bring about tangible change. Keyamo’s dedication, discipline, and commitment to service have improved Nigeria’s image and reformed the aviation and aerospace sectors.

Odoma is the President of New Nigeria Network [NNN[ writing from Abuja.