Sahara Weekly Magazine

Category: Campaign

American Singer T-Pain Praises Alesh Akeem, Says Portraits Are Dynamic

American Singer T-PAIN has showered accolades on Nigeria’s Celebrity Pencil Portrait Artist, Alesh Akeem saying his works are dynamic.

The Nigeria’s leading Pencil Artist once again wowed the country at the grand finale of the just concluded Lagos Fashion Week when he presented the Art Piece to the American Singer.

Alesh Akeem while talking the media also noted that the singer’s portrait was completed in just six hours.

Recall that Alesh Akeem earlier this year made a striking portrait of American singer and Grammy winner, Ciara.

Other works of the Celebrity Portrait Artist include: American Rapper, Tyga; Akin Alabi (Founder, NairaBET); Sensational Singer Praiz; Jesse Jagz amongst others

November 1, 2016
NBA President suspends Supreme Court Judges accused of corruption

The spokesperson of Nigeria’s Supreme Court, Ahuraka Isah, on Monday confirmed reports that two Supreme Court judges accused of corruption have stopped sitting.

The two judges, Iyang Okoro and Sylvester Nguta, were among seven judges arrested by operatives of the State Security Service, following allegations of corruption.

In a telephone chat with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Isah, who speaks for the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, said the Supreme Court judges suspended sittings since the raid on their homes and their subsequent arrest.

“None of the judges whose houses were raided and arrested by the SSS have been suspended by the NJC,” the spokesperson said. “But the two affected Supreme Court justices voluntarily recused themselves from all judicial functions since the raid occurred.”

Seven judges were on October 7 arrested by the SSS following allegations of corruption.

While the affected judges have denied any wrongdoing, claiming victimisation for previous stands they took against public officials, the SSS said their arrest followed credible information about the judges’ alleged involvement in bribery and corruption allegations.

The SSS also accused the National Judicial Council of not judiciously treating petitions against corrupt judges. The NJC denied the allegation by the SSS.

Various groups have given divergent opinions about the raids and arrest of the judges. While some have commended the arrests, others have accused the executive of interfering with the judiciary by the arrests.

However, the President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Abubakar Mahmoud, had advised that the accused judges be suspended pending when they are cleared or convicted.

The NJC rejected Mr. Mahmoud’s advice.

November 1, 2016
Strike thickens as Ogun state government sacks NLC , NUT Chairmen, 14 others

Eleven days after Ogun workers embarked on an indefinite strike, government responded today with the dismissal of the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Akeem Ambali, and the state chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Dare Ilekoya.

Olusola Adeyemi, the Head of Ogun Public Service, announced the sack in Abeokuta in a statement entitled: “Government position on the recommendation of panel of inquiry set up to investigate alleged misconduct of executive members of the NUT on the 2016 World Teachers Day Celebrations held on October 5.”

Also dismissed are 14 other members of the state chapter of the NUT.

In addition, 16 officials of the union were suspended for their roles in organising the celebration.

The NLC chairman, who was until his dismissal the Deputy Director , Community and Social Development, Sagamu Local Government, was alleged to have masterminded the “political campaign rally” during the celebration.

According to Mr. Adeyemi, the panel indicted Mr. Ambali for making “inflammable and scandalous remarks against the state government”, which could cause breach of peace in the state.

“The Ogun State government accepts the recommendation of dismissal of the affected officials which the panel found guilty of contravening the Public Service Rules 04401,04421(c&d) and 04406(a)”, Mr. Adeyemi said.

He therefore directed the relevant agencies of government to implement the government decision.

In a swift reaction, the NLC chairman described the action as “executive recklessness and abuse of all statutory laws” urging workers to remain resolute in the quest to have their legitimate rights from “an autocratic and deceitful” government.

Mr. Ambali in a statement on Monday night, said he had never been summoned by any panel, and that, “the attention of the leadership was just drawn to the purported dismissal through phone calls.

“We are calling on our ever committed workers to remain at home and not be intimidated by this action that is against all norms of democratic and fair hearing.

“I have never been summoned by any panel and this clearly shows how autocratic and deceitful the government of Ibikunle Amosun is.

“Our cause for this strike is legitimate, just and right. They have only shown their true colours and this new approach is unprecedented in the history of this country, as no state governor has done what they are doing to us in Ogun state.

“Their past draconian efforts have never yielded any fruits, so also will be this move to cage us in Ogun State.

“We only want to warn that they should not set this state on fire, even as we urge our members to remain calm and just stay at home. The struggle continues,” he said.

Workers in the state commenced an indefinite strike on October 20 to protest non- remittance of 12 months deductions from their salaries.

(NAN)

November 1, 2016
‘I have nothing against Iyanya signing to Don Jazzy’s record Label’ – Ubi Franklin speaks

News broke out this morning and had it that Super star, Iyanya, who has been silent for some time in the industry has signed on to Don Jazzy’s owned record label, Mavin Record.

This brought about mixed feelings among fans as the singer once said he will be starting his own record label which was the reason he parted ways with his former Manager and CEO of Made Men Music Group (MMMG), Ubi Franklin.

In an interview with LIB his former boss, Ubi Franklin spoke about how he feels about the latest development.

LIB: News broke this morning that your former partner, Iyanya has signed onto Don Jazzy’s music label, Mavin Records. We would love to know your stance and reaction to this?
I’m happy for Iyanya. The truth is that, if you are happy for somebody, God will be happy with you and you will be happy with yourself. I don’t have anything against him.

This is music business and everything you do – as far your music is right and you are making the music for the world, it doesn’t depend on the label that you are in for all to enjoy it. I’m happy he is where great music comes out from, a label with one of the best music producers in Africa. I’m so happy for him, today is his birthday and I wish him all the best.

LIB: Iyanya informed everyone initially that he was going to start up his own label. This has however changed. Do you feel betrayed?

We are all human beings; today Iyanya is 30 by age. As a 30-year-old man, you are able to take any decision on your own, you can change your mind, you can do whatever you want to do. The most important thing is that from what I’ve seen, trust me he is happy. Nobody takes a decision that is going to be bad for him.. I still know he still has his own plans for his Label. But at this point, I know Iyanya is where good music comes from.

LIB: So you don’t feel betrayed?

No No! The only way I will feel betrayed is if there was something he owed me and he didn’t give back to me, but there is nothing like that. I’m happy for him.

LIB: Do you see any more collaborations between your team and Iyanya in the future?

That’s the funny thing about music, everything is possible. When you see people in music having issues, just leave them, the wheel goes round, if you check my snapchat, I’m always dancing to his music. There might be a future collaboration, I’m open to anything. I’m a business man, there is nothing we are fighting for.

October 31, 2016
Court arraigns three over Gospel Singer, Yinka Ayefele car damage

Three persons were on Monday docked at an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly damaging a vehicle belonging to Gospel singer, Yinka Ayefele.

The accused are: Kolade Owolabi (35); Tope Olorunfemi (22) and Isiaka Yusuf, 20‎.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Bankole Olasunkanmi, told the court that the suspects committed the offence on Oct. 27, at about 7:30p.m. at the Palace of a traditional ruler in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State.

According to Olasunkanmi, the accused persons conspired among themselves to unlawfully damage the windscreen of a vehicle belonging to Yinka Ayefele during his visit to the Ewi’s palace.

He said the offence contravened Section 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap C16 Vol. 1 Laws of Ekiti. State
‎

The prosecutor applied for a short adjournment to enable him study the case file as well as assemble his witnesses.

The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Their counsel, Mr. Gabriel Oladimeji, prayed the court to grant them bail, promising that they would not jump bail.

Chief Magistrate Idowu Ayenimo, consequently, granted bail to all the accused persons in the sum of N50, 000 each and one surety each in like sum.

He, thereafter, adjourned the case to Nov. 8 for further hearing.

(NAN)

October 31, 2016
Access Bank Grows Q3 Profit to N72bn

Access Bank Plc has announced an impressive profit of N72 billion for the nine months ended 30 September 2016 based on enhanced business efficiency as a result of the effective execution of its long-term strategy.

The Bank’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) showed an increase of 19% from N60.4 billion recorded during the same period in 2015. Profit After Tax (PAT) grew by similar margin from N48.1 billion in 2015 to N57.1 billion in 2016.

Access BankGroup’s unaudited nine-monthresults released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday also showed Gross Earnings of N274.5 billion, up 7% from N257.6 billion in the corresponding period of 2015. The growth in gross earnings was driven by 17% increase in interest income on the back of continued growth in the Bank’s core business.

Similarly, the Bank posted 12% growth in operating income to N199.3 billion from N178.1 billion in 2015. Customer Deposits grew 25% to ₦2.10trillion from ₦1.68 trillion in December 2015.

Access Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained solid at 19% as at September 2016, well above the regulatory minimum.

Commenting on the result, Group Managing Director/CEO, Herbert Wigwe said, “Access Bank’s performance in the first three quarters of this year remained strong and consistent, reflecting a stable business with the capacity to deliver sustainable returns, particularly during a period underlined by significant macro headwinds.” According to him, the Group maintained stable asset quality, recording NPL and Cost of Risk Ratios (CRR) of 2.1% and 0.9%, respectively.

“Our capital and liquidity position remained adequately above regulatory levels, as we continued to implement a disciplined capital plan, ensuring sufficient levels of profit retention to support our growth. In addition to capital enhancement, the recently concluded $300 million senior unsecured debt issue allows us optimise and enhance our foreign currency funding capacity whilst strengthening our balance sheet,” Wigwe added.

The Bank’s asset quality ratios also improved as the percentage of Non-Performing Loans (NPL) to total gross loans stood at 2.1% compared to 1.7% in December 2015. The NPL Coverage Ratio remained strong at 209.5% in the period, compared with 216.4% as at December 2015.

Further analysis of the result indicated that Cost to Income Ratio (CIR) improved 190bps y/y to 57.7 % in the nine months of 2016 on the back of strong income growth during the period. Total Assetsstood at N3.39 trillion, up 31% compared to N2.59 trillion in December 2015.

“We remain committed to our cost containment plan, as we strive to balance operational efficiency with earnings growth in a constrained environment.The Bank will remain resilient in the achievement of its strategic imperatives; maximizing our strong market position and solid capital base, while leveraging digital innovation to improve service touchpoints as we sharpen our retail play with emphasis on cheaper funding sources,” Wigwe noted.

October 31, 2016
At 8TH Golden Pen Award Nigeria Breweries Rewards Media Excellence

From Left to Right – Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekeremadu; Nicolaas Velverde, Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries; Tobi Aworinde, the NB Golden Pen Reporter of the Year and Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Chairman Panel of Judges, NB Golden Pen Award at the Award night in Lagos on Friday Nigerian Breweries Plc rewarded media excellence and outstanding journalism practice at the Nigerian Breweries Golden Pen Award which took place in Lagos last weekend. The award which is the 8th in the series is aimed at promoting professionalism and objective reportage of events in Nigeria. It is also meant to reward such journalists who abide by the fine ethics of the journalism profession. The event attracted dignitaries from the nation’s media, political and social circles including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, among others, who came to celebrate journalists that submitted outstanding reports on Education, Youth Empowerment and Talent Development in 2015. The night of glitz and glamour saw Tobi Aworinde of The Punch Newspaper emerge as the NB Golden Pen Reporter of the Year. The first runner-up was Gbenga Salau of The Guardian Newspaper, while Charles Abah, also of The Punch emerged as the second runner-up. The Photo Journalist of the Year award went to Sodiq Adelakun of The Punch Newspaper. Odutayo Odusanya also of The Punch emerged as the first runner-up, while Ayodele Ojo of The Sun Newspaper was the second runner-up. Gabriel Dike, an education reporter with The Sun Newspaper won the ‘NB Report of the Year’. All the winning journalists also got cash prizes and high-end mobile devices as part of the reward package. While welcoming guests at the event, the Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde disclosed that the award was launched eight years ago to promote professionalism and objectivity of media reports. He explained that the choice of Education, Youth Empowerment and Talent Development as the focus of this year’s edition, like in the last two years, is hinged on the fact that no country can lay claim to development and prosperity without adequate attention to the education and empowerment of the youth. Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu who was present at the event, praised Nigerian Breweries for sustaining the award over eight years and saluted the courage of journalists for their contribution to the nation’s development. He appealed to the media to continue to be the watchdog and gatekeeper of the nation’s democracy. John Momoh, Chairman/CEO, Channels Television, guest speaker at the event, called for soul-searching by the media and extolled them to bridge the gap between training and practice. Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Managing Director of Tanus Communications and Chairman of the Panel of Judges commended Nigerian Breweries for the initiative and enjoined journalists to aspire to the highest standards.

Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, disclosed that a total of 267 entries were received when submission closed for the award. He explained that the award criteria of quality, professionalism and objectivity remain the filters upon which entries were shortlisted for the award, as decided by the independent judging panel

October 31, 2016
‘How Obasanjo illegally possessed my Oil Block’ – Africa’s richest woman,Folorunsho Alakija Reveals

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday told Mrs Folorunsho Alakija who is Africa’s richest woman, that his administration made her among the many billionaire Nigeria presently has.

The former President who was a guest speaker at the 2016 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum, said this while reacting to claims by Alakija that the Obasanjo administration frustrated her moves to explore the oil sector after getting her oil license from the late military dictator, Sani Abacha.

According to Alakija who was also a panelist, the Obasanjo administration illegally took an oil block allocated to her company after her family had invested all its savings to strike oil in commercial quantity. Vanguard quotes her as saying
“This oil block is in 5000 feet depth of water and was extremely difficult to explore. It took 15 years from the time that we were awarded the licence in 1993 till 2008 when we struck the first oil When this event happened, 60 per cent out of our 60 per cent equity in the business, was forcefully taken from us by the government of the day without due process. We had to fight back by going to court to seek redress and it took another 12 years for justice to be served in our favour. In all those years it was my trust in God, my perseverance and the support of my family that got me going,” she said.
Obasanjo replied Alakija when he was given the microphone to speak at the event. He said
“There is a saying in my part of the world that when a proverb touches you and you failed to reply, then you are a coward. For you to come here and say that, for no cause whatsoever, you were denied what was rightfully yours, is not fair. I do not know you from Adam and there is no reason I would have denied you what rightfully belonged to you. So, you have struggled, and you have struck oil. God bless your heart. My delight is to be able to create Nigerian billionaire and I always say it that my aim, when I was in government was to create 50 Nigerian billionaires. Unfortunately I failed. I created only 25 and Madam, you are one of them” he said

October 31, 2016
‘Under my administration, there were no political prisoners or exiles’ – Ex-President,Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan today spoke at the Annual Gala dinner of the Nigerian Lawyers Association in the US. In his speech, Jonathan noted that under his administration, there were no political prisoners or political exiles.
He said no matter what his critics had said about him, he ensured that there was both freedom of speech and freedom after the speech.

More of what he said after the cut.

October 31, 2016
UK-Based Nollywood Actress, Princess Onanuga celebrates daughter’s 10th birthday in Manchester

UK-Based Nollywood Actress and Producer, Princess Elizabeth Onanuga is currently in a good mood as her daughter, Teniola clocks 10 today Saturday, October 29^th, 2016

As it is the joy of every mother to see her child/children grow older, the joyous mother planned a bowing party to celebrate her pretty daughter with her friends in Manchester.

A lot of birthday wishes and goodwill messages have been pouring from fans, family members, and friends, all for the birthday girl.

The Nigerian born Nollywood actress is however a force to reckon with in the industry as she has done a couple of works with movie stars. She produced Hadiza, Toke, Omo London, Ibironke and the much anticipated movie, Boss Lady, which is yet to be released.

October 29, 2016