Connect with us

Business

How Buhari rejected Okonjo-Iweala as running mate during presidential elections – Tunde Bakare reveals

Published

on

 

 

 

Tunde Bakare, serving overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, has revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari chose him as running mate in 2011, because he wanted a vice-president who can hold the nation together if he dies in power.

Both men contested the election under the platform of the then Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), but lost to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Addressing his congregants in Ogba, Lagos, last month, Bakare said Buhari rejected former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s choice of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former minister of finance.

BUHARI REJECTED OKONJO-IWEALA

“The day I signed that paper was the last day of submission. I carried the candidacy paper with me, but I didn’t fill. The final day, Nasir el-Rufai (current governor of Kaduna) came to my room, and said Chief Obasanjo summoned him, that if he could appoint Okonjo-Iweala and drop Bakare, he (Obasanjo) will support Buhari.

“I was so glad, I was totally relieved, I took the nomination paper and I said ‘let us go to General Buhari’s room’. He took us to his bedroom, only three of us there.

“I said Nasir el-Rufai has just come to tell me good news, President Obasanjo has spoken to IBB, has also spoken to Dangote, they will now support you if you can only substitute Ngozi Iweala and let me go.

“I said, sir, there are five reasons why you must yield to this, and he kept on looking at me… Look, many of you don’t know this man… For the ability to keep calm in the midst of storm and not say anything… to hold your peace, I need some Fulani blood.

“I said five reasons why you must embrace this: ‘1. Ngozi Iweala is Delta Igbo; you have solved the problem of south-south and south-east. 2. She’s a Christian, faith balance. 3. She is a woman, gender balance. 4. She is a former minister of finance and external affairs, it is called experience, and currently, her position in the World Bank gives her global exposure, any of this five, I don’t have’.

“He looked at me, and said did Obasanjo meet with you or Nasir? I said honourable minister (el-Rufai), you speak, and he repeated all the things I’ve said. And he (Buhari) asked him, what do you think he (Obasanjo) is up to? He said ‘you know our boss, there is something up his sleeve’.

“Then he turned to me, and said Pastor Bakare I told you I have prayed my own prayer the way I know how to, and I chose you, if you don’t want, give me the form, I would look for somebody else.

“It was then Nasir said, egbon, sign it. In that room ,I signed it, and Nasir seconded it. I left the place and it was as if a burden lifted.”

Bakare said he heard the voice of God to go ahead, which strengthened him in the days ahead.a

Business

HOUSE OF BIMPE FIT GAINS ATTENTION WITH TRENDY UNISEX FASHION LINE

Published

on

HOUSE OF BIMPE FIT GAINS ATTENTION WITH TRENDY UNISEX FASHION LINE

 

LAGOS — A fast-rising fashion brand, House of Bimpe Fit, is making waves in the style scene with its collection of modern, elegant outfits designed for both men and women.

 

The brand, which showcases a blend of contemporary and classic designs, is quickly attracting attention for its attention to detail and quality finishing. From sharply tailored men’s native wears and suits to chic, figure-flattering outfits for women, House of Bimpe Fit is positioning itself as a go-to destination for fashion lovers seeking both style and comfort.

Speaking on the brand’s vision, the management emphasized its commitment to delivering “quality outfits for both men and women,” ensuring customers step out with confidence and class regardless of the occasion.

 

Fashion enthusiasts have particularly praised the brand’s versatility, as it caters to a wide range of tastes—from corporate elegance to casual sophistication.

HOUSE OF BIMPE FIT GAINS ATTENTION WITH TRENDY UNISEX FASHION LINE

With an active presence on social media, especially on TikTok via @house_of_bimpefit, the brand is leveraging digital platforms to reach a broader audience and showcase its latest collections.

 

Industry watchers say House of Bimpe Fit is one to watch, as it continues to carve a niche for itself in Nigeria’s competitive fashion industry.

 

For inquiries, customers can contact the brand via phone at 0802 686 6277.

 

HOUSE OF BIMPE FIT GAINS ATTENTION WITH TRENDY UNISEX FASHION LINE

Continue Reading

Business

Jafad College of Nursing Science Showcases Excellence at Matriculation, Capping Ceremony for 158 Nursing Students

Published

on

Jafad College of Nursing Science Showcases Excellence at Matriculation, Capping Ceremony for 158 Nursing Students

By  Agholor M.O

 

Jafad College of Nursing Science, Oru Ijebu Ogun State, has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence in healthcare education as it matriculated and inducted into Nursing Training, 158 students of the N.D 2025/2026 academic session in a well attended and inspiring ceremony which took place on Wednesday, 8th of April 2026 at the College premises, Oru Ijebu, Ogun State

 

The event began with a colourful academic procession of the matriculating students led by their Class Coordinator Mrs B.O. Okuboyejo, alongside principal officers of the college, including the Student Affairs Officer, Mrs Fijabi; College Accountant, Mrs Funmilayo Victoria Alao; Librarian, Mr Jonathan Olusola Fatokun; Registrar, Mr Mojeed Adewale Lawal; and the Acting Provost, Ms Olufunmilola Akintayo.

 

 

In her welcome address, the Acting Provost charged the new students to embrace discipline, dedication, and professionalism, noting that Jafad College provides a strong academic and moral foundation needed to thrive in the ever demanding healthcare sector.

 

 

 

The ceremony attracted dignitaries, including Mr Abdulhameed, JAMB Zonal Coordinator, Abeokuta, Ogun State, further underscoring the institution’s growing reputation.

Delivering the matriculation lecture, Mrs Oyelayo Toyin Adeola, a registered nurse educator from Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, spoke on the theme: *“The Journey of Admission to Graduation: Strategies for a Successful Outcome – Learner and Teacher Perspective.”* She emphasized the importance of goal-setting, effective study habits, time management, and active student teacher collaboration. She also highlighted the need for resilience, ethical conduct, and continuous self-improvement, describing nursing as both a calling and a profession that demands compassion, competence, and lifelong learning.

The ceremony reached a symbolic peak with the capping and stripping of the students by experienced registered nurses from Ogun State Hospital, Ijebu Ode, officially ushering them into the noble nursing professional Training.

 

Parents and guardians expressed satisfaction with the quality of organization and training standards, while the students beamed with excitement as they began their professional journey.

With its experienced faculty, structured training, and commitment to producing competent and compassionate nurses, Jafad College of Nursing Science continues to stand out as a top choice for aspiring healthcare professionals in Ogun State and beyond.

 

 

Jafad College of Nursing Science Showcases Excellence at Matriculation, Capping Ceremony for 158 Nursing Students

Continue Reading

Business

FirstBank Partners Eko Hotels & KEY Academy for ChessMasters 2026 Tournament

Published

on

FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers  

FirstBank Partners Eko Hotels & KEY Academy for ChessMasters 2026 Tournament

 

Lagos, 30 March 2025 – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and the leading financial inclusion service provider, has announced its strategic sponsorship of the second edition of ChessMasters, Africa’s largest school chess tournament. The announcement was made at the official press conference of the tournament held on 16 March 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

 

ChessMasters is an annual chess tournament designed to equip the next generation with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The competition targets children in primary school aged between 6 and 11 years old. Organised by Eko Hotels and Suites & KEY Academy , ChessMasters was created to provide thousands of children across Nigeria with opportunities to develop modern educational skills, bringing schools together on a national stage.

 

Speaking at the press conference, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, said, “Our sponsorship of ChessMasters 2026 reflects our commitment to building talents and communities, driving inclusion, and deepening engagement through our First@Sports initiative, a platform that celebrates talent and promotes social impact through sports. With over a century of supporting legacy sports in Nigeria, we are proud of our enduring partnerships – 105 years with the Georgian Cup, 65 years with the Lagos Amateur Golf Championship and 35 years with the Dala Hard Court Tennis Championship.”

 

Ijabiyi further highlighted how the sponsorship aligns with FirstBank’s sustainability pillars of Education, Health, and Welfare. “We recognise the potential of chess to help school-age children challenge themselves, think critically, and compete at the highest level, hence we see the tournament as a launchpad for a pan-African movement leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development. We are utilising this platform as another avenue to promote social impact and drive positive change in the community.”

 

Caline Chagoury Moudabar, Director and Co- Founder of ChessMasters and her partner Damilola Okonkwo of Key Academy, expressed appreciation for FirstBank’s support, noting that the partnership will help scale the impact of ChessMasters and inspire more schools to participate. “We are happy to welcome FirstBank on board. This collaboration will boost chess development in Nigeria and promote critical thinking among young minds. With support from partners like FirstBank, we are opening the doors of participation to more children and more schools in this year’s edition.”

 

Prince Adeyinka Adewole, Vice President of the Nigeria Chess Federation, commended the initiative, emphasising its role in nurturing future chess talents. “Chess connects people, ideas, and opportunities. It teaches children to be analytical, patient, and manage their time and resources effectively. Chess also improves concentration and has been particularly beneficial for children with autism.”

 

The second edition of ChessMasters will be held on Saturday, 2 May 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The competition is open to 150 schools across Lagos, with over 700 students expected to participate and vie for a total prize pool of N10 million.

 

FirstBank’s involvement in the 2026 edition of the tournament reinforces the potential of ChessMasters to become a launchpad for African children, leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending