Business

I love oritshefemi and Rayce, Linda Ikeji must come to kneel before me – Ex-Manager, Danku

Published

8 years ago

April 15, 2017

Last week, news of an underground face-off between Yusuf Adebola Adepitan, fondly known as ‘Ijobanadanku’, Oritsefemi, Rayce and the management of Jebon Records surfaced online. The misunderstanding which has since gone viral on social media became messier and life threatening when a top management staff of Jebon Records simply known as Ebony, made a video on Instagram, insinuating that Danku’s life was in danger. In this exclusive interview with Star Tracker, Danku who recently welcomed his first child (a girl), sheds light on the whole brouhaha, revealing Oritsefemi and Rayce’s deep secrets.

Can you shed light on the reason behind your Instagram post on Wednesday night?

Oritsefemi wants everyone to die because he sang double wahala and I want to put Oritsefemi’s family, Majemite Ekele, in trouble, especially Oritsefemi’s mother. I am a wise, godly and friendly person, and I can die for the truth. I don’t know if Oritsefemi is the one ruling this country, because me and Oritsefemi had a fight, everyone, including my family and friends denied me. I had to check myself then I realized why; that was the reason I created ‘take action’. I am not saying I’m the holiest, but this is a message to the world, to Majemite Ekele family, Umebulu of Jebon records and to Ebony Black family. The video ebony created that made Umebulu family and Rayce come out of their shell, I want them to bring the proof of that video. I am not concerned about any logo or brand and I am not giving the document to anybody, all I ask of Nigerians is justice. Why would they use my late father’s name, Alhaji Yaya Abiola Adepitan for publicity stunt? Even after that I didn’t talk, the entire family of Adepitan didn’t talk too. I pity their generation if they don’t take action and let us settle this issue amicably. If Oritsefemi doesn’t take action, if he frustrates me to deny my baby, there will be serious war. What action are you talking about? He said we were together and I built a website, he said he owns MSN Gang, I gave it to him automatically and went on to create another one which the world knows. Vanguard promoted it for me, Linda Ikeji did not promote it for me, Hip TV also didn’t air my interview. People who love me before don’t want to see me again and I won’t take that under any circumstance. I am not a bad person, so taking action means letting Nigerians understand the situation. So you hold grudges against Linda Ikeji and HIPTV for not supporting your brand? While I’m still alive, Linda Ikeji must come and kneel down before me, Yusuf Adebola Adepitan, I’m not talking about Danku or Ijoba Justice. I don’t give two fucks about Linda Ikeji, who is Linda Ikeji where Danku is? She just went to write something about me without checking my background! Linda Ikeji will look for where I live and come to beg me, and if she doesn’t come to look for me, then she is in trouble. This is going straight to Linda Ikeji and HIPTV, I went to HIPTV to do an interview and they didn’t publish it. I want to show them what it takes to frustrate someone because of one useless Majemite Ekele family and one stupid Rayce. Why would they be using my father’s name, a generous man at that to be doing publicity stunt? Oritsefemi would explain the N400 million he claimed to have used to buy that house in Lekki. I’m granting Vanguard this exclusive interview because Vanguard has been the only print media that has been supporting my brand without a price.

Are you insinuating Oritsefemi doesn’t own his current Lekki apartment? If he doesn’t want me to expose the secrets behind that house he said he bought, then he should take action; he should go and take action as required. If he doesn’t push the ‘take action’ button on my website www.ijobanadanku.com, then I would tell you if he actually bought or did not buy that his Lekki apartment, but for now, I would give him time to make a decision. But what is the real reason behind this conspiracy against you? Do you know what it takes or means for someone to give birth and you are unable to reveal the identity of your first seed to the public? I pity you people that do publicity stunts but you don’t know its real meaning. It’s not everything you do for money, I sang Igbeyawo for Oritsefemi without collecting a dime, am I a fool? Even his latest single, Ongba L’Arami, I sang it. This same fools, Oritsefemi and Rayce, are the only artistes, who have done exclusive performances in Nigeria, and I made it happen for both of them, but I would not reveal the real secret behind it. Who exactly said you will die? Any artiste I bring into the Nigerian music industry is always big, that is why anybody who likes should play the video of my new artiste, Oluwaseun. All of a sudden, I just discovered that everybody that loves me began distancing themselves from me. I didn’t know Oritsefemi had been defaming me, and I’ve been doing everything to die for the same Oritsefemi. Because my family is silent doesn’t mean they can’t fight. They’ve been saying I will die but who wants to kill me?

In your Instagram post which artistes were you referring to? As regards that, to all Nigerian artistes, I want to say I’m sorry to have used the words ‘any artiste in Nigeria’. I’m using this medium to apologize to everybody, Ijoba Danku is not a proud person, he is not a rude person, he’s always a straightforward person.

Now that you have poured out your mind, do you still hold grudges against any of them? I love Oritsefemi, I love Rayce, I love Jebon, irrespective of what they have done. I have forgiven them but if they know what is good for their careers and their families they should come out to the world and say nothing but the truth about all the things they have said and done with my father’s name. If they don’t do that, they would frustrate me to do what I don’t want to do, because I’m not afraid of death anymore. So what’s the next line of action? Whether Oritsefemi likes it or not, before the time I gave them elapses, they (Oritsefemi, Rayce, Jebon Records) and their families should take action, because whether they like it or not they have one or two things to do with me. Let us settle it amicably, they should not allow anybody to deceive them. If Oritsefemi takes action, my family said they will release my baby’s picture. I, Yusuf Adebola Adepitan, will never change my mind; something that made me deny my mother? I didn’t deny my baby, it was my family that didn’t allow me to see even the picture of my baby, do you know what that means? People should tell Oritsefemi that if he likes himself he should go and take action, make we settle this thing between me and him, na me and him get business and nobody else.

Business

Oil marketers counter Dangote

Published

10 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

11 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

12 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.