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Land tussles : Obanyantor Elders Sue for Peace, call on aggrieved Community Members to Shield their Swords

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Land tussles : Obanyantor Elders Sue for Peace, call on aggrieved Community Members to Shield their Swords

Land tussles : Obanyantor Elders Sue for Peace, call on aggrieved Community Members to Shield their Swords

By Itohan Audrey & Issioma Egbunike

 

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The People of Obayantor 1 Community of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State especially, those that stayed away from the community since 2020 has been called to come back home and join hands to promote peace and development that the community is known for in the past years.

 

Land tussles : Obanyantor Elders Sue for Peace, call on aggrieved Community Members to Shield their Swords

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Elder Godwin Aghimien , the Ozukpogieha of Obayantor 1 stated this while debunking allegations of land grabbing and intimidation of residents made against security operatives in the community. He described the allegations as a figment of imaginations of some unscrupulous elements from the community.

Speaking , he painfully narrated the ordeals that had transpired in the last three years where the residents of Obayantor 1 Community in Ikpoba Okha local government area in Edo State took to their heels for safety of their lives over leadership tussles of who becomes the rightful Okaighele .

He explained that the crisis started when the late Odionwere, Pa Omorose Omoruyi passed on ,then the Elders met and directed the Youth to choose among themselves who they deem fit to take the position of Okaighele which eventually they presented one Osatohanwen Oduwa to the council of elders and the Enogie, Idu Akenzua including the past CDA Chairman, Kenneth Amadin who endorsed him publicly in the full glare of all and sundry in the community.

According to Elder Aghimien ,about 16 Youths led by Endurance Omorogie ,a.k.a Ajala came forward after seven months of installing Oduwa as the new Okaighele alleged against him that he sold 270 plots of lands to Prince Builders without the knowledge of the elders of Obayantor 1 Community.

The Elders in Council met and set up a committee that investigated the allegations leveled against the Okiaghele ,Osato Oduwa, and the committee came up with a report that revealed that the allegations were all fabricated, merely seeking to indict the integrity and personality of Oduwa in other to unrobed him of his title .

The committee further reported that the Community,not( Osato Oduwa )sold 150 plots of lands to Prince Builders and that the proceeds were paid into the bank account of Enogie, Idu Akenzua before his death.

Speaking further, he emphasized that having failed in a bid to indict Osato Oduwa in the sales of land without the knowledge of the Community, One Rollins Obazee and his alleged gang came forward to allege that the Enogie and the Elders of the community do not have the right to install the Okiaghele in Obayantor 1, adducing that the Youths have the right to install the Okiaghele .

These actions of theirs got the Elders piqued whereby they informed the Youths that is against the Bini tradition for Youths to install the Ohkaighele, he stressed that Youths can only present who they want to lead them to the elders which the Obanyantor 1 Elders believed that it has been done when they presented Osato Oduwa to the Enogie and all these happened during the End Sars period.

Again, Elder Aghimien stated that the same gang of Youths on their own brought another person called Endurance Omorogie aka, Ajala to be the Okiaghele, though his presentation was resisted and rejected by the elders after realizing that the alleged gang of Youths are up to some sinister activities.

According to him, the gangs forced one of the elders , Pa Iyamu Emokpa to install Endurance Omorogie as the Okaighele after chasing away the alleged recognized Okaighele ,Osato Oduwa that was installed by the Community and also further chased away the elders that resisted Endurance Omorogie’s installation from Obanyanto1.

While in their hide outs, the elders advised Osatohanmwen Oduwa to seek redress in the court of law which he did in the High Court of Justice,Benin City and was eventually declared the Okaighele of Obayantor 1 village in Ikpoba Okha Local Government by Hon. Justice A.N Erabor on the 24th of October, 2022.

According to Elder Aghimien, all through the period Endurance Omorogie served as Okaighele after chasing the elders and the alleged original Okaigele out of the community , alleged hoodlums and non indigenes were however hired to take over the community as Obayantor 1 eventually became known for kidnapping, arm robbery, gun racketeering and other criminal activities that attracted the DSS to investigate the community .

Going forward, other security agencies were also invited to work with the DSS as a team to quell the criminal activities and the leadership tussle in the community, which led to the increase of security checkpoints in the community to ensure law and order is restored.

As a result of the daily gun shooting from the hoodlums, there was a shot-out between Security Personnel and the hoodlums which eventually led to the death of one of the security operatives’ of which as at this Press Time, his corpse has not been found to be given to his family for proper burial.

Following the death of one of the Security Operatives, the presence of security check points increased in the community that scared away the Endurance Omorogie’s alleged gang from the community. Their exit from Obayantor 1, paved way for the coming back of the elders and the alleged original Okiaghele of the community.

Upon returning back to Obayantor 1, the elders realized that most of the lands that were sold by the community before the insurrection have also been resold by Endurance Omorogie a.k.a. Ajala and his team and as a result of the findings, the elders issued a press release through Radio and Televisions calling on those who bought lands in Obayantor 1 to come forward with adequate proofs of ownership and go through verification excercise to ascertain the rightful owners of the lands.

Ozukpogieha of Obayanto 1, Aghimien pleasantly appeal to all Sons and Daughters of Obayantor 1 to shield their swords and embrace peace because Peace is the fulcrum of development.

Meanwhile,it was gathered from our security sources who prefer to be anonymous that the Obayantor 1 Community was out-runned by alleged hoodlums who were involved in all manners of criminal activities that led the residents deserting or fleeing from the community.

According to our security source, the elders of the community invited the security operatives to increase the presence of their check points in the community in order to scare the hoodlums from carrying out their heinous activities. This has contributed to the fragile peace in the community where most of the indigenes that had ran away for safety of their lives when the community became a theater of war are gradually returning home to live their normal lives.

Further investigations have revealed that some members of the community that ran away due to the presence of security operatives are not comfortable with increase presence of security check points of security operatives in Obayantor 1, thereby seeking for ways security check points can be totally removed to aid them to further carry out their heinous activities,

Speaking with some members of the Obayentor 1 community, Mrs.Osariemein Eromosele, a farmer commended the presence of security check points in the community. According to her, the residents of the community can now go about their normal lives compare to as it were before the increase of the security check points .

“ In fact, I am happy that life is gradually becoming peaceful and normal compare to how it was before now. The Okaighele tussel has destroyed the peace we used to enjoy in Obayantor 1 and I am appealing to the security officers to ensure they sustained their check points here or otherwise,we the ordinary people will be forced to leave the community for hoodlums. I am also using this opportunity to appeal to our Royal Father, O’ OMO ‘NO ‘OBA, OBA EWUARE 11 to help us call Endurance Omorogie and his men to other to enable us have Peace again.” She said.

Another resident, Osazuwa Osaretien, a business man and a Farmer expressed happiness that Peace is gradually returning to Obayantor 1 due to increase security check points in the community, however he appealed to the warring factions to respect the Court Judgment issued in Favour of Osato Oduwa on the 24th of October 2022 and give peace a chance that will promote meaningful development in the community.

“ The Issue of Okiaghele tussel in our community is quite disheartening to me because during the period of this crisis, I almost lost all my family fortunes including my inherited lands from my forefathers. As I speak to you, they have sold my lands and I pray that I will recover them”.

Mrs Adesuwa Eghosa,a pretty trader also noted that it is time for fighting members of the community to respect the Court Judgment declaring Osato Oduwa as the authentic Okaighele of Obayantor 1 Community.

According to her, there is no point crying over a spilt milk as such would result to endless crisis which is not necessary for the wellbeing of the community generally. She further called on the elders of the community to call for a peaceful meeting where all the involved actors would be allowed to air their grievances and then resolve the crisis amicably.

Also speaking in the community, Osarobo Omorodion, a farmer appeals to the declared Okaighele, Osato Oduwa to work with the Elders closely and call Endurance Omorogie for a Peace Meeting to resolve the crisis and allow Peace to reign again in the community.

“We used to be in Peace in this Community until strangers started creating enmities among us, we can not continue like this, we need to go back to our old ways of living so that we can remain as a progressive front as we use to be in the past,” he said.

All efforts made to reach representative of Endurance Omorogie who alleged land grabbing by security personnel proved abortive as at Press time when contacted on mobile call.

” When we are ready, we will invite you because we don’t want hurry hurry story”

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Transcorp Group delivers impressive Q1 2024 performance; sustains revenue growth of 173% and PBT of N45 billion

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Transcorp Group delivers impressive Q1 2024 performance; sustains revenue growth of 173% and PBT of N45 billion

Transcorp Group delivers impressive Q1 2024 performance; sustains revenue growth of 173% and PBT of N45 billion

Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp” or the “Group”), Nigeria’s leading, listed conglomerate with investment in the Power, Hospitality, and Energy sectors, has announced impressive Q1 financial results for the period ended March 31, 2024.

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Transcorp Group delivers impressive Q1 2024 performance; sustains revenue growth of 173% and PBT of N45 billion

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In its Q1 2024 unaudited results, Transcorp reported significant year-on-year growth, with revenue rising to N88.6 billion from N32.4 billion in 2023, representing a 173% increase.

The impressive results are largely driven by a remarkable 209% year-on-year revenue growth within the power business, highlighting significant strategic progress as part of Transcorp Group’s implementation of its integrated power strategy.

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The hospitality business recorded a 68% year-on-year growth in revenue, driven by an increase in occupancy rate from 75% to 82% compared to the previous year.

The results show substantial growth across all financial indicators, reinforcing its market leadership and strategic positioning.

Highlight of Transcorp Group Results:

  • Q1 2024 Revenue was N88.6 billion, a significant increase of 173%, compared to Q1 2023.
  • Operating income increased by 479%, from N8.5 billion in Q1 2023 to N49.1 billion in Q1 2024.
  • Operating expenses saw an increase of 40% year on year to N8.2 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting the impact of inflation and cost of operations.
  • Net finance cost increased by 14% to N3.7 billion in 2024 from N3.2 billion in 2023 due to a slightly higher interest rate review in line with MPR.
  • Profit before tax from ordinary business of the Group  surged by 1110%, amounting to N34.7 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N2.9 billion in Q1 2023 in the same period last year.
  • Profit before tax inclusive of extra ordinary income was N45.7 billion in 2024 compared to N2.9 billion in 2023.
  • The Group recorded extra ordinary income of N11 billion during the period from the realised gain from the sale of shares.
  • Profit after Tax including the extra ordinary income improved 1832% year-on-year to N35.9 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N1.9 billion in Q1 2023 in the same period last year.
  • Earnings per share of the Group was N61.12k in Q1 2024, compared to N2.58k in Q1 2023.
  • On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 8.3%, from N530 billion in December 2023 to N574 billion in Q1 2024 due to the increase in operational activities.
  • Shareholders’ funds increased by 20% from N187billion in December 2023 to N224 billion at the end of Q1 2024 due to profit accreted to retained earnings.

In response to the results, Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo, President/Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp, commented, “Our Q1 2024 results demonstrates Transcorp Group’s resilience and commitment to excellence. Despite the challenges, we achieved growth across all major indices, focusing on operational efficiency at both our power plants, and maximising opportunities within our hospitality business, showing our ability to adapt and succeed in changing markets. We will continue to deliver sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and value for our shareholders.”

This robust achievement is a further demonstration of the Group’s strategic focus and effective executionTranscorp is dedicated to its transformation agenda, emphasising sustained growth and a relentless pursuit of long-term value for shareholders.

 

About Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Plc)

Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group) is a leading, listed African conglomerate, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors. Driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa, Transcorp has built a longstanding reputation for sector transformation, operational excellence, and exceptional financial performance, delivering value to its shareholders.

In the power sector, Transcorp’s businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power – provide over 16% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity. Through its investments in the energy sector including OPL287, Transcorp is developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain. The Group’s listed hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination, and Aura by Transcorp Hotels, a digital hospitality platform enabling travellers to book accommodation across Africa.

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NANS Cautions Members On Blackmail, Dirty Politics

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SUSPEND, PROSECUTE, AND KICK OUT MINISTERS, AIDES WITH PENDING CORRUPTION CHARGES AND VALIDATED ALLEGATIONS NANS URGES PRESIDENT TINUBU,

NANS Cautions Members On Blackmail, Dirty Politics

– Says Minister Is On Top Of The Situation

 

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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has cautioned its members nationwide on the blackmail and calls by some section of the national body on the sack of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

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In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, Dist. Senator Ekundina Segun Elvis,
President of the Senate (NANS), also called for the arrest of a self acclaimed NANS Leader, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, whom he described as an impostor.

Ekundina described the statement credited to Akinteye as subtle blackmail and a propaganda to discredit the Minister, who is working assiduously on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to sanitise, make the power sector more efficient and guarantee regular electricity supply to Nigerians.

He said the calls for the removal of both Adelabu and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, is misguided at this crucial time when both are consistently providing solutions and keeping Nigerians updated about their vision for sustainable growth in both sectors critical to the development of the country.

The NANS Senate President said, “The press release in question targets two crucial aspects of our nation’s development: the hike in petrol price and electricity instability. It is interesting to note that the attack is directed solely at the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) regarding the petrol price hike, while the Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources, who oversees both oil and gas, is conspicuously ignored. This biased approach clearly suggests a hidden agenda and raises questions about the true motives behind this press release.

“Turning to the issue of electricity, it is disheartening to see the Honorable Minister of Power being attacked unjustly. Chief Bayo Adelabu has taken the time to address the nation on multiple occasions, explaining in great detail the complexities surrounding the instability of electricity in our country. He has outlined the steps being taken to resolve these issues, including the stages of implementation, debt repayment, and addressing the existing gaps.

“His explanations have been comprehensive, offering hope that the electricity situation will improve in due course.

“It is evident that this press release is sponsored by the opposition and individuals seeking to tarnish the image of Chief Bayo Adelabu. The history of the self-acclaimed NANS leader, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, known for attacking personalities for financial gains, raises serious concerns about the credibility and authenticity of this press release.

“A typical example was his self demeaning and blackmail press he released to attack the DG of the National Orientation Agency (NOA). It is clear that the intention here is not to address the issues at hand but to damage the reputation of the Honorable Minister and his contributions to the development of our nation and the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“We issue a stern warning to the writer of this attacking press release and their co-sponsors. While the self-acclaimed NANS leader’s studentship is subject to investigation, we call upon the public to stand against misinformation and propaganda. We urge the security agencies to be vigilant and prevent any illegal gatherings disguised as protests, as they are undoubtedly sponsored by the opposition to disrupt the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“We also call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to be aware of these miscreants who falsely claim to be student leaders. Their sole objective is to attack and destroy the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration. However, we want to assure the public, the student community, and the youth that we are closely monitoring these developments.

“We firmly believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will succeed in his endeavors, and no amount of propaganda will derail the progress we are making as a nation.

“This press release is nothing more than a funded propaganda campaign aimed at defaming Chief Bayo Adelabu, the Honorable Minister of Power. We have exposed the hidden motives and called for action against those responsible for disseminating such misleading information. We remain committed to ensuring the truth prevails and that the Nigerian people are not swayed by baseless attacks,” Ekundina stated.

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Folasade Omotoyinbo Marks Birthday In Style, Empowers 200 Youths, Gifts 500 People Food Items In Lagos

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Folasade Omotoyinbo Marks Birthday In Style, Empowers 200 Youths, Gifts 500 People Food Items In Lagos

 

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Folasade Omotoyinbo, the esteemed CEO of Poshglow Skincare and a renowned figure in the beauty industry, marked her birthday in a remarkable and philanthropic manner, demonstrating her commitment to empowering youths and combating hunger in Nigeria.

 

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Folasade Omotoyinbo Marks Birthday In Style, Empowers 200 Youths, Gifts 500 People Food Items In Lagos

As the driving force behind Poshglow Skincare, Folasade Omotoyinbo has established herself as a leading aesthetician and beautician, offering top-notch skincare solutions to clients. Additionally, she is the visionary behind the Folasade Omotoyinbo Foundation, a non-governmental organization dedicated to addressing the issue of hunger in Nigeria.

On her birthday, Folasade Omotoyinbo chose to celebrate by giving back to her community in a meaningful way. She organized a special empowerment program, where over 200 youths were trained in various skills including makeup artistry, photography, event decoration, gele tying, and spa treatment. Through these training sessions, she provided valuable opportunities for young individuals to develop essential skills and pursue career paths in the beauty and wellness industry.

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In addition to empowering youths, Folasade Omotoyinbo demonstrated her commitment to addressing food insecurity by organizing a food bank initiative. Through the Folasade Omotoyinbo Foundation, she distributed food items to over 500 people in various communities, including Shomolu Local Government, Mushin, Oshodi, and Ikeja in Lagos State. This initiative provided much-needed relief to vulnerable individuals and families facing food scarcity, especially in the midst of challenging economic circumstances.

Photos of Folasade Omotoyinbo’s birthday celebrations and philanthropic endeavors were shared on her social media platforms, garnering an outpouring of prayers, congratulatory messages, and admiration from followers and well-wishers. Her selfless acts of kindness and dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others have earned her widespread praise and admiration.

As Folasade Omotoyinbo reflects on another year of life, she continues to embody the values of compassion, generosity, and empowerment. Her birthday celebration serves as an evidence to her unwavering commitment to uplifting her community and creating a brighter future for all. Through her leadership and philanthropy, she inspires others to join in the fight against hunger and to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

As she embarks on the next chapter of her journey, Folasade Omotoyinbo remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that even in the midst of celebration, there is always an opportunity to give back and make a meaningful impact in the world.

 

Folasade Omotoyinbo Marks Birthday In Style, Empowers 200 Youths, Gifts 500 People Food Items In Lagos

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