Business
‘Osinbajo is a Figure head, he isn’t in-charge of the country’ – PDP explodes
The main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, says Acting President Yemi Osinbajo is not in charge of the country.
It said actions taken by the Acting President had shown that power was not handed over to him contrary to the claim by the Presidency that ailing President Muhammadu Buhari ceded power to him (Osinbajo) before leaving Nigeria for London on medical trip more than 90 days ago.
Spokesperson for the party, Dayo Adeyeye, who spoke with one of our correspondents on Sunday, wondered why the Acting President had refused to assign portfolios to the two ministers that were sworn in more than two weeks ago.
Adeyeye, who was a former minister of state for works, observed that the action of the Acting President indicated that he was just a figurehead.
He said, “The Acting President is not in charge of the country. He is not in charge of anything. This is why nothing is moving forward.
“How do you explain a situation where two of the ministers who were sworn in after much pressure from the people and the National Assembly have not been assigned portfolios?
“He is not in charge. He is a mere figurehead and cannot do anything. The cabals are still in charge. That is why nothing is moving forward in this country.
“The two ministers are just idle. They have no offices, nowhere to resume to and nothing to do. What is the essence of their being sworn in then? They are ministers without portfolios.
“It is a constitutional breach on the side of the government because each state ought to have a minister each. Now, these two states had been without ministers for long and after you reluctantly appointed them, you refused to give them offices. “
The ministers are Prof. Stephen Ocheni from Kogi State and Mr. Suleiman Hassan from Gombe State.
Twenty days after Osinbajo administered the oath of office on the ministers, they have yet to be assigned portfolios.
Ocheni and Hassan were inaugurated on July 26, 2017, in Abuja.
Their inauguration came after another long delay since May when they were screened and cleared by the Senate.
It also took a resolution and an ultimatum issued by the House of Representatives for the ministers to be inaugurated.
Adeyeye said it was apparent that the All Progressives Congress was not ready to rule, adding that it won the 2015 presidential election in error.
He asked Nigerians to be patient, adding that 2019 would soon come when new elections would be held.
Reps want portfolios for ministers
Meanwhile, Members of the House of Representatives on Sunday called on Osinbajo to assign portfolios to the two new ministers.
Some lawmakers observed that the delay was abnormal and asked Osinbajo to take the necessary action by assigning portfolios to the ministers.
One of the lawmakers, who is from Lagos State, Mr. James Faleke, noted that the ministers seemed to be idle, a development that he said defied explanations.
He also stated that the ministers were appointed on the basis that there were vacancies in the Federal Executive Council to be filled.
Faleke added, “I don’t think that this is the way things should be.
“The 1999 Constitution is specific on the issue of representation of each state in FEC. Kogi and Gombe states were left out for a long time.
“Now that the ministers have been appointed and the Acting President has inaugurated them, they should be given portfolios.
“They were not idle before they were appointed ministers; they were doing something. But, now they are left hanging.
“We urge the Acting President to hasten the allocation of portfolios to these ministers.”
Another member, Mr. Karimi Sunday, recalled that Osinbajo told the nation the day he inaugurated the ministers that they would be assigned portfolios “shortly.”
Sunday told The PUNCH that he did not know how long it would take for the Acting President’s shortly to come to reality.
He said, “It s surprising what is happening these days. It will appear that this government is confused.
“It took months after Ocheni and Hassan were cleared by the Senate for them to be inaugurated.
“There was even a resolution by the House of Representatives for the Acting President to inaugurate the ministers.
“What the Presidency has done is partial compliance with the resolution of the House.
“So long as the ministers have no portfolios, it is still a case of saying no ministers. Nothing really has changed from the situation we had before their inauguration.
“The Acting President knows the right thing to do and he should do it.
“Let him not forget that Nigerians will remember that it was during his time as Acting President that two ministers existed, who had no portfolios.”
However, another member, Mr. Johnson Agbonayinma, said in as much as it was important to assign portfolios to the ministers, not doing so right away did not mean that they were not useful to the government.
Agbonayinma said it was possible that Ocheni and Hassan reported to Osinbajo daily and Osinbajo assigned duties to them to perform.
“Sentiments or complaints should not come in yet.
“Are we sure that the ministers are just sitting at home and not doing anything? Do we know whether the Acting President consults them and assigns some responsibilities to them?
“Let us be cautious for now,” he added.
Ocheni was nominated as a replacement for the late James Ocholi, who died in a car crash.
Ocholi was the Minister of State for Labour and Employment before he passed on.
Hassan, on the other hand, is a replacement for Mrs. Amina Mohammed, the Minister of Environment before she was appointed as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
New ministers’ll get duties soon, says Presidency
When contacted on the telephone on Sunday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, said portfolios would soon be assigned to the two new ministers.
He however did not give a specific time that it would be done.
Akande also did not give any reason why the exercise is being delayed.
“Very soon, portfolios will be assigned to the new ministers,” he simply said.
But another Presidency official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told one of our correspondents that the exercise was being delayed by a major cabinet reshuffle being planned by the government.
He said it would not be proper to assign portfolios to the two ministers now and then effect the cabinet reshuffle shortly after.
“The truth of the matter is that there is going to be a major cabinet reshuffle soon.
“The thinking is that there is no need to assign portfolios to the new ministers now. It will be done soon,” the official said.
A Home for Heritage: ILÉ IYÁN Opens Headquarters to Celebrate Nigerian Roots
ILÉ IYÁN, a proudly Nigerian culinary brand, has officially unveiled its state of the art headquarters with a 200 guest capacity facility. The grand opening ceremony not only marked a milestone in the company’s growth but also paid tribute to Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, drawing attention to the role of indigenous cuisine and tradition in promoting tourism across Lagos State.
The historic launch of the ILÉ IYÁN Headquarters held on Sunday the 11th May, 2025, now officially recognized as a national monument, took place in grand style, marking a significant milestone in the celebration and preservation of Nigerian cultural heritage and a major boost to the tourism industry.
The atmosphere was electric as the official opening ceremony of Ile Iyan’s new edifice commenced with a symbolic ribbon-cutting by the proud parents of the CEO, Alhaji and Alhaja Sanni. The emotional moment was met with cheers and applause from attendees, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s journey.
In a heartfelt speech, the CEO’s mother Alhaja Sanni shared her immense joy and pride in her son’s achievements. “I never imagined this day would come so soon. He defied all odds and has made us proud,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.
Celebrating Nigeria’s cultural richness, the event featured vibrant performances by Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa cultural troupes. Dressed in colourful traditional attire, the troupes dazzled the audience with electrifying dances that underscored the Ile Iyan brand’s commitment to promoting indigenous cuisine and cultural values.
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Abisola Olusanya; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende; Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Culture and Tourism, Mr. Idris Aregbe; SSA on New Media, Mr. Jubril Gawat; Hon. Remi Durojaiye; Engr. Bola Babarinde; Prince Olu Kosoko of Badagry, Guiness World Record Holder, Dr Fola David; Mr Chigozie Okwara, Vice President of Culinary Arts Practitioners of Nigeria,Chef Dee; Culinary expert and Hospitality Consultant, Chef Gibbs; CEO of Novarick Homes and Properties Limited Mr Noah Ibrahim; Barrister Lateef Oyefeso, Barrister Gbolahan Oluyemi, Alhaji Mohammed Luqman, Alhaji Mojeed Animashaun, Alhaji Qudus Animashaun, Mr Emmanuel Akinseloyin, Alhaja Onigbanjo, Captain Dare, Alhaji Luqman Obileye, Mr Fola Gbemisola(Fatgbems), Mr Taiwo Kafidipe, Mr Ihuoma Raymond, the iconic music executive and cultural ambassador, Otunba Dayo Adeneye (D1) of Kennis Music, alongside Dr. Agarawu, numerous captains of industry, and cultural enthusiasts.
ILÉ IYÁN, long revered for its authentic celebration of Yoruba gastronomy particularly the traditional preparation of pounded yam has now been elevated to a symbol of national pride, serving as a cultural hub that connects history, heritage, food, and tourism. With its headquarters now officially open, ILÉ IYÁN is positioned as a dynamic force in reviving indigenous food practices, promoting cultural tourism, and offering immersive experiences rooted in Nigerian traditions.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Bisola Olusanya praised the initiative, stating: “ILÉ IYÁN is not just a space for food, it is a celebration of our roots, our resilience, and our creativity as Nigerians. This headquarters will play a vital role in our agricultural value chain while preserving culinary heritage for future generations.”
Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende emphasized the importance of youth engagement in cultural sustainability, while Hon. Idris Aregbe lauded ILÉ IYÁN as a “trailblazer in cultural entrepreneurship,” bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.
Mr. Sanni Afeez, General Manager of ILÉ IYÁN, Shares His Thoughts on the Launch
Speaking at the launch, the General Manager, Mr. Sanni Afeez, expressed his excitement and optimism about the future of the brand.
“This launch represents more than just a new building, it’s a bold step toward redefining the culinary and cultural experience in Nigeria,” he said. “ILÉ IYÁN is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of who we are as a people. From our locally inspired menu to the cultural performances that marked today’s opening, we are showcasing the beauty, depth, and unity of Nigerian heritage. This headquarters will serve as a hub for not only great food but also for cultural exchange and tourism growth in Lagos.”
Founder, CEO, and cultural curator of ILÉ IYÁN, Mr. Sanni Sheriff, shared a powerful message during the launch event, emphasizing the deeper vision behind the brand.
“This is not just a building; it is a movement,” he declared. “A space where the stories of our people, our food, and our shared heritage are honored and preserved.”
Mr Sanni Sheriff, known for his passion for cultural preservation and storytelling through cuisine, reiterated his commitment to creating a space that celebrates Nigeria’s diverse identity, promotes local tourism, and empowers future generations to take pride in their roots.
With this launch, ILÉ IYÁN cements its place as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s cultural renaissance and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
EKAABO SI ILÉ IYÁN
EYIN OLOLUFE WA
For ILÉ IYÁN dining experience and food delivery kindly visit or contact any of our locations
ILÉ IYÁN HEADQUARTERS
4A WOLE OLATEJU CRESCENT OFF ADMIRALTY WAY LEKKI PHASE 1
(OPPOSITE KINGFISHER/MARCOPOLO RESTAURANT)
ILÉ IYÁN ANNEX
PLOT 6 DR. MUIZ BANIRE STREET OFF BISOLA DUROSINMI ETTI DRIVE LEKKI PHASE 1
ONLINE FOOD DELIVERY KINDLY CONTACT: 09024475402
FOR RESERVATIONS KINDLY CONTACT 09075603234 or simply send an
Email: ileiyan234@gmail.com
Our social media channels are
Instagram: @ileiyan_ng
Facebook : ILÉ IYÁN NG
Twitter: @ileiyan_ng
Business
Folake Ani-Mumuney: A Visionary Leader and Inspiration to Many Celebrates Her Birthday In Grand Style … A Testament to Unwavering Excellence
Folake Ani-Mumuney: A Visionary Leader and Inspiration to Many Celebrates Her Birthday In Grand Style
… A Testament to Unwavering Excellence
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
Folake Ani-Mumuney, you never know, she served as the Head of Marketing, Corporate and Communications at First Bank of Nigeria and remained central to the Bank’s brand for decades.It’s not surprising that a significant number of Nigerians were unaware of her value in brand, marketing, and corporate communications, since she is an outstanding trailblazer and media guru.
Describing her as a brand in her own right would be a significant understatement, as she personifies prudence and consonance in supporting individuals’ aspirations, particularly during her time at First Bank of Nigeria, where she consistently delivered exceptional results, adding positive value to all media partnerships without blemish, and her legacy remains exceptional and unblemished to this day.
It is a pleasure to celebrate Mrs Folake Ani-Mumuney’s special birthday with her family.Ma, as we commemorate this momentous occasion, we acknowledge the profound influence your life has had on those around you. May you be grateful for the love, support, and blessings you’ve received, and may you continue to be a source of inspiration and joy to all who know you..
It is a pleasure to join your family, friends and well-wishers in celebrating this momentous occasion, and I wish you a birthday filled with affection, merriment and every delight.
On this special day, as you celebrate another year of life, may the Almighty continue to shower His blessings upon your new age, granting you increased success, grace, favor, mercies, and enduring blessings, and from this day forward, all reports and testimonies concerning you and your household shall be extraordinarily positive.
Your exceptional attributes have secured a prestigious position for you among your peers in the realm of Brand and Marketing Communications, and I encourage you to uphold this exemplary standard, ma’am. I wholeheartedly pray that God will continue to bestow His blessings upon you and be gracious and kind to you now and forever. I wish you many happy returns, ma’am. Igba odun, odun kan ni o.
Oluwaseun Fabiyi a seasoned journalist based in Lagos
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