Business

Our Key members are being targeted and marked for death by APC – PDP cries out

Published

10 years ago

November 19, 2015

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that some of its key members are currently being targeted and marked for death by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This was disclosed in a statement by Chief Olisa Metuh, the national publicity secretary of the PDP in a press conference to address the alleged assassination attempt on Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.

Addressing newsmen, Metuh alleged that Ekweremadu was not the only PDP member targeted, and other key members allegedly marked for death include Uche Secondus, the acting national chairman of the party, Dr. Haliru Bello, the acting national chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sen Godswill Akpabio, the Senate minority leader, and Hon. Leo Ogor, the minority leader in House of Representatives, among others, Leadership reports.

He said: “As you are aware, on Tuesday, November 17, there was brazen attempt at the life of Ekweremadu on his way to work bringing to the fore fears that the era of political assassination may have returned to our dear country.

“We had also informed Nigerians that key PDP leaders were being trailed and that the government should be held responsible should any of them suddenly become victim of ‘terror attacks’, unexplained accidents, kidnapped or suddenly killed by ‘armed robbers’.

“Nigerians are witnesses to the growing draconian proclivity of this government, the increasing muzzling of opposition using security forces, judicial persecution and other devious means aimed at decimating our party to pave way for the imposition of one-party state, all in the desperate bid by this particular regime to forcefully retain power in 2019.

“The PDP does not mince words in holding the APC responsible for the Tuesday attempt on the life of the Deputy Senate President. As you are well aware, APC leaders have not hidden their bitterness and resentment towards Senator Ekweremadu, whose offense is the privilege of being elected as Deputy Senate President, in line with the Standing Rules of the Senate and provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Is it not shocking that Senator Oluremi Tinubu , in furtherance of their plan to take over the office of the Deputy Senate President, went ahead at plenary today to occupy his seat and attempted to assume the duties associated with that office

“Intelligence information available to us however indicates that Senator Ekweremadu is not an isolated target, as notable PDP leaders, including our Acting BOT Chairman, Bello Haliru Mohammed, Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus National Secretary, Prof. Adewale Oladipo and members of the National Working Committee, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, House Minority leader, Hon. Leo Ogoh among others have also been penciled down for assassination.

“We have further information that some desperate power-mongers close to President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly those privy to his interest to contest the 2019 presidential election, and who have been reading his body language against the opposition, have gone ahead to establish a killer squad to wipe off strong opposition, deeming such a service to the President.

“This killer squad, our intelligence further revealed, has key marksmen recruited from within and outside the country with directives to trail, track down and hit strategic opposition elements and instill fear among PDP members.

“Additionally, we have verified reports from our elected members, especially those in the National Assembly that agents of the APC and the government have been approaching and threatening them to join their party or face victimization should they refuse.

“We therefore want the international community to note this ugly development in our country and hold the government responsible should any unexplained harm befall any PDP leader. This government should be held responsible should any PDP leader be visited by ‘armed robbers’.

“The PDP hereby draws the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari to this disturbing development as the onus lies on his to come our clear and moderate the political temperature of the country by calling his overbearing party members and security officials to order.”

Metuh also stated that the ordering of the arrest of the former national security adviser (NSA) Sambo Dansuki, was based on the verdict of a subjective administrative panel, which was present to indict him.

The PDP spokesman further warned about the manipulation of the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections using the security forces and some compromised INEC officials and called on the Directorate of Military Intelligence to keep off issues concerning politicians.

According to him, the PDP has never raised any false alarm on national issues.

Uche Anichukwu, the dep‎uty Senate president’s spokesperson, said the attempt occurred on his way to work at about 10am between Apo Flyover and Dantata Construction Company’s yard, close to the Old Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters junction.

The suspected assassins reportedly operated in a tinted white-coloured Mercedez Benz AMG E63 without a plate number. The driver was a long-bearded light skinned foreigner, probably a mercenary, Anichukwu said.

Business

HOUSE OF BIMPE FIT GAINS ATTENTION WITH TRENDY UNISEX FASHION LINE

Published

9 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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.

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.

Business

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

Published

11 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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.

Business

FirstBank Partners Eko Hotels & KEY Academy for ChessMasters 2026 Tournament

Published

2 days ago

April 9, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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.