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‘We love James Ibori’ – Delta State Government

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The Nigerian political actors from 1999 to date sees politics and participatory governance as a means of acquiring humongous wealth while totally ignoring the real essence of serving the impoverished Nigerian people essentially starved of basic amenities of life in our various communities that make up the 774 local government structures created to empower Nigerians at the grassroots. It's on record that most of our crooked political actors just simply cook up the books when it comes to budget padding and wall-eye vision of implementation of their ideas of governance projects. The result is the mind bogling craze for material acquisition by our politicians. Conducting forensic analysis of our serial budgets in the country, it won't be a strange development to find budgets showing up in subsequent annual budgets of states or the federal government. Under the ex president, Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and the present government, corruption has worked on 4 legs with regard to some dare davil acts of some State governors literily playing out James Bond motion pictures in their states. In Bayelsa, Plateau and Delta under the crooked leadership late so called Governor General of Nigeria, late Diepreye Alamieyesiegha, Joshua Dariye and James Ibori of Bayelsa, Plateau and Delta states respectively corruption stuck like a sour thumb. Late governor alamiesiegha was arrested at Heathrow airport in September 2005 and had his passport confiscated. He faced three money-laundering charges after police found £1m in cash at his London address and property in his name worth £10m. Having dramatically returned to Nigeria incognito, he forfeited a £1.25m bail bond he posted with the courts knowing that he is expected to be immune from legal action until the end of his term as governor in 2007. Mr Alamieyeseigha was coy and comical when asked how he evaded British controls to make it back to his village in the Niger delta. "I don't know myself. I just woke up and found myself in Amassoma." Nigerian newspapers quoted unnamed aides who described a journey in drag. Dressed as a woman, the governor is said to have taken a Eurostar train from London to Paris and then flown to Douala, a port city in Cameroon neighbouring Nigeria, where a speedboat took him home under cover of darkness. The disguise was helped by the fugitive's weight loss during his stay in Europe, which included a tummy tuck operation in Germany..Thousands lined the streets to cheer his cavalcade through the province but elsewhere several thousand people marched in protest at his return. Ibori, in 2012, had pleaded guilty to money laundering and other charges in a UK court and was consequently sentenced to 13 years imprisonment. Some of his associates were also convicted and sentenced to prison over similar charges. The UK is now set to return the first tranche of £4.2 million recovered from associates of Ibori to Nigeria.The UK and Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja recently to kick-start the process. Malami, who signed on behalf of the federal government, said in consonance with existing framework engaged in the management of previous recoveries, the Federal Executive Council had directed that the repatriated funds should be spent on completing the Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano Expressway and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway under the coordination of the NSIA. The crystal matter of fact here is that there's hardly any precedent here from the assertions of our revered Attorney General, Abubakar to support his quest to use a coy legal mumbo Jumbo to "acquire" this £4.2millions on behalf of the FEC. This refund by the British Government is a proceed of crime committed basically against Delta State. You can't work in Delta State and receive your salaries in Abuja. It has never worked that way in any clime. The funds confiscated from ex Governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye in the UK was indeed recovered by the agents of the federal government, repatriated to Nigeria and remitted back to the coffers of plateau State without a fuss. The funds seized from the late Diepreye Alamieyesiegha in the UK was recovered by the federal government and remitted in strict compliance with section 42 of Nigeria's oft battered constitution. As a matter equity, all states of Nigeria are entitled to equal rights and opportunities. I am not from Delta State. I really don't have to come from the state to defend a noble cause. Malami can not rule on this matter or the FEC allowed to speak from both sides of their mouths on a matter that affects the goose and the gander. Unless this cross-fire between Malami and Delta State government, another tranche of £20 million that maybe repatriated soon will be a matter of another round of cross fire between Malami and Delta state. Malami's claim that the FEC authorised the disbursement of this £4.2 million on different ongoing projects in the country sounds like tragic comedy. You can't spend the money you don't have. The mention of the 2nd Niger bridge that's been the subject of serial budget allocations since 2015 is also a political gimmick and emotional blackmail to the Southeast region. The Lagos-Ibadan highway project has also been on from the ex president Jonathan era. Beyond the politics of funds repatriation, our lawmakers need to effectively collaborate with the new Czar of the efcc, 40 years old Abdulrasheed Bawa to review the Nigerian constitution that offers sitting governors and presidents immunity to illegally acquire stupendous wealth in office. A system that allows a holes in our banking and financial systems that allowed the likes of james Ibori the window to illegally acquire the following before he was arrested, jailed and released: a house in exclusive and reclusive house in Hampstead, North London worth £2.2 million, a property in Shaftsbury, Dorset worth £311,000,.a fleet of adored Range Rovers worth £600,000, a £120,000 Continental Bentley GT, a £3.2 million mansion in Sancton, near Johannesburg, a Mercedes benz Mayback bought for £407,000. The anti corruption fight needs to be reinvigorated in having a holistic second look at our Justice administration systems in Nigeria.

james-ibori

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The Delta State Government said that it had no case with former Governor, James Ibori and as such was very happy for his release from the London prison.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, stated this in Asaba while responding to questions after briefing newsmen on some of the decisions at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year.

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It would be recalled that Ibori was on Dec. 21 released from prison after completing his sentence for fraud in a London prison.

According to Ukah, the close associate of the former governor and all those who knew him and loved him expressed joy at his release.

He said, “We are all very happy that our son, our brother, former governor has been released. So, it is a thing of joy and the only expression as a state is that we are happy.

“I think for everybody, who has a personal relationship with him, will be very happy and I think that as a state we don’t have issues with our former governor and he is somebody that everybody loved.”

He said that in the last meeting, the state government had approved the award of more roads contracts and assured that ongoing roads construction would get a boost in April next year.

He said the roads approved for constructions and repairs include the construction of Abraka Township road in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state and Owa Alero-Ute Okpu road in Ika North East LGA.

Other are the construction of Agrarian community roads cutting across Issele-Uku, Onicha-Uku, Ugbodo, Okumnzu, Obumkpa-Idumogo Road in Aniocha LGA and the rehabilitation of Ozoro-Oleh Road in Isoko North and South LGAs.

Also, the construction of Burutu Township road in Burutu LGA, rehabilitation of Charles Street in Agbor, Ika South LGA among others.

The commissioner said that the Ughelli-Afizere roads construction about 8.5 kilometres road would be completed by April next year.

“Also on the roads construction in Okpanam, the contractor had gone on break and to resume work Jan. 5, and with the mandate to connect the drains. Work will run and receive appreciable impact before April, 2017,’’ he said.

(NAN)

 

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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How RealtorMax became one of the fastest-growing real estate companies in Nigeria – Mike Adeyemi

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How RealtorMax became one of the fastest-growing real estate companies in Nigeria - Mike Adeyemi

How RealtorMax became one of the fastest-growing real estate companies in Nigeria – Mike Adeyemi

Nigeria’s real estate industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with many companies battling for a stake in the market.

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How RealtorMax became one of the fastest-growing real estate companies in Nigeria - Mike Adeyemi

However, RealtorMax, owners of Urbanmax Estate, Owode Obafemi, Ogun State and Aje: The Wealthy Residence, in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos stood out to emerge as one of the fastest-growing real estate companies in the country.

Based in Lagos and founded a few years ago by Mike Adeyemi, an innovative young entrepreneur, Realtormax has achieved success in a relatively short period.

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The company’s vision to redefine affordable housing in Nigeria and across Africa has been the driving force behind its operations, and it has remained committed to this mission since its inception.

According to Adeyemi, its commitment to developing new towns around the metropolis by not just selling lands but holding buyers by their hands and guiding them towards owning their dream homes whether luxury or affordable set apart the ambitous and fast growing firm from other real estate companies in Nigeria.

The company is not just a facilitator of land purchases; it takes a hands-on approach by engaging in project management, providing critical infrastructure, offering building materials at highly doscounted rates, providing amenities such as internet, banks and road, as well as consulting. This approach ensures that clients receive fully realised and developed their choice properties with minimal stress.

Adeyemi’s emphasis on integrity, quality, innovation and attention to detail have set a standard that has become the hallmark of RealtorMax ’s projects.

According to the CEO, RealtorMax has a line up of more innovative solutions that will redefine the landscape of real estate in Nigeria powered by technology and new thinking.

“With our plans which we shall be rolling out in due course, we will deploy technology to make not just home ownership smooth and worry free but will help many more become smart investors who will partake in amazing global real estate ventures, maximise profits and benefit from joint investment platforms,” he noted.

He added: “One of the notable projects currently being undertaken is the almost 500-acre Urbanmax Estate, located in the Owode Obafemi area of Ogun State, near the Shagamu Express Interchange, which sells for N1.3million per plot (500 SQM). The eco-friendly estate offers a range of residential and commercial options with modern amenities, providing residents with a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.

“In addition, RealtorMax Limited is also developing Aje: The Wealthy Residence, in the vibrant Ibeju Lekki area. This luxurious residential development showcases our commitment to delivering high-quality and prestigious homes for discerning buyers at N32millon per plot (500 SQM). So, we offer dream homes to all our customers whether their choice is luxury or affordability.

Both estates offer opportunities to enjoy eco-friendly homes with close proximity to Lagos metropolis.

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Nigeria Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund flags off 10th edition of Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition

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Nigeria Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund flags off 10th edition of Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition

Nigeria Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund flags off 10th edition of Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition

 

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The Nigeria Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has announced the call for entries for the much-anticipated 10th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition.
Entries for the competition open on Thursday, May 16, 2024, and will close on Friday, July 19, 2024. The competition remains a platform to appreciate and reward teachers for their significant contribution towards the development of the education sector in Nigeria, while inspiring excellence in teaching.
To participate, eligible teachers can visit the dedicated website (www.maltinateacheroftheyear.com) to complete the entry form online. Alternatively, they can download the form, complete it, scan it, and email the completed form to maltinateacheroftheyear@heineken.com
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held in Lagos today, Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi who was represented by the Human Resource Director, NB Plc, Grace Omo-Lamai explained that the flag-off of this year’s edition represents the beginning of another journey to appreciating and celebrating the tireless efforts and dedication of teachers.

Essaadi stated that the company through the Felix-Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting teachers in shaping future leaders and changing the lives of students for the better in Nigeria.

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Nigeria Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund flags off 10th edition of Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition

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“The Maltina Teacher of the Year competition presents an opportunity to express our gratitude to teachers for the sacrifices they make, the extra hours they invest, and the guidance and mentorship they provide to ensure the success of our youth. Through this competition, we aim to recognize the efforts of teachers in the countless ways they have shaped our future. We acknowledge their selflessness, their passion for teaching, and their relentless pursuit of the growth and development of our nation,” he said.

 

 

 

He stated that it was exciting to note that other corporate organizations have come on board to be part of this transformative initiative, adding that Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and Woodhall Capital Foundation have been enlisted as main partners while First City Monument Bank and Alert Group are supporting partners for the competition.
In her keynote address, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sade Morgan, disclosed that the competition remains a veritable platform to reward and inspire teachers for their invaluable contribution to the development of education and society at large.

 

 

 

Morgan stated that the platform aims to recognize and appreciate teachers for the stewardship of our most precious national resource – the youth.
“Indeed, our teachers continue to play their role effectively and, as such, deserve to be appreciated, recognized, and celebrated for what they have done, and what they continue to do, to make society what it is today, particularly in the human and national development,” she said.

 

 

 

She disclosed that secondary school teachers in both public and private schools are eligible to participate in the 10th edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year competition.
Speaking on the reward earmarked for the winners, she noted that the overall winner for the 2024 edition would receive a trophy, a total cash prize of N10 million, and a capacity development training opportunity abroad while his/her school receives either a block of classrooms or a computer laboratory.
“The first runner-up of the competition will equally receive a trophy and a total sum of N3,000,000, while the second runner-up receives a trophy and a total sum of N2,500,000. All State Champions will be rewarded with recognition plaques and a cash prize of N1, 000,000 each”, she added.
In her remarks, Winner of the 2023 Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition, Adeola Adefemi while praising NB Plc for the competition stated that her emergence as winner has attracted pride, fame, and fortune.
According to Adefemi, the success has become a confidence booster and attraction to several global opportunities in the teaching profession.
Goodwill messages of support were delivered by representatives of the corporate partners and key stakeholders in the education sector, such as representatives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
The Maltina Teacher of the Year competition was established in 2015 and funded through the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, which was set up in 1994 to facilitate an active contribution to the development of the education sector in Nigeria in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, SDG No.4.
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ABOUT THE MALTINA TEACHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
In 2015, Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund introduced the Maltina Teacher of the Year, a national competition, to identify, honor, and reward outstanding teachers in Nigeria.
Maltina Teacher of the Year is proudly endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education and other education stakeholders including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), and Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

ABOUT NIGERIAN BREWERIES-FELIX OHIWEREI EDUCATION TRUST FUND
The Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund was set up in 1994 with a startup capital of 100 million Naira to enable sustained quality education through structured intervention in the sector.
The Fund has footprints across the six geographical zones in Nigeria at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education. Through the Fund, NB Plc has constructed and furnished over 400 classrooms, sanitary facilities, and libraries in 74 communities across the country. The Fund has also granted scholarships to deserving students in tertiary institutions

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I never received any Loan from FCMB, Algrain Foods Managing Director Tells Court By Ifeoma Ikem

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I never received any Loan from FCMB, Algrain Foods Managing Director Tells Court By Ifeoma Ikem

I never received any Loan from FCMB, Algrain Foods Managing Director Tells Court

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

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The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Algrain Foods Limited,
Chief Anthony Obidulu, on Wednesday the 16th of May maintained his stand before a Lagos High Court sitting in Osborne that First City Monument Bank (FCMB) never advanced any loan to him.

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Rather, the money in question was the one hundred million naira (N100million) Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme facility granted his company by the Federal Government in which FCMB acted as agent as required by the guidelines issued by CBN.

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He also told the court presided over by Honourable Justice (Dr.)R.O Olukolu while being led in evidence by his counsel, Chief Aloy C. Ezenduka ,that the money in contention was not just dropped into his accounts, but was paid upon request.

 

I never received any Loan from FCMB, Algrain Foods Managing Director Tells Court

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

Algrain Foods Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Obidulu, had sued the Bank and the Receiver Mr . Emmanuel Adeyeye, Oyebanji, SAN before the Court, claiming among others that the Receiver committed acts of trespass to Chief Obidulu’s property which is not part of the All Assets Debenture (Plant & Machinery) pledged to the bank to secure the facility as provided in the CBN guidelines and that the Court should appoint independent auditors, and grant the sum of N20 billion against the Bank.

The defendants are First City Monument Bank Plc and Mr. Emmanuel Adeyeye Oyebanji as 1st and 2nd defendants respectively.

He further told the court that he has been denied access to his personal premises since the dispute occurred.

According to Obidulu “there is a difference between his personal property and the property of the company, saying that it is only the plant and machinery that belongs to the company.

He contended that “the structures and the premises belong to me and I have the Certificate of Occupation (C of O) which is in my name but it is in the custody of the bank.”

He maintained that if they need the document, they can always ask from the bank.
He also said that the money he collected was guaranteed by CBN 80%. with 7 years tenure from draw down.

He was however cross-examined by the defence counsel, Mr Taiwo Osipitan , SAN.

The Claimant is also seeking the following claims: “The annual rent of N29million (Twenty Nine Million Naira) for the 1200 square meters on the premises leased to Mathan Nigeria Limited and six years rent totalling N174 million.

“The annual rent of two warehouses measuring 60 x 20 in length and width respectively at a joint current going rate for N60 million per annum for six
years which gives a total N360million.

“The annual rent of three warehouses measuring 40 x 15 in length and width respectively at an annual leasehold rent for N15million for each of them is N45,000,000.00 for six years totalling N270million.

“The annual rent of six Nos. 3 bedroom flats for living quarters at
N1.5million per annum for each flat for six years totalling N54million.
The annual rent for two Nos. 4 bedroom flats for living quarters at
N2million per flat for six years totalling N24million, among other claims.

In a press conference in March 2024, the Algrain boss had appealed to President Ahmed Tinubu and other authorities to intervene in the matter so as to return assets of the company illegally sold by the FCMB and its receiver manager.

Further hearing on the matter was adjourned to 26th November, 2024.

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