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When We Ought To Beat The Drums By Dr. Tony Osakpamwan

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Nigeria with a soaring population of nearly 200 million people is blessed with so much talents. Over the years, the harnessing this huge talent pool has been the bane of socio, economic, political and national development. The world over, men and women of Nigerian descent ‘hold their own’ in sports, music, arts, science, business, technology and other sphere of human endeavor. 
Nigeria with a soaring population of nearly 200 million people is blessed with so much talents. Over the years, the harnessing this huge talent pool has been the bane of socio, economic, political and national development. The world over, men and women of Nigerian descent ‘hold their own’ in sports, music, arts, science, business, technology and other sphere of human endeavor. 
There comes a time in the life of a people that a consensus is reached for a change of the status quo. The barometer to measure this change comes from a variety of arithmetics ala societal values, mental psychometrics of the people, human re-engineering and the driving propulsion of government.
Nigeria with a soaring population of nearly 200 million people is blessed with so much talents. Over the years, the harnessing this huge talent pool has been the bane of socio, economic, political and national development. The world over, men and women of Nigerian descent ‘hold their own’ in sports, music, arts, science, business, technology and other sphere of human endeavor.
It is against the backdrop of the foregoing that the ‘apathetic’ silence that greeted the recent awards to sixty distinguished Nigerians who have made huge, stupendous developments to the Nigerian film and movie industry comes to mind.  This was part of the activities to mark 60 years of the country’s independence from the colonial masters early in the month of October. The award was entitled, “60 ICONS THAT HAVE SHAPED THE NIGERIAN FILM AND VIDEO INDUSTRY. It was delivered by the Federal Government of Nigeria via the National Film and Videos Board, NFVB.
The dead silence was toxic, sickening and a very bitter pill to swallow for most well meaning Nigerians.  For many of us, the growth of any nation is not always measured in financial or monetary terms. There are other moral and value-base imperative requirements for nation building. Let us not be deceived, we can preach unending until ‘karanamoda’, nothing will change in our society if the fundamental tripod of behavior is not in place. These are values, role models and mentoring.
It is pertinent to note that Edo State is arguably the cultural capital of Nigeria. Proudly saying that as an Edo man nothing minding whose ox is goored! On the strong 60 awardees list, Edo state had two of our illustrious son’s. They are Sam Loco Efe (of blessed memory) and of course the movie Czar, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen. It is shocking that there has been no mention or recognition for these worthy sons of Edo. Sam Loco Efe is extra terrestrial, but Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen is very much with us.  Bringing out the drums to celebrate the achievements of these dynamic duo has huge ‘moral generator power’. It is intrinsic.
As a people burdened with vices such as crime, thuggery and agberoism; an award like this is an opportunity to leverage and promote sound moral rectitude for our teeming youths and upcoming generation.  In their citations, the NFVB stated that men like Sam Loco Efe and Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, “have broken new grounds, and continue to do so and open doors of opportunities, and have made indelible marks that have molded the Nigerian film and video industry”. They have brought honour, dignity and respect to the motherland.  Such monumental achievements ought to be celebrated.  The drums ought to be rolled out to herald these men and women of repute who have transverse our  landscape like a colossus.
For Edo state  is currently on a strategic  transformation under the dynamic leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki.  The zooming lens which our beloved son, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen has brought on Edo is an added impetus.  We can look no further for a motivation or inspiration for our teeming youths and children. A proud Edo son of the irk of Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen needs to be celebrated.  Herein lies the challenge for the Edo state Ministry of Youths, the Ministry of Arts and Culture, our print and electronic media in Edo state, and the Uhunmwode local government council where our illustrious son hails from.  Na where all of una dey? Where lies the moral regeneration that we all preach? Is it just mere lip service? Are we really serious about the value paradigm shift we crave. We cannot always put the blame of our shortcomings on a Governor or President alone. Yes, they are culpable at times, but each of us has a role to play in the moral redirection of our society.
The likes of Sam Loco Efe of blessed  memory, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and other Edo state sons and daughters who have put our state on the global map should be celebrated.  We are gradually reducing our existence to a four year cycle of political campaigns and elections while other important aspects of our lives dwindles.  We cannot afford to remain this way.  There’s still ample time to correct this anomaly.  The various agencies of government at all levels must be alive to their responsibilities proactively.  The glory of distinguished edolites like Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen should be harnessed to inspire a new generation.  A movie czar like him is an evidential role model who can mentor upcoming Edo sons and daughters.
So let us roll out the drums and let the music begin.
Dr Tony Osakpamwan Agbons writes from U.K.

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

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Dr. Enitan Dolapo Badru’s Account Of Stewardship : The Landmark Achievements

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Dr. Enitan Dolapo Badru’s Account Of Stewardship : The Landmark Achievements

 

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Over the years, As Honourable Member Of The Federal House Of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee On Industry,
Dr. Enitan Dolapo Badru has offered Distinctive and Qualitative Representation.

The Silent Achiever also embarked on Human Capital Development Programme, Community Development Projects and Social Intervention Initiative with direct and positive impacts on the Constituents.

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According to Dr. Badru, there is Economic hardship in Town, therefore the members of the Legislative Arm of Government should complement the Executive.

“I do not want to see the People of Lagos Island Constituency 1 and its environment to suffer”, The Federal Lawmaker said.

“As a Grassroot Man, I always ensure that residents are empowered and supported to nurture their dreams, aspirations and potentials for Self-Development and Actualisation”, He continued.

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“Though, oftentimes, some People tend to cause distraction but I am not bothered about it”,

“I will Continue to Execute Community Development Project and lift the People”.

“The fact is, when I do my best, some People will appreciate while others may not”.

‘Indeed, I am convinced between Man and God that I have done my best; but I will do more”.

“For the Record, there are many People who truly appreciates My Empowerment Programmes, Community Development Projects and Social Intervention Activities”

“I am not in competition with anybody but I am doing what I know is the best for the good People of Lagos Island Constituency 1 and that is my source of Inspiration”.

Since Dr. Badru was elected as a Federal Lawmaker, he has spent over Four Hundred Million Naira (N400 Million) on Human Capital Development, Community Development Projects And Social Intervention Programmes.

All the People-oriented Programmes were specifically designed to alleviate Poverty, Support and Boost Local Trade, Small and Medium Scale Businesses and bring Prosperity To All.

To Promote Learning and Knowledge Acquisition among indigent pupils, Dr. Badru facilitated the construction of Twelve (12) Blocks of Classrooms and with Watercloset Toilet at Dr. Teslim Elias Primary School Isale-Eko, Lagos Island.

He also facilitated the Construction of Road Networks in Olowogbo area, Lagos Island Local Government Area.

To ensure access to a Clean Water in Lagos Island Constituency 1 and its environment, He constructed 10 Borehole Water Systems in all the Political wards.

To improve the Well-being of the Constituents,He provided Health Insurance Scheme for 350 Residents.

Dr. Enitan Dolapo Badru distributed five (5) Vehicles to the Political wards in Lagos Island Constituency 1. These cars were gifted for Intracity Commercial Purpose; the incomes generated are to be shared Monthly among the Vulnerable.

In addition, over Twenty-five (25) Tricycles were presented to some Residents for Commercial Purpose.

Similarly, Dr. Badru gifted Equipment worth Millions of Naira to Artisans on Lagos Island Local Government Area; Work Tools such as Sewing Machines, Motorised Pepper Grinding Machines and Hair Dryers, totalling 750 Units.

Over Two Hundred (200) Electric Power Generator Set and Deep Freezers have been presented to Small and Medium Scale Enterpreneurs in Lagos Island Federal Constituency 1.

Dr. Enitan Dolapo Badru disbursed over N10 Million Capital to Start-ups across the Ten (10) Political wards.

LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES BY DR. ENITAN DOLAPO BADRU

He secured Federal and State Government’s Jobs for some Residents of Lagos Island Federal Constituency 1.

He also facilitated the Federal Government’s Continous Covid-19 Grants and Palliative measures for Constituents.

In Partnership with the Industrial Training Institute(ITF), He organised Skill Acquisition and Vocational Trainings for Unemployed Youths, ICT Training, Solar Panels Technology Training, Fish and Crayfish Farming, Mushrooms Cultivation and many more.

A N100,000 Grant was given to each of the Resident trained at the Programme.

Graduates and Undergraduates were trained in Information and Communications Technology.

A Total of Twenty Laptop Computers were presented to them.

Solar Panel Technologists were presented with Equipment Boxes.

To ensure a Safer and Secure Community, He funded the Installation of Solar Power Street Lightings at Eletu Iwashe Quarters.

Dr. Badru financed the Rehabilitation and Construction of new Toilets and provided Furniture, Learning Materials, Ceiling Fans, Electric bulbs fittings at King Ado High School on Ojo Giwa Street, Lagos Island.

He organised Periodic Coaching for Pupils and Secondary School Students and paid the Teachers and Instructors engaged.

The Federal Lawmaker also embarked on Annual Distribution of Free General Certificate Examinations (GCE) and Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to Secondary school students across the Constituency.

There are numerous motions that Dr. Badru sponsored on the floor of the Federal House of Representatives.

One of such is the motion to expand and beautify the Muritala International Airport road, A gesture applauded by the Federal and Lagos State Governments. The Project has been executed and delivered. It reduces traffic hold-ups and travel time.

“In the past, the bad Roadnetwork did not dignify that corridor of the country”, He stated.

“Indeed, I am happy that I moved the motion”.

He also initiated a motion to eject fuel Tankers parking indiscriminately on Eko bridge.

The unabated parking weakened the bridge and lead to avoidable collapse. The Bridge is a major link between the Mainland and Lagos Island.

He sponsored the Mathematical Centre Act, Amendment Bill ( HB 355)

He Sponsored more than four bills. These include :

Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, Alteration Bill (HB 613)

Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act (Amendment Bill) Co- Sponsor, (HB 822)

Elderly and Vulnerable Persons Bill (HB 822)

Government Infrastructural Continuity (Establishment) Bill (HB-907)

He moved a Motion to resolve persistent Traffic gridlock at Apapa Port and its environment

He also moved a motion to compensate the victims of Abule Ado Bomb explosion.

Dr. Enitan Dolapo Badru reiterated his commitment to offering Responsive and Qualitative Representation to Constituents and facilitate Community Development Projects on Lagos Island Federal Constituency 1.

“I Will Continue To Take Good Care Of My People”, Dr. Enitan Dolapo Badru vowed.

• Uplifting The People
• Redefining Legislative Function
• Leadership With Sincerity Of Purpose
• Doing Good Always

© DOLBAD Media Hub

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PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NIGERIA’S RENOWNED BANKER, JIM OVIA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION LOAN FUND

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PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NIGERIA’S RENOWNED BANKER, JIM OVIA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION LOAN FUND

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NIGERIA’S RENOWNED BANKER, JIM OVIA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION LOAN FUND

 

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Sahara Weekly Reports That President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, as the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This was announced in a State House Press Release by the
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale on April 26,
2024.

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NIGERIA’S RENOWNED BANKER, JIM OVIA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION LOAN FUND

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According to the statement, ‘‘the President believes Mr. Ovia will bring his immense
a wealth of experience and professional stature to this role to advance the all-important
the vision of ensuring that no Nigerian student suffers in the consistent end to their pursuit of
higher education over a lack of funds and ensuring that Nigerian youths, irrespective
of who they are, have access to higher education and skills that will make them
productive members of society and core contributors to the knowledge-based global
economy of this century.’’

 

Jim Ovia, CFR, is the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, one of Africa’s largest
banks with over $21.4 billion in assets and shareholders’ funds of over US$2.4 billion as
of December 2023. Zenith Bank is a global brand listed on the London Stock Exchange
and the Nigerian Stock Exchange. In addition to major operations in Nigeria and other
West African countries, the Bank has sizeable operations in London and Dubai.
Jim Ovia is the Founder and Chancellor of James Hope University, Lekki, Lagos which
was recently approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to offer
postgraduate degrees in business courses. James Hope University commenced
activities in September 2023.

 

Through his philanthropy – the Jim Ovia Foundation – he has shown the importance of
accords good education. In support of the Nigerian youth, the Jim Ovia Foundation offers
scholarships to needy students through the Mankind United to Support Total Education
(MUSTE) initiative. Most of the beneficiaries of the Jim Ovia Foundation scholarship are now
accountants, business administrators, lawyers, engineers, doctors, etc.

 

He is the author of “Africa Rise and Shine”, published by ForbesBooks. The book which
encapsulates Zenith Bank’s meteoric rise, details the secrets of success in doing
business in Africa. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School (OPM), University
of Louisiana (MBA), and Southern University, Louisiana, (B.Sc. Business Administration).  Jim Ovia is a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Community
of Chairpersons and a champion of the Forum’s EDISON Alliance.

 

In recognition of Jim Ovia’s contributions to the economic development of Nigeria, in
2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria honored him with Commander of the Federal
Republic, CFR. Also, in May 2022, Jim Ovia was conferred with the National Productivity
Order of Merit (NPOM) Award by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Earlier, he has
been conferred with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic,
MFR, and Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, in 2000 and 2011, respectively,
as a testament to his visionary leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s financial
services sector.

 

The National Student Loan Programme is a pivotal intervention that seeks to guarantee
sustainable higher education and functional skill development for all Nigerian students
and youths. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the implementing institution of this
innovation, demands excellence, and Nigerians of the finest professional ilk to guide and manage.

 

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Nigerians must support President Tinubu as he addresses Nigeria’s many challenges – Sola Adeyemo

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Nigerians must support President Tinubu as he addresses Nigeria’s many challenges - Sola Adeyemo

Nigerians must support President Tinubu as he addresses Nigeria’s many challenges – Sola Adeyemo

 

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A socio-commentator and public affairs analyst, Mr Sola Adeyemo has called on Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his efforts and commitment to turn the country around.

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Nigerians must support President Tinubu as he addresses Nigeria’s many challenges - Sola Adeyemo

 

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Adeyemo made the call Saturday morning in Lagos fielding questions from jounalists who paid him a courtesy visit on the sideline of the GTCO Food And Drink Festival organised and hosted by one of Nigeria’s biggest banks, Guaranty Trust Bank in Lagos.

 

“We must continue to support Mr President and remain united behind his policies as he works to bring the country out of the woods.

The Publisher and Editor-In-Chief of CityNews Newspaper said Nigerians must also shun actions capable of breaching peace in our society.

 

He added, “As an opinion leader in the country, I’m in total support of Mr President in his determination to around Nigeria’s economy and other challenges bedevilling our country.

 

 

 

Adeyemo who is also the President of Special Committe On BAT(Bola Ahmed Tinubu) for online journalists called on Nigerians in all walks of life to support the present administration as Nigeria is occupying a very important position in the scheme of things globally at this particulat point in time…because of the ‘resoucefulness,ingenuity and positive energy of its people’.

 

 

 

GTCO Food & Drink Festival is an annual food exhibition and sales event that projects the diverse angles of the food industry by connecting various businesses involved in the production and sale of food-related items to a cosmopolitan audience of food enthusiasts.

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