HERBERT WIGWE TAKES OVER LEADERSHIP OF FRANCE NIGERIA BUSINESS COUNCIL AFTER PIONEER CHAIRMAN, ABDUL SAMAD RABIU’S 2-TERM TENURE 

 

Herbert Wigwe Assumes Leadership of France Nigeria Business Council Following pioneer chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu’s Successful Two-Term Tenure

Pioneer President of the France Nigeria Business Council, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has handed over the reins of the council after a successful two year tenure to Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director of Access Bank. Rabiu, the founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, handed over the reins to Wigwe in a ceremony held today, marking a new chapter in the Council’s history.

During Rabiu’s tenure as the pioneer President, the Council achieved significant milestones in strengthening business ties between France and Nigeria, promoting mutual growth and prosperity. Under his leadership, the Council organized two France-Nigeria Business Forums in Paris, a meeting in Lagos, and a session in Paris last year, which led to several fruitful partnerships between French and Nigerian businesses.

Rabiu also oversaw the Council’s support for various initiatives fostering collaboration between the brightest minds of both nations and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

In his farewell address, Rabiu expressed gratitude to the Council members, President Macron, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support during his tenure. He acknowledged the exceptional service of Jean Haas, the Secretary of the Council, who will continue in his role under the new leadership.

Herbert Wigwe, the incoming President, is a seasoned banker and a prominent figure in the Nigerian banking sector. Rabiu expressed confidence in Wigwe’s ability to lead the Council towards new heights, citing his vast experience and keen understanding of the global financial landscape as key assets.

As Wigwe begins his tenure, Council members have pledged their support and look forward to continued collaboration in fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth for both France and Nigeria.

About the France Nigeria Business Council:
The France Nigeria Business Council is a key platform for strengthening business ties between France and Nigeria, with the aim of promoting mutual growth and prosperity. It serves as a nexus for collaboration, innovation, and partnership between the two nations, fostering an environment conducive to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

INVESTIGATING NIGERIA’S SUBSIDY REMOVAL QUAGMIRE AND DANGOTE’S REFINERY DEBACLE

   INVESTIGATING NIGERIA’S SUBSIDY REMOVAL QUAGMIRE AND DANGOTE’S REFINERY DEBACLE

 

 

In the midst of dwindling revenues and skyrocketing subsidy costs, Nigeria has taken a bold step by removing fuel subsidies, igniting controversy and unrest among its population. Despite the opposition’s claims that subsidy removal will disproportionately affect the poor, the government’s redirection of funds towards crucial sectors such as health and education paints a promising picture for Nigeria’s future. The recent World Bank loan of almost a billion dollars for palliative measures may provide temporary relief, but it is not seen a sustainable solution.

However, the fate of the much-anticipated Dangote Refinery, meant to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, remains uncertain as unforeseen technical difficulties delay its completion.

In the midst of dwindling revenues and skyrocketing subsidy costs, Nigeria has taken a bold step by removing fuel subsidies, igniting controversy and unrest among its population. Despite the opposition’s claims that subsidy removal will disproportionately affect the poor, the government’s redirection of funds towards crucial sectors such as health and education paints a promising picture for Nigeria’s future. The recent World Bank loan of almost a billion dollars for palliative measures may provide temporary relief, but it is not seen a sustainable solution.

However, the fate of the much-anticipated Dangote Refinery, meant to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, remains uncertain as unforeseen technical difficulties delay its completion.

 

 

The Dangote Refinery, announced in 2013 with an initial $3.3bn loan deal with local and foreign banks to fund the construction, was expected to transform Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products and boost the country’s economy. With an initial completion date of 2018, the refinery was planned to produce enough refined petroleum to meet domestic needs and provide a surplus for export. However, the project has been plagued by continuous delays, attributed to factors such as lack of technical expertise, financial constraints, and poor project scoping.

Reports suggest that the Dangote Group is lobbying for an additional $3 billion cash injection, which could add to Nigeria’s debt burden and divert funds from more immediate solutions to the subsidy removal. Adding to the concerns surrounding the Dangote Refinery is the agreement between the Nigerian government and the Dangote Group. The Nigerian government in 2021 agreed to provide $2.7billion in cash-and-crude to the Dangote Group to fund the construction of the refinery in return for 20% equity. On December 1, 2021, the Federal Government through NNPC made a payment of $1.038billion in two tranches of $519.5million each to Lekki Refinery Funding Limited account with the beneficiary bank, representing the first cash portion of the deal, with the balance to be paid by the government upon completion of the project. This money was a loan from one of the international finance institutions to NNPC.

With the company missing out on interest payments due January 2023 of 750million dollars which is still yet to be paid despite being structured by the banks almost three times, the project is faced with a big dilemma – and with it, Nigeria’s hopes for the refinery.

As it stands, there is evidence to suggest that the Company has exceeded its single obligor limit with local Nigerian banks and no international bank is willing to extend funds to it. In addition, the company will need at least 3 billion dollars in addition to its annual interest payments of about 700million dollars to complete the project by 2025. Whilst there are already talks for a backdoor arrangement being proposed with the CBN to enable a commercial bank circumvent its single obligor limit to the company in order for it to raise further cash for it to pay its interest obligation of 750million dollars which have fallen due, such a move has been viewed cautiously by supporters and critics of the project alike.

These reports also suggest that the company unsuccessfully approached the outgoing president Muhammadu Buhari administration to release the remainder cash sum of 1.7billion dollars which was to have been paid upon completion of the project. According to these reports, President Buhari backtracked after further due diligence was done on the project which revealed that the project would not be completed before 2025 unlike the December 2022 date the company had promised at the time of signing the agreement.

As a result, intense pressure is now being mounted on the incoming government of Bola Tinubu to pay the remainder sum of $1.7billion dollars upon taking office as well as approve a new cash injection of 3billion dollars and crude for additional 20% equity in the project so the company can raise sufficient cash in the short term to pay outstanding interest costs and complete the project. This is premised on the fact that the new government has declared it wants to plug revenue gaps by removing the subsidy but the company has now given them the impression that the project will be completed by mid-2024 – which is far from the case. The incoming government must therefore be wary of yet another such lofty promise by the project owners as sources close to the Chinese company brought in to salvage the refinery project say a 2024 date is not feasible.

Should the incoming government go this route, it does nothing to solve the problems with the completion of the refinery, adds further unnecessary debt burden to the country and its citizens, and takes away money from critical and immediate solutions to the subsidy removal. Nigeria is already over-leveraged to the Dangote refinery project.

Many commentators believe that rather than relying on the uncertain completion of the Dangote Refinery, the Nigerian government should focus on the ongoing refurbishing exercise of its existing refineries. This strategy would not only provide a more reliable short-term palliative solution but also pave the way for a smoother transition from imported petroleum products. They should also encourage the modular refineries to ramp up production.

In addition, the Nigerian government should explore alternative strategies, such as investing in renewable energy sources, to reduce the nation’s reliance on imported petroleum products. This approach would provide long-term benefits to Nigeria’s economy and environment, while also fostering self-sufficiency in fuel production.

The removal of fuel subsidies offers Nigeria a unique opportunity to reassess its priorities and invest in a more sustainable future. By rejecting the new investment proposal for the Dangote refinery which has become an albatross whilst focusing on feasible alternative strategies, Nigeria can emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of global challenges. Can the incoming government afford to mortgage Nigeria’s scarce resources on a false hope? With billions of dollars and the country’s economy at stake, Nigeria cannot afford to pin all its hopes on the Dangote Refinery and even if the new government were to invest further in the project, there must be proper due diligence done before any investment is considered.

Sylvester Audu is a Writer and Social Justice Advocate writing from Abuja

FEC APPROVES 330BIL NAIRA CONSTRUCTION OF 294KM- MAJOR KWARA ROADS BY BUA GROUP UNDER INFRASTRUCTURE CREDIT SCHEME

   FEC APPROVES 330BIL NAIRA CONSTRUCTION OF 294KM- MAJOR KWARA ROADS BY BUA GROUP UNDER INFRASTRUCTURE CREDIT SCHEME 

The Federal Executive Council today approved the construction of four major roads in Kwara as part of the roads to be constructed under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme( Executive Order 7).

The roads are to be constructed by BUA Group at about 300billion Naira. Those involved are Kosubosu- Kaiama-Bode Saadu (130km); Bacita-Shonga-Lafiagi (83km); Eyenkorin-Afon-Offa-Odo Ottin (49km); and Okuta-Bukuro Road which connects to Benin Republic (32km). All the roads come to 294km. 

According to the State Government, ‘it is believed that upon completion, these projects will revolutionise road travels within KWARA and neighbouring States with huge potentials for development and food security.

The Kwara State Government also believes that the approval of the road rehabilitation project is undoubtedly geared towards further opening up the state for economic growth. 

It therefore thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the landmark development while also commending BUA Group for keying into the laudable initiative.

The state government promised to offer all the necessary support to make these projects come through for the benefit of the people.

FORBES RELEASES 2023 BILLIONAIRE RANKINGS, DANGOTE, RABIU, ADENUGA MAKE LIST

Frbes has released its list of world’s billionaires for 2023. The list, which came out Tuesday has a couple of surprises. This is more so since the last year has been full of falling stocks, wounded unicorns and rising interest rates which translated into a down year for many of the world’s richest people.

One of the surprises however is the rise of BUA Group chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu. From 7.6Billion Dollars a few months ago, the Billionaire businessman and philanthropist’s rating in Forbes billionaires list has again shot up towering many to become the 249th richest person in the world and closing in on overtaking the third richest man in Africa, Nicky Oppenheimer who stands at 8.4billion Dollars. Rabiu’s latest worth is put at 8.2billion dollars.

From 1.6billion Dollars in 2019, Forbes recorded that by 2022 his net worth was 6.9billion dollars and from there has jumped to 8.2billion Dollars in April 2023.
62-year old Abdul Samad Rabiu is essentially into cement and sugar as well as real estate.

Meanwhile Aliko Dangote has retained his position as the wealthiest African. After climbing to 14billion Dollars in 2022, his wealth is estimated to be around 14.2billion Dollars according to the reports released on Tuesday April 4, 2023.
He is presently the 125th richest man in the world and he is easily the largest cement producer in Africa. He also has his hands in other businesses including pastries, sugar and other areas of manufacturing. 

For Mike Adenuga, the third Nigerian on the African billionaire’s list, business has not been rosy. He dropped from 7.3billion Dollars in 2022 to 6.1billion dollars. The last couple of years have seen him move up and down the richest’s scale. He’s now the 418th richest in the world at 58.
These are the only three Nigerians that made the list.

One other surprise name on the list however is 90-yr old Nathan Kirsh from tiny African Country of Swaziland. He is said to worth 6.5billion dollars, thus becoming the 6th ranked African billionaire, now above Mike Adenuga. He is believed to be into real estate, retail and fashion.
It was the first time he would be featured as an African billionaire.

Methodology: According to Forbes, their ‘World’s Billionaires list is a snapshot of wealth using stock prices and exchange rates from March 10, 2023. Some people become richer or poorer within days of publication. We list individuals rather than multigenerational families who share fortunes, though we include wealth belonging to a billionaire’s spouse and children if that person is the founder of the fortune’.
‘For non-founders, we previously listed couples and family members together in certain cases; this year, we separated these shared fortunes into individual list members, marked “split family fortune.” For Russian billionaires, fortunes were calculated using ownership structures from February 2022, prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and before many made transfers of assets to managers, friends and others in an effort to protect their holdings from sanctions’.
‘We value a variety of assets, including private companies, real estate, art and more. We don’t pretend to know each billionaire’s private balance sheet (though some provide it). When documentation isn’t supplied or available, we discount fortunes’.

SEE THE INITIAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN DANGOTE AND KOGI GOVERNMENT SIGNED IN 2002, AND WHY THE STATE IS ANGRY

  

SEE THE INITIAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN DANGOTE AND KOGI GOVERNMENT SIGNED IN 2002, AND WHY THE STATE IS ANGRY

Official: 2002 Agreement Between Kogi State Government and Dangote Industries Limited on Obajana Cement Plant

Extracts from the duly signed and stamped agreement:

Cement Factory Closure: We Gave Dangote Many Opportunities To Respond, To Petitions Against Its Operations But They Refused, Until The Petitioners Went To The State Assembly – Yahaya Bello   

1. Project was at conceptual stage in 1992

2. Preliminary feasibility study carried out in 1992

3. Obajana Cement Company Plc with Certificate of Incorporation No. RC208767 dated 4th November, 1992 is solely owned by Kogi state 

KOGI GOVT FINALLY SEALS DANGOTE CEMENT FACTORY OVER ILLEGAL TAKEOVER, AND TAX EVASION, SEE PICS 

4. Prospecting Right (Numbered PR No.14 of 2001 No.0053) was issued exclusively to the company 

BUA CHAIRMAN, ABDUL SAMAD RABIU DONATES 10BILNAIRA SECURITY SUPPORT FUND THROUGH ASR AFRICA AS HE VISITS BUHARI 

5. Kogi state offered and transferred 90% of its total shareholding in the company to Dangote Industries Limited 

Emotion, tears flow as LAWMA’s Public Affairs Director buries husband

6. Kogi state is at liberty to sell half of its 10% equity to indigenes of the state by public offer or private placement

7. Kogi state shall grant Dangote Industries Limited tax waivers and exemption from levies for a period of 7 years from the date of commencement of production

Cement Factory Closure: We Gave Dangote Many Opportunities To Respond, To Petitions Against Its Operations But They Refused Until The Petitioners Went To The State Assembly – Yahaya Bello

     

Cement Factory Closure: We Gave Dangote Many Opportunities To Respond, To Petitions Against Its Operations But They Refused Until The Petitioners Went To The State Assembly – Yahaya Bello

 

[caption id="attachment_1884" align="alignnone" width="225"] Dangote[/caption]

 

The Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello has disclosed that reports before him indicate that the Dangote Cement Factory does not belong to the billionaire, Aliko Dangote

Speaking at a media briefing, the Governor revealed that in the past five years he has received many petitions against the operations of the Dangote Cement factory, its ownership as well as the denial of the State its dues.

All efforts to sit down with the proprietor of Dangote Conglomerate failed, according to Yahaya Bello because Dangote failed to show up. Despite this, he set up committees to look into the matter and they made efforts to get those who claimed to be very big in the company to come and defend themselves which also failed. Because of  these, the petitioners went to the State Assembly to seek redress when they found that he was delaying. He also stressed the fact that every Governor who was there before him faced the same challenges with Dangote to the extent that the people now allege that maybe they had soiled their hands.

From the Technical reports before him, he claimed that the Obajana Cement now known as Dangote Cement Factory belongs to Kogi State.

Speaking further, the Governor stated that he has already invited Aliko Dangote to come for discussions. He however warned that ‘In case of the Billionaire’s refusal to come down, I will have no option than to execute every recommendation in this report’.

Again he warned the law enforcement agents, over their delay in executing orders given by law courts and legally constituted agencies. Yahaya Bello said that when they delay in executing such legally issued orders, they are calling for anarchy and self defence. He said that this was what led to agitations and unrests in the Niger Delta, South East and other places.

According to him, the State Government is not interested in shutting down Obajana Cement Factory, which in his words, is now purported to be Dangote Cement company. ‘ ‘If there is anything, we want more of such investments. We cannot have such investments and every month, we will be waiting for envelope from Federation account.’

The State according to him has been lucky to have the late Abubakar Audu as its Governor who based on his foresight established the Obajana Cement Factory, did all the groundwork, acquired mining licence, the Certificate of Occupancy and ensured that the business was one hundred percent owned by the State and ran it as such before the coming of Dangote.

‘We cannot have such an organisation one hundred percent, lose it one hundred percent and be at the mercy of Dangote. It is an aberration’, he said. Governor Yahaya Bello promised to secure any investor who is coming with clean hands and have interests of the State at heart.

TAX EVASION AND FORCEFUL ACQUISITION OF OBAJANA CEMENT, KOGI AKWA IBOM GOVERNMENT BATTLE DANGOTE

seal off operations of Dangote Plc in the affected areas of the State. The House gave the order during a public hearing on activities of Dangote Group in the state, especially on the the massive exploitation , environmental degradation and non compensation to the affected owners of the land and without revenue accruing to the state government.

The Speaker, Kogi state House of Assembly, Mathew Kolawole, charged the NSCDC commandant to ensure immediate implementation pending when the ad hoc committee on revenue clarifies some grey areas. Kolawole, who lamented the environmental degradation caused by mining activities on Kogi by the Dangote group and its subsidiaries, accused the multi national business concern of making billions in the state but yet fails to give back to it.

Akwa Ibom is also finding it difficult to collect its entitlement from the Dangote Group. According to reports from the place, the Itu Local Government blocked Dangote premises with their trucks because the company has refused to pay tax for more than two years despite pleas and series of warnings.

A Response To Lai Mohammed’s Callous Attack on the Integrity of the Lagos #EndSARS Panel Report

 

I watched Lai Mohammed’s press conference where he tried to punch holes in the Lagos #EndSARS Panel Report.

Before I destroy the seven grounds raise by Lying Lai in his futile attempt to cast aspersions on the courageous work by the Panel, let me first state that Lai Mohammed is the fly that follows the corpse to the grave. Even Buhari could not deny the Lagos #EndSARS Panel Report in his meeting with the United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on November 18, 2021.

Buhari left the ignoble and dishonourable task to Lai. It is Lai’s destiny to Lie all the way to his father, satan’s, home.

The #LekkiMassacre occurred and #BuhariForPrison2023 must happen. And I will not counter each of the seven grounds raised by Lai today.

1. Lai Mohammed said the Lagos #EndSARS Panel report is “fake news” because the panel said it found bullets and bloodstains even after saying the army and police cleaned up afterwards. Didn’t Lai’s colleague, Raji Fashola, also find a camera even days after the clean up? The fact remains that the military and the police attempted their shoddy clean up at night, and could therefore not have cleared everything. They left traces of their massacre, which were found on the subsequent hours and days.


2. Lying Lai Mohammed quoted a so called ballistic ‘expert’ that favoured the Buhari junta. He however failed to address the fact that bullet casings of ammunition that is ONLY available to the Nigerian Army were found at the scene of the #LekkiMassacre. How did they get there in such number that even passers by were able to pick them up?


3. Lying Lai Mohammed then quoted a so called forensic evidence that claimed only three corpses were from the #LekkiMassacre and said that that contradicted another area that said nine persons died. Lai failed to mention that that forensic expert did not examine all the bodies. But even at that, Lai just unwittingly admitted that there were three bodies from the massacre. He had previously said there were no such deaths.


4. Lying Lai faulted the eye witness testimony because it was done via video, and not live. It was done via video because the Buhari regime was seeking to kill that witness and prevent him from testifying. I ask the public to see how another witness was attacked yesterday and how they threatened thr life of yet another Panel member.


5. Lying Lai further said that “The panel was silent on the family members.” Why should the Panel expose the identities of the families of the victims? So the Buhari administration can try to kill then they way they attacked a witness and panel member yesterday? We are talking of a government that killed 347 Shiite men, women, children and infants during the Zaria massacre of December 12-15, 2016.

6. Lying Lai Mohammed asked how the Lagos #EndSARS Panel is not sure that the names of #LekkiMassacre victims “are not fictitious names?”. If Lai has evidence that they are fictitious names, let lie produce the proof. He who alleges must prove!

7. Finally, lying Lai said “The report didn't make any recommendation on the innocent people whose businesses were attacked.” My response is to ask Lai to cure his ignorance by studying the terms of reference of the Panel

The truth is that Lai Mohammed is a dishonourable and dishonest man, which is why on July 5, 2021, the Kwara State House of Assembly (Lai is from Kwara state) said in an official statement that (and this is a quote) Lai is a ‘liar who lies every day.”

Their testimony was further corroborated on October 18, 2021, when Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State called Lai Mohammed a liar and a thief. I remind the public that Lai is yet to sue Governor Abdulrazaq

#EndSARS #BuhariForPrison2023 #LekkiMassacre


Reno Omokri

Mohammed Bello-Koko: A coat of many colours, walking the talk already

 

By Dr Godspower Oshodin

It is less than six months,  that in a bid to reposition the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) for better efficiency and service delivery, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Mohammed Bello-Koko to head the agency in acting capacity.

First of all, it is a fact not to be contested that the tasks on the shoulder of who the Managing Director of the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) is, per time, is enormous.

The NPA is a strategic revenue generating agency of the Nigeria Federal Government, hence who occupies the position of MD of the agency must be one who knows his or her onions and who is daring enough to walk where others dread to step.

That is the highlight of 52-year-old youthful Mohammed Bello-Koko, a banker-turned-administrator. Most of the times, looking at the sterling records of Bello-Koko even in the banking industry alone, one cannot but say that indeed, he is the man who the cap of who presides as the MD of NPA, fits.

As tasking as the banking industry is, Bello-Koko walked through it and got to the peak of his career as a banker during his days in the banking industry.

He commenced his work career with FSB International Bank Plc, Port Harcourt, Rivers State; as Executive trainee-banking operations in 1996 and was there till 2004. Bello-Koko would later rise to various positions such as Banking Officer-Credit and later Senior Banking Officer, Senior Treasury Officer and later position of Manager.

In furtherance of his banking career, he later joined one of Nigeria’s banking giant, Zenith Bank, where he became the Deputy General Manager, Zonal Head and member, Zenith Bank management team. 

In 2016, Bello-Koko embarked on a leave of absence from the bank to take up his appointment as NPA Executive Director, in service to dear nation, Nigeria.

Bello-Koko as a go-getter indeed has his footprints in the sands of time in as much as the banking sector in Nigeria is concerned. In fact, there is no writing the Nigeria banking sector story for good, without mentioning the name “Mohammed Bello-Koko”, the man that did wonders in terms of bringing the needed reforms to bear in the banking sector, especially in his days as one of the heads of Zenith bank. 

In his days as Executive Director (Finance and Administration) of the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), he was outstanding. He was never missing in action when the roll is called on his desk. He was constantly up to the task regardless of the burden involved. As a Management staff during his days as Executive Director (Finance and Administration) of the NPA, he was very loyal to his oath of office and he was very loyal as a patriot, to his nation, Nigeria.

He turned down inducements of any sort, he was honest to a fault, he stood firmly against acts of corruption and he stood for what is right regardless of whose ox was gored.  

He discharged the duties of his office in terms of best global practices. He was indeed a standard for perfection and for what defines the life of a perfect public servant.

Little wonder, in May when the seat of the Managing Director of the agency became vacant, it was him President Buhari saw to be best fit to sit on the chair to carry on the duties of that such higher office.

Doubtless, the Kebbi-born banker, immediately swung into action, repositioning the agency for better results.

For Bello-Koko; prudence and accountability are non-negotiable.

Now than ever before, the agency is better in terms of performance, thanks to the ideas and leadership style of Bello-Koko.

 With Bello-Koko at the helm of affairs, Nigerians can be rest-assured of nothing less than the best possible that the NPA can offer the country.

The vision and mission of Bello-Koko since he took charge as the MD of NPA has been all about how the agency will be able to improve the revenue base of the nation, improving the maritime sector and yet also ensuring that the nation is not shortchanged in anyway by anybody in the agency.

Bello-Koko is an embodiment of what makes a hardworking civil servant. His humility as a leader is another ingredient that has thus far helped him succeed where his predecessors failed. Bello-Koko has distinguished himself as a servant-leader and a major driver of the polices and vision of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, in as much as the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) is concerned.

In just four months in office thus far, even in acting capacity, Bello-Koko has done much to reposition the country’s seaports for greater efficiency, safety and accountability. This and many more account for what he has achieved thus far since taking charge of the Nigeria Port Authority and doubtless, he is determined to do more and more till the Nigeria Port Authority does not only actualize its full potentials as a major revenue source for the country, but also till it becomes even a standard for world class comparison and studies.

For Bello-Koko, there is no better yesterday, as everyday is another day to make yet more great things happen for our dear nation Nigeria, courtesy of the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) under his watch.

With Bello-Okoko in office, the coming days would definitely exchange brighter glitz for the NPA and Nigeria. And ofcourse, his efforts in office would further create a new frontier for revenue generation, as Nigerians peep into a drill for growth.

Joana Gyan Cudjoe: A Defining Statement In The Mining Sector

 

Nelson Mandela once said, “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”

The wise sayings of the late sage, have remained timeless, considering the rate with which emerging Young African Leaders are coasting uncharted waters, making sacrifices, and driving their people to the land, they hitherto, once dreamt of, but had become far reaching, holding to the hostility and insensitivity of the failed system the continent has been plagued with in the past.   

One of such emerging African young bloods that have honed up to the spec, of creating a new era for the continent, where all will be free from poverty, for the rebirth of wealth in the continent, is Dr Mrs Joana Gyan Cudjoe.

Joana Gyan Cudjoe is an emphatic young Ghanaian philantropist, business magnate, and a heartwarming humanitarian that takes pleasure in giving succur to the inporevished.

Born out of the cloak of survival in Dunkwa Ghana, Joana quickly tick the test of times and created some of the biggest business companies in Africa.  

A multi-award winning entrepreneur, Gyan has been tagged by many home and abroad as the 'Queen of the Golden Revolution'.

She stands tall as an Artisanal Miner, Licensed Gold Miner, Licensed Gold Seller, Licensed Gold Buyer, Licensed Gold Exporter, and still leverages on other sectors, including Entertainment, Media, Farming, Education, Real Estates, and Health care. 

Joana has displayed a sense of Emphaty at everything she does. She founded The Joana Gyan Foundation primarily to reach out the the under privileged and needy. She has championed hundreds of Humanitarian projects across Africa, with an unalloyed desire to always touch lives. She hasn't stopped echoing the need for every African Countries with gold to understand and know the value of their Gold, while using it to pull Africans out of poverty.

She wasn't far from the truth when she said - 'I think it is necessary we start embracing more of Humanity,  because Humanity is the true religion. We need to stand up for one another, if we must take Africa there. The continent has suffered alot and long been hiding under the dinning table. It is time we wakeup and build the Africa we desire, through some calculated social activities that will empower every Africans, with no one excluded amidst race, religion, culture, or languages.'

Joana has created jobs for Hundreds of Africans in all ambits, especially in the mining sector where she shone so bright. Her passion and success in the Mining Sector saw her birthed 'Golden Empire Legacy Limited', one of the World's fastest rising Mining Company. 

Without doubt, Joana leverages on her flexibility in creating new opportunities for talented Arts across Africa and also giving them a podium to stand on in pushing their talents. Her Record Label, Golden Empire houses some of Africa's most defining Artists, including top Ghanaian music group, Kache Global.

No doubt, she is indeed a visionary leader and Pan-Africanist with poise for genuine leadership to shoulder the challenges of taking Africa to the promise land. 

Police indict Lanre Suraju — after probing Adoke’s petition on ‘forged’ email, phone tape

 

Olanrewaju Suraju, chairman of the HEDA Resource Centre, has been indicted of falsehood in the probe of an allegation that an e-mail and phone conversation attributed to Mohammed Bello Adoke, former attorney-general of the federation, were forged.

Suraju was indicted by an investigation carried out by the inspector-general of police (IGP) monitoring team.

In a series of press statements by HEDA earlier this year, the not-for-profit organisation said Adoke had communicated with JP Morgan in June 2011 over OPL 245 transaction between Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd, Shell and Eni.

Adoke was accused of using the email address of a company owned by Aliyu Abubakar, who was on trial in Italy over the OPL 245 affair.

The email was intended to support the claim that there was corruption in the deal, that Adoke — who was not on trial in Italy — and Abubakar “worked together” to fleece Nigeria in the deal.

Adoke had disowned the email, saying he was no longer minister as of the date it was sent and had no reason to use another person’s e-mail address.

The former AGF also debunked claims he had a phone conversation with an Italian journalist in 2017 where he was said to have acknowledged that the OPL245 deal was a scam.

Adoke said the phone conversation was state-managed, adding that he was on self-exile at the time and had stopped using a Nigerian line since June 2015.

The former minister, through his lawyers, had petitioned the IGP requesting for a investigation of the allegations levelled against him.

In a letter addressed to Adoke and dated September 2 which was seen by TheCable, Ibrahim Musa, head of IGP monitoring team, said an investigation had been conducted on the claims.

The police said Suraju did not verify the phone tape and email before sharing on social media.

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It accused the HEDA chairman of falsehood, saying his act is “a calculated attempt to resort to media trial and to falsify relationship” between Adoke and Abubakar.

“A thorough investigation was carried out and in the course of investigation, it was evident that Mr Olarenwaju Suraju of Human and Environmental Development Agenda, an unregistered organisation, without verifying the authenticity of the purported telephone interview and email proceeded to use the social media handle of @HedaAgenda on Twitter and @HedaResourceCentre on Facebook to disseminate same,” the letter reads.

“And when invited by the Police to substantiate his claims, he feigned sickness, jumped bail and resorted to issuing press statements maligning the Police, writing frivolous counter petitions and filing civil suits in Court against the IGP Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja and the Police, aimed to undermine the investigation and to evade the course of justice.

“That the claims made by Mr. Olarewaju Suraju that, his foreign partners, national and international media agencies are the authors of the information he shared is misleading as he was the one issuing the press statements that were published by these media agencies.

“That the totality of the conduct of Olarewaju Suraju is a calculated attempt to resort to media trial and to falsify relationship between Mohamed Bello Adoke, SAN, and Aliyu Abubakar while their cases are still ongoing in Court, thereby misleading the public, of which elements of a prima facie case of cyber-stalking, giving false information to misled public officer, injurious falsehood and criminal defamation with intent to incite exist.”

SURAJU DENIES POLICE REPORT, DESCRIBES IT AS ‘FAKE’

When contacted, Suraju told TheCable that he is not aware of the report from the IGP monitoring unit.

The HEDA chairman described the police report as “fake”, saying the monitoring team is still conducting its investigation.

“I was still with the IGP monitoring unit two weeks ago and the unit is still conducting its investigation. I am completely unaware of that so-called report.”

When asked about his encounter with the police and a part of the probe which noted that the HEDA chairman could not substantiate his claims during investigation, Suraju insisted that the report cannot be true.

“I can tell you authoritatively that the report is fake. I can assure you that it did not emanate from the IGP monitoring team,” he said.

“The monitoring unit is still conducting its investigation and I can assure you that there is no official report coming from the IGP monitoring unit.”

While the IGP report describes HEDA as an “unregistered organisation”, Suraju said such claim is “a lie”.

“In my presence, the police confirmed our registration on CAC website and they saw the registration of my organisation on the website,” he added.

Culled from THECABLE

Pantum Groups Ltd Eyes Africa, Set To Open Office In Ghana, Nigeria Among Others

 

Barring new changes, UK-based conglomerate, Pantum Groups Ltd is set to extend its services to Africa. According to a statement from the management, on Monday, the company is set to launch its services first in Ghana before expanding to other parts of Africa in the near future. Other African countries it plans to spread its tentacles to, include Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Nigeria. Pantum Groups Ltd is a UK based conglomerate company that provides bespoke services in the UK and internationally in the sectors of Sports, Real Estate, Interior design and recently launching a construction company in the UK. Mr. Festus Mansaray, Founder & CEO of Pantum Groups Ltd while unveiling this plan, said he has his vision and focus in Africa and he is determined to see the company brand expand in the UK and also in Africa. Mr. Festus Mansaray a former footballer himself who has played & had trials for clubs such as Watford Football club academy, Leicester city football club academy, Hendon football club and also in Holland for Ado den haag football club and due to health problems and injuries he had to stop playing football and focus on his business career. He has sold few high end properties especially to professional footballers and his first property he sold was sold for £1 million to a professional footballer who plays in the English premier league and he has gone to sell a few more to top professional footballers. He is very well connected within the football industry as he knows alot of professional footballers and his aim is to help create financial stability for these professional footballers ahead of life after football. “We looking forward to the challenges ahead of us in Africa and we are also excited about this journey we are about to embark in Africa,” Mr. Festus further added. For inquiry about the services of the company, visit: www.pantumgroups.com.

[Extended play] BRT Shadow - Blogger Singer EP 6 track project

   

Popular blogger and hitmaker 'BRT shadow' is finally here with his long anticipated Extended play titled 'Blogger Singer EP'. The music work which comprises of a whooping 6 songs has production credits from Slow G, Beka, O'twenty and Sik one.

TRENDING🔥: BRT SHADOW X KALA – MUMU GIRLFRIEND (PROD. DOKTAFRAZE)

This marks a mega milestone for his fanbase as the artist never backs down. EP details below

For Booking & Distribution

TEL: +2348036572438

EMAIL: Brtshadow@gmail.com

TRACKLISTS AND DOWNLOAD

1. CONFAM (prod. O'twenty) ..............DOWNLOAD

2. KNACK (prod. Slow G)..............DOWNLOAD

3. LANDLORD (prod. Beka)..............DOWNLOAD

4. VINE & VIBES (prod. O'Twenty)..............DOWNLOAD

5. FOR YOU (prod. Slow G)..............DOWNLOAD

6. WIRE (prod. Sik one)..............DOWNLOAD

STREAM ON AUDIOMACK