Some celebrated international artistes you won’t believe are Nigerians

No doubt, the growth and importation of African music world wide is synonymous with Nigeria

The Afro pop and juju music, which is one of the biggest genre of music in the world, is deeply rooted in Nigeria.

Nigerians are well known to travel far and wide in search of greener pastures. They not only survive in whichever country they find themselves, but become successful world-famous celebrities.

In the music industry today, there are several famous blacks that are excellent in their craft. People sometimes assume they are black Americans, or from other parts of Africa, but the fact remains, some of these musicians are Nigerians by descent.

Here are 10 world famous artistes who are truly Nigerians either by half parent, birth, immigrant parent or nationalisation.

1. British Rapper, Tinie Tempah

British Rapper, Tinie Tempah

Mention Chukwuemeka Patrick Okogwu and people will give you a blank stare, but mention Tinie Tempah, and everybody knows who you are talking about.

He was born to Nigerian parents from Ibusa, Delta State, but has spent all his life in London.

He is one of UK’s hottest rappers at the moment, with two of his singles peaking at number 1 (“Pass Out” and “Written in the Stars”) in the UK Singles Chart of 2010.

He has collaborated with the best of the best in the music world including Rihanna, Rita Ora, Eric Turner, the defunct Swedish House Mafia, J Cole and Snoop Dogg.

His most popular track till date, “Written in the Stars”, was the official theme song for WWE’s Wrestlemania 27 and was also used to usher in the New York Giants for Super Bowl 46.

He has performed at various top events in the world including the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics where he performed “Written in the Stars”.

The performance was watched by an estimated global television audience of 750 million.

2. British Singer, Seal

Seal has a personality you can’t forget in a hurry. Apart from the scar on his face, his style and music are totally different.

His real names are Henry Olusegun Olumide Adelo Samuel.

He was born on February 19, 1963 to Nigerian father, Francis Samuel and mother, Adebisi Ogundeji.

British Singer, Seal

He married model/TV personality, Heidi Klum, for seven years with three kids together before they separated in 2012.

The award winning RnB singer has won four Grammy Awards and an MTV Video Music Award amongst others. Seal has several hit songs which include ‘Kiss from the rose’, ‘Crazy, ‘Killer’, “Lips Like Sugar”.

3. US singer, Jidenna

Popularly known for his February 2015 single, “Classic Man”, Jidenna blends African Ankara prints into his outfit, a move that gives him up as an African.

Jidenna Theodore Mobisson, who is signed to Janelle Monae’s Wondaland Records label, was born in Wisconsin to a Nigerian father and a white mother and grew up in Nigeria.

US singer, Jidenna

In 1995 his family moved back to Boston Massachusetts. His song “Classic Man” was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 58th Grammy Awards.

4. American rapper, Nas

 Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who is the son of popular Jazz musician, Olu Dara blues musician of Yoruba descent, is an internationally known American Rapper, producer and more.

American rapper, Nas

He began his musical career in 1991 and released his debut album Illmatic, in 1994.

Popular for tracks like “Hate Me Now” and “Ether”, Nas’ 2002 album God’s Son peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

Time Magazine named it the best hip-hop album of the year. Nas visited Nigeria when he attended the 2008 edition of the Soundcity Music Video Awards (SMVA) to present the award for the “Best Hip-Hop Video”.

5. British R&B singer, Lemar

 English R&B singer and song-writer, Lemar Obika, was born on April 4, 1978, to Nigerian parents of Enugu State.

The award-winning Lemar, although much hasn’t been heard of him of recent, released hit songs like Time to Grow, If There’s Any Justice”.

British R&B singer, Lemar

He rose to fame following his position in the third place on the first series of British talent show Fame Academy.

6. British Soul Singer, Sade Adu

 Folashade Helen Adu is a Nigerian-British soul musician, born in Ibadan and tutored in England.

British Soul Singer, Sade Adu

She achieved worldwide fame and acclaim in the 1980s as the lead vocalist of the multi-platinum selling group, Sade, which was named after her.

Sade Adu is the first Nigerian to win a Grammy award, a feat she achieved in 1986 with her band, Sade.

Sade has sold more than 40 million units till date.

7. American rapper, Chamillionaire

 The controversial Grammy Award-winning rapper was born Hakeem Seriki in Washington DC to a Muslim father and a Christian mother, both of Nigerian extraction.

At a very tender age, the family relocated to a rough neighborhood in Houston, Texas.

It was a move that would go on to shape the rest of his life. While in Houston, he was influenced by hardcore acts such as The Geto Boys and Public Enemy.

American rapper, Chamillionaire

His first solo album, The Sound of Revenge, peaked at number 10 in the Billboard 200 US chart following its release in November 2005.

Chamillionaire is best known for his 2007 Grammy Award-winning rap single, “Ridin’”, which featured Krayzie Bone of the Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.

8. U.S. Rapper, Wale

 Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, popularly known by his stage name Wale (Wah-lay), is an American rapper best known for his single “Pretty Girls”.

U.S. Rapper, Wale

Wale has rubbed shoulders with the very best in the American music industry including the likes of Lady Gaga, Wiz Khalifa and Pharrell Williams.

He has two BET awards in his kitty.

He’s currently signed to Maybach music, a record label owned by rapper Rick Ross.

9. British Grime Rapper, Skepta

 Joseph Junior Adenuga was born on September 19, 1982. He is better known by his stage name,Skepta.

British Grime Rapper, Skepta

He is an English Grime artist, songwriter and record producer of Nigerian descent.

Adenuga released his debut studio album Greatest Hits in late 2007 and his second, Microphone Champion in 2009, both independently, while his third studio album Doin’ It Again was released in 2011 by AATW, His fourth studio album, Konnichiwa, was released on May 6, 2016 to critical acclaim, winning the year’s Mercury Prize.

DEMOCRACY DAY: Okowa greets Deltans, says better days ahead

• Commends FG over academic activities at Nigerian Maritime versity

Ifeanyi Okowa

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated Deltans and Nigerians as the nation marks the 2017 Democracy Day on May 29.

The Governor thanked the citizenry for their support for his administration in the last three years and enjoined them to uphold the prevailing peace in the state and the Niger Delta, adding that development can only take place in a peaceful environment.

In a statement on Monday in Asaba, by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, the governor reiterated his administration’s determination to upscale service delivery and infrastructural development as the administration enters the last year of the current term.

"Recall that our administration met a difficult economic situation which was made worse by the destruction of oil facilities by agitators, but many thanks to our brothers who heeded to our appeals for peace.

"With the return of peace to the state and the Niger Delta region ane with an improvement in our resources, we have been able to award over 193 roads and drainages with more than 90 of them completed. Several schools have also been rehabilitated with our Technical Colleges revamped to meet the mordern day realities.

“With a deep sense of gratitude to God Almighty, I thank you all for your support to my administration in the past three years. I appreciate immensely the unalloyed support and cooperation that our administration has enjoyed from Deltans. I salute our collective resolve to continue to live together in peace.

“I assure Deltans, that we remain irrevocably committed to the delivery of our strategic wealth creation projects as encapsulated in our S.M.A.R.T Agenda. Our wealth and job creation schemes have continued to make impacts in the life of our youths and women to the extent of attracting partnership from the World Bank. In the coming year, we shall continue to explore more ways to improve on the empowerment programmes. I thank the illustrous and hardworking youths as well as leaders of the Niger Delta for ensuring and maintaining the prevailing peace in the region”.

The Governor commended the Federal Government for their efforts in ensuring lasting peace in the oil rich Niger Delta region especially on the commencement of academic activities at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko.

“It is imperative to commend the Federal Government for their collaboration with state governments in ensuring the enabling peace and attracting investments and development to the region.” the statement said.

BEDC LICENCE MUST NOT BE RENEWED!

Funke Osibudu led management team of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company has failed the expectations of the people on what the unbundling of the power sector which was hoped to address the perennial energy challenge of the nation seek to achieve.

As a distributor or retailer in the electricity value chain, it has further caused more pains and anguish to the people it was expected to assuage their tiredness under the management of the defunct PHCN. The situation wasn’t as bad as it is today under BEDC as it was under NEPA or PHCN.

Succinctly, their operational licence must not be renewed by the Federal Government due to their high level of inefficiency and incompetence as exhibited over the years of operation. In November, 2018, their licence will be expiring; this is an urgent call to the President Buhari’s led federal government not to consider its renewal.

Among their many sins are enumerated below and not limited to the following:

1. BEDC managed by Vigeo Power Limited  is a lawless company and does not respect decisions of NERC and court orders. Only recently a court slammed it with a N10m compensation to a customer whom the NERC forum had already decided its case but BEDC went ahead to arrest him with the police while the matter subsisted in court.

2. It uses police to harass customers in debt recovery.

3. It uses military personnel attached to some white foreigners working with it to abuse the human rights of citizens who are their customers over little issues as protests by communities when they get disconnected without due process and for debt recovery.

4. BEDC management is fond of accusing a whole community of owing and putting them in darkness until the amount alleged to be owed is fully paid, whereas it is a case of few individuals owing because prepaid meter owners cannot be said to be owing rather it is the other way round.

5. Refusal to supply meters so as to further exploit citizens with outrageous estimated billing.
6. BEDC will never replace a faulty transformer or bad poles. Communities and individuals are forced to buy these items themselves and BEDC compelling the purchasers to say it is a donation to BEDC if they want them connected.

7. Customer service is very poor and discouraging.

8. Poor remunerations for the inadequate staff.

9.  High handedness of Funke Osibudu on mild issues.

10. Operation of special lines with up to 24 hours supply to some customers while a majority of their customers barely enjoy three hours of constant supply daily.

The people of Edo & Delta States are sincerely tired of the operations of the BEDC and its activities and urge the federal government to act before the state is plunged into total anarchy and disorderliness by the attempt renewal of their licence. We are wholeheartedly in support of the criminalization of estimated billing bill currently under consideration by House of Representatives.

Comrade Osazee Edigin
Public Relations Officer
Edo Civil Society Organisations
28A, Erie Street,
Off Sokponba Road,
Benin City,
Edo State,
Nigeria.

Bashorun Askia empowered PDP faithfuls in Isoko south

By Kelvin Ohoror 

The Executive Director Finance and Administration Bashorun Askia Ogieh has empowered 190 members of  People's Democratic Party faithfuls,they include; 5 principal officers and 5 persons each from the 19 wards including the LGA executives in Isoko South with a monthly stipends of 10,000 naira each every month. 

Speaking at event the chairman of PDP Isoko South Local Government Area, Mr. Raphael Oderowu stated that,two weeks ago during our meeting our leader Bashorun Askia Ogieh promise to empower party faithfuls and you know when he made promises,he always fulfill  it. 

The PDP LGA chairman further stated that, if Okowa is not a governor today what is happening now wouldn't be possible, it is also because there was people's who work for the governor with clean heart, noting that, what is ground now for the party is how Okowa can be re-elected for another tenure come 2019.

He also reiterate that, "we all must work hard to ensure the re-election of governor Okowa 100 percent in Isoko South Local Government Area".

He further stated that,with what Bashorun Askia Ogieh has done today will enable recipients of this empowerment to preach to others about the People's Democratic Party in Isoko South to come and join the party.

He also added that, those who with governor Okowa and Bashorun Ogieh never regret because they always remember those who work for them. 

On his part,the Special Assistant to the Executive Director Finance and Administration Hon. Godspower Obaro who represented Bashorun Askia Ogieh said that,the monetary payment in form of stipends is going to be monthly, noting that, the lists will increase subsequently in order to get to other persons in the party in the local government. 

Hon. Obaro however described Bashorun Askia Ogieh as an angel of empowerment right from his appointment as the chairman Board of Institute of Continue Education (ICE) during the time of the former governor Chief James Onanafe Ibori till date. 

He therefore advice  recipients of the empowerment to utilize what they gave to them in to make their life meaningful. 

He also urged party members to be steadfast and continue to support and mobilise for the party (PDP) to ensure the party become victorious come 2019.

He also pointed out that, the monthly stipends will get to others subsequently. 

Present at the ceremony were; Hon. Raphael Okaruefe, Hon.Bino Owhede amongst others.

 A vote of confidence was also pass on Bashorun Askia Ogieh by Mr. Hitler Omote from Okpolo/Enhwe ward 09 and was secoded by Mr Aaron Akelemor from Emede ward 05.

Atiku Consultative Network Inaugurates Delta state chapter

The National co-ordinator and Director General of Atiku Consultative Network, Mercy Sheila has inaugurated the Delta state chapter of the organization on the 23^rd may 2018, at Asaba ahead of 2019 general election.

Rtn. Brooklyn Essi state coordinator for Atiku consultative network, immediate left National Coordinator and D. G Mercy sheila achibogwu, Genevieve, Director for non-indigenes delta state, Jerry Odugala director media, Barr. Mary Erijo state woman leader and publicity and other Exco members at Asaba recently

Sheila, while stressing the importance of the 2019 general election, she charged the newly inaugurated co-ordinator, Rtn Brooklyn Essi to ensure that no stone is left unturn as the victory of the Turaki of Adamawa, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku is crucial to the yearnings and aspirations of the majority of Nigerians.

some members of Atiku Consultative Network

Those inaugurated alongside with Brooklyn Essi includes: Genevieve, Director for non-indigenes delta state, Jerry Odugala Director Media, Barr. Mary Erijo state woman leader and publicity and other Exco members.

May 29: We have a lot to celebrate, says Okowa

Few days to Democracy Day, May 29, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said the people of Delta State has a lot to celebrate.

The Governor who spoke with enthusiasm yesterday (22/05/18) shortly after inspecting some of the landmark projects executed by his administration, told Journalists that three years after, Deltans have a lot to celebrate and thank God for 

“From 9 am on Tuesday,  May 29, we will gather at the Event Centre to celebrate peace, to thank God for the peace and progress we have made as a state, the programme will be beamed live for Deltans who may not be able to join us at the Event Centre to participate in giving praise, dance and dance to the glory of God for His goodness,” the Governor said.

From left; Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro; Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Engr. Fredrick Edafiogho and Mr. Austin Ayemidejo, during the Governor’s Inspection at Asaba International Airport.

He continued, “we have just inspected the Stephen Keshi Stadium, the Asaba Airport and the storm drainage projects and we are happy with the level of progress made in the execution of the projects, we have adopted regular monitoring of the projects to ensure that the jobs are done to specification and delivered on time.”

The Governor who was accompanied by all the members of the State Executive Council as the inspection commenced immediately after their meeting, disclosed that the contractors have been ordered to work day and night to ensure that they deliver the projects before scheduled dates.

He noted that the runway of the Asaba International Airport will be completed before May 29, observing that the runway was very critical for the effective functioning of the airport.

Lagos community demands relocation of Tuesday Tuesday church

The love between residents of Soba Community of Abule Ado in Amuwo Odofin Local Council Development Area of Lagos and a worship centre situated in the town has suddenly turned into hatred.

Residents of Soba community in Abule Ado during the protest on Friday, May 18, 2018 at Soba town, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos.

Last Friday, May 18, 2018, leaders and residents of the community trooped out enmass to protest the alleged nefarious activities of the worship centre.
Their grouse As a matter of fact, the community has petitioned the Federal and Lagos State governments, calling for the relocation of Power of the Holy Ghost Evangelical Ministry (popularly called Tuesday Tuesday Church), alleging its refusal to conform to basic tenets of good citizenship. The community condemned the activities of the church in its entirety and especially the use of police force to harass residents, describing the action as unjust. The residents trooped out with placards bearing inscriptions like ‘Tuesday Church must leave our community in peace.’ ‘Enough of kidnapping of innocent souls in Soba community.’ ‘Enough of sprinkling of blood in our community.’ ‘They claim to be christians but they are ritualists.’ ‘The Power of the Holy Ghost Evangelical Ministry known as Tuesday Church is evil.’
Four landlords arrested The matter came to a climax on May 16, 2018 when a detachment of Police led by DSP Justin Adaka from IGP Monitoring Unit, Port Harcourt Annex came to arrest four members of the community – Babajide Folami, Keyinde Ayuba, Umoru Isa and Pastor Raphael purportedly on the order of the Inspector-General of Police, Abuja in retaliation for the petition filed with the DPO of Trade Fair Police station, adding that all efforts to locate their whereabouts proved abortive. The Vice Chairman, Landlord Association of Soba community, Mr. Femi Ekundayo, who led the protest to the palace of the Baale alleged that the excesses of the church could not be curtailed by the residents.He explained that members of the community are being assaulted in various guises. Ekundayo said residents live in fear of being molested by members of the church, adding that some residents of the community have been attacked with salt, eggs, coconut, among other things when they go for vigils.He said: “In all fairness, we hear the sound of people crying and wailing. We see blood all over inside and outside but, we have not seen them with human parts.They attacked a church that has been in existence for 20 years in this community. When we complained at the Trade Fair Police Station, the DPO invited us for a peace meeting but the pastor of the church refused to show up.In fact, some landlords were arrested by some Police officers sent by the Inspector-General of Police and they have been moved to Port Harcourt.” Representative of the Baale, the Otun of Soba, Chief Jimoh Sanni said complaints have been made at the nearest police station for intervention before this outburst and they waded in and promised to settle it amicably. Victims recount ordeal Some victims narrated their ordeals in the hands of the church, urging the state government to wade into the matter before it gets out of hand. I was assaulted—Cleric The Presiding Pastor, Christ is the Answer Healing Church, Pastor Sanni Moses said “The first Friday in the month of March after several molestations by this so-called church burning different kinds of incense and throwing eggs into my church premises, I went to the church to lodge a complaint but I was not allowed to see the Prophet. On a particular day, my colleague and I were at the entrance of my church. We were holding a vigil and it was as if it was something planned by that same church. They came at about 2 a.m. assaulted me right at the gate, poured salt on me, sprayed perfume on my head but I restrained my members from fighting, because I don’t really know what they are doing. I went to the Baale’s palace to lay my complaints”. When asked if the matter had been reported to the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, the cleric said he reported the matter to CAN but was asked to revert to the Baale for reconciliation that would translate to peace and harmonious existence in the community. They poured a bag of salt on me — CCC Pastor For Prophet Emmanuel Agabi of the Celestial Church of Christ, CCC, Soba Parish, he said he has been a victim so many times. Agabi said: “In February, I was attacked by some members of church on my way to preach the gospel.” He alleged that a bag of salt was poured on him over his refusal to bow before the Pastor of the Tuesday Tuesday Church. A trader, Mrs Rose Emmanuel also referred to as Mama Umeh, whose shop is close to the church, said: “There is no day I come to my shop that I will not see salt, eggs and coconuts in front of my shop. I always take the stress of washing all these things with water.” I was beaten for refusing to attend their church—Trader Another trader, Mrs Favour Francis said she was notified that some rituals were carried out in front of her shop. She said: “At 3 O’clock on Wednesday, I was notified that the Tuesday church had buried some things at my shop. When I got there, I did not say a word, but reverted to my own Pastor, who gave me anointing oil to sanctify the frontage of my shop.Not too long after, the Tuesday Church’s pastor brought his members to beat me and my children in the shop. Since then, I have not been feeling fine.Prior to this, there was no rancour between us. The only thing I could remember was that I have turned down their invitation to attend their church countless times. Consequently, the pastor ordered his members not to patronise my shop anymore that I was so fetish.” Mrs. Nkechi Egbenu, who trades directly opposite the church, said: “Each time I go to my shop, they must have broken eggs, burnt candles of different colours such as red, blue and black. I went to report the case to Baale for intervention.” Community petitions Lagos govt In a petition jointly issued by the Baale of Ado-Soba, Chief Raheed Jimoh and the Aare Ona Kanakanfo of Yorubaland, Aare Gani Adams, they alleged that: “Apart from the rancorous and violent processions of the Tuesday Tuesday Church every week and with total blockade of the roads leading to our community, they broke into people’s shops and residents’ property at night and desecrate them in the name of purification with thick smelly and hazardous substances.” Mr. Ekundayo, who read the petition at the Baale’s palace said: “Their activities at nights are most unbearable as they noisily pollute the environment from evening till the early hours of the day. They harass and assault anybody who challenges their despicable rituals” According to the petition, “people living around the church often complain of offensive odour, crying and wailing of people being tortured whose noise cease soon after” adding that “this is confirmatory evidence that it is not a conventional church but an occult group”. “Whilst it is the inalienable right of every citizen to freedom of worship and association as guaranteed in section 38(1) & 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you will agree with us absolutely that the activities of this body constitute dangerous health hazards, environmental menace and gross abuse of our rights to life, good health and peaceful living as guaranteed under section 33 (1) & 34 (1a). The matter came to a head on 16th May, 2018 when a detachment of Police led by DSP Justin Adaka from IGP Monitoring Unit, Port Harcourt Annex came to arrest four members of the community – Babajide Folami, Keyinde Ayuba, Umoru Isa and Pastor Raphael purportedly on the order of the Inspector General of Police, Abuja in retaliation for our petition filed with the DPO of Trade Fair Police station and all efforts to locate their whereabouts proved abortive”. Church keeps mum Efforts, however, to get the reaction of the Tuesday Tuesday Church, proved abortive as members of the church denied Vanguard access into the church premises.When Vanguard approached the church gate, in an attempt to see the Pastor of the church, a member of the church who opened the gate, turned down the request.

FCMB depositors lose over N600m to fraudulent staff

-As Police declare bankers wanted

The Divisional Police Office, Lion Building, Campbell Street at the Lagos Island has declared eight persons, who were of the banking profession, wanted over charges bordering on fraudulent theft of over N600 million naira from depositors’ accounts with First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

Group Chief Executive, FCMB Group Plc, Ladi Ba­lo­gun(left); Chair­man, Oladipupo Jades­imi; Com­pany Sec­re­tary/gen­eral Coun­sel, Mrs. Funmi Aded­ibu; Founder, FCMB Group, Otunba Ola­sub­omi Ba­lo­gun and Man­ag­ing Di­rec­tor of First City Mon­u­ment Bank, Adam Nuru dur­ing the yearly gen­eral meet­ing of the group in La­gos, recently

After securing an arrest warrant from a magistrate court in Lagos, the police division stated that the suspects, if seen, should be arrested and brought to its station or the nearest police station, even as it gave 08033068667 and 08182465467 as numbers that can be reached by anyone who comes across the wanted persons.

The names of the bankers as declared in the official gazette and made available are: Linda Natufe Chekwube, Matthew Akpan Benny, Juwon Faromoh, Oluwasoji Ajetumobi, Ogunlaja Olasukanmi Ganiyu, Oshiojum Chibuzor Wilson, Akanaga Christian Chika and Nelson Omuzagha.

The names and offences for which the bankers are on the wanted list can be seen and read in the special police gazette bulletin published below.

Though, the Adam Nuru-led FCMB prides itself as one of the most reliable financial institutions in Nigeria, depositors have continued to wonder how safe their monies are with the lender as the bank has become a safe haven for fraudulent officials.

Recall that a staff of the bank, Adejare Sonde, was arraigned recently over the theft of N124million from a depositor’s account.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in Ibadan Zone, arraigned the suspect before Justice A. A. Akinyemi of the State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on a 12-count charge bordering on stealing, forgery and uttering.

Sonde was accused of using his position as the account officer to a micro-finance bank to steal N124 million from the customer’s account.

The petitioner explained that Sonde, as account officer of the customer, allegedly collected cash from the micro-finance bank on several occasions totaling N124 million which were not credited into the customer’s account.

Further investigations revealed that the defendant (Sonde) allegedly doctored emails which he sent to the micro-finance bank as monthly statements of account, while there was no remittance in the account.

Similarly, on January 19, two officials of the bank, identified as Walter Ekomaye and Ebenezer Adelowo, were also arraigned for allegedly making illegal withdrawal of N23 million from customers’ accounts and stealing N17.5 million from Automated Teller Machine (ATM) deposits.

Source: The Witness

3RD Anniversary celebration: Delta to hold inter-denominational thanksgiving service, may 29.

----- Sammy Okposo, Chioma Jesus, Samsong and others bill to perform

 As part of the activities to mark the third anniversary of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration, Delta State Government would hold an inter-denominational praise and worship programme in Asaba.

Sammy Okposo

Samsong

Chairman of the organising committee for the anniversary celebration, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, in a statement, said that the programme which is billed to hold on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at the Event Centre, Asaba from 9.00am will feature eminent preachers, and renowned gospel singers.

According to him, “Deltans  have a lot of reasons to celebrate, it is celebration of peace, unity, positive development in terms of landmark infrastructure. This year's celebration is unique, we are celebrating three years of God's goodness on Deltans through the instrumentality of Governor Okowa's administration”

Onyekan Dunsin

He enjoined Deltans and lovers of democracy to come and celebrate God's goodness to the state through praise and thanksgiving,

Artistes expected to perform at the event, according to him, include Chioma Jesus, Sammy Okposo, Prosper Ochimana, David G, Samsong, Elijah Oyelade, and Onyekan Dunsin.

Prominent Deltans from all walks of life including Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his Deputy. Deacon Burutu Otuaro is expected to grace the Thanksgiving Event.

Chioma Jesus

Okowa presents buses to prisons

To speed up the administration of criminal justice in Delta State, the state Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has donated two 18-seater buses to the Nigerian Prisons Service.

Presenting the buses yesterday (21/05/18), in Asaba, Governor Okowa decried the congestion of Prisons in the country.

Delta State Secretary to State Government, Hon. Ovie Agas (2nd left); Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Vincent Uduaghan (left); Commissioner for Special duties Government House, Hon. Henry Sapkra (2nd right) and the Controller of Prisons, Delta State  Command, Sam Iyakoregha, during the handing over of two (BAW) Hummer Buses to Nigeria Prisons, in Government House Asaba.

According to him, “it should be recalled that Delta State played host to the Nigeria Bar Association’s (NBA) conference on criminal justice reform recently and during the conference, Prison was identified as one of the critical sectors of this reform, especially the transportation of awaiting trial inmates to the court.”

“Stakeholders, especially state governments were asked to help ameliorate these challenges, and it is on that note that the Delta State government is donating these buses to take prison inmates who are awaiting trial to the court,” the Governor stated.

He continued, “as good partners in progress, the Delta State government is presenting these vehicles to speed up the delivery of justice in the state.”

The vehicles presented

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie-Agas, expressed confidence that in Delta State, things should be done right and no one should suffer as a result of injustice.

Comptroller of Prisons, Delta State Command, Mr Sam Iyakoriegha, commende Governor Okowa’s administration for providing the buses to the Nigerian Prisons Services stating, “this is a dream come true, we are very grateful to the Delta State government and all those who made this to be possible.”

The event was witnessed by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Vincent Uduaghan, his Government House counterpart, Hon. Henry Sakpra, Permanent Secretary Government House and Protocols, Mr Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, among others.

Eregare for senate, vote for God’s choice

Chief Robinson Eregare

Chief Robinson Eregare has formally declared his intention to contest as senator representing Delta central senatorial district under the platform of the labour party in 2019 general election.

Chief Eregare, while briefing news men recently at sapele, noted that, the choice of labour party is as result of his findings and realizing that labour party is for the common

 man whom he has come to liberate from the whimsicality of the rich, noting that the steady whine of the poor must stop.

Eregare noted that, his entrance into the political terrain is not to cast aspersion on his political opponents, but his aims and objectives is to compassionately work for the up liftment and betterment of the Urhobo nation as his wealth of experience during his days as a police officer will augment his representation at the national assembly.

Isoko mirror finding has also revealed that his past achievement in the areas of assisting the youths is helping as his acceptability by the young ones is like a miracle.

Woman SP (Mrs.) Onoja now heads Aguda police station

SP. (Mrs.) Binta Onoja now heads Aguda Divisional police headquarters as the Divisional Police officer (DPO). She was formerly Divisional traffic Officer (DTO) of Ajeromi Ifelodun police divisional headquarters before her current position as DPO.

SP. Onoja

SP. Onoja has been described as a woman who does not tolerate or condone criminality wherever she is and as result of that she has been able to reduce crime to its beherest minimum in Aguda community. She noted that all criminal activities, ranges from arm robbery, cultism and unnecessary break down of law are nipped and put in the right perspective.

SP. (Mrs). Binta Onoja disclosed this in a chat with the Deputy Editor of Isoko mirror when the latter paid her a visit at her office.

While stressing the importance of peaceful co-existence among neighbors’, she noted that there is need for parents and guardians to take the bull by the horns by advising their children and wards to steer clear from criminal activities, especially arm robbery and cultism, warning that the police will not tolerate any act of criminality in her jurisdiction.

Isoko mirror findings also revealed that unnecessary break down of law and incessant fighting among rival cults group has stopped and in view of that she has reiterated her determination to ensure that Aguda area is crime free.

How religious leaders instill fear in their members – Prof. Sonaiya

Religious leaders have been advised to desist from instilling fear into members of their congregations by placing so much emphasis on the powers of ‘evil forces’ as against God’s protectiveness.

This charge was given by Prof. Remi Sonaiya while delivering a lecture at the Harvest Fields Int. Annual Making a Difference Leadership Seminar, recently.

In the lecture titled “The Christian Faith, Africa Magic, Science and Development,” she lamented that many pastors have turned their sermons to “story-telling sessions – how evil forces attack people, but in the end those who come to them for deliverance are freed from the oppression of the devil,” akin to what is seen on Nollywood Movies.

Professor Remi Sonaiya

According to her, the kind of teachings that go on in many churches these days will not lead the country to development as they do not allow people to use their intellect to judge all things, as commanded by the Bible.

Prof. Sonaiya cautioned the religious leaders thus: “The generation of young Nigerians, upon whom we are placing much hope for the future of our continent and our nation, must not be socialised into a world devoid of logic and reason, of curiosity and risk-taking, because that is the stuff that technological advancements are built upon. They must believe that physical problems have physical solutions, and bend their backs to the task of finally bringing dignity to Africa, and Nigeria in particular, as they begin to find ingenuous and innovative solutions to the problems which have plagued us for ages.”

She queried the kind of God most present day Christians believe in and said; “there is no doubt that what we believe about God affects or, in fact, determines the way in which we conduct ourselves in this world. Maybe looking at how we worship could reveal our true response and attitude towards this God. What is our worship like? Much time is spent in church and in prayer calling upon God for blessings – “for me and my family.” And since He does not seem to know how to keep His own people, we have to tell Him what to do, especially with our enemies – they must fall down and die; the ground should open its mouth and swallow them up.

“In many of our churches today, someone who comes with a heart of contentment and tranquillity might feel out of place, for it is almost a requirement that you be constantly hankering after something; you are trying to “make it in life,” regardless of what you already have! We must ask ourselves: Is that the God presented to us in the Bible? Are we following the teachings of Jesus Christ who said that He came to be an example to us, so that we would walk the way He walked?”

Acknowledging the scripture that says our fight is not against flesh and blood, but “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness in this world and spiritual wickedness in high places,” she lamented that fear was keeping people from living. She submitted that the issue was not about whether evil exists or not, but what one chooses to believe as to who has the power to control the affairs of men.

“Most of us live in an atmosphere of fear, and the bottom line is that we cannot trust God to keep us – or accept in faith and with joy whatever He allows to happen to us. We are afraid of what people can do to us, and we make it our business to keep ourselves safe, as best as we know how. We cannot relate freely and honestly with one another, even in the church. People are afraid of the pastors who may use the power of their anointing to curse them! The light of the gospel does not seem to have had much success in dispelling our darkness and renewing our minds,” she said.

The linguistics professor pointed out that “the difference between us and the faithful Christians of old was that they seemed to accept suffering as part of their calling; we do not. And that is why we are so consumed with seeking blessings rather than seeking to be found in Christ, and making always doing His pleasure our greatest delight.”

She spoke further, “our traditional way of “being in the world” (for want of a better expression) is such that we are here as victims rather than as agents. It is this victim rather than agent manner of being in the world that we have here characterised as Africa Magic – and the foundation upon which it is built is fear. The desperate, me-and-my-family prayers said in several of our churches demonstrate it.”

She argued that Christianity should have a radically transformative effect on the lives of both individuals and society as Jesus’ teachings represent the most revolutionary and liberating body of ideas known to man: “He turns leaders into servants; redefines what true riches are (a widow’s mite is of more worth than the millions which a rich man contributes); and basically deals Self, that great enemy of the human soul, the death blow. He thus liberates the individual, now energised by divine love for God and fellow man by the Holy Spirit’s power, to pursue the task of subduing the earth in a manner that would be beneficial to humanity and bring glory to God,” she said.

Prof Sonaiya decried the level of control some pastors have over their church members. Her words: “Many of our pastors exercise so much control over us, demanding that we be in church almost permanently, determining the number of days during which we will fast, ordering us to carry out sometimes very mindless actions, and not tolerating any dissenting opinion – because they are under the anointing. They lord it over us and cow us into submission with their anointing. Rudeness is acceptable under the anointing, and we are expected to fear this anointing upon “men of God”, just the way we fear the prowling powers of evil people. We are held captive – even in church!”

Continuing, she said, “I believe that the time has come for us in Africa to deliberately make a decision to rid ourselves of our fears and begin to live and operate confidently in the beautiful world which our God has created. Christians must be at the forefront of the liberation of African minds from the fears which have held us captive for millennia.

“Nigerian young people are incredibly gifted and raring to go. May I please beg our churches and pastors not to bog their minds down with stories that would strike fear in their hearts and hinder them from performing optimally the huge task that is ahead of them.”

Forthright boss, Akintoye, two others remanded in prison over alleged N120m

Justice Mojisola Dada,of the Lagos State High Court Ikeja, has ordered for the remand of the Managing Director, Forthright Properties Ltd , Isaac Akintoye and two others in prison custody over alleged N120 millions land scam.

Others remanded in prison custody alongside Akintoye, are Samuel Okeke and Ifeanyi Ndigwe, they will remain in prison custody pending the time, the court will hear and determine their bail applications
The defendants were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) today.
The businessmen ; Okeke, Akintoye and Ndigwe were docked alongside their companies, Samadores Ltd, Aqua Rock Real Estate and Investment Ltd, Forthright Properties Ltd and Iccon Communications Ltd. on a 16- count charge bordering on stealing and fraud.

Managing Director, Forthright Properties Ltd , Isaac Akintoye

In the charge, name of Okeke and his two companies ,Samadores Ltd and Aqua Rock Real Estate and Investment Ltd reflected in count 1 to 12 , Akintoye and his company, Forthright Properties Ltd , only reflected in count 12 while, Ndigwe and and his company; Iccon Communications Ltd appeared in count 13 to 16.
Count 12 of the charge reads: Samuel Okeke, Isaac Akintoye, Samadores Ltd, Aqua Rock Real Estate and Investment Ltd and Forthright Properties Ltd sometime in the year 2013, conspired amongst yourselves to dishonestly to convert an aggregate sum of N650, 400, 000 being purported payment for sales of 38 plots of land at Gan-un Riverside Park Residential Scheme at the rate of N1, 800, 000 per plot with intent to permanently deprived One Obinna Obienu, IT World Nigeria Limited of their special interest in the property ”
The prosecutor, Muhammed Bashir ,told the court that the offences committed by the defendants are contrary to Section 285 (1) of the Criminal laws of Lagos State and Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006″.
When the court’s registrar read the charge to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty
And after not guilty plea of the defendants, EFCC ‘s counsel asked the court for trial date but the defendants’ counsel swiftly stood up to inform the court on their pending applications for bail.
The prosecutor told the court that the applications for bail filed by the defendants were ripe for hearing due to the time it was filed and served, said he needed time to reply.
However, Justice Dada has fixed May 22, for hearing of the bail applications of the defendants. The court ordered that the defendants should be remanded in prison custody pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications
The judge also fixed June 6, for the commencement of trials.

How police, FRSC, LASTMA, others violate rights of Nigerians

Nigerian roads can be uninteresting for motorists and pedestrians. The roads are flooded with countless government officials who, rather than ensure sanity, harass the individuals.

They are also hard to overcome going by the unnecessary bureaucracy involved in fighting for one’s right. As a result, no longer do many people care to worry about their rights. On most occasions, they simply give in to the corrupt tendency and save themselves of the stress of being pushed back and forth unnecessarily.

But the fact remains that most people that have been exploited on Nigerian roads have rights. It is imperative for them to know them so that they will know where they have gone wrong or a just victims of exploitation.

The Principal Counsel of a law firm located in Ikeja, Lagos State, Jiti Ogunye Chambers, Barrister Jiti Ogunye, spoke to The Next Edition on the need for people to know their rights. Here are some of the highlights:

Police checking people’s phones

The Police have the power to conduct searches. Under Section 4 of the Police Act which is the general section, they have the power to detect crimes when they are yet to be committed, to foil an attack and apprehend accordingly.

However under the Criminal Justice Act, there are specific commissions covering searches. They have to obtain warrants. There are offences where no arrest can be made without a warrant, but in some cases arrests can be carried out without a warrant. In the event a cursory search turns up anything, they can carry out an arrest. It is the arbitrary nature of how this is done that poses a problem as it infringes on rights.

Searching phones without proper intelligence is the height of illegality as it infringes on the privacy rights of citizens. It is illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional. They have no right to do this. Unless there is specific Intel that states a particular crime has occurred or is in progress, based on this they can intercept and carry out search. Such searches must be based on reasonable intelligence.

Different law enforcement agents and their excesses

The public officials that manage our roads are many – They include the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Police. Policemen, even when the inspector says that is not their duty post they still patrol. We have SARS as well. Sometimes, Customs patrol the roads claiming to check smuggled goods including cars; NDLEA as well claim to check for drugs and so on. They all have a right to carry out their duties within their mandates as they do not necessarily need to sit in their offices to detect crime.

LASTMA can intercept you if you beat the traffic light as doing so poses a traffic offence. It is within their mandate.

If the phone is not held to your ear and your hands are on the steering you are not committing a crime. Most cars are now enabled to receive calls via the car speakers, your phone could also be on speaker and on your dash or passenger’s seat. Then, violation is driving with one hand with the phone in the other hand. They have the right to regulate conduct and enforce the law. Where the problem arises is when they become arbitrary in exercising this authority and when they become out rightly corrupt. If your vehicle is at a standstill in traffic and you flip through your phone to check the map on where you are headed or even check a text, you are well within your rights. You are not allowed to use your phone while your car is in motion according to the law. For them to detain you for this is arbitrary and unlawful.

Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, as their name implies, their duties should be on federal roads not on inner city roads and corners. Their duty is not to ‘hide’ in inner city roads to extort and make revenue.

However while they are on duty even ‘illegally’ on inner city roads, their duty is to determine if a person is trained to drive, that’s why they ask for the driver’s license. They don’t have the right to check particulars as that is not safety issue, unless there is a document they need to see that relates to a safety issue. They are authorised to check your fire extinguisher and caution sign as that relates to road safety. The Federal Road Safety Corp is the proper authority to check all motorists on adhering to road safety as the name implies.

Soliciting prostitutes

As prostitution has not been legalised in Nigeria, the law allows for both the solicitor and the prostitute to be arrested.

Doing legitimate business at night

As long as there is no curfew, the police are not allowed to arrest citizens doing legal businesses at night. The vagrancy law was abolished way back in the military era. As long as you have identification card and are going about your business, you are not committing a crime. However the police can question a solitary figure with suspicious equipment at night. It is their duty to not only apprehend after a crime but also to prevent it.