June 20, 2024

[GIST] Edo Assembly has no regret for Shaibu’s impeachment, says Speaker

[GIST] Edo Assembly has no regret for Shaibu’s impeachment, says Speaker

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The Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, yesterday, said that the House has no regret in impeaching the former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.
   
Agbebaku said this while giving journalists the breakdown of the achievements of the House in one year.
   
Recall that Philip Shaibu was impeached in April, following the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the state Assembly to probe allegations of misconduct levelled against him.
   
The Speaker said that the House followed due process in removing Shaibu.
   
He said: “To me, I will stand tall to say it is a good record because we are doing our legislative duty. 
   
“And that shows that the House, the 8th Assembly, is very independent. I also want to let you know clearly that the processes of impeachment were followed to the letter.” 
   
Agbebaku, while also reacting to the question of the suspension of three lawmakers, said that whatever their constituencies are lacking due to their absence in the House is the price they needed to pay for their misbehaviour.
   
He said: “In every organisation, you have rules and regulations. If you are saying that their constituencies are no longer represented, that is the price you pay for being disobedient or for disobeying the rules of where you work.
   
“That is the price you pay when you go contrary to the House rules, but what I will say is that a committee is being set up to look into their issues. 
“In the next three weeks, the committee will submit their report and then from there, we will know the next line of action.” 
 
The Speaker also said that the House made over 44 resolutions that have helped in achieving monumental success and 16 bills.

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[GIST] FG approves N280 billion for completion of Bodo-Bonny Road

[GIST] FG approves N280 billion for completion of Bodo-Bonny Road

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David Umahi

The Federal Government has approved N280 billion to Julius Berger PLC for the completion of the Bodo-Bonny road project and mandated the firm to deliver the project on time.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed this during an inspection visit to the project site, saying the contractor must work round the clock to meet the timeline of December 2024.

Umahi also stated the road will end the perennial transportation challenges in Bodo-Bonny, South-South region of Nigeria, and enhance the socio-economic prospects of the two communities of Rivers State.

He expressed reservation over the Bodo-Bonny project administration by the contractor, insisting that the amount of money paid was needed for the project to be completed.

He, therefore, enjoined the contractor to ensure that no further excuses were given on the project delivery timeline as the Federal Government would not approve any additional funds for the project.

“And in case the devil comes to play, whatever happens, we are not increasing this project cost. It’s a package, and it’s called a lump sum completion package to Julius Berger to do a beautiful job and attach their name. It has been 11 years, and we don’t want it to exceed this year. And so it is in your interest that you cooperate.”

The Work Minister further added, “We will be asking Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, whether is there anything that the Minister of Works and NLNG will do to fast-track this engagement so that we can arrive at the destination by the 15th of December 2024.”

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the completion of the road project and praised the perseverance of the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee and the cooperation and uprightness of NLNG funding the project.

Similarly, Umahi expressed dismay over the attitude of RCC handing 15km East-West Road (From Port Harcourt Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction) for their inordinate delay on the project despite receiving mobilization for the job.

He warned that the Federal Government would not entertain any request for Variation on Price (VOP) on the project.

“We are very sad with the manners and behaviours of this contractor, RCC, adding that the government has paid over 40 billion on this project, and not even one kilometer has been completed.”

The Minister decried the sufferings of the road users and expressed intention to source funds to maintain the project for the time being pending when the company remobilizes to the site.

“So we have to see where we can search for funds and get any contractor around here to maintain the road. We need to maintain the road. We need to pity the people. It’s not acceptable what our people are passing through for an excuse from RCC that they are importing machines for the job.”

Other projects inspected by the Minister included the dualization of East-West road section II (sub section II) (Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States) being handled by Setraco Nigeria Ltd and the construction of multiple box culverts at flood-damaged locations along the dualization of East-West road (section II) and Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States being handled by Messrs. Rock Result Nigeria Ltd.

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June 19, 2024

[GIST] Nigeria Mourns Loss Of Cultural Icon, Femi Esho

[GIST] Nigeria Mourns Loss Of Cultural Icon, Femi Esho

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The Nigerian music industry is grieving the loss of Chief Samuel Babafemi Esho, “Baba Esho.” A distinguished music promoter and cultural icon, who passed away at 77 after a brief illness.

Who is Baba Esho?

Born on October 29, 1946, Femi Esho was the renowned Chairman of Evergreen Musical Company. Importantly, he was key figure in preserving and promoting Nigerian music. He possessed a dogged dedication to the industry, ensuring Nigeria’s rich musical tradition and heritage and was both preserved and celebrated.

His daughter, Bimbo Esho, who serves as the Managing Director of Evergreen Musical Company, confirmed his passing in a press release on Tuesday. She expressed her sorrow, referring to her father as a “patriarch” whose legacy in the music industry will be eternally cherished.

She wrote, “Baba Esho departed to greater glory on Monday 17th June 2024 after a brief illness at the age of 77 years. Baba Esho until his demise was the Chairman of the Evergreen Musical Company. As well as the Founder of the Evergreen Music Heritage Foundation. Baba Esho was a mentor and “encyclopedia” to many ‘Highlife music aficionados.

“He will be remembered as one who gave so much of himself to see to the “immortality” of the musical works of Nigerian Highlife, Juju, Sakara, Apala, Afrobeat and a crop of other Nigerian/African genres of Indigenous music.”

The family has announced that funeral arrangements will be disclosed in due course. In the meantime, they request privacy as they mourn the loss of a father. A true icon of Nigerian music.

During his lifetime, Baba Esho was a well-known radio and television presenter. Among the shows he anchored was Highlife Renaissance for three years. It was done on Raypower, Nigeria’s first private radio station. During that time, Baba Esho passionately promoted highlife music.

Additionally, he formed a band that performed evergreen Nigerian music at high-profile events and venues in Lagos. Some of these include the Ikoyi Club, Yoruba Tennis Club, and the Island Club among many others.

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June 18, 2024

[GIST] Emirate tussle: FG trying to create new breed of insurgents in Kano, Kwankwaso warns

[GIST] Emirate tussle: FG trying to create new breed of insurgents in Kano, Kwankwaso warns

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National Leader and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of attempting to create a new breed of Boko Haram terrorists and insurgents in Northern Nigeria.

Kwankwaso made this known in his reaction to the ongoing situation in Kano, where federal security agencies, with constitutionally assigned responsibility for ensuring peace, law and order, have been backing the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

Speaking at a flag-off ceremony for the construction of 82km-rural road networks at his hometown, Madobi, Kwankwaso said people of Kano will resist any attempt to undermine the constituted authority in the state.

“We have mass followership because people believe in us, we are pro-people and the NNPP administration is determined to serve them anywhere they voted for it.”

Kwankwaso added that as politicians, “we will not fold our arms and watch enemies of the state destroying the peaceful co-existence of our dear state, as we shall do everything possible to support the governor to succeed. I am happy that he is not distracted and is focused on achieving his goals.

“There are people from Kano, enemies of the state, who also suffer mental illness and are the ones advising the Federal Government on how to take over Kano through a State of Emergency. This is madness of the highest order that the good, peace loving and committed people Kano will resist.”

Kwankwaso also stated that “in the build ups to 2027, some desperate politicians are already on a mission of disruption, but we will rather prefer the two of us to loose than to allow them crush us unnecessarily. We dare anybody who thinks he can victimise us politically, to go and be rest assured that we are ready for the fight.

“We are not afraid to be out of power because we will remain politicians in or out of government, we cannot run away from our destiny, we are humans, we know what is good for us and we will pursue it vigorously,” the former Kano State governor vowed.

He further stated that the Federal Government is listening to some unpatriotic politicians from Kano, who will only contribute to its failure because, he said, the people of Kano will resist any attempt to undermine the constitutional responsibility of the governor by any individual or group.

“We are open to dialogue, truce and reconciliation, but we will not accept intimidation and political harassment of any sort. We know how to play politics and we have all it takes to protect ourselves from any evil,” Kwankwaso emphatically warned.

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[GIST] Adubi to lead local content session at NOG Energy Week

[GIST] Adubi to lead local content session at NOG Energy Week

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 The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MicCom Cables and Wires, Mrs Bukola Adubi, who is also the President of the Cable Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CAMAN), will lead a panel session at the 23rd edition of the nation’s foremost energy event, NOG Energy Week 2024.

The conference, which will be held from June 30 to July 4, 2024, at the ICC, Abuja, will focus on the theme “Showcasing Opportunities. Driving Investment. Meeting Energy Demand.”

Adubi will be moderating a session titled “Exploring Nigerian Content Solutions to Meet Energy Demand” at the conference which will examine innovative local content strategies that can be implemented to drive production and bolster the oil and gas sector’s economic impact and explore plans to expand the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act to derive local content opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

The session will also examine what can be done to support and encourage more women entrepreneurs in the industry, the emerging opportunities for indigenous companies as Nigeria’s energy mix continues to evolve, and the support that can be given to aspiring indigenous operators in the downstream sector.

Ag. Director, Finance and Personnel Management, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Ifeanyi Ukoha, Country Head – Nigeria, Daystar Power, Victor Ezenwoko, and Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, are some of the panelists for the session.

“The NOGICD Act has created significant opportunities. We wouldn’t have been involved in these oil and gas projects without it. It guarantees that local manufacturers like us are prioritized, ensuring we get the job as long as we’re qualified

“It’s incredible that end-users, the clients don’t have a choice regarding using local content. I’m also pleased to report that the feedback we’ve received from them has been fantastic. This is a big deal, and I must acknowledge the NCDMB for ensuring the Act is implementable and actively following up on it. They’ve empowered people like us, encouraging us to consider upgrades and investments. These investments will lead to employment opportunities and increased tax revenue for the government,” she said

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June 17, 2024

Music Artist Declares His Extended Play (EP) The Best

Music Artist Declares His Extended Play (EP) The Best

 



"Nigerian music sensation, Jmoney Sweet, has made a daring declaration on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), confidently proclaiming his recently released EP, "HUSTLE & BUSTLE", as the best of the year! He boldly stated, *"Since the beginning of this year I have the best EP. My EP is better than all the single and album that has come out this year and I dare anybody to challenge me on it let's compare!"*


This bold assertion has left fans and critics alike wondering how his EP stacks up against other notable releases this year, such as:

- Shallipopi - Shakespopi (April 12)
- Young Jonn - Jiggy Forever (April 12)
- Kizz Daniel - TZA EP (March 11)
- Timi Dakolo - The Chorus Leader (Jan 26)
- Iyanya - Once Upon A Cat (Feb 2)
- Portable - Tony Montana of London EP (Feb 5)
- Ayra Starr - The Year I Turned 21 (May 31)
- Falz - Before The Feast - EP (June 7)
- Tems - Born In The Wild (June 7)
To mention a few...

Now, it's up to the music community to weigh in! After listening to Jmoney Sweet's "HUSTLE & BUSTLE" EP, where do you think it ranks among these notable releases? Share your thoughts and let's get the conversation started!"

 STREAM HUSTLE & BUSTLE HERE
[GIST] Sani faults ex-commissioners’ defence of el-Rufai over indictment

[GIST] Sani faults ex-commissioners’ defence of el-Rufai over indictment

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Shehu Sani

Rights activist, Shehu Sani, has condemned the group of commissioners under former Governor Nasir el-Rufai, who faulted the recent report of the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicting the ex-governor of financial malfeasance.

He labelled the erstwhile commissioners as accomplices who allegedly looted the treasury and plunged the state into huge debts.

In a statement at the weekend, the former lawmaker submitted: “The people of Kaduna State and the country as a whole should ignore the so-called statement issued by the commissioners of the immediate past administration of Kaduna State,” stating: “The investigation conducted by the Kaduna State House of Assembly is unbiased, comprehensive and evidently backed by facts and figures.”

He added: “It’s sad and unfortunate that people who financially ruined, strangled and incapacitated the state for eight years still have the shameless boldness of disparaging an impartial probe that exposed the systemic thievery and open heist that became the art and science of governance in Kaduna State.”

According to Sani: “Never in the history of Kaduna State or any state in Northern Nigeria has there ever been such a clinical and forensic probe of scandalous, unbridled, gargantuan scale corruption.”

The report speaks for itself in clarity and substance. They should be ashamed of themselves.”

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