(OPINION) Sunday Adelaja: A Cankerworm in The Bread of Life

By Levi Godsown Ekwe

When a so called pastor abandons the high calling of His office as a soul winner, a teacher of the truth and a follower of Christ, such a person is of all men the most miserable. And if a man berates such an exalted office only to take the place of a jester, conman, an enemy of God’s kingdom, one who will make a nincompoop of himself just to be applauded by mere mortals, then you have a man who has lost his sole aim for living.
After seeing the laughable video by Sunday Adelaja tagged Elijah Challenge on Facebook, I have come to the conclusion that Sunday belongs to Nollywood and perhaps should pursue a career in acting.


Sunday Adelaja is advocating a situation where Pastors E.A. Adeboye, Dr D.K Olukoya and other great ministers of God will come together and test who is serving the living God. What a Joker!!! It’s either Sunday does not know his position as man or he is living in euphoria because under normal circumstances he is not in the league of these men be it for physical achievements or spiritual position
Sunday… you dare mention the name of Adeboye to come out for a challenge, as if that was not enough you went ahead with your reckless effrontery to call the name of Dr. Daniel Olukoya? Of the mountain of fire and miracles ministries (MFM) for a challenge of fire. Ha, it’s often said that the dog that wants to get lost will never hear his masters whistle.


I am baffled however, that Sunday Adelaja does not realize that he’s too little and too inconsequential to get the attention of these men. There was a time when anyone could have cared to listen to what Sunday is saying, there was a time these revered men of God could have paused a second to hear Sunday’s views but not anymore. Those days are gone.
Sunday Adelaja has destroyed his reputation and squandered his goodwill. I don’t expect Dr D. K Olukoya to respond to the rants of a pastor that patronizes sex workers, sleeps with mother and child , married and single members of his church. I don’t expect Pastor E.A Adeboye to take seriously a man who ran his own church to the ground, lost his job and now is resorting to social media rants.


It is obvious that Mr Adelaja is struggling to survive. After losing his church he is now like a drowning man looking for anything to latch unto. The man does not even know the bible. He is one of those men whom we call cram and quote pastors. You obviously displayed your ignorance when you said a Christian should call on God instead of suing someone to court on civil matters . Hahaha very funny my friend of before, the judicial system of the world today is coined from the compendium called the bible, Even deep down to the trio compartment of Government that the world operates with today, Go back to your bible and read very well and come to understand that there are earthly matters that belong to Ceaser and there are heavenly and spiritual matters that belongs to God
Adelaja’s travails are largely self-inflicted. How can a man, a mere mortal work against God’s kingdom? How can a man dedicate his time, knowledge, strength and resources into trying to pull down and tarnish the images of God’s generals and expect that God will do nothing?


Sunday Adelaja is already reaping the fruits of his envy and recklessness so there is no need for any Elijah challenge.
The most pitiable are those recruits. The likes of Mayowa Olaiya that has no life probably one of those supported by the remnant of Sunday Adelaja in cash and Kind , the little brat running around mentioning and speaking ill of men whom she could never come close to. When I look at these set of visionless jobless E-recruits Of Sunday, I just see little scarecrows that have planned their dooms with their own hands.
He makes it seem as though what he is doing is making a lot of impact but in reality he is deepening his own misery. I used to fear that Mr Adelaja’s message of hate and division was gaining ground and destroying Christendom until I closely monitored his online activities and realized that indeed God is liberating His people despite Adelaja’s efforts. I am encouraged that Mr Adelaja is not capturing as many victims as he would want to, going by the many expressions of utter disappointment by his very own followers.

From the comments and feedback he’s getting, Sunday already knows that his cash out plan of coming to establish a church in Nigeria is at best, dead on arrival. But again, it’s Sunday Adelaja we are talking about here right? He just might take the chance but certainly an unpleasant surprise awaits him. His so called followers and of course, prospective members are already getting tired of his of lies and deceitful message. He has been tagged anti-Christ, sour loser, envious fraudster and so many similar names by his own followers who have now seen him for who he actually is. I predict that Sunday will face his biggest shame soon.


Sunday Adelaja, for your information there shall be no Elijah challenge. But I guess you already know because by status, personality and reputation you fall short of a man who can be taken serious by the men you are challenging. I think you should focus on your new job of marketing politicians second term bid. It seems like a very lucrative account and I am not judging you for switching from being a pastor to becoming an advocate for politicians.


I understand that you must survive and feed your family. I mean what is left for a man who has lost his church, lost his job, lost his purpose in life? Well, just a piece of advice for you, politics is a more murkier terrain to navigate and you have already started with your big mouth calling a particular candidate a thief, Sunday this is your last chance at survival so don’t mess it up like you’ ve messed up your pastoral career.
But one thing I would like you to have at the back of your mind is that the feats that Pastor DK olukoya has covered as a deliverance minister and a teacher and the souls that Pastor  E.A Adeboye has brought to Christ,  You and your  E-recruits and your generation unborn will never meet up even in another lifetime.


For those of you still in doubt of his narcissist and lascivious activities watch this video attached done by one of his former followers that has been touched by God .

https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=ZGX42ZnWvOU&feature=youtu.be

Tinubu, Nnamani, Dangote, Muazu Lead Buhari 2019 Campaign Council

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has released the names of members of its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 elections. They are as follows:

CHAIRMAN
President Muhammadu Buhari

CO-CHAIRMAN
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

DEPUTY CHAIRMEN
1. The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo.

2. The APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomole

VICE CHAIRMAN NORTH
Senator George Akume

VICE CHAIRMAN SOUTH
Senator Ken Nnamani

DIRECTOR GENERAL
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL (OPERATIONS)
Senator A.O. Mamora

DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL (COORDINATION)
Arch. Waziri Bulama

SECRETARY
1. Adamu Adamu

2. Dele Alake

ZONAL DIRECTORS
a. North West: Senator Aliyu M. Wamakko

b. North East: Senator Muh’d Ali Ndume

c. North Central: Senator Abdullahi Adamu

d. South West: Sola Oke, SAN

e. South East: Sharon Ikeazor

f. South South: Senator Godswill Akpabio

DIRECTORATES
a. Director, Buhari Support Groups – Dr. Mahmoud Mohammed

b. Director, Strategic Communications – Festus Keyamo, SAN

a. Deputy Director- Abike Dabiri- Erewa

c. Director, Contact & Mobilization – Hadiza Bala Usman

a. Deputy Director South -Victor Eboigre

b. Deputy Director North- Senator Bashir Nalado

d. Director, Election Planning & Monitoring – Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN

a. Deputy Director I- Baba Kura Abba Jato

b. Deputy Director II-Chief Emani Ayiri

e. Director, Logistics – Dr. Pius Odubu

a. Deputy Director- Senator Umanah Umanah

b. Deputy Director II- Nasiru Danu

f. Director, Policy Research & Strategy- Prof Abdulrahman Oba

a. Deputy Director- Prof. A.K. Usman

g. Director, Youth Mobilization- Hon. Tony Nwoye assisted by the APC Youth Leader sadiq

a. Deputy Director North- Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed

b. Deputy Director South – Jasper Azuatalam

h. Director, Admin- Onari Brown

a. Deputy Director I- Chris Hassan

b. Deputy Director II- Abubakar Magaji Gasau

i. Director, Women Mobilization- Woman Leader Salamatu Baiwa

a. Deputy Director North – Binta Mu’azu

b. Deputy Director South – Adejoke Orelope Adefulire

j. Director Security – Gen. A. . Dambazzau

a. Deputy Directors – Brigadier General Gambo and Mr. U. Ukoma

k. Director Legal – Emeka Ngige, SAN

a. Deputy Director- Prof. Maman Lawan Yusufari

l. Director Field Opertaions- Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

M. Director Finance – Wale Edun

Deputy Director ….Alhaji Adamu Fadan

SPECIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO MR. PRESIDENT
1. Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

2. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

3. Senator Ahmed Lawan (Senate Leader)

4. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila ( Leader of the House )

5. APC Party National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomole

6. Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

7. Mr. Femi Otedola

COUNCIL MEMBERS
1. Chief Bisi Akande

2. Chief John Oyegun

3. Senator Ita Enang

4. All APC serving Senators

5. All APC serving and former Governors

6. All APC Members of the House of Representatives

7. All members of the National Working Committee of the APC

8. All Zonal Women Leaders

STATE COORDINATORS
1. Governors are to serve as State Coordinators in their respective states

2. Gubernatorial Candidates in non- APC States will serve as State Coordinators in their respective states.

Robbers Raid UBA, Kill Policemen, Cart Away Nmillions!

Customers of second-generation bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) has begun to withdraw their savings in panic as robbers plundered two Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) of the financial house.

It was learnt that the 15-man gang stormed the main campus of the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapia, Niger State and vandalized the ATMs.

The source who disclosed the information to The Status expressed that the robbers carted away millions of naira.

A source also disclosed to The Status that the robbers arrived the scene with three vehicles which were packed few metres away from the school gate.

The source clarified further that UBA customers in the area most especially students are beginning to withdraw their funds to forestall pointless loss of their cash because of the incident.

“At this very moment, UBA customers in this area most particularly the students are in panic mode, they are afraid not to loss their cash because of the incident.”

“The robbers were prepared for the operation, they came with three vehicles and carted away millions of naira. The truth is am to close my account also, because those money belong to some people.

This medium also learnt that the robbers used a sledgehammer, axes, and chisels to destroy wall of the ATMs’ gallery. They made their way into the ATMs’ cubicles and looted the cash loaded in them the previous night. The machines were totally demolished.

The robbers, according to an eyewitness fled the campus some minutes past 5am, after operating for about two hours.

However, sources clarified that police arrived the scene shortly after the robbers escaped.

They explained further that a policeman was killed and three students injured in a similar robbery attack last November on two banks close to the campus.

It was learnt that the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the school, Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare, led top members of the management to the scene on assessment.

-worldtopnews

"Why We're Hosting Eagles/Egypt Friendly Match in Asaba" ...NFF

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have come out with an explanation of reasons behind the decision to insist on Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba for the Super Eagles international friendly against Egypt, and it is mostly about comfort for the players, as promised by Delta State government.

The Glasshouse top shots stressed that funding is a major part of staging high-profile matches and, since the Delta State government has already promised to fete the players and accord similar treatment to the visitors from Egypt, there is no better alternative readily available to lean on.

A credible source explained further another trapping that motivated the NFF’s choice of Asaba is that the hosts will also provide attractions for soccer fans, as they aim to make everyone who turns up for the match enjoy the game and atmosphere.

The suggestion now is that the March 26th game between the Eagles and Pharaohs will have better trappings to it than what was seen in the Aiteo Cup final and the international friendly against Uganda, which both also took place at Stephen Keshi Stadium.

Killers of Ex-CDS Alex Badeh Arrested!

suspects alleged to be involved in the killing of a former chief of defence staff, Alex Badeh have been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force.

The Status

gathered that the suspects, will be paraded at the headquarters of the police force in Abuja on Thursday.

“We have made a breakthrough in the case and we’ve arrested suspects who will be paraded on Thursday,”a source quoted by Punch said.

Recall that Badeh was shot dead by gunmen while his vehicle was attacked along the Abuja-Keffi highway on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 while  returning from his farm

Primate Ayodele Prophesies on 2019 Elections! *warns "Top Pastor To Die, APC Must Be Watchful, K1 Facing Challenges"

Servant of God at INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Ejigbo Lagos State, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, has prophesied that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would not be able to unseat President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 presidential election if certain terms sanctioned by God are not followed by him (Atiku).

The revered seer, speaking at his annual prophesy unveiling programme in his church premises last Saturday, warned that PDP must do the right things if it wishes to win the 2019 general elections.

"I said it the other time and I still maintain it, if PDP had given the ticket to Bukola Saraki, they will win because it’s only Saraki that can unseat Buhari but PDP stakeholders have not done what they are supposed to do. I said it in 2015 that Jonathan maybe the last president from PDP. I’m still standing on it unless they take a quick step and that is for Atiku and Saraki to do the right thing. If only they will do the right thing, that is only when PDP can win. For now, I’m only seeing Atiku and Saraki playing.

“That’s all I’m saying on this matter. PDP will find it difficult to wrestle power from President Buhari come February 2019 election because they refused to do the right thing from the beginning. Unless they put heads together and do the right thing, APC will still come back,” he emphasized.
Ayodele also prophesied about political parties that would claim victory at the gubernatorial elections in some states in the country.
“For Lagos State, it would be business as usual but APC will still win. In Oyo State, it’s going to be tough. The PDP man there has missed it; it’s still going back to APC. Ogun State is a troubled state. The election should’ve favoured APC, but APC may not have it in Ogun State. Don’t underestimate Amosun’s candidate, or the candidate from GNI but PDP will never get the ticket in Ogun.
For Delta State, he said, "PDP will take the state. For Rivers, though it’s a do or die affair; Wike will still come back. Kano and Kaduna is for APC. Then for Imo State, if the PDP man is serious, he can take the state but unfortunately, I don’t see him to be serious and if APC puts their house in order in that state, then they can win that state. APC may win Anambra State for the presidency. Ebonyi and Cross River States may go to APC if PDP is not careful in those states. This is because PDP has not done what they are supposed to do.”
Ayodele, who boasted that 95% percent of his prophecies do come to fulfillment, also foresaw challenges for the Fuji music king, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1 de Ultimate) but saw victory.
"Wasiu Ayinde will face many challenges, especially from younger musicians. But he will triumph," he said.
The servant of God also warned that there will be more bloodletting and tension in the forthcoming election than was the case in 2015 when Goodluck Jonathan was president.
“I see bloodshed during the next elections. Let me warn that Buhari is not Jonathan who settled for peace instead of war,” he said.

AYODELE'S FULFILLED 25 PROPHECIES AT A GLANCE.
Presented below are 25 of Primate Ayodele's past prophesies that have come to pass.
1 The crash of Diamond Bank
2 Death of American president, George W.H Bush
3 Assassination of Ex- Chief of Air Staff, Badeh
4 Rancour between the legislatures and executives
5 Bukola Saraki"s victory at the code of conduct tribunal
6 Ekiti Election and Osun State elections respectively won by APC
7 Resignation of Mama Taraba from APC 
8 Gas explosion in Lagos
9 The crisis in Syria
10The death of veteran comedian, Baba Sala
11The Brexit controversial outcome in U.K
12 The protest in France
13The victory of Paul Biya of Cameroon
14 The election of Col. Bio of Sierra Leone
17 The refusal of President Buhari to assent the electoral amendment bill
18 The imprisonment of former Philippian President
19 The ravaging flood in Nigeria and the herdsmen killings
20 Decamping of Sokoto State governor, Tambuwal and Benue State Gov.Ortom
21 The removal of APC chairman, John Oyegun
22The Air force plane crash
23 The emergency landing of Air Peace aircraft
24 The oil price crash
25 Rivers governor, Wike"s disagreement with PDP BOT

Apostle Suleman Dazzles Church Members @Christmas! Gifts Cash, 2000 Bags of Rice

It is commonly held that a considerate followership is usually led by a generous leadership. One of the most powerful resources any leader should endeavor to bequeath to his people is the testimony of a changed life. This value symbolizes the life of servant of God and President at Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle (Prof.) Johnson Suleman.

Usually, the ‘Restoration Apostle’, as he is fondly addressed, realizes that his followers are desirous of good news bigger than themselves, thus, he makes it his duty to empower them not just with a compelling vision and goal that guarantee them a righteous life, he also does invite his followers into his vision through series of events. One of such events is the special service organized to mark the 2018 Christmas Day during which he doled out cash gifts for the pleasure of his church members while the season lasts, as well 2000 bags of rice to go round the flock.

Giving his lessons on the spirit of Christmas while the charity and empowerment programme proceeded, Apostle Suleman educates his audience on the significance of Christmas and a certain error that is associated to celebrating it.

He lectures;

“There is this misconception I would like to correct about Christmas. The first Christmas ever was celebrated by an Emperor who became a Christian. He was called Constantine.  He was the first man to celebrate Christmas and the date he celebrated it was 336. And Pope Julius 1 took over from Constantine and he was the one that set aside the December 25^th date for Christmas. Jesus was not born on December 25^th but Jesus was born. So, we are not celebrating the birthday of Jesus but the birth of Jesus. The early disciples, the early Church celebrated Christmas on January 6^th.

There was a man who emphasized the spread of Christmas; he was St. Augustine of Canterbury. He emphasized the spread of Christmas. But Jesus was born and the Angels celebrated him, so we should celebrate him. Isaiah 9; 6; Isaiah 7; 14, Luke 2; 8-15, the Bible says ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests’. Matthew 2; 11 says ‘they gave gifts when he was born’. So, it’s our duty to celebrate the birth of Jesus. If somebody says Jesus was not born on Christmas day; December 25^th, we agree. Jesus was born, and that’s what we celebrate. Let no one fool you. Study the Bible by yourself.

The Bible is complex but it’s not so big that you cannot read by yourself. The whole Bible is 1,189 Chapters. The Old Testament is 929 Chapters while the New Testament is 270 Chapters.  The whole Bible is 23, 145 Verses. The Old Testament is 7,957, while the New Testament is 31, 102. So, there is nothing big there. John 5; 39, Jesus said ‘search the Scripture for in them you have eternal life’. 2 Timothy 3; 16 says ‘all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God’.  In Job 23; 12, Job says ‘I have esteemed by words of his mouth more than my necessary food’. So, eat the words of God. Colossians 3; 16 says ‘let the words of God dwell richly in you in all wisdom’. Acts 19; 20, says ‘so grew mightily the word of God and prevailed’. Acts 20; 32 says ‘I commend you to God, and the word of His grace’. In case you do not believe in the season, I would direct you to the Scripture; Romans 12; 15, ‘rejoice with them that rejoice’. So, rejoice with us because we are rejoicing.”

Apostle Suleman says his mission is to give the people a clear call to action and share with them how they can be part of making positive life happen.

“That”, he states, “provides a huge opportunity for the Church to play a part in the life-changing activities happening in the world.”

-Ademola Alade

EFCC Links Akwa Ibom Gov. Udom With Lawyer's N1.4bn Alleged Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed a N1.4 billion fraud charge against the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Paul Usoro (SAN), at the the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Justice Muslim Hassan fixed December 10, 2018 for the EFCC to arraign Usoro.

The anti-graft agency, in a charge marked FHC/418c/18, alleged that Usoro, from Akwa Ibom, converted and laundered the money in connivance with the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel.

The charge sheet, signed by EFCC Counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, did not list Emmanuel as a defendant.

The EFCC indicated that he is “currently constitutionally immuned against criminal prosecution”.

It did, however, mention four other defendants.

They are: Nsikan Nkan, described as Commissioner for Finance, Akwa Ibom State; Mfon Udomah, described as the Accountant-General of Akwa Ibom State; Uwemedimo Nwoko, described as the Akwa Ibom State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; and Margaret Ukpe, all of whom are said to be at large.

The commission alleged that Usoro, in connivance with the others mentioned, conspired to commit the offence “sometime in 2015 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court”.

The anti-graft agency claimed that the N1.4bn belonged to the Akwa Ibom State Government.

According to Oyedepo, the offences were contrary to Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

GUN CRIME: Lagos Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, Behind Small Doctor's Freedom

It is not news anymore that famed Dancehall singer, Small Doctor, has been released from police custody today Dec 4th following his arraignment for unlawful possession of firearms and threatening violence against an officer.

The side news is that Agege-born politician, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, secured the young crooner's bail. An inside source told The Status that Obasa who is the sitting speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, was spotted at the court premises with some of his aides while the bail process was on.

Before he was arraigned in court, the source said that Obasa had tried to secure Small Doctor's release from the police custody but was prevailed upon to wait for the court process since the case involved threatening the life of security agents with gun, more so when it was yet established if the singer had license for the gun in his possession.

Small Doctor is from Obasa's constituency, Agege.

The singer was arraigned earlier on Tuesday at the Ebute Metta Magistrate court along with the other occupants in his car.

-Abiodun Ishola

Gifting With Convenience This Christmas Season

December is here and a good number of people love the last month of the year regardless of their religious beliefs. This is because there will be quite a handful of holidays, a lot of giving, gifting and sharing not only by individuals but also by corporate organisations and the ambience will be celebratory.

Interestingly, gifting has become a trend for the yuletide to show appreciation to clients, loyal customers as well as groom or nurture relationships for the upcoming year. And corporate organisations and individuals are constantly searching for affordable and convenient ways to gift without breaking the bank. eCommerce is the solution. 

Convenient Christmas Gifting
eCommerce has already disrupted the way Nigerians make their purchases. Across the country, you will find not only millennials but also digital immigrants ordering items on Jumia, Nigeria's no 1 shopping destination.

Corporate gifting is not an exception here as organisations can outsource their gifting plans to an eCommerce company like Jumia. Jumia, in turn, takes the responsibility of delivering the best gifts notwithstanding if it is modern or traditional, at the most affordable price. Beyond this, Jumia assists you with the choice of product, discount requests, ensure availability and delivery. This will enable organisations to focus on offering sterling services to client and customers during the whole yuletide.

Alternatively, organisations can sign up to Jumia Corporate in which they will get the highest level of support/dedicated account manager, fast shipping nationwide, electronic invoicing, exclusive offers (employee incentive solutions, rewards solutions), effective return policy, access to express delivery options and largest assortment of products in Nigeria with over 2,000,000 products.

Gifts for Christmas
Christmas gifts can either be traditional or modern depending on who you are giving. However, in Nigeria, the most shared Christmas gifts include rice, oil, hampers and promotional/customised gifts which you can buy on Jumia. Whatever the gifts you are giving, the most important things is for you to personalise it.

Tips For Giving The Best Christmas Gifts
Choosing effective and impactful corporate gifts for your clients and customers is not as difficult as many believe. Just follow these few tips and get the best gifts.

(a) Don't buy gifts that will end up in the trash: most companies have the basics handled. The world has gone digital, and your clients don't need a calendar to put on the wall near their desk. Unless they are a car enthusiast and you gave them images of their favourite automobiles, it's not likely that they'll hang your company calendar next to their desktop.

(b) Personalise it: you should try to include your business name on your corporate gift. There are no problems with a branded gift so long as it is tactful and provides value at home or in the office.

(c) Do think of something your client will appreciate: be thoughtful. Developing a rapport with your clients is important throughout the year. Use the holidays as an opportunity to let them know you were listening.

Amosun's Candidate Gets A Boost, As 26 Ogun Lawmakers Dump APC For APM

The crises rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State took a turn for the worse as 26 lawmakers on the platform of the party yesterday formally dumped the party for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

The lawmakers defected following the defection of Adekunle Akinlade, Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s favoured candidate in the APC’s primaries which result was allegedly upturned in another candidate said to be the choice of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Though the Governor has repeatedly insisted that he would not defect from the party, he has however not dissuaded his favoured candidate and his supporters from dumping the party.

Following the defection of the lawmakers, the APC subsequently lost its status as the majority party while the APM, which was recently registered is now in the driving seat.

Spokesperson of the lawmakers, Lamidi Olatunji, said they “have come to inevitable conclusion to actualize their ambitions in APM”.

Addressing newsmen on their defection, Olatunji said: “We also wish to acknowledge the fatherly role of President Muhammadu Buhari in seeking to sustain the tenets of democracy, fairness and equity in the resolution of the crisis in Ogun APC.

“We regret that Mr President’s efforts were frustrated by the forces that are hell bent on taking the South-West back to the dark age of slavery, where 

unelected kingpins direct the affairs of the people.”

Tinubu Attacks Atiku, Says Saraki Used And Dumped APC

A national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on the Halliburton bribery scandal.

Over the years, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been investigating Halliburton, an American multi-national corporation over $182m bribery scandal.

Speaking during the National Consultative Forum themed: “Nigeria on the right track” organised by the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups, he said Nigerians have crossed the red ocean and they cannot be taken back to Egypt.

“They said we should not talk about the past. We must look at what you have done before. We have to look at the Halliburton issue. Why do they leave Nigeria?  $16billion on NEPA for darkness…When they see that we are kicking them out, they rush to privatise the company, what I call personalisation of the wealth of Nigerians,” he said

While commenting on the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Tinubu said after using the APC to win election in 2015, “Saraki used our mandate to give lifeline to the opposition. Leadership is about character. He left PDP, joined us, got elected and sold our mandate for a pot of porridge. God is honest, Saraki is not.

"We Won't Sell UTME Forms Till January 2019" ...JAMB

The sale of registration forms for the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will no longer start this December but January 2019, an official has said.

Dr Fabian Benjamin, the Head, Media and Information of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, organisers of the UTME, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

Benjamin said that the board had thought of starting the sale in December but dropped the idea following Federal Government’s reduction in the registration fee with effect from January 2019.

“The attention of the board has been drawn to information going round in some social media that JAMB has already begun the sale of forms for UTME.

“We are not commencing sale of the forms until January 2019, and the window period will be for six weeks.

“Prospective candidates should note this period in order not to fall prey to fraudsters,’’ he said.

Benjamin gave the assurance that the board would make adequate publicity toward the sale of the UTME.

According to him, the board would comply with the directive on reduction of the registration cost.

NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari last Wednesday approved reduction of the fee from N5,000 to N3,500, ahead of the 2019 UTME.

The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, announced reduction after the Federal Executive Council meeting.

According to him, the cost registration for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination charged by the National Examination Council will also reduce – from N11,350 to N9,850 – while that of Basic Education Certificate Examination, also charged by NECO, will reduce from N5,500 to N4,000.

The minister said that the reduction would become effective from January 2019.

-NAN

GTBank Wins Bank of the Year, Nigeria, Sierra Leone

Foremost African financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc has won the award for "Bank of the Year Nigeria” for the second year in a row at The Banker's Bank of the Year Awards, regarded as the industry standard for excellence within the global banking sector. Guaranty Trust Bank Sierra Leone Ltd, a subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, was also recognized as the “Bank of the Year Sierra Leone” at the event, which held on November 29, 2018 at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, London, United Kingdom.


The Banker, a publication of the Financial Times, is the world’s leading monthly journal of records for the banking Industry, with over 90 years expertise in publishing developments in the banking industry in Africa and on the global scale. The Magazine’s Bank of the Year Awards celebrates leading financial institutions within the global banking sector who are setting new industry standards and driving innovation in financial services and customer experience.


Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, Segun Agbaje, Managing Director/CEO of GTBank said; “We are honoured to be recognized as the 2018 Bank of the Year in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. These awards serve as further motivation for us as we continue to go beyond traditional banking services by creating innovative digital services that are less about us as bank and more about our customers and how we empower them with everything that they need to better their lives.”


He further stated that “Our vision has always been to create an oasis in the financial services industry that leads, not only in earnings and returns on equity, but also in maintaining world class corporate governance standards and pushing the bounds in service delivery and customer experience. These awards reflect our sustained commitment towards this vision, which we will continue to pursue, driven by our passion for excellence and guided by our founding values of hard work, discipline and integrity.”


Alongside its record for consistent year-on-year growth, GTBank is widely regarded by industry watchers as a trailblazer in the banking industry due to its many innovations in digital and financial services.

Recently, the Bank launched Habari, Nigeria’s largest platform for music, shopping and lifestyle content and the first mobile platform created by a financial institution in the country that focuses on enabling people’s needs and lifestyle rather than providing regular banking products.

Union Bank Shines @ 2018 Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards

Union Bank has won the Best Company in Environmental Excellence Award and the ‘Peoples’ Choice Award for the Most Outstanding Company in CSR/Sustainability’ at the 2018 Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards

(SERAs). The awards were presented at the SERAS ceremony which took place recently at the MUSON centre in Lagos.


Following an extensive vetting process that included on-site inspection of applicants’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability projects and initiatives, Union Bank was nominated across seven award categories including The SERAs Innovation Prize, Best Company in Education and Best Company in Sustainability Reporting.


Commenting on the two awards received by the Bank, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem, Head Corporate Communication and Marketing at Union Bank said:



“Corporate citizenship is a core pillar of our brand and business strategy. We are committed to being a sustainability champion in Nigeria and we are always improving our business operations, social engagement and innovation practices to ensure beyond compliance, we are leading the charge to deliver a sustainable future for Nigeria. We thank the SERAS team and all members of the public who recognise the work we are doing.”


Now in its 12th year, SERAs is an annual project organised by TruContact CSR, which aims to promote and raise awareness about the roles organisations play with emphasis on their responsibility towards stakeholders and the social development of Africa.


The theme for this year’s edition was ‘Poverty Eradication through sustainability: Turning Challenges into Opportunities’.
As part of its Citizenship and Sustainability efforts, Union Bank represents Nigeria on the global financial inclusion working group at the World Economic Forum. The bank is a member of the Business Call to Action (BCtA) group and United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), and has recently published its first UNGC Communication of Progress report.


Union Bank also publishes an annual Citizenship, Sustainability and Innovation report which highlights its strategic approach, initiatives and impact made in these areas within the last year.

Police Parade Small Doctor For Threatening Officer With Gun!

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Adekunle Temitope, popularly known as Small Doctor, for unlawful possession of firearms and for allegedly threatening to shoot a police officer.

Edgal Imohimi, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, revealed this to the press on Monday while parading the musician along with three other persons.

Small Doctor was arrested on allegations that he threatened a Police officer who was on traffic duty along Oshodi, Lagos.

Kidnappers Kill Ekiti Young Lawyer After Collecting N3m Ransom!

A y

oung, promising lawyer identified as Mr. Adeola Adebayo has been killed by kidnappers after paying N3 million ransom.

Mr. Adeola who was the secretary of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikole branch in Ekiti state, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Saturday, 17 November 2018 at Erio, a town in the Ekiti.

According to reports, Adeola was driving from Osogbo, Osun capital with his wife and parents where they attended a social event when he was stopped and kidnapped.

His death had been announced in a press statement released by the Secretary of NBA Ikere Ekiti branch, Mr. Michael Afolayan.

"I'm Not Jubril of Sudan" ...Buhari reacts to cloning rumour

President Muhammadu Buhari this evening in Kraków, Poland, responded to a question of him being cloned that went viral recently.

‘‘It's real me, I assure you. I will soon celebrate my 76th birthday and I will still go strong.’’

Those were the words of President Muhammadu Buhari, Sunday in Krakow, Poland, at an interactive session with the Nigerian Community in the country.

Responding to a question from a Nigerian in the Diaspora who wanted to know if he was real or the much talked about ‘‘Jubril from Sudan’’ -his supposed double- President Buhari described the authors of the confusion about him as ‘‘ignorant and irreligious.’’

‘‘A lot of people hoped that I died during my ill health. Some even reached out to the Vice President to consider them to be his deputy because they assumed I was dead. That embarrassed him a lot and of course, he visited me when I was in London convalescing… It's real me; I assure you,’’ he declared.

The Nigerian leader said he was looking forward to celebrating his 76th birthday on December 17 and jocularly added: ‘‘If I am getting harassed by anyone, it is my grandchildren, who are getting too many.’’

The President used the occasion to reiterate that his government will continue to maintain focus and deliver on the three focal points of his campaign in 2015: security, economy and the fight against corruption. 

‘‘Those in the North East will tell you that in spite of the recent setbacks, there is a difference between the time we came and before. 

‘‘We are not doing badly on security, economy and agriculture. We have virtually stopped the importation of food especially rice and we are saving a lot of money.

‘‘We now have food security and that has come with fiscal security because a lot of young educated people have not regretted going back to the farms and earning a respectable living.

‘‘I am afraid, this is not receiving good publicity… but a lot of people in the rural areas are enjoying the benefits of our interventions in agriculture,’’ he said. 

President Buhari, who is in Poland to attend the UN Climate Change Conference, COP24 reaffirmed that no territory of Nigeria is under the control of Boko Haram terrorists, calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and supportive of Federal Government’s efforts to ensure the security of lives and property in the country.

While acknowledging that it has not been easy financing the security sector in the country, the President said the Nigerian Armed Forces were equal to the task. 

The President noted that it was regrettable that herdsmen and farmers clashes in the country have been politicised, assuring that the Nigerian government will continue to prioritise security because that is what many investors consider first before investing in the country.

On the fight against corruption, he said all recovered stolen assets will be sold and the proceeds returned to the treasury for the benefit of Nigerians.

On women representation in his government, the President told the meeting: ‘‘I have plans for all Nigerians. I am not a male chauvinist. If I’m a chauvinist will I give the Finance Ministry to women?’’

In his remarks, the Ambassador of Nigeria to Poland, Mr Eric Adagogo Bell-Gam praised Nigerians living in the country for being worthy ambassadors of the country.

Among those who met President Buhari were Mr Larry Ugwu, an Artist and Curator, who has lived in Poland for 40 years and has contributed immensely to promoting Nigerian cultural heritage in the Polish society; Anthony Egwuatu, a Gynaecologist, who has lived in the country for 30 years and Mr Olomofe Larry, a human rights activist, who has fought for justice for fellow Nigerians in the host country, among several others.

The event was put together and anchored by Hon. Abike Dabiri, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Diaspora.