Esama of Benin, Ize-Iyamu, Other VIPs Endorse Nmultimillion Movie, 'Gbege'

 

 

 

The private screening of arguably the biggest movie ever made from South South Nigeria, Gbege, also known as the 'First Born Saga', held in honor of His Excellency Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, is still the talk of the town in Benin Kingdom.

 

 

Held at the expansive mansion of The House of Igbinedion, Round House, 1-13 Okada Avenu GRA, Benin City, in appreciation and commendation for his support for the creative industry in Nigeria, also known as the 'First Born Saga' was produced and directed by Africa’s most consistent Filmmaker, Amb Okpioba Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen.

 

 

Dignitaries including the vice chancellor of university of Benin, Professor Lilian Salami, Prince and Princess Esama Erediawa Enigie, Managing Director, ITV/Radio, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, a former Governorship candidate in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, captains of industries and other guests converged on the residence of the Esama of Benin for the movie premier.

After being trailed for 80 minutes, some of the first guests to view the movie comment on their impression and also showered encomium on Sir (Dr.) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion for his unalloyed support for the creative industry.

 

 

In his remark, the Producer of the movie, Lancelot Oduwa imasuen, said the movie is part of efforts to promote the rich Benin culture and change different misconceptions. He equally commended the Esama of Benin, Sir Chief (Dr) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, his continued support for the creative industry and hosting of the entire cast and crew of movie whose production cost is estimated at over N60 million.

 

On his part MD of ITV/Radio, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, commended the creativity and moral lessons in the movie and assured of his supports of its station to support efforts that promotes culture and tradition of Benin culture.

 

The movie 'Gbege' The Omorodion Saga was shot at the residence of Esama of Benin sir (Dr) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, corporate office of ITV and Radio, glass house on airport road and other locations in Benin city.

 

The star studded movie also featured the very best of Nollywood in Sam Dede, Jide Kosoko, Ini Edo, Nosa Rex, Zubby Michael, Mercy Aigbe, Charles  Inojie, Harry B, Junior Pope and many other ‘A list’ artists.

GBEGE is a production of Lancelot Imasuen Media Network and Hopkins Global Network, a company headed by young and vibrant Mr Hopkins Osahon who is looking forward to a more greater partnership with Mr. Guvnor himself.

 

Rise and Rise of Hon. Rasaq Olusola Ajala at 50

Ajala

 

 

The Executive Chairman, Odi-Olowo/ Ojuwoye Mushin, Honourable Rasaq Olusola Ajala’s name has become a household in Lagos state political environs.

Lagos state political environs.

Eloquent, handsome, intelligent and enterprising Ajala will clock 50 years old, Wednesday 17th August 2022. Lots of events are in the pipeline to celebrate the man of the moment who is also a role model to lots of youth in Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Mushin.

In Nigeria, the political scene is so rough that men of honor with genuine intention to serve are finding it very difficult to operate.

In this kind of situation, one man with sincere insatiable appetite for service to humanity with excelling concrete evidence, such a man deserves commendation.

Performing this feat is no less a person than the current Chairman, Odi Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Rasaq Olusola Ajala, who plays politics without bitterness and this has been really helping him in impacting very positively on the lives of so many people, especially those within his local council in Mushin and environs.

In his quest to uplift the local residents from poverty, many women and youth have been empowered through training in some trades including tailoring, while several schools receive furniture and computer wares.

A journalist by profession, Ajala, has been bringing his wealth of professional experience and exposure to bear in managing the affairs of the local council for the past four years and the result has been remarkable, paving way for being re-elected again.

The thoroughbred grassroots politician while speaking during the week with the selected few Exco members of the Online Reporters Association of Nigeria (ORAN), led by its President, Shehu Adegbola Tijani at the Council Secretariat, Ilupeju, Lagos, chronicled several society driven goals, capital and human development recorded in the area.

Ajala (left) with ORAN President, Tijani Adegbola

 

 

Rasaq Olusola Ajala is a proud “MUSHINER” no doubt. He was born, brought up and started his political sojourn in Mushin Local Government of Lagos State. He is an accounting technician, a trained journalist and diplomat. An associate member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relation, and the Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria.

He is a politician with an exceptional appetite for developmental initiatives that is gear towards positioning his municipality to an enviable height, so as to compete favourably with other developed municipalities in the world.

Born on 17th August, 1972 to a prominent progressive Nigeria political family. His father has held various political office that include but not limited to;

Vice Chairman Odi-Olowo constituency for the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

Chairman, Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Idi-Oro (Ward A2).

Legal Adviser of Alliance for Democracy, Mushin Local Government.

Pioneer Chairman of Alliance for Democracy, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area.

EDUCATION

Rasaq Olusola Ajala started his early education at St. Martins Primary School, Ojuwoye, Mushin and later went to Oduduwa primary school for the completion of his elementary education. He was admitted to Nigerian Model High School, Idi-Oro, Mushin for his secondary education. He proceeded to the famous Lagos State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Art degree in History and International studies. His passion for journalism informed his enrolment at the College of Journalism in Lagos where he had Ordinary and Advance Diploma in journalism.

POLITICAL BACKGROUND

Rasaq Olusola Ajala is a politician of progressive extraction. He started active participation in politics in the late 80’s when he joined People’s Solidarity Party, a bastion of western Nigeria Awoist that later became the nucleus of the military imposed and engineered Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was a financial member of the youth based political platform, CLUB ‘93 and one of the youth coordinator that represented Mushin in Hope ‘93, the campaign organisation for Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (M.K.O) presidential ambition.

As a member of Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1998, whose platform he was elected Honourable Councillor representing WARD A2 and Chief Whip of the Legislative House of Mushin Local Government between 1999 to 2003.

In 2003, Lagos State Government created 37 Local Council Development Areas aimed at advancing grassroot development under the ingenious and sagacious leadership of our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In realisation of his vision to bring governance closer to the people of the newly created LCDA, Hon. Ajala was appointed Member of Transition Committee of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area as Supervisor for Works and Housing in November 2003.

He was widely accepted and recognised as a bridge builder with distinguished record of service to his community, he was elected as the first Executive Vice Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA in the year 2004. Hon. Ajala served three terms as the Vice Chairman of the same Development Area. In December, 2015, he was appointed by former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) as Executive Secretary of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area.

One of the programmes that brought Hon. Ajala into political limelight and wider acceptability among the populace was his commitment to help indigent students in pursuit of their educational career. While serving as Councillor , he awarded about 150 Free GCE forms to indigent students and also repeated same as the Executive Secretary
of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area when he awarded 250 free GCE with tutorial class to support the Educational career of students within Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye and its environs.

AJALA ROLE MODEL TO YOUTH

Odi Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA Chairman, Rasaq Olusola Ajala is one of the youths in the country who have strived and found themselves in political leadership in Nigeria even at a time like this when lots of youth in country are seriously advocating and pushing for change of guard.

A trained journalist and youths in governance advocate, Ajala got involved in politics very early in life that by the age 25 he has already positioned himself for the task ahead and even started making very important and positive impact and changes in the society so much that when the opportunity came for him to take up the task responsibility of moving Odi Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA forward as the Chairman, he didn’t look back as he just hit the ground running so much that he did not face much opposition when he was eager to be re-elected into office.

This is so because every corner and sector of the LCDA was positively impacted by his government.

ACHIEVEMENT

Ajala’s administration has so far recorded over 60 roads construction even as a local government chairman, he did over 148 boreholes, provided over 50 chairs and 50 desks to all the primary and secondary schools in the LCDA, in fact all the schools in Odi Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA have received face lift since Ajala came into office.

It must be noted that one of the major challenges that was facing the residents of Odi Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA and environs before Ajala came into office was water challenges where almost every household spends between the sum of N500 to N1000 each day to buy water for domestic use alone. Haven grown and lived in Odi Olowo/ Ojuwoye himself Ajala knew about this problem facing the residents before hand and quickly sworn into action immediately he came into office by providing borehole water for all the communities in the LCDA, helping families to save about N15,000 to N30,000 every month on water alone.

What this means is that the Odi Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA ably led by Hon. Rasaq Olusola Ajala gives to each household in the LCDA the sum of N15,000 to N30,000 every month by providing them free water alone. This has to a large extend helped to leasing the burden of the residents.

This alone can be best described as impactful leadership in action. Knowing people’s needs and challenges and tackling it headlong.

FAMILY

Hon. Ajala is happily married to Mrs Kehinde Ajala with kids.

POLITICAL ROLE MODEL

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

Buratai Slams Sahara Reporters N10bn Suit For Defamation

Buratai

 

Sahara Reporters is set to pay N10bn for lying against Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retired) who has filed a suit against the online newspaper over a report linking him to a N1.85 billion recovered loot.

 

In the suit with number FCT/HC/CV/252/2022 filed by his lawyer, Dr Reuben Atabo (SAN), Buratai asked the FCT High Court to declare the Sahara Reporters’ publication captioned, “Exclusive: Anti-graft agency, ICPC uncovers billions in cash meant for arms, ammunition to fight Boko Haram in Abuja home of ex-Chief of Army Staff, Buratai” of June 23, 2022 as pure defamation of character. The ex-COAS wants the court to award him the sum of N10 billion in general and aggravated damages over the use of libellous words in the publication of the online platform.

He further demanded an order of the court compelling the newspaper to publish a retraction and an apology in two national dailies and its online platform “where the defamatory publication was made.”

 

Buratai, who was appointed Nigeria’s ambassador to the Benin Republic after he retired from the army, averred that the publication damaged his reputation after he diligently served Nigeria in various capacities and was awarded various meritorious honours for his distinguished service. No date has been fixed for the hearing.

CDA Chairman Appeals to Gov. Abiodun to Fix Atan-Ota Roads

  Solanke

 

One of the stakeholders in Onigbongbo Area CDC within the Ado-Odo Ota Local Government of Ogun State, Mr. Rasheed Solanke has appealed to Gov. Dapo Abiodun led government to assist in fixing the roads within the Atan-Ota especially the Ajegunle Road which is in a deplorable state, and in need of government attention.

 

Solanke who is the newly elected chairman of the Ifedara Agoro Community, expressed concerns over the state of the of roads, as it has become a nightmare for motorists; thereby affecting business activities in the area.

 

The CDA chairman, who is also an executive member of the CDC said "most rehabilitations within the communities are through self-help, but the capacity to do the Ajegunle Road within Atan, lies in the hands of the State government, and it will help boost commercial activities in the area."

BUA Chairman Visits Buhari, Donates N10b as Security Support Fund Through His ASR Africa

Leading Nigerian businessman, Industrialist and Philanthropist, Abdul Samad Rabiu, paid a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari today in Abuja, to update him and to thank him for creating an enabling environment for business to thrive, and also brief him on the strides BUA Group has made in the past few years.

Thereafter, Rabiu briefed the President on the activities of his foundation, The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) during which he also announced the donation of a N10billion Nigeria Security Support Fund from ASR Africa towards the provision of some security equipment, medical and other supplies, upgrade of health facilities and other infrastructure for families of those on the frontlines.

According to Rabiu, the visit was in order to identify with President Muhammadu Buhari, during whose tenure BUA has built over 10 factories with two of the Group’s subsidiaries now amongst the top 10 largest publicly listed companies in Africa, and to further support the efforts of his administration in business as well as in the security space.

In his response, President Buhari said it was heartwarming to see and hear of Nigerian companies doing so much within Nigeria, and Africa especially in the area of production using locally available raw materials. He also expressed his elation at the achievements of BUA which had led to phenomenal growth within such a short time. “As a Government, we know we have done a lot in this regard, and we will continue to do more to support the aspirations of serious businesses, big and small, by providing an enabling environment as well as supporting value creation within Nigeria..”

OPINION: Understanding Ambassador TY Buratai As A Reader

Readers are leaders because they understand that knowledge is the key to success, and reading books is an excellent source of that knowledge.

Leaders read books because they know this is one of the best ways to learn things they don’t know and reinforce the things they know. Some of us knew him only when he was appointed Chief of Army Staff. But not many knew his background as a historian. And a historian is never far from a book. Historians are deep thinkers.

They get lost in their thoughts and overly anxious, but they’ll see future problems before anyone else. They constantly reflect and only speak when they have something meaningful to say. While their deep thoughts can sometimes distract them from reality, deep thinkers always listen to what you have to say because it’s another opportunity to learn. Deep thinkers are almost always introverted because they require that quiet time to focus on their thoughts and give their ideas space and freedom to blossom. They like to be nostalgic but also want to prepare for the future by learning from the past. They like to draw a big picture in their heads to see how things connect, using a lot of problem-solving skills. Enter the world of Ambassador TY Buratai and former Chief of Army Staff (2015-2021).

A very distinguished Nigerian whose contributions to the Nigerian cause know no bounds. Little wonder his stint as Chief of Army Staff in Nigeria goes down in history as one of the best in improving the resourcefulness of officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army. Ambassador TY Buratai is a combination of strength and character, whose deep thoughts gave birth to numerous interventions that repositioned the Nigerian Army.

Aside from the combat efficiency of the Nigerian Army, which was at its peak during his tenure, he was able to make tangible introductions that many thought could not be achieved. A good example is the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, established in 2015 to offer creative decision-making ideas and systematic frameworks while helping to bridge important strategic and operational capacity gaps in providing workable, practical solutions to pertinent national defence and security issues. Who would have thought of such an initiative but an individual in the quest for an improvement in national security? The fundamental core values of NARC revolve around a determination to help the Nigerian Army make a positive difference in optimizing Nigeria’s national security and state-building and Nigeria’s role as a positive regional peace and security contributor. One can only imagine the thoughts that led to the establishment of such a Centre by Ambassador TY Buratai as the chief of army staff. 

Another worthy example is the establishment of the Nigerian Army University, designed for developing middle and high-level manpower in the areas of technological empowerment for civilians and the appreciation for military policy, logistics and strategy. It’s also a centre of innovation and technological development to meet the ever-changing and rapid development in the dynamics of modern warfare. This is another brilliant one. 

Indeed Ambassador TY Buratai is an exceptional leader who cherishes every opportunity to engage in intellectual endeavours. I gathered that his penchant for reading and research knows no bounds. And one could only imagine what his library would look like. There is something about Ambassador TY Buratai that has not fully evolved. Beyond the brilliant career in the Nigerian Army that culminated in his appointment as Chief of Army Staff, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon attributes that are not usually associated with the military profession. How else could one explain the establishment of the Tukur Buratai Leadership Centre? 

It is pertinent to x-ray the Tukur Buratai Leadership Centre. It was established to carry out and assist research on peace, security, and defence-related matters in Nigeria and beyond. According to information gathered from the Centre’s webpage, its mission is “to be a topmost research Centre in Nigeria working on issues of peace, and National Security in line with world best practices in areas of diverse research, networking, and collaborations.” Another brilliant one from the TY Buratai stable.

Consequently, I wasn’t surprised by his exploits as Chief of Army Staff, where excellence was at its peak. He revolutionized the Nigerian Army’s operational efficiency in numerous ways. He thought outside of the box and brought in outstanding innovations. I agree that a book can be written in volumes on the achievements of Ambassador Tukur Buratai as Chief of Army Staff. 

I recall that at a forum where issues on leadership were discussed, it was jokingly said that the tenure of Ambassador TY Buratai as Chief of Army Staff gave considerable attention to educational reforms in the Nigerian Army. While it might have been banter, in a way, it was a statement of fact and buttressed the point being made about how much of an intellectual he is. And maybe he was the first Chief of Army Staff in the annals of the Nigerian Army that successfully blended intellectualism and military professionalism. 

Ambassador TY Buratai has remained evergreen and exceptional even in his new national assignment as Ambassador of Nigeria to the Benin Republic. Undoubtedly, he is a reader and primarily responsible for his exploits that have proven tangible in service to our fatherland. The aphorism that knowledge is power is succinct in the case of Ambassador TY Buratai. -Adebayo is a research student at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

Ex-Ovation TV Editor, Ebuwa Martins Agbonwaneten, Bags Double Appointments

 

Ebuwa Martins Agbonwaneten, former Managing Editor of premium celebrity television channel, Ovation TV, is in a season of jubilation for three significant reasons or more: his new age that was on  Sunday 7th of August and his two new appointments in the lines of his media career and his humanitarian vocation. 

 

 

 

The media-shy and often tacit founder and CEO of White Martinz Productions Limited uncovered the titillating news of his recent double appointments during a brunch with this reporter last weekend at a classy restaurant tucked in the Ikeja City Mall, Alausa, Lagos. 

 

 

 

Breaking the news of the double appointment during the brunch just as the appointments, according to him, were delivered in his _plate_ at a particular point in time some weeks back; he disclosed that the first is as the Managing Director of newly formed, ground-breaking international multimedia house, Tingo Media — while the second is as the Chief Operating Officer of eponymous charity foundation, Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation (DMF), both appointments announced to him by the multi-serial entrepreneur and millionaire philanthropist himself, Mr Dozy Mmobuosi. 

 

 

 

Repeatedly reeling out his appreciations to Mr Mmobuosi, energetic Ebuwa Martins as he is fondly called by friends and colleagues in the media sector could not conceal his excitement any longer, as he disclosed how some months ago the business mogul Mmobuosi invited him irresistibly to join his impact-making and robustly growing Tingo business empire and eponymous foundation.

 

 

 

"I just got these double appointments within a little time of one month", he enthused. "I'm usually scared when I hear Dozy (Mmobuosi) talk and when I see what he does. I want to transform his dreams into reality. If I can achieve even my part of his vision, I'll be fulfilled. His dreams are so mighty to impact greatly on Nigeria and Africa at large. Transforming a part of it where I am relevant is my lifetime priority right now. My vision is to own a world-class TV and radio station, to produce high-budget feature films and to publish a world-class internet newspaper; and all that is coming to pass already through my engagement in Tingo Media. We just acquired a studio where our focus is triple play via voice, internet and TV. We will be adding values to the broadcasting and media industry. Already, we are working with a topnotch partner company based in the US and the UK". 

 

 

 

He was enthused further. "Dozy Mmobuosi is pushing me as well into lots of humanitarian initiatives and projects which I never thought of doing and I see the abundant joy in the beneficiaries. That is the joy I've been experiencing since he appointed me as the Chief Operating Officer of the Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation." 

 

 

 

In our check at the www.dozymmobuosifoundation.com, we found out that the humanitarian philanthropy impacts on its communities through four major intervention channels namely healthcare, information technology, education and entrepreneurship. 

 

 

 

Mr. Agbonwaneten cited their ongoing Free Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening programme as one of their currently running healthcare initiatives. He said: "We've been on it for about two months now and we've seen several abnormal cases in Lagos and Abuja. We are now going gradually to other states and thereafter to other African nations". He also mentioned the case of a celebrity who was recently paid off three million Naira plus for her emergency healthcare needs. 

 

 

 

As education interventions, "We give out scholarships to geniuses and scholars who cannot afford basic quality education expenses. We also offer training to both teachers and pupils respectively, and we equip less privileged schools to upgrade their infrastructures and facilities. For example, we are about buying a property in Ajegunle and upgrading it to international standards after which we will present it to the community to run sustainably." 

 

 

 

"Next year, we are having a 3-day tech conference for women at the prestigious Eko Hotel for selected young ladies who will get free months of training, empower them with laptops and with employments through our links, and further financial empowerment for those among them who are ready and willing to go into business, without expecting anything in return", he went on as he pointed out their immediate plan for entrepreneurship-cum-infotech intervention.

 

 

 

Importantly, the former Executive Director of Legendary Gold's Nigerian Fashion Show in Europe and former Country Director of Soundcity Premium in Ghana, and former Associate Producer of Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA) in USA, Ebuwa Martins, disclosed their upcoming high-octane event scheduled to hold at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel, London on the historic 9-11 date, September 11, 2022, only a few weeks away. Featuring Nigeria's megastar songstress Aṣa and music stars Soul2Soul and Brandy among other eminent entertainers, the event, according to him, is also hosting to a grand and lavish ceremony, the unveiling of the foundation to a gathering of honourable members of parliament (MPs), business tycoons and other high profile guests from the UK and Europe, the US and Africa.

 

 

 

Obviously elated by the double appointment and the exciting engagements that come with it, Ebuwa Martins was full of praise and thanks first to his Creator for sparing his life to witness the all-round progress in his life as he clocks yet another age on Sunday 7th, August 2022. He also expressed appreciation for his family, his close and helpful friends and also for three notable mentors and benefactors in his life progress namely Lexy Mojo-Eyes of the Legendary Gold fame, Dele Momodu aka Bob Dee of the Ovation International brand and Dozy Mmobuosi of the Tingo Media, Tingo Holdings and the Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation leverage. 

 

 

 

The constantly goal-driven learner, whose first name Ebuwa means "Wealth Amidst Plenty", believes and professes that leadership is by making impacts and vows to dish out, beyond his new age and as long as he lives, his wealth of virtues and experience even in the midst of the plenty potential and empowerment that his benefactors like his immediate friend and boss, Dozy Mmobuosi, bestows on him.