Madwoman’ says Sex partners own human parts found with her

Samson Folarin

A woman alleged to be mentally deranged, Folake Falade, has denied knowing anything about human parts found in her possession in Aiyetoro, Cele-Nizer, on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The 40-year-old said the body parts found with her on Monday, August 27, belonged to men who usually had sex with her in a tunnel where she lived.

There had been turmoil in the community after some residents allegedly spotted the suspect, who was widely believed to be mad, making telephone calls.

A mob was said to have gathered and would have lynched her but for the intervention of some officials of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and policemen from the Ijanikin division.

The police were said to have recovered a skull, some decomposing human parts, photos, foot wares, among others, from the tunnel.

The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba.

Falade, who claimed to be from Abeokuta, Ogun State, said the body parts belonged to men who had sex with her after paying her between N200 and N300.

She said, “I was married to an Egun man who abandoned me. My only surviving child, Abiodun Jeriat, is with my husband. I had five other children, but they all died. I have been living in the place for about two months after I could not find my house at Mosafejo Ilogbo, Ogun State.

“On the day I was caught, I was sitting when a man came to offer me a gin. The second person came and asked if I had a mobile phone and I said no. Not long after, I saw some people with canes and they started beating me up. They also removed all the things I used to cover myself whenever it rained. They asked me if I took gin and I said once in a while.

“They asked where I used to get money to buy it and I told them that some men had been having sex with me and they gave me money – N200 or N300.”

A source said the suspect claimed that one of the photos was that of her child, who she did not know his whereabouts.

She was arraigned before an Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court on two counts bordering on possession of human parts.

The charges read, “That you, Folake Falade, and others at large, on August 27, 2018, around 7am, at Aiyetoro, Cele-nizer, on the Lagos- Badagry Expressway, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony, to wit: unlawful possession of human parts.

“That you, Folake Falade, and others at large, on the same date, time and place, in the aforementioned magisterial district, did unlawfully have in your possession severed human parts, charms and a picture of a boy, a supposed victim…”

The police prosecutor, Inspector Adedayo Oladele, said the offences were punishable under sections 411 and 238 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2015.

Falade pleaded guilty to the charges.

At the resumption of the case for facts and sentence on Tuesday, the police prosecutor, Oladele, said forensic experts had visited the scene of the crime.

“The defendant was asked what happened at the scene. She said one of the men sleeping with her owned the human parts. She was asked to produce the men, but she could not,” he added.

There was a mild drama when the prosecutor asked the Investigating Police Officer from the SCIID to bring out exhibits recovered by the police from the scene.

The odour of the suspected decomposing human bodies filled the courtroom and the Chief Magistrate, O.O. Olatunji, ordered they be taken outside the court for inspection.

A court orderly and a friend of the court, who were appointed by the chief magistrate for the inspection, later returned to confirm the prosecutor’s evidence.

As Olatunji made to deliver his sentence, the suspect changed her plea.

“I was not found with any human skull and flesh. What they found on me was ponmo (cowhide), which I was cutting; I don’t know anything about human skull and flesh; they were found far from where I was. Some people beat me up, saying I had a phone, which I denied. It was ponmo they found on me,” she said in Yoruba.

Olatunji said since the defendant had changed her plea, she would be admitted to bail.

She was subsequently granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum as the chief magistrate ordered that the case file be duplicated for legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

The case was adjourned till September 26, 2018.

Copyright PUNCH.

I’ll poison my husband if court doesn’t separate us – Wife

Olufemi Atoyebi, Ibadan

A mother of three, Ronke Olanrewaju, has threatened to poison her husband if a customary court fails to grant her request for divorce.

The aggrieved wife had approached the Oja-Oba Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, seeking divorce from her husband, who she described as abusive and violent.

Ronke told the court that her husband, Sunday Olanrewaju, beat her up anytime he saw her with male customers, adding that each time the police were brought in, he would boast that he was a prominent politician.

She said, “My lord, he also beat up my mother like a baby. Separate us now, or else, I will poison him. Each time I discuss business with male customers, he would beat me and say they were my lovers.”

However, the husband, Sunday, begged the court to sustain the marriage, saying his wife was like a mother to him.

The President of the court, Chief Henry Agbaje, fixed September 18, 2018, for ruling.

He said although the case required urgency because of the woman’s threat, it was also important to give room for reconciliation.

Copyright PUNCH.

Hon. Adebiyi Azeez Declares Intention To Run For Agege Constituency 02 in 2019

As the date of 2019 general election draws closer, more politicians and technocrats have continued to show interest to run for one political office or the other in the country.

Agege, Lagos is not an exception as Hon. Adebiyi Azeez Olanrewaju declared intention to run for the office of Agege Constituency 02 in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The official announcement was made yesterday at the PDP party Secretariat in Agege.

Adebiyi who is known as a grassroot and crowd pulling politician said he and his party are ready to bring fresh ideas and quality representation to the people of his constituents.

According to Adebiyi, Agege had over time been shortchanged with less quality representation, sighting Epe, Surulere and other local government areas in Lagos with monumental development facilitated and influenced by their lawmakers.

In a chat with AgegePulse, Agege PDP Chairman Agege, Mr. Muka Popoola confirmed that  HON. Adebiyi would go into a direct primary with a former councilorship aspirant in the last council election, Mr. Tunde Samuel who has also shown interest.

Speaking with Agegepulse, supporters of Adebiyi who thronged the PDP secretariat to cheer Adebiyi were full of confidence that their man would clinch the party ticket and subsequently wrestle power from the incumbent lawmaker, representing Agege constituency 02.

Lagos Transport Reform: 4,000 bus conductors register With LASDRI

4,000 bus conductors register following Lagos State Transport Reform – More than 4,000 members of the Bus Conductor Association of Nigeria (BCAN) have registered with Lagos State Drivers Institute (LASDRI) for training and accreditation.

Mr Isreal Adeshola, President of the association, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

According to him, the development will enable them function as stipulated in the rules and regulations of the state government in line with the transportation reform.

“Over 4,000 members are fully ready to operate along with the new Lagos State transportation reform.

“We have attended LASDRI for accreditation and also to the Directorate of Transport Commuters Service to get various identification badges including our uniforms.

“We want to assure the people and the government that our members are fully for the state transformation on transport system.

“All these we have done to get prepared for the state development plan in the transport system,’’ he said.

The official said that there were over 270, 000 bus conductors in the state, adding that over 4,000 of them had registered as members officially.

According to him, the association has been telling members that very soon conductor work will no longer be business as usual.

“The association had trained and ensured that registered members get accredited by the concern authority to ensure accountability and effectiveness on duty.

“BCAN wants to ensure no more jumping and hanging on the buses anyhow.

“We are in line with the state government’s plan on the new transport reform and we enjoin others in the system to key into the system and get registered,’’ he said.

Adeshola appealed to the state government to carry members of the association along with the ongoing reform.

“We need government to assist us along with the ongoing reform in the transport sector.

“If the government is building the country or a state without carrying the youths along or involving them in the system the development may not be sustainable,’’ he added.

NAN reports that Lagos state government is set to roll out buses to service routes on the Oshodi-Abule Egba axis, with the arrival of 250 buses in line with the transport reform.

Mr Ladi Lawanson, the State Commissioner for Transport, had told NAN that the routes for deployment of the buses had been identified.

“In the last couple of months, we did the commissioning of the Ikeja Terminal, which was meant to be the flagship.

“The Ikeja Terminal was signaling the beginning of what was going to be the entire project, consisting of 13 terminals including Oyingbo, Yaba.

“The first set of buses have come and we are using the Ikeja axis as a laboratory where we are going to roll out from,” he said.

The post 4,000 bus conductors register following Lagos State Transport Reform appeared first on Lagos Television.

Lagos Television

Enugu West People Bought PDP Nomination Form For Me - Ekweremadu

'AS REQUESTED BY MY PEOPLE, I WILL RUN FOR THE 5TH TERM  AGAIN'

My people, the good people of Enugu West Senatorial District, including the Enugu West Peoples Assembly, Members of the National Assembly, Council Chairmen, members of the Enugu State Executive Council, Enugu State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, leaders of the PDP from Enugu West, among others gave me a surprise on Sunday. They presented to me the PDP nomination form for the Senate, which they purchased for me, requesting that I return to the Senate in 2019.

Instructively, only a Few weeks ago, I reflected on my past engagements with the people of Enugu West and I was satisfied that, by the grace of God, we were able to make so many improvements in the lives of our people.

I reflected on my next move and the available options. One option is to come back to you in Enugu and run my Foundation, which will give me opportunity to mentor young men and women in leadership. The second is probably to go to a university and take a fulltime academic job and also try to mentor young people in school. And behold my people came calling.

My people, my primary employers have spoken. I have no choice than to humbly accept to run for the Senate again.

Nevertheless, I believe that the beauty of democracy is the enlargement of the political space in which everybody is free to participate, bring and exchange ideas, and disagree in order to agree.

Just yesterday, I got a call from a man who introduced himself as an engineer from Achi, but lives in Jigawa.  He later came with his family to tell me that he wanted to run for the Senate in Enugu West. I congratulated him and offered to help purchase his nomination form. But he told me he had already bought his form. He was quite surprised when I offered to buy form for him. But it has always been my philosophy to help nurture the opposition, for as far as I am concerned, all power belongs to God and we should never try to reduce the political space. We must allow and indeed encourage other people to participate'

Native Reporters

Man Knocks Off Lagos Prostitute's Teeth For Closing Up During Sex

A 25-year old man, Mr. Oki Olabisi, was arraigned after he allegedly knocked off a sex worker's teeth during sex inside a hotel room in Lagos.

The incident happened at a popular hotel called Formula Four located at Coker Street in Ejigbo, Lagos.
embarassed

It was gathered that Mr. Olabisi went to the hotel to drink and later negotiated with one Tina John for short sex romp for an undisclosed fee.

However, when he booked and they entered the room Tina was said not to fully cooperate with him; Tina reportedly removed her pant and behaved strangely. She refused to open her legs properly for easy penetration and that caused serious exchange of words which later to degenerated to a fight inside the hotel room.

In the process, Mr. Olabisi reportedly rained blows on her and knocked off her teeth.

The noise from the room attracted the management of the hotel and they held Olabisi before calling the attention of the police at Ejigbo Division.

Man knocks off sex worker's teeth during fight in Lagos

According to PM Express, Olabisi admitted that he assaulted her but that she started the problem by not properly opening her legs during the romp which caused the rift.

The police found Olabisi culpable and charged him before the Ejigbo Magistrates court for assault, grievous harm and conduct likely to cause breach of public peace.

He pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Supol Kenneth Asibor, did not oppose his being granted bail but asked the court for adjournment for trial.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. T.O. Shomada, granted Olabisi bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail.

The matter was adjourned till 17th September, 2018.

Native Reporters
AgegePulse

Teachers’ recruitment: LASG calls for patience

The Lagos State Government has urged applicants interested in the on-going teachers’ recruitment exercise in the State to be patient with the slow pace on the online application website.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye made the call following complaints by some applicants that the job portal (http://jobs.lagosstate.gov.ng) was very slow, stressing that it was as a result of the number of applicants trying to register at the same time.

She, however, assured that the backend team is working assiduously to accommodate all applications that are dropping in droves since the commencement of the exercise.

The Permanent Secretary advised that there was no reason to panic as applicants have up till Thursday, September 6, 2018 to send in applications, adding that the traffic on the portal would gradually reduce as more applicants succeed in submitting their applications.

Adekanye reiterated the commitment of the State Government to fairness and transparency in the recruitment exercise aimed at injecting fresh and qualified teachers into the Public Primary and Secondary Schools in the State.

I Regret Not Winning Lagos For PDP In 2003 -Atiku

Former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Monday said he regretted not doing much to help the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) win in Lagos State when he had the opportunity in 2003.

Abubakar, a PDP presidential aspirant, spoke in Lagos while holding a meeting Lagos PDP Guber Candidate, Engr Deji Doherty and members of the party in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was part of his nationwide tour of state chapters, to seek support for his aspiration ahead of 2019 general elections.

He revealed how his former boss, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, before the 2003 elections, gave him the task to deliver the six South/West states then governed by the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the PDP.

Abubakar said that in carrying out the task, he delivered all the states to PDP, except Lagos.

The former Vice-President said that he deliberately did not do much to win Lagos because of his relationship with former governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

He apologised to party members for what he called his mistake, saying that Lagos would have been better off, if he had delivered it to the PDP then.

“When we came to power in 1999, the entire South/Western states were controlled by the AD.

“And when we were approaching the 2003 elections, I told my boss, give me the chance to take over the South-West

“And he gave me that authority, and I took all the states with the exception of Lagos.

“Why? Because Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and I came a long way from the SDP, PDM and all of that, and I felt I should leave Lagos for him. In fact, I could easily have taken over Lagos, but I did not.

“I have since regretted my decision; please, my sisters and brothers in the party, I want you to forgive me for taking Lagos out of that arrangement.

“If I have another opportunity again, Lagos will be taken to where it belongs. So, I am appealing to you to give me that opportunity so that I can correct the mistakes that I made”, he said.

Hairdresser stabs neighbour to death for calling her shaku-shaku

Samson Folarin

A 23-year-old hairdresser, Opeyemi Adamson, has allegedly killed her neighbour, Taiwo Olowookere, at their house in the Meiran area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro gathered that 28-year-old Taiwo lived with the suspect’s mother-in-law, who accommodated her after she separated from her husband.

Opeyemi, who lived with her husband, stayed in the same compound with the victim.

The duo were said to have nursed animosity towards each other until Friday, August 24 when things took a tragic turn.

The deceased had reportedly complained about Opeyemi’s eight-months-old baby, saying the child’s noise disturbed her.

The suspect reportedly insulted her, which led to exchange of words.

Taiwo, who reported the incident to the police before her death, said her assailant became angry after she (Taiwo) called her shaku-shaku woman (useless person), adding that she stabbed her in the neck.

She had said, “About three months ago, I had a problem with my husband. The woman I was staying with was her (Opeyemi) mother-in-law.

“On a particular day, my child was ill and I took him to a hospital. When I returned, I greeted her, but she refused to respond. That was when our misunderstanding started.

“Around 7am on August 24, I went to bath my child. While doing that, her child started making a noise. I called her that her child was disturbing me, but she abused me.

“She started cursing me and I called her shaku-shakuwoman. She asked why I would call her such a name. She said she would show me what a shaku-shakuwoman was like. She went inside and brought out a knife which she used to stab me in the neck.”

PUNCH Metro gathered that the victim reported the case at the Meiran Police Station and Opeyemi was arrested.

Taiwo was taken to a local medical centre where she was treated until her death.

Punch AgegePulse  

Ecobank Grants 11yrs Old Artist, Waris 20years Scholarship

Agegepulsemagazine

The 11-year-old Nigerian Artist, Waris Kareem, who drew a portrait of President Macron in 2 hours during his appearance at the New Afrika Shrine in Lagos has been given a 20-year education grant and monthly allowances by Ecobank.


Recall, the talented  hyperrealism artist, Kareem Waris Olamilekan of Oke-Odo Junior College was recently received by Tutor General/ Permanent Secretary Lagos Education District 1, Dr.  YINKA Ayandele  in her office revealed that, Waris also performed creditably well in his academics.

"He had a very encouraging results in the just concluded 3rd term examinations. We need to support him to ensure an all-round development for him".

This is Commendable gesture👏👏👏

Truck crushes commercial motorcyclist to death on Lagos- Abeokuta Expressway

A commercial motorcyclist was on Monday crushed to death in an accident involving two trucks and a  Mercedes Benz car at  Ifo on the Lagos- Abeokuta Expressway.

Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, the Public Relations Officer of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps , confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abeokuta.

Akinbiyi said a Mack truck without  registration number and a  Mercedes Benz car  marked  EG 283 KJA had earlier been involved in an accident on Sunday night and had been left on the highway.


The TRACE spokesman said the driver of a Iveko truck marked AAA 921 XA, who was  travelling early Monday  morning, lost control of the vehicle and crushed the motorcycle registered as  FKJ 880 QB  against the two stationary  vehicles.

The  commercial motorcyclist  was said to have been killed on the spot.
“The accident happened around 5am at the Old Bank road in Ifo inward Abeokuta ,” he said.

He said the corpse of the motorcyclist  had been deposited at the morgue of the General Hospital in  Ifo.

Akinbiyi added that the driver of the Iveco truck, as well as other vehicles and motorcycle involved in the incident, had been moved to  Ifo Divisional Police Command.

( NAN) Punch

Elections will not affect JAMB exams in 2019, says Registrar

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has said that the 2019 general elections would not affect the board’s 2019/2020 examination.

He made this remark while fielding questions from journalists shortly after delivering the 2018 Annual Sobo Sowemimo Lecture of the Abeokuta Club in Abeokuta.

Oloyede said that since the Independent National Electoral Commission had given the dates of the elections, then the board would only need to adjust accordingly.

“I don’t think there will be any need for a shift in the examination date because of the 2019 general elections. I believe INEC has done well by giving us a prior notice six months ago.


“They have given us the date of the elections. So we have no excuse not to have adjusted. We have adjusted appropriately,” he said.
Oloyede decried the rate at which candidates, who were not qualified to write the examination applied for it, thereby, causing what he described as “unnecessary luggage” on the board.

He said that the examination body would adopt stiffer measures to check incidences of unqualified candidates from applying and writing the examination for the 2019/2020 admission exercise.

Oloyede noted that JAMB would not allow anyone to take undue advantage over others, saying the board would not repeat the mistake it recorded in the last examination as regards this development.
The JAMB registrar said the body would begin the 2019/2020 examination process by October, promising that the procedure for the next examination would be better than the last one.

“We are on with the 2018/2019 admission exercise. This, we started just about a month ago. We believe that by the end of October, we would then begin the 2019/2020 admission.

“I can assure you that we are fine-tuning and learning from our mistakes last year. We are perfecting the processes and procedures, ensuring that no one is allowed to have undue advantage over the others.
Oloyede, who did not disclose the exact number of the applicants expected for the 2019 exercise, said measures had been put in place to ensure that all applicants are minimally qualified.

“It is difficult to say the exact number of applicants we are expecting this time. We expect to crash the number because many of those who are taking the forms are not even prepared or qualified for the exam.
“Some are SS1 students, who are just trying; contributing N5,000 unduly to our purse. We are putting in place some checks to make people who want to apply to be minimally qualified.

“That’s where we are moving to, rather than creating unrealistic figures. We cannot say actually this is the figure but we are trying to ensure that we don’t have unnecessary luggage.

“We are not interested in the money. We are interested in having adequate preparation for those who are genuine students,” he added.

(NAN)
Punch

Man Who Robbed With Toy Gun Caught In Lagos

AgegePulse Magazine

A suspected Thief was nabbed after robbing a lady of her phone and purse.

The incident happened at afromedia media estate, okoko, Lagos at the early hours of yesterday September 2nd 2018.

The victim identified as JULIET was reportedly on her her mother's shop when she was attacked by two men who pointed a toy gun to her and collected all she had on her.

Immediately the incident took place, the victim shouted OLE OLE, HELP HELP, this alert neigbours who came out in mass and chased the robbers but fortunately only was was caught as the other escaped.

The robber caught confessed to have come from Okoko to terrorist the estate and said his friend had ran away, the stolen phone was recovered from him and toy gun but unfortunately the money was no where to be found as he claimed his partner was with the money.

TJCONNECTNG spoke with Residents who laments constant robbery within the estate at the early hours of the day around 6:00am after security personnel must have left their duty post.

They dealt with the robbers and after serious torture and questioning he was left outside the estate gate Unclad.

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End Time: We Charge N500 Per Sex,Cherubim and Seraphim Prophetess Running Prostitution Ring

Olupinla Idowu

An Old female pastor and founder of a Cherubim and Seraphim church  at 52 Okesina street, Ijoko area of Ota, Ogun state has been captured by officers of the Nigerian police force after her prostitution ring was discovered.

The 54 year old was paraded before newsmen at Eleweran police headquarters in Ogun state. Investigations showed that Olupinla specialized in contracting or in local words..”pimping” male customers for the girls aged between 14 and 16. The girls live in the church premises with the woman whom they call ‘mama’.

How she was caught?

Olupinla met her water-loo after 3 girls were rescued by police officers.

Her Modus Operandi and Confession of victims

One of the victims, a 16 year old girl confessed that the woman used them to make money. She said

“We are about 10 with Mama, and she always arrange men for us to have sex,She created apartment within the church premises, where the men sleep with us. We charge N500 per sex in which Mama will collect N300 and give us N200.”

The girl also confessed that abortions were carried out on the church premises, admitting that she herself has had 5 abortions.

She revealed that each girl made an average N1500 per day inclusive of Olupinla’s share. Ogun state commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ilyasu, told newsmen that the girls have been taken to a hospital for checkups and treatment and the woman will be charged to court on child abuse and human trafficking offences.

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Asisat Oshoala Meets Buhari In China

AgegePulse Magazine

Nigerian female football star Asisat Oshoala has met her country's President Muhammadu Buhari in China where they interacted and also gave a speech.

Nigerian female football star Asisat Oshoala has met her country's President Muhammadu Buhari in China where they interacted and also gave a speech.

Asisat Oshoala who currently plays for Chinese side Dalian Quanjian F.C was at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing where she told President Buhari about an event on Sports that will happen in December.

Native  Reporters

Tanker explosion: Insurers to compensate seven vehicles’ owners

Nike Popoola
Seven out of the 54 vehicles that were burnt in the tanker explosion that occurred on the Otedola Bridge end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway recently have been confirmed to have comprehensive insurance.
Figures obtained from the Nigerian Insurers Association revealed that 22 other vehicles had third party insurance.

The NIA noted that the ownership and full details of 15 vehicles were yet to be ascertained.
According to the association, investigations were still ongoing on how to know the owners of the unidentified vehicles.
The Director-General, NIA, Mrs Yetunde Ilori, said the underwriters that insured the identified cars had been notified of the vehicles under their purview.
“We have told them not to wait until the owners come forward, but because they have the details, they should contact the owners on time and commence the claims payment,” she said.

She said that the insurance companies would settle the claims of vehicles with comprehensive insurance.
However, for vehicles with third party insurance, the tanker will take responsibility for their losses as the tanker was not proved to have any insurance cover.
The tanker accident, which occurred on June 29, claimed no fewer than 12 lives.

Punch

Why I bought N20m car –CDQ

Olushola Ricketts; 

When rapper Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, aka CDQ, recently announced that he acquired a 2017 Ford Mustang Fastback car valued at N20 million, his source of wealth was questioned.

While speaking withSunday Scoop, CDQ said it was normal for people to say whatever they wanted.

He stated, “It is allowed for people to judge you or have their own opinions about you, but everything is between you and your God. I do strictly music; both digital sales of music and performing all over the world.”

While he was younger, CDQ said he had always wanted to achieve all the things he was doing now. According to the rapper, he is living his dream now.
CDQ, who shares a close intimacy with his mother, admitted that he didn’t tell her when he wanted to buy the new car.


He said, “I didn’t have to tell my mum or make her know the worth of my car. I believe I’m mature enough to decide what I want for myself so far I can do the work myself. The car I brought is a 2017 Mustang; it’s over N20 million.”

Punch

Soldier stabs undergraduate over debt in Lagos

Oluwatosin Omojuyigbe

The family of a 27-year-old undergraduate student of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Abraham Enebeli, has demanded justice after he was allegedly stabbed by a soldier.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Abraham was allegedly stabbed in the Ijegun area of Lagos on Saturday by a soldier attached to the Ojo Military Cantonment.

It was gathered that the military official, identified as Daniel Martins, allegedly broke a bottle and stabbed Abraham in the neck during an argument between the two.

Abraham’s brother, Paul Enebeli, who spoke to PUNCH Metro, said Martins was hired by one Chukwudi.

Paul said, “Trouble started early August when Abraham owed Chukwudi about N150,000.

“Abraham said some people defrauded him; but Chukwudi brought six uniformed army officers to our house.

“My brother was beaten up, my mum was injured and they attempted to take one of my brothers away. Some guys intercepted them. They threatened to keep coming back until my brother paid the money.

“There was an agreement among Abraham, my elder brother, the soldiers and Chukwudi that since they injured a lot of people in the process of getting the money back, the money would not be paid back in full. They agreed that my brother would pay N85,000.

“However, one of the soldiers kept harassing my brother. Yesterday (Saturday), the soldier was on a motorcycle with another friend, who knew my brother.

“My brother and that friend greeted each other. The soldier called my brother, but he refused to answer. That got him infuriated. He got off his motorcycle and pushed my brother.

“There was a heated argument between them and the next thing he did was to pick a bottle. He broke it and stabbed my brother in the neck. Immediately, he sped off on the motorcycle.”

When PUNCH Metro contacted Chukwudi, he denied sending the soldier to Abraham, adding that the said money belonged to the military official.

He said, “I was not around when the incident happened. The money is not mine; it belongs to the soldier.

“I was at home some months ago when the soldier called me that he had some Amazon cards to sell and I told him that I had someone that traded in such things.

“He gave me the cards and I gave them to Abraham’s elder brother, Solomon, to sell. The cards are worth N175,000.

“When Solomon was to pay for the cards, I gave him the account number that he would transfer the money to, but he kept procastinating.

“It got to a point that he stopped taking my calls. He later told me that he would transfer the money to Abraham, who would later transfer it to me.

“After 30 minutes, Abraham called me that he was held by some SARS operatives when he was going to an ATM to withdraw and that they had collected the money from him.

“I was surprised when he said he was going to the ATM to withdraw because what I told them was to transfer the money to my account. There was no agreement between us that they should pay N85,000.

“The soldier was on mufti yesterday (Saturday) and I was told that Abraham talked to him anyhow. He hit the soldier on the chest, which got him pissed off.

“The soldier collected a bottle from someone and Abraham dared him to stab him. I think the soldier felt embarrassed and that was why he stabbed him.”

The Army Public Relations Officer, 81 Division, Lt. Col. Olaolu Daudu, promised to investigate the incident.

He said, “Whether the suspect is an impersonator or not, his action has indicted the military one way or the other. There is the need to make investigations to clear things up. Also, if he is an impostor, he will be arrested and handed over to the police, who will carry out investigations. But if he is a military man, he will be dealt with and later handed over to the police because it is a civil matter.”

Tinubu Finally Endorsed Ambode for Second Term.

AgegePulse Magazine

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally agreed to endorse Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for another term, THISDAY has learnt.

However, Tinubu’s resolve to endorse Ambode was made possible with the interventions of Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, both of whom the governor allegedly asked to wade into the situation that hitherto threatened his re-election in 2019.

An authoritative source confirmed the development to THISDAY at the weekend, noting that the two eminent Nigerians approached Tinubu at different times and prevailed on him to reconsider his stand on Ambode’s re-election, considering the larger implications.

The source noted that the APC leader yielded to the intervention of the vice president and the monarch out of respect for the two leaders.
This development regardless, the political class was still believed to be angry with the governor over alleged lack of respect and poor treatment of the people, who made it possible for Ambode to become governor in the first place.

The source said although Tinubu was displeased with the running of the government, he did not have any fundamental differences with the governor, the reason he yielded to the pleas to let Ambode return.
While the debate on Ambode’s fate in 2019 lasted, according to the source, Tinubu deliberately stayed above the fray because he did not want to get involved in the politics of conjectures about the governor’s re-election, more so that it might not be totally in his interest to do so, given the state of the party and government at the national level.

Another source hinted that one of the problems the governor had with Tinubu and many of the political leaders in the state was, because he wasn’t consulting on critical issues of state and had at a point, alienated everyone in the political class in the running of the state.

The source noted that while Tinubu had managed the situation with the best of political maturity, it didn’t take away the fact that he also had disagreement with Ambode over some of of his decisions and was displeased with the way the governor handled some critical issues.

“You’d agree that Asiwaju boasts an undeniable father figure and so, we cannot continue to attribute some of these petty politics to him. Yes, he may not be happy about certain things in the government, he really does not have any fundamental differences with the governor. That much I know. So, to your question, it is true there have been interventions and he is set to endorse him in order to put paid to some of these speculations,” the source said.

Fears that Ambode’s second term bid might have hit the rocks started to manifest significantly after the recent stakeholders meeting chaired by Tinubu himself at the party’s Lagos secretariat on Akilo, Ikeja. It is pertinent to state that the former Lagos State governor and Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, went through similar re-election baptism with Tinubu, but many people in the state rose early in support and defence of Fashola, which forced Tinubu to yield and eventually endorsed Fashola.

Thus, a similar stakeholders’ meeting was organised during Fashola’s time and it was at the meeting that Tinubu laid to rest all the speculations surrounding his re-election by raising his hands and pronouncing his second term a fait accompli.

But much longer than it took Fashola to clinch his re-election ticket, Ambode’s is still battling to known his fate, not to talk of the fact that he has refused to openly endorse him for re-election at the stakeholders’ meeting, which held on Tuesday.

“He will give him the ticket. It is our oga’s way of raising the stakes. He did it to Fashola and when the stakes were resolved, he endorsed him. In Ambode’s case, the stakes have been raised and will be resolved.

NANS Honours Agege SLG, Hon. Gbenga Abiola

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has conferred an award of recognition on ex-Agege Council boss and current Secretary to Agege Local Government,  Hon. Gbenga Abiola.

R: HON. Gbenga Abiola during the presentation of Award

According to NANS, Abiola, who has been an inspiration and role model for Nigerian teeming youth with his advocacy for youth development, was awarded based on his contributions and impacts towards the growth and development of students in Nigeria.

Recall,  Gbenga Abiola also played a vital role in the passage of the NotTooYoungToRun Bill, a bill that will allow young Nigerians of great and fresh ideas to run for political office

Those who know Gbenga say "Vision and Impact" has always been mantra for the youngest Council boss in Nigeria.

PASTOR OLUSHOLA AKINDELE BEHEADS A WOMAN FOR MONEY RITUAL...

Prophet Beheads Lover After Sex, Buries Body In Church Premises In Ogun State.

Two Nigerian prophets have been arrested for beheading a woman for ritual purposes and burying her body in the church premises

The suspects, Olusola Akindele, 42, and Ayodele Bamiduro, 42, of the Lion of Judah Church of Christ, 13, Robiyan Avenue, Robiyan, near Ijoko, were arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command following an investigation after the woman's remains was found.

According to Crimepuzzle, the victim a 40-year-old woman identified as Iya Aanu, had on July 30, 2018, visited Olusola, who she had been dating for two years, in his Assess Road residence at Mosefejo.

They had sex and as the woman was relaxing afterwards, her lover smashed her head with a heavy piece of wood and dragged her to a room within the apartment. She struggled but eventually lost the battle.

After she gave up the struggle, Olusola dragged her lifeless body to the bathroom and severed her head and hands, and later dumped her remains in an uncompleted building behind his residence.

He then took the severed head and hands to his accomplice's church, the Lion of Judah Church of Christ on 13, Robiyan Avenue, where he buried the body parts.

Disclosing how the suspects were arrested, CP Iliyasu said a complaint was lodged at the Agbado Police Divisional Headquarters by the Baale of Igbore Robiyan.

The Baale informed the police that a headless, decomposing body of a woman was found in an uncompleted building within the community.

Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Agbado, CSP Olatunji Omonijo, was asked to investigate and unravel the mystery behind the killing. Investigation led them to the suspects who have reportedly confessed to the crime. The CP narrated;

<blockquote>On interrogation, Olusola Akindele, who claimed to be a prophet in a church, confessed that the victim was his woman friend, who he simply identified as Iya Aanu. He stated further that they had been dating and hibernating for two years.

On the fateful day, the deceased came to visit him, as usual, and after they made love, and the woman was relaxing, the so-called prophet surreptitiously brought out a very big clog that looked like a pestle with which he smashed the woman's head.</blockquote>

The CP advised the public to be careful whom they associate with and always notify at least one person about their whereabouts when leaving the house to ensure their security and safety.

Police Dismisses FSARS Officer in Lagos

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed an operative of the Federal Special Anti-Robery Squad (FSARS), Inspector Charles Omotosho, who extorted N5,000 from some road users in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

Native Reporters

AgegePulse

UBA appoints four new board members

The Board of Directors of the United Bank for Africa has announced the appointment of four new members to its board, subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The new board members are Mrs Erelu Adebayo, Ms. Angela Aneke, Alhaji Abdulqadir Bello and Mr Isaac Olukayode Fasola.

These appointments follow the retirement of Mrs Rose Okwechime, Mr Adekunle Olumide, Alhaji Ja’afaru Paki, and Mr Yahaya Zekeri, with effect from August 30, 2018.

“I am pleased to welcome Erelu Adebayo, Angela Aneke, Abdulqadir Bello and Kayode Fasola to the group board,” the Group Chairman of UBA, Mr Tony Elumelu, said.

“These men and women bring a wealth of experience in their fields and will be of tremendous assets as we deliver on our mission to become the leading pan-African financial institution in all our countries of operation,” the group chairman said.

He added, “I am particularly pleased that two of the newly appointed non-executive directors are women, bringing the total number of women to four, a further demonstration of our commitment to ensuring equality for both men and women.”

Elumelu, however, thanked the retiring directors for their contribution, hard work and commitment to the bank.

“I would like to express my appreciation to our retiring directors for their leadership and dedication to UBA and for their contribution to an already impressive 2018. I wish them the very best in their future endeavours,” he said.

Copyright PUNCH.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: SMALL DOCTOR, AGEGE LG PARTNER ON TALENT HUNT

...Launches 'Agege To The World' Initiative
...To Discover Dancers, Musicians, Deejays, Comedians In Agege

Agege Pulse Magazine

There was a new lease of life yesterday in Agege area of Lagos State on the path to get the best out of the teaming youths of Agege when management of the council and popular music act, Temitope Adekunle, aka Small Doctor sealed a partnership deal for an annual talent hunt programme in Agege.

In a statement issued by Mr. Rotimi Sulyman, the Special Adviser on Media to Agege Council executive chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, the deal for the concert, which had been on the card, was sealed on Thursday at the Council secretariat for the discovery and nurturing of talented artistes in the community.

Speaking on the the concert, tagged: “Agege to the World”, an initiative of OIT Dynasty Incorporation, Small Doctor’s record label,, the artiste, who grew up in Agege’s neighbourhood, stated that the objective of the event is to breed future stars through entertainment activities and to productively engage the youths of the area.

The Omo Iya Teacher crooner said the decision for the collaboration is to ensure that the programme has government’s support and gained wide acceptance.

While explaining that the concert has several segments including talent hunt for musicians, dancers and deejays, Small Doctor talked of his love for the community saying “Am an Agege ambassador and filled with love for the area. I always look forward to the opportunity to promote my hood to the point of composing a song for it, an anthem, in one of my songs.  .

“The concert will feature young talented dancers, musicians, and Deejays, all from Agege. In between it, i would have motivational talk for the youths in attendance during which i will share my grass to grace story with them,” the 21-year-old said.

According to the Chairman of the council, Egunjobi, who paid tribute to the commitment of Small Doctor to Agege, commended the singer for the initiative while enjoining other entertainment celebrities who have nexus with the community to emulate him.

“I must commend you for this initiative and opportunity given to the Council to partner with you on it. I must confess that we need more of programmes like this to take our restive youth population out of the streets and positively engage them.

“I say without fear of contradiction that Agege is the home of Music in Nigeria given the high number of artistes including icons that at one time or another lived in this community. From Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Kollington Ayinla, Ayinla Omowura, Shina Peter, Love Azeez, Fatai Olowoyo, Fancy Aiye-Alamu, to Dayo Kujore,” the council chief said.

In his own remark, Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Abiola, asserted that the concert is in line with the youth empowerment and wealth creation programme of Egunjobi’s administration.

The inaugural edition of the concert is tentatively scheduled for sometime between late October and early November this year.

#talent #entertainment ENTERTAINMENT INSIDER Smalldoctor Lagos Agege

Nigerians purchased my nomination form without my knowledge- Atiku

He said: “The event today (purchase of nomination form) is significant and historic because this is the only time in my political career that young men and women in this country have come together without my knowledge or even consent to contribute their own hard-earned money to buy me an Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/08/2019-presidency-atiku-weeps-obtain-pdp-nomination-forms/

APC To Adopt Direct, Indirect Primaries

The All Progressives Congress has approved the use of direct primaries at the national and indirect primaries at the state levels of party’s primaries.

This declaration was made on Thursday during the National Executive Council meeting of the party in Abuja.

The meeting had in attendance Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, Senate majority leader, Ahmed Lawan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Governors on the platform of the ruling APC, chieftains of the party and new party members like Sen Godswill Akpabio were also at the meeting.

Today, before the NEC meeting, thirty four states of the federation, including Abuja, Nigeria's Federal Capital have adopted the option of indirect primaries for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming primaries to field candidates for next year's general elections.

That development was on the heels of an emergency meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday by the caucus of the party.

Part of the reasons for adopting indirect primaries as reliably gathered, was because the party was yet to authenticate the actual number of its members, and that there was not enough time to do so with the primaries just few weeks away.

It was further gathered that the only two states that have maintained their stands on Direct Primaries were Lagos and Edo States.

According to sources within the party hierarchy, states that still want to opt for direct primaries can write to the national headquarters of the party for deliberations and subsequent consideration, depending on whether they have the capacity to do so but the final decision of the NEC is that indirect and direct primaries have been adopted for state and national levels of the party’s primaries respectively.

Lagos Panorama


Below is APC Schedule for primaries as released by the party

Presidency 24th September
Senate 26th of September
House of Representatives September 27th
Governorship September 29th
House of Assembly October 2nd.
Sale of forms commenced on 1st of September.

2019 ELECTIONS: SENATE PRESIDENT,SARAKI DECLARES FOR PRESIDENCY

Senate President Bukola Saraki has formally declared to run for the office of the president of Nigeria under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr. Saraki made this declaration on Thursday at Sheraton hotel where he met with young aspirants of the PDP.

NewsFlash247

Over 650 People Benefit in Agege LG Free Medical Screening

More than 650 people have benefited in the just concluded free medical screening organised by the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, in conjuction with Grassroots Health Initiative and 1 Dokita United Kingdom.

The screening exercise, which included blood pressure and sugar test, HIV screening, counseling, general medical examination and health-talk, was held on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at the council secretariat.

Speaking on the medical outreach, the council boss, Egunjobi, explained the motive behind the free health programme, saying, "We chose to organise this to further bring healthcare closer to the people, which is one of my election campaign promises. Without fear of contradiction, not every person has the financial wherewithal to bear the cost of undergoing medical screening in private hospitals and this also informed the reason for organising the programme," Egunjobi noted.

He added, "this is just the beginning, the next one will be bigger than this".

Egunjobi likewise exhorted the gathering on the need for regular medical check-up so as to know their health status.

In his own remark, the council Medical Officer of Health, Dr. A. A.  Akintayo, paid tribute to the council chief on the initiative.

According to Akintayo, "Mr Chairman has done well most especially in area of health, our people are grateful for this gesture.

"We are Oliver Twist, we beg our Chairman for more".

Photo: Davido Causes Stampede at NYSC Camp

Latest corper in town Davido literally caused a stampede when he came to camp for his registration.

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AMBODE UNVEILS ULTRA MODERN FERRY TERMINAL, MULTI-LEVEL CAR PARK

…Says Water Transport Sector Reforms On Course


AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commissioned an ultra modern Ferry Terminal and the Headquarters of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) in Falomo area of the State, restating that no efforts would be spared to harness the potentials of water transport sector for the overall benefit of residents.

The Governor, who also commissioned a Multi-level Car Park within the same premises, said the unveiling of the edifice which was delivered through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with MTN Nigeria, signposts the readiness, willingness and ability of the State Government to take full control of its waterways and would continue to do so effectively.



Governor Ambode, who was represented by the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, said the completion of the project, which started seven years ago, was an eloquent demonstration of the appreciation and recognition of the efforts of the State Government toward the overall development of water transport sector in the State.



While alluding to the fact that water transportation had been proven worldwide to be an effective and efficient transport system, the Governor said despite its potentials, the sector had remained largely underdeveloped just accounting for less than one per cent of the overall traffic in the State, a development he said necessitated the massive investments and reforms of his administration in the sector.



“In furtherance of our commitment to develop the water transportation system which is an integral component of the Lagos State Multi-Modal Transport System, we have invested significantly in the provision of water transportation infrastructure especially the rehabilitation of existing and construction of new Jetties; purchase of two clearing machines with navigational equipment to tackle the challenges posed by water hyacinth and the ongoing installation of safety signs for routes demarcation, among others.



“In addition, we have concluded plans for the procurement of seven high-capacity passenger ferries to complement the existing ones, while we also plan to assist commercial ferry operators to acquire new standard boats.



“All of these are with the intent of encouraging more private sector investment in water transportation. The long term objective is to reduce the pressure on our roads as our people increasingly embrace water transportation system,” Governor Ambode said.



While reiterating the commitment of his administration to continue to protect the interest of those using the waterways especially in the area of providing the entire residents of the State with quality and affordable water transport services, the Governor also reinforced the determination of the State to ensure that waterways in the State were safe and secured.



Besides, Governor Ambode commended MTN Nigeria for partnering and contributing to the realization of the State Government's objectives in the water transport sector, just as he urged other private sector stakeholders to take advantage of the emerging investment opportunities in Lagos water transport sector.



In his opening remarks, General Manager of LASWA, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel commended Governor Ambode for his unparalleled commitment and support towards the upgrading, construction and equipping of waterways infrastructure in the State, saying that the new imposing edifice, among other ongoing projects on the waterways, aptly demonstrated such investments and reforms in the sector.



“This terminal is expected to attract new investors, boost water transportation and reduce vehicular traffic on Lagos roads and also complement the efforts of the Lagos State Government towards promoting Inter-Modal Transport System in the State thereby increasing the efficiency of government interventions in the sector.



“On our part, LASWA remains committed to delivering an enabling environment to all waterways users. We are deepening and broadening or capacities to surpass all expectations in this regard,” Emmanuel said, just as he solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders especially by strictly complying with all existing rules and regulations on water transportation.



Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Ferdi Moolman said his firm was delighted to partner with the State Government to deliver another milestone that would lead to a better transport system and improved quality of lives for millions of the State’s residents.



“Lagos is home to a visionary and dynamic government that believes in the power of Public-Private Sector Partnership and today’s event is a proof of that. I like to specially commend Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and his team for the transformation and innovative projects ongoing across the State,” Moolman said.



Facilities at the ferry terminal include a ticketing point, passenger lounge, VIP Lounge, elevator, standard conveniences, among others.

Man plans to commit suicide if Buhari loses presidency in 2019

The thought of having a president different from Buhari may be liberating to some except a man in Abuja who is ready to commit suicide if he loses.

A man holds a banner stating his intention to commit suicide if Buhari is not victorious in the 2019 General Election.

 (LIB)

Boldly printed on a white banner are the thoughts of a man in Abuja who plans to commit suicide if President Buhari loses in his bid to retain his position in 2019.

Dressed casually, he stands by the roadside as if to give a warning concerning the dangerous choice he will be making next year.

On Tuesday, August 28, 2018, the Linda Ikeji's Blog (LIB) shares a post containing an image of the man planning a suicide.

"If President Muhammadu Buhari do not win election in 2019, I will kill myself," the text on the banner reads.

Pulse.ng

BREAKING: TCN BEGINS MAINTENANCE WORK ON ALIMOSHO POWER STATION

...Some Parts of Agege, Alimosho To Witness 7hours Blackout

Going by the credible information reaching Agegepulse now, some parts of Agege and Alimosho Local Government Areas will be without power supply for about 7 hours Tomorow, Friday, 31st August, 2018.

This is because the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN has concluded plans to carryout maintenance  work on 'T3 100MVA transformer' at Alimosho TCN Station.

Agegepulse learnt that the development is to enable TCN crew install fire preventive equipment on the transformer. The maintenance works will be between the hours of 10a.m and 5p.m.

According to TCN, the following areas will be affected within the said period of time. They are: Tower Aluminium Company, Oko Oba, Iju Road, Oke Odo, Ekoro, Ajasa, Olota, Unity, Olorun Adababa, NYSC Ipaja Areas and Environs.

2019 ELECTION WILL BE FREE, FAIR, CREDIBLE, PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES UK PRIME MINISTER

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja assured the UK Prime Minister Theresa May of his commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections in 2019.

In a bilateral meeting with the visiting Prime Minister, President Buhari welcomed UK's support at strengthening democratic institutions in the country.

‘‘I assure you that I’m all out for free, fair and credible elections. I’m very pleased that my party is doing very well. The High Commissioner will brief you more. The recent successes in polls in Katsina, Bauchi, and Kogi have boosted our morale greatly.

‘‘Nigeria has accepted multiparty democracy and that is putting politicians on their toes, forcing them to work harder,’’ he said.

On the anti-corruption campaign, the President applauded the British support to the country, noting that the success of the fight was very important to ordinary people in the country.

"We had great opportunities and resources between 1999 and 2014, due to high oil prices. But when we came in 2015, oil prices plunged to as low as 37 dollars per barrel.

‘‘What we have been doing since 2015 is to focus on infrastructure development, despite low earnings. Work is ongoing in roads, rail, power, and many others."

On Brexit, President Buhari noted that it provides an opportunity to strengthen the historic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

‘‘We are nervously watching the development about Brexit because we know that the relationship had been on for a long time.  I assure you that I am prepared to strengthen the relationship between our two countries.’’

The President also thanked the UK government for the support on security and the fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, as well as the improved trade relations between both countries.

‘‘I am very grateful to the British government under you leadership for the help in security, particularly your training team that is in our institution in Kaduna,’’ he said.

Earlier, in remarks before the bilateral meeting, the Nigerian leader underscored the need for UK support on reviving of Lake Chad, which is a means of livelihood for millions of people. 

The President told the visiting Prime Minister that Europe and China were already conducting an in-depth study on recharging the Lake through inter-basin transfer from the Central African Republic.

In her remarks, Prime Minister May, who welcomed the assurance by the Nigerian government on credible elections in 2019, said she was pleased to be in Abuja to continue the ‘‘excellent discussions’’ she started with President Buhari in London in April, this year, particularly on security, trade, asset recovery and the fight against corruption.

‘‘Security and defence cooperation are very important steps to address Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa,’’ May said.

On asset recovery, the Prime Minister told President Buhari: ‘‘we do not want to hold anything that belongs to Nigeria people, but we follow the judicial process, which can be slow.’’

The Prime Minister appealed to President Buhari to use his position as ECOWAS Chair to keep the issue of human trafficking on the front burner in the sub-region.

President Buhari and Prime Minister May witnessed the signing of two agreements: Security and Defence Partnership and Economic Development Forum Agreement.

Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 29, 2018

UBA Grows Gross Earnings By 16%, Delivers 17% Return on Average Equity

…Sustains Interim Dividend

AgegePulse

Africa’s leading financial institution, United Bank for Africa Plc has announced its audited 2018 half year financial results, showing strong growth across key performance metrics as well as a significant contribution from its African subsidiaries.

Despite declining yield environment in two core markets, Nigeria and Ghana, the pan Africa financial institution delivered double digit growth in gross earnings, as itrecorded a 16 percent year-on-yearrise in top-line to N258 billion,compared to N 223 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2017.This performance, according to analysts, underscores the capacity of the Group to deliver strong performance through economic cycles, even in a challenging business environment.

According to the report filed to the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Wednesday, UBA, reported strong growth in operating income at N168.5 billion, compared to N161.8 billion in the first half of 2017, an increase of 4.1 percent. Notwithstanding the inflation-induced cost pressure in the period, UBA finished the first half of the year strongly, with a Profit Before Tax ofN 58.1 billion.
The Profit After Tax also improved to N 43.8 billion, a 3.4 percent growth compared to N 42.3 billion achieved in the corresponding period of 2017. The first half of the year profit, translated to pre-tax and post-tax return on average equity of 23% and 17% respectively.

UBA’s foreign operations continue to grow in importance, contributing 40% of the Group’s profit, which according to analysts attests to the benefit of UBA’s pan-African strategy and reinforces the Bank’s objective of achieving 50 percent earnings contribution from offshore subsidiaries.

In the first six months of the year, the Bank’s Total Assets grew 4.9% toN 4.27 trillion and Customer Deposits rose by 6.1 per cent to N 2.90 trillion, compared to N 2.73 trillion as at December 2017. This growth trajectory underlines UBA’s market share gain, as it increasingly wins customers through its re-engineered customer service and innovative digital offerings. The Group’s Shareholders’ Funds remained strong at N 496.3 billion, even as implementation of IFRS 9 impacted the total equity of the bank and its peers.

In line with its culture of paying both interim and final cash dividend, the Board of Directors of UBA Plc declared an interim dividend of N0.20 per share for every ordinary share of N0.50 each held on the qualification date – Wednesday, September 05, 2018.
Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director/CEO, United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), Mr. Kennedy Uzoka said:  “Our performance in the first half the year reflects the resilience of our business model and strategies. Despite declining yields in two core markets, Nigeria and Ghana, we delivered double digit growth in gross earnings. Our performance demonstrates the success of our digital banking initiatives and broader Customer-First strategies”
“We are integrating banking to our customers’ lifestyle, simplifying processes for routine transactions and driving financial inclusion by making banking services accessible and affordable. We are creating opportunities for wealth creation and economic progress, as we empower our customers through innovative platforms and solutions that support their personal and business growth. Our commitment to delivering excellent service is paying-off, as we increasingly win a bigger share of customers’ wallet across our chosen markets. We won the highly coveted “Africa’s Best Digital Bank” Award by Euromoney, demonstrating our pioneering initiatives are being recognised with Leo, our digital banker having been name checked by Mark Zuckerberg ” Uzoka said.

“Our enhanced asset-liability management strategies improved asset yield and grew interest income by 21% despite prevailing yield environment. Our re-engineered sales structure provided the impetus for renewed retail deposit growth. I am particularly pleased by the 24% year-to-date growth in retail savings and current account deposits, underpining the increasing penetration of our digital offerings and the Group’s overarching goal of democratizing banking across Africa. We improved net interest margin to 7.4%in line with our 2018 target, notwithstanding strong competition for wholesale deposits and the impact of rising global interest rates on our foreign currency funding,” he concluded
Also speaking on UBA’s financial performance and position, the Group CFO, Ugo Nwaghodoh said; “We finished the first half of the year in a stronger position and we are optimistic on the future of our business. Amidst economic recovery and uncertainties in Nigeria, our largest market, we grew net interest income and operating income by 9.6% and 4.1% respectively. We doubled revenue from trade services and grew e-banking income by 24%, a testament to our market share gain, which is driven by innovative offerings. Our foreign operations contributed 40% of Group’s profit, underlining the benefit of our Pan-African strategy.
“We sustained our asset quality, with cost of risk at 0.8%. Whilst the loan book declined by 6.5% due to prepayments from some customers in Nigeria and Ghana, we grew the overall balance sheet by 5% in the first half of the year. The Group’s capital adequacy ratio of 23%, Bank’s liquidity ratio of 48% and loan-to-deposit ratio of 57% all reinforce our capacity to grow, with ample headroom for risk asset creation,” Nwaghodoh said.
In recognition of UBA’s dominance in Africa’s digital banking space, UBA emerged the Best Institution in Digital Banking across Africa, courtesy of Euromoney. Earlier in the year, UBA launched Leo, an e-chat service using artificial intelligence to help customers execute transactions on Facebook, the first of its kind in Africa. The Bank is set to replicate the success of Leo on WhatsApp on September 1st, bringing convenience to its growing youthful customer base across Africa.
UBA is one of Africa’s leading banks with operations in 20 African countries. It also has presence in the global financial centres; London, New York and Paris. UBA provides banking services to more than 15 million customers globally, through diverse channels.