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DESTROYING ALLEGED IGBO DOMINATION BY MINORITY ETHNIC GROUPS IN THE OLD EASTERN REGION 

DESTROYING ALLEGED IGBO DOMINATION BY MINORITY ETHNIC GROUPS IN THE OLD EASTERN REGION 

“Some weeks back, I made a rebuttal about the erroneous and mischievous rants of some of my (our) misinformed NigerDelta brothers. First and foremost let me tell you all a little story for the avoidance of doubt, I’m from the Agbo ethnic group in Cross River State, we are located in Abi Local Government Area which is a coastal settlement and unarguably the smallest LGA in Cross River State in terms of landmass and to a large extent population slightly a few thousands ahead of Bakassi LGA. My fore bearers both on my maternal and paternal side were given the opportunity to serve in then Eastern Nigeria regional government, My grand uncle Dr. S E Imoke of blessed memory was an all influential cabinet minister in the regime of M I Okpara he held the Trade portfolio and was also Finance minister at a time until the unfortunate incident of January 1966 he was the longest serving Education minister his son the urbane Liyel Imoke is the immediate past Governor of our state “Cross River”,during the outbreak of the War he was the Biafran Commissioner for Refugees and Humanitarian affairs.

Aside SE one of my maternal uncles also served as Permanent Secretary in the ministry of health at Enugu, My maternal grand father was also a frontline member of the Eastern Nigeria regional house of Chiefs alongside other minority chiefs like Chief Offem of Ugep,Ndoma-Egba of Ikom amongst others,the Chairman of the very powerful and influential House of Chiefs was Chief Nyong Essien, OBE an Ibibio High chief of a not so prominent chiefdom “not the Obi of Onitsha nor the Igwe of any other powerful Igbo city”.

Outside my family circles, another great Cross Riverian MT Mbu was nominated a Federal Minister of Transport and Navy by the Igbo controlled NCNC,it’s on record that Mbu was Nigeria’s first Ambassador to the UK, UN, and US he is from Boki in Cross River state, Boki is another minority ethnic group just like my native Agboland, the Igbo’s gave him the opportunity to excel ahead of their own worthy sons at that time, he is the father to Senator. MT Mbu jr, another person who is noteworthy is the late Chief. Michael Eta-Ogon who was the Administrator of the oil rich Port Harcourt province in the first republic he is also from the same Boki with Mbu, Thomas Weir Ikpeme an Efik man from Odukpani in my native Cross River was the longest serving Permanent Secretary in the Eastern Regional Ministry of Education, the key point is that the Igbo’s were comfortable with us “the minorities” that was why they entrusted education solely in our hands, not only education but other critical areas like Public Works and Transport etc. NU Akpan an Ibibio man from Akwa Ibom state was the technocrat behind the eastern regional public service, he was the Secretary to the regional government, Anwana Esin a man from Oron in Akwa Ibom state, Oron is a distinct and small riverine ethnic group was the Eastern Regional Minister of Local government, so also was Ibanga Akpabio ,an Annang man from Ukana in present day Akwa Ibom state was the regional minister of Internal Affairs, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom state Godswill Akpabio is his nephew, they were other high ranking cabinet ministers of minority origin like one of our family good friends, HRH. Amanyanabo EP Okoya,Agada III the Ibenanowei of Ekpetiama in Bayelsa State,Chief. Erekosinma of Rivers and a whole lot of others who are too numerous to mention.During the secessionist struggle, An Ogoni from Rivers state, Chief Ignatius Kogbara was Biafra’s Ambassador to Britain.

My dad’s friend Chief. Lekam Okoi ,from Idomi in present day Yakurr LGA of Cross River state was one of Ojukwu’s trusted drivers, he is today a successful lawyer and a former commissioner in the Federal Character Commission, Capt.Akpet a minority from Cross River was also Ojukwu’s dependable aide on intelligence. Secondly for the avoidance of doubt, aside these political appointments, our people enjoyed immense goodwill from the Igbo dominated region by way of social security, my dad’s immediate elder brother received a scholarship from the regional government that enabled him study for a PhD in soil science,he is the first man “arguably” in Africa to obtain a doctorate in Soil science, I have friends across the Niger Delta whose parents, uncles, aunties and relatives also benefited from the benevolence of the regional government. It is also a known fact that our Niger Delta region received it’s last major facelift in terms of infrastructure when we were under the Eastern region. Till the abolition of the regional system of government the Eastern region was the most united region, they was never a recorded case of ethnic skirmish or BLOOD letting between the Igbo’s and other minority groups,during the pogrom of 1966 we all carried the same cross to “Golgotha”, both Igbo’s and eastern minorities where maimed in their thousands across Northern Nigeria by the blood thirsty HausaFulani/Northern folks without blinking an eye it doesn’t really matter if you were Igbo, Ijaw, Efik or a miniature Agbo person. I never really wanted to bore you with reading this lengthy essay but it’s my moral responsibility to tell the truth at all times, I was thought by my fore bearers never to distort history and to always separate facts from fictions. If we were not marginalized by the Igbo’s during the “analogue” age, how then can the Igbo’s marginalized us in this digital age and time?, the fear, misgivings and misconceptions of Igbo dominance by most of my (our) NigerDelta people who are poor students of history are unconscionable and unfounded, moreover there is no family in our region without Igbo relatives and blood so the cry is a much ado about nothing….“Man must know thyself” and “To thyself be true”. May God help us all.

Written by Efa-Iwa Rex Egbe

FG MULLS POLICY ON ZERO RATING FOR EDUCATIONAL WEBSITES

FG MULLS POLICY ON ZERO RATING FOR EDUCATIONAL WEBSITES

With the impact of COVID-19 on education sector, the Federal Government has said that it is considering pursuing a new National Policy on zero rating on educational websites which would allow the consumption of contents without charges to normal data plan.

The Policy, according to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, FNCS, FBCS, FIIM while delivering his key note address at a Webinar organised by Lead Inspire Network with the theme: “Enhancing Virtual Learning and the Challenges of Internet Penetration in Nigeria”, would contain appropriate incentives for mobile network operators and internet service providers.

Speaking through National Information Technology Development Agency’s Director of Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions, Dr Usman Gambo Abdullahi, the minister agreed that sufficient access to the internet is essential for the development of an information society adding that the government is working to increase the broadband penetration from its current level.

“Currently, broadband penetration stands at 40.18 percent and the plan is to make it 70 percent by 2025. This is the target we set for ourselves in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan. This will be of great benefits to the education sector. We would focus more on enabling appropriate contents, infrastructure, capabilities for learning and teaching”, he said.

While assuring that the ministry would deepen broadband penetration through creation of access to public internet service, the minister acknowledged that agencies under his supervision such as NITDA, NCC/USPF, in line with their mandates, have made giant strides in this regard.

He stated that “we have been able to establish Digital Centres, Capacity Training Centres, e-Accessibility Centres, School Knowledge Centres, e-Libraries and ICT Hubs and Innovation Parks across the country. In just one year, we have deployed over 200 of these across the country. These centres mostly situated in rural areas are equipped with at least 25 computers, backup power supply and free internet service. In addition to providing free internet services, the centres also serve as innovation hubs and learning centres for the local community.”

The minister said that NITDA has issued Framework and Guidelines for Public Internet Access to regulate most of the approaches government is considering to deepen internet penetration and bridge the digital divide.

The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission who was represented by a Director in the Commission, Dr Henry Nkemadu stated that the Pandemic has shifted education to a new level that requires new paradigm.

While listing the challenges of low level of penetration to include the high cost of Right of Way, multiple taxation, operating expenses and economic downturn, he said the minister is working assiduously to reduce some of this bottlenecks.

One of the organisers of the webinar and co-founder of Lead Inspire Network Sope Afolayan said the event was put together to further the discussion on how to provide equal access to children of the ‘have’ and ‘have not’ and redirect the thinking of policy makers on the need to see acquisition of education beyond four walls of the classroom.

NITDA

OMO IGBO: MY SONS AND THEIR EXPERIENCE IN A MULTICULTURAL SCHOOL – CHARLES ACHODO. C.

OMO IGBO: MY SONS AND THEIR EXPERIENCE IN A MULTICULTURAL SCHOOL – CHARLES ACHODO. C.

My son came back from school one day looking obviously frustrated. Why? There is a young Nigerian lady who joined their school recently with other Nigerians in South Africa.

Since joining the school and discovering that my son is Nigerian but hardly speaks any Nigerian language, she has become a terror to his flesh.
I told him not to bother and ignore her. He made friends with most of them and will always invite them over to the house for the weekend.

Now this girl called Funmi won’t let my son have some peace. She will always call him ” Omo Igbo”. Now all the school know him as ” Omo Igbo”.

My son is very proud of his Igbo and Nigerian heritage but doesn’t like being reduced to a ” tribal king”. So on this day he returns from school and drops down his bag and with the junior brother and sisters they pounced on me wanting to know what ” Omo Igbo” means.

Well I laughed and then told them it simply means ” an Igbo person or child of an Igbo”. They were shocked when they realised that it was nothing but wondered why Funmi screams that across the school each time she comes across my son.

Again I shared my experience when on my first day in the university my prospective roommate who is now a judge in his state, asked me what is the meaning of ” onye Hausa”. I explained it means a Hausa person. He was shocked as he had grown to believe it was an insulting ascription.

I am a fan of multiculturalism. Growing up I have always wanted to meet people from other places. I hated geography then but bring human or social geography you will see me come alive! Physical geography bored me like hell then.

I thank God for that dream fulfilled as I have literally met many people from diverse cultural background due to my work. It is the same orientation I wish for my children hence my choice of schools and education.

So after explaining the meaning of ” Omo Igbo” to their satisfaction, my daughter asked so ” Omo what is Funmi?” So I said ” Omo Yoruba” but you can also call her ” Omo agege, Omo oshodi, Omo eko, Omo Yaba, Omo ijebu, Omo ikoyi etc.”. You can imagine their countenances lifted. I saw mischief on their faces!!

Armed with that they left for school the next day. Upon arrival and seeing Funmi being dropped off and approaching the rest to head into the school assembly, my sons and daughters chorused out in unison; ” Omo eko, Omo Yaba, Omo oshodi etc” . Apparently they invented their own additional Omo whatever”

Their friends joined them and it was all ” Omo that and that”. Funmi was disconcerted and in a state of shock.

Now all became friends and graduated and moved on to different universities. Now they call each other ” Omo their university names”.

We get into fights by ignorance. We fight when we fail to build bridges. We fight mostly over nothing. We fight when we fail to build a zone of shared interests.

C. C. ACHODO

DEBT PROFILE AND INABILITY OF SOME STATES TO MEET UP DEBT SERVICING OBLIGATIONS, WORRYING AND PATHETIC

DEBT PROFILE AND INABILITY OF SOME STATES TO MEET UP DEBT SERVICING OBLIGATIONS, WORRYING AND PATHETIC

It is not kumbaya or huray for these states in red. In short they have to start asking critical questions on why they are in red! Ability to manage an economy and debt efficiently should be the strong basis to push for electoral position, this is a global practice but in Nigeria it is a different kettle of fish. Here to be elected , the ability to align with religious, political and possibly emotional ideosyncracies and similitudes of people are basically what you need to get the political office not intellectual sagacity, capacity and dexterity to deliver.

Recently , we saw tables of states across the nation that re doing well and in dire need. We have seen that states like Rivers State , Anambra states and many states in Northern region have demonstrated economic resilience and attitude to shore up their capital and their debt profile in good books, but unfortunately, the south west states have about 80% of their states in red! Even Lagos the alleged centre of excellence. What the economic watchers are asking what happened to the debt management profile, what happened to the debt portfolio and what happened to the capacity to deliver life changing infrastructure that can turn around the states for good.

I know that Nigerians have the urge and the will to blame the federal government for their inability to scale but in this case, the adminstration of Buhari must be exonerated as a matter of fact ! In short this adminstration have shown that they have the capacity to allow the states to thrive and this is seen by various projects around such as the ongoing Niger Bridge, Lagos Ibadan freeway, Rails etc !

But the big questions are what are the state governors doing with their funds? Who is overseeing these funds ? Why are they in deficit?

One thing that this table has shown is that many of the states in red has the inability to be self sustaining or in dire need of salvage. Failure to do so would amount to insolvency. If the state were to be organisations, liquidation and foreclosure would set in. With thee figures we have, what this implies is simple, the managers of these political entities (states ) don’t have what it takes or might have what it takes it lack the political balls to change the narrative.

Yes,debt is good in economics but inability to sustain and maintain it is worrisome. A trend that we are seeing many states in South West and many other states. Majority of the states in the list should sit back and have a review what they are doing right or wrong. A moment of smelling the coffee and also a moment of truth. We can’t blame it all on Covid-19,this tool years to get to this point !

Economics term it Debt to GDP ratio. The higher the number of debts a state encounters this affects the GDP of the states. The debt-to-GDP ratio are associated with insignificant effects on economic growth. However, as government as debt rises, the effect on economic growth diminishes rapidly and the growth impacts become negative.

According to Cristina Westphal, “the growth rate of gdp per capita, k = 1 or 5 (three different measures are used in the empirical estimation : annual growth rate git +1 ; 5-year cumulative overlapping growth rate git/t +5, where t takes annual values ; and 5-year cumulative non-overlapping growth rate git +5, where t takes the values at the start of each half-decade) .”

” High public debt can negatively affect capital stock accumulation and economic growth via heightened long-term interest rates, higher distortionary tax rates, inflation, and a general constraint on countercyclical fiscal policies, which may lead to increased volatility and lower growth rates” Veronica De Rugy opined in her postulation on her work “Debt and Growth: A Decade of Studies.”

The need to review the recurrent expenditures of these states in red, shore up internal generated revenue (IGR) not by high taxation,going through the route of high taxation would make corporate organisations leave to a tax haven and trust me ,many states like Anambra and North are granting tax havens to organisations to establish and leveraging on technology especially ICT,they can have their services and solutions in any part of the nation,so throwing up taxing is out of it as a way to shore up IGR! Reduce Government spending, reduce recurrent expenditures, go into public private partnership (PPP) or concession of some key infrastructure.

High marginal tax rates can discourage work, saving, investment, and innovation, while specific tax preferences can affect the allocation of economic resources. Going via tax road to shore up debt would be inimical for many of the states in red. Many businesses go bankrupt, because they can’t afford to operate after government takes its cut. Other businesses flee the country, to escape the high taxes. And still other businesses must cut their payrolls to stay within their incomes. The result in each case is the loss of jobs those businesses provided in the economy.

What do the states got to do? They must basically reevaluate their economic policies and standing ,create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and also introduce ways to support SME and new businesses . These new business would pay tax after a given tax holiday. Most importantly,identify key projects not elephant projects. A state like Abia has no need building an airport ,becuse the state uses Imo Airport which is at Okpala a boundary town to Abia state and about 18 minutes drive to the economic hub of the state Aba and about 24 minutes drive to the capital , Umuahia. So why build airport when you can build fantastic roads in Aba and encourage the Alaoji power plant so that the manufacturers can have a robust environment to thrive and new businesses grow, this would translate in payment of duties, levies and whatever tax.

As it stands now, many of these states must start looking at the next level of economic emancipation. As it stand now,they are in economic woods and the need to have an economic sounded individuals and team to pilot the states becomes more imperative now that the cost of crude oil is dwindling.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Church Believes in Anti-graft War – Bishop Kukah

Church Believes in Anti-graft War – Bishop Kukah

The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Mathew Hassan Kukah has restated the Catholic Church’s support for the efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at ridding the country of corruption, economic and financial crimes.

Bishop Kukah reaffirmed this on Thursday, 24 September, 2020 while playing host to the Sokoto Zonal Head of the Commission, Bawa Usman Kaltungo who paid him a courtesy visit.

The bishop revealed that Catholic Church Masses, which incorporate prayers against bribery and corruption are being said on a daily basis.

While praying for Kaltungo’s success in the onerous task ahead of him, Kuka reminded him that “To whom much is given, much more is expected.”

Kaltungo solicited the support, counsel and prayers of the clergy if the country was to win the war against the scourge of corruption, economic and financial crimes.

In a similar visit to the Comptroller, Sokoto Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, B. U Gimba, Kaltungo sought for enhanced collaboration and intelligence sharing between the EFCC and Customs in the state, noting that “exchange of intelligence between agencies helps in breaking barriers and better service delivery”.

While noting that synergy between agencies of government is essential for service delivery, Comptroller Gimba assured the EFCC of his Command’s cooperation and collaboration with the Commission.

HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS MINISTER PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR DEAF AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITY

HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS MINISTER PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR DEAF AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITY

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has noted that the ministry will continue to support all persons with Disabilities PWD and the Deaf to ensure that their inclusion, rights and participation in the society are given utmost priority.

Sadiya made this known in Abuja on Wednesday 23rd September, 2020, when she held a briefing to mark the International Week of the Deaf and International Day of Sign Languages.

She said that the ministry has been in the forefront of ensuring that the Nigeria Disability Commision is established to assuage the yearnings and aspirations of all persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

“The purpose of the International Day of Sign Languages among others is to promote linguistic identity and culture of deaf people all over the world.

“Let me assure you that the Federal government, through the ministry, will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all persons with disabilities in Nigeria are carried along in governance by removing all barriers which before now posed as hindrance for effective functioning of persons with disabilities”, Sadiya added.

Earlier, the Secretary General of the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf, Chidi Topaz Oluije thanked the minister for marking the day in Nigeria as ten million persons are said to be deaf according to the World Health Organization.

“According to WHO, ten million persons are Deaf in Nigeria. This shows that Sign Language is important for us to be able to mix with both the Deaf and the Hearing world and participate in politics, health or any sector in the country”, he noted.

The celebration stems from the United Nations Resolution A/RES/72/161 adopted in 2017 which recognizes September 23rd as the International Day of Sign Languages. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Reaffirming Deaf People’s Human Rights’.

The event will be marked from 26th-30th September, 2020 by all stakeholders in Kano.

NNEKA IKEM ANIBEZE

SA MEDIA

Republic of Korea donates 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 Sample collection to Federal Government of Nigeria.

Republic of Korea donates 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 Sample collection to Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health, has received 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 sample collection donated by the Republic of Korea to fast-track the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The handover ceremony was performed at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)’s National Reference Laboratory, Gaduwa, Abuja, on 24th September, 2020.

The Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora expressed appreciations to the Government of Korea for the donation of the 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 sample collection to the Nigerian Government. He said the gesture has shown that Republic of Korea is a true friend of Nigeria “because a friend in need is a friend indeed.”

The Honourable Minister of State said that these Smart Walk-through Booths are expected to provide medical staff with effective protection during sample collection, support mass screening for COVID-19 in a timely and efficient manner and reduce the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) during test sample collection.

Dr. Mamora told the gathering that the Booths will be put into effective use at the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, the Central Public Health Laboratory, and the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research in Lagos. He charged the beneficiaries to ensure decency in the use and also cultivate maintenance culture for the Booths.

His Excellency, Maj. Gen. Lee In-tae (rtd), the Ambassador of The Republic of Korea, who was represented by Mr. Woochan Chang, the KOICA Country Director extended his deepest condolences to the families and victims of COVID-19 pandemic, and also commended all the frontline health workers and professionals for their resilience in the battle against COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ambassador stated that the donation of the 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 sample collection marks another milestone in the bilateral relations between his Country and Nigeria which has been established since 1980, adding that as a key bilateral partner, Republic of Korea have continually engaged in the advancement of existing excellent cooperation projects for Nigeria in maternal and child health, education, amongst others, and recently the COVID-19 response. “I believe the donation of the Smart Walk-through Booths has further consolidated the bilateral relations which marks the 40th Anniversary this year’’, he said.

He explained some key features of the Booths which include High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter, High Efficiency Bi-directional Fan Module, Air Conditioning and Heat System to make the environment conducive for Medical Staff to collect sample, Intercom System and LED Control Panel.

The Ambassador requested the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure efficiency and good maintenance of these Booths at the deployed locations in the country.

By Brendan Nwokike

Signed:
Olujimi Oyetomi, Director (Information).

COVID-19: SANWO-OLU LAUNCHES N5 BILLION SUPPORT CAPITAL FOR LOW-COST SCHOOLS

COVID-19: SANWO-OLU LAUNCHES N5 BILLION SUPPORT CAPITAL FOR LOW-COST SCHOOLS

•Gov: ‘Intervention To Help Mitigate Effect Of Lockdown’

•LSETF, First Bank Float Education Loan Programme

Lagos State Government in partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Ltd has launched a N5 billion Post-Coronavirus (COVID-19) Recovery Support capital for education sector to support low-cost private schools across the State in mitigating the negative impact of the pandemic.

The intervention fund, which targets over 2,000 private schools, was formally launched by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday at a ceremony held at the Banquet Hall in the State House, Alausa.

Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) collaborated with First Bank of Nigeria Limited to facilitate the matching fund, which will be given as loan to schools and vocational education centres across the State.

Sanwo-Olu said the intervention was part of the State Government’s sustainable solutions to limit the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both residents and businesses.

As the State gradually unlocks socio-economic activities, following the impact of the pandemic, the Governor said the loan programme would help the targeted beneficiaries accelerate recovery and give them opportunity of painless return to regular life.

He said: “It is no longer debatable that education is one of the sectors that are severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with schools and vocational learning-centres shut since March when we took the tough decisions meant to disrupt the spread of the virus. Given the incidence of the closure of schools in response to the pandemic, it would not be out of context to note that the challenges presently faced by these schools would increase significantly.

“With access to low-cost funding for privately owned schools and vocational training centres in the state, we are confident that this programme will help accelerate sustainable and painless return to world-class learning and skills acquisition of our young population. As a responsible Government, we are obligated to provide intervention that would enable learners in these schools’ study in line with the new normal.”

Sanwo-Olu said the N5 billion Education Loan Programme was a precursor to many more human development sector-specific support programmes that would be unveiled by the LSETF on behalf of the State Government next month.

The Governor explained that the intervention was necessary, given the importance of education to building human capital. He said his administration took education as critical in building a 21st century economy and realising objectives set out in the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.

The beneficiaries, Sanwo-Olu said, will have access to single-digit loan facilities to fund the provision of the amenities and services needed to aid learning.

He said: “It is thus heart-warming to have First Bank of Nigeria electing to be our exemplary partner for this intervention. With their support, players in the education sector would be getting the financial support they need to boost learning at a single-digit interest rate.

“I also commend the Board of LSETF and the management for this significant accomplishment. They have helped the Lagos State Government build an institution that has engendered public trust and elevated the hope of small businesses and young people, irrespective of challenges faced.”

Chairperson, LSETF Board of Trustees, Mrs Bola Adesola, represented by Mrs. Tatiana Mousali-Nouri, said schools that have a minimum of 100 students and have been in operation for, at least, a year are the ones qualified for the loan facility.

She said: “We are confident that this intervention fund, which is complemented by our free professional and institutional support structures, will ensure that education ecosystem in Lagos witness an improvement in the overall learning outcomes for the children, while positively impacting on the local economy through wealth and job creation.”

First Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, said the Bank went into the partnership, having recognised the role played by education towards the growth of the economy.

He praised the State Government’s efforts towards suppressing the burden caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the education, saying Lagos Government had scored another first.

Adeduntan said: “With the single-digit funding targeted at about 2,000 low-cost private schools in Lagos, we are delighted to demonstrate our commitment to the development of education in the State, thereby contributing our quota to realise the mandate of the State Government and LSETF on economic growth, opportunities for employment and bridging societal gaps in education.”

The loan scheme will be provided to two categories of applicants, which are Micro-Enterprise (ME) and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME). Those in ME category will receive a sum of not more than N500,000, while those in SME will get N5,000,000.

To apply for the loan facility, applicants are expected to submit their applications via the LSETF portal for screening. Details of the successful applicants will be passed on to First Bank for appraisal and disbursement.

ALEX EKUBO TAKES CHIEFTAINCY TITLE IN MBAISE

ALEX EKUBO TAKES CHIEFTAINCY TITLE IN MBAISE

They call him ladies nightmare,while some other folks call him the envy of all players,one thing is that Alexx Ekubo is such a talented , cool and focused actor. A very proud Igbo son form the ancient town of Arochukwu,Alexx has gone home to take a chieftaincy title which is always the norm in igbo land, a well accomplished man in igbo land would have afa otutu.

Not confused with “wokeness” , not confused with fame,not confused with stardom, Alexx understands the nitty gritty of culture and a proud Igbo for that matter. Though he has always acted in silver screen of the urbane and posh guy,leaving the igbotic role for one cute guy they call Yup,but Alexx has demonstrated finesses and desterity in acting,give it to him at the end of the day,folks.

Dude used his Facebook to reintroduce himself, Alex said and wrote ,”Allow me to Re-introduce my self, I Alexx Ekubo of Arochukwu, Abia State – has just been coronated IKUKU Of Amumara Town, Mbaise. IMO State. At the just concluded Iri-Ji (New Yam Festival). “

“Coronation by – Eze Umara 3 of Amumara Town, Mbaise kingdom. Imo State “, He said .

“Special thanks to High Chief Nwachinemere 1 of Mbaise, @vintagedeluxeinteriors for welcoming me & honoring me in his home town among his kindred. I Love you forever & ever Obara’m” He added.

“Pls moving forward when you see me Address me as a CHIEF, it’s official IKUKU is not a “nick name”. #IgboAmaka 🌪🌪🌪”

Born 10th April 1986,Alexx Ekubo is a Nigerian actor and model. He was first runner up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest. He won the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award at the 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards for his role in the Weekend Getaway. Mothered by Jane Ekubo Okwaraeke.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

HOW FANI KAYODE DEFENDED HIS VIST TO HIS FRIEND KAYODE FAYEMI – ANTHONY NWOSU

HOW FANI KAYODE DEFENDED HIS VIST TO HIS FRIEND KAYODE FAYEMI – ANTHONY NWOSU

Friendship that has transcended over three decades is what Fani Kayode is defending, this is coming on his visit to his friend who is a staunch member of the ruling party APC. Kayode Fayemi a state governor is a strong member of the APC south west political zone and lately, folks have been asking why host Kayode who is a PDP party member…it is tantamount to anti party activities they defended it.

Rising to the occasion to defend his visit, Kayode said via his social media handle “Governor Kayode Fayemi is a loyal member of the APC whilst I am in PDP. Accusing him of “anti-party activities” & attempting to suspend him from his party simply because I visited him to discuss national & SW issues is absurd.”

He added ” Is it “anti-party” to meet with a friend of over 30 years? Is it “anti-party” to try and find ways to enhance national unity and cohesion?”

“Is it “anti-party” to apttempt to engender peace in our nation & to build bridges across regional, ethnic, religious and party lines? Is it “anti-party” to practice politics without bitterness? ” He questioned.

“We must accept the fact that talking to those thet we do not agree with politically is something that ought to be encouraged. Politics is not war!” He concluded.

In support of his position ,Emmanuel Orjiakor said “The fact that two people have different political views and hence are in different political parties doesn’t mean they’re enemies, well let them go ahead and sanction him like they did to Obaseki, it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, so that the governor will come to pdp where he rightly belongs”

On advisory note, Lily Rose opined that ” Must you react to everything? Know that the NUJ is at war with you so this is expected. Chill! Stop responding to every incited post they’ll overcome their vindictive pettiness. Your response fuels. What else do you expect when you announce to the whole world that you have a short fuse, you don’t expose weakness to people who lack compassion they’ll use it against you.”

Anthony Emeka Nwosu