• Commends FG On Victories Against Insurgents

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has called for urgent restructuring of the country to reflect the diversity and address the various misunderstandings and high rate of criminality in the polity.

The Governor made the call on Friday in a statewide broadcast in commemoration of the 2021 Independence Day Celebration.

Governor Akeredolu, who said the current system adopted in the county does not encourage ingenuity, noted that it is time for all patriots to unite and speak with one voice .

He maintained that the current system in the country does not take into account the diverse status of the people, adding that the country faces serious challenges bordering on redefinition.

“It has become imperative that the current structure be tinkered with in a fundamental way. It is no longer sustainable,”Governor Akeredolu said.

While noting that the country must not shy away from the reality of her diversity, the Governor said the unique diversity which should ordinarily be a source of strength is gradually becoming the country’s albatross.

He said: “Our country is blessed abundantly. There is hardly any part of this vastly endowed space that should not be self-sustaining. This land should not be a place where hunger, poverty and a general sense of lack predominate.

“We must be bold enough to interrogate why these challenges appear perennial. We must not shy away from the reality of our diversity which should, ordinarily, be a source of strength but is gradually becoming an albatross.

“We must inquire for the reasons why those who regarded themselves as brothers and sisters no longer feel comfortable seeing or accommodating one another. We must be willing to confront whatever system which has reduced the once self-reliant sub-national entities to perpetual dependencies practically.

“The states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria appear independent nominally at present. Serious attempts must be made to return our country to the path of progress trodden by the founding fathers. Conscious efforts must be made by both the political and communal leadership in all the parts of the country to reorientate the people to embrace the pristine values which held lofty promises for advancement.

“Consequently, I am of the firm view that this occasion affords us yet another opportunity to reflect deeply, on the current difficulties and proffer frank suggestions which will assist in addressing our fundamental challenges of nationhood.

“Our people must strive under a system which recognize their God-given talents and promotes unique initiatives. All federating units must be less dependent on the Federal Government for basic survival.” He said.

Governor Akeredolu, who commended the Federal Government for the current victories recorded in the war against insurgents and terrorists in the Northern region, also acknowledged the great strides taken in abridging the infrastructural deficits in the country.

“We must, however, admonish on the immediate necessity to restructure the polity in a manner that will engender progress and amity. There is no other way to solve the current socio-economic problems facing the country.

“The security challenges bedeviling the country will become a thing of the past if proper devolution of powers is undertaken. The over centralization of the security architecture is a major impediment.

“Having a police command structure in a country of over 200 million is not sustainable. The attempts by some states to complement the efforts of the security agencies are at best tokenistic. Let each State be in charge of internal security in its locality.

“As a corollary to this submission, each region must be encouraged to take charge of the resources in its area. A system which permits strangers to take over the mineral resources in a place without any recourse to local authorities encourages dispossession and promotes misery and want. Development of any given space must be about the people,”Governor Akeredolu noted.

He called on the legislators at the National Assembly to look critically into the 1999 Constitution as amended with a view to expunging and amending relevant provisions of the document which militate against the march towards nationhood.
Arakunrin Akeredolu also called on Citizens to rededicate themselves to the ideals which assisted other nations to establish abiding systems.

The Governor said: “We must restructure the country to reflect our diversity. We must pursue policies which support rebirth. We must interrogate, continually, an arrangement which ensures that a country richly like ours endowed continues to wallow in abject poverty and want.

“We must make the country work for posterity. It is time to renegotiate, restructure and reinvent Nigeria for the good of all.”

He congratulated the people of the State for witnessing this year Independence anniversary, saying it is his hope that the next one year will record remarkable progress for the benefit of the people.

Richard Olatunde

The news of his demise which filtered into the social media space in the early morning of 7th August 2021 was initially like one of those news items that turns out to be false, yet this was true. A colossus of the Benin extraction fell to the cold hands of death.

The pains for me and for many was total, excruciating and inexpressible. Yet he has passed on to glory never to be seen by those remaining on this side of the divide.

Captain Hosa Okunbo, bestrode this narrow, difficult and tempestuous business environment with uncommon zeal determination, creativity and tenacity. This earned him real success in all the areas of his business adventure, Oil and Gas, Power, hospitality, Maritime security, Logistics, real estate, agriculture, aviation, construction to mention but a few.
Remarkably, his success endeared him to his roots lifting thousands out of difficulties and challenges through his exceptional philanthropy and unequalled generosity. He was a lover of his culture and tradition and stoutly invested in promoting same with adroit humility and submissiveness to the suzerainty of the Benin traditional institution. His song at one of the traditional event held at the palace explains in a most profound way his commitment to the advancement of the Kingdom of Benin and indeed Edo State. He sang glowingly “to be counted among those who joins the Oba to develop Edo State”. He was indeed a partner with His Royal Majesty in the Benin development project
Although not a politician in the real sense but he was a politician’s friend who supported many to pursue their political ambition within and outside of Edo State. In many ways Captain Hosa meant a great deal of support to humanity and he exhibited a rare disposition of a helper to many a people at different times.

Perhaps Captain Hosa was responding in his unparalleled act of compassion and generosity to John Holmes who said “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up”

He indeed lifted many out of want, squalor and poverty. He touched lives, built bridges of friendship and reached out to the downtrodden and communities.

For Captain Hosa Okunbo, it’s farewell from his physical presence on earth but certainly not farewell to his enduring legacies and uncommon acts of humility, compassion, love, humanity and generosity.

We will surely miss him.
I wish him a happy rest at the bossom of his maker. May his immediate family be imbued with the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Amen.

Rt.Hon Samson Osagie, (Ph.D)

Royal behaviour can be termed as regal, ability for one to carry oneself in dig iry and with respect. This particular behaviour is not found in commoner but exclusively a kingly and queenly people. Christians have been told that they are kings and queens. in 1st Peter 1 versus 9, The Bible was clear on the position of Christian which is of Royal Priesthood.

Christians must know that they are not of this world, today’s world is corrupt and perilous. A true Christian must know that the world is transient and not meant for us . Know this and know peace. in 2nd Corinthians 6 versus 14- 18 is clear on our association as a Christian and those of the world. The verse is so clear on how we should conduct and comport ourselves when we are with unbelievers.

In proverbs 1 verse 10 said the same thing on our association with the unbelievers. The Bible said that we shouldn’t fall into the enticement of sinners. it is clear and that is a blueprint of royal behaviour. We must carry ourselves with dignity and know that we are a choose people.

In Proverbs 31 Vs 1 talked about the counsel of a king on how to behave and the king is talking about the son whom he has dedicated. So as a Christian, you must know that if you are a dedicated Christian there are certain things you can’t do, certain places you can be and certain people you can’t be around with. In this passage the passage said that one shouldn’t spend their time with women of easy virtue tagging it as a royal pathway to destruction! These are blueprint to Royal Behaviour and Bible encouraged us to align with God’s mandates.

In the book of Proverbs, there are things that was laid down and there are things we must avoid , if you are to be a king avoid hard liquors and women! If you are God’s representative, there are things that you shouldn’t do and Bible is clear about these.

A true Christian doesn’t dress anyhow, you don’t see a Christian child sagging trousers etc. You see them in universities sagging away their lives and dressing anyhow! That isn’t a Royal Behaviour! Decency is part of royal behaviour and it is expected that all Christians must comply.

Dressing well as a Christian should be part of our culture, in today’s world you see girls virtually naked, a true Christian lady shouldn’t do that! Why bring out or showcase your decency outside, dress decently as a lady and you will get appreciated.Every Christian lady must understand this.

Many Christians have watered down the Bible and they can’t say the truth or the fact, today, it is rare for some pastors to take a stand in contentious issues such as homosexualities, lesbianism etc. Now training the kids in the way Bible stated is becoming herculean for many Christians. That is not a Royal Behaviour! We must train our kids in the way of the lord.

The reason why many of us are having issues is that we take our eyes away from God! Fashionista, that is another place that we loose it as a Christian, how can you dress shabby and nasty and think that you are on the path of Royal Behaviour, you dress decently and properly…. you don’t dress to kill,you aren’t a murderer! you are a child of God please, dress well!

Discipline starts from home then to school, but today many parents have changed this conversation, when their wards are disciplined they would come fighting and firing from all cylinders! That isn’t royal behaviour! that is madness! that is unchristian like.

So, as Christian, we must look unto God and have a clear understanding of what God wants and then follow him religiously. We understand that it is difficult to parent now, it is difficult to be different in today’s perilous and contentious world! We must be focused and act like Royal people because we are of Royal Priesthood!

Message from

Faith Cathedral International Ministries
Egbeda,
Lagos State

By Azuka Onwuka

In the cardinal points, it is impossible to have “south-south” or “north-north”, but as a zone, south-south exists in Nigeria, and there is nothing wrong with the name.

Our people say that whatever name a person gives to his dog is the name the dog bears. When I got a puppy, I named her Aguiyi. Many people told me that I should have named her Lion or Tiger or Jaguar. I thanked them but told them that her name is Aguiyi. Some said Aguiyi is a masculine name that a female dog should not bear. I thanked them and told them that her name is Aguiyi. And Aguiyi has remained her name. If I call her by that name, she responds.

If you buy your own dog, you can choose to call him or her Chairman or Zeus or Washington or Obasanjo. It is your business. I can’t tell you what to call your dog.

It is also thoughtless to tell another what to call his or her dog.

Yet regularly we see educated Nigerians who dissipate energy telling another group the name they should not bear. Why always try to force other people to be in the same group with you when you are from a people known not to be beggars?

Yes, south-south is not in the compass but that is the name a zone in Nigeria is called, and it should not be your business, unless your plan is to annex and colonise them. They are not complaining about the name. If they hate the name, it is for them to reject it, not for you to sweat over it not being the right name. You are simply making yourself a meddlesome interloper!

Science has proved that the sun does not rise or fall but the world has named early morning “sunrise” and named evening “sunset.” Those are their names. “December” means 10th month but in today’s calendar, it is the 12th month. Similarly September, October, and November mean 7th, 8th and 9th months respectively, but they are the 9th,10th and 11th months respectively in today’s calender.

Stop poking your nose into the name your neighbour bears. This beggary and overbearing attitude make them insult us as land grabbers. I beg you guys: Stop bringing insult upon us please.

If they like, let them call themselves South-North-South. It is not your name. Don’t cry more than the bereaved please.

You should also note that the place called Southeast in Nigeria is not in the Southeast. If you look at the Nigerian map, the Southeast should be Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State. That was why when Gowon created 12 states in 1967, the state he named South-Eastern State is what is called Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State today.

Ladybird is not a bird but a beetle. Prairie dog is a rodent and not a dog.

Susan Rice is not a brand of rice. Barry White is a black man. Phil Black is a white man. Robert Green is not a green man. George Bush Snr and Jnr lived in the White House and not the bush.

A name is just a name. It does not need to follow any logic.

The reason for this pointless argument is that many people don’t like to think for themselves. They franchise their thinking to others and simply regurgitate what they are told. If someone says that hopping on one foot is the wisest way to walk, it becomes the new normal. Our people are not known to be acting like sheep led by the nose. They are a thinking, logical and discerning people who interrogate things before they accept them. We need to return to who we are.

The gruesome murder of Dr. Chike Akunyili, husband of the former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Late Prof. Dora Akunyili is an act of wickedness in the highest order and must be condemned in all ramification.

This was the position of Hope Uzodinma as it regards to what happened in Anambra state where a popular doctor has been killed by people not yet known.

just like other top Igbo leaders who have condemned the murder of the man in the streets of Anambra,The Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma said “I, on behalf of the Government and good people of Imo State, commiserate with the Akunyili Family, the Government and good people of Anambra State over this inhumane act. As we pray for the repose of his soul, I believe the Government at the State, Region and Federal would continue to improve our security architecture against these elements and ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.”

“As a peaceful and loving race we are, known for our hospitality and unison with the ideology of “Onuru ube nwanne agbala oso”, let’s eschew violence and embrace peace to pave way for the development of our region for “igwe bu ike”.

Anthony Nwosu

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has advised the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to continue exposure of its members and stakeholders to international best practices and modern accounting processes to enhance the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

Speaking on Wednesday at the unveiling of the Logo of the Institute in Victoria-Island, Lagos, the Deputy Governor said such effort will help to identify errors and deliberately spot sharp practices that have prevented the socio-economic development of the country.

While calling for continued and deepened synergy between the Institute and Government, Dr. Hamzat noted that its advisory role will further assist in proffering solutions to the myriad of economic challenges faced by the nation.

He noted that the financial success or otherwise of any organisation or government has to do with the quality of advice, control and measures put in place by its accountants, saying “all these point to how critical your roles are in maintaining the financial credibility of any entity”.

“Your members’ role in any organisation should reflect the entire knowledge of the control of financial policy, budget preparation, cost control and, most importantly, prevent errors and frauds”, the Deputy Governor said.

Commenting on the new logo, Dr. Hamzat described the event as very symbolic, just as it is a signal and renewal of commitment, dedication and professionalism, adding that the new logo should constantly remind members of their responsibilities and commitment to preserving the integrity which ICAN is known and stands for.

He emphasised that the new logo must be a constant reminder and new focus that they must continue to excel in human capital development, service delivery and the process of nation-building.

In her opening remarks, the President of the Institute, Mrs. Comfort Olu Eyitayo, said the event is one of the many rebranding initiatives for a rebirth of the institute, a strategy to further amplify what the institute represents – “Accuracy and Integrity” – and the continuous and conscious drive to act in the public interest.

She said: “We are here to witness the launch of the Institute into an era of greater dynamism and deeper inclusiveness across generations. We are here to celebrate the new face of ICAN for Greater Visibility and Impact”.

The Registrar/Chief Executive of the Institute, Prof. Ahmed Modu Kumshe stated that ICAN has, in 56 years, carved an enviable niche for itself as a body focused on emerging a global giant among Professional Accounting Organisations (PAOs).

He restated the institute’s commitment to strengthening its pedigree through enhanced value addition, and distinctiveness, even as it adapts and remains flexible to the present realities.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reminded and urged telecoms consumers to link their National Identity Numbers (NINs) with their Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) before the expiration of the deadline of October 31, 2021 set by the Federal Government.

The Commission gave the admonition during the NCC Digital Signature (NDS) radio programme, which hosted the 2nd episode of Telecoms Consumer Town Hall on Radio (TCTHR) live on a radio station in Lagos at the weekend to discuss benefits of NIN-SIM integration.

In the studio during the TCTHR programme were representatives of the NCC, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and officials of telecoms operators. The live, phone-in programme provided opportunity for listeners to call and get clarifications on concerns and issues around NIN-SIM integration exercise.

Speaking during the live programme, Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, advised Nigerians to make use of the extension of the NIN-SIM integration exercise to October 31, 2021, to enrol with NIMC, get their NIN and link it to their SIMs. “Soon, people without NIN will be denied of necessary services that play vital roles in their lives including acquisition of driver’s license, international passport,” he said.

On the benefits of the NIN-SIM integration, Adinde said the exercise will significantly enhance national security as NIN is the primary identity for Nigerians, stressing that in line with Federal Government’s commitment to ensure that Nigeria deploys technology to improve service delivery, the NIN-SIM database will enhance citizens’ access to government services.

In the same vein, the Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau of NCC, Efosa Idehen, noted that most Nigerians are still using SIMs without unique identification, as they were yet to link their NINs to their SIMs, pointing out that “those SIMs without unique identification could be used to commit crimes that remain untraceable.”

While explaining that security should be the responsibility of all citizens and not be left in the hands of government alone, Idehen urged telecoms consumers to take advantage of the October 31, 2021 deadline to enrol with NIMC, get their NIN and link same with their SIM to avoid denial of essential services in future.

Also speaking on the programme, Regional Director, NIMC in Lagos, Funmi Opesanwo, noted that submission of NIN to a mobile network provider helps in providing a means of verifying an individual’s identity and safeguarding both identity and mobile line.

She explained that NIN will become the first layer of verifying everything about a citizen, stating that other relevant database in other sectors of the economy are being integrated into the NIMC database for proper harmonisation .

“For instance, Bank Verification Number (BVN) is being harmonised with NIMC database. Therefore, BVN holders have automatically been allocated NIN and we advise BVN holders to dial *346# with the mobile number linked to BVN to confirm their integration. However, NINs generated via BVN must be verified and validated by NIMC through proper registration and biometrics capture at an enrollment center,” she said.

Representatives of telecoms companies including Globacom, MTN, Airtel and 9mobile, who attended the programme also answered series of questions from the consumers on the phone-in programme.

TCTHR is a consumer outreach programme of the NCC previously held in semi-urban areas but now modified to be radio-based, in order to reach every telecom consumer and as part of the Commission’s response to the efforts of the Federal Government to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

The first episode of the programme, aimed at empowering consumers through information sharing, education and protection initiatives, held in Kano in August, 2021 on NCC Digital Signature.