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When it comes to global safety standards, Air Peace stands tall with world aviation giants – IATA
Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, has once again demonstrated its commitment to global safety standards by receiving its sixth consecutive International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Patrick Fatokun, IATA’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, commended Air Peace for consistently meeting the stringent safety requirements.
Dr. Fatokun in his statement mentioned that when it comes to global safety standard, Air Peace stands shoulder to shoulder with aviation giants and the best airlines in the world. He noted that the IOSA certification process, conducted by independent external auditors, is one of the most rigorous assessments in the industry, designed to ensure compliance with international safety and operational standards. According to him, Air Peace has not only maintained but surpassed expectations, earning a reputation for safety that places it on a pedestal in the international aviation sectors.
Dr. Fatokun further emphasized that achieving and renewing the IOSA certification is no small feat, as many airlines struggle to maintain compliance after initial success. He urged other Nigerian airlines to follow Air Peace’s example, noting that prioritizing safety and operational integrity would elevate the entire industry and enhance Nigeria’s reputation in global aviation.
In his statement, the Chairman/CEO of Air Peace commended the Nigerian government, particularly the Minister of Aviation, for creating a supportive environment that encourages the growth of local airlines. He called on other airlines to strive for IOSA certification, which not only validates their safety processes but also positions them as credible competitors on the global stage. According to him, this milestone is not just a badge of honor for Air Peace but also a source of pride for Nigeria, showcasing the country’s ability to produce world-class airlines capable of holding their own among global giants.
Dr. Onyema, further expressed his profound gratitude to God, the staff, and the management for their relentless efforts in sustaining this remarkable milestone. He described the certification as a testament to Air Peace’s unwavering dedication to operational excellence and its commitment to prioritizing the safety and comfort of passengers.
As Air Peace continues to raise the bar for safety and operational excellence, the airline remains a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of global standards.
[Vanguard]
[OPINION] Tributes to Comrade (Dr.) Segun Osoba at 90 - Bola Bolawole
Comrade (Dr.) Segun Osoba - remember him? He celebrated his 90th birthday last week Thursday at his country home of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state. Family, friends, comrades and students of the Marxist ideologue gathered to give him 90 hearty cheers. Comrade, as we fondly called him, was a Senior Lecturer in the Department of History at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), aka Great Ife.
The story is told of how, because of his Leftist activism, he was passed over again and again for his professorship until he decided, no more, even when he was approached to now put in his papers. This reminds us of the same treatment meted out to legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who was glossed over repeatedly for the Senior Advocate of Nigeria title until Great Ife students decided to award him the Senior Advocate of the Masses title!
That he declined to be decorated with the title of “Professor” took nothing away from Comrade (Dr.) Segun Osoba. He was one of the fiery Marxist scholars that made Great Ife the hotbed of vibrant student union activism in his days. Those were also the years when the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was a force to reckon with not only within the Great Ife campus but also nationwide. Whenever Ife ASUU sneezed in those days, the government of the day caught a cold!
It was, therefore, not an error that when the Murtala Muhammed/Olusegun Obasanjo military junta decided to give the country a new constitution in 1978, Comrade (Dr.) Segun Osoba was one of the “50 wise men” saddled with the responsibility. Together with another Leftist scholar, Dr. Yesufu Bala Usman, the two broke ranks with the other conservatives that made up the preponderance number of the constitution drafting committee to author and submit their own minority report, which was pro-people as opposed to what many Nigerians regard today as the Lugardian Constitution (as amended time and time again) but which has failed to solve the country’s myriad problems.
Osoba and Usman had posited that "our people need a country, Nigeria, operating at full capacity and unshackled by the thieving activities of a good-for-nothing ruling class". This is more apposite today than it was in 1978!
In recognition of Comrade (Dr. ) Segun Osoba’s contributions to national development (which includes decades of mentoring generations of Nigerian youths, of whom yours truly is one), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu felicitated with him on his 90th birthday. The State House press release titled “President Tinubu greets Dr. Segun Osoba at 90” runs thus:
“President Bola Tinubu congratulates Dr. Segun Osoba, a renowned historian, activist, and scholar, on his 90th birthday today January 9. The President celebrates the respected scholar on this momentous occasion and describes him as one of Nigeria's finest minds. After many years of activism and scholarship, Dr. Osoba retired from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as a history lecturer in 1991. He has been operating from his hometown, Ijebu-Ode, in Ogun state ever since.
“President Tinubu lauds Osoba's efforts in advancing the frontiers of knowledge, promoting scholarship, and inspiring generations of Nigerians. The President also commends the eminent historian, a staunch advocate of social justice and good governance, for contributing to Nigeria's constitutional development. He recalls his membership in the committee that drafted the 1979 Constitution, which laid the foundation for the Second Republic. Notably, Osoba and Dr. Yusuf Bala Usman produced a minority report recommending no immunity clauses for Presidents and governors and a minimum age of 30 to be eligible to run for office. The military government rejected the entire report at the time.
“President Tinubu thanks Dr. Osoba for his intense patriotism in serving the nation and prays to God Almighty to grant him many more years in good health”.
Well, Comrade (Dr.) Segun Osoba and Dr. Bala Usman’s minority report, which was rejected by the military junta of the time, may yet become the stone which the builders rejected but which eventually became the head of the cornerstone (Psalm 118: 22).
A major highlight of the celebration was the launching of a collection of the celebrant’s speeches and papers titled “Critical and contentious issues in the modern and contemporary history of Nigetia: Collected writings of Samuel Olusegun Osoba” Another highlight was the toast to the good health of the celebrant- "For he is a jolly good fellow" - which was rendered to the admiration of all in the Ijebu language of the celebrant, after which speaker after speaker insisted on hearing from the celebrant.
Comrade (Dr.) ignited the fire of a revolutionary activist, which old age has done little to diminish. Going down memory lane, he said all his lifetime, he has dedicated himself to the struggle for a better society, the upliftment of the downtrodden and the unrelenting fight against oppression. “I spent my life trying to help people achieve their potentials. If you do that, the ruling class will grind you to dust". He added that Nigeria is well endowed but the only problem is leadership. "The ruling class is the problem", he said, but Comrade reiterated that he remains unchanged and unperturbed, even in old age.
What a better way to demonstrate this than the enthusiastic way he sang the “Victory Song” when his comrades in the house raised the song! His voice suddenly rang out, even without a microphone, and with clenched fist he sang along with the others: "There is victory for us/There is victory for us/In the struggle for Africa/There is victory for us/Forward, ever/Backward, never/In the struggle for Africa/There is victory for us! E soleto! E Africa!"
Here is wishing Comrade (Dr.) Segun Osoba many more years of celebration in good health and happiness!
Adieu! Comrade Benedicta (Bene) Madunagu
Marxist theoretician, revolutionary activist, foremost feminist and humanist, our inimitable comrade, Professor Benedicta Madunagu translated from mortality to immortality on November 26, 2024, aged 65. Funeral obsequies begin tomorrow Thursday, 16 January, 2025, to culminate in interment on Friday, 17 January, 2025, in Calabar. We will miss her!
Bene fought a good fight and left indelible marks on the sands of time. Together with her friend, husband, ideological soulmate and comrade, Edwin, they were two of the university lecturers that the Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo military junta victimised for their principled and active support for the student movement, the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS), led by the irrepressible Segun Okeowo, in 1978’s Ali Must Go student nationwide revolt against the commercialization of education by the Obasanjo military junta.
Bene, Edwin and a host of other Leftist and conscionable lecturers and administrators were branded by the ultra-conservative, reactionary and retrogressive Nigerian government as “teaching what they were not paid to teach”, for which they were sacked from their jobs, but which the courts later reversed. Alhaji Shehu Shagari 's administration upheld the court judgment.
Bene’s transition has left a void which the Nigerian Left will find hard to fill but we take solace in the fact she raised and nurtured other cadres who are continuing with the struggle. They say to live in the heart of others is not to die; Bene lives on in the hearts of other revolutionaries who will keep the revolutionary torch burning. Comrade Che Guevara spoke for every revolutionary activist when he said, “Wherever death may surprise us, let it be welcome if our battle cry has reached even one receptive ear and another hand reaches out to take up our arms”
Bene’s battle cry reached an uncountable number of comrades during her active years of revolutionary struggle; and more than one hand reached out for the arms that she doggedly did battle with. So, she lived a worthy and fulfilled life of a proud and accomplished revolutionary. This is our consolation, strength and fortitude as we grapple with this irreparable loss .
Sleep well, comrade! The task that you lived, laboured and died for shall be pursued with urgency and utmost vigor. Aluta continua! Vitoria a certa!
FEEDBACK
I disagree that stampedes are the result of hunger. Rather, I will say stampede has been with us for a long time. I can recall that the introduction of the “War Against Indiscipline” was as a result of stampedes at various service points. And stampede has never been a factor of something free. Even where a Nigerian needs to pay for services rendered, there will still be stampedes! I remember that was why I rejected taking up an appointment in Lagos in the early 1980s - except the employer would be ready to provide accommodation within the premises of my workplace! While in the university, UNIFE (now Obafemi Awolowo University), I used to visit my sister in Lagos in the late 70s. Each time I wanted to go out, she would give me a sound warning not to forget to hold firmly to my wristwatch, necklace and other valuables while rushing to board a taxi/bus because there was always a need to rush; otherwise, one would be left behind. Later, I discovered that in most urban areas of today, stampedes are also common. And in all of these circumstances, one would still have to pay for the services rendered. The point I have tried to make here is that stampede was not, and should not, be tied to hunger or T-pain alone because it has always been part of us. - Kola Oloye.
10 safety tips to protect your PalmPay account this New Year
As we step into the new year, fraudsters are not taking a break from their schemes to exploit unsuspecting victims. From phishing attempts to fake websites and giveaway scams, their tactics are becoming more sophisticated.
With over 35 million users, PalmPay remains committed to safeguarding your finances. To protect yourself and your funds this new year, here are 10 essential tips to keep your PalmPay account secure:
- Activate the Night Guard Feature: Enable the Night Guard feature on your PalmPay app to add extra security and verification for transactions made at night.
- Set-up Transaction Guard: Enable the Transaction Guard feature on the PalmPay app to add an extra layer of security for transactions exceeding a set threshold.
- Beware of Phishing Attempts: PalmPay will never ask for your password, PIN, or sensitive details via phone calls, emails, or SMS.
- Use Strong Passwords: Lock your devices and accounts with strong PINs, passwords, or biometric authentication.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication on your PalmPay account.
- Keep Your Password Confidential: Never share your account password with anyone, including family and friends.
- Report Fraudulent Transactions Immediately: Use PalmPay’s in-app reporting tools to quickly flag and resolve fraudulent transactions.
- Stay Updated: For up-to-date safety messages, view the in-app security center and follow verified PalmPay social media accounts.
- Verify All Transaction Platforms: Thoroughly investigate the transaction platform to ensure legitimacy before completing the transaction.
- Sign-up for PalmPay Wallet Shield: Enjoy compensation for direct losses caused by unauthorized transactions when you sign-up for PalmPay Wallet Shield.
But as always, you can contact our customer support team via support@palmpay.com.
[TheCable]
New Lagos Assembly Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, visits GAC for ‘blessings’
A day after her election, the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, on Tuesday, visited members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, for their blessings”.
Meranda told newsmen she went to “brief them about what happened at the House of Assembly yesterday (Monday) and to seek their blessings, which we have gotten”.
The endorsement came just as Meranda, sought the cooperation and support of the council members to succeed.
GAC, created by President Bola Tinubu, is the highest decision-making body of the party on the state.
GAC’s endorsement was given when Meranda and some key principal officers met at Lagos House, Marina.
Speaking to newsmen after a closed-door meeting, the Speaker said: “We briefed the GAC about what happened at the state House of Assembly and to seek their blessings which we have gotten.”
Meanwhile, the GAC, led by Tajudeen Olusi, declined to brief the press.
However, it was gathered that the state governor, Bababjide Sanwo-Olu, left Nigeria on Monday night for an official event.
Recall that former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who is currently abroad, was impeached by members of the House of Assembly on Monday (yesterday) over various misconducts and financial misappropriations.
[Opinion Nigeria]
[OPINION] Obasa’s Impeachment: A Lesson In The Perils Of Perpetual Power - Isaac Asabor
In the labyrinth of Nigerian politics, power is often perceived as an infinite resource, wielded by those who can hold onto it for as long as possible. Yet, history has repeatedly shown that the longer one clings to power, the more vulnerable they become to the political tides that eventually wash them away. The recent impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa, the erstwhile Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is yet another testament to this reality.
Although the specifics of Obasa’s impeachment remain murky, the circumstances leading to his political downfall allow for informed speculation. His story is one of a man who rose to prominence, commanded authority, and, some might say, overstayed his welcome. While it is too early to dissect the entire saga with absolute clarity, one thing is certain: his impeachment serves as a stark reminder to politicians of the perils of holding on to power for too long.
Mudashiru Obasa, a seasoned politician, enjoyed a meteoric rise in Lagos State politics. Representing Agege Constituency 1, he climbed the political ladder with a combination of ambition, strategy, and an uncanny ability to build alliances. His tenure as Speaker began in 2015, making him one of the longest-serving Speakers in the history of Lagos State.
Obasa’s tenure was marked by legislative reforms, budget approvals, and significant influence within the political structure of Lagos. He was seen as a loyal foot soldier of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in a state known for its complex political dynamics. However, his reign was not without controversy. Allegations of financial impropriety, mismanagement of funds, and high-handedness became a recurring theme, tainting what could have been a legacy of excellence.
While official reasons for Obasa’s impeachment may not have been fully disclosed, several factors might have contributed to his political demise.
Reports of financial impropriety had long dogged Obasa’s tenure. These allegations included mismanagement of Assembly funds, questionable contracts, and extravagant spending. Although Obasa consistently denied these claims, they likely created fractures within the Assembly and eroded trust among his colleagues.
In a similar vein, Lagos politics is often shaped by intricate power plays within the APC, where loyalty to party chieftains can determine political survival. Obasa’s increasing autonomy and perceived dominance within the Lagos Assembly might have been seen as a threat to the broader interests of powerful stakeholders in the party.
Long-serving leaders often struggle to maintain unanimity among their colleagues. Obasa’s prolonged stay as Speaker might have bred resentment among lawmakers who felt marginalized or stifled in their political aspirations. The eventual decision to impeach him may have been the culmination of years of silent dissent.
The role of public perception in Nigerian politics cannot be understated. Obasa’s alleged opulent lifestyle and the Assembly’s reported lack of transparency may have alienated the electorate. With Lagos residents increasingly vocal about accountability in governance, lawmakers may have felt compelled to act to preserve their own reputations.
It is not uncommon for impeachments in Nigeria to be orchestrated as part of a larger political game. Obasa’s removal could be linked to an attempt to reposition Lagos politics ahead of the next election cycle, with party leaders possibly seeking to consolidate control by replacing him with a more pliable figure.
Obasa’s impeachment is not an isolated incident in Nigerian politics. It mirrors the fate of several politicians who have overstayed their welcome in positions of authority. The longer a politician clings to power, the more likely they are to make enemies, both within and outside their circle.
Perpetual power breeds complacency, arrogance, and sometimes, a disconnect from the people one serves. It blinds leaders to the shifting sands of political alliances and public sentiment. Obasa’s fall is a cautionary tale for leaders who believe their positions are unassailable.
Obasa’s impeachment marks a turning point for the Lagos State House of Assembly. It sends a strong message that no leader, no matter how entrenched, is immune to accountability. For lawmakers, it is a reminder that the electorate expects transparency, integrity, and humility from their representatives.
For Lagosians, the impeachment raises questions about the effectiveness of governance in the state. It underscores the need for vigilance in holding leaders accountable and ensuring that public offices are not used for personal enrichment.
The story of Mudashiru Obasa’s rise and fall is a classic tale of power, ambition, and the eventual reckoning that comes with overreach. While he undoubtedly achieved significant milestones during his tenure, his inability to read the writing on the wall cost him dearly.
For Nigerian politicians, Obasa’s impeachment should serve as a sobering lesson: power is not perpetual. Leadership is a privilege, not a right, and those who hold public office must do so with humility, accountability, and a focus on serving the people.
As the dust settles on Obasa’s political career, one hopes that this episode will inspire a culture of introspection among Nigeria’s political elite. The era of leaders clinging to power in seeming perpetuity must give way to a new dawn of responsible governance, where the people, not personal ambition, are at the heart of every decision.
In the end, Obasa’s story is a reminder that power, no matter how firmly held, can slip away in an instant. For those still holding on, it is a call to reflect, to serve, and to let go when the time comes.
[OPINION] Navigating ‘2025’ With The Mindsets Of Eagle/Lion - Richard Odusanya
Tariff increase: Cost of data in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya compared
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will any moment from now announce a new tariff regime for the telecommunications sector, that will see costs of data, voice, and SMS services go up.
This follows years of agitation and advocacy by telecom operators for a review of the current tariff regime, which was last adjusted in 2013.
The operators cited the astronomical rise in cost operations fueled by the forex crisis and the rising inflation in the country as justification for an increment in telecom tariffs.
According to them, players across all sectors of the economy have adjusted their prices in line with the economic realities, except telecoms where the regulator has withheld the approval for such a move.
However, after a meeting with the telecom companies in Abuja last week, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced that the government was willing to shift ground and allow price increments in the interest of the industry’s sustainability.
But the Minister was unequivocal in dismissing the 100% increment requested by the telecom operators
Cost of data in Nigeria and other markets compared
While the NCC has yet to reveal the percentage increment to be implemented, the general perception in the industry is that Nigeria currently has one of the lowest telecom tariffs in Africa, especially for data, hence, the operators want an increment that will be commensurate with what obtains in other markets.
- Based on the latest data released by the International Telecommunications Union, a comparative analysis of the cost of 2GB of data in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana, reveals that Nigeria indeed has the lowest cost.
- According to the ITU’s ICT Services Affordability Report 2023, the cost of 2GB data in Nigeria is $2.35, whereas the same costs $2.66 in Ghana.
- In Kenya, a 2GB data package costs $2.92, while in South Africa, the same package goes for $7.98, but still not the highest on the continent as Zimbabweans pay the highest cost for data at $10.23 per 2GB.
Similarly, a worldwide data pricing report published by cable.co.uk ranked Nigeria as one of the countries with the cheapest price for 1GB of data in the world. Globally, Nigeria ranked 31 out of 237 countries with Israel ranking as number one with an average of 1GB of data at $0.02.
According to the report, the average cost of 1GB of data in Nigeria is $0.39 and it is the cheapest in the West African region.
Economic imperatives
As Nigeria is preparing to review telecom tariffs which will bring the cost of data up to the same level as some other African countries and possibly surpass others, it is also imperative to look at the economic power of the subscribers.
For instance, a look at the GDP Per Capita of each of the four countries shows that Nigeria also has the lowest GDP Per Capita compared to South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya.
GDP per capita is a measure of a country’s average income, calculated by dividing its gross domestic product (GDP) by its population and it is often used to compare the standard of living between countries.
- In that regard, South Africa, which currently has one of the most expensive data on the continent is an Upper-Middle Income country according to the World Bank with the country’s GDP Per Capita at $15,194.2 as of 2023.
- Similarly, Ghana, a lower-middle-income country has a GDP Per Capita that is far above Nigeria’s at 7,543.0.
- Kenya, though in the same lower-middle-income economy category as Nigeria, has a higher GDP Per Capita per the World Bank’s 2023 data at 6,307.2
- The World Bank put Nigeria’s GDP Per Capita for 2023 at 6,207.4, which is the lowest among the four countries compared.
Justifications for increment
For telecommunications operators in Nigeria, there are more then enough reasons to increase tariffs for voice, data, and SMS services, and not just a slight adjustment but 100% increment.
According to the CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Dinesh Balsingh, telecom tariffs in Nigeria have remained static despite the dramatic increase in operating expenses, which have surged by over 300% in the last 18 to 24 months alone.
Balsinghsaid the increments are critical for maintaining high-quality services and enabling further advancements in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
- Sharing the same sentiment as Airtel’s CEO, Toriola said the telecom industry is now facing a sustainability threat that must be addressed through a tariff review.
- While emphasising that telecommunications is a fundamental human right and a critical element for driving an economy, Toriola noted that without a sustainable industry, the economy and the well-being of Nigerians will suffer.
- He highlighted how inflation, foreign exchange devaluation, and rising energy prices have drastically increased operational expenses for telecom operators.
- According to him, diesel costs have risen from pre-COVID levels of N230 to over N1,000 per liter.
- The official exchange rate has shifted from N424.50 to about N1,550 at the end of 2024, drastically increasing the cost of importing critical infrastructure like base stations, which now cost nearly four times more than they did two years ago.
[Nairametrics]
It Was Buhari And Arase, Not Tinubu And Egbetokun Who Denied Jitoboh IGP Status – Lawyer
Counsel to the late Deputy Inspector General of Police, Moses Ambakina Jitoboh, Silas Onu, has said the late officer did not reach the Inspector General status because of former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Solomon Arase.
Naija News reported that the Late Jitoboh sued the PSC for his compulsory retirement. While he, unfortunately, died on Thursday, 27 December 2024; the Court, on Monday, ruled in his favour and granted his prayers.
“Today (Monday), DIG Moses A. Jitoboh wins his case against the Police Service Commission. Reinstated with effect from the date of his purported compulsory retirement and awarded 50m in general damages. Having passed on to glory, it is now official that he died in active duty to his fatherland,” Onu wrote on his X handle.
Some reports on the court victory, however, attributed the late officer’s sack to President Bola Tinubu and the current IGP of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The reports wrongly claimed Jitoboh was sacked to pave the way for Egbetokun.
In a statement, on Tuesday, Onu clarified that the sack of the former aide-de-camp (ADC) to former President Goodluck Jonathan had nothing to do with Tinubu and Egbetokun.
According to him, the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi and IGP Egbetokun ensured justice was done in the case.
“I can state clearly here now that President Bola Tinubu and the IGP of Police had no hands in his sad compulsory retirement.
“It was 100% the handiwork of former IGP Solomon Arase as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) which exercises control over all Police Officers, with the exception of the Inspector General of Police.
“The reason for his action was personal and very mundane and he was sacked by President Bola Tinubu upon our complaint through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
“As a matter of fact, the IGP ensured that the Police played no role whatsoever in the trial as they refused to cooperate with the PSC to fabricate lies against Moses,” he said.
Jitobonh’s counsel further disclosed that the current PSC Chairman, Hashimu Argungu, was against his client’s sack.
Onu explained that the President was unable to act on the issue because it was already in court.
“The new Chairman of the PSC, from my discussions with Moses, also was against the action taken by Arase and like the IGP, hoped to receive Moses back in the Force after the judgment. They both were talking with him before he passed. In fact, he stated that the IGP had a special place for him when he returns to the Police.
“The President could not act as we were already in Court, so the AGF said we should wait for the outcome and the government will respect whatever decision reached.
“So, it is not correct to mischaracterize their entire unfortunate events by saying it was done to favour the IGP. Recall that other DIGs retired along with Moses did not challenge the act because they all had less than 5 months to leave the Force, while Moses had 7 years then.
“If any President was unkind to Moses, it was Muhammadu Buhari who signed the Police Act, 2020 into law and flouted its provisions twice, simply to deny Moses his privileged lawful promotion to the office of IGP,” he added.
[NaijaNews]
‘I Look Like Lil Wayne, Not Asake,’ Portable Slams Critics Of Facial Tattoo
Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly called Portable has condemned comparisons of his facial tattoos to those of his colleague Ahmed Ololade, also known as Asake.
Asake’s new look sparked reactions amongst fans after showing off his shaved face and new facial tattoos, which include dollar signs and “Believe” inscriptions, among others, in an Instagram post on Sunday.
Netizens had likened the Ololade master’s new look to that of Portable’s because of their facial tattoos.
Portable was not pleased with the comparisons, expressing his dissatisfaction with a frown and asserting that he resembles American rapper Lil Wayne more.
In a video message posted on his social media, he stated, “Don’t compare me to Asake. I don’t look like Asake. I look like Lil Wayne. Stop comparing me to an overrated artist,” he said angrily.
[Leadership]
Uzodimma: Subsidy Removal Is A Direct Blessing To State Govts
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has described the removal of petrol subsidy as a direct blessing to state governments.
The governor said this during the inspection of some projects to celebrate the first year of his second term.
He said more money now accrues to the coffers of state governments for the development.
“In reconciling the negative effects of the fuel subsidy removal and the benefits in terms of socio-infrastructure, social benefits, and then the ease of doing business occasioned by the provision of the enabling infrastructure, I think it is a blessing.”
“It is a direct blessing, it is not a disguise to the sub-nationals because more monies are now coming to states and state governments must do things to show citizens that they are able to do these things because they now get more monies as a result of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.”
Uzodimma is not the first governor to make such claim.
Last year, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State asked Nigerians to hold governors to account over the improved allocation from the federation account.
Sule stated this while answering questions during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today.
He said that people were suffering, urging them to ask their state governors what they were doing with the improved revenues from the federal government.
Sule had said, “Most of the time people are looking at some of the hard economic decisions the president has taken. That is his own style. Two decisions taken are bringing these economic reforms.
“One, is the subsidy removal and the second is the floating of the forex. These are the two major policies people keep on complaining about. And people are asking where the money is. The money is there. It is being given to various people and places and coming to the people in different ways.
“That is why I give you an example of what we are doing in Nasarawa. Yes, there is going to be difficulties; but instead of just looking at the federal government let the people hold every state governor responsible. What are you doing with the improved revenue you are getting? Until every state governor comes back and says we are doing this and that.
“President Tinubu doesn’t have land anywhere. The lands belong to the state. He can’t go and do agriculture anywhere, for example. They have already started construction of highways from Badagry to Calabar. The one from Calabar is coming to Abuja and the one from Badagry going to Sokoto State. There are many of them.
“The federal government would continue to do its own part. The same improved revenue the states have seen is the same improved revenue local governments see. The local governments in Nasarawa State when they receive their own after the FEC meeting they are getting 100% increase in their revenue. They used to receive N2.2 billion. Today they receive more than N4 billion. Local governments in Nasarawa do not owe anybody salary. They have some savings.”