Following allegations involving star actor and actress Kunle Afod and Yetunde Adekoya respectively, over posting videos on Youtube without prior permission to do so by binding marketers and the subsequent ban of the two embattled stars, Yetunde Adekoya has called out one of Nigeria’s leading movie marketer for threatening her and urged Nigerians to hold him responsible should anything happens to her.

This is coming after City People Online published the position of the marketers on Thursday, September 29, 2016 to ban the actress for what the union termed as gross misconduct.

In a lengthy emotional piece, Yetunde wrote:

“My name is Yewande Adekoya-Abiodun. I am a happily married movie producer, screenwriter and actress. I have been practicing since 2002 and i am presently a bonafide member of Tampan. I want to beg Nigerians all over the world to please help me tell Akeem Olatunji Balogun (Olasco films) to leave my life alone. If anything bad happens to me, Nigerians, please hold Akeem Olatunji Balogun responsible. He has marketed my movies for about six years now and i have nothing to show for it.

He prefers verbal agreements. He is very influential in the Yoruba movie market, so it is almost a waste of time to report him to anyone there. I know this because i had earlier reported him to several marketers who have rapor with him, still no result. I called the president of the Yoruba marketers association, he didn’t pick my calls. I was eventually able to speak with his assistant who sympathized with me and then told me that little or nothing could be done about the matter.

I serve a living God Mr Akeem and the God i serve will never allow darkness overcome light. Olasco films has refused to pay me my royalty for the three movies: Emere, Irawo meji and Kurukuru part1, 2, 3 and I have not yet taken him to court for that, and he is here, strongly advocating against me doing business with other marketers and film distributors of my choice. I know you are tough but my God is tougher than you. Don’t try HIM.

He even went as far as influencing movie marketers and some movie producers to stop casting me for movie roles. Why? What exactly did I do to you? What exactly do you want from me? Mr Akeem Olatunji Balogun please leave me alone, I refuse to be enslaved by you, like you enslave some others. You don’t pay them and you also won’t let them do business with other people. Maybe it’s because I refused to date you even after all these years, that is why you are strongly determined to destroy me.”

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Following the increase in kidnap cases in the country, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services have issued a security advisory to top government officers and prominent Nigerians in the country.

Sunday Punch gathered that the advisory listed precautionary security measures which top Nigerians must take to avoid being kidnapped.

The wife of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Margaret, was kidnapped along the Benin-Agbor Road on Thursday but regained her freedom less than 48 hours after her abductors demanded N100m ransom.

There have been other high-profile kidnappings this year, including the recent abduction of Senator Iyabo Anisulowo  and an attempt to kidnap an oil magnate, Mr. Femi Otedola.

Findings by Punch correspondents showed that the two agencies gave the security advisory through the policemen and the DSS operatives attached to government officers, including ministers and other political appointees, as well as lawmakers.

It was learnt that the advisory came on the heels of the change of tactics used by kidnappers targeting top government officials and their family members.

Top on the list of instructions given to politicians, government officials and other prominent individuals was that they should avoid late-night outings and long-distance travels by road, particularly at night.

The security advisory, it was further gathered, also counselled the dignitaries against divulging their destination and itinerary to non-family members or employees, unless it was absolutely necessary for them to know.

A top police source, who confided in Sunday Punch, said, “I am aware that the two security agencies have instructed these ‘big men and women’ on how to conduct themselves, especially now that criminals are targeting prominent individuals and politicians in the country. Some of them will be asking for more police security but it’s beyond that. They need to watch how they move and who they discuss with.”

He referred Sunday Punch to a statement made by one of the three kidnapped landlords, who regained their freedom after their abduction in Lagos a few weeks ago.

The landlord had told Channels Television, that they (the landlords) were not the real target of the kidnappers but that their abductors were looking for politicians.

The landlord stated, “Their (kidnappers) major objective in Lagos was to kidnap senior politicians or ‘big men.’ We were not big men, so we were the wrong target at the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said.

Some prominent politicians told our correspondents that politicians are now living in fear following the spate of kidnappings. They however refused to comment on whether they would be asking for more police protection.

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Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Governor-elect of Edo State has stated what his first assignment in office would be. He made this known during an interactive session with journalists in Benin City. He said;

“My first assignment is to put together a team and get appropriation for next year because we have to hit the ground running.

“The focus will not change in terms of infrastructure and education. The added focus will be on job creation and empowerment. That is why I need to focus on the budget and ensure I get enough appropriation to emphasis the social aspects which I promised during my campaigns. We will continue to build roads and refurbish schools. What is important is how to get people to work.”

The post Edo Governor-Elect Obaseki States First Assignment appeared first on CityPeople Magazine Nigeria | Nigerian Celerbrities | Entertainment | Stars.

Mr Ayodele Fayose, the Ekiti State Governor has commended the late Sani Abacha for his vision that led to the creation of the State 20 years ago. Ekiti State was created on October 1, 1996 alongside Bayelsa, Gombe, Nasarawa, Ebonyi and Zamfara States.

While speaking on Ekiti at 20, Fayose commended the late General and Ekiti founding fathers for actualising the dream for the state’s creation.

He said, “Let me commend Gen. Abacha  for creating the state and I also thank our founding fathers for their vision. Though, I didn’t participate in the struggle, but I am a beneficiary and many children and governors yet unborn will also benefit. Continue…

“Politics aside, let me commend all the military and duly elected governors of the past for their contributions, because they have contributed their own quota within the available resources to lay a foundation, for without foundation there could be nothing to build upon.

“Ekiti has scored many firsts within the two years I came on board. Ekiti recorded in transparency in budget provision. It came first in 2016 NECO and these came at the most auspicious time when Ekiti is 20. Our desire now is to buckle up and work harder for more service delivery for the good of you and I.”

Also in a statewide broadcast message on the independence, the governor also called on people to invest in Ekiti while stating that he will fulfil everything he has promised the people of the state.

 “I run an open government and will be happy to have all stakeholders to be part of the Ekiti Project to build a formidable structure for sustainable development in the overall interest of our state.

“May I assure you all that this government will continue to do everything legitimate to sustain the existing peace in the state.

“I appeal to all residents to ensure peaceful co-existence for the good of all of us and all criminal minded individuals will be kept away from the state as the government would mobilize all resources at its disposal to ward off all acts of criminality in order to sustain the peace, law and order that we currently enjoy.”

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• Speaks On His 60 Yrs In POLITICS & JOURNALISM

His name is synonymous with Iwo, a predominantly Muslim town in Osun State of Nigeria. It is a town that shares boundaries with Oyo town to its North-West, Ejigbo and Ede to the North-East, as well as Gbongan to the South-East.

Just mention the name, Abiola Ogundokun and you will be told of this tall and slim man who is a top politician in the South-West from the 70s. He is also a Muslim leader. He is the Bashorun Musulimi of Iwoland. But Alhaji (High Chief) Abiola Ogundokun is not just a politician and a Muslim leader; he was also a big time socialite, whom the likes of Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade sang his praise in the 70s. Obey had an anthem for him with which he eulogizes him till today.

Chief Abiola Ogundokun, who, many who are older than him referred to in those days as Okunrin Meta which literally means a strong man, because of his prowess as an elder statesman who hails from Iwo. If chief does not tell you he is 80, you would most likely not know. There is nothing about him to show that he is that far-gone in age.

He has managed to stay slim. At 80, he is still mentally alert, still stands ramrod and does not use walking stick. He also does not use glasses. He is strong.

You will not see grey hair anywhere on his head. At 80, he has remained his old self, the old fox, a master strategist, who has won many battles in politics. Turning 80 has not slowed down Chief Ogundokun one bit. He is still very, very active. Today, he is in Iwo resolving some conflicts. Tomorrow, he is in Ibadan for a family meeting. The next day he is off to Lagos for a meeting, and once that is over, he may be off to Abuja to be in touch with some big political players.

At 80, he is actively involved in the politics of Iwo and Osun, where he is regarded as a political godfather. So influential is he politically that he has been able to install several councilors, local government bosses, senators, house of reps members and even governors. He can do and undo. Yet, he still runs his glossy magazine, Conscience which he publishes four times a year. He recently went into farming. He has a big farm in Iwo.

Who is Chief Abiola Ogundokun? He is not only a leading politician from Iwo, he is a grassroots mobiliser, who is in touch with people at the grassroots. That is why his Iwo home is always a beehive of activity as people troop to him daily (when he is in town) to consult the ‘oracle’. When people are in distress it is to chief they go to lodge complaints. He is not only helping to fight their fight and he backs it up with money. On a daily basis, he spends more than a million Naira to take care of other people’s problems. That is why Iwo people troop to him because they usually leave his house smiling even if they came frowning.

What do you expect from a man, who started grassroots politics from his secondary school days and played active roles in politics since his days in the NCNC, NPN and PDP till he stepped up recently above partisan politics. “I now see myself as a father of all, “he will readily tell you.

He is also a veteran journalist whose practice saw him in broadcast and print. But beyond all these, chief has a reputation as a no-nonsense person and an anti-corruption crusader who has single handed tackled so many public officials. That is why he has engaged so many prominent Nigerians such as Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka in epic battles.

That is why some people see chief as a troublesome man, who does not suffer fools gladly. As they say, he would not go looking for trouble, but if you step on his toes, he will fight back. There is also the mysterious side to him or what do you make of a man who spent three years in his mother’s womb. Or a man who was shot by assassins 16 times and he is still very much alive.

Chief Ogundokun was one of the dignitaries who attended the City People Lecture  delivered by the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Akanbi in Iwo last week. It was after the lecture that City People Publisher, SEYE KEHINDE, visited Chief Ogundokun at home for a late night interview. It was a 2- hour interview with the lion of Iwo, whose life remains a mystery.

For instance, he moves around with a Bible and the Holy Quran which he religiously reads. It was a no holds barred interview. Read on.

QUOTE:

“I have been attacked several times. I have been short at 16 times. If I open my tummy you will see stitches. But here I am today, I am still alive. I am a special person born by God. I told you I spent three years in my mother’s womb. My mother carried me in her stomach for three years. So, you can see. I have a very long name.”

You were at today’s lecture delivered by the Oluwo of Iwoland. How do you see the reign of Oba Akanbi so far in Iwo?

We’ve had so many Obas in Iwoland I want to say that out of my 80 years on earth and since I have come into adulthood , I have witnessed the reign of several oba in Iwoland and I thank God, most of them were my friends and I came to appreciate many of them except the elderly ones that admired me as a young man in their mist.

But one thing that I will tell you is that this new Oluwo was specially sent by God to rescue Iwo back to its glory, to restore its lost glory and  fight the economic strangulation that people of Iwo have been subjected to. The people of Iwo have been subjected to  strangulation by the political class who have tried very much to destroy the institution of obaship and tradition.

Why is that so?

Because politicians want to take control of everything and render the obas useless and inactive. In those days when the oba were the Alfa and Omega of our society, there was law and order, and fewer crimes. Today, the political class has something against the institution and that has led to the breeding of so many criminals, particularly robbers, burglars and 419 young men. If the traditional rulers had been allowed to continue their blessed roles given to them by God, our society would have been better off. Because there was discipline, respect, and the institution of obaship was really feared and highly respected for the progress of mankind.

But you know politicians once they find a side that is not supporting them; they try everything possible to destroy that class, its image and reputation. One thing I will tell you is that this new Oluwo is very strong, and determined. He needs all our support. He means well.

How did you get into politics? You once mentioned that you were in the NCNC…?

Yes, I was part of the NCNC. I was in politics right from school days. That was when we used to collect Onini kan. a farthing for school break time food. NCNC was a very powerful and strong party here in Iwo. I was part of the youth wing. I was a very creative graphic artist. I used to draw the palm tree and I will put a cock on it. I used to draw it on the card board that people would carry anytime Zik or Adelabu were in town. I have been very, very active and God answered my prayers. My father was a big pillar who mobilised  for the NCNC. They promoted Lamuye. Lamuye was contesting in this ward. What you know as the success story of Lamuye you can attribute to the success of that to my parents. He contested for so long. After a while, the whole town now said they wanted me to contest and take over. That was how Lamuye was voted out and I was voted in, in 1976.

Since then, we have been into politics. During Akintola’s time, when NCNC juggled with Akintola’s group to form NNDP. I became the Divisional Publicity Secretary for Osun division, which is today Osun State. Lawyer Kusamotu (Senior) was Legal Adviser. He was Administrative Secretary. After we were pushed out in 1966 coup, we kept on going.

My mother was a very rich produce merchant in Iwo here. As a party man, I still worked for government. We started Sketch Newspaper, Peter Ajayi, Obasa and others we were all in the Sketch. At a time, I moved into WNBS/WNTV with the likes of Bayo Faleti, Kunle Adeleke, Lai Egunjobi. We were all sharing the Newsroom. The father of Ooni of Ife used to anchor the news then whenever I wanted to read the news. It has been a long journey. There w as a time I was at NBC, I worked under Alhaji Saka Fagbo, we’ve gone round a little bit.

In the days of HELLO Fans, it was a special programme on NBC. I Ogundokun and Lawuyi Ogunniran were on that programme. It has been a long journey. We thank God, we lived a honest life. Nobody can complain that I had a business with him, that I cheated, unless those who cheated me along the line that I need to arrest.

At what point did you set up Conscience?

Conscience Magazine is 21 years old. It is not my first publication. My first publication was States Mirror Magazine. Then, I used to contest with Drum Magazine which was published from South Africa. I was painting from Ibadan. I was on the 16th floor of Cocoa House. I shared office with National Banks district office. I was publishing from Ibadan and I made much inroads into publishing then. As time went by I decided to go into garment production then. Unfortunately with the change of government I joined New Nigeria Newspapers as a Regional Commercial Officer and later the Editor died. So I took over both Editorial and Commercial departments of the New Nigeria then. I took charge of Ibadan, Ondo, and a few areas then. I did New Nigeria’s first publication, first ever special supplement for the New Nigeria on Banking and Industry. Jimi Agbaje’s father was the PRO, we worked together. In 1968, I opened the States Mirror magazine, from my office in Ibadan. We had our office at Oke padre then. Then I had an office in Cocoa House as I told you. God helped me. Seun Ogundoyin was one of our staffers. He became a big millionaire thereafter. We thank God.

At a point, I because a big socialite. I began to dominate the social scene. Sunny Ade would not play at an event without asking the organisers, have you invited Ogundokun, the Arisekola. We were the talk of the town then at every big party if you go and ask.

About two  weeks ago, at the birthday party of Chief Alani Bankole, Obey dazzled me. He began to praise sing me to high heavens. Sunny and Obey used to eulogise me. I used to socialise with Ooni of Ife, SB Bakare, Ladojola Oginni. We all used to dance at parties. Many of the people who we used to rock parties together are now dead. I thank God I am still alive, and I am waxing strong. Lanre Badmus grew up to join us. We were together in WNBS/WNTV.

I made it during the military era. I succeeded in getting much of patronage. That was how I became their friends. I thank God I made small money which I eat with today and which I used to help others. A man does not need big money. Too much money is not good for anybody. You need only little. Whatever you have, spend it for your people. Just keep little to chop. It is a long story.

Some people say Chief Ogundokun is tough…

Yes, I am. I don’t stomach corruption. I don’t like people using their money or fame or position to oppress others I will fight for the underdog and help demand justice. I have been attacked several times. I have been short at 16 times. If I open my tummy you will see stitches. But here I am today, I am still alive. I am a special person born by God. I told you I spent three years in my mother’s womb. My mother carried me in her stomach for three years. So, you can see. I have a very long name.

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Let me start by clarifying that traditional rulers are not the king. God almighty is the ultimate king. He is the one and the only one that crowns traditional rulers. In other words, whoever is not destined by God to be king cannot mount the throne. It is not by might. It is even beyond wealth. I am not saying that the  aforementioned are not key elements in the selection process. I am  saying that final selection is done by God, the creator of heaven and earth and all that live in all continents of the world. Because God crowns kings as I have just said, traditional rulers are representatives of God on earth. We are here to do his wish and preserve his authority with his fear in our heart. We are not God and we must not behave as one. In another sense, one can conveniently say that we are the instrument of God used to guide and guard his creatures.

Is the role of traditional rulers exhaustible? This question is a subject of debate and indeed an intellectual discourse. But for the purpose of this lecture, I will not want to open such debate here, considering time constraint.

It is my candid view that before 21st Century problem is tackled  there is a need to look back and identify the causes of the problem.  I observe that our people don’t like to go back to the source. The  Israelites, the Chinese always connect their present with past, and  we can see what they have achieved today. We can all see how far they have gone, in terms of development and relevance to human  race. Are Chinese products not ruling the world now?

Unfortunately, here, we don’t like to reflect on our past. That is why History is no more studied in our schools. If we are serious with our past history and use those events as our guide, we should not be where we are today struggling for almost everything.  I am using this opportunity to implore traditional rulers to encourage research into our past to help us navigate the present and connect it with the future. The danger of not doing this now is that our history would be too vulnerable and reduced to a victim of distortion.  It is regrettable that everybody wants to distort history. There is no way anybody can say Oduduwa (May God bless him) is not the first recognized king of Yoruba race. This cannot be argued. What made him to wear the crown should be a question we should often ask ourselves  Animism does a lot of problem to humanity, in terms of achieving  developmental goals for people. It increases poverty of the mind as  being witnessed in our communities where rituals must be performed at a” time and every activity is explained from the perspectives of the gods. Oduduwa did not worship paganism. All these things came  after he had gone.

Paganism is not the way. This is not the modern way of meeting contemporary challenges. For instance, our tourism potentials are enormous but they are not yielding result because they are tied to  pagan practices. Instead of Muslims and Christians to visit those  sites, they would rather go to stadium to watch football.

I am happy with what our Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola recently  said on innovating the system. The governor is reputed for his depth  and engaging mind. He said innovation should be our key word in  moving our people forward. We cannot continue to do things same  way and expect different result. We are backward simply became we give priority to what we should not. Therefore, it is the responsibilities of traditional rulers to educate their subjects right on this agent of retrogression. We ought to have gone beyond where we are today. But we still have enough time to show more commitment in this regard.  Besides, I must say that position of traditional rulers is about service. It is about total service to humanity. Kingship is about giving, giving and giving. When you start a business, you invest before you start making profit.

When you serve the people wholeheartedly, they will serve you better in return and respect you. That is the secret of God. Man is not serving God. It is the other way round. Does God sleep? He is awake looking after all of us.

Kingship is not about lording over the helpless people. It is not about oppressing them. It is also not about what you get from the people.

It is about what you give to the people. You must not be eating the people but feeding them. Service must be your utmost priority.  Unfortunately, seniority among traditional rulers is now measured on how rich you are. Let us all imbibe the spirit of serving the people. You should not restrict your service to your domain. Rather you  should go beyond your border and improve the life of the underprivileged. You should devote more time for the poor because the poor will one day become rich.  A king should visit the prison, for instance, and raise the hope of the inmates because out there in prison yards across the country reside leaders of tomorrow. We have some relevant examples in Chief  Olusegun Obasanjo, late Nelson Mandela both of whom came out of prison and became president of Nigeria and South Africa respectively.

That is, there is life after their terms in the prison. That is, there is hope for them to live a better life. It is unfortunate that our  prison system in Nigeria is not really working on full rehabilitation of  the inmates unlike what obtains in developed countries. Even at that,  I believe many of them are determined to live a life different from what led them into the prison.

It is high time traditional rulers realized the need to come together and do things right with a view to reclaiming the authority God has bestowed on us. How do we achieve this? Traditional rulers should  not subject themselves to the people under them in the name of seeking protection. We have to know and understand the fact that protection resides in God.

CONCLUSION

We should not be pocketed. We should not equate any other thing with God who sent us to represent him on earth. I am not saying we should revolt. No! We are also educated and exposed enough to know how to go about it without causing any problem.

Our people, especially the elite should also ‘join the traditional rulers in their effort to bring back their lost glory. Yoruba culture gives high priority to respect of elders. We should not allow this all important aspect of the culture to disappear with the so-called civilization.

Our future is bright if we rediscover ourselves, take the bull by the  horn and show exemplary leadership to our people. Thank you and \God bless.

This lecture titled the role of Traditional rulers in the 21st Century, A paper delivered by His Imperial Majesty. Oba (Dr.) Abdul Rasheed Adewale Akanbi (Telu 1) The Oluwo of Iwoland, at the first City People Culture Lecture series held today September 27, 2016 at Chris Alabi lecture Theatre, Bowen University, Iwo.

The post How Yoruba Obas Can Regain Their Lost Glory! OLUWO Of IWO, Oba AKANBI Drops Bombshell At City People Lecture In IWO appeared first on CityPeople Magazine Nigeria | Nigerian Celerbrities | Entertainment | Stars.

Forbes Africa TV’s flagship show is back and in the hot seat for October is the first female mogul to join our illustrious group of entrepreneurs, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, executive vice chairman of Famfa Oil with an estimated net worth of $1.82 billion.

From starting her career as a company secretary to launching one of the most prominent fashion labels, building the largest printing company in Nigeria and finally making a mark as the only prominent female in the competitive and patriarchal oil industry, Alakija is no stranger to set backs but what happened when everything she built got taken away from her?

Check out the promo and catch the full episode on October 6th.

The post Folorunsho Alakija Speaks on Forbes Africa’s My Worst Day Show appeared first on CityPeople Magazine Nigeria | Nigerian Celerbrities | Entertainment | Stars.

Dr. Kelly Izuwa Nwogu has a grass to grace story typical of many successful Nigerian businessmen. However, his own is somewhat different. Growing up from a humble background in the Ile-Iwe, Alimosho LG area of Lagos, this Abia-born gentleman was born to Mr. Godwin and Victoria Nwogu. His foundation years was so difficult despite the fact that he is an only child. This is because he had to do the hustling to feed his father and a crippled mother. Life to Nwogu was not just unfavourable and hard but he swore to make it despite the hardship. If anything, his growing up years toughened him for the task ahead. Nwogu sits atop a multibillion Real Estate Business-Livelihood Homes Ltd, owners of Blue Sea Estate Property with presence in Lagos, Ogun, Cross River, Port Harcourt, Benin, Oyo and Benue states. The big story is that he founded the business with a start-up capital of N30,000 six years ago. He currently has offices in almost all the capitals in the federation with about 120 staff on his payroll including expatriates. Aside his property business, the 39-year-old also has interest in big time project financing. Nwogu who was recently in South Africa on behalf of the Benue State government is set to bring in about 250 foreign investors to the state, including the power sector.

Dr. Kelly Nwogu has decided to solve the problem of unemployment in Nigeria by starting Free Business Mentoring and Financial Empowerment Seminars around the country, which will hold for 7 consecutive Saturdays. With 2 seminars done and well attended, Dr. Kelly Nwogu has exposed different products and services that can be done in Nigeria. In his statement he said, “The Government cannot solve the problem of unemployment alone without the help of entrepreneurs, therefore the need for more people to be trained.

Dr. Kelly Nwogu revealed exclusively to City People the main reason why he created the wealth entrepreneur club. In his words, he said,

“The reason is simple, it’s just to see a way that I can be a part to the problem of recession in the country. Recession has eaten so deep into the country’s economy and lives of the people that life is now difficult for them. Our country is blessed that we can make huge money if we do the right thing. People would become wealthy if they are trained to become entrepreneurs, but the question now is, who would train this people?

If I don’t volunteer myself to train these people, in a few years, these people would deviate and start doing illegal practices just to survive. That was why I volunteered to do this seminar so that people can learn how to be wealthy just as I am. The seminar is free and at no cost. I even offered the participants free food, so that they can be relaxed and learn in a comfortable environment.

This club was created recently just to educate people on how to be wealthy like me. I want people to be free with me, they can even come to my house and have dinner together. I show them how to make money from even neighboring countries. I teach them how and where to invest their money and so on. The idea is not to be the only wealthy entrepreneur; it is to help others also become wealthy entrepreneur like myself.

Presently we are running into thousands of members who have subscribed to the club, but our goal is to register 7 Million People and grow them to become Wealthy Entrepreneurs so that our country’s economy would be boosted tremendously.”

Benefits of been a Members of the Wealthy Entrepreneurs Club (WEC) are that You would have the opportunity to meet with successful people in the business are that you are in or the area you desire to go into. You will travel from where you are financially to arrive at the destination of your widest dream. Business contacts and connections within members. Friendship with wealthy people. Opportunities of raising funds for your projects. Financial support from you group in case of accidents or death. Wealth management programmes around the world is free for members and so much more.”

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+How He Found Himself In Real Estate 14 Years Ago

Asiwaju Olajide Awosedo is a big Real Estate developer. It can be said that providence led him into Real Estate. He has worked in the highest position in the financial industry. In 2002, he took a big risk in Real Estate, which opened up the then barren Lekki axis, by building the Goshen Beach Estate, which is the first of its kind to be done by a wholly-owned Nigerian company. This singular effort won his company, Grant Properties Limited, the Lagos State Real Estate Developers Awards, 3 consecutive times, from 2005 to 2007. Lekki thereafter bursted in development, thus, becoming the most dynamic axis in West Africa and many developers have taken a cue from that development.

Recently, the Odogbolu-born businessman, Olajide Awosedo spoke to City People’s duo of SEYE KEHINDE and ISAAC ABIMBADE.

When you left your banking career, what next did you do?

I had a break of about 5 years. I was just trying my hands at one thing or the other, trying my hands at oil marketing, at all sorts of things because I had lost a lot of things. All the things I worked for during the finance house crisis, I lost them. I lost my properties, lost everything. I sold everything just to pay off. And I was just trying to put myself together. But somehow in 1999 ,providence led me into Real Estate. Wale Babalakin had invited me. Wale and I had been close, good friends. He had invited me to help him put Alma Beach together. Alma Beach was a piece of land in the old Maroko. So, Wale had invited me to come and restructure  it.

So, I joined him in 1999. We put hands together, we bought the land and we were to start it but somehow it didn’t work out between us. In 2001, I left to stand on my own.  But, there were some problems because I didn’t even know what to do until I was invited. Somebody called me and said I should come and buy land. Alma Beach was about 100 hectares then and somebody invited me to buy 10 hectares around  there. I didn’t have money, I didn’t have a bank account. I just laughed that where would I get the money? Then, it was N150 million. It was actually my friend, Andrew Byoma, we were in the banking industry together, we are still together on my board. And I said, ‘Andrew, I don’t have that kind of money, where would I get it’ and he said, Reverend, go and think about it (I used to be called Reverend because my Dad used to be)”. Anyway, we dropped the call. As I dropped the phone, something just said to me, “what’s wrong with you! call him say you will buy” and I called, told him I would buy it. Give me three months to think through how to get the money. Well, draw up a purchase agreement.

It was a land owned by late Apostle Obuche, on Adeniran Ogunsanya. So, I said ‘draw up a purchase agreement’ and he did. Within a week, the agreement was with me and I said, ‘how do I get money?’ I was just praying one morning, the Lord said, “go to Diamond Bank, go to Prudent Bank”. I heard God clearly. So, I just got up and I didn’t know anybody in the 2 banks. I only knew one of their branch Managers, Emeka, in Diamond Bank.  I knew him when I was with Wale. So, he was the only person I could think of. I went to him. When I got to his office, they said  he had been promoted, that he is now in the head office. So, I called Emeka that I wanted to see him and he said I should come. When I got to him, I told him I wanted to raise N800 million to do an estate, N150 million to buy land and the balance to develop the estate, and by every standard, that project was not bankable. I didn’t have one kobo on my own. He said it is not really his area but would speak to someone who is in charge.  He called the person, the person said I should come in and incidentally he  was also in banking with me.

The guy said “hmmm, we are wary of  Real Estate but you can go and bring an application”. So, I left the place. I went to Prudent Bank, in Prudent Bank I knew nobody, I didn’t even know who to ask for. So, I just went ahead that I wanted to see the MD and they said the MD was not around, I said, ‘well, let me see the person in charge of credit’. I had printed a card using Andrew’s Global office because I didn’t have an office. So, I just sent the card in and the person said I should come in. I saw a young man there, he was the General Manager then. I told the guy I wanted to do an estate and that I needed N800 million. And I just noticed the guy was smiling as I was talking. After I had spoken, he said, I know you sir, I said okay  and he said “in 1989 when I just finished my ICAN. I needed a job when you were the MD” and I said you didn’t  work with me, I didn’t take you, he said yes, that he got a job at Chartered Bank and so he didn’t need the job and I said I hope I was nice to you? He said there is no problem and he asked me to bring my application. He said we are a small bank, we just started. To cut the long story short, the two banks gave us N800 million. Prudent Bank gave me N300 million, Diamond gave me N500 million and that is what made Goshen Beach Estate a reality. That is how I found myself in Real Estate.

Why did you call it Goshen Beach?

That was my coinage. There is no place called Goshen Beach around there. Again, may be because of my profession and as a Christian, we know the meaning of Goshen. What Goshen meant to the Israelites. Where God kept the Israelites, even though all the other people of Egypt had problems, God preserved the land of Goshen as the land of peace. That was the main reason I named the estate Goshen Beach.

When you started Goshen, what were the things you wanted to do with it?

Goshen remains a mystery, I can tell you that. That is why I started by saying that I didn’t go in to Real Estate by choice. But I ended up doing an estate on my own which is called Goshen Beach Estate. I must tell you that from day one when we moved to that site on April 12, 2002 when the contractors just moved in, I was scared. Number one, I was the only one I didn’t have any partner, I didn’t have anybody else. Number 2, I was in a situation where I had failed and I was coming out to do something that is even bigger. I was afraid, afraid to fail again. I was scared.

Incidentally, we engaged a construction company that was just coming to the country, and also they wanted to make an impression. They are a Chinese Company. So they too were  dedicated . But then each time I walked in, during the construction and I saw the enormity  of cables that went underground (we built the first estate that had all the cables underground) and it is also the first estate to have a central sewage. I was really afraid. “You must not fail oo!” But as we went on, the change was amazing, people would come there and say oh my God! I must say that, Oniru Estate came up today because of Goshen. Because  one day, I was on site and Kabiyesi Oniru, at that time Oniru was only selling land. He came to the site just to see what we had done. I walked down to him to say Kabiyesi and he said, “oh my God! nkan to teyi ni wo omo Ijebu se nibi (so, this is how big the project you are doing is).

They have told me. I was just selling my land and I would stop selling my land as from today”. And he stopped selling land. That is what brought about Oniru Estate. So, I just thank God it was a success. All of my fears, God took control of them and today we have this estate and the others to show for God’s mercy. Lagos State government gave me an award twice. I got the real estate of the year. I got an award as one of the  architects  of modern Lagos. Although, all of that do not matter but they are encouragement from government.

As at the time you went into Real Estate, how was it?

It was barren. There was no real estate industry. The only real estate residential that was available was VGC. When I bought the land and I decided to develop it, the whole of Lekki was barren. You could drive from Lekki Phase 1, Mobile down to Chevron, no disturbance and where Goshen is, on the right, was barren, apart from Maroko Police Station, and then of course UPDC, apart from that there was nothing else. Once you left Mobil headquarters, you will see Maroko Police Station, you will also see some   scattered residential areas all over. There was no light. There was no water, telephone and it was part of Lagos. No water, no road, no light, on that side, which is part of the problems that we have in this part of the world. As soon as they saw that, I believe the Govt should have seen that, that is what the next Lagos would be. And they should have just opened up infrastructures but the government slept. While we were doing constructions (at Goshen) people were coming in trucks and they were stealing sand by the ocean, until they allowed the ocean to come this far.

When we did that, the government promised me, they said they were going to do central sewage in the whole of that tourism zone. They provided nothing. So, as at the time I finished I had to spend my money. But I thank God it came up.

Is that the only challenge you have faced?

I wish I hadn’t come from Nigeria. Like I said to you, there is no way Goshen Beach Estate would have been bankable because I didn’t have an account, I didn’t have money. It was just an idea and it came out. Before we finished, everybody wanted to relate with us. When we got a deal from the American Embassy in Lagos, they wanted to do an estate for the foreign service of the nationals. The nationals are called foreign service nationals and there were  Nigerian staff in the American service in Lagos. They numbered about 400. The Consular General then was a woman. I got an invitation to do a presentation on how we could build an estate for their Foreign Service nationals. It was 3 of us but they picked us and they told me where they wanted. They didn’t want Ikoyi, it would be expensive. They wanted toward Lekki, anything after Goshen. I went to the then Governor, Bola Tinubu, who asked me to go to NTDA (New Towns Development Authority).

And I went there, they showed a place in Shangotedo and I bought 100 hectares. I was going to use about 40 hectares for the American Embassy. The day that I took the American Consular General and her staff to the place, then we had just bought what is today called Victoria Park Estate, behind Femi Okunnu and we were sand-filling it and then this one came. I took them from Goshen to the sand filled land that we were doing in Victoria Park and we ended up in Shangotedo. We went to the Shangotedo township in a boat, to see the back side of that land. When we came back they asked how I got the energy to do all that I was doing. They said my Governor would have celebrated me if I was in Americ, and she was quite encouraged.

In fact, all of my staff, she just ordered American visas for all of  us and we went. We came back, structured everything. Bola Tinubu did the turning in 2004 of what would have been first anywhere in the world. That would have been the first in any country where America has an embassy. And the woman gave me an assurance that she would ensure the American President comes to declare it open. We got approval from the congress for that project. But Tinubu promised C of O in 15 days, till today, I have not gotten C of O. I lost the money I got on that project because I didn’t  get a title. I have spent close to  N100 million on that land.

I have gone through so much, that is one of the reasons I chose to just retire back home because each time you see things like this, that happens to you in your own country. It is very bad.

But what keeps you going because you look so happy and younger?

I think it is just God and God. I just thank God because what I have gone through trying to be on my own, without trying to steal in the government, it is big enough to break a man.

The post How I Built Goshen Beach Estate In Lekki” – Asiwaju Olajide Awosedo Tells His Story appeared first on CityPeople Magazine Nigeria | Nigerian Celerbrities | Entertainment | Stars.

…Distributes Land, Cash To Church Members

When recently during one of its Sunday services, the mother of little Master Yusuf (surname withheld) stood before a large congregation at the INRI Evangelical Church, Lagos, to testify that God restored her son’s voice four years after being tone deaf, it sounded incredible. The happy mother claimed that Yusuf had been unable to speak for four years following ‘a brief illness’ which she believed God used Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, founder and spiritual leader  of INRI, to heal permanently.

“I am proud of this church, I thank the God of Ayodele who has brought back my son’s voice after four years of stress and moving around churches and hospitals without a solution. I can now shut Hallelujah”, Yusuf’s mother stated amidst praises to God.

Still, in a less dramatic but no less amazing circumstance, a man in his 50s who attended one of Ayodele’s prayer crusades for the second time said he was healed of Asthma and Diabetes that have been with him for over 18 years.

These and more are the hallmark of Ayodele who belongs in the category of Nigerian men of God that are blessed with powers to heal, perform miracles, teach and prophesy. Besides, Ayodele has impacted on the lives of millions of Nigerians with his weekly, monthly and annual special programmes for the needy. The yearly edition which coincides with his birthday usually sees people flocking in from as far as Kaduna, Benue, Ilorin, Ibadan, Lagos and Port Harcourt as well as from abroad.

To what creates church growth and encouraging souls to know God; empowerment, Primate Ayodele has done and still doing so much in this regard.

His common cliché on charity is found in Mark 4:26-29; “Once the farmer plants the seed, it grows by itself. Although fruit comes through the miracle created within the seed, the farmer has to work hard to prepare the ground for productivity.” So, it is with empowering the people that Ayodele believes pastor plants, waters and waits on God to increase.

During this year’s annual October Thanksgiving, Primate Ayodele said that; “we appreciated some members of our ministry with landed properties worth millions of Naira and this gesture included the youths in the church. Also, we appreciated some of our pastors for excellent performances in growing the ministry and spreading the Gospel. We also remembered the widows and other less privileged that were blessed with cash sums and various gifts.

There were also the indigent secondary school students who got a bursary. We gave them books and uniforms and cash. Our God is God of restoration, and of prosperity. We remember Christians regularly by giving cash to support their businesses. Also, during Muslim festivals like Ramadan and Eid el Kabir, we give out rams and money in support and we sponsor them to Hajj while Christians are sponsored to Jerusalem. Nobody that does the will of God would lack anything.”

The new INRI Prophetic Healing Network has started an interreligious prayer assembly tagged ‘Prayer Partners.’ According to Ayodele during an interview, the programme which is holding every Saturday  at Watercress Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, is an assemblage of people from all walks of life irrespective of faith. “It’s also for those experiencing a financial crisis, health challenges, and unknown curse? God of Elijah will sort them out. There will be healing and deliverance session. It has nothing to do with religion.”

The man of God then asked that the Nigerian government should declare a three days fasting and prayers for peace to reign in the country. Also, he urged Nigerians to fast and pray between Dec. 31st 2016 and January 14, 2017, so as to rededicate Nigeria to God.”

Listed here are some of his recent predictions some of which have come to pass.

“The following personalities should pray for good health. The Awujale of Ijebuland, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Jeremiah Useni, Maryam Abacha, Katsina State Governor: Masari, Fati Abubakar, Ernest Shonekan, Aloma Mukhtar, Obong of Calabar and Adamu Ciroma, Maitama Sule, Sule Lamido, Sunny Kuku, Shagari, Ekwueme and Attah of Igala should pray for good health, and divine backings and protection.

“The Alaafin of Oyo should pray for good health and rebuke division among his chiefs. In 2015, God showed me that APC will have serious challenges and I announced it to the nation. We warned about Buhari and Tinubu fight. And if not handled with care, it may break APC finally. We said that Skye Bank would have problems. Now, the Emir of Kano must pray for God’s protection, pray not to be bereaved, rubbished and should watch properly.

“The Emir of Ilorin should pray against multiple crises. Peter Odili should pray for sound health. Jim Ovia should pray for success as he will begin a project all over Africa. He should also pray against attacks and for God’s divine protection. Buhari must not sell the national assets; the decision will crash his government. Buhari will embarrass Jonathan. I see Nigeria going back to regional government. I see the death of a judgement. In sports, Amaju Pinnick, Dalung Solomon will weaken the future of Nigerian Football. Mikel Obi will have problems in Chelsea FC and suffer unexpected injury. Buhari should change his economic team, otherwise, he won’t get things right.

“He will lose money and should pray against litigation. Victor Moses will undergo surgery. Kelechi Iheanacho will quarrel with his manager; promoter and he may have issues in featuring in major matches. FIFA will lose a top member. I see CAF President undergoing surgery.

“The foreign coach that was hired will not add value to Nigerian football. I foresee that Ogunjobi and Fanny Amun will turn the fortune of Nigerians football positively if they are given the chances. Serena Williams will lose a major competition narrowly. Tiger Woods will fail to win an important competition in the coming year. I foresee that robbery attack will be rampant on our highways and also kidnappings. Police will have challenges in dealing with some cases which will involve some personalities.

“I foresee that the Inspector General of Police will face serious challenges as from 2017 and there will be some forces in the system that will be plotting against him. I foresee that there will be cyber fraud. I see that the Head of Nigeria Interpol will be changed. Some Commissioners of Police will be redeployed while some will go on compulsory retirement. Some Police Deputy Inspector-General of Police will be removed. The Chief of Defence Staff will face challenges.

“I foresee that there will be a plot against the Chief of Army Staff. The navy will intercept sea pirates and also the Nigerian Airforce should pray so that none of their warplanes will crash. The Navy should pray against explosions in their dock yard.  The Police and soldiers will clash at the waterfront. Police may go on strike. The police pensioners will protest because of debt. The Police Service Commission will be exposed of shady deals. Our security personnel will ask for allowances and increment in their salaries. The Police and Army will fight. The Head of the Vehicle Inspection Officers in Lagos may be changed. Some DSS personnel will run into crisis. Some Police will face litigation. DSS will cause misinformation on national issues. Some army officers will face court martial because of their irregularities. I foresee the death of a senior Police officer.

“The Army, Navy, and Nigerian Airforce should pray not to lose some of their personnel. Some Federal Permanent Secretaries will be relieved of their duties. Senator Godswill Akpabio must be careful not to lose political relevance in his home state. He should be careful not to play politics that will cause a problem between him and the present governor. God told me that APC will win Edo governorship and I said it in media interviews in August. The Federal Government of Nigeria will borrow money. The Spirit of God says more states will borrow money.

“These states: Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Jos, Jigawa and Adamawa States should pray against bomb explosions and killings. Let us pray to rebuke bloodbath in Nigeria. I see Abubakar Atiku trying to take over PDP but it will collapse his political machinery. I see PDP is coming back stronger. Bukola Saraki will shock Nigeria. Let’s watch it. I see PDP retaining the Ondo governorship if APC is not careful. Hillary Clinton will win but she must not underrate Trump and she must re-strategize. I see the Naira changing colour and texture. Herdsmen will attack some neighbouring states in

“I see the Naira changing colour and texture. Herdsmen will attack some neighbouring states in the south- south and south-east. Let us pray against flood, political troubles and unexpected killings among the politicians. President Buhari will be misled. I foresee famine in Nigeria. The Nigerian Senate should rebuke death among themselves. The National Assembly must pray very well on this. The prices of food will be unstable which will affect staple foods. There are major steps the government will take but Buhari’s government will be unstable until 2018.

“There will be a problem for Atiku in his political steps. The only solution to our problem as the situation is now is either we go back to the Regional System of Government or the country should break. The International Community will go against Buhari, and his government will not be stable as from December 2017 to 2018; the instability will be beyond imagination. This situation will also affect the rich. I foresee that corruption will be detected in our security agencies, police, army, and even among the governors. Some political leaders will also be indicted. EFCC will work tirelessly in recovering looted funds. I foresee the Governor of Cross River State facing political challenges. The following states: Katsina, Ekiti, Kwara, Abia, Cross River, Jigawa, Adamawa, Osun,

“I foresee the Governor of Cross River State facing political challenges. The following states: Katsina, Ekiti, Kwara, Abia, Cross River, Jigawa, Adamawa, Osun, Oyo, and Kaduna will face a crisis. The Spirit of God says PDP will be divided because of misunderstanding. The Party needs spiritual cleansing. For it to come back, it must readjust the party logo and pray before choosing the President in 2019 otherwise 2019 will be more challenging for PDP. If they refuse to take precautionary measures this will bring cracks in APC because PDP is spiritually dislodged. I foresee that PDP & APC will still face challenges. APC will run into troubles towards the 2019 election.

“I foresee that people contesting for 2019 will be implicated. The Spirit of God says some governors will cut certain percentages of workers’ salaries which will give them sleepless nights. I foresee a boat capsizing. Some states in Nigeria will not function as expected because I foresee that no amount of bailout will help them. Because they will continue to borrow money and that is why the President must change his economic team otherwise the economy will still have a crisis that will have negative impacts on his government. This will cause problems. There will be a hike in the prices of building materials as it will not be stable. Nigeria will protest against Buhari’s government if he did not take a bold step. They will still be running up and down and that is why the President must hold a meeting with the Niger/Delta Avengers and the Biafra Agitators. I foresee that another deadly militant group will spring up. Boko Haram will regroup and invade the country; the government must not overlook this. There is a problem in the country, let us pray so that God can settle it because this government is confused.

“I see that some States House of Assembly Speakers like Adamawa, Cross River, Abia, Enugu and Imo states must pray to rebuke crisis and must be careful so as not to be removed. I foresee that a new party may emerge from the cracks of APC and PDP. I foresee crisis before and after the Edo State election. I foresee that a Controversial Bill will be passed by the National Assembly and new steps will be taken on 2017 budget. The National Assembly cannot be free of corruption; it can only be minimized but not totally eradicated. Let us pray against killings, waterborne diseases, and unexpected attacks. I warned the nation about the earthquake and natural disaster in the country. Let us pray more. I foresee flooding in some states in Nigeria. NURTW will witness crisis because there will be a leadership change.

“Let us pray so that our sea and land transportation system will not be attacked. Let us pray to rebuke sea pirates, boat capsizing and railway accident between November 2016 and March 2017. There will be an improvement in the railway system; prayers must be offered to rebuke train derailments. The Spirit of God says serious prayers should be offered to rebuke serious accidents and tanker explosions. The Navy should also pray so that their warship will not be attacked. The aviation sector should pray seriously to rebuke emergency landing at the airport. The security agent should work seriously around the airports so that plans to attack the airports can be averted. Overland Airline must rebuke crisis. FRSC will face trouble and challenges. The NLC will face rancor.

“The Niger Delta Development Commission will want to do amnesty for militants and they will create series of projects. Some State Commissioners will be pursued by the EFCC. Nigeria economy will be troubled as the Economic Team will be troubleshooting. The prices of food will be unstable as from October 2016. The economy will be unstable until they follow the right advice and do the right path to stabilise the economy. I foresee more damages in the economy. The right people should be put in the Economic Team. The Exchange rate of the American Dollar will still continue to fluctuate. If care is not taken, we will buy the dollar at between N500 and N600.

“The Spirit of God says. Rotimi Amaechi’s efforts may be troubled and frustrated. Despite Adebayo Shittu’s efforts, he should pray against people dragging him back. Kemi Adeosun will be blackmailed. Udo Udoma should pray so that the system will not frustrate him. Lai Mohammed will be throwing spanners within the cabinet. Issue cabinet change in Buhari’s government.

“Access, Fidelity and Keystone banks should pray against losses. The Central Bank of Nigeria should pray against fire outbreak. If Access, Fidelity, and GTBank are not careful, the Central Bank of Nigeria may take over the banks. Banks like Fidelity, Zenith, and Diamond bank will relieve some of their staff of their jobs. The Nigerian currency will be changed in the nearest future. I foresee that in less than 10years, there will be changes in the face of naira and the denominations may also be increased. Let us pray so that our major oil wells will not dry in the next nine years.

“Gas will be used to generate power in the country as the price of petrol will change. There will be a scarcity of petroleum products. The price of kerosene will be high and the product will also be scarce. Let us pray so that major gas pipeline will not explode and that gas truck will not crash at the same time. Some major oil pipelines will be destroyed. Shell workers will be redeployed. Some investors will leave Nigeria and some foreign investors will have problems except the government takes the right steps to handle the economic trouble. Buhari should listen before the whole thing turned upside down. NUPENG and PENGASSAN may go on strike. PPPRA may have problems and there will be several issues that will be coming up in this regard.

“The judges will be accused of so many things and the Judiciary workers should also pray not to lose any of the judges. Our health sector must work seriously on Ebola, Lassa fever, Cholera, Polio and malaria fever most especially in the Eastern parts of the country. I see troubles in the telecommunication sector. GLO will sack some of their staff and will purchase new facilities to extend their communication coverage. They will buy some communications companies in Africa. GLO will pay fine. MTN will sack some of their staff, face troubles and pay fines.

“Etisalat may face a tough time and must pray so that their mast will not be attacked. I foresee changes in the leadership of Airtel; the company must be careful of signing MoU with some companies. Airtel logo may be changed. The NCC will have a new arrangement on tariff and regulations for communication companies. Let the Ex-governors of these states pray for their health and seek God’s guidance.  Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Niger and Benue States.

“In Nollywood, Taiwo Hassan should be careful not to lose anybody close to him. I foresee that he will make money but he must pray fervently to rebuke misfortune. Wasiu Alabi Pasuma will be blessed but must pray not to start a project that will not go well; should also pray against attacks and litigation and must commit his band into the hands of God for unity. I foresee the death of a Juju and highlife musician. Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello) will start a project that will not be successful.

“Laide Bakare should pray against scandal. Bukky Wright will start a very viable project that will not get a good result as expected and she should pray against attacks and accident.

“Oritz Wiliki should pray for his health and finances. Corruption will rock Buhari’s Aides and some of his Minsters. Buhari may not be able to fight corruption as expected and this will create some problems for him.

“More hidden secrets will be exposed and more money will be recovered. The generated electricity megawatts will drop in November and there will be electric power blackout in some states. I foresee that the government will get new plans to generate light. The Federal Ministry of Power will sign a memorandum of understanding with electricity companies outside the country.

“The Commission will face challenges and the effort of the chairman will not be appreciated. The commission will sign a bond of understanding. Magu will be under serious pressure.

“INEC must be careful so that they will not create troubles in our forthcoming general election. I foresee that there may be confusion in INEC and I foresee that some things will be changed in the voting arrangement of 2019.

The post Shocking: How Primate Ayodele Predicted Buhari/Tinubu Fight + Other Scary Prophecies appeared first on CityPeople Magazine Nigeria | Nigerian Celerbrities | Entertainment | Stars.

We hear so many personal goals especially during the first month of the year as people come up with different new-year resolution to help guide and direct their lives to specific focus thus these kind of statements can be seen in most journals; “ I want to lose weight from a dress size of 20 to a dress size of 12”, “ I want to join the gym in order to lose weight” and “ I want to learn a special skill before the end of second quarter” or “Every month from now, I will be spending an average of two weekends at home with my family by re-organizing my work schedule”.

Businesses just like individuals need to have goals to know what direction to take. A business goal is like fuel to an engine as this move the vehicle from one point to another; same way a goalfuels and gives life to a business by moving it from its short term goal to a long term goal.

Business success is not just about having a good bank balance or having a certain number of employees nor about having where to go to every day; you should think about what you want to accomplish and set specific goals no matter how preposterous it seems at first. Therefore, goals must be present and become a regular part of ongoing business operations. They can be reviewed or modified as your priorities change, new ones added, and others disregarded. You can easily break them down to objectives and use milestones to measure level of achievement.

However, business owners in this clime tend not to set business goals as they meander there ways through the different stages of business. When goals are absent in a business, such business tend to stagnate and struggle to achieve anything meaningful.

Just like you would not embark on any journey without knowing where you are going even if you cannot locate the place on your own, you will still be able to tell people your plans to get to your destination. Businesses have also been conditioned to work with that analogy of getting somewhere from a Point A to a Point B through goals setting. This is one of the fulcrums for organizational success irrespective of the business size or structure.

Goals are tools used in focusing and channeling your energy in positive directions.They are also stepping stones to an end result.

Imagine having to shoot an arrow without being given a target to aim at. Where and what would you aim at? If you do decide to aim out of confusion, why would you aim there? And what would the purpose be? Do you get the ideanow.…

Figuring out your business goals is very important and will create a road map for your daily business activities.Your goals can be broken into yearly, quarterly or weekly goals that can now be further broken into the company’s daily activity. Do you know that you can actually review these goals periodically in order to know what you have accomplished so far?

Let us now look at some common tips that are important in goal setting for business.

(1) Put Your Goals on Paper –

The power of a pen and paper cannot be overlooked. Take time to write down all you envision for your business as this has a more powerful effect of getting your attention. It is called the power of visualization. Do not just say I want my business to grow bigger than last year or I want to increase my customer base. Rather go ahead and put a figure to the growth you want e.g grow by N100million or by N50 million; I want to get new customers within the next six months. You need to write down the exact number you want within the time frame and then break it down on a monthly and weekly basis. What would be in place to enable you accomplish this? Once this is noted, you can now work your daily activities around the goals. Remember to be specific as you can be. What the mind cannot visualize, the mind cannot achieve it.

(2) Set Achievable Business Goals-

Set goals that you really believe in. No matter what the business goal is, please ensure that you have a chance towards achieving it as must be realistically set. You cannot come from a business turnover of N20million and want to achieve a N200million turnover in less than two months without having any resources on ground to facilitate this quantum leap. It is good to have faith but faith without work will get you nowhere. This does not necessarily mean you have to know just how you are going to achieve it every step of the way but rather to have the tenacity to hold out and see the goals through during challenging period. Ask any successful business owner and they will tell you they never imagined all the steps that they had to take to get to where they are today.

(3) Create Time and Milestone –

No matter what you want to achieve in your business, be clear and have a defined date to know what time you want to achieve the goals. Do not be ambiguous with the goals without attaching any element of timing to it. Timing will add perspective to it and ensure it is measurable. Is the goal going to be worked upon within a quarter or six months? Milestones help you in moving in the right direction and ensuring that you achieve your goals in the long term. For example, if you were going to increase your customer base by 30% within 6 months, you will need to create a weekly or bi-monthly goal of doing cold calls or calling up prospects every month. These can then be assessed and used as milestones towards the larger goal of increasing your customer base. Plan, act and review your goal.

(4) Monitor and Review –

Find a way of monitoring, assessing and reviewing your business goals on a continuous basis. Create a spreadsheet or other metrics to facilitate this. What are you doing on a daily basis that is working for you, are there things to change and improve on? Reaching your business goals without any form of tracking is quite impossible and can be quite frustrating when you get to change your objectives when you have expended all your energy, effort and resources without reviewing.

(5) Be Flexible with your Goals –

No matter what your business goals are, always be open and disposed to changing your course of direction. Once you start tracking and notice that you are not getting the desired result, you need to adjust your plans when necessary.

Action Plans –

What have you been procrastinating on? What plans do you have for your business? Could you take time to work on a fourth quarter goals.

Enjoy your week., Rita Babalola, Text/watsapp : 08162970699, Mail: beacongate@gmail.com

Website: www.thebeacongate.com.

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If you thought you’ve seen it all after Ghana-must-go inspired clothing became a thing…

This Ghanaian Instagram fashionista, 1Dapper Jayden, is taking things up a notch with this vest he made from a mat.

via 1Dapper Jayden

We’re not playing o! He shared this picture on Instagram, with a caption of how he made the tee-shirt in less than 24 hours.

via 1Dapper Jayden

Just see the ropes. For lazy people like us, all you need to do is lie down on the floor and sleep till eternity.

via 1Dapper Jayden

You can even sleep comfortably in class…

via 1Dapper Jayden

… Or in traffic.

via 1Dapper Jayden

And in church sef (we’re not teaching you bad things o!)

via 1Dapper Jayden

…During that boring meeting at work.

You can kuku form fashion icon in it if you want. What do you think of this interesting shirt? Would you rock it? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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Credit: Maryam || Zikoko

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Against the report, as contained in the biography of President Muhammadu Buhari titled: “Muhammadu Buhari: Challenges of Leadership”, that he chose Osinbajo above Tinubu and his successor at the Lagos State House, Babatunde Fashola, facts has revealed that Asiwaju turned down Buhari’s offer to be his running mate. The APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on December 17, 2014, issued a statement turning down the offer.

“It is against this backdrop that I assess any action I take. Here I come to my name being placed in consideration as the Vice Presidential candidate for our party, the APC.  I have laboured hard to move this party from being merely an idea in the minds of a few into being a political organisation that might win this election and govern the nation in a way that gives the people the hope and opportunity they seek. Nothing is more important to me than to realise this dream not for myself but for the people of this land I so love. “I helped to build this party, giving no thought to seeking an elected office because of it. My contribution to the party was never based on the expectation of a later political handout. Nigeria is in trouble and we are well past the moment for such narrow, selfish games.

 “There came a time during the course of the events when our Presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari offered the Vice Presidential slot to me.  Being a normal human being, I was deeply moved and honoured that he would consider me for the position. Being a patriot, I had to weigh my potential candidacy in all of its dimensions.

“I have concluded that the interest of the party, our campaign and of the nation are better served if I retain my position as the National leader of the APC, allowing me to be a bridge builder across all divides.  Although I declined the position, I want to thank Gen. Buhari for extending the honour to me. Despite all the noise and opposition around my possible selection, he stood firm and steadfast. He showed the traits of a leader in holding to a decision he believed was right despite the errant plots against it,” Bola Tinubu said.

A retired general, Iliyasu Ibrahim, has also faulted a report that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo became President Muhamamdu Buhari’s running mate despite pressure against it by former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Ibrahim, in a statement published in The Nation newspaper said the portion in the book by Professor John Padden on President Buhari, titled: “Muhammadu Buhari: Challenges of Leadership”, was wrong.

“I became disturbed about this falsification of recent history. Why would the author say this and have it published when many of us know the truth? The truth is that Tinubu singlehandedly chose Yemi Osinbajo and sent the name to President Buhari. There was no pressure. Tinubu is Osinbajo’s political mentor. The latter was his attorney-general and commissioner for Justice in Lagos and both have a close relationship.

 “My worry stretched further when I recall the recent piece by Femi Fani-Kayode on Tinubu and his huge contributions to the APC and how he is now being short-changed. Though I do not agree with all the claims made by Femi Fani-Kayode, I am convinced he made some reasonable arguments and his summation about Tinubu’s role in the current political dispensation can hardly be faulted. In some areas, he went overboard and you could see him gloating, the PDP apologist that he is. Also, the mention of Governor Ajimobi as one of the governors working against Tinubu is a fallacy and here he got his facts wrong. Ajimobi has remained consistently behind Tinubu and that is easily verifiable. “But back to the emergence of Osinbajo as Vice Presidential candidate. I was there the night before the final decision and subsequent announcement.

I was there at the Lagos Lodge Annex in Asokoro, Abuja at Tinubu’s place. On the night in reference, Asiwaju insisted that three names would not be sent for the VP slot. He maintained that only one name would be sent. Eventually, the name of Osinbajo was sent to President Buhari. There was no issue of pressure.  “Osinbajo was Tinubu’s man and that was the only person Tinubu was willing to accept to cede the VP slot. Shortly after Governor Amosun came around to the Lagos lodge. He came in and we greeted. Now, it seems clear that some fifth columnists are trying to distort recent history and we should not let them. This history is too recent to be mutilated,” he said.

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A group of protesters known as Citizen Action to Take Back Nigeria (TBN) stormed the national assembly today to demand an end to “illegal” allowances termed as “running cost” received by lawmakers.

The protesters, who have been camping out at the national assembly for two days running, said the only reason Nigerians are suffering is that “we are cowards in our own country”.

They lamented that while the lawmakers were collecting huge allowances in the name of “running costs”, children were dying of hunger in the north east due to the brewing humanitarian crisis.

Protesters 2

“Citizens are demanding that senators should stop stealing through the running cost; they should terminate the running cost. They collect this and citizens are dying,” Ibrahim Garba said on behalf of the group.

“We are suffering because we are cowards in our own country. We are here to take back the national assembly. That is why we are here. We are not for the fun of it but because we are representing Nigerians.

“When you try to manipulate the budget… you put N7.2 billion in your constituency then say it’s lobby. What kind of lobby is that?

“We are frustrated because students have no classes, teachers don’t have no teaching aides but senators are being paid their allowances. Children are dying in the north east.protester

“Their convoy alone can build factories. Running cost is ruining our lives. EFCC, ICPC and the police should arrest them, they should consider the citizens, we need children to go back to school.”

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has decided to withdraw the charge of criminal conspiracy leveled against Senate President Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

It was gathered that an affidavit in support of the motion was filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday by a litigation officer from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Odubu Loveme, Premium Times is reporting.

Saraki and Ekweremadu, as well as a former Clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, and a former Deputy clerk, Ben Efeturi, were first arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu on June 10, 2016 via charge No. CR/219/16.

They all pleaded not guilty on July 27, 2016.

In the motion filed Thursday, Mr. Loveme said counsel to the Federal Government on the matter, Aliyu Umar, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, on September 30 in the office of the Director of Public Prosecution told him that he had studied the case diary and “had decided to amend the charge in the manner stated on the face of the motion paper”.

Mr. Loveme added that he has, consequently, filed an amended charge.

“That I depose to this affidavit in good faith believing same to be correct to the best of my knowledge and in accordance with the Oaths Act Cap 01 laws of the Federation of Nigeria,” he said.

Based on the amended charge, only Maikasuwa and Efeturi would face prosecution.

Count 1 of the charge against the two civil servants is that of Criminal Conspiracy, punishable under section 97 (1) Penal Code Act ( Northern States) Federation Provisions Act, 1960, Cap 345, laws of the Federation 1990 as amended.

It read that “Salisu Maikasuwa and Benedict Efeturi, on or about the 9th day of June 2015 at the National Assembly Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court agreed to do an illegal act, to wit to make the Senate Standing Orders 2015 as amended without the authority of the 7th Senate of the Federal republic of Nigeria which act was committed by yourselves and that you thereby committed the offence of criminal conspiracy.”

The two officials are accused of fraudulently amending the 2015 Senate Standing Orders without the authority of the 7th Senate “with intention that the Senators elect of the 8th Senate would believe that the said Senate Standing Orders 2015 ( as amended) was made by the authority of the 7th Senate of the Federal republic of Nigeria.”

They are also accused of forging a document punishable under section 366 of the Penal Code Act ( Northern States) Federal Provisions Act, 1960, Cap 345, Laws of the Federation 1990 ( as amended).

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The NYSC Coordinator in the state, Mohammed Momoh, has disclosed that eight Corps members deployed to Kaduna State under the Batch B 2015 of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are to repeat their service year in the state.

He made the disclosure in Kaduna today at the passing out of the 2, 837 members of the batch. Mr. Momoh said the eight corps members absconded immediately after their orientation last year.

He also said 15 other corps members had their service years extended for violating rules and regulations of the corps.

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The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has blamed failure of the immediate past government to provide equipment and supplies to the military for the spread of Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East

He made the statement on Thursday at the graduation of Cadets of 63rd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.

Osinbajo, who was the special guest at the graduation, said that the failure resulted to the death of over 20, 000 people with over two million displaced and more than 75, 000 children orphaned.

He expressed regret that several billions of dollars meant for procurement of arms and ammunition to prosecute the war were cornered by few persons.

“This has left the region with one of the worst humanitarian crisis,’’ he added.

The VP commended the military for defeating the terrorists and for the sacrifices it made to defend the nation.

‪He said that the fastest way for Nigeria to get out of the current recession was for militant groups in the Niger Delta to stop bombing oil pipelines.

He said that the activities of the militants had adversely affected crude oil output which had dropped from 2.2 million barrels per day to below 1 million barrels per day.

‪Osinbajo said the destruction had also affected the revenue accruing to the country by 60 per cent.

While comparing the 2008/2009 recession in United States with Nigeria’s, the VP said Nigeria’s recession was caused by massive corruption, lack of saving and destruction of oil pipelines.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 133 cadets, including 17 female cadets, were for the first time awarded first degree certificates in various discipline at the occasion.

One hundred and twenty-seven (127) cadets were awarded master’s degree while 14 cadets bagged doctorate degree.

Three prominent Nigerians, Prof. Grace Alele-Willaims, former Vice Chancellor, Uniben; Maj.-Gen. Paul Tarfa (rtd), ex-military Administrator of Old Oyo state and business mongul, Dr Innocent Chukwuma, were conferred with honorary doctorate degree.

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Popular singer 2Face Idibia led an eight-man delegation to Sokoto, in the north-west of Nigeria on a two-day peace campaign.

2Face, his wife, Annie Idibia, Sound Sultan, Efe Omorogbe and others led a campaign against religious intolerance in northern Nigeria.

The group visited Sokoto state for a Peace Campaign organised by 2face Idibia foundation (A Million Voices For Peace) in collaboration with Voices Of Peace from the Sahara and the Justice, Development & Peace Commission (JDPC), Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.

This comes weeks after his conferment as Peace Ambassador for the Ooni of Ife’s Newest peace project.

The ‘Officially blind’ singer visited Vision FM for a brief chat with the media then proceeded to visit the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah with his delegation.

He also met with both Christians and Muslims living in Sokoto. He spoke to an excited crowd on the many virtues of maintaining peace in the state especially through peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.

In addition to his peace talks, 2Face also promised to support the fight against Polio in the state after being decorated by Polio activist, Onyinye Ralp.

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Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has described the current tirade against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as a grand conspiracy and crude attempt to humiliate and reduce the political influence of the national leader of All Progressive Congress. Condemning the attack on Tinubu, Fayose said “humiliation of Tinubu is as good as humiliation of the Yoruba race,” adding that “Yoruba leaders must be protected”. Fayose

The governor said; “even though I am not a member of APC and I will never be, I was elected to stand in defence of the Yoruba nation once again I say no to the continuous dishonourable treatment being meted to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, having paid his dues.” Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose, said; “if Tinubu is allowed to be embarrassed and disgraced just the way our past leaders were humiliated by these same elements, the Yoruba nation would have been made to suffer for uprightness.”

The governor condemned the Tuesday, sponsored protest against the APC leader at the party’s national secretariat, saying; “it is unfortunate that Tinubu is now being vilified in a party he invested heavily in and his fellow kinsmen that he brought up politically are part of this conspiracy. “In their desperation, they have even tried to set him against the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, by insinuating that tried to prevent his (Osinbajo) emergence as President Mohammadu Buhari’s running mate, this is sad!” He lamented that “when other tribes protect its own, it is becoming historically common among the Yorubas to allow themselves to be used against their leaders just for momentary political gains at the expense of the collective interests of the Yoruba nation. “It should be noted that late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was sent to jail by the conspiracy and collaboration of some Yorubas with the external aggressors.”

 Governor Fayose said; “Tinubu is a prominent stakeholder, we should not sit back and watch while those he used his own sweat to make conspired with others to humiliate him. “Most importantly, it is my position that irrespective of political affiliation, no leader of the Yoruba nation must be vilified unduly, especially by the same people who humiliated our past leaders like Obafemi Awolowo, Adekunle Ajasin, Bola Ige, Bisi Onabanjo, Lateef Jakande and others. “To me, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu should not be seen just as an APC leader, but acknowledged as a major stakeholder in the Yoruba nation that we must all protect beyond politics. ”

It should be recalled that these were among the issues that I raised when I visited Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State few months ago on the need to work together beyond party affiliations. “Here in Yorubaland, it is said that if a household is at peace, it is because the bastard child of the family is yet to attain the age of maturity and those people that Asiwaju Tinubu made, but are now being used against him should watch it.

“I therefore condemn this conspiracy against Asiwaju Tinubu and I admonish those that are hoping to make political benefits from it to have a rethink.” The governor, who called for greater unity among the Yorubas, added that; “We are first Yorubas before becoming members of political parties, it is my opinion that our le

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The National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) has adopted a strategic plan to ensure total elimination of malaria in Nigeria by 2020.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that malaria is a tropical disease that kills millions of Nigerians every year.

A top official of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Perpetua Uhomoibhi, made the disclosure at a forum with health correspondents in Lagos on Friday.

She spoke on “Media Health Editors as Advocates to Malaria Elimination in Nigeria’’.

Uhomoibhi, who is the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation of NMEP in the ministry, said the strategic plan was now focusing on reducing the malaria burden drastically.

“ Our national elimination programme strategic plan now is focusing on bringing the malaria burden to pre-elimination level by 2020 and reducing the malaria death to zero by the year 2020.

She said that NMEP would collaborate with the media to ensure that effective information and actions required to eliminate malaria got to Nigerians.

Uhomoibhi represented the National Coordinator of NMEP, Dr Audu Mohammed.

She said that it was necessary for the media to be equipped with adequate information on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria.

According to her, it is also important for the media to be aware of current policies, community mobilisation and partners’ involvement in malaria elimination.

“Globally, there has been a gradual decrease in both the morbidity and mortality from malaria.

“Similarly in Nigeria, we have also been able to achieve a lot to reduce the national malaria prevalence from 42 percent in the survey we did in 2010 to 27 percent in 2017.

“That is a significant decrease and our plan is to bring it to less than five percent by the year 2020, which is the pre-elimination level,’’

Uhomoibhi said that there had also been some modifications within the malaria elimination programme.

“Within the NMEP and the ministry, there is a policy shift in that the recommended drug for the treatment of malaria is now the combination therapy.

“We no longer use the monotherapy, which is only one drug treatment for malaria, due to resistance.

“The National Council on Health has banned the use of monotherapy for the treatment of malaria.

“So, we have shifted to Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies; you must use artemisinin and another drug for the treatment of malaria that is the shift from what was obtained in the past.

“What the programme is doing in collaboration with the malaria partnership, the roll-back malaria partnership in Nigeria is that they are bringing out different interventions.

“These interventions are in terms of prevention, case management and other cross-cutting issues such as advocacy, monitoring and social mobilisation,’’ she said.

The Managing Director of the Society for Family Health, Mr Bright Ekweremadu, said: “we acknowledge the profound power of the media.

“We had always partnered as well as worked with and through the media to reach the teeming population of vulnerable Nigerians in far-flung places.

“Media editors as important gatekeepers are key to information dissemination everywhere in the world.

“It is our belief, however, that the media need to be equipped with the right and correct information, particularly in health-related areas to be able to provide such information.’’

He said: “malaria control interventions have evolved over the years and there had been a lot of laudable strides made in the campaign for its prevention, appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

“However, not all Nigerians are sufficiently aware of these developments and there still exists a huge information gap in appropriate knowledge about diagnosis, treatment and prevention of malaria.

“We require the media to take the lead in providing investigated and researched evidence of the efficacy of recommended malaria prevention strategies,’’ he stated.

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