TELL – Nigeria's Independent Weekly

Man Who Killed 4 Kids, Hangs Self, Sets House Ablaze

Residents of Alesa, Eleme, the host community of two of Nigeria’s petroleum refineries near Port Harcourt, woke up on Tuesday to discover that one Patrick Archibong, alias Badoo, a carpenter had hanged himself after allegedly killing all his children – three daughters and son – and setting his apartment ablaze.

Neighbours said the wife of the man had escaped from the house after a heated quarrel with him the night before the tragedy. Nobody could say what the motive of the killings and suicide was. The corpses were taken away by the police, who also took custody of the wife of the man.

TELL found pieces of bread on a disused paint container during a visit to the scene of the incident. The rope with which Patrick allegedly hanged himself in front of the toilet and the plastic chair he allegedly stood on were still there.

The man hailed from Ugep in Cross River State while his wife, a petty trader at the Refinery Junction was Igbo. Neighbours said they came to live at the place with three children and had the last one, a boy, in their one room apartment last year.

No suicide note was found as the entire belongings in the house were completely burnt. But a writing just by the door post said, “We are Jehovah Witnesses. Satan, I kill you.”

The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident and said investigations were still on.

“The motive cannot be established because the accused is not alive. After killing the children, he hanged himself. We have evacuated the five corpses and they are in the mortuary. We are yet to establish contact with his wife,” the PPRO said.

Pastor Rape Church Member’s Twin Daughters

An Assistant Pastor of the Anointed Chosen Vessel Ministry, Okota, Lagos, whose name was given as Mike Olise, 54, has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly defiling 12-year-old twin daughters of a church member and close friend.
Oliseh who is married and has four children also lives in the same compound with the parents of the victims in Ago Palaceway in Okota.
Narrating how it all started, one of the daughters said Oliseh threatened to withdraw the support he was giving to their family if she refused to sleep with him.
The first victim said that while her father was fast asleep, the suspect defiled her. She said he threatened to withdraw support to the family if she told anyone about the incident, adding that she could not say the number of times that he had raped her.
“He started it last year. He used to come to sleep in our house. He said there was heat in his apartment. So, while my twin sister and I would sleep on the floor, he used to sleep on the bed with my father. While my dad slept, he would come to the floor and sleep with me. He has done it many times.
“He put his male reproductive organ in my private parts. He threatened that if I told my father, he would not take him to work again. He and my father eat and work together and they both sleep on the same bed.”
The victims’ mother said Oliseh was pulling off her daughter’s pants when an elderly woman saw him.
She said, “On that Thursday, my daughter did not go to school; she was alone in the compound. Mike came and chased her. The girl ran into the backyard to hide. He went there and started pulling her pants; the girl shouted.
She also narrated that when the elderly woman in the compound saw the accused, “Mike quickly brought out a phone and pretended to be speaking to my husband on the telephone.
“He said he wanted to give my daughter something, but she was not ready to collect it. He then put his phone in his pocket and left.
“The woman, who observed that he did not dial any number on the phone before putting it to his ear, called my husband to ask the children what his friend had been doing to them. That was how the secret was blown open.
“He slept with my first daughter regularly, but had only succeeded in inserting his fingers into the private parts of my second daughter,” the mother said.
Chike Oti, the state police command spokesperson, while confirming the incident, said the accused would be arraigned at the conclusion of investigation.

Herbalist in Police Net Over Money Ritual

TheOsun State Command of the Nigerian Police has paraded a herbalist whose namewas given as Amos Sulaimon in Osogbo, the state capital alongside his client, Supo Bamidele for being in possession of human parts.

The herbalist who lives in Osogbo claimed that he told his client to bring a human head and wrists in order to discourage him from engaging in money ritual.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Fimihan Adeoye who briefed Journalists said that Bamidele was caught with a severed head and wrist in Ile-Ife, and upon his arrest, he told the police that his herbalist asked him to bring the human parts for ritual.

But Sulaimon who admitted being an Ile-Ife based herbalist said, “Bamidele had been coming to me to seek spiritual assistance. I inherited this job from my father and we don’t engage in money rituals. I don’t do evil nor engage in money rituals.”

The herbalist further claimed that in the last four months, Bamidele had been botheringhim for spiritual assistance, “because he claimed that his business was notdoing well and that he wanted a charm that could improve his fortunes.”

Responding to questions from Journalists, Bamidele, who sells planks, said he resorted to fortune-changing charms because he was not doing well in the business. He addedthat his wife and children had left him because he could not provide theirneeds.

Besides, Bamidele also claimed that he exhumed a corpse at a burial ground in the Onikooko area of Ile-Ife, severed the head and wrist, and headed for the residence of the herbalist.

“Iwas, however, caught inside a tricycle that I took while going to myherbalist’s house. I didn’t know any of the people buried in the cemetery; I just went there and took the parts that I needed,” he claimed.

Veronica Otigbo-Ekpei: The Lady Who Uses WoodWork to Express Herself

It is often said that what a man can do, a woman can do, sometimes even better! This has been proven by Veronica Otigbo-Ekpei as she transforms woods into beautiful pieces of art. Her art works are created from woods, fiberglass, painting, metal but she categorises her works into three – wood carving, button arts, and found objects.

“My sculptural works speak volumes about my thoughts and feelings from the sketches to the finished work. It gives me joy and satisfaction seeing wood in its rough and shapeless form being transformed into an unbelievable object to communicate,” she says.

Otigbo-Ekpei, who holds a Masters degree from the University of Lagos, says she is inspired by God and things she sees around. Also, an artist who was of great influence on her is the late Bisi Fakeye.

An example is the ‘AIDS Is Real’ campaign, which was her personal experience at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH. There, she came across a patient suffering from AIDS. She sees things that are positively, negatively. And also things that are beautiful and ugly.

For wood carving she gets her wood from Abeokuta in Ogun State and the images are drawn out on paper or on the wood before she carves out, using flat and C gulge instruments. For her button works she sources them locally from Lagos Island. The essence of her going to the Island is for her to get varieties to experiment on and so far, it has been coming out well. She also works with found objects which are in wood form. Then she transforms them into something beautiful.

Otigbo-Ekpei has done so many exhibitions in Nigeria which includes: Dialogue Across Time, Museum, Onikan Lagos 1991, Wood’s Worth Didi Museum, Victoria Island, Lagos 1993, Thought and Symbols Alliance Franchise French Cultural Center, Ikoyi, Lagos 2002, Back in Time, National Museum, Onikan, Lagos. Her works included:

1) Africa Lady, button art (2013)

2) AIDS Is Real (2006)

3) Behind a Successful Man, wood art (2013)

4) Displaced Mother, wood art (2001)

5) Edo Bride, wood art (2012)

6) Flower Button Art (2013)

7) Mother and Child Wood Art (1992)

8) Out of Waste Something Beautiful (2013)

9) Shoe Maker Wood Art (2012)

10) Food is Ready (2013).

The most challenging part of her vocation are high cost of materials, transportation, epileptic power supply, getting buyers for her works after production as well as art works not being appreciated to the level where an average Nigerian will ask their children to study art. She uses social media channels like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, the galleries, art auctions, private collectors and friends to promote her works. So far, her most valuable artistic project has been a 30ft fiberglass sculpture, titled, Igunuko masquerade – an outdoor art work mounted at Igunuko Bus Stop in Bariga, Lagos. But she has no fixed price for her works.

Otigbo-Ekpei drawings are expressions of what goes on around her including the good, the bad and the ugly. In terms of environment, her first wood work was a fish carved at the National Studio Iganmu. She has also done five solo exhibitions and several group exhibitions.

Born November 25, 1966, Otigbo-Ekpei hails from Edo State. She attended the Lagos State College of Education, Ijanikin before pursuing a Masters degree at the University of Lagos. offered by Mess Strings Acapella and Great Brass Players.

Volunteer for Good Works, Cleric Tells Nigerians

Nigerians have been called upon to revive the dying spirit ofvolunteering for good works in order to make progress. The call was made by theBishop of Lagos Mainland, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Rtd.Prof. Adebayo Dada Akide, at the official launch of ‘Who Art Thou’, a bookauthored by Rev. Canon Tony Ajero; and public presentation of his

volunteerinitiative for youths named ‘Volunteers for Life’ at the Nigerian Institute ofInternational Affairs, NIIA, Victoria Island, Lagos last Friday.

Rev. Akide, who was chairman of the occasion outlined the benefits of volunteering and giving without expecting returns. He said, “We are blessed, while blessing others.” While urging Nigerians to commit to volunteerism as a means of helping the nation despite the turbulent times the country is currently facing, the clergyman lamented the changing times where people are no longer as helpful as they used to be.

“Our youths should be made to understand that the essence oflife is not how much is acquired, but how much impact one has made in thesociety, even in one’s family.” He further eulogized Rev.Canon Ajero for his decision to create an initiative that is dedicated tohelping the youths become better individuals in the society. He described Canon Ajero’s works as “an alternative to the madness of the Nigerian society,where everyone is trying to grab without caring for our societal needs.” He describedhim as “a cheerful, loyal and dependable servant of God, who we deserve to keepthanking God for, because he is a good gift from God.”

While reading an extract from the book, ‘A Letter to Daughter Di’, Ajero explained that the contents of the book are writings from his diary during his nine weeks stay in school when he went back at the age of 51. He said, during this period he spent time with young people learning and understanding how they think and what they really want. He also explained that he has been made to understand that youths do not obey through instructions but through deep conversations.

The extract, which had a repetition of the phrase ‘was it worth it?’ was a diary account of his experience with a lady called Morufa, who came to the church for help with her mother; who the church cared and catered for while she was suffering from mouth cancer, but who eventually died, yet, through their humanitarian work, the mother was converted.

Rev. Canon Ajero explained that the problem facing Nigeria can only be solved if the gospel is rightly and accurately preached; and that helping others is one of the key constituents of the gospel. He further stated that the reason for the focus on the youth is to build character because character building comes before any other thing.

While unveiling the ‘Volunteers for Life’ initiative, Rev. Ajero described volunteerism as an act of devoting time and energy for the benefit of the people of the community and seeing it as a social responsibility rather than a platform for financial reward. He also said that contrary to the popular perception about volunteerism being about losing money through giving, a volunteer benefits more. He said that there are different groups all over the world that support volunteerism, and one can join any in other to be useful to the society.

“Volunteers get more job opportunities than those that have never done any humanitarian work, because they know you have an experience in caring for others. Do what you can with what you have where you are,” he admonished the youths.

While speaking to TELL magazine after the event, Rev. Canon Ajero gave further reasons for the initiative. He said, “The level of frustration in young people has never been like this and the examples they see around are negative. The young person sees life as such negativity around them, but we are saying no! We want them to make impact and change the life of members of their society and even the whole generation. Boys Brigade helped me in terms of training and discipline, so I want to give that back by training our young people and instilling discipline in that aspect.”

But what are his expectations? Rev. Canon Ajero said he hopes every undergraduate can understand what volunteering is all about and gets involved. He also said, “Any skill you are good at, we help youths to teach others, and we do that by using it to teach them life values. We believe if we can help youths impact others positively, that would change the society.”

The event was well attended by religious leaders, educationists, scholars, and youths. Among the dignitaries were Prof, Abimbola Ozuoma, Akin Opeodu and his wife, Kemi; Ven. Dr. Emeka Onwapa, Administrative Assistant to the Bishop of the Lagos Diocese; Venerable Chukwuemeka Nwagbo, Rev. Ekenemadu, Prof. Oduwole, Prof. & Prof. (Mrs.) Jaja, Mr. & Mrs. Awobiyi and other prominent figures.

The event was anchored by Cool FM presenter and talk show host, JJ, who added colour to the programme. There was also, spoken word rendition by Emeka and Nonso, as well as classical music interludes offered by Mess Strings Acapella and Great Brass Players.

Iyalode Ibadan for Burial

Ibadan , the capital of Oyo State will pay the last respect to Alhaja Aminat Abiodun today Sunday December 9,2018. She will be buried at 4:00 pm, according to family sources.

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94-year-old Abiodun died on Saturday, December 8, 2018. She was the only female member of the eleven member Olubadan-in-council.

In a tribute by Chief Adeniyi Akintola, SAN and a foremost aspirant for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC she was described as “a woman of substance with high sense of community values.” Akintola added that she spoke truth to power . According to him, “she was not a sycophant , political jobber or charlatan who lives on government of the day.”

She was installed 13th iyalode of Ibadan in 2007. [/expander_maker]

Delta Govt Upbeat as Asaba Airport Records First International Flight

After about forty-two months that it was downgraded by the Federal Ministry of Aviation over safety and security concerns, the Asaba International Airport recently recorded its first international flight, an indication that it is set to be an active player in the competitive aviation industry thus fulfilling the purpose for which it was built
The Delta State government is in an upbeat mood. The source of its ecstasy is the epochal first international flight recorded at the Asaba International Airport November 18, 2018. Initiated, constructed and made operational by the immediate past administration of Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the dream of making the airport operate international flights under his watch became a nightmare in the dying days of his administration when the sledgehammer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, fell on it over safety and security issues which had earlier been raised but could not be resolved early enough. Built as a key infrastructure to drive its Delta Beyond Oil economic diversification initiative, the airport, until the April 27, 2015 sanction by FAAN, had enjoyed huge patronage by local airlines which found the Asaba route lucrative from various parts of the country. The enormity of structural works to be done within the limited time available to him had left Uduaghan hamstrung hence the inevitability of leaving it for the incoming administration of Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, fellow medical doctor, to deal with. Good enough, it is one inherited infrastructure which vision the incumbent governor shared and had remained committed to its full actualization.
Sometime in 2016, the governor had noted that “the Asaba airport project was very dear to the heart of the former governor as he decided to give a befitting airport to the state capital. He did not bother about the Warri Airport that is situated in his senatorial district; but as a statesman and a man with his eyes on history and posterity, showcased unexampled commitment to the building and maintenance of the airport to attract investments and reap the economic windfall.”
Announcing the downgrade of the airport on behalf of the then minister of aviation, Osita Chidoka, an assistant director, press and public affairs in the ministry, James Odaudu, said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority had raised several safety concerns over undulations on the airport’s runway, the lack of required strip, perimeter fencing, drainage, as well as lack of adequately trained technical personnel. Odaudu said the decision was taken since no concrete steps had been taken to address the issues which could compromise the safety of flight operations and the passengers.
According to the statement, “It has, therefore, become a matter of serious concern that despite a series of meetings with, and assurances given by the operators of the airport, nothing was done”. Odaudu further noted that the Federal Government had also drawn the attention of the state government to the fact that “it has, through its inability to address the issues, violated compliance with safety standards. Safety standard as stipulated in the Nig. CARs Part 12.6.2 and 12.6.3 in respect of the airport runway and its associated facilities, as well as adequately trained personnel, were violated”.

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The federal government explained that the downgrade was done in the public interest “because the Federal Government places a very high premium on the safety and security of aviation passengers and would never compromise set standards for whatever reason”. The implication of the downgrade, the aviation ministry further explained, was that the airport would accommodate the operation of only Dash 8-Q 400 aircraft or its equivalent until all the safety issues were addressed. It assured that “the airport would revert to its previous status as soon as all the safety concerns are adequately and satisfactorily addressed”. Amos Agbe Utuama, senior advocate of Nigeria, and erstwhile deputy governor whose office oversaw the airport project regretted the ugly development. He was however comforted that the airport was functional. Utuama, in his last interview with the magazine, expected that “the existing uncompleted aspect of it will be completed as soon as possible so that it will really assume its international nature… So, one would say that yes, we are nearly there because the facilities are on ground. So, all we need to do are those little things that we should put in place like the rehabilitation of the runway; that is the major one so that the airport can assume its international status”.
The November 18 maiden international flight to the airport from South Africa was, therefore, cheering news and a confirmation that the Asaba International Airport has regained its hitherto lost status. It was also salutary of the sincere effort of the incumbent government to have successfully addressed the safety and security issues raised by the aviation ministry. For Okowa, it was, therefore, a celebration of a sense of accomplishment that the airport could now operate international flights. Not a few political observers have also lauded the governor’s spirit of continuity in completing what was bequeathed to him by his predecessor. Savouring the joy of the occasion as he received the Super Eagles from South Africa after qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against the country’s Bafana Bafana, Okowa, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Tam Brisibe, stated that “this is momentous bearing in mind that the flight successfully took the Super Eagles to South Africa and came back without hitches.”
According to the governor, “It is more gratifying to note that the Super Eagles trained at the Stephen Keshi Stadium before leaving for South Africa through the Asaba Airport. They went to South Africa and qualified for Cameroon 2019. The principal thing was qualifying for Cameroon and by God’s grace, we have qualified for AFCON; we congratulate the Super Eagles for making Nigeria proud”. An equally proud president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick said he was excited that FIFA had approved the Stephen Keshi Stadium for international football championship, adding that it was a thing of pride for the Super Eagles to travel through the Asaba International Airport. “When it was announced yesterday (Saturday) that we are boarding and flying to Asaba, it gave me great joy. It shows that God rules supreme in Delta State; we have qualified for AFCON and we are going to Cameroon to make great impact” Amaju said. Special Project Director, Asaba International Airport, Austin Ayemedejor, said: “I feel excited, we give God the glory for using the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to achieve this great feat”. Ayemedejor who was appointed by Uduaghan and retained by Okowa noted that “what is more important is that we have been upgraded to Category C airport, which allows bigger aircraft to land.”
The successful upgrade, however, came at great cost. The airport had to be shut to traffic for five weeks sometime this year with the consequent loss of revenue, to enable the new contractor handling the project put finishing touches to the runway and other aspects of the project like the provision of some vital technical facilities such as the Voice Communication System (VCS), the Automatic Weather Observation System. ULO Consultants, the original construction company which built the airport, had to be disengaged allegedly due to its slow pace of remedial work, and the contract re-awarded to another indigenous contractor – Setraco Nigeria Limited in December 2017. Even within a short space of time of being certified safe for operations by the approving authorities, business is already looking good for the Asaba International Airport. Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has decided to make the airport its operational hub where it can quickly build its maintenance hangers, according to the state governor.
Giving account of his stewardship while presenting the 2019 budget proposal to the state House of Assembly October 17, 2018, Okowa informed the lawmakers that “we have made considerable progress in our quest to make Asaba Airport an international gateway. Following the successful completion of the runway rehabilitation work, the airport has been approved and upgraded to a Category C Airport to receive and dispatch large aircraft, by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority”. According to him, “Nigeria’s premier carrier, Air Peace Airline resumed daily scheduled flight operations in and out of Asaba Airport on Monday, 8th October 2018.”
But before Air Peace, there were other airlines. July 13, 2011, was particularly historic and vindicating of the genuineness of the airport project. Hitherto, critics and political opponents had taunted Uduaghan that the so-called Asaba airport was a big scam or a white elephant project. It was, therefore, a dream come true when on July 13, 2011, the first commercial flight from Abuja landed at the Asaba International Airport at exactly 12.17 pm. The 48-seater Overland Airways plane with registration number 5N-BND had 20 passengers on board, including the then governor who needed to prove a point that the airport was indeed a reality and was safe. It was, therefore, a most fulfilling moment for him as he stepped out of the aircraft to address waiting journalists aboard the flight. His simple response was that “the flight was smooth and pleasant”. He thanked God “for a dream that has manifested into concrete reality”. To his critics, he said “I welcome criticism at any time. In fact, my administration is open and ready to listen to criticism provided such criticisms are constructive and aimed at moving the state forward”. Even then, some doubting Thomases were still not convinced. They accused him of pulling a stunt to deceive the people about the delivery of the airport by bringing in a “toy” aircraft.
But that was not the first time an aircraft would be landing at the airport. On Thursday, March 24 and Friday, March 25, 2011, there had been a test-run by the airline. The first flight by Overland Airways took off from Abuja at about 1.15 pm and landed at the airport at about 2 pm after flying over adjoining towns of Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku and Okpanam to announce its presence in the state’s airspace so to speak. Gilbert Sampa, who made history as the first pilot to fly through Delta’s airspace to land in the new airport which he acknowledged as being of international standard, said he was delighted to be part of the history-making flight. And the following day, the second aircraft, a France Air passenger Lear Jet, piloted by Ekstrand Rolf, landed at the airport around 9 am. The plane was said to have had on board a famous Nigerian music artiste, Wande Coal who entertained an impressive crowd which had gathered to witness the making of history.
For several months since its first commercial flight into Asaba Airport, Overland Airways enjoyed the monopoly of flight operations at the airport. Arik Airline, however, came in a few months later to break the monopoly. It, however, took Aero Contractors about three years to break into the market. Arik airline commenced full commercial flights to the airport Friday, September 2, 2011, with maiden flights from Lagos to Asaba and Asaba to Abuja. A latecomer into the airport, the Aero Contractors made its first flight to Asaba International Airport Monday, April 7, 2014. The airline which had been circumspect in commencing operations at the airport evidently because of unfavourable comments by political detractors, eventually took the bold step after it had taken its time to research into the viability of the airport.
Indeed, for the few years, it was in operation before his exit, the Asaba International Airport was a major driver of Uduaghan’s Delta beyond Oil Initiative, raking in huge revenues from taxes and other operations in and around the airport. The then government foresaw in the airport a massive potential for being a money-spinner for the government, and huge investment opportunities for the people. In the last three years of the previous administration, passenger traffic in the airport had been enormous. The state capital became a destination of choice for conferences by professional associations, annual general meetings, summits and workshops thereby attracting a lot of patronage to the airport. Ayemidejor confirmed at the time that “patronage had been most encouraging”. According to him, “there had been no lull in business at the airport with the potential of passenger traffic getting higher; and you know how that translates into extra revenue for the government”.
Reacting to the restored status of the airport and its historic international flight, an elated Uduaghan said it is “a dream come true for all of us in Delta State to witness the first international flight at the Asaba International Airport”. Speaking on behalf of the former governor, Monoyo Edon, his media assistant, said gave kudos should be given to “the visionary Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, who, against all odds, including opposition from certain leaders, built such a landmark Infrastructure in the state capital”. Edon recalled with glee how before the painful setback, “Arik Airline had landed Boeing 737 planes at the airport consistently twice a day for almost three years”, noting that “there is no one making noise today that did not go through that airport in the big Arik planes”. According to him, some past and current presidents and Vice Presidents passed through the airport during that period and had good testimonies. “Many captains of industries and top business executives also did. Bodies such as Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Guild of Editors, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and others had no inhibitions in scheduling their annual conferences for Asaba because of the availability of an airport, and the state-of-the-art conference centre. They all went back with good memories and testimonies”. While regrettably admitting that there were challenges with the runway and one or two things which needed to be provided as noticed by the NCAA in its third year of operations, Edon posited that contract for the remedial work was awarded by the Uduaghan administration before the end of its tenure, stressing that it was this contract and some of the finishing touches that were needed that the Okowa administration completed. Edon is convinced that “the economic benefits of the airport shall surely drown the views and sentiments of purely partisan people”, stressing that “history and posterity beckon on Uduaghan and the Asaba Airport”.
Be that as it may, like its executor, the Okowa administration is as determined to make Asaba International Airport the pride of the state and the goldmine it was intended to be. His plan for the airport is to concession it. The governor told the legislature recently that work on the concession plan for the airport had reached an advanced stage. Okowa expressed confidence that “the concession will ensure that we realise our objective of turning the airport into a mega commercial and travel hub in this part of the country in record time in order to boost our economy and create more jobs for our people”. He said the government had received strong interests from both local and international investors in the concession exercise “and we expect the airport to be fully concessioned in 2019”. Towards this end, the government, Tuesday, October 9, 2018, published a formal “Request for Proposal” in some national newspapers, while Deltans look forward to a fair deal for the state.[/expander_maker]

Echoes of Lagos International Trade Fair

By Ifidon Janet and Oshomagbe Jessica

The Lagos International Trade Fair 2018 came with a mixed bag of the good, the bad and the ugly

For some of the exhibitors at the Lagos International Trade Fair 2018, business was good but for some others it was not so. Frank Shai, a Chinese exhibitor of Sinotruk Company declared that Nigeria is one of the very important countries in Africa; and that was his reason for seeking partnership with businessmen in the country. He said the recently concluded Lagos International Trade Fair 2018 has left an indelible mark on his business. “We have been participating in Trade Fairs for over ten years now. Nigeria is among the best country to partner with as this fair has widened our business horizon,” he said.

Another foreign exhibitor who applauded the organisers of the fair, Alex Tashii, a Japanese exhibitor, whose company deals in construction equipment expressed his country’s readiness to help Nigeria in overcoming its economic development challenges especially in the area of road constructions. “We offer different varieties of construction material which I think will help to enhance development in Nigeria,” He said.

The contribution of this year’s fair, which focuses on ‘Connecting Business and Creating Values’, is one that should be highly commended. The fair was also designed to create value for exhibitors and a platform for indigenous and international businesses to share innovations and knowledge.

Bello Shehu, Marketing Officer, Agriculture in Kano State, a company sponsored by Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje said their aim at the fair was mainly to showcase their product in order to encourage agriculture. “We are present at the fair every year. And our main focus is to promote agriculture. We only sell out our product on the last day of the fair.”

This year, the LCCI declared zero tolerance for loud music at the fair against the wish of some exhibitors who believe there is advantage in that. But Gabriel Idahosa, chairman of the Trade Promotion Board of LCCI said “It is true that some of our exhibitors believe that the music helps them attract potential buyers to their stands. It is indeed fast becoming a culture, to say the least. This year, we will not allow the use of music gadgets in exhibition stands. Our central public address system will be made available to disseminate information and light music to make the environment welcoming.” The organizers promised alternative publicity strategies that can attract quality patronage rather than making noise and becoming a threat to other stakeholders at the fair.

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As a result of the zero tolerance to noise pollution declared by the LCCI in order to avoid unnecessary distractions to exhibitors and visitors, there are those who believe that the new regulation contributed negatively to their sales. Lawani Idris, a relationship officer, Lapo Micro Finance Bank told TELL that playing music would have enhanced the number of visitors to the stand of the bank. “It affected us and we were not able to meet our target,” he lamented. But the ban was lifted only two days to the end of the trade event just to satisfy some of the exhibitors who felt strongly about the use of loud music to attract visitors to their stands.

But the exhibitors that went home most disappointed are those whose goods meant for exhibition at the Trade Fair got stock at the Apapa ports. Chris Igbokwe, general manager, Grand Products Limited lamented that some power generating sets and water pumping machines manufactured by the company’s partners in China, Longen Power, could not be cleared at the port about ten days after their arrival. That resulted in the products not being showcased during the Business to Business, B2B, meeting with prospective distributors and other partners at the fair.

States and local governments in Nigeria that are eager to attract development were also represented at the fair. At least, three states made presentations following the tradition of having special days. These were Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Lagos.

Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Olayinka Oladunjoye, said that the annual participation of the state at the fair afforded it the opportunity to host hundreds of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs freely at its pavilion.

“The opportunity given the MSMEs would stimulate demand for their products, facilitate inflow of capital through exposures and networking; boost productivity, employment and profitability,” he said, adding that this will position the state to harness its strength and potential and to connect businesses by encourage investors to leverage and identify synergies that add value to them.

For Ebonyi State, Governor David Umahi, represented by the state Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Ugo Nnachi said the state’s abundant mineral resources waiting to be tapped includes salt, lead, zinc, copper, kaolin, cement and coal.“It may interest you to know that crude oil was discovered in the state in 1928 and until now it is yet to be tapped and we are hoping that before long Ebonyi State will join the league of oil producing states. Ebonyi State also has a lot of tourism potentials such as beaches, parks, resorts centres and good hotels.”

Umahi disclosed that his government had, in the last three years, embarked on projects that would attract investors, eliminate unemployment, hunger, insecurity, diseases and illiteracy.

Other banks and insurance companies that participated at the fair include Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Leadway Assurance and Staco Insurance. MultiChoice Nigeria was also on ground to offer special offers to customers.[/expander_maker]

Tributes for George H. W. Bush

Tributes for George H. W. Bush

World leaders have been paying tribute to former US president, George H.W. Bush after his death at the age of 94 at his Houston home in the United States.
Among the world leaders are his son, George W. Bush, who is also a former US president. He described his late father as “a man of the highest character. The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad.”
Former president Barack Obama said “George H.W. Bush’s life is a testament to the notion that public service is a noble, joyous calling. And he did tremendous good along the journey.”
President Donald Trump said: “Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service to be, in his words, ‘a thousand points of light’ illuminating the greatness, hope, and opportunity of America to the world.”
Former president Bill Clinton said he would “be forever grateful for the friendship we formed. From the moment I met him as a young governor invited to his home in Kennebunkport, I was struck by the kindness he showed to Chelsea, by his innate and genuine decency, and by his devotion to Barbara, his children, and their growing brood.”
James A. Baker III, secretary of state in the Bush administration, stated that “The legacy of George H.W. Bush will be forever etched in the history of America and the world. It is a lifelong record of selfless patriotic service to our nation.”
Similarly, Brent Scowcroft, Bush’s National Security Adviser, lamented that “The world has lost a great leader; this country has lost one of its best; and I have lost one of my dearest friends. I am heartbroken.”
Texas Governor, Greg Abbott said “Texans are genuinely honored that he called the Lone Star State home and we collectively grieve this monumental loss.”
In Kuwait, which was grateful to Bush for his intervention after Iraq invaded during the 1991 Gulf War, ruling Emir, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah said the former president tried to “create a new international order based on justice and equality among nations.” He never “forgot the Kuwaiti people and will remain in their memory.”
Actress Marlee Matlin, who is deaf, tweeted: “Remembering President George H.W. Bush and the Americans With Disabilities Act. Millions with Disabilities and who are Deaf or HOH (hard of hearing)” have had their lives “changed for the better as a result of his signing this landmark legislation. My condolences to his entire family RIP #georgehwbush.”
Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile tweeted: “President George H.W. Bush was the real deal. We fought but he was gracious enough to accept my apology. Through his daughter Dorothy, my friends Ron Kaufman and Mary Matalin, I got to know him.

BREAKING: Frederick Fasehun dies at 83

BREAKING: Frederick Fasehun dies at 83

By Olusegun Adeosun

The founder of Oodua People’s Congress ,OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, is dead.

He reportedly died in the early hours of Saturday at the Intensive Care Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.

According to reports ,the octogenarian had been admitted at the Unit since Tuesday.

Confirming his death , Adeoye Jolaosho, Fasehun’s spokesman, said the late OPC founder was confirmed dead after a brief illness. “It is true, baba died this morning at the ICU in LASUTH, Ikeja,” he said.

Meanwhile, the executive member, Human and Environment Development Agenda (HAEDA), Nelson Ekunjimi, described him as good elder statesman, who has done his part in taking Nigeria to better heights.

“I think Dr. Federick Faseun has played his part in the fulfillment of life,” he said.

Born in 1938 in Ondo state, Fasehun, a Nigerian medical doctor studied at Blackburn College and furthered his education at Aberdeen University College of Medicine.

He also studied at the Liverpool Postgraduate School after which he had a Fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons.

In 1976, he studied acupuncture in China under a joint World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Development Scholarship Programme.

In 1977, he set up an Acupuncture Unit at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). He resigned in 1978 and immediately set up the Besthope Hospital and Acupuncture Centre in Lagos. The Acupuncture Centre once earned a reputation as Africa’s first for the Chinese medical practice.

The OPC is a Yoruba-based organization formed to actualise the annulled mandate of Moshood Abiola, a Yoruba who won the presidential election of 12 June 1993 but was barred from office.

Fasehun was imprisoned for 19 months from December 1996 to June 1998 during the military rule of Sani Abacha, only ending 18 days after Abacha’s death.

Tributes are expected to start pouring in as the family plans to announce funeral programme.