Nigeria 2019 Elections: Kingsley Moghalu announces candidacy for president

Former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Founder, Institute of Governance and Economic Transformation, Professor Kingsley Moghalu has declared his intention to contest in the 2019 presidential elections.

This was announced at a press conference held on Wednesday, 28 February, 2018 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja. 

Stating his vision to Build, Innovate and Grow Nigeria, MoghaIu said he is taking a stand to address ethnic and religious divisions in the country. He continued saying Nigerians are collectively exhausted by politicians who keep falling in and out of alliances, aggravate fears in

order to keep  themselves in power, and consistently fail to address the needs of ordinary citizens.

“We must stop recycling failed politicians and regenerate our leadership ranks with competent and experienced young men and women. Youths with requisite skills and experience must take over the mantle of leadership because this struggle is about the future of Nigeria, not its past. The nation needs strong, knowledgeable guidance at this time which is why I offer myself for service with a solid track record of quality leadership,” he said.

Emphasizing the need to modernize Nigeria, the presidential candidate said competence, capacity, and character is required to transform Nigeria into a strong nation – qualities that citizens who aspire to be president should possess.

“If it is about competence, my work as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria playing a leadership role in stabilizing the banking system after the global financial crisis speaks for itself. In capacity, working at the United Nations to institute internal reforms and reconstructing nations torn by war is there for everyone to see. On character, my relationship with colleagues, mentors, friends, and of course, family is a clear testament,” he stated.

Professor Moghalu went further to explain that although he has been approached by a number of political parties, he will keep his focus on the Nigerian people rather than parties which are vehicles for capturing power. He stated that his decision to join any political party will be

based on commonality of vision and importance of a generational shift in

political leadership.

A global leader who has made contributions to the stability, progress, and wealth of communities and nations, Kingsley Moghalu has taught and inspired citizens from more than 40 countries in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia, mentoring men and women for leadership roles in

business, military intelligence, non-profits, and government service.

As Deputy Governor of the CBN from 2009 - 2014, he led the execution of extensive reforms in the Nigerian banking system after the global financial crisis.

Onome Ebi Signs With Chinese Club, Henan Huishang Football Club

Bankable Super Falcons defender, Ebi Onome has been unveiled by Chinese football club, Henan Huishang Football Club after she agreed to a deal with the club.

The three time African Woman Championship (AWC) winner is making a grand return to football after working very hard to recover from an injury she sustained in December 2016 at the final game between Cameroun and Nigeria which they later won.

Brave Onome managed to play the final minutes of the game with a hand fractured fired by an exemplary spirit of patriotism that earned her the respect of all. The injury side-lined the Centre Back for more than a year. She last laced her boots for FC Minsk in the Belarusian Premier League.

Expressing her delight, the talented footballer revealed that it has been a long journey. “Thanks be to God almighty for making this possible. I’m back in football again and to say I am super excited is to put what I am feeling mildly. I want to thank everyone who has been with me on my journey to recovery and has helped to make this possible. I want to single out my management team, Temple Management Company (TMC) for being a strong support system and making sure this transition was very smooth.”

She added, “I can’t wait to play football again for my club and country. I have survived one of the biggest challenges of my career and I am in a happy place to once again do what I love best.”

Also speaking, Koye Sowemimo, Head of Sport, Temple Management Company (TMC) said, “We are super delighted for Onome. As with every Athlete you can feel the pressure of not competiting again when opportunities don’t come quick enough. But thankfully, Onome’s mental strength and support of her team kept her in good spirit and has now been duly rewarded with a new chapter in her football career. We wish her all the very best .”

Ebi Onome’s return to football is bound to boost the morale of the Nigerian Super Falcons team as she now makes herself available to represent them at the highest level.

Lagos Monarch Advocates Constitutional Role At LG For Traditional Rulers

A Lagos monarch, Oba Abdulfatai Aromire, has called for constitutional roles for traditional rulers to enable them contribute effectively to the development of the nation.

Oba Aromire made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the monthly meeting of Lagos Mainland Council of Traditional Rulers on Wednesday.

He said traditional rulers should be given constitutional role at the third tier of government to enable them work effectively with the people at the local government level.

“It is very important that traditional rulers should have roles in local government administration to work with the community to foster peace and unity,” said the Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Land.

Oba Aromire recalled that some royal fathers were members of parliament in the First Republic during which traditional rulers contributed meaningfully to the governance of the country.

“We had real roles back in the past when some traditional rulers were members of parliament, but now the politicians have taken over our respective roles.

“If they want to have election, they come to the traditional rulers to canvass for votes and support from our grassroots people and after the election, we are no more relevant.

“We have a major role to play and so there should be a change in the composition of government to accommodate us as we represent people at the grassroots,” he said

Aromire, who is also Chairman, Lagos Mainland Council of Traditional Rulers, called on politicians to desist from using the youths for criminal activities to achieve their selfish ambition.

He also advised the youths to shun cultism and focus on productive activities for their present and future benefits

Fulani Herdsmen Strike Again, Kill 20 In Adamawa

Reports from Adamawa State say no fewer than 20 persons were killed on Tuesday in a fresh attack by militia men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in four communities in Demsa Local government area.

The locals said the invaders attacked the communities at about 8am and set houses ablaze with property worth millions of naira destroyed, TVC reports.

Residents called on the federal government to save them from constant attack by Fulani militias.

The four affected communities have been deserted while security is said to have been drafted there.

The incident took place few days after herdsmen and farmers, at a stakeholders’ meeting promised to cohabit.

Presently the residents of the four affected communities have relocated to Borrong the headquarters of the district.

Costumier, Tessy Avan craves for more honours

Nollywood Costumier, Imuetinyan Tessy Avan, will forever be grateful to her maker following the achievements she has recorded during her five years sojourn in the industry.

The ebony beauty damsel gives kudos to her mentors in the movie industry for the opportunities she has been given to showcase her acting prowess and she's craving for more.

The Benin-born star recalls with nostalgia that her continued presence in the showbiz sector was made possible as a result of the achievements she has recorded despite the stiff competition in the industry.

In a chat with HVP, Imuetinyan stated: "My experience in Nollywood would last me a lifetime. It has been worthwhile. I must give kudos to Nollywood top shots like Amen Imasuen for his support in ensuring that I am distinguished as a brand.”

"Most of my works are done in such a manner that movie buffs will always have something positive to say about them." Imuetinyan is the brain behind the lovely costumes used in top-of-the-range blockbusters such as 'Sunburn', 'Mother's Love', 'Oghe'(a Benin language movie) and 'Iwin Doctor'. Her role model is Millicent Jack, a veteran in the business.

Adekunle Gold pays tribute to late sister in new song

Afro pop singer, Adekunle Gold yesterday, took to his Instagram page to clear the air concerning the visuals for his new song ‘Ire’, which he said was shot to eulogise his younger sister, who died in 2011, following heart complications.”

Adekunle made this revelation after fans asked the singer to clarify the ‘For Busayo’ dedication at the end of the reflective music video. The singer responded on his Instagram page @adekunlegold, where he shared a picture of himself and his late sister.

In his post, he wrote: “For Busayo” Who is Busayo? I’ve been getting this question a lot. Busayo is my sister. We lost her in 2011 to a Heart Complication. “I’m fiercely protective of my family, but I didn’t think I could skip out one of my favourite memories or people in life.

“Busayo was symbolically represented by the little girl skipping around me in the video as that is who she was in real life. She never left my side, as a matter of fact, she was my younger twin.

“ We looked alike and she could sing for the whole of Africa. In my heart, I believe I sing for the both of us; it was only right that I dedicate the video to her memory.”

According to the singer, 'Ire’ “is a symbolic summary of his life experiences and his journey to becoming Adekunle Gold.” He also assured fans that “This song will be the soundtrack of your life.”

‘Ire’, released on February 23, is a life lesson packaged in a slow tempo song and accompanied by traditional Yoruba percussion sounds.

The song was produced by Seyikeyz, the video was directed by Aje and shot in various locations around Lagos, Nigeria, including Ajah, Ajegunle, Ikorodu and Ikoyi.

The video employs melancholy storytelling and shows Adekunle Gold walking backwards whilst activities go on around him; and a little girl playing and trying to touch him.

American comedian brings 'Wong Street Journal' to Lagos Theatre Festival

Renowned American performance artist and comedian, Kristina Wong, is storming Lagos this week to participate in the Lagos Theatre Festival. The festival runs from February 27 to March 4.

Supported by the United States Consulate General Lagos, Wong will conduct master classes for performing arts students, faculty, and theatrical directors at the University of Lagos, Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, and PEFTI Film Institute.

During the festival, Wong, who is notable for her works focusing on women and economic empowerment, will perform her critically acclaimed Wong Street Journal show on Friday, March 2. The event will be hosted by United States Consul General, Mr. F. John Bray, at Terra Kulture Arts and Cultural Centre, Lagos.

Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General Lagos, Ms. Darcy Zotter, expressed optimism that Wong’s visit to Nigeria will strengthen cross-cultural understanding and collaboration between the people of Nigeria and the United States.

“The Public Affairs Sections of our Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos sponsor programs that share the best of the U.S. arts community with Nigeria.

“We are pleased to support Kristina Wong’s participation at the 2018 Lagos Theatre Festival. She is one of the many American arts professionals who have come to Nigeria to give performances, and mentor young Nigerian artists,” Zotter said.

Wong has created five solo shows and one ensemble play that have toured throughout the United States and United Kingdom.

Her most notable touring show ––Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest looked at the high rates of depression and suicide among Asian-American women and has toured to over 40 venues since 2006

Facebook partners FATE Foundation to offer month-Long Bootcamps for entrepreneurs

Facebook, in partnership with FATE Foundation, is set to hold the 2018 edition of the Aspiring Entrepreneurs Digital Program, a free four-week bootcamp for select entrepreneurs in seven cities across Nigeria. Participants will learn the fundamentals of digital marketing for business coupled with key entrepreneurship skills designed to improve their businesses.

As one of many high-profile partnerships by Facebook, the trainings are aimed at helping to develop and nurture communities, including small businesses, the tech and start-up ecosystem, youths and creatives in Nigeria.

Open to participants between the ages of 18-35 years, those selected, will be able to attend the program which will roll-out in seven cities in Nigeria:

Abuja: March 12 – April 6, 2018

Ibadan: April 16 – May 11, 2018

Port Harcourt: May 21 – June 15, 2018

Lagos: June 25 – July 20, 2018

Calabar: July 30 – August 24, 2018

Kaduna: September 3 – September 28, 2018

Enugu: October 8 – November 2, 2018

“At Facebook, our mission is clear: to give people the power to build communities and bring the world closer. With this initiative, we are shaping entrepreneurs and future business leaders to promote innovation, job readiness and digital literacy in order to ensure that we have a positive impact on Nigeria's economy and society,” commented Ebele Okobi, Facebook Public Policy Director, Africa.

The program will be broken into streams which will run four times a week (Mondays to Thursdays) over a four-week period, in the form of practical workshops and learning sessions – all with a strong digital marketing component in the curriculum.

Lectures will cover Business Model Canvas, Business Plan Development, Budgeting, Financial Management and Financial Reporting, Marketing and Pricing Strategies, People Management, Raising Financing, Business Pitching, and Digital Marketing which includes using Facebook Business Tools.

Commenting on the partnership Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director, FATE Foundation said: “We believe programmes like this are vital to building and developing the skills of the next generation of entrepreneurs in Nigeria. At the heart of what we do is harnessing the already strong entrepreneurial culture of Nigerians, whilst providing the knowledge and support required to fully explore their innovative potential, and we look forward to working with Facebook to help achieve this.”

Graduates will also have an opportunity to receive mentorship from Fate Foundation for a year along with other program incentives.

BFA: We have kept the promise, says Lancelot ...as the Academy holds maiden graduation ceremony

Less than one year after it was established by popular film maker and director, Lancelot Imasuen in partnership with Igbinedion University, Okada, the Benin Film Academy, weekend, held its maiden graduation ceremony amidst tight activities.

The film school was officially opened on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, while lectures started on the 19^th of June.

Speaking with E-Daily, on the graduation ceremony, Lancelot ,said “it's a dream come true for him”, adding that “It gives me a great sense of fulfilment and I give God the glory.”

“On the 24^th of this month, we are going to hold our maiden graduation ceremony for the first set of students of the Benin Film Academy, numbering about 50. We said it, and it happened. We have one of the graduating students playing a major role in an upcoming movie. We promised that we will be taking the aspiring Nollywood greats from the streets to the big screen. And that's exactly what we are doing,” the celebrated film maker enthused.

Lancelot revealed that during the ceremony, all the short films produced by the graduands will be screened to the admiration of the guests at the event.

On Sunday, the film maker also premiered his latest film, “Crushed” in Benin.

Benin Film Academy, a gateway to the heart of Nollywood across the Niger/Delta and the Midle-Belt region is established to groom the new faces that will rule the big screen in the country.

Efe Prime drops ‘Blessed Be the Name’

Shortly after the release of his debut single, ‘Hallelujah’, gospel singer, Efe Atiyo, a.k.a Efe Prime has delighted his fans with yet another worship song titled ‘Blessed Be the Name.’

The mid-tempo song, which was picked as a fan-favourite via an online poll he conducted, talks about the presence of God which is deserving of worship and total devotion, bringing about blessings, glory, power, miracles

“There’s worship in the atmosphere, the presence of God is everywhere. Blessed be the name of the Lord," sings the South Africa -based Nigerian musician.

According to the singer, who is also a Senior Executive at Kwesé Entertainment, ‘Blessed Be the Name’ is dedicated to those who are holding strong to their faith, believing that a miracle is close.

“I do have a strong bias towards music that reflects intimate and passionate worship. The response towards the release of my previous single has spurred me to do more. This song communicates to people’s hearts in a way that takes all defies all the defenses we put up especially in this time and age where genuine trust is in scarce supply,” Efe said.

With over 15 years as a worship leader and choir coordinator in Christ Embassy churches in different countries, the singer says that he is on a mission to raise music ministers.

“As a first step along with my almost two decades of media experience, we are already working on other projects that will help further promote and support the gospel music industry and artistes in Nigeria and across the world,” he adds.

Protesters Shut Down Port Harcourt Power Station

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has called on concerned authorities to call protesters to order following the shutting down of a power station belonging to Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Mr John Onyi, PHED’s Manager, Corporate Communications disclosed on Friday in Port Harcourt that angry youths forcibly evicted workers from the facility.

He said the protesters later seized the facility, resulting to the current electricity blackout in many parts of Port Harcourt and environs.

According to him, the power station belongs to TCN but PHED depended on the facility to distribute electricity to customers.

“Some residents of Ogbunabali community, on Thursday stormed the 132/33kv transmission station with fetish items and forcefully switched off supply, thereby plunging some parts of Port Harcourt and Government House into darkness.

“This action by the community led to the inability of TCN to wheel out power to PHED for distribution to its customers in the affected areas.

“The protest by residents of the community over power outage is becoming a social menace.

“We appeal to community leaders to prevail on their wards and children to desist from taking laws into their own hands whenever faults occur on feeders in the community,” he appealed.

Onyi said that protesters had in 2017, shut down the same facility over demands for 24-hour power supply, employment and compensation.

He expressed regret that the residents would vent their frustration on PHED when the facility belonged to the Federal Government.

The spokesman pointed out that the company only transmitted what it received from TCN.

“PHED has no authority over the asset. It is only a source through which power is transmitted to customers,” he said.

*PM News