RICHBAM: Still On The Matter.....

By Perekeme Odon

Nigeria is a country where the unexpected is always expected without any course to think about one crisis and another.The fuel crisis still stares us at our faces with little to do about it.Prices of fuel vary from one filling station,with stations attendants having a field day and making thousands without thinking about the next man's plight

Power Holding Nigeria Company(PHNC) too is at the corner, not bothered about the current crisis,but will always distributing unused power bills with higher tariffs and charges to gloomy and  disconsolate Nigerians with helpless voices. The questions every Nigerian is asking the Minister of Power is 'when will the prepaid metres be ready for use"? Right from independence, Nigerians have been suffering in the hands of NDA/EC to ECN, then NEPA and now PHCN. When will the power sector metamorphose like the tele-communication sector of NITEL to give Nigerians a sigh of relief? I just believe all will be well some day.

Richbam Filling Station   Photo: Perekeme Odon

The country right now is like Ola Rotimi's comedy drama titled 'Our Husband has gone mad',where the play's flamboyant main character, Major Lejoka-Brown, attempts to bring his military tactics to a political campaign. In the process, he runs into unexpected resistance from his three wives. Major Lejoka-Brown strongly believes that the best form of defense in any situation is to attack surprisingly. That is the situation we are all in today.

Meanwhile,one would like to give kudos to who deserves it;that is why I want to commend the management of Richbam Filling Station, located almost at Ijesha-Express, Ijeshatedo, Surulere- Lagos for their benevolent attitude to mankind and humanity during these trying times of fuel crisis. The station was so constructive in their sales not to dabble into any form of price hike in selling petroleum product to the public.

 

Video: CCTV Africa /Youtube

                                     
Though,neighbouring filling stations around sells a litre of fuel for N180 against the normal N86.50k, but Richbam Filling Station sells a litre for N100 to buyers with kegs and the regulated N86.50k for motorists. My attention was called upon and I hurriedly went to witness the compassionate dealings going on.I was introduced to the manager whose name is Mr. Taiwo.He says "we don't have to capitalise on the non-availability of petroleum product to sell above the required price. We bought the product with just a little above the regular price at the depot,that is why we are even selling for a N100".

Nevertheless, Mr. Taiwo went on to advise other associates of his selling far above the stipulated price to desist from their actions." I want to call on my colleagues to desist from selling above the fixed price because the country is not as bad as we think it is.This is only a temporary situation.I believe soonest,it will be over and Nigerians will be back and happy again".  

Richbam Filling Station    Photo: Perekeme Odon

However,the NNPC spokesman Mallam Garba-Deen Mohammed says “We wish to empathize with motorists across the country over the several hours spent on fuel queues in the past few weeks. We also want to reassure them that we are working tirelessly to ensure that fuel supply and distribution return back to normalcy. As the vessels discharge petrol, we will ensure that the products are trucked out immediately to forestall any form of fuel scarcity going forward,” the NNPC spokesman averred.

Meanwhile, the fuel supply and distribution situation has drastically improved in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and its environs as the long fuel queues are easing out following the increased truck out from 186 to 240 trucks on Tuesday.

The Fuel supply and distribution situation has drastically improved in Abuja and its environs as the long fuel queues is gradually easing out following the increased truck out from 186 to 240 trucks on Tuesday.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/04/fuel-crisis-nnpc%E2%80%8E-deploys-240-truckloads-petrol-abuj

FRED AMATA: THE NEW DGN PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA

By Perekeme Odon

Fred Amata: Taking oath of office.

Photo: Perekeme Odon

It was fun, happiness and joy as actor-cum-Director, Frederick Amata on Friday, 8 April 2016 sworn-in as the new President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN). The inauguration ceremony came up after March 26, 2016 AGM / election conducted in Asaba, Delta state.

The event which took place at  O'Jez Lounge, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos started at about 12 noon, with stakeholders, captains of the entertainment industry and media personalities present. Akpos, an upcoming comedian set the ball rolling with his hilarious jokes, and Mathias Obahiagbon, first President of DGN acting as the MC of the day. Then came Yibo Koko, former Head of Production, Africa Magic who took everyone to the next level with his social commentaries on issues concerning life and Nigeria.

The farewell speech was delivered by the outgoing President of the guild, Mr. Andy Amenechi who mentioned some key accomplishment of his administration which are "creation of members' database, establishment of life insurance policy, capacity building programme, effective banking system, and constant flow of information to members, etc.". He also tendered all documents in his possession to the new administration and challenged them to be steadfast in all their endeavours to help take the guild beyond where he left it.

In his first address after being sworn-in by Barrister Babayemi Ogala, the new President thanked everyone present by saying  "distinguished ladies and gentlemen, Chairman, Board of Trustees, members of BOT here present,Presidents of all guilds here present, all other protocol observed. On Friday, February 26, 2016, in Asaba, DGN did not only elected a new President DGN initiated a new clarion call, which is 'DGN Is One'. Motivated by that oneness, we have been energized, encouraged, to have a new President in an election lauded as the freest and fairest election the guild and Nigeria have ever witnessed".

Perekeme & Zack Orji   Photo: Osita Okoli

This was the second time Mr. Amata will take a shot at the highest office of the guild after a keenly contested election, and polling 48 votes to defeat Lancelot Odua Imasuen (43), Kingsley Omoefe (7) and Dickson Ireogbu(3) at the Tourist Garden Hotel and Resort, Asaba, Delta state.

With the outcome of the event on Friday, Mr. Fredrick Amata is going to handle the mantle of leadership of the guild for the next two years. Others of his exco that are going to run the affairs of the guild are Mike Ogundu (Vice President), Ugezu J. Ugezu ( National Secretary), Uchenna Agbo( Assistant Secretary),Taiwo Oduala ( PRO) and Dan Chukwueze (Welfare Officer) .

DGN also used the platform to honour founding members of the guild who are Mathias Obahiagbon, Sam Azubuike, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, Madu Chikwendu, Jeff V. Obahor, Victor Okhai and Fidelis Duker.

Perekeme & Keppy Ekpeyong Photo: Osita Okoli

The occasion was graced by Chief Eddie Ugboma(OON), Zack Orji, Charels Novia, Uche Odoputa, Dele Odule, Franca Brown, Zik Zulu Okafor, Ralph Nwadike(AMP President), Paul Obazele, Collins Onwuchie, Ejike Asiegbu, Charles Inojie,Yibo Koko, Kingsley Omoefe, Damijo Efe Young, Theodore Anyaji, Iyen Agbinifo-Obaseki (President, CDGN), Chike Bryan (Fmr President, SWGN), Osita Okoli, Tony Ani (Fmr. President, SWGN), Famous Otakponmwem, Chris Orioha, Ikechukwu Onyeka, Olufemi Abatan, Ekenna Igwe, Obi Osotule, Bimbo Oshin-Ogun, Tony "Zacky" Akposheri, Keppy Ekpeyong, Emma Oguguah,  Dr. Chika Onu, Chris Dan Ebie, Stan K. Amadi, Dr. Sam Ogunbiyi and many more.

NIGERIA, SPORTS AND THE WAY BACKWARD......

By Perekeme Odon

Photo: Brazil Olympic Committee

Nothing can be done for Team Nigeria, unless God comes down from above. We are just too relaxed and unschooled with everything concerning mankind and humanity.

The 2020 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXII Olympiad (第三十二回オ ンピック競技大会 Dai Sanjūni-kai Orinpikku Kyōgi Taikai) and   commonly known as Tokyo 2020, is a major international multi-sport event due to be celebrated in the tradition of the Olympic Games as governed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC);and others countries are warming up seriously for it, in combination of the Brazil 2016 Olympics.

Eight years to win an Olympic medal is just too small. Champions are groomed from childhood. The 2016 Olympic in Brazil is here at our door steps starring at us, and some of us strongly believe Nigeria is going to perform wonders with our 'fire brigade' approach.I keep telling them that if we are not careful,even a silver will not come home with us.We may have a few bronze medals; or even finished with nothing.

                         Photo:National Sports Commission, Nigeria

As for 2020 Olympics, Nigeria should forget it and start planning ,preparing & training for 2024 & 2028, cause we can not meet up 2020. You don't expect our boxers, swimmers and athletes to go win medals while drinking 'pure water' and eating 'puff-puff ' during training sessions at our unequipped stadia and training centres. No training grants/funds or any kind of positive exposure or tour to heighten the spirits of the athletes' confidence. No sponsorship from wherever. Chioma Ajunwa's gold medal was just share luck of her hard work. She too never believed it when it happened,because she had not been consistent as a contender for an Olympic medal at the 1996 Olympic in Atlanta;but God gave it to her to wipe her tears, sorrows, troubles and sufferings for this battered nation. Our own Blessing Okagbere left this 'unencouraged' shore for foreign,that's why she's being celebrated today;but who knows what's going to happen to her at the 2016 Rio Olympics? Where are our national and state sports festivals? Where are the inter-house school sports competitions? Hmmmmm. We're joking with fire & uprising.

Mascot Vinicius_and_Tom Photo: Google

A former National Boxing Head Coach, Isaac Ikhuoria, expressed sadness over it. "Imagine,out of the 10 boxers – seven men and three women – that participated in the qualifying bouts at Yaoundé, Cameroon, only two qualified to represent Nigeria in Rio.The qualified boxers are Efe Ajagba and Caroline Linus". Nigeria is just 'big for nothing. Look at how the National Stadium in Lagos is today.Nothing to write home about. There are no camps for relaxations;not even a private training grounds by private individuals for athletes to pay & even train.Chai, this country is a big time failure in sports administration; including crime that we claim we are good at. Yes crime.Even looting and robbery have a style and pattern mapped out for them by professionals & experts;because the jobs & projects assigned need to be done first with no abandonment before frivolities.

My secondary school, Government Sea School, Isaka, Port Hartcourt, now Rivers State Sports Institute had almost 85% of all the sports that will be showcased at the 2016 Rio Olympics which we never developed. Is it today we are introduced to sports/games like golf, shot put, discuss, javelin, canoe-racing, handball, volley ball, badminton, horse-riding, hockey, judo, cricket, mention it. These sports were all there before independence in 1960, but we failed to develop them. What about the popular swimming? Once upon a time, Grasshopper of Owerri, Imo state was the best handball team in Africa,with the Grasshopper Handball stadium adorned in Owerri. Today, where is the handball club? We have so much works to do as a nation if we have to move forward.

Photo Credit: Google

We are leaving in a very crazy time,that is why it is very difficult to see any Nigerian flowing with the spirit of patriotism in him. Some felt we lost it long before now,but the wise ones knew we never even had one to show. Our leaders have been half baked right from inception & creation. Nothing to show for all these years they led us,but to teach us how to steal, loot our treasury,siphon & transfer fund abroad;teach us how to fight,hate & kill one another through religion & ethnicity. I may be called & addressed as a Nigerian outside this shore, but here in this 'yard',I'm not a proud a Nigerian, because the country don't care for its citizens.No social security & positive welfare packages to show its citizens; no long term policies to determine future plans & occurrences. Today,no Nigerian is worth dying for a nation acclaimed to be the 'Giant of Africa'.It is going to cost us all and take time for this nation to heal its wound.

Nzeh Mada Festival Needs Constant Innovation-Ayakoroma

The Executive Secretary,National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Associate Professor Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma has advocated for constant innovation of the Nzeh Mada Festival, organised by the Mada people in Nasarawa State, saying that will make it a tourist attraction, bring foreign investors and international recognition, not only to Nasarawa State, but Nigeria in general.

Prof. Ayakoroma, an astute culture administrator, who stated this in his acceptance speech after an award as a ‘Pillar of Mada Festival’ given to him by the Mada Development Association (MDA) in Andaha, Nasarawa State, added that the festival needed constant innovation because culture is dynamic.

The NICO ES, who was given the special award in recognition of his exemplary contributions toward the success of Nzeh Mada Festival since 2014, further stated that to show his support for the Mada Festival initiative, NICO will continue to be part of the festival’s rebranding process.  

His words: “To be frank with you, it is not in my character to accept awards anyhow. But this award from the Secretariat of MDA over my efforts towards the festival is welcome. I have really identified with the festival since its rebranding; I will continue to identify with it. NICO will continue to be part of the festival. The festival has great potentials and should be improved every year. The climbing of the hill by Chun Mada III (the traditional ruler of the Mada people) is very important. It can impact on the festival. Innovations need to be added to all aspects of the festival. Being part of the rebranding effort of this festival that started in the 15^th Century and was rebranded in 2014, I have really seen the potentials. Nzeh Mada festival will help attract tourists, foreign investors and international recognition, not only to Nasarawa State but the entire Nigeria.”

It was a spectacle to watch as Ayakoroma was given a bow and a pack of arrows, as a ‘Pillar of Nzeh Mada Festival,’ signifying that he would grow from strength to strength; this was just as he was given the privilege of dancing round the arena after the investiture with the warriors and the elders, who were blowing the palm pipe flutes in rhythm.

Earlier, while conferring the award, His Royal Highness Samson Gamu Yare, Chun Mada III described Ayakoroma as a culture ambassador, who has deep love for Nigerian culture.

“I must say that the Executive Secretary, NICO, Associate Professor Barclays Ayakoroma is a tested culture ambassador. He is highly experienced in cultural matters. He played a big role in the 2014 rebranding. The paper he delivered about rebranding of Nzeh Mada festival was quite educative and enlightening. I call on other culture stakeholders to join in supporting this festival. It is a festival that brings peace, joy and unity to us; even as it brings about good relationship between our people and participants of the festival,” the Monarch said.

The event, which took place at the foot of the historic Numan Hills, Andaha, Nighaan District, Nasarawa State, featured a lot of cultural displays, including dances, traditional chess and wrestling, in addition to art and craft exhibition by Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).  

The event had in attendance the D-G, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, as chairperson; the Festival Director, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura; SA to the ES-NICO, Mr. Law Ikay Ezeh; The Boss of Bush House Nigeria, Mr. Michael Bush; CSO to ES, Fatima Jafaru; Staffers of NICO and Post Graduate Diploma in Cultural Administration (PGDCA) students of NICO Training School, Abuja Study Centre.

Nwagbo Pat Obi

NICO Training School, ASC

Culled from http://www.nico.gov.ng

GOVERNOR DICKSON INAUGURATES SECURITY AND ANTI-TOUTING TASK FORCE.

By Perekeme Odon

The committees was inaugurated by the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) yesterday at the Deputy Governor's conference room, Government House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.

MEMBERS OF THE SECURITY AND ANTI-TOUTING TASK FORCE ARE;

1. Reuben Luggard – (Representative of Board of Internal Revenue)
2. C S C Ofili - (Rep. Nigerian Civil Defence & Security Corps)
3. A S P Chika Wodu - (Rep. Nigerian Police)
4. Mr Seiyefa Uzaka - (Rep. Ministry of Information
5. Philip Ogoniba- (Rep. Ministry of Justice)
6. Williams Zedie- (Rep. Yenagoa LGA)
7. Rep. (S A Security)
8. Maka Job
9. Orudu Peter Onyibarakaremi
10. Israel Okara Dimie
11. Itebhar Johnbull
12. Omukoro P. Ransome
13. Amaduobogha Owi

There functions include to stop illegal collection of revenues in the state by unknown agents and organisation; to support the State Inter-Ministerial Committee,and to arrest illegal agents and handover such persons to security agents for
Prosecution

01/03/2016

Obama Praises Buhari's Leadership And Promise To Visit Nigeria.

“We agree that Nigeria deserves her nuclear energy space. And because of the respect Nigeria had recently attracted from the global community since the election of President Buhari, I shall lead other world figures to Nigeria in April to seal the nuclear deal. There is no doubt America and the world will depend on Nigeria in years to come to survive in many respect…”

President Barack Obama.
1/4/2016.