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HOUSING: SANWO-OLU FLAGS OFF DEVELOPMENT OF FALOMO TOWERS IN IKOYI

…LSDPC partners private developer to re-model fallow land for mass housing scheme

…‘Lagos remains most hospitable environment for investors’ – Elumelu

A major urban renewal project that will restore the aesthetic landscape of Falomo, the commercial suburb of Ikoyi in Lagos State, has been flagged off by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday.

Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) sealed a joint redevelopment partnership with Afriland Properties Plc, a private developer, to turn former Falomo Shopping Complex to a premium sky-high real estate that will enhance the socio-economic outlook of the neighbourhood.

Falomo Towers, being developed on 11,950 square metres of land, will offer a blend of green amenities that will promote quality living.

Afriland Properties Plc is a subsidiary of Heir Holdings, owned by the foremost entrepreneur and banker, Mr. Tony Elumelu.

Sanwo-Olu, at the sod turning ceremony held at the project site, said the construction flag-off ended a decade-long discussion with the developer to revive the project and build iconic towers that would turn around the fallow land for the benefit of the public.

The Governor said the project was another milestone achieved by his administration to renew urban amenities, stressing that the strategic implementation of the Lagos Masterplan had been dependent on the Government’s ability to forge workable partnership between the public and private sectors.

He said: “This is a phenomenal project that will bring back the lost ambience of Ikoyi. When this partnership was initiated 10 years ago, I was the Managing Director of LSDPC. It is interesting to note that we’ve all gone through arbitration but we didn’t throw a wrong punch. We agreed this project must not be thrown away. Today we are making a transaction that is bigger and better than what was initially proposed 10 years ago.

“This testifies to the uniqueness of public and private sectors in ensuring things can be made a lot better when we sit and agree. This is a clear example of what Public Private Partnership (PPP) model is out to achieve when partnerships and collaborations are pursued and implemented with seriousness. When we put our minds of possibilities to ideas, great things happen. This aptly describes the story of today’s flag-off of construction of Falomo Towers.”

Sanwo-Olu described Afriland Properties as a tested, trusted and reliable developer, saying the Corporation had found the right partner for the redevelopment project.

The Governor reiterated that the State Government would remain committed to ensuring the investors get full value for their investments, while promising to continue to pursue business environment reforms, including automation of land and property records to scale up transparency and efficiency that catalyse sustainable investments.

Elemelu said the partnership was another testimony to the Lagos State Government’s belief in the private sector as a key development driver in the State, praising the Lagos political leadership for setting the pace of private sector inclusion in governance.

For surmounting obstacles that delayed the take-off of the partnership, Elumelu said Lagos remained the most hospitable environment to investors seeking profitable return on their investments.

He said: “I commend Gov. Sanwo-Olu and the political leaders of the State for believing in the private sector. What we are witnessing today attests to their beliefs in the private sector as driver of development in the State

“For private sector to do well, the political leadership must create the right environment. Lagos has set the pace in this direction. This partnership is a celebration of dialogue and this makes Lagos remain the most hospitable environment for investors.”

LSDPC Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, said the project site evoked memories of a glorious past for Island dwellers in the 1970s, noting that the Corporation took an informed decision to turn around the site by building residential apartments to provide additional accommodation to the growing middle class, business professionals and the swelling rank of young citizens.

He said: “Over forty years down the line, the Corporation in its decision to renew some of its facilities has deemed it fit to redevelop the site of the shopping complex, taking into consideration the realities of today’s needs as well as the environmental impact implications.

“To achieve this purpose, we decided to mobilise finance from the private sector. This decision will free resources that could otherwise be tied down to this project, for other pressing needs. In addition, it will allow the project to benefit from the competitive efficiencies for which the private sector is better known.”

Chief Executive Officer of Afriland Properties, Mrs. Uzo Oshogwe, noted that the redevelopment project was a revival of a landmark, saying: “With the project, we tend to give Ikoyi back its aesthetic landmark

She said the iconic project would enhance and beautify Ikoyi skyline, adding that the partnership would be creating economic opportunities and social wealth that would transform the State and the country.

The project development is expected to be completed in 30 months.

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Shina Peller Dumps APC, Set To Announce New Party Tuesday

Federal lawmaker from Oyo State, Shina Peller, has renounced his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress and is set to announce his new political party next Tuesday.
In a tweet on Friday, Peller, who contested the Oyo North Senatorial district seat on APC platform and lost revealed that he tried his best for the ruling party.

He tweeted, “I’ve tried my best for APC, the party style of democracy in Oyo State kills my conscience and I’ve to put my people’s interest first. I’ve realized that the youths and the people will continue to be at the mercy of few at the top. I’ll announce my new political party on 21|06| 22.”

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Don’t Use Delta Money To Fund Atiku’s Ambition – OMO-AGEGE

Deputy senate president Senator Ovie Omo-Agege ,s campaign organisation has warned the Delta state governor and vice presidential candidate of the people’s Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa not to use state funds to finance Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s campaign and other political activities.

The campaign organisation said the call became necessary in the light of credible intelligence at its disposal that the 2023 general election is a PDP conduit pipe to loot the state.

In a statement made available to Galaxy TV news by the Director, Communications and Media Strategy Delta APC Gubernatorial Campaign Organisation Ima Niboro, said the use of taxpayers money and collective resources of Deltans to fund personal political ambitions was unacceptable, callous and inhuman.

According to the campaign organisation, the crippling debts which the Okowa government has sentenced the state was undeserved, given the huge abundant human and natural resources that Delta is blessed with.

It therefore charged the governor to borrow a leaf from his counterpart in Rivers, Borno, Ebonyi and other states.

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UK Court Closes Flashy Pastor Tobi’s Church In London

A UK High Court has ordered the closure of the Salvation Proclaimer Ministries Limited, popularly known as SPAC Nation, run by Nigerian-born Tobi Adegboyega, in public interest.

In a statement on the UK government’s website on Friday, the court presided over by Juge Burton gave the order on June 9, 2022, with the Official Receiver appointed as liquidator.

The London-based church group was wound up after failing to properly account for more than £1.87 million of outgoings and operating with a lack of transparency.

The court heard that SPAC Nation was incorporated in 2012, as a charity set up to advance Christianity.

Supreme Court Approves Use Of Hijab In Lagos Schools

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The Supreme Court has affirmed the rights of Muslims Female Students in Lagos state to wear Hijab to school without harassment or discrimination.

In a majority decision, Nigeria’s apex court gave the ruling on Friday in Abuja.

Among those on the panel were Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Justice John Inyang Okoro, Justice Uwani Aji, Justice Mohammed Garba, Justice Tijjani Abubakar, and Justice Emmanuel Agim.

While six ruled in favour of the use of hijab, one dissented.

The Lagos State Government had in February 2017 approached the Supreme Court to challenge the July 21, 2016 judgment of the Court of Appeal which reinstated the use of hijab by Muslim pupils in Lagos public primary and secondary schools.

This was after the state government sought to stay the execution of the judgment at the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal but failed.

While striking down Justice’s Onyeabo’s verdict, the Justice Gumel panel had held that the ban on hijab was discriminatory against Muslim pupils in the state.

The panel upheld the Muslim students’ contention that the ban violated their rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, dignity of human persons and freedom from discrimination guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.

Justice Gumel also held that wearing the hijab was an Islamic injunction and an act of worship required of Muslims.

He said the use of hijab by Muslim pupils could not cause disunity, distraction and discrimination against students of other faiths as declared by the lower court judge.

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OWO ATTACK: GOV AKEREDOLU WEEPS AT FUNERAL FOR SLAIN VICTIMS

“We Failed To Protect These People” He Says

“You Didn’t Fail, Your Determination To Protect Your People Is Unquestionable” -Bishop Arogundade

Tears flowed freely on Friday at the funeral mass for the victims of the June 5th, Terror attack at the Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owaluwa, Owo.

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, and his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu attended the funeral mass held at the Mydas Resort and Hotel, Owo.

Governor Akeredolu, who wept during his speech said the government failed to protect the victims of the terror attack.

But in a swift response, the Bishop of Ondo Catholic Diocese, Dr. Jude Arogundade declared that Governor Akeredolu has not failed in protecting his people.

Bishop Arogundade said:”You didn’t fail. You are a strong soldier. Your determination to protect those who voted you into power is unquestionable. This was done by cowards. You have tried your best.”

Governor Akeredolu stressed that the forces on the other side are evil, assuring that they will not triumph forever.

“We have failed to defend these people. Not because we have not tried. But because these forces on the other side are evil and they have supports. They will not triumph over us forever.” He said.

The Governor noted that something must be done in the country, adding that the Security architecture of the nation needs rejigging.

“When I see the sea of heads that are here it speaks volumes. What has happened to us in Owo in Ondo state is indescribable. A lot of words are used to qualify it. Dastardly, horrendous. But I still believe there are words to use to describe it but I still short of those words.

“We have just 22 (deceased) in this hall. A few of them have been buried. Because the relatives couldn’t wait till today. But as at the last count, these animals came to the church and murdered 40 people.” Governor Akeredolu said.

Bishop Arogundade wondered why the people of the country need to beg for state police, despite the endless attack and killings.

He thanked the Governor for accepting to designate a memorial park in honour of the victims, stressing that those who created the situation that made the incident happened has bloods on their hands.

Meanwhile, the expansive hall of the Mydas Resort and Hotel was filled to the brim as families of the victims, people of Owo, and other sympathizers thronged the venue of the funeral mass.

Members of the State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. David Bamidele Oleyelogun also attended the service.

Also, Members of the state executive council, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, were present at the funeral mass.

Other dignitaries at the funeral mass included: Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Engr. Ade Adetimehin; and Chieftain of the APC , Chief Olusola Oke,SAN,

The local government chairmen were also led by the chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALCON) Ondo State chapter, Hon. Augustine Oloruntogbe.

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2023: Femi Fani-Kayode Threatens to Leave APC, Reveals Reason

Former Nigerian minister of Aviation, Femi Fani kayode has threatened to leave the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

In a Twitter post, he revealed that he may be forced to dump the party over the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Below are his tweets:

For those who believe that I should not support Jagaban today simply because of what I said about him in the past I say grow up & hear the following.
No matter what transpired before, BAT is now the democratically-elected & legitimate candidate of the party to which I belong

Do you really expect me to turn my back on my party simply because he is our flag bearer? Do u expect me to fold my hands, remain silent & say nothing whilst u try to take him & our party to the cleaners & stop us from winning power at the center? Is that how politics works?

If that is ur expectation & wish you will wait forever. Hell will freeze over before I do that. Party loyalty is everything & unless & until I change parties I will remain faithful, loyal & true to all our flagbearers & candidates in the APC & write, speak & fight for them.

Leave me alone to make my choices just as u have made urs. Follow whoever you believe in all the way to the toilet & let me follow Jagaban to victory. If Jagaban or APC does something wrong tomorrow or fields a Muslim/Muslim ticket with a Muslim VP that I regard as being a danger to Christians I will leave them & fight against them. This much I assure you because I do not shy away from such things especially when it comes to matters touching and concerning my faith.

However if they field a Muslim/Christian ticket or a Muslim/Muslim ticket with a Muslim VP that is reasonable, moderate & trustworthy & that I am sure will protect the Christian and national interest I will support them with every fiber of my being. It is as simple as that. I make my choices & you can make yours after which we meet in the field.

don’t care what choices you make so why should you care about mine? In any case if I am so inconsequential why should it bother you who I support & why do you keep coming to my wall & commenting on my opinions? Why should I continue to be an integral part of your strange..

& complicated little universe? Am I the only fmr Minister or former public office holder in politics? I left public office in 2007, which is 15 years ago, yet you still wait on every word I utter and watch everything I do and say.
You want to know what I wear, what I eat..

what I think, who I spend my time with, what I drink, who I support, how many times I go to the bathroom in one day and so on and so forth. For this I say “thanks be to God” but I really do wonder why you are so obsessed with FFK? Is it that secretly you want to be like me?

.I do not know who you are or even of your existence yet you seek to know everything about me and what I think or believe on any and every issue. Is this not strange? Is there not more to it than meets the eye? Whichever way, whether you like it or not Jagaban WILL win.

After that you will cry, sulk and then come and beg us for support and help.

You will lobby us for this, that and the other.

I have seen it all before. You insult on the wall and beg for help in the inbox.

There is nothing new in this world or under the sun.

Keep on hating and insulting as much as you like but please allow me to make my choices. This is my lawful and constitutional right. It is also my duty and obligation before God and man. And when you come for help, despite your hateful, venomous and vicious rantings &.

ravings and in spite of your malevolent disposition, be rest assured that we will still do our best to help you and give you a better quality of life. That is why we are in politics and that is what civilised people, serious politicians and real men always do.

We pity and forgive the underdog and the most undeserving and we open our arms and show mercy even to the cruel when they see the light.

End of story.

Have a great day!

(FFK)

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How I Restored Peter Obi To Govt House After He Was Kicked Out – Father Mbaka

Fiery Enugu Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has revealed that he helped Peter Obi return to the Anambra State governrment house when he was chased away during his tenue as governor.

Obi is the Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 election.

Mbaka, the founder of Adoration Ministry, Enugu made the claim on Wednesday during a sermon at the adoration ground.

Recall that Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, who took over office on March 17, 2006, was impeached by the state House of Assembly after seven months in office.

Obi had several times claimed that he was impeached by the state lawmakers for allegedly refusing to mismanage the state’s fund.

But Mbaka who believes that the LP candidate is stingy and would not emerge as President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor in 2023, said Obi failed to reciprocate his gesture of aiding him to retain the governorship seat despite the impeachment.

He said, “Obi is my friend. When he was chased out of Government House, he knew the role I played to bring him back, but how did he pay me back?

“Night meetings we attended to bring him back, ask him, ask Eselu Uga, ask Archbishop Anikwenwa, they know where and how we did it and he was brought back.

“Ask Peter since then what he used to reward Adoration. If you like Peter Obi, tell him to come and ask for forgiveness. Let him come and redo what he did. There is an altar of God he blasphemed; he defiled an altar of God, the Holy Spirit”.

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Nollywood Actor Moses Armstrong arrested for allegedly r@ping a 16-yr-old girl.

One time actor and singer, Moses Armstrong, has been arrested in Akwa Ibom State for having canal knowledge with a 16y/o girl.

This news was confirmed by the national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, on Thursday, June 16.

Rollas referred to the case as a very serious one as it is being specially handled by the First Lady of the state, Martha Udom Emmanuel, through her Family Empowerment and Youth Re-Orientation Path Initiative.

He said; “To get involved with a child as young as 16years, is not something I and the association I represent, would stand for. This is a very sad development involving a member of ours, but I wouldn’t want to comment any further on this case.”

He however added that such act cannot be condoned by the association even if it involves one of their own.

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APC Writes INEC To Disown Machina, Adopt Lawan Who Has Been In Chamber Since 1999 As Yobe Senatorial Candidate

The All Progressives Congress has written the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), asking it to adopt Senate President, Ahmad Lawan as its senatorial candidate for Yobe North in 2023.

Following Lawan’s failure to clinch the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket, there are claims that he has made moves to return to the Senate to continue to represent the people of Yobe North Senatorial District.

Meanwhile, during the primary elections, Bashir Machina emerged as the Yobe North Senatorial candidate of the APC. But the party, in a letter to INEC dated June 14 asked the electoral body to adopt Lawan as its candidate.

In the past few weeks, following rumours of Lawan’s interest in the senatorial ticket, Machina had insisted that he won’t cede his mandate to anyone as he duly won the senatorial primary.

With the move taken by the APC, it appears as if the party had relied on a clause that mandated primary contenders to withdraw from a race voluntarily or be arbitrarily substituted by the party as the case may arise.

Machina acknowledged the clause but said during a Channels TV interview on Wednesday, monitored by SaharaReporters that he deliberately did not fill out the withdrawal form mandated for all aspirants in the APC to fill because he was not in the contest to withdraw.

Machina had expressed confidence that the leaders of the party, whom he described as law-abiding, would not want to go against the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

According to him, he is sure Lawan is not planning to return to the Senate after his tenure ends in 2023.

“He (Lawan) didn’t believe and I’m sure he didn’t plan to go back to the National Assembly; that’s why he contested for President and lost,” Machina said.