Great Emma's Blog

The Chief Imam, Lagos State House of Assembly Central Mosque, Alausa, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, has said fake news on social media remains a notable cause of social disintegration and insecurity in the country. He urged Nigerians to be wary of social media platforms pitching them against one another for peace to reign. The Cleric spoke at the Ramadan lecture organised by Lagos State Polytechnic Muslim Community at the Ikorodu campus. Dr. AbdulHakeem said unjust killings and kidnapping were big sins in Islam. Read Also:  PDP spreading fake news in Ebonyi, says Orji   According to him, many people lost their lives during the #EndSARS protest due to fake news on social media. He urged Muslims to shun violence and pray for the country. “Unconfirmed information and news circulating the social media is a problem that needs urgent attention. Such information leads to insecurity, cause of disaffection, social disintegration and unjust killings in the country. “Boko Haram, ...

 In a bid to consolidate their political future, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) governors have seized the initiative to reposition the party ahead of the 2023 general elections. With what they perceive as complacency on the part of the party’s national leadership, the governors are making moves to stave off possible defection of their colleagues to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) before the poll . GBADE OGUNWALE reports   Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) governors appear to have seized the initiative to reposition the main opposition party ahead of the 2023 general elections. Apparently, they are worried by the complacency of the party’s national leadership. Coming together under the aegis of the PDP Governors’ Forum, they have resolved not to leave anything to chance. Specifically, some of the governors who are currently serving their second and final tenure are apprehensive over their political future in the event of the PDP losing the Presidency again in 2023....

By Gbenga Bada   After four weeks of auditions, 17 talents made the next round as the Nigerian Idol theatre week kicked off. The theatre week began with the 68 lucky contestants battling for a chance to become the next Nigerian Idol. In the fifth week, the contestants were paired into groups to see who would showcase real talent and not just an audition wonder. Out of the 68 contestants that made it into theatre week, and 39 to the group selection, only 17 contestants progressed to the next round. As expected, some of the contestants were outstanding and progressed into the next round, while it was the end of the road for others. The 68 contestants were grouped according to their voices and trained to perform as a group for the judges. Read Also:  Nigerian Idol: 25 contestants make it in as season six kicks off   The much tougher group selections saw contestants putting in their best to work with teammates while retaining their star power. The group stage featur...

By Adeniyi Adewoyin   Don’t expect perfection from us because we’re not but our God is and we have put him at the center,” actress Biola ‘eyin oka’ Adebayo made known after exchanging vows with her man. The popular Nollywood actress laid her genuine thoughts to fans and social media followers after tying the nuptial knot on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. “Babe, thanks for choosing me to walk the “Journey” of life with you, I wholeheartedly choose you above anyone else,” the actress wrote as she acknowledges and showered encomiums on her husband. Read Also:  I’m scared of marriage, says MC Lively   Adebayo, who also shared a video of her wedding proceedings in a registry, expressed how she conquered her fear of marriage. “Happy married life to us babe. I said Yes! and today we started a journey forever. This journey called marriage as assertive as I can be with many things in life, definitely not sure I am with “marriage” my fears have held me down for so long but then I...

By Sampson Unamka   A list of Nigerian celebrities on the entertainment scene led by Mercy Aigbe, AY, and Ini Edo were spotted at the launch of Mimi Yina aka Medlinboss’s fashion outfit. The event, which had guests treated to fine wine and foods, also had in attendance other entertainers that include Ruth Kadiri, Uche Jombo, Nancy Isime, Alex Ekubo, Williams Uchemba, Lillian Esoro, Yomi Casual, Bam bam, Frodd, Kemen, Alex, Efewarriboy among others. The launch of the new outfit was heralded by the launch of Medlinboss’ partnership with an American luxury bag brand, Nuciano, ‘Medlin for Nuciano.’ Read Also:  Mercy Aigbe teams up with Abiodun Jimoh for new film   Expressing her journey through the healthy partnership between her brand, Medlin Couture, and Nuciano bags, she said, “The Ceo of Nuciano bags reached out to me and everybody knows I love luxury bags, so she reached out to me and said I see you love bags, I know you have good taste can we do something togethe...

By Olaitan Ganiu   With a track record of ten years in the music industry, Sheriff Olaitan Salaudeen CEO of MuchMusic LessTalk (MMLT) Promotions has disclosed that despite the challenges that come with the job, working tirelessly in the decade is quite commendable and worthy of celebration. Speaking on his involvement in the Nigerian music scene, Salaudeen noted that what began as a one-man business has since evolved into a well-structured company that offers a wide range of media services. Read Also:  Remmy XO talks on music career, plans for 2021   He said “During these ten years, our clients, as well as our company, have experienced a phenomenal rate of growth as we can now boast of an exceptional team of staff members who passionately support clients with Public relations, Publicity, Media Relations, Repertoire, Artiste Management and more. We are celebrating a very successful 10-year milestone in the music industry by highlighting our significant role in buildi...

By Adeniyi Adewoyin   South-African-based Nigerian singer, songwriter, and sound engineer Aderemi ‘Remmy XO’ Adeyemo has opened up about his journey into music and plans for 2021. The music act revealed that he began his journey into music just after completing high school. He said he began playing musical instruments, till he left for South Africa to study sound engineering and also perfect his craft. During his early days in Nelson Mandela’s country, Remmy XO released his first song entitled ‘Controlla’ in 2017. In 2019, he dropped an infectious afro-pop single titled ‘sweet love’ which was produced by his 95ISSUE label mate, ‘OBT’. He said, “the music journey has been amazing and very challenging also, so many sleepless nights to put in more work for the craft and I have also been inspired by my environment and the music itself.” Read Also:  Organisers of HAPA wards 2021 call for entries   Speaking about his plans for 2021, Remmy XO revealed that he will be rele...

By Evelyn Osagie   Music streaming platform, Audiomack has partnered with MTN Nigeria to cater to 76 million subscribers. The partnership will see MTN subscribers gain free access to Audiomack’s streaming service via their mobile devices on weekly and monthly subscriptions. Head of Business Development and Media Partnerships for Audiomack Africa, Charlotte Bwana, described the partnership as a reinforcement of Audiomack’s commitment towards democratising music streaming, a mission from which the telco’s subscribers will greatly benefit from. Read Also:  Wizkid, Burna Boy top most-streamed artists list on Spotify   Bwana said: “High data costs are one of the barriers to music streaming and we are glad to be partnering with Africa’s leading telecommunications company to provide the Audiomack data bundle. We are truly excited to offer the best and hottest new musical tracks – a mix of real-time trending, top charts, and expertly-curated playlists to MTN subscribers.” ...

The organiser of the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards, HAPAwards, have called for submission of entries for the year in review. The 5th annual edition of HAPAwards is billed to take place at the Orpheum Theatre from October 22 to October 24 in Los Angeles, California, USA. The theme for this year’s edition is tagged ‘Collaboration for Global Development, Peace and Prosperity.’ Speaking on the event, the producer and African representative of HAPAwards, Adeola Odunowo revealed that the award creates an avenue to appreciate and honor exceptional entertainers and dignitaries under one roof. Read Also:  Eko star Awards: Joke Silva, Toyin Abraham, 63 others get recognition   ‘We won’t relent from recognising these exceptional talents and creative individuals who enable us to see ourselves in each other. We will continue to celebrate our triumphs and illustrate our flaws while creating a space for narratives that reflect our rich, collective cultures and history.’ Spe...

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA   For Engr. Dr. Abiodun Oluwaseyi Taiwo, one-time Sole Administrator of Ikeja Local Government, can fit into the description of a refined technocrat who is in politics to serve his people with no gain. The amiable civil engineer is a mixture of both with knowledge of various areas and also being a politician. As a professional, Taiwo runs Const-Flow Global Engineering Limited and Mobile Trans Nigeria Limited with about 20 years of  experience. Even after exiting his political position as council boss, Party elders and chieftains saw him as a reliable and productive young man that can be entrusted with the mandate as the head of APC membership registration exercise for the whole of Ikeja Federal Constituency. However, unlike many politicians with no entrepreneurial and business plan, Taiwo has returned to his business full time while moonlighting as a politician albeit ready to serve. Read Also:  Ebere Uneze becomes IMSU alumni BoT chairman   ...

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA   Zainab Otiti Obanor might have parted ways with His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Enitan Ogunwusi as a wife, her milk of kindness still flows round like a stream to destitute and the needy. While she held sway as Olori, Obanor constantly catered for the downtrodden, invested in women’s capacity building, and has also donated heavily to special children as part of her pet project to impact society positively. Even quitting her marriage to Ooni, she still reached out to the needy every April 19, her birthday. The light-skinned philanthropist has made her quiet donation a yearly ritual even as she is far away from Nigeria shuttling the middle east and the United Arab Emirates. Read Also:  Ooni of Ife’s ex-Queen to the rescue   As gathered by Society Rendezvous, the stylish businesswoman decided to mark her big day with no fanfare but rather focused more on dedication to humanity by honoring and remembered those who lost their lives due to the deadly globa...

By OLADAPO SOFOWORA   Soft-spoken Executive Director, Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, (AMCON) Dr. Ebere Fortunate Uneze is one silent achiever that doesn’t brag about his numerous achievements both locally and internationally. The internationally acclaimed economist and development strategist recently emerged as the new chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Imo State University Alumni Association. He was the unanimous choice of other members of the nine members of the board. At an Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the board held in Abuja recently, members of the association unanimously ratified the names of the nine members nominated into the board of trustees by the National Executive council (NEC) led by chief Okey Ozumba. Read Also:  Imo to restore IMSUTH’s accreditation   Others on the list include Barrister Chinwe Mbakwem who is the new secretary; Hon, Abba Chimaroke; High Chief Enyioha Chris Anyanwu; Hon. Ambrose Obioha; Architect Okwukwe Onuzo; Pas...

The spokesperson for the President, Mr. Femi Adesina has blamed some pastors for supporting the youths during last year’s #EndSARS protest that rocked Nigeria. Adesina particularly noted that the clerics supported the youths against the government but when things got out of control, they went underground. The presidential media aide acknowledged that Nigeria is facing huge security and other challenges but urged everyone to work together, support government efforts, and desist from painting the country in a bad light. He made the submission in an article on Thursday titled “Nigeria will fly again: we can believe Kumuyi.” He urged leaders to be careful with their utterances as it goes a long way in influencing and determining the beliefs and behaviours of their followers. Adesina also called on Nigerians to be patient and trust God for a better future. “ Don’t give up on Nigeria, but believe things will get better, the preacher also said. He asked all and sundry to focus on ...

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, may have passed on, but his legacy through the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, known in Nigeria as The International Award for Young People Nigeria, continues to impact the lives of many Nigerians.  ROBERT EGBE writes   Toheeb Olabisi Abdulsalam grew up as a timid and shy Lagos boy, who didn’t even have time for video games. He preferred to spend his time indoors. But all of that changed quickly when he enrolled for the International Award for Young People Nigeria. In the course of his Award journey, Abdulsalam’s true personality and potential came to the fore and he excelled to become a bronze and gold Award holder, as well as getting certified an Award Leader. Last Tuesday, he and five other persons shared their thoughts on the Award which was launched in 1956 and the life of its founder, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who died on April 9, 2021. The five others were Mrs Folake Fawunmi – Trustee, The International Award ...

Traders, commercial bus drivers, tricycles and motorcycle operators have taken over walkways and pavements in most parts of Lagos, denying pedestrians free movement along the city’s busy roads, an investigation by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has revealed.   The walkways are passages or paths constructed for pedestrians. To ensure safety, they are often raised above the ground. NAN correspondents, who visited Mushin, Surulere, Apapa, Ajegunle, Gowon Estate, Iyana Ipaja, Ikotun, Egbeda, Festac, Willmar, Tejuosho and Yaba observed that the walkways had been converted into mini-markets where traders arbitrarily displayed their wares. Other areas visited included Ikorodu, Orile, Lagos Island, Costain, Iponri, Idimu, Ikeja, Abule-Egba, Badagry and Epe. Commercial vehicle operators were not left out in the illegal activities as they occupied massive spaces with vehicles illegally parked on the walkways, negating the original purpose of the facilities. NAN also observed that ill...

Editorial   Recklessness and impunity have always guided Nigerian public servants. They hardly pay attention to laws, rules and morality. This was evident in the relationship between Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and his erstwhile deputy, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, who was forced out of the ruling political party by the frosty relationship between both men. It was expected that the 2019 governorship election that saw Mr. Ajayi flying the flag of the Zenith Labour Party against Akeredolu who was again presented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) would settle the matter since the governor was returned to the office. However, in the past weeks, the governor had announced that Mr. Ajayi illegally left office with his official cars and vowed to retrieve them. At last, the governor won as the former deputy governor bowed to reason and logic by returning three official cars. We commend Governor Akeredolu for insisting on propriety in the matter. It is about time that public offi...

Editorial   Tragically, Odiri Onosigho, a 32-year-old accountant, died from gunshot wounds after he was attacked by a gang of armed robbers on his way to work. The robbery was said to have happened “around 6am.”  He was waiting for a bus, with a friend, at First Gate bus stop, Festac, Lagos. It is sadder that he may not have died if he had not been rejected by some hospitals, and had received prompt medical attention. According to his sister, sympathetic passersby had put him in a tricycle and rushed him to the Mother and Child Hospital, a public health facility where he was allegedly rejected on the excuse that the case was outside its remit. “So, they left the government hospital and rushed him to a hospital, but they rejected him there too; they also took him to two other hospitals, but he was similarly rejected. All these hospitals were asking for a police report,” she said. It was clearly a life-threatening emergency case arising from a gun attack, and required urgen...

By Lawal Adamu Usman   SIR: During the 2015 and 2019 general elections, the Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i, was famous for his campaigns slogan – “Putting the people first’. After six years in office, the question on the lips of many Kaduna State people is whether El-Rufai can still claim to have put Kaduna people first. In my estimation, he has derailed from that campaign mantra. His actions are contrary to all that he promised. A people-first-government will always value the welfare and well-being of its citizens, especially women and children. I am here referring to paying careful attention to their needs and vulnerabilities. No doubt, development is good for the upliftment of the socio-economic well-being of the general public; it would inevitably attract investors and add prestige to the state. However, while that is a-given, you cannot achieve it by trampling on human beings like they do not matter. The recent ‘unfair’ increase in school fees by the ...

By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed   SIR: Nigeria is not just the poverty capital of the world; it is the most terrorized nation in the world right now. At present, life has lost its value in Nigeria. We are no longer talking about poverty and economic hardship foisted on the citizenry. Nigerians have come to accept that as fait accompli. Nobody is talking about formulating good policies to move the nation forward; that too is like outlandish reverie. It is no more about lock-down or COVID-19 scourge but about a nation at war with itself. Our concern is with the protection of life; the right to life, the most basic of the fundamental rights of the human person that every responsible must ensure. Since the ascendancy of APC government, Nigeria has lost over a million lives to avoidable skirmishes. Nigeria is now a huge burial ground for poor, innocent hapless citizens. I weep for my country. I weep for the hapless masses. How long shall these unsavoury state of affairs continue? Evidently...

By Arakunrin Ayoola Faseyi   SIR: Section 39 (1) of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria reads: ‘“Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without inference”. Press freedom entails that the right of communication and expression through the electronic and print media be upheld. It connotes that such freedom has the absence of interference from an overreaching state but its preservation has to be sought through constitutional or legal scrutiny. The National Broadcasting Commission, established by Section 1 of the National Broadcasting Commission Act, vets and controls the conduct of broadcast houses. Indeed, the commission, set up on August 24, 1992, by Decree 38 of 1992 later amended as an act of the National Assembly by Act 55 of 1999 and now known as National Broadcasting Commission Laws of the Federation 2004, CAP N11 primarily regulates and controls the broadcast industry in Nigeri...

By Thomas Wakilim     It is curious to observe that Nigerians who have been so agitated and outspoken about the various disturbing dimensions of the raging insecurity plaguing the entire country in recent months continue to limit their analysis to internal factors otherwise described as ethno-religious fault lines. While there can be no denying of the highly inflammatory sentiments and irreconcilable contentions associated with these “home troubles”, it is beyond belief that the foreign factors so brazenly fuelling our major security challenges, rarely get a mention, even as debate turns to desperation over the survival of the nation. Even more curious, perhaps to the point of sinister cynicism, is the callous arrogance with which former US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr John Campbell chose to jolt Nigerians into sudden reawakening of the impenitent presence of the formidable foreign factor in the seemingly unwinnable war against our most deadly threat to national security, the...

By Alade Fawole     President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent request for the US government to consider relocating the command headquarters of its Africa Command (AFRICOM), currently based in Stuttgart, Germany to Africa, is truly regrettable. President Buhari reportedly made this request at a virtual meeting he held with US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, on Tuesday, April 27. After reviewing the dire security situation facing Nigeria and other neighbouring countries, President Buhari then concluded that “… considering the growing security challenges in West and Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Lake Chad region and the Sahel, it underscores the need for the United States to consider re-locating AFRICOM Headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to Africa and near the theatre of operations.” Although Nigeria was not specifically mentioned as the country being proposed to play host to AFRICOM’s headquarters, it is reasonable to assume that President Buhari most probably had Nigeria...

By Hassan Jamiu     Lagos, the nation’s ‘Centre of Excellence’ is unique in many ways. It is the sixth largest city in the world. It is also the leading non-oil sector contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic product (GDP). In 2006,  it contributed 30% of the nation’s GDP, consumed more than 60% of its energy, paid 65% of its value Added Tax (VAT), and accounted for 90% of Nigeria’s foreign trade and 70% of all industrial investments. With three lighter terminals and two ports, Lagos generates 50% of Nigeria’s port revenue, while the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, is the major hub for aviation within West Africa and Europe. With over 2,000 manufacturing industries and over 200 financial institutions, Lagos is the country’s financial, commercial and industrial nerve centre. The state alone harbours about 60 per cent of the federation’s total industrial investments and foreign trade, while also attracting 65 percent of Nigeria’s commercial activities. ...