It is with deep sadness yet gratitude and complete surrender to the will of the Almighty God that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Patriarch and the Founder of FCMB, Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, CON. Known as the Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebu and Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians, Otunba Balogun passed away after a brief illness at the age of 89, on the evening of Thursday, May 18, 2023, in London, United Kingdom, surrounded by his family.

While we mourn the loss of this exceptional individual, we are immensely grateful for the rich and fulfilling life he led. Otunba Balogun leaves behind a legacy of hard work, entrepreneurship, excellence, determination, courage, faith, style, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to God, the Church, family, community, philanthropy, and Nigeria. His life serves as an inspiration for us all.

During this difficult time, we find solace in the overwhelming outpouring of love, sympathy, and kind words we have received. We appreciate the warmth and support shown to us. Books of condolence will be available for signing starting from 11 am on Monday, May 22, 2023, at his residences in Lagos and Ijebu Ode, as well as at the following locations:

FCMB:

FCMB Group Headquarters, 44 Marina, Lagos.

Primrose Tower, 17A Tinubu Street, Lagos.

Founders Place, 2 Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

First City Plaza, 252 Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, Abuja.

Chapel Hill Denham:

10 Bankole Oki Street, Ikoyi, Lagos.

You may also visit the online condolence register at www.olasubomibalogun.com.

Details regarding the Celebration of his Life will be announced in due course.

We humbly request your prayers during this challenging time, and we pray for God's grace to grant Otunba Balogun eternal rest.

Bolaji & Jide Balogun, on behalf of the family.

According to Ibifiri Bobmanuel, the President of the Rivers Entrepreneur and Investors' Forum, the actions taken by the Rivers State Government and some local governments in the state were responsible for the decision to relocate the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from Rivers State to Lagos State.

Bobmanuel revealed in an interview that the forum had engaged with the management of the Dangote Group and had also written to the federal government, urging them to prevent the relocation of the refineries to Lagos.

However, it was discovered that the demands made by the Rivers State Government and the local governments where the refineries were supposed to be located, namely Okrika and Eleme, were excessive. These demands ultimately led the Dangote Group to move the refineries to Lagos. Bobmanuel expressed his disappointment with this outcome, stating, "The Dangote refinery was to be situated in Rivers State and later they made a U-turn and went to Lagos, and we were very miffed by the whole approach."

The Rivers Entrepreneur and Investors' Forum had actively reached out to the Dangote Group, writing multiple letters and attending meetings with them. It was revealed during these meetings that the necessary land acquisition and agreements had been made for the investment to be situated in Okrika and Eleme Local Government Areas of Rivers State. However, due to the pushback and excessive demands from the state government at the time, the Dangote Group had no choice but to relocate the business to a more welcoming location.

Bobmanuel emphasized the need for the Rivers State Government, local governments, and communities to understand how to negotiate with business owners in order to attract investments. He stated, "This brings us back to what we at the Investors' Forum have always talked about. We've always felt the Rivers State Government, the local governments, and the communities need to understand the language of businesses. You can only imagine the amount of impact the refinery is going to have on the IGR (Internally Generated Revenue) of Lagos State. Imagine if that investment was situated in Rivers State."

Bobmanuel called on the incoming government to recognize the importance of private participation in governance within the state and to take proactive measures to ensure a favorable business environment that attracts investments.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled June 20 as the date for the adoption of processes in the lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Department of State Services (DSS). This decision was made by the court registrar in the absence of Justice Binta Nyako, who was on an official assignment.

Justice Nyako had previously warned the lawyers representing the DSS and Kanu on May 3 not to disrupt the proceedings on the next adjourned date. This warning came after the day's proceedings were halted due to an oral application made by the DSS counsel, Idowu Awo. Awo had requested more time to respond to a further affidavit served by Kanu's lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, in the open court.

NAN (News Agency of Nigeria) reported that Kanu, along with his legal team, had filed a lawsuit against the DSS and its Director General, naming them as the first and second respondents. In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2341/2022, Kanu sought the court's permission to apply for an order of mandamus, compelling the DSS to grant him unrestricted access to his medical doctor and other requests.

On February 1, the court granted Kanu permission to apply for an order of mandamus after an ex-parte motion presented by Ozekhome. However, the DSS filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the suit should be dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction. They cited a previous judgment by Justice Taiwo Taiwo on June 3, 2022, in a related case (suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1585/2021), where the issue of granting Kanu access to his personal physician was extensively addressed. The DSS claimed that the current suit mirrored the earlier one, and Kanu had already filed an appeal against that judgment.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has revealed plans to transform certain skills acquisition centers in the state into Eko Creation Innovators Hubs in order to address the "japa" syndrome. During the commissioning of the Sail Innovation Lab, an initiative by Senator Tokunbo Abiru representing Lagos East, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced that Yaba would be developed as a Tech Campus to encourage youth involvement in digital skills.

The Sail Innovation Lab, launched in 2021 and located in Ikorodu, Lagos East, serves as a free training center for youths, teenagers, and teachers in the area, in collaboration with Co-creation Hub. Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Senator Abiru's initiative, stating that it aligned with the state government's vision to leverage technology for youth development.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged Senator Abiru's commitment to fulfilling the promises made to the people of Lagos East. He emphasized the government's responsibility to offer hope to the hopeless and create opportunities for those who feel depressed. The governor also stressed the importance of selfless service in public governance and the need to replicate Senator Abiru's efforts.

Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated the significance of technology in advancing the youth and positioning Lagos as a global tech hub. He expressed satisfaction with the collaboration of partners such as Microsoft and the Bank of Industries, stating that the government would continue to create an enabling environment for international businesses. Furthermore, he highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance internet capabilities in Lagos through the metropolitan fiber mesh project.

The governor emphasized the lab's importance in providing a platform for youth to compete and develop their skills within their own community, thus discouraging the "japa" mentality. He revealed plans to convert existing skills acquisition centers into Eko Creation Innovators Hubs, aligning with the government's commitment to leaving Lagos better than they found it.

In his remarks, Senator Abiru emphasized the global significance of technology, highlighting its transformative impact on social interactions and various aspects of life. He commended the achievements of the innovation lab thus far, with over 490 participants benefiting from in-person programs and over 2,000 engaging in online programs. Senator Abiru emphasized the lab's role in bridging the resource gap and providing training in digital product design, data science, metaverse, and other areas of high demand in the digital age.

The collaboration between Senator Abiru and the Lagos State Government reflects their shared vision of empowering the youth through technology and positioning Lagos as a leading hub for innovation. With these initiatives, the government aims to equip the youth with the skills they need to succeed in the digital era and contribute to global solutions.

The Labour Party has responded to a recent judgment by a State High Court in Kano, which overturned the party's victory in Abia. In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party dismissed the judgment as "inconsequential" and emphasized that the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter, rendering the decision ineffective.

According to the party, the court's jurisdiction to entertain election matters is questionable, especially considering that the elections have already concluded, and winners have been declared. Additionally, the Kano Court does not possess the constitutional powers to handle pre-election matters.

The statement clarified that the two respondents in the case were the Labour Party and INEC, and no specific individual was mentioned. Therefore, the party argued that the court cannot grant any relief that was not sought for in the case. Consequently, they expressed no concern about the judgment, as they plan to instruct their lawyers to approach the Appeal Court to challenge and overturn the decision.

The Labour Party raised alarm over what they perceive as a plot by opposition parties to create turmoil within the party. They previously alerted Nigerians to attempts aimed at hijacking the party and targeting their cases in various tribunals. They presented evidence of letters initiated by Samuel Akingbade to different tribunals, requesting the withdrawal of cases before them.

In a firm declaration, the party stated that Samuel Akingbade, Lamidi Apapa, Abayomi Arabambi, and anyone associated with them no longer represent the Labour Party in any capacity. They issued a disclaimer regarding their actions, ensuring that Nigerians are informed about their stance.

Expressing concern over the judgment, the party highlighted the alarming speed with which it was obtained. Within a span of 48 hours, the judgment was procured without the parties involved being properly served.

These statements by the Labour Party shed light on their perspective regarding the judgment and their determination to challenge it through the appropriate legal channels. The party remains resolute in defending its position and safeguarding its integrity amidst perceived attempts to disrupt its affairs.

The governor of Zamfara state, Bello Matawalle, recently made some startling allegations against the chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa. According to Matawalle, Bawa had approached him, requesting a hefty sum of $2 million.

In a public address on Wednesday, Governor Matawalle not only called out Bawa's alleged request but also urged the EFCC to expand its investigation beyond outgoing governors and target officials within the presidency as well. He emphasized the importance of fairness and equal scrutiny in the commission's efforts.

In response to Matawalle's claims, the EFCC stood by its ongoing probe of the governor for purportedly diverting N70 billion earmarked for contracts in Zamfara state. However, in a subsequent interview with BBC Hausa, Matawalle countered the accusations, asserting that the investigation stemmed from his refusal to comply with Bawa's demand for the $2 million.

Matawalle clarified his position, stating, "I am not resisting being probed. I'm still the governor and have immunity, no one has invited me." He further challenged the EFCC's claims against him, suggesting that they were fabrications. According to the governor, Bawa had approached him at a specific location, a house known to both parties, to discuss the desired financial transaction.

These allegations have brought significant attention to the ongoing power struggles and controversies surrounding the EFCC's operations. The claims made by Governor Matawalle have added fuel to the already heated debates surrounding corruption, accountability, and the effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria. The public eagerly awaits further developments in this high-profile case as the truth is sought and justice pursued.

Photo credit: jidesanwoolu

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his support for Hilda Baci, a talented chef, as she embarks on an extraordinary challenge to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time. Known as the Nigerian Jollof Queen, Hilda Baci is undertaking a cook-a-thon, a cooking marathon, with the aim of setting a new record.

During the event held at Amore Gardens in Lekki, Mr Sanwo-Olu showed his encouragement for the foodpreneur. He addressed the crowd of supporters present and urged them to continue cheering her on, while also extending his well wishes for her success.

The four-day cooking marathon began on Thursday at 4 p.m. and features various activities such as celebrity visits, networking opportunities, games, and brand activations. Hilda Baci follows a rigorous schedule, taking an hour-long break after every 12 hours of continuous cooking.

Hilda Baci is not only an accomplished chef but also an actress and TV producer. She has showcased her culinary skills on several television cooking shows and represented Nigeria at the Jollof Faceoff Competition in 2021, emerging as the winner. Now, she is taking on the challenge to break the Guinness World Record previously set by Chef Lata Tondon from Rewa, India, in 2019, who cooked for 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds.

In her ambitious attempt, Hilda Baci aims to surpass the existing record by completing a 93-hour cooking marathon. Throughout the event, she has already spent at least 70 hours demonstrating her culinary expertise, using a variety of local and intercontinental recipes to elevate Nigeria's position on the global culinary map.

I showed up to support Chef Hilda Baci, in her quest to break the Guinness World Record @GWR for the longest time spent cooking by an individual.

Her dedication, passion for cooking as well as her desire to put our rich culture on the map by not only exhibiting our food but… pic.twitter.com/R5qBP4U7wN

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) May 14, 2023

The Golden Eaglets, Nigeria’s U-17 football team, failed to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which has caused controversy and criticism among stakeholders. The team lost their last group game to Burkina Faso and, as a result, could not reach the semis, which would have secured their place in the World Cup. Many are questioning what went wrong, especially since the team had solid preparation for the Algeria 2023 U-17 AFCON.

One of the major issues affecting the team is the undue pressure of agents and scouts, who are loaded with cash and offers to lure away players by talking coaches and managers into deals that would take the players out of camp and to offers abroad. These agents and scouts often distract the players’ attention and focus, and the players end up playing in lower-tier European leagues. Unfortunately, this affected the team’s attention and focus during the U-17 AFCON tournament.

It is believed that coach Nduka Ugbade presented a true U-17 team in Algeria, but African football has been bedeviled by age cheats. However, the international passport of the players and their MRI scan results certified by CAF should have ensured that this was not an issue or excuse for the team's failure to reach the last four of the tournament.

The quality of players is also an issue. While talents at the U-17 level are abundant at the grassroots and secondary or post-primary schools, coaches fail most times to comb the nooks and crannies of the country to get these talents. Instead, many coaches rely on open screening exercises, which often result in selecting average players.

The tradition of exposing all tiers of the national team to fans during camping by ensuring open training exercises has in the past helped coaches to select top-quality players. However, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has stopped this practice, opting instead to hide the team from the media and fans, which has made it easier for coaches, agents, and scouts to manipulate the team and player selection.

Lastly, academies are now scattered all over the places, but no one knows if standards are diligently followed. As a result, average players are littered in the training grounds of so-called Football Academies. It is imperative that these issues are addressed to build a better team in the future.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised concerns about the involvement of certain commercial bank officials in money-related fraud within Nigeria. The EFCC has also issued a warning, urging commercial banks to refrain from shielding customers suspected of engaging in financial malpractices.

During a meeting with senior compliance staff from Kwara and Kogi states in Ilorin, Michael Nzekwe, the EFCC Zonal Commander, revealed that these bank officials occupy crucial positions and play a critical role in the fight against economic and financial crimes.

The purpose of the meeting was to update banks on the latest trends in cybercrime and explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration as stakeholders in the battle against financial crimes.

Nzekwe emphasized the importance of financial institutions adhering strictly to banking rules and regulations, while diligently carrying out their responsibilities.

He asserted, "There is no major fraud, particularly money laundering, that occurs without the involvement of bank officials."

According to a report by the EFCC, a total of 3,785 convictions were secured in 2022, indicating the agency's dedication to prosecuting individuals involved in financial crimes.

The EFCC's statement serves as a reminder that the battle against economic and financial crimes requires the cooperation and vigilance of all stakeholders, including commercial banks. By maintaining integrity, complying with regulations, and actively cooperating with law enforcement agencies, financial institutions can play a vital role in combating fraud and fostering a more secure financial system in Nigeria.

Dr. Tunji Ogunyemi, an economist at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has cautioned Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, against borrowing from banks to pay salaries of the state civil servants. Ogunyemi advised Adeleke to ensure that salaries are paid based on the state's available funds rather than resorting to banks to borrow money to settle them.

During a radio interview monitored in Osogbo on Friday, Ogunyemi recommended that the Osun Inland Revenue Service (OIRS), the state's Internal Generation Revenue agency, be utilized to generate more funds instead of borrowing to pay salaries. He insisted that there must be a moratorium on borrowing, stressing that Osun must never borrow to pay salaries.

Ogunyemi also encouraged Adeleke to consult with his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, to learn how he successfully paid Osun workers for four years without resorting to borrowing. He believes that politicking is over and the governor should approach Oyetola to learn how he governed Osun State during a critical period without the state going bankrupt.

In summary, Dr. Tunji Ogunyemi has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to avoid borrowing to pay salaries and use the available resources, such as the Osun Inland Revenue Service, to generate more funds. He advised Adeleke to learn from his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, on how he paid Osun workers for four years without borrowing. This approach, according to Ogunyemi, will help prevent the state from going bankrupt.

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of two members of a notorious syndicate that specializes in robbing unsuspecting passengers using their cars. The command's spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, took to his verified Twitter handle on Thursday to confirm the arrest of the suspects.

According to Hundeyin, the two suspects have been identified as a female named Folashade Sholagbe, aged 36, and a male named Seun Oke, aged 29. The police arrested them in the Ikeja area of the state after a victim raised an alarm.

The police spokesperson explained that the suspects used to pick up passengers who are unaware of their intentions to rob them of their valuables. Hundeyin revealed that the suspects specialized in using their Corolla car to pick their victims at 7up by Tollgate.

He commended the eagle-eyed officers of Iju Division, who were able to apprehend the suspects following their victim's scream for help. The police spokesman urged the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police promptly.

The arrest of these suspects is a clear indication of the commitment of the Lagos State Police Command to rid the state of criminals. The police have also reiterated their determination to ensure the safety and security of all residents in Lagos State. The public is advised to cooperate with the police by providing timely and useful information that will help in the arrest of criminals.

On May 9, 2023, renowned singer Davido made an exciting revelation about his latest venture with the global streaming giant, Netflix. In an interview with Esquire Middle East, based in Dubai, he disclosed the development of a new docuseries titled "David," which delves into his personal life.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Davido shared, "It's very, very big. This is the first time I've said anything about it, actually." As an award-winning artist, he recently released his new album, 'Timeless,' and seized the opportunity to disclose his collaboration with Netflix, scheduled for a December release.

While discussing his upcoming projects, Davido mentioned, "I have a movie coming out in December with Netflix. It's a documentary–a docu-series about my life, called 'David.'" Despite acknowledging that he shouldn't be divulging such details, he couldn't contain his excitement and shared this exclusive news.

Fans of Davido can anticipate the premiere of the highly-anticipated series on Netflix this December. This forthcoming docuseries promises an intimate and comprehensive glimpse into the life and experiences of the renowned artist, adding a new dimension to his already impressive career. Stay tuned for more updates and be prepared to embark on a captivating journey through the life of Davido in the documentary series, "David."

The Free Nigeria Movement (FNM) has expressed its belief that the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal represents the last hope for many Nigerians who have lost faith in the country due to the controversial outcome of the presidential election. In a statement issued by the group's Convener, Moses Paul, FNM charged the tribunal to conduct its proceedings with justice, equity, and fairness, without any deviation from due process.

Paul warned that FNM would not hesitate to protest against any fraudulent outcome from the tribunal. He highlighted the challenge of character that Nigeria currently faces, and criticized the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, for demonstrating a disregard for the country's laws, including the Electoral Act of 2022 (as amended).

FNM emphasized that the judges at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) are aware of the high level of political consciousness that was evident during the last general elections, particularly the presidential election of 25th February 2023, and the apathy that characterized the gubernatorial election that followed. The group believes that this should be a cause for concern for both the judges and all Nigerians, and that it should guide their decisions when adjudicating on the matters before them.

The Convener called on the judiciary, through the judges of the PEPC, to be the voice of reason and save Nigeria's democracy from collapse. In conclusion, FNM hopes that the tribunal will uphold justice and fairness in its proceedings, and that its final decision will reflect the will of the people.

The Supreme Court in Abuja has announced that it will deliver its judgment on the disputed governorship election held on July 16 in Osun state. The decision was made by a panel of five justices, led by John Okoro, after all the parties involved presented their written briefs in the case. This development brings the resolution of the contentious election one step closer.

Earlier, in January, the Osun governorship election tribunal declared that Gboyega Oyetola had successfully demonstrated that there was over-voting in certain polling units. As a result, the tribunal's majority ruling instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to invalidate the certificate of return issued to Ademola Adeleke and issue a new one to Oyetola, recognizing him as the duly elected governor of Osun. However, Adeleke was dissatisfied with this decision and decided to appeal.

On March 24, the Court of Appeal in Abuja overturned the ruling and reinstated Adeleke as the rightful governor of the state. The three-member panel of justices presiding over Adeleke's appeal concluded that the election tribunal had made an error by accepting the claims of over-voting presented by Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party.

Adeleke's appeal emphasized two key points. Firstly, he argued that there was no majority judgment since the second judge on the panel, Rabi Bashir, had failed to provide her opinion as required by the constitution. Secondly, he challenged the tribunal's jurisdiction to hear the petition, asserting that it had neglected to consider the preliminary objection he had filed against the petitioners.

Now, with the Supreme Court scheduled to deliver its judgment on Tuesday, the fate of the disputed governorship poll in Osun state hangs in the balance. The decision will be eagerly awaited by supporters of both Adeleke and Oyetola, as it will determine who will ultimately occupy the highest office in the state.