Theinvestigator news

Author: the investigator

  • Jrn Pope: AGN Suspends Movie Director, Ban Films involving Riverine Areas.

    Jrn Pope: AGN Suspends Movie Director, Ban Films involving Riverine Areas.

    Emmanuel Clement.

    The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has taken swift action following the tragic death of actor Jnr Pope Odonwodo and four colleagues in a boat mishap.

    In a statement signed by the President Actor Guild of Nigeria(AGN) Emeka Rollas stated that Filmmaker Adanma Luke, producer of the ill-fated movie ‘Another Side of Life,’ has been suspended indefinitely.

    Read also: Late Oba Agbabiaka: Gov Sanwo Olu,Olasoju,,Others Mourn as He is Laid To Rest

    AGN President Rollas announced the suspension, along with other decisions including the indefinite suspension of films involving riverine areas and boat riding, a nationwide halt on movie shootings for April 11, and a ban on actors working with Adanma Luke until further notice.

    As the industry mourns the loss of these talented individuals, the AGN continues its search for the missing bodies, offering condolences to the families and praying for the souls of the departed.

    It will be recalled that Jnr Pope and his fellow actors were reportedly drowned while returning from a movie shoot on the River Niger Cable Point Asaba, Delta State.
    Despite efforts to save him, Jnr Pope’s body was found, while the bodies of the others remain missing,after battling to save his life, the actor died this morning.

    The late actor is survived with a wife and three lovely boys.

  • Late Oba Agbabiaka: Gov Sanwo Olu,Olasoju,,Others Mourn as He is Laid To Rest

    Late Oba Agbabiaka: Gov Sanwo Olu,Olasoju,,Others Mourn as He is Laid To Rest

    ….. describe him as a first class traditional ruler, philanthropist and a father figure.

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    The remains of Oba Kabiru Alani Agbabiaka was laid to rest at his palace amid tears from residents and family members on Wednesday.

    The paramount ruler of lsolo, His lmperial Majesty ,Late Oba Kabiru Alani Agbabiaka died at the early hours of yesterday morning,as dignitaries from all walks of life troop in to pay their last respect to the monarch.

    The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the passage of the Osolo of Isolo Kingdom, as a great loss to the traditional institution and Lagos State as a whole, noting that the monarch is a first class traditional ruler who has left a legacy that the people of lsolo kingdom will continue to cherish.

    He said the late traditional ruler, during his lifetime, rendered selfless service to the people of Isolo and Lagos State.

    “The death of Oba Agbabiaka is a great loss to the people of Isolo, and he will be greatly missed. He made lots of positive impacts during his lifetime, contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of his community as a traditional ruler.

    “Oba Agbabiaka, as a first-class traditional ruler, left a lasting legacy that the people of Isolo Kingdom will continue to cherish. I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of the late monarch and grant the royal family and the people of Isolo and Lagos State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”he submitted.

    The Governor urged the family, friends, and associates of the deceased, as well as the entire people of Isolo, whose interests the late monarch represented and worked tirelessly for during his lifetime, to work towards immortalising him.

    The Commissioner for Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Mr Bolaji Kayode Robert has described the late Osolo of lsolo death as a colossal loss to the entire kingdom of lsolo and Lagos state as a whole.

    He stated this when he came to commiserate with the family over the demise of the monarch, describing him as one who has consistently put the name of the state in the limelight for very good reasons as he promoted culture and traditions of the Yoruba race across the state and Nigeria at large.

    ” He was very strong two weeks ago when we met in one of the state function, but God knows the best,he will be greatly missed by the Lagos state government and the entire people of lsolo kingdom. My prayers is that God will give the family, people of lsolo the fortitude to bear the loss”he stated.

    In the same vein,the Chairman lsolo Local Council Development Area,Hon (Otunba)Adebayo Olasoju said that the death of the paramount ruler is a great loss to the people of lsolo and Lagos state in general, describing the monarch as a peaceful man who was a father to all.

    Hon Olasoju who was visibly in tears, stated that Late Agbabiaka would be fondly be missed for his generosity and philanthropy nature , noting that he was a father to everyone.

    ” I lack words to express my feelings and how the good people of lsolo is feeling right now because we have lost a father,a peaceful man,one who can tolerate anybody and very accommodative.”

    ” My prayers is that God will console all of us, including Lagos state as a whole for this great loss because we have lost a trailblazer.” he said.

    Lending his voice,the former Lawmaker who represented Oshodi/lsolo State Constituency ll in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu noted that the late monarch is a wonderful and peace loving king,who always wants the best for his people, describing him as an institution and authority who ruled by virtue of his immense experience, wisdom and understanding of Yoruba history, royalty and politics.

    “His death came to us as a great shock but you see God works in a miraculous way, today being the end of prayer and fasting for the Muslims,the late oba decided to pass away,this signifies that he is a good man”

    ” His administration has been the best,he is very supportive and can tolerate as he is seen as one that is not destabilized, the late oba supported me when l wanted to contest and he didn’t discriminate lf l am from his tribe or not, rather he gave me his support. My prayers is that God will give him an eternal rest and also provide the people of lsolo,a wonderful and good person like the former king.” he stated.

    The remains of the body of the top Yoruba monarch was brought to his palace in the early hours of Wednesday.His children received his remains at the palace, while traditional rites began thereafter.

    Amidst tears from traditional chiefs, government officials, members of the Lagos State Executive council,women, youths, friends and well wishers of the late Agbabiaka,the Paramount ruler of Isolo in Lagos State, Osolo of Isolo Land, Oba Kabiru was laid to rest in his palace after prayers were offered by the Chief lmam of lsolo.

    The monarch died at the early hours of Wednesday morning after a brief illness at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital,Ikeja,he died at the age of 64, three months to the celebration of his 20th coronation anniversary.

  • Wema Records 196 Percent Profit Before Tax in 2023 Financial Report

    Wema Records 196 Percent Profit Before Tax in 2023 Financial Report

    By Emmanuel Clement 

    Wema Bank has announced its full Year 2023 Audited financial statement, recording profit before tax growth of 196 per cent from ₦14.75bn to N43.59 billion.

    The bank also proposed a dividend per share of 50kobo; up from 30 kobo in 2022 and deposit growth of 60 per cent to ₦1,860.57bn from ₦1,165.93bn reported in FY 2022.

    “Return on Equity (ROAE) of 39.28%, NPL of 4.31% and N40billion 1st tranche of Capital raise awaiting final regulatory approvals,” a statement from the bank said.

    Commenting on the results, the MD/CEO, Mr. Moruf Oseni said, “2023 showcased a revitalised Wema Bank as evidenced by the considerable improvements in our numbers. The performance is headlined by impressive improvements in Profit before Tax which grew strongly by 196%.”

    He noted that the growth of Gross Earnings by 72%, Total Assets by 56% and earnings per share at 279.5 kobo shows the core improvements to the bank’s balance sheet.

    “In addition, our cost to income ratio at 64.37% has witnessed significant improvement from the previous period.

    “We also completed our N40bn Capital raise exercise (results awaiting final verification by regulators). This exercise actively positioned us for the new capital licensing requirements of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Wema Bank will accelerate its capital management plans and ensure we embark on the journey to raise the required capital as quickly as possible.

    “The Bank will be proposing a dividend per share of 50 kobo to its shareholders at the next Annual General Meeting; this is in line with the Bank’s capital conservation strategy and to ensure that it continues to provide returns to its shareholders in anticipation of additional capital raises scheduled for later this year.

    “We are satisfied with the bank’s performance in the first year of the new leadership team, as we move in a strong growth trajectory. Our target remains clear, we want to become a Top-Tier Bank in the industry powered by Digital excellence, we have carved a niche for ourselves with ALAT as a Retail platform, but we are now positioning the enterprise as the Intelligent platform for all financial services.

    “We have partnered with the Federal Government on upskilling Two Million MSMEs, provided engagement platforms for all NYSC members and are now implementing partnerships in Health, Education, Women empowerment and in the green economy.

    “In the months ahead, we would be developing platforms and supporting initiatives that prioritise the needs of our customers, leveraging technology in solving problems across all sectors.”

  • Oba of lsolo,Agbabiaka is Dead

    Oba of lsolo,Agbabiaka is Dead

     

     


    The Paramount ruler of Isolo in Lagos State, Osolo of Isolo Land His Imperial Majesty, Oba Kabiru Alani Agbabiaka is dead.

    The investigator news gathered that he died at the early hours of this morning after a brief illness at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital,Ikeja.

    Oba Agbabiaka died at the age of 64, three months to the celebration of his 20th coronation anniversary.

    As at the time of filing this report,there has not been any official statement from the palace secretary or any members of his cabinet.

    More details loading

  • Eld-Ei-Fitr: Gov Soludo Congratulates Muslims On Eid-El-Fitr Celebration.

    Eld-Ei-Fitr: Gov Soludo Congratulates Muslims On Eid-El-Fitr Celebration.

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Anambra State and across Nigeria on the celebration of Eid el Fitr, which marks the successful end of the holy month of Ramadan.

    In his goodwill message, Governor Soludo praised the Muslim community for their steadfastness, spiritual renewal and commitment to the virtues of charity, compassion and sacrifice exemplified during the Ramadan period.

    The Governor urged Muslims to sustain and propagate the lessons of piety, love for one another and devotion to Almighty Allah learnt during the holy month, while calling on all Nigerians to imbibe and promote the spirit of peaceful co-existence, religious tolerance and harmonious living which the season represents.

    Read also:Eid- el Fitr: Hon. Funsho Felicitates With Muslim Community

    Prof. Soludo went further to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to serving the best interests of all residents of Anambra State regardless of religious, ethnic, social or political persuasions, noting that the diversity of the state is a source of strength that should be harnessed for the progress and development of Anambra State and Nigeria at large.

    He lauded the Muslim community in the state for their unblemished record of peace, socio-economic contributions and support for his developmental agenda anchored on the paradigm of transformation towards a brighter future, wishing the Muslims a happy and memorable Eid el Fitr celebration filled with joy, peace and the blessings of Almighty Allah.

  • Eid- el Fitr: Hon. Funsho Felicitates With Muslim Community

    Eid- el Fitr: Hon. Funsho Felicitates With Muslim Community

    …urges them to show love and compassion during Eid-El-Fitr

    Tunde Omoniyi,Akure.

    The Senatorial Chairman of New Nigeria Peoples Party,Ogun East Senatorial District,Hon Funso Jide Adekunle has felicitated with the Muslim Ummah in the state as they join other faithfuls the world over in celebrating the Eid el-fitr which marks the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

    In a goodwill message signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Comrade Emmanuel lkpeama, the Senatorial Chairman urged the Ummah to sustain the lessons of the holy month and replicate them in their daily lives for the good of the society.

    He tasked the citizenry not to loose sight in face of the current socio-economic and security challenges bedeviling the country but to remain resolute and prayerful with faith that the nation’s trying moment will be over and Nigeria will emerge stronger and more united, noting that Eid-El-Fitr marks the completion of a holy month dedicated to devotion and reflection when families and communities come together to celebrate their blessings.

    The statement reads:”As Muslims in Ogun State and Nigeria in general conclude the month of Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all who are celebrating this joyous occasion.”

    “Eid marks the completion of a holy month dedicated to devotion and reflection when families and communities come together to celebrate their blessings.”

    “To all those celebrating, I wish you and your loved ones a happy Eid. May the spirit of community, compassion, and service we have witnessed over the last month continue throughout the year.”he stated.

    The Former House of Assembly Candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general election, went further to enjoined Muslim Ummah to sustain the devotion and other acts of worship performed during the holy month as well as to imbibe the lessons learnt during Tafsir sessions for the good of the religion, society and humanity.

    Hon Funso opined that he is always in awe of the immense generosity displayed by the Muslim community during Ramadan, while urging them to allow that spirit to continues for Eid as we remember all those who are struggling or impacted by poverty, hunger, conflict, and disease, and recommit to building a better future for all, stating that the Muslim community is an integral part of religious society in Nigeria and their contributions have been immense.

  • Barr. Princess Helen Abang’s soaring achievements dwarf negative reports

    Barr. Princess Helen Abang’s soaring achievements dwarf negative reports

    Disclaimer 

    The reputation, charisma, integrity and capacity of Barr. Princess Helen Abang have continued to dot the length and breadth of the state and country at large, so much so that attempting to drag her political capital earned over the years by group of persons to the mire, has met with the brick wall of rejection by the generality of the people who have benefited immensely from her avalanche of human capital development doled out to her community and state.

    It could be recalled that sometimes in November 2022 some group of persons falsely floated the net with fake caption about barr. Princess Helen Abang just to blackmail her good reputation.

    Some group persons who felt barrister Princess Helen Abang was standing on their way out of petty jealousy went online to float a misleading information about Helen Abang.

    However, this has been found faulty about the personality of Barr Helen Abang who is rather termed to be a good lawyer and a silence achiever.

    The misguided group of persons have been disappointed to the extent that instead of achieving their mischievous intention, the report, knowing that it came from pit of hell of envy, has further projected the good image of Barr. Abang the more.

    Barr. Abang, born into known moral and influential family, her lineage has been a political torchbearer in Cross River State, touching numerous lives and making a substantial impact. Notably, despite many taking opposition stances, Princess Helen’s unwavering love and dedication for the her fatherland have remained resolute.

    Princess Helen Abang is schooled and was breed with good morals and have never been seen to be involve in any activity that can mar her person. There is no doubt that there was an argument about a property which was resolved amicably.

    Amidst the the blackmail, Barr. Princess Helen Abang is called to the Nigerian bar as a practicing lawyer and leave in the city of Abuja and apart from being a lawyer, Barr Princess Helen Abang has held sensitive position during this period of blackmail which shows that her records are straight.

    Princess Helen’s leadership saga doesn’t end with party roles. She held the esteemed position of Woman Leader for the Obasanjo/Atiku Success Movement. Her influence was such that she frequently convened political meetings with the Political Advisers for both Presidents Obasanjo and Atiku in the Villa from 2000-2003. Recently, Princess Helen has held several positions due to her just and competence traits. She was also a viable candidate of the PDP National Women Leader in the just completed contest in 2024.

    We assert that the false report does not reflect the character and person of Barr. Abang. The general public is urged to disregard the said false report and continue to hold tenaciously to the good image of Barr. Princess Abang

  • Eid-El-Fitr: Governor Declares Friday Public Holiday.

    Eid-El-Fitr: Governor Declares Friday Public Holiday.

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda has declared Friday 12th April 2024 as work free day for the Eid-El-Fitr celebrations.

    Governor Radda stated this in a statement signed by the Commissioner for lnformation and Culture Bala Zango, stating that his government has taken this step to enable workers in the state to fully enjoy the Sallah celebration with their families, while wishing the people of the state a happy and peaceful Sallah celebration.

    According to him,the decision to declare the day also followed the good gesture of the Federal Government for extending the Eid-El-Fitr public holidays to Thursday 11th of this month.

    Read also:Eid-El-Fitr: FG Extends Holiday To Thursday

    He further urged the good people of the state to be security conscious and pray for peace to reign in the state and the nation at large as they celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Fitr

  • Hike ln Foodstuff: Lawmaker Urges Transporters To Reduce Fare.

    Hike ln Foodstuff: Lawmaker Urges Transporters To Reduce Fare.

    …Says Exchange rate is reducing.

    Emmanuel Clement, Owerri.

    The rate at which prices of foodstuff continue to rise has generated a serious concern from citizens. This has become a topic of discussion by many as there is fear that acute hunger would persist, to this end the Member Representing Isiala Mbano State Constituency in the Imo State House Of Assembly, Hon Sam Ikechukwu Osuji has charged traders in the State to compliment the efforts of the Shared Prosperity 3R Administration led by His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma by reducing the prices of commodities in the market, especially now that the exchange rate of the naira has considerably improved against other major currencies, especially, the dollars and pounds sterling.

    Hon Osuji who made the remark in his office on Monday,while addressing members of the press said traders, importers and other business and economic actors in Imo State should consider the commendable performance of the naira against the dollar, in the last one month, by reducing the prices of goods, especially, essential commodities in the market.

    Read also:Gov Soludo Host Anambra Muslim Community Leaders, Break Ramadan Fast Together

    The vibrant lawmaker, who is the House Committee Chairman On Transport equally appealed to transporters in the State to bring down transport fares, arguing that, with the current realities on the performance of the naira against the dollar, the prices of imported spare parts ought not to be expensive again and this should reflect on transport fares.

     Local women selling fresh fish at seafood market in Owerri

    He said” The major reason why prices of commodities went up in the market was because of the high exchange rate of the naira, particularly, against the dollar, which exchanged for as much as N1850 to $1. But today, the Naira has gained more value and is exchanging for about N1,150 to $1. ”

    “This should reflect on the prices of commodities in the market and transport fares. Our traders and business actors should be considerate, especially, now that His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma has concluded arrangement to invest over $1.5 Billion in the state, through Afrexim Bank, which will definitely enhance the quality of life we live, enhance the quality of education and quality of infrastructure, including creating massive employment opportunities for millions of Imo State youths”.he stated

    Hon Osuji who is also the Vice Chairman Of House Committee On Environment, therefore urged traders and transporters in the state to quickly align the prices of their commodities and transports fares with the current improved exchange rate of the naira, insisting that the ordinary masses in the state should have a breath of fresh air and that Imo State environment is business friendly,so he can’t fathom why traders cannot reciprocate this good gesture by ameliorating the sufferings of the masses through the reduction of prices of commodities.

    The Isiala Mbano Representative thereafter appealed to the leadership of traders Association in all the markets across the state,the lmo state chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers to prevail on their members to, without further delay, bring down the prices of their commodities and reduce transport fares, in the interest of the downtrodden and in appreciation for the State Government’s efforts in the development of the state, in all the sectors of the economy.

     

  • Putting Kwara Education Infrastructure ln Proper Perspective

    Putting Kwara Education Infrastructure ln Proper Perspective

    Opinion:

    I write to address the recent disinformation triggered by a recent report in the BBC on the Kankan LGEA School in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    I understand that the BBC report was a standalone story, which did not delve into the context of the peculiarity of the Kwara situation as a result of our history. The Honourable Commissioner for Communications Mrs Bola Olukoju has done justice to the story, and it is hoped that the BBC and our other friends in the foreign media are properly guided on the issue and related ones.

    One of the biggest issues His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq confronted in 2019 is the mismanagement and stealing of education intervention funds during the previous administration.

    Upon assuming office in 2019, however, the Governor addressed the mismanagement of funds that led to the official blacklist of the state from accessing UBEC funds for six consecutive years. His Excellency first paid N450m, which was the balance of the 2013 FGN-UBEC/SUBEB Matching grant diverted by Alhaji Abdulfatai Ahmed led administration, and this led to the lifting of the ban on the state.

    After paying matching grants of N7.1bn in 2020, Kwara State received a substantial intervention fund totalling 14.2 billion naira, representing 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. This was utilized for the construction, renovation, and remodelling of facilities/structures across 605 schools, including provision of both teachers and students furniture, WASH facilities, and digital literacy centres across all 16 local. government areas. 33 schools were also fenced to prevent land encroachment and provide safety for our children.

    Having said this, it is important to clarify that only 605 schools out of a total of about 2,187 basic schools in the state benefited from the interventions. Definitely, there is still more work to be done, and this point has been made several times.

    The tangible results of these interventions are evident in the significant improvements witnessed in the infrastructural improvement of our basic schools throughout Kwara State when compared with the pre-2019 era.

    These interventions can be seen in all the 193 wards across the 16 LGAs.

    Notwithstanding the above, the government remains committed to steadily addressing the outstanding deficits in the sector. In 2023, Governor Abdulrazaq again fulfilled the state’s counterpart fund obligation for 2020, amounting to 1.4 billion naira, which was allocated for the construction and remodelling of additional 105 classrooms across the state. More teachers and pupils furniture, with WASH facilities( toilets and motorised boreholes with solar panels), were also provided for our schools.

    Furthermore, His Excellency has recently approved the payment of 2021-2023 counterpart funds. The implication of this is that infrastructural upgrades will get to more schools soonest. Kankan LGEA School in Asa LGA and many more schools have been captured.

    A Governor who has done this much should deservedly be given his flowers because not only did the administration before him fail to commit funds to the sector, but it, in fact, stole the little grants it received from the Federal Government.

    We urge members of the public to continue to support the Governor and his administration as he continues to rewrite the story of basic education for posterity.

    Prof. SHEHU Raheem Adaramaja
    Executive chairman, KWARA SUBEB
    April 8, 2024