Friday 8 September 2017

Yoruba legend, Adebayo Faleti finally goes home


The late Yoruba legend, veteran actor, broadcaster, writer, journalist and  cultural icon, Alagba Adebayo Faleti has been finally laid to rest today in his hometown, Oyo. Today's event marks the end of the burial activities for the great legend who died on July, 23 2017 at the ripe old age of 95.
He was educated at the University of Dakar in Senegal, University of Ibadan, Ibadan and  the Radio Netherlands Training Center in Hilversum, the Netherlands,where he studied French, Lit-in-English and Television Production respectively.
Faleti's contribution to the Nigerian film industry is immeasurable. He was a films director and actor. In fact, he was the first stage play director and film editor in Africa. Basorun Gaa, one of his movie received Breeze Award in London as the best epic movie of the year in 2004.
The great veteran was a fantastic poet and translator, he successfully published a "dictionary containing the formal or official use of Yoruba names, he was responsible for translating Nigeria's National Anthem from English to Yoruba, he also translated speeches being made by Nigeria's former Attorney-General of the federation Chief Bola Ige, military president of Nigeria General Ibrahim Babangida, former premier of the Western region of Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Ernest Shonekan - Head of National Interim Government of Nigeria, from English to Yoruba".
As a broadcaster, Baba was a  pioneer of the "first television station in Africa, Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), now known as the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)". He was the first Yoruba presenter on Television. He was once the General Manager of Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), then known as Radio OYO, Ibadan.
As a writer, he was a columnist with the Nigerian Tribune and the author of the award winning book 'Eda Ko L’aropin' which won him the Festival of Arts Award in 1995.
As characteristic of great men like him, Alagba Faleti has received many awards including the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Doctor of Letters (D.Litt), Justice of Peace (JP), Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP). He also won the Afro-Hollywood Award for Outstanding Performance in Arts in the United States (2002).
By all standards, Baba Faleti is a successful and highly accomplished individual, the reason why the high and mighty, great academics, veterans in the media and entertainment industry like Wole Soyinka, Femi Osofisan, Akinwumi Ishola and a host of others continue to pour tributes on him. He was a great poet, writer, journalist, broadcaster, dramatist, translator, librarian and administrator.He was a giant in the media and entertainment industry.
Continue to rest, because great men do not die, they only go to rest.

Thursday 3 August 2017

2019: Reno Omokri campaigns for Atiku on twitter

August 03, 2017 Posted by Gafar's blog , , , No comments
Former special adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Reno Omokri took to his twitter page this morning and wrote:
"Look carefully behind me. Guess who you see talking with @theresa_may? Restructuring on the agenda. Pls pray for this man if you support it!"

Obviously, from the picture, it was Alhaji Atiku Abubakar talking with Theresa May, UK Prime Minister.
Reacting to the post, some Nigerians who took to their twitter page to reply Omokri are of the opinion that Mr. Omokri is suffering from colonial mentality. They asked: do we need Theresa May to restructure Nigeria for us?
Others think Atiku is not the leader this nation needs. Somebody described him as the one who oozes corruption.
As much as Nigerians wants their country to be restructured, certainly what we need is not Atiku nor the UK. What we need is an incurruptible vibrant and intelligent technocrat who will make reasonable policies that will propel this nation to its rightful place in the comity of nations. Electing Atiku as president in 2019 is as good as making a notorious armed robber the manager of the state's treasury.

Wednesday 2 August 2017

Tips for making safe mobile transactions

August 02, 2017 Posted by Gafar's blog , , No comments
Bank transactions just got easier with the introduction of mobile applications. But the conveniency also came with alot of risks which can make you to be vulnerable at some point. Here are tips for making safe mobile transactions shared by Jumia Travel, an online traveling agency.
 

Monitor your accounts regularly
It is now very easy to monitor your account. Except in some certain situations, you do not physically need to go to the bank. With online banking, you have 24 hours access to your account so take advantage of this and check your account on a regular basis. This is good for those who frequently use mobile banking.
Read app reviews before download
While inside the app store you shouldn’t just download the first option you see. There can sometimes be other third-party developers who will create apps linked to online stores. To determine the authenticity of the app, just read the review.
Protect your Mobile devices with passwords
To prevent unauthorised access to your phone, you should use passwords especially if you settle bills and transfer money with your phone.
Always log out when you are done
Imbibe the habit of logging out of your online banking session when you have finished your business. This will reduce the chances of someone else accessing your account.
Avoid clicking through emails
Very few financial institutions will send you an email asking you to provide any of your login details. If you receive an email that appears to be from your bank that asks for such details then treat it with suspicion and delete it immediately. Do not even open it.
Set up account notificationsSome people do not activate alert because they do not want their money deducted. But they will be the first to shout blue murder if their monies disappear from their account. Hence, it is safer and advisable to set up notification so that you will be aware of your account activities.
Culled from: vanguardngr.com

Thursday 20 July 2017

Top 10 most corrupt politicians in the world

Corruption is a cancer. It kills an economy gradually, and ultimately destroys the future and structure of a country. Of the many types of corruption, political corruption is the most common type. It involves the use of power to usurp the right and resources of the people.
Here are the 10 most corrupt politicians in the world according to foxnewspoint.com. You may be shocked to see some names like David Cameron, you may also be shocked that some names are missing. It may also interest you that no Nigerian politician made the list. It is not to say that they are not corrupt, but it is a pointer to the quantum of corruption going on in other parts of the world. Please read on:

"10: Petro Poroshenko

He is fifth and corrupt president of Ukraine he was the foreign affair minister from 2008 to 2011 and also served as a minister of trade and economic development in 2013. He talk about more for the high level of corruption issue but he is deeply involved in endless corruption and generate a huge amount of money which is conceal in other countries his well established business and lot of asset all are result of endless corruption. Ukraine president Petro destroy the Ukraine economy and corrupt politician in the world history.

9: Kim Jong UN


Most corrupt North Korean politician Kim Jong UN is the chairman of the worker party of Korea he also served as a supreme leader of democratic People’s Republic of Korea. North Korean country is involved in high level of corruption but Kim Jong UN known as most dangers and corrupt politician in the world according to Panama papers. Kim Jong UN has lavish lifestyle he is richest person with 5 billion USD and his assets from more than 200 banks in other words he has endless wealth, interesting thing is that he is youngest head of state and Korean leaders salary about 1500 dollar he generate money illegal ways and most corrupt politician in the world.

8: Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo


Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo belongs to world poor country but he is richest person in the world earn lot of money in power and served as a President for long period of time. He is a leader of Guinea currently but he was a chairperson of African Union Between 2011 to 2012. This government has known as non-democratic Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo also a corrupt politician and abuse of power. Teodoro Obiang seized assets about $71 million by court on charges corruption, public funds and money laundering. Due to high level of corruption he declares as biggest corrupt politician in the world.

7: Narendra Modi


Narendra Modi is a most corrupt politicians in the world and the chief minister of Gujarat and current 14th Prime Minister of India. Narendra Modi is alleged that he took money from Sahara and Birla when he was the CM of Gujarat. It is said that there were 13 different transactions that involved Modi and with the grand total of RS 55 crors when he was the chief minister of India he took this money from Sahara group, also allege that he took money from his rich businessman friends for the election campaign now it is the matter of fact that how he had pay back this big amount to his friends when Modi is in power.

6: David Cameron


David Cameron born in October 1966 in London to richest Upper class family he is a British Politician and served as a Prime minister of United Kingdom also a leader of conservative party. According to Panama leaks he is most corrupt politician also part of offshore resources but he refused and said I have only one house in London and no more property. David Cameron talks about Afghanistan and Nigeria that both are most corrupt countries, and also he want to corruption free his own country which is biggest corrupt country he also involved in high level of corruption and declare as a most corrupt politician in the world.

5: Khalifa Bin Zayed AL Nahyan


Khalifa Bin Zayed AL Nahyan is the supreme commander of union defense force and the president of the United Arab Emirates. This royal family has already $150 billion resources but it seems that all this money came from major corruption with offshore companies he is among the world top corrupt politician and has linked dealing with worlds top leaders in panama papers. Khalifa Bin Zayed AL Nahyan is the owner of dozens of properties in London which is worth of 1.2 billion dollar which include BHS building on Oxford Street and Mayfair’s Berkeley square estate. He is considered as the top most corrupt politicians of the world.

4: Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson


Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson is an Icelandic politician and the youngest prime minister of Iceland as well. He is involved in offshore companies as panama papers shoes after the panama papers releases he resigned from the seat of Prime Minister. Biggest leaks in the history of the world revels the financial affairs of Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson and his wife came into interrogation after the panama leaks. He has the allegation that he had hidden the major resources from his voters ever since he has become the prime minister. It is said that he has illegal properties in London through offshore companies and he is among the most corrupt leaders in the world.

3: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz


Salman Bin Abdulaziz is a king of Saudia Arabia also head of house of Saud, for the 48 years he served as a deputy Governor and Governor of Riyadh during 1963 to 2011. The panama papers are the leaks of confidential documents through offshore companies’ people increases their bank accounts and king Salman is one of the name in the list of leak papers. As the panama paper releases he has $17 billion net worth which is really big amount through offshore companies. King Salman owns expensive properties and companies in London which include almost 34 million dollars and declare as corrupt politician.

2: Vladimir Putin


Russian politician Vladimir Putin is a current President of most powerful country Russian Federation and served as prime minister three times during 1999 to 2012. He is declare world top most corrupt politician in panama papers leaks due to lot of wealth well establish business and two billion property in many other countries. He is most corrupt politician due to some corrupt moves like the food that never came, the vacation villas in Spain, saving his associates, Putin retirement home and getting rich. He destroys the economy of this country and involved in high level of corruption and world richest politician.

1: Nawaz Sharif


Nawaz Sharif is a Prime Minister of Pakistan he is richest person in Pakistan with well establish business in whole country he has many mills factories and earns lot of money from these. Nawaz sharif has done $418 million corruption his tenure which is huge amount and show that he has done high level of corruption. He has also lot of projects, land property, out of country business and many other mega projects all are hidden projects but currently involved in Panama papers leaks. He generate lot of money from the Metro bus service project and declare as most corrupt politicians in the world due to countless corruption."

Monday 3 July 2017

Breaking!!! Foremost nationalist,orator and elder statesman, Maitama Sule dies

July 03, 2017 Posted by Gafar's blog , , No comments

Maitama Sule, foremost elder statesman died this morning in Cairo, Egypt in a undisclosed hospital where he was flown to for medical attention.
According reports from family sources, the elder statesman died 24 hours after arriving the hospital. His remains would be flown to Nigeria tomorrow.
Meanwhile the Kano state government has declared tomorrow (Tuesday) as work free day. The statement released by the secretary to the state government reads: "The death has occurred today (Monday) of Alhaji (Dr.) Yusuf Maitama Sule, Dan Masanin Kano.
“Dr. Yusuf Maitama Sule died at a hospital in Cairo, Egypt, where he was receiving treatment for an illness. Funeral prayer for the deceased will be  conducted tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Emir’s Palace, Kofar Kudu, by 4:00pm. Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has declared tomorrow Tuesday a work – free day in the state to mourn the death of the elder statesman.”
Dr. Maitama Sule had served Nigeria in various capacities. He was a former minister, ambassador and Nigeria's representative to the United Nations. 
Rest well great icon!


Saturday 1 July 2017

Daniel Johua: A story of integtity worth celebrating

The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has praised the young Nigerian who refunded 60,000 N-power monthly stipend mistakenly credited to him after he had already disengaged from the scheme.
Daniel Joshua is from Taraba State. He was a beneficiary of the N-power scheme until April, 2017 when he disengaged after getting a new job. According to reports, Daniel was mistakenly paid stipend for the months of May and June. Being the epitome of integrity that he is, Daniel got in touch with N-power and paid back the 60,000.
The Acting President who was pround of Daniel wrote on his twitter page: A story of integrity.
Daniel refunded payments of N-Power stipends credited to him for the period he had already disengaged from #NPowerNG

Sunday 25 June 2017

Eid-el Fitri message: The real enemies of Nigeria and looming wrath of God

This is the Eidul Fitri message of Amir, Ahmadiyyah Nigeria, Dr. Moshhod Adenrele Fashola entitled: The Real Enemies of Nigeria and Looming Wrath of God.

"The Gracious, Merciful, and Mighty Lord of all Creation is One, Who does not discriminate among His Creation in respect of their ethnicity, nationality, race, class or religion. For God of all Creation, the rank or honour of the people depends exclusively on their piety or righteousness. (Q.49:13/14). Righteousness represents the objective of fasting and the objective of all religions.
Ethnic or tribal differences do not really constitute the problem of Nigeria though some people have turned our tribal differences into serious problems. The Real Enemy is injustice, corruption, fraud, ethnic rivalry exploited by evil and influential people to dominate, cheat, exploit, and undermine other groups, holding secret meetings. At the end of the day, they bring about poverty, disease, disunity, and disaster on the people. God’s wrath descends not because of our religious or ethnic differences but for widespread corruption and evil.
The way out is for pious representatives of all ethnic and religious groups to come together to defend justice and equality, promote charity and good life for all citizens without any discrimination whatsoever and to oppose corruption and all evil conduct from whatever quarters they may emanate, as admonished by Holy Qur’an 3:105,111.
“And let there be among you a body of men who should invite to goodness and enjoin equity and forbid evil. And it is they who shall prosper. (Q.3:104/105)
“You are the best people raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin what is good and forbid evil and believe in Allah…” (Q.3:110/111)
Religion should unite us across all regions and ethnicity, because believers are united by the same principle of piety and righteousness as declared by Allah.
“And the believers, men and women, are friends of each other. They enjoin good and forbid evil and observe prayer and give charity and obey Allah and His Messenger. It is these on whom Allah will have mercy… (Q.9:70/71)
If we do not stop ethnic rivalry, nepotism, killings, injustice, corruption and oppression, the Wrath of God will surely descend on all the groups and individuals responsible. Restructuring of Nigeria will achieve nothing if we do not uphold the principle of justice, equality, and eradicate poverty and misery."

Saturday 24 June 2017

The future is a ball- Edmund Obilo

"Education is golden, richer than the treasures of a treasure land. Education is powerful. Education is as bright as the sun. It is the light into the future" - Edmund Obilo

After delivering the June, 12 2017 lecture entitled "June 12: The Past, Present, and Future of Nigerian Democracy, organised by the  Obafemi Awolowo University's Students Union, Edmund Obilo, a perspective and investigative journalist based in Ibadan left a very touching message for the students.
In his partying message titled: The Future is a Ball, Obilo hinted that the "students are the future that hold the promise to life abundance for the many children, women, men, boys and girls" of our country. While acknowledging the strenuous conditions under which the students are been trained and the strains which the scarcity of vital ingredients needed for quality  education has imposed on them Obilo councelled the students to take maximum advantage of the little that is available and emerge as the shinning stars of the global world. He said "take note; there are many, who cherish education but are so poor to understand why providence has placed obstacles on their path. You must be grateful for the not-so-good that you have and prepare to improve the situation. Pay yourself in the academic gold and diamond that education brings".
He admonished the students to try and maintain balance in all spheres of life-" I love books, they make me glow. I love documentaries they keep me informed. I play music it relaxes my nerves. I'm not a good dancer, but I dance too. Work while you work, Play while you play, but the greatness of tomorrow is a product of the hardwork of today. While you dream big, watch those things that can deny you happiness and make you socially irresponsible. 
"The future is a ball. It is not only your kick that determines the direction it goes. The bumpy ground can re-direct it, the reason the things around you matter in the decisions you make.
As you fly, your wings will not break
As you run, may you not fall
When you speak in the citadel of hope, you will not lose your voice
As you study, I wish you everything good". He concluded.

Thursday 22 June 2017

Evans, the real Nigerian

June 22, 2017 Posted by Gafar's blog , , , No comments

Those who know the system, are the ones who play the system and consequently beat the system. Infact they are victims of the system. 36-year old Chukwuduben Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, the kidnap kingpin who was recently arrested by men of the Nigerian Police is a true picture of what our society has become. He typifies everything wrong with our value system.
The likes of Evans have mastered how the system works. They know that the value system has been so eroded that people do not care how you make your money, they simply want to have a share, the reason why he was able to complete a mighty mansion in an estate like Magodo within a month unchallenged. They are products of a system that glorifies money and refuses to honor inteletualism and hardwork, where the criminally rich political elite are seen as role models. They see how the people often role out drums to welcome the very people that improverished them just for some Naira notes.
Such people succeeds in a system where the very institutions saddled with the responsibility to make and enforce the rule of law are the ones supervising curruption, where the Police service, even though not well structured have become agents of graft.
Had Evans not been caught, Maybe he would have run for governor at some point. Encouraged by his doll-outs, people would have voted for him. Even if eventually, his ugly past surfaced, and the EFCC arrested him and charged him accordingly, people would carry placards in his defence. According to a columnist, Tabia Princewill "a man who started out as a kidnapper would suddenly become blameless, a good Christian, etc., by virtue of joining politics and “sharing” money with a few loud mouths with the clout to defend him while he would have continued to hurt the masses. Evans could have embezzled his state’s budget, or been caught doing so and some people would still say “we are marginalised. We need Evans to get into power at the federal level”, forgetting that he (or those like him) are the true cause of marginalisation and poverty rather than ethnicity"
There will be many Evans in a system where people with questionable characters are the ones sitting on the front pews in our churches, getting titles in our mosques and chieftancy titles in their respective villages. They are friends to the media houses. Their pictures are on the front covers of many magazines, cooperate organizations may even invite them to deliver talks on the very problem they create.
There are many Evans out there, and in-fact there will be many as long as we refuse to reform our value system. The Quran counsels us in Q13:11-"Allah will not change the condition of a people, until they change that which is in their hearts"