Demystifying 3 pillars of religion by Fr. Ebido - ITREALMS

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Saturday after Ash Wednesday (February 20/2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May God grant you the grace to triumph over all your moral and spiritual maladies. Amen

Read Isaiah 58:6-14; LK 5:27-32; pray Psalm 86. 

Narration: My readers from across the Atlantic should know that what I was addressing yesterday is a problem peculiar to Nigeria. However, some aspects of it is universal as vividly captured in Psalm 78. 

MFM, Olukoya v Maureen Badejo: Court grants N500m damages, perpetual injunction against Badejo ITREALMS

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An Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta, Nigeria, has slammed N500 million damages against a U.K.-based blogger, Maureen Badejo for libelous publications through her GIO TV against the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) Ministries, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, and the church, reports ITREALMS.

The claimants are the Incorporated Trustees of Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministries and its General Overseer – Dr. D. K. Olukoya.

Maureen Badejo

33-yrs after: Road safety journey so far - ITREALMS

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The ugly narrative of Road Traffic crashes in the early 70s changed through Federal Government’s resilience in the establishment of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in 1988, as the Lead Agency in road safety administration and traffic management in Nigeria via decree no 45 of 1988 as amended by decree no 35 of 1992, later codified as FRSC Act (CAP 141) Laws of the Federation 1990 and FRSC Act CAP F19, LFN, 2004; FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007.

Being a strategic intervention to address the ugly trend of road crashes, the FRSC has, since its establishment operated in line with best global practices.

UNILAG fraud takes new turn, works director heads to court - ITREALMS

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The last may not have been heard on the controversies surrounding the Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe-led administration at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as the Director of Works, Engr. Babatunde Oloko has dragged the Vice Chancellor to court, for forceful removal from office, reports ITREALMS.

The lawsuit filed at the National Industrial Court in Lagos by Engineer Oloko, challenged his forceful removal from office by the institution’s management.

Fr Ebido: How not to seek God's blessing in vain - ITREALMS

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Friday after Ash Wednesday (February 19/2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May God’s graciousness abide with you today and every day. Amen

Read Isaiah 58:1-9A; Matt 9:14-15; and pray Psalm 51. 

Narration: In recent times I have gone to the extent of stopping some people from sending me all those glowing prayers that showers you with all manners of blessings and miraculous breakthroughs. 

Women, pivotal to bridging digital divide says Danbatta - ITREALMS

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The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has emphasized the important role played by women in the country’s socio-economic and political space while underscoring the need to empower them in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as an enabler for social change.

Danbatta stated this while delivering a goodwill message at a webinar organised by Zinari Communications Limited with the theme: “Mainstreaming Rural Women Enterprise Development into Digital Economy Initiative: The Opportunities, Strategies and Constraints,” which held on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.

U.S. supports Nigeria dairy industry - ITREALMS

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The first shipment of pregnant Jersey breed dairy cows from the United States arrived at the Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti State.

Ikun Dairy Farm – a joint venture between Promasidor Nigeria Limited and Ekiti State Government – plans to produce 10,000 liters of milk daily and will take delivery of two additional shipments of dairy cows from the United States over the next couple of weeks.

Austin's five forces model for transformation - ITREALMS

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New beginnings (such as the current pandemic) bring about opportunities for transformation if we suppress current realities and augment possibilities. 

This enables us to adopt agile strategies to create new systems which then become our new realities. I have codified below, the relation between Transformation, Vision, Team, Time, Resources and Resolve in a model which I call the Austin’s 5 Forces Model for Transformation.

These forces and their interplay are represented in the schematic below:

Buhari names Audi, Nababa CG of NSCDC, NCoS - ITREALMS

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The Nigeria's President, General Muhammadu Buhari, retired, has appointed Ahmed Audi as the new Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), reports ITREALMS.

The Director, Press & Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Interior, a press statement on Tuesday by Mohammed Manga, said the appointment follows the retirement from service of Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, the outgoing Commandant-General of the NSCDC.

Anambra arrests COVID-19 violators - ITREALMS

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The Anambra State Covid-19 Protocols Taskforce, has commenced arrest of people who flout Covid-19 safety laws in Awka and its environs, reports ITREALMS.

This was in line with the efforts of the Anambra State government towards controlling the spread of the virus.

13-yrs later: Anambra residents still in pains over abandoned N7.8bn Amansea-Awba–Ofemili road - ITREALMS

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“I don’t know what our people had done to offend the Government of Anambra State, to have neglected and abandoned us this way. The Governor is working across the state. But, for us here, we feel disillusioned, disappointed and in fact, abandoned."

A portion of Amansea-Ebenebe-Ugbenu-Ugbene-Awba Ofemili road, Anambra State.

A stakeholder and Traditional Prime Minister (Onowu) of Ebenebe, Chief Joe Nwegwu, lamenting the abandonment of Amansea-Ebenebe-Ugbenu-Ugbene-Awba Ofemili road project, almost fourteen years after commencement.

Obedience, a hidden treasure says Fr Ebido - ITREALMS

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Thursday after Ash Wednesday (February 18/2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May God grace multiply in you this day fulfilling his perfect will in you. Amen.

Read Deuteronomy 30:15-30; LK 9:22-25; Ps 1. 

Narration: Yesterday I touched on the value of obedience, even ‘blind obedience’ in solving complex spiritual and moral problems. For centuries spiritual masters and theologians struggled to understand this, and their conclusions simply echo that of scripture: “obedience is better than sacrifice.” 

9mobile begins free NIN enrollment @ Experience Centres - ITREALMS

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Acclaimed innovative telecom company, 9mobile, has commenced free registration of National Identification Number (NIN) and linkage to SIMs enrollment in selected Experience Centres across the country, reports ITREALMS.

This, the operator said, would enable its customers to physically register for their NIN and link it to their SIMs without hassles or payment.

Okere: Every business is now startup, prescribes 5 forces to renovate - ITREALMS

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The Entrepreneur-in-Resident and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ausso Academy, Mr. Austin Okere, has prescribed some five forces for transformation post-COVID-19 lockdown for bourgeoning entrepreneurs, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking on Monday, Okere told ITREALMS that the five forces of transformation emanate from “Vision, Team, Time, Resource and Resolve,” declaring that every business is now a “startup.”

Reading: Ibadan book club to host Diipo Fagunwa - ITREALMS

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The Ibadan Book Club (IBC), one of the reading arms of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has set aside February 27, 2021 to host the only surviving son of the late Yoruba literary sage, D.O. Fagunwa, Mr. Diipo Fagunwa, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, reports ITREALMS.

One of the conveners, Mr. Wole Adedoyin in a press statement available to ITREALMS said the event will take place at the Race Course Amphitheatre, Opposite Recreation Club, inside Adamasingba Stadium by 12pm prompt.

Fraud: AfDB debars Global Interjapan Kenya - ITREALMS

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The African Development Bank Group (AfDB.org) has debarred the Global Interjapan (Kenya) Limited for 36 months for fraudulent practices, reports ITREALMS.

The company, ITREALMS gathered, had engaged in fraudulent practices during a tender for the Bank-financed Small Scale Irrigation and Value Addition Project held in Kenya.

Renewables: Faster decarbonization to the fore - ITREALMS

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Today, we’re seeing countries across Sub-Saharan Africa commit to increasing the share of renewable energy in their mix and to decarbonize their economies.

The power sector accounts for up to 41 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions today, with Africa contributing about 2-3 per cent.

 

'Service providers must transform to customers’ needs' - ITREALMS

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The global pandemic has accelerated the need for true digitisation as African customers demand a more seamless digital customer experience from their communications service providers (CSPs), writes Pikie Monaheng, CEO at Amdocs South Africa.

It’s no secret that CSPs need to transform their businesses to compete in the continent’s highly competitive communications landscape and deliver the experiences that customers are demanding today. However, digital transformation is a journey, which takes time. And there are many tasks to undertake on the way.

Ebido: Obedience solves complex questions - ITREALMS

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Ash Wednesday (February 17/2021) 

Your Daily Blessing: May the Lord fill you with courage in the face of all vicissitudes of life. Amen.

Narration:  

It is amusing to see how much we had to ‘struggle’ to reconcile our needs to serve the thousands of people that will come to receive ash today with the Covid19 protocols put in place by the Church (Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Lagos). 

Vaccine in Nigeria: Why FG'ld leverage Konga option to bridge the divide - ITREALMS

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The business side of the Pandemic? Covid-19 is transforming itself from the ‘Bad, the Ugly and the Good’ - into the Business-of Things. This is within the background of the arrival of several types of Covid-19 Vaccines around the world, many weeks ago. 

Indeed, the epicentre of global challenges and business opportunities has moved from the ugly pandemic scenario of 2019-2020 to the commercial business of Covid-19 vaccine implementation ecosystem. 

FIFA president kicks-off African visit - ITREALMS

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The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President Gianni Infantino, has arrived Africa commencing with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, reports ITREALMS.

This comes as the first stop on an itinerary that will see him visit FIFA member associations in several African countries along with heads of state and African Union (AU) Chairperson Félix Tshisekedi over the coming days.

Olofin Adimula: All is set for palatial fundraising @Ado-Odo - ITREALMS

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All is now set as most roads leads to Ado-Odo in Ogun State for the launch of a multi-million palace for the Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Abdul-Lateef Adeniran Akanni, the Ojikutujoye Obarun-Oladekan 1, reports ITREALMS.

Oba Akanni, who is also known as Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo Awori Kingdom in Ogun State, would be on hand to welcome guests.

Optimize ICT tools for nutrition communications, Nweke charges CSOs - ITREALMS

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The National Coordinator of the Media Centre Against Child Malnutrition (MeCAM Nigeria), Mr. Remmy Nweke, has urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to optimize the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) tools in communicating nutrition in the country, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking at the first quarterly capacity building of the Lagos State chapter of the Civil Society on Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) hosted by the Communication Team, Mr. Nweke said that optimizing ICT tools in this era has become imperative.

1bn registered mobile money accounts, Kaspersky harps on keeping safe wallet - ITREALMS

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With more than $1.9 billion processed daily and over one billion registered accounts globally, mobile money is a massive industry.

With strong growth coming from Africa, many analysts consider the region to be the epicentre of the global market. PayPal’s recent announcement that it will expand its Xoom money transfer service to more countries on the continent this year makes it evident that there is still significant growth to come. But this also means that consumers must be aware of the security risks associated with mobile wallets and payments.

Don of Magu’s boys, Bawa, emerges new EFCC chairman - ITREALMS

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The President of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari, retired, has asked the Senate to confirm, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa as acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), reports ITREALMS.

The Special Adviser to Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, made this known to ITREALMS in a statement, Tuesday.

Beware of fraudsters! NCC not recruiting - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has refuted that its recruiting in any position whatsoever, cautioning Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters, reports ITREALMS.

NCC, ITREALMS gathered, also warned of scammers who are soliciting applications purportedly on behalf of the commission for fathom jobs.

United Nigeria Airlines: Anambra felicitates with Okonkwo on inaugural flight - ITREALMS

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The Anambra State Government (ASG) has felicitated with Dr Obiora Okonkwo who leads United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) inaugural flights at the weekend, reports ITREALMS.

UNA, ITREALMS gathered had on Friday, February 12 made its debut formally in the nation's air space as a carrier, with its inaugural flight from the domestic wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, and landed at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Enugu State.

4 OPC members in Police net for stabbing Tochi Chidi to death - ITREALMS

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The Police operatives attached to Bariga Division of the Lagos State Police Command on Saturday, 13th February, 2021, arrested four (4) members of Oodua People's Congress (OPC) for beating and stabbing one Tochukwu Chidi, m, 35, of No 76 Arobadede Street, Bariga, to death after an argument with them at Temple Street, Bariga, Lagos, reports ITREALMS.

The suspects attacked the deceased and inflicted injuries on him. He was rushed to the General Hospital, Bariga for treatment before he was confirmed dead.

The suspects are Sunday Onilede, m, 35, Azan Razak, m, 35, Abdullahi Ibrahim, m, 29, and Fatai Taiwo, m, 40,.

Confirming this to ITREALMS in a press statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Ikeja, the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has condemned the act.

According to him, CP Odumosu also directed that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba for proper investigation and prosecution.

In another development, the police operatives attached to Surulere Division have arrested one Peter Arinola, m, at Empire Area, Surulere, Lagos State, with an English Pistol while he was negotiating and harassing one lady "prostitute" for sex.

The suspect intended to use the pistol to intimidate the lady to agree to his terms and the amount he wanted to pay, but the lady insisted on certain amount of money. Peter brought out the pistol and wanted to force the lady to sex. The lady raised alarm and Peter was overpowered and arrested by the people around the brothel.

The police swung into action and further investigation revealed that the suspect used to assist an armed robber (name withheld) to keep the pistol for operations. The police later recovered 5 rounds of ammunition in the room of the lady during the course of their investigation.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered that the owner of the pistol and suspected armed robber, who is at large, be apprehended by all means and brought to book.

While assuring Lagosians of adequate protection of lives and property, CP Hakeem Odumosu vows to go after the criminals and hoodlums in Lagos State.

Ayo Midele/Editor

Pix: CP Hakeem Odumosu of Lagos State

Fayemi condemns Yoruba-Hausa class in Ibadan - ITREALMS

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Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has condemned the violent clash between some Yoruba and Hausa traders in Shasha market, Ibadan Oyo State capital at the weekend, reports ITREALMS.

The violent clash had reportedly led to the death of some residents, destruction of properties and displacement of people in the area.

Don't mourn Papa Jakande says Asiwaju Tinubu - ITREALMS

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The former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has declared that though the first civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, who died last Thursday at 91, Lagosians and Nigerians should not mourn but celebrate the last of the political titans, reports ITREALMS.

According to Asiwaju, Papa Jakande “could appropriately be described as the last of the titans ranking with the likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Olabiyi Onabanjo, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Alhaji Aminu Kano, among others."

Allegation against Chief Austin Umahi fictitious says aide - ITREALMS

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The Technical Assistant (TA) to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Lady Monica Chidinma Eze, has expressed worries over the continued hounding of the Executive Governor of Ebonyi and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the state by professional hirelings conscripted and commissioned by detractors and leaders of the Ebonyi State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party to meddle impertinently and officiously into the business of governance and the private affairs of perceived political adversaries.

ITREALMS gathered from Abakiliki, the Ebonyi State capital, Lady Monica Chidinma Ada Eze who also doubles as the founder and President of David Umahi Nweze Akubaraoha Ebonyi Transformation Agenda (DUNAETA), a grassroots NGO based in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State further highlighted although the right to free speech is sacrosanct, one must be wary not to offend another in the exercise of such constitutionally guaranteed right as the end of one's right marks the beginning of another's.