Startup Reactor enters 5th cycle towards ‘Nova Explosion

ITREALMS:

The Startup Reactor Startup Reactor has entered into the fifth cycle of its six-month accelerator programme in Egypt and is currently seeking out applications, reports ITRealms.

This, ITRealms, is coming on the heel of successful conclusion of its 4^th cycle with its last phase “Startup Nova – Entrepreneurship Explosion.” 

ITRealms also reports that Startup Reactor has been designed to support innovative startups with high growth potential in Egypt.

The programme, according to the organisers, is a gateway to connecting entrepreneurs, investors and mentors. Investors and mentors that participate in the program receive an equity stake in the ventures which they choose to support.

Further, ITRealms gathered that estimated 40 startups will qualify for Ignition (Bootcamp stage) and will receive mentorship and training, with up to 15 startups proceeding to Plasma stage.

Equally, throughout Plasma, the startups will undergo an intensive training programme on developing their business model, prototypes, brand identity and customer base. While the qualifying startups receive the full programme’s package, which includes access to office space and facilities, exclusive access to mentorship from a network of more than 200 business professionals, consultation services, legal registration and advice, and support services such as accounting, human resources (HR) and marketing.

In addition, ITRealms reports that the startups will receive equity funding up to 300,000 EGP, with the chance to participate in StartupNova; a demo day in front of local and international investors where the top 3 startups receive cash prizes worth 15,000 Euros from Venture Capital for Africa (VC4A), with further investment opportunities from Innoventures and VC4A investor network.

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Prof. Iwu, Zinox chairman Ekeh, others drum support for Imo development with IEDI

ITREALMS:

The former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Maurice Iwu, renowned serial digital entrepreneur and Chairman, Zinox Group, Dr. Leo-Stan Ekeh, Senator Chris Anyanwu and a host of other prominent sons and daughters of Imo State have drummed support for the development of Imo State, reports ITRealms.

They expressed determination to see Imo State enjoy an unprecedented level of socio-economic development commensurate with the immense potential and human capital resources at its disposal.

The eminent sons and daughters, ITRealms reports, made this call on penultimate Thursday, December 28th 2017 at the launch of the Imo Economic Development Initiative (IEDI) – a landmark private initiative set up to boost human capacity development, wealth creation and poverty alleviation in the state.

The high-profile event also witnessed the commissioning of the IEDI office located in Owerri.

In his speech at the event, Chairman of IEDI, Prof. Iwu disclosed that, in addition to the need to address the development challenges of Imo State, the driving force behind the establishment of IEDI was to stir aright the socio-economic affairs of the state in order to complement the efforts of past, present and future governments of the state.

“While each government administration, past or present has put in some efforts to improve the condition of the state, and amidst the clamour for political power, it has become apparent that our beloved state would benefit from citizens’ involvement and private sector engagement, to see Imo progress to a level that is a true reflection of the enormous talents, intellectual and material resources of its sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora.”

According to him, a deliberate well-thought out plan of strategies to accomplish the goals are being addressed in the areas of agriculture, urban renewal of the three major cities in the state, rural vitalization, health, energy, education and security.

“Imo sons and daughters have excelled in many fields of human endeavour but there appears to be no nexus between the acclaimed individual educational and business accomplishments and our ability to develop our state or to produce and effective and responsive governance structure. The challenge facing us now is to development of Imo economy to reduce poverty and unemployment, create wealth and improve their internally generated revenue of the state.

“We are greatly encouraged by the progress members of IEDI have made in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, projects on skills acquisition and exploring Federal resources in energy, industries reactivation and health care development. Projects in information technology are being articulated by some of our members to prepare our state to participate meaningfully in the IT-driven knowledge economy. We are in contact with our brethren in neighbouring states and our members have indeed facilitated the establishment of corporate joint-ventures with like minds. 

“The IEDI plans to hold an economic investment summit early in 2018 in partnership with the government of Imo State to highlight the low-hanging fruits projects for investors and entrepreneurs, articulate an economic development blueprint that will accommodate short-term, medium-term and long-term goals of the state and how to accomplish them.”

Also speaking at the event, Chairman, Zinox Group, Ekeh, who highlighted the important role ICT can play in rewriting the history of Imo State, also harped on the essence of a conducive and responsible political climate in the state as a necessary condition to attract prospective investors.

“Through ICT, Imo State has the potential of becoming a conveyor belt of globally-certified talents that will create sustainable wealth, not only for the state but for Nigeria and the African continent at large. ICT remains the only profession in the world today that can make the son of a poor man the richest man in the world.  By making significant investments in this area, we can unleash the power of the youths, give them a level playing ground with their contemporaries in other parts of the world and make them global citizens. I assure you, the effects will transform the state and change the narrative for good. Sadly, the governments and even those at the centre seem not to realize the huge potential in this area.

“I must also point out the need for us to ensure that we contribute in ensuring we get our political governance structure correct and responsible to the development needs of the state. This is because investors calculate political risks before making investment decisions and only a stupid investor will want to put his money in a state where the political system will negatively affect his investment,” he counseled.

While expressing agreement with Ekeh, Prof. Iwu noted that though non-partisan, the IEDI will show an active interest in the governance of the state, going forward.

“Our prime focus remains the economic development of our state through private sector funding and leveraging on available Federal and State Government resources. But we are keen stakeholders in the affairs of Imo State, including how it is governed,” he concluded.

Among the dignitaries and well-meaning citizens of the state in attendance at the high-profile event were renowned technocrat, doyen of Corporate Nigeria and founder of Diamond Bank PLC, Dr. Pascal Dozie; Chairman, National Population Commission, Mr. Eze Duruiheoma (SAN); former President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Rtd. Major General Sebastian Onwuama; industrialist and past President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Engr. Charles Ugwu; Pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Michael Opara University of Agriculture, Prof. Placid Njoku; former Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Prof. Jude Njoku; astute politician and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Imo State, Chief Jerry Chukwueke; former PDP Deputy Chairman, Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu; former Nigerian Ambassador to Hungary, Chief Eddy Onuoha; Chairman, First Index Group and former member, Federal House of Reps, Chief ThankGod Ezeani and media consultant, scholar and frontline Nigerian journalist, Chief Amanze Obi.

Others include Chief Cyril Amako, Dr. Vin Udokwu, Chief Louis Ezeigwe, Dr. Chinedu Iwu, Chief Patrick Okereke, Chief G.G. Iheka, Chief Charles Onyirimba, Mr. Uchenna Iwu, Engr. John Obinna Chukwu; Dr. Bola Njoku, Mr. Ifeanyi Agwu, Dr. Mrs. Chukwu Ngozichukwu; Dr. Harold Onunmuo, Chuka Gabriel, Mr.& Mrs. Wilson Nwafor, Ifeanyi Ukaigwe, Steve Nwoga, Barr. Golden Nwosu,Timothy Iheamatu, Mr. & Mrs. Emeka Agoawike and Chidi Nkpobara, among others.

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Insecurity: Dickson warns politicians sponsoring killers, says they're criminals

ITREALMS:

Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, on Monday in Yenagoa urged security agencies to treat political leaders who sponsor criminals, reports ITRealms.

According to him, such political leaders should be arrested and prosecuted like the criminals they sponsor to perpetuate crime against innocent citizens in the society.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei, said Dickson Med the suggestion  during a courtesy call on him by the Flag Officer Commanding the Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Alhassan.

The Governor said, “It is our position in this state that Crime is crime and security agencies should arrest and treat political leaders who are sponsoring criminals as common criminals because that is what they are.”

The Governor also called on the Naval authorities to intensify efforts to improve maritime security in the waters of Bayelsa.

Governor Dickson enjoined the Navy to rise effectively to the challenge of sea piracy, kidnapping, oil theft, vandalism and related maritime crimes.

“I count on you to combat and bring down to the barest minimum, the cases of piracy in the waters, cases of kidnapping, the oil theft, the vandalism of Strategic national assets and so forth,” he added

The Governor who commended the Federal Government for the establishment of the Central Naval Command said that the Navy had a major responsibility in the maintenance maritime security and stability.

The governor stressed that his administration had always emphasized the pertinence of law and order because of the need to preserve the foundation for peace, security, stability and development established by the government over the last six years.

According to him, the Navy’s role in supporting development in Bayelsa, the Niger Delta and the entire country cannot be overemphasized.

Honourable Dickson commended the Navy’s action against the scourge of sea piracy in Koluama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the State.

He demanded the establishment of a naval outpost at Oluasiri and Agge in Nembe and Ekeremor Local Government Areas of the state respectively to strengthen the onslaught on maritime crime.

“While thanking you for your record in Koluama, I wish to inform you we intend working with you to support the establishment of another outpost at the Oluasiri end at the Eastern part and we also need a strong naval presence at Agge in the West.

“If there is any arm of our nation’s security system whose strength is critical to the maintenance of stability, it is the Navy; so this state will continue to partner with the Nigerian Navy.”

Earlier, the FOC, Central Command, Rear Admiral Alhassan, commended the governor his sustained support to the activities of the service and indeed the military in Bayelsa.

He lauded the governor for donating a property for the building of a Naval Secondary School in Yenagoa.

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Aare Ona Kakanfo: Pastor Sam Adeyemi eulogises Gani Adams

ITREALMS:

The Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi, has acknowledged the passion of the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, Otunba Gani Adams, in the protection of the interests of all Yoruba people reports ITRealms.

Adeyemi, who is from Kogi State, stated this in a congratulatory letter he sent to Otunba Adams on Monday.

The letter, which was a response to Adeyemi’s invitation to the installation of Adams on Saturday in Oyo town, Oyo State by the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, was dated January 8, 2018.

It reads: “I write to acknowledge receipt of your letter inviting me to your installation as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, scheduled to hold on Saturday, January 13, 2018.

“I commend and congratulate you on your laudable achievement in recognition of your passion to protect the interests of all Yoruba people. However, I will be unable to attend as I am out of the country on a ministerial assignment.

“I pray that God will give you unusual wisdom and sound health to serve with excellence in your new position in Jesus name. Amen,” Adeyemi prayed.

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Pix: Gani Adams

Nigeria sleepwalking on cybersecurity, threats to rise in 2018 - CSEAN

ITREALMS:

The Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) has decried that the nation just sleepwalked into 2018, predicting that cybersecurity threats actors will increase this year, reports ITRealms.

The National President of CSEAN, Mr. Remi Afon made this prediction in the 2018 forecast made available to ITRealms, saying that Nigeria sleepwalked into 2018 in spite of inadequate cybersecurity strategy and safeguards.

He also told ITRealms that in 2017, for instance, CSEAN had advocated for the implementation of the existing national cybersecurity strategy, unfortunately till date, nothing has been done.

Noting that in April 2016, the Federal Government (FG) inaugurated a 31-man cybercrime advisory council, “nothing has really changed as we are yet to feel any impact of the council, and therefore one can safely conclude that it was another tick box exercise by the government.” Decrying that while Nigerian government and organisations were asleep, “the bad guys are having a field day in cybercrime escapades.”

The year 2017, he said, went down as a year of unprecedented cyber-attacks globally; “From wannacry ransomware to Equifax breach, 2017 undoubtedly had its fair share of cyber-attacks.”

Afon maintained that given the scope of cyber threats Nigeria faces as a nation, it becomes imperative to highlights the most prominent cyber security threats to expect in 2018.

“Phishing attack has become the most prominent cyber threats in Nigeria and will continue to remain so. Cyber criminals will continue to target unsuspecting internet users. The 419 criminal gangs in Nigeria have advanced in tactics and skills with the use of internet to perpetrate their crime. Today, these groups of Nigerian hackers, popularly known as  "yahoo boys," "waya waya" or "G-work" are now using clever spear-phishing emails to trick victims into installing keyloggers and Remote  Access  Trojans (RAT). It is a mockery of our society that some popular artists even released albums to the praise of these cyber criminals with impunity.

Nigeria’s growth in tech adoption and rising economy make it a target for cyber-threats from within and outside the country. In 2018, Nigeria will emerge as a new focus area for cyber threats – both targeting organisations based in the country and attacks originating from within. This would lead to billions of Naira in lost revenue for businesses as well as affected individuals put together.  The above factors coupled with Nigeria’s increasing number of local residents’ threat actors; makes it one of the countries with   the largest potential for net-new impactful cyber events in 2018.  

“In 2017, we have seen ransomware wreak havoc across the globe with both WannaCry and NotPetya hitting the headlines. Although Nigeria was not badly hit in 2017, it is unlikely we will be able to say the same thing in 2018. Ransomware will continue to plague organisations, with old attacks refreshed and reused, the treat of ransomware will continue to grow exponentially in 2018. Threats of this type and scale will be a common feature of the next 12 months.

“Fake news became a major issue in 2017 and will get worse in 2018. With CGI, photoshop and voice-over technology,. It is almost impossible to tell if a photo or video is real or fake. The social media has empowered people and turned them into journalist of sort. Forwarded messages are being considered as genuine without proper investigation. Facebook posts, Instagram posts, and tweets are now being considered as authoritative source of news. With the 2019 election around  the corner, unemployed youths will continue to be used as tools by politicians to spread fake news in 2018.

CSEAN president further said that the rising value of cryptocurrencies is generating attention from so many Nigerians.

“Hackers and bad actors are also not left out. In 2018 we will see more fraud, hacks and money laundering take place across the cryptocurrency marketplaces,” Afon declared.

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BitCoin: Avoidable unsustainable bubble - Ajijola

ITREALMS:

The BitCoin fever currently raving in the global cyber space has been described as an unsustainable bubble to be avoided, reports ITRealms.

A Commissioner at the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace (GCSC), Alhaji Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola made this assertion while recently discussing “New Money, Cryptocurrencies and Block-Chain Technology,” noting the importance of being wary of “anything that sounds too good to be true, or that seems to disobey basic economic rules.”

According to him, money is a "trusted intermediary of value" be it commodities, cowries, gold, paper, plastic or digital (virtual), defining cryptocurrency or crypto currency, as a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses cryptography to secure its transactions, to control the creation of additional units, and to verify the transfer of assets.

Ajijola who is also the chairman of Consultancy Support Services Limited, noted that stakeholders should lower their expectations and mostly not expect to get rich with BitCoin, or any emerging technology by itself, without an underlying value proposition.

“They present opportunities that are high risk, albeit with high rewards, but remember that the probabilities are that more will fail than succeed,” he said.

Ajijola stressed that users of BitCoin have no recourse if they lose their cryptocurrency wallet and especially the private crypto keys, which would likely reside on their computer or phone. If you lose your phone, or computer hard disk crashes, the crypto-money is there but you have no access to it. Money that cannot be accessed, or to otherwise used, has no value.

He posited that the BitCoin bubble, as manifest by the incredible rate of increase in assigned value without any "apparent" underlying economic logic, seems to be driven by "emotion" provides significant cause for concern.

Therefore, he believes that the bottom line is that cryptocurrencies are here to stay, and we must exploit the opportunities that Block-Chain technology presents.

“However, BitCoin is the biggest bubble so far, and my sense is that it is unsustainable, and therefore BitCoin should be avoided, for now,” he said.

Ajijola emphasized that there are also valid concerns about the use of cryptocurrencies, and BitCoin in particular, to facilitate criminals, and illegal activity.

“This is a cause for concern across the spectrum of all currencies and moral codes. Conversations will likely continue, on the acceptability of BitCoin as money in our indigenous context. However, we may be able to quickly achieve a consensus norm that BitCoin, or other similar Block-Chain based infrastructures are acceptable as payment networks.

“More importantly, we should avoid unbridled speculation types of investment in BitCoin, or other cryptocurrencies, because we believe that others will enter and push the price higher. Such speculation is, arguably, a classic case of a pyramid scheme, which goes against our indigenous values, religious principles and moral codes. However, I am inclined to accept it as a transactional medium, when the need arises and remain cautious on the speculative aspects,” he said.

The cyber security expert, further advocated focus on the ‘trusted intermediary’ nature of BitCoin and other cryptocurrency networks, and avoid the questionable ‘pyramid investment opportunities.’

“We must seek to legitimately exploit the underlying Block-Chain technology, and this is the direction the world is going. The world is adopting Block-Chain technology across a broad swathe of activities and sectors. Thus, let us not lose sight of the larger opportunities by unduly focussing on the short-term prospects of BitCoin,” he said.

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Benue genocide: Buhari, FG aware 17months before – Amb. Hagher

ITREALMS:

The former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, AmbassadorProfessor Iyorwuese Hagher has alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government (FG) were aware of herdsmen attack on communities in Benue State, 17 months before execution, reports ITRealms.

Reacting to the New Year day attack by herdsmen suspected to be members of Miyetti Allah in Benue, the two-time Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Amb. Hagher in an open letter made available to ITRealms, disclosed that he had hinted President Buhari and his All Progressive Congress (APC) Federal Government of a likelihood of a terrible genocide across some five states, namely Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Southern Kaduna, and Southern Adamawa States.

“I had warned you of the possibility of a horrendous genocide in Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Southern Kaduna, and Southern Adamawa States. I asked you to be proactive and stop the genocide that has been ongoing but which would burst out in the open and shock the world within 18 months,” he declared.

As said by Amb. Hagher, the Federal Government had  replied his letter on September, 28th 2016, and the reply was couriered to him in the United States, thanking me “immensely” which gave him the assurances that the advice would be heeded.

However, he lamented that “With the current situation on ground, I regret to now inform you that it is 17 months since my warning and prediction and your government did nothing to pre-empt or prevent the genocide.  The nomadic terrorists have finally accelerated the ethnic cleansing in Benue State. They have strategically moved against the Tiv, the largest minority ethnicity in northern Nigeria. These perpetrators believe that if they can ethnic cleanse the Tiv, then nobody can stand in their way to possess the land and carve a new geo-polity and demography for the middle-belt,” he said.

He expressed regrets that President Muhammadu Buhari has allowed the genocide in the Middle Belt to go on unimpeded, thus betraying his campaign promise to Nigerians that his government ‘‘will always act in time and not allow problems to irresponsibly fester.’’

Hagher also said that in letting the Benue genocide to take place, the Buhari government has acted irresponsibly and has allowed problems to fester and failed to act on time. "You have also failed to lead from the front; giving the impression that centrifugal forces around you are dictating vicious anti-people agenda!"

Equally, he expressed pain that the advice he gave President Buhari in a private memorandum dated July 30, 2016 was ignored.

Hagher, who was a second republic Senator on the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), further reminded the President that “the protection of lives and property of the citizens is more important than your war against corruption! The protection of lives of citizens is the most sacred responsibility of the state and your presidency. Your government has failed woefully in this regard. Mr President there is no greater corruption than the government looking the other way while the strong bullies and kills the weak with impunity and pleasure!”

He bemoaned that in President Buhari’s passion to rid the country of corruption, he totally ignored nation building and ended up with a very divided country. “You have failed your immediate Northern constituency by your inability, failure or lack of the political will to end northern poverty through measures that enhance school enrolment, promote girl-child education, and revive dead industries.

Hagher, who is the Executive Director of African Leadership institute based in Ohio, USA, noted that Buhari became Nigeria’s president on the altar of northern unity when the northern minorities abandoned President Goodluck Jonathan to vote for him.  “You have now desecrated that altar. By refusing to arrest those that brutally butchered defenseless innocent Benue women and children, you have imperiled northern unity and taken sides with evil,” he told the President.

Many Nigerians, he told Buhari, think “you have failed the country by the lack of a clear vision and a lack of capacity to provide needed infrastructure and a composite holistic development; more significantly, they think you have failed to institute a political culture of integrity. You are often compared with the lone King Sisyphus of Ephyra who was punished by the gods to roll an immense border up the hill, only to watch it roll back down, then condemned to repeat the same rolling action forever. This is the picture people have in mind of your war against endemic corruption. You honestly deserve pity and prayers, but certainly not support for a second term.”

While acknowledging that President Buhari still has a horde of admirers, which still look up to him with great admiration, Amb. Hagher, though said, “the Benue genocide seriously questions your integrity, and your capacity to lead a plural modern state. Is there a rule of law in this country? Why does the Miyetti Allah act with so much impunity? Is this because this terrorist group claims you as their life patron? Do not accept the clamor of those who for their personal political reasons urge you to contest in the 2019 election to be a second term president! Mr. President, please rise above the impression being given that you are just another power obsessed and hungry politician! “

He advised President Buhari to “step aside and open the political space for another person to continue your war against corruption with a more comprehensive development program that Nigeria needs and deserves.”

“For now, modernize infrastructure and try to banish poverty. And while your party campaigns for 2019, take a sabbatical from partisanship and   build national unity, good governance and concentrate on getting rid of Boko Haram and the Herdsmen Terrorists. After all, great people are not great for winning elections; rather they are known to be great by the legacy they leave behind. With what legacy do you wish the country to remember you for? It is unfortunate that family members of those that were hacked to death will remember you as the genocide president,” he said.

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Lanre Alabi heads Nigerian Online Merit Award LOC

ITREALMS:

The strategy and marketing Communications expert, Mr. Lanre Alabi, has been appointed Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the maiden Nigerian Online Merit Award (NiOMA) scheduled for the second quarter of 2018, reports ITRealms.

The initiators of the award, News Express online newspaper, disclosed to ITRealms that Mr. Alabi, who is the chief executive officer, Prospers Strategy, a Lagos-based international marketing communications firm, was chosen to oversee the awards on account of his vast experience in brand building and management, business communications, marketing, banking, high profile journalism, as well as consulting.

“A former President of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), Lanre Alabi is proficient in a variety of communication skills, including PR strategy development and execution, advertising, internal and external communications, social media strategy and execution, writing and media relations. We are confident that he will deploy his over 28 years hands-on experience into galvanising the Organising Committee to deliver a successful NiOMA and thereafter grow it into a dominant brand,” the statement signed by News Express Publisher Isaac Umunna said.

Umunna described NiOMA as a unique awards designed to recognise and celebrate excellence among all those who have anything to do online – be they individuals or corporates.

“Details of the 2018 NiOMA, including date, venue and categories, will be made public by the Organising Committee in due course,” Umunna said.

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pix: Isaac Umunna, publisher, News Express.

Gani Adam’s installation rites commence for Aare Ona Kakanfo

ITREALMS:

The final rites for the installation of Otunba Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland would begin on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, reports ITRealms.

Since he was designated as the Aare Ona Kakanfo in 2017 by the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi II, Adams had been engaged in several processes that will lead to his installation on January 13, 2018 at Durbar Stadium, Oyo, Oyo State.

From Wednesday, the National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress and Founder of Oodua Progressive Union, which is in 79 countries, will be in seclusion in Oyo town.

According to information from the Media Office of the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate, the schedule of rites, which will end in the wee hours of Saturday, had been drawn up by the Palace of Oba Adeyemi.

Also on the schedule of programme for the installation is a press conference to be addressed by the Oyo State Government to unveil the details of the installation ceremony on Saturday and provide guests and users of the ever-busy Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso Road with traffic diversion and parking arrangements.

Among the several dignitaries expected at the ceremony are the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara; and the Ooni of Ife, Oonirisa Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

Also expected are Obas of the six South West States and those of Yoruba speaking areas of Kogi and Kwara States; captains of industry; and the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria and representatives of foreign governments.

Adams, ITRealms reports, succeeds late business mogul, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, as Aare Ona Kakanfo, having been appointed was made by Oba Adeyemi on October 16, 2017.

Already, at the last count, ITRealms gathered that Adams has over 52 chieftaincy titles.

As a human rights activist, he was involved in the struggle for the return of Nigeria to democracy after several years of military rule and has defended the rights of the underprivileged.

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Pix: Gani Adams

Ambazonia president, abducted in Abuja, 9 others

ITREALMS:

The Interim Government of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia has strongly condemned the abduction of its President, Sisiku Julius Ayuk Tabe and nine other senior officials by gunmen from la Republic du Cameroun, reports ITRealms.

The abduction which took place at about 19:30 pm in Nera Hotels, (Ekwueme Road),  on Friday January 5, 2018 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, Abuja.

According to the Secretary of Communications and Information Technology, Federal Republic of Ambazonia, Mr. Chris Anu, told ITRealms that the action of Cameroun is criminal and that the abduction took place during a meeting chaired by H.E. Sisiku Ayuk Tabe.

Those arrested along with the President H.E. Sisiku Ayuk Tabe include Dr. Nfor Ngala Nfor, Chairman of the Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC), Dr. Fidelis Nde Che, Dr. Henry Kimeng, Prof. Awasum,  Dr. Cornelius Kwanga,  Mr. Tassang Wilfred, Barrister Eyambe Elias, Dr. Ojong Okongho and Barrister Nalowa Bih.

“The President and his team were in a High Command meeting in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria at the time the Cameroun gunmen showed up at the hotel. The meeting started at around 5pm, Nigerian time. At around 7:30PM, the gunmen came into the hotel and abducted all of them including the President,” he said.

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the Southern Cameroons Refugee crisis in Nigeria and to galvanize relief support for housing, medical and feeding in anticipation of the approaching rainy season.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has been notified of the incident and is currently investigating the situation.

“The Interim Government of the Southern Cameroons calls on all Southern Cameroonians to remain calm as it pursues investigations,” he said and condemned the continuous victimization on them via extra judicial killings orchestrated by President Paul Biya and his henchmen.

He also alleged that President Paul Biya and his henchmen must know that Southern Cameroonians will continue to assert their rights to self-determination and will hold Paul Biya to account on all the killings of Southern Cameroonians.

“We call on Nigerian authorities to address this issue immediately and ensure that the Cameroun Government does not do any harm to them. We also call on the Nigerian authorities to investigate this threat against its sovereignty by La Republique du Cameroun,” he said, calling further on the Nigerian government to guarantee the security of the more than 20,000 Southern Cameroonian refugees in various camps in Nigeria.

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Pix; Sisiku Julius Ayuk Tabe