Month: October 2023

As 10 others collect tricycle, motorcycle, fridge, TV prizes

Two lucky Nigerians, including a 64-year-old bricklayer, Mr. Iyowun Ezekiel and 20-year-old artisan, Godwin Godday, have emerged the latest winners of Star prize GAC Saloon cars in the ongoing Dangote Cement ‘Bag of Goodies’ national consumer promo.

Elated Ezekiel, who is based in Ijebu-ode, Ogun state and has been a bricklayer for over 40 years, found his prize-winning scratch card in one of the Dangote cement promo bags he bought from a distributor in Ijebu-Mushin. On the other hand, Godday, who is the youngest winner of the Star prize so far, found his winning scratch card in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Both star prize winners were given the keys to their brand new cars by top Dangote Cement officials at different handing-over ceremonies in Ijebu-ode and Ikorodu, alongside 10 other lucky promo winners, who carted home various prizes including a tricycle, a motorcycle, 8 refrigerators and two television sets; to the admiration of other Dangote Cement consumers, distributors and the general public.

While Mr. Akintaye Oluwagbemiga won a tricycle, Mr. Kamilu Audu won a motorcycle.Interestingly, Mr. Solomon Dayo won three out of the seven refrigerators presented at the Ikorodu event, while Messrs. Ohemu Friday, Innocent Agbo-James, Ransome Watels and Kehinde Adeagbo went home with one refrigerator each. There was also the presentation of television sets to Mr. Dare Olajide and Mr. Oluwadare Gbenga.Likewise, Mr. Imam Adebisi Abdulhakeem, who won a refrigerator, collected his prize at the Ijebu-ode venue.

Handing over the car keys to Ezekiel in Ijebu-ode, National Sales Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Adeyemi Fajobi told those gathered at the Local Government office that the cement promo is real and that there are many more choice prizes to be won.

According to him, all a consumer has to do is to buy the Dangote Cement products and open the bag, adding that whatever is stated on the scratch card is automatically won by the buyer, when taken to any approved depot for the redemption of the prizes.

The National Sales Director added, “Only Dangote can do this. This is a promise fulfilled. Some people were skeptical when this promo began but today, this is proof of our sincerity”.

Also, Regional Director, Lagos/Ogun, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Tunde Mabogunje, while handing over the various prizes in Ikorodu, said excited consumers have been coming forward to collect their prizes in the ongoing promo.

According to him, scores of people have come to redeem their winning scratch cards for recharge cards worth Thousands of Naira, pointing out that the promo is a deliberate effort at rewarding the consumers. He also said the company is happy that the consumers are winning.

Head, Route to Market, Dangote Cement Plc, Olukayode Akin-Bamidele said the promo was put up by the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote to reward consumers’ patronage.

Ezekiel, who in a display of euphoria danced to the podium to claim his Star Prize of a GAC saloon car in Ijebu-ode, Ogun State, added dash to his win by sending a typed letter of appreciation to the Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Aliko Dangote.

The lucky star prize winner, who said he has been a bricklayer for over 40 years, expressed profound gratitude to Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Cement company for the ongoing promo, which has so far empowered thousands of Nigerians as winners of various prizes.

While celebrating his win with his son, Tayo Ezekiel (also a bricklayer) and members of his outfit, who donned “Thank you Dangote” t-shirts, Ezekiel disclosed that he had not won anything before until now, and enthused that the Dangote Cement ‘Bag of Goodies’ promo is a reality which has greatly helped Nigeria.

Speaking on how he emerged the star prize winner, Godday, who couldn’t take his education beyond Primary School due to lack of funds, said he was always watching out for winning cards in any cement bag he opened as a concrete mixer at a building site. He commended Dangote Cement for putting up the promo to alleviate poverty in the country.

The Dangote Cement ‘Bag of Goodies’ promo, which began nationwide in July and is to run till September ending, has so far yielded numerous winners of prizes in various categories.

Among other unique gifts, a total of 43 brand new cars, cash prizes of N200 million, 24 tricycles, 500 refrigerators, 24 motorcycles, 400 television sets, generators, Goodies packs, are available for winners in a promo, which has generated so much excitement among Nigeria, with over 21 million lucky winners targeted.

By Christian Ogbonna
No fewer than 10,000 traders in various markets in Bayelsa have benefited from the Federal Government’s tradermoni free interest loan empowerment scheme, an official has said.

Mr Taiwo Tunmobi, the officer in charge of Strategy and Operations in the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), on Thursday said this in Yenagoa at the end of the exercise.

Tunmobi said that over 20,000 traders had earlier registered for the programme but 10,000 were considered in the first batch of beneficiaries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Federal Government delegation went to major markets in the state capital, including Tombia-Etegwe roundabout, Okaka market and others, disbursing N10,000 to the 10,000 persons shortlisted for the scheme.

He urged beneficiaries to make good use of the money and ensure that they pay back at the stipulated time to enable government to do more for them.

According to the GEEP officer, two options were given to the beneficiaries to repay the loan after two weeks –either to make daily payment of N85.00 or N430.00 weekly payment to the tradermoni account of the Federal Government in any bank of their choice.

“Those who finish the repayment of their first loan on time stand the opportunity to receive higher amount of N15,000 and so on.

“The Federal Government has a very big plan for the empowerment of small scale enterprises.

“The programme is for the Federal Government to empower traders, artisans and it makes it easier for young entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

“Of course, our targets are micro business SMEs; these are people who typically have zero access to credit.

“As the government helps them to grow their businesses, their families will benefit and the economy will also benefit”, Tunmobi added.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the gesture.

The chairman of Tombia-Etegwe roundabout market, Mrs Felicia Okwodejo, thanked the government and the organisers of the programme for making her a beneficiary.

She urged beneficiaries to ensure that they pay back the money as and when due.

NAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with renowned chartered accountant, iconic leader and legendary teacher, Chief Akintola Williams, who turns a centenarian on Aug. 9.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Friday, Buhari congratulated the elder statesman for many honours and pride brought to Nigeria and Africa.

He commended Chief Williams for his pioneering and pace setting roles, laying the foundation for many institutions in the country, which included Nigerian Stock Exchange and Institute of Chartered Accountants.

According to him, these institutions have long turned into strong pillars of the Nigerian economy.

As first chartered accountant in Africa, the President believed Williams’s prudent utilisation of time from his youth, and a proclivity for looking beyond circumstances, separated him early for global recognition.

He said this had turned him into an institution that many would continue to study and draw inspiration from.

Buhari extolled the centenarian’s adventurous spirit of seeking and taking up challenges like music, arts and promotion of culture.

He added that this underscored his willingness to always serve the country and move it to greater heights through knowledge, wisdom and counsels to leaders.

The President joined family, friends and professional colleagues in celebrating with Williams, and for achieving the feat of inspiring the largest professional services firm in Nigeria with Deloitte & Touche.

He prayed that the almighty God would grant Chief Williams health and strength to continue serving God, the country and humanity.

NAN

By Sani Abdulrahman

Ram sellers in Kaduna on Friday expressed dismay over low sales, barely two days to the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

Major ram markets including Zango, Bachama road, Rigasa and others within Kaduna metropolis had recorded low patronage amidst availability of many rams.

Alhaji Idris Saminaka, a livestock trader at Bachama Road market, told the News Agency of Nigeria that most of them had given up on their expectations of huge boom in rams’ sales.

Saminaka said he had sold only 15 out of the 80 rams he brought to Kaduna four weeks ago.

“The economic situation has contributed to the low patronage and is affecting even our pockets.

“The hope we have is very small, as the festival is two days from now, we pray to make some sales before then to enable us go home with smiling faces.

“Returning the animals to Saminaka will be a great loss to me because of the expenses incurred transporting them and feeding them here in Kaduna,” he said.

Saminaka said prices of the animals ranged from N40, 000 to N100, 000.

Another ram dealer, Yakubu Danlasan, also blamed current economic situation amidst other responsibilities as responsible for the low sales being recorded.

“The Naira doesn’t have much value now, present economic situation has now become a factor to consider while spending money, people now spend money on what they can afford, it is not eazy to us selling the rams and also the buyers.

“We would like to at least make little profit on what we spent feeding and paying for stalls for our animals, but the customers don’t realize that.

“Although people want to buy rams for the festival, they cannot afford to due to the economic situation in the country.”

Danlasan believed that the price would crash as many traders would not want to return back with the animals.

According to him, some of the traders bought the rams from Niger Republic, Sokoto, Zamfara and Katsina States.

“Though our hope is very slim, since we have only two days before the celebration, buyers may decide to buy rams between today and tomorrow and continue with other preparations, “ Danlasan said.

Yusha’u Mutukaraba, a seasonal ram seller at Zango market, blamed the low patronage as a result of the rise on the cost of breeding livestock.

“The patronage is low because the animals are costly, we are not willing to sell below the expenses of transporting and fending for the animals we incurred, business is done in order to make profit,” he said.

Mutukaraba, however, said that they would eventually break the prices hopefully after the Eid prayers in order to get money to take care of other problems.(NAN)

Frank Lampard says he will have no fear giving his Chelsea youngsters their chance to make an impact at Stamford Bridge this season.

Chelsea’s all-time record goalscorer begins his managerial reign at the club on Sunday away to Manchester United in the English Premier League (EPL).

It would be no surprise if his team includes youngsters like Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount.

While Chelsea’s transfer ban and the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid means Lampard’s task is a sizeable one, the former midfielder has belief.

He believes it is an opportunity for the club to push through youth.

Midfielder Mount, 20, striker Abraham, 21, and defender Tomori, also 21, were all on loan at Championship club Derby County last season when Lampard cut his teeth in management.

He almost got the Rams promoted.

Had Chelsea been able to make new signings, the chances are they may have been farmed out again.

Instead, the ones available are now integral to Lampard’s plans.

“Last year was a great experience working with them, because they are hungry. They want to learn, they ask questions on the training pitch and I love that,” Lampard said.

“I understand the position we are in with the ban. It brings up different possibilities, albeit it’s tough in a way.

“It’s also an opportunity for the young lads, to prove that they are good enough to get into the first team.

“I want to be competitive and want us to win. So, it won’t be all about how many young players I can get in the team.

“But, if they show themselves in training, I will have no fear in putting them in.”

While expectation levels at Chelsea are lower this year, Lampard says the target is still to challenge for the title.

Finishing in the top four again would be seen as success for his first season in charge.

“It’s a hard one,” he said. “Chelsea are normally in the title race to some degree.

“It’s getting harder, particularly with the standards set by (Manchester) City and Liverpool last year. We understand there is a gap to the rest of us.

“But I can’t start a season at Chelsea saying `I don’t want to win the league’. We have to have that mindset.

“We have to have that mentality and we’ll do our best to be right up there.”

The sale of centre-back David Luiz to Arsenal on Thursday also opens up possibilities for other players, Lampard said.

“He was a great servant for the club,” added the 41-year-old, who was a team mate of Luiz when they won the UEFA Champions League in 2012.

“But I have got confidence in the players we have. We are well stocked in that area.

“We have internationals like (Antonio) Rudiger, (Kurt) Zouma, (Andreas) Christensen. We wish David all the best, even though he went to Arsenal.

“We’ll concentrate on ourselves and let’s see some of those players who haven’t had as much game time as they want but who are now relatively experienced players show what they can do.”

By Lizzy Okoji

The Federal Government has said  that Nigeria’s Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, has not been closed by the host country.

Mr Ferdinard Nwonye, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made this known in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.

“The Nigerian Embassy in Democratic Republic of Congo was not shut down. There was a dispute on one of the properties of the mission where officials were residing.

“When we reported the matter to the Congolese government, the country authorities intervened immediately and the property was handed back to the Nigerian mission.

“The mission bought the property but is still in the process of updating the documents, which are still under Zaire, former name of the country.

“The Head of Mission has written to the Permanent Secretary and we are on top of the situation. I can also confirm that activities were not disrupted in our embassy in Congo.”

NAN reports that on Thursday, a video went viral on social media platforms, showing the Nigerian Embassy building in Congo under lock and key by the Congolese government.

In the video, properties belonging to the embassy were allegedly thrown out of the building causing serious damage. (NAN)

By Deborah Akpede

An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Friday sentenced a 23-year-old car wash operator, Adeyemi Adetula, to four years imprisonment for stealing a car valued at N3millon.

The Magistrate, Mrs B.O. Osunsanmi, pronounced the verdict after the defendant pleaded guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

Osunsanmi, who did not give Adetula an option of a fine, sentenced him to a term of one year with hard labour on the first count of conspiracy and three years for stealing, but ordered that the sentences should run concurrently.

“You are hereby sentenced to one year imprisonment for conspiracy and three years for stealing.

“The sentences would serve as a deterrent to others who might want to engage in similar acts,’’ she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Adetula, during arraignment on Aug.1, pleaded guilty to the two- count charge of conspiracy and stealing and was remanded in prison.

When the case was called up on Friday for a review of facts and sentencing, Adetula still admitted guilt and the magistrate consequently convicted and sentenced him.

The Prosecutor, ASP Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the defendant, a resident of Abule-Egba, Lagos committed the offences in the month of May at Abule-Egba, Lagos.

Ayorinde said that the defendant bolted with Mr Lucky Onaghise’s car valued at N3million.

“The complainant drove his car to the car wash centre and gave it to the defendant for washing.

“By the time the complainant looked to the direction where he parked his car for washing, he could not see the defendant nor his car and he raised an alarm.

“Colleagues at the carwash centre called the defendant’s phone severally but he refused to answer the calls.’’

Ayorinde said that the defendant’s phone was tracked and he was arrested in Ondo state but he had already sold off the car.

The offences contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. (NAN)

Aug. 9, 2019 (FLOWERBUDNEWS)No fewer than 300 houses and several farmlands have been destroyed by devastating floods in Ngalda, Yobe, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports.

 

The floods, which followed days of persistent rainfall, also destroyed schools and livestock.

 

NAN reports that Alhaji Idi Gubana, the state’s Deputy Governor, who visited the community on Friday, expressed shock at the level of destruction and promised government’s support to the victims.

 

“The level of destruction is devastating; it is quite unfortunate. Government will provide relief materials to the victims,” Gubana said.

 

He said that Gov Mai Mala Buni, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, had directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), to provide food, clothes, mattresses and blankets to the victims.

 

“The agency will provide 140 bags of rice, 141 blankets, 141 pieces of women wrappers, fives bales of men clothes, mosquito nets, buckets, among others,” he said.

 

He assured the victims that government would work toward finding a permanent solution to the yearly flood in the area.

 

“The acting Secretary to the State Government will liaise with the Ministry of Environment and SEMA to work towards relocating people in the affected area to a more secured abode,” he said.

 

He commended the community for hosting most of the affected families in their houses.

 

“You have exhibited a good spirit of brotherliness that is worthy of commendation and emulation” he said. (NAN)