A Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, has adjourned an alleged procurement fraud case involving a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

The court adjourned the trial of the former apex bank chief to January 18 and 19, 2024 for continuation of trial.

Emefiele is standing trial on a six count amended charge on alleged procurement of vehicles to the tune of N1.6billion.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He was granted bail on November 17, 2023 to the tune of N300million and two sureties, but remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending when he meets his bail conditions.

At the resumed hearing, the prosecution witness, who is a top official of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) told the court that the Emefiele is not the owner or a shareholder of the April1616 Investment Limited awarded N1.2 billion vehicle supply contract by CBN under his watch.

He was led in evidence by counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo , while tendering several documents on how the company was incorporated on August 1, 2016.

He further read out the names of the shareholders of the company as Aminu Yaro, Maryam Abdullahi and Saadatu Yaro as joint owners of the entity.

Emefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa, who declined to speak on camera, said Emefiele is yet to meet his bail conditions.

Counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal government declined to speak on the day’s proceedings.

By Eric Elezuo

The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has felicitated with the people of Osun State as his administration marks one in office.

In the statement he personally signed, the governor informed that the last one year has been characterized by reconstruction and reconfiguration of various of the state’s economy, adding that the administration has been able to navigate through “numerous land mines deliberately set by the past administration to frustrate our administration” to provide appropriate leadership and benefits for the people of Osun state.

Adeleke further intimated that he is on a working visit to Europe and Asia, where he hope to attract investment opportunities foe the state.

The governor highlighted stability of the civil service, improved intercity road networks, surgical and medical outreaches as well as the #Imole100BInfrastructure as some of the laudable achievements of his administration in the last one year.

Below is the detailed statement:

It is one year ago today since our administration came into office. It has been a year of reconstruction and reconfiguration across the various sectors of the osun economy.

Due to the current economic situation in the state and our country in general, I have directed that this anniversary be conducted in a low key atmosphere. I remain committed to prudent use of our scarce resources on more pressing issues.

I am currently on a working vacation to Europe and Asia where I am advancing partnership discussion with potential investors needed to improve our state economy.

It is important to recognize the enormous challenges and obstacles we have overcome and the progress we have made thus far. Despite the numerous land mines deliberately set by the past administration to frustrate our administration, we have developed a robust mechanism to successfully navigate and overcome these challenges.

We have stabilized the state civil service with continuous commitment to the welfare of the state civil servants and pensioners, this we will continue to focus on in fulfillment of a critical part of our 5 point agenda.

We have massively improved intracity road network across the state by constructing over 90KM of roads, completion of the Phase II of Òṣogbo-Ikirun road and ongoing construction of Osun ring road (Ona Baba Ona) both abandoned by the past administration.

We have embarked on surgical and medical outreach that benefited over 50,000 vulnerable citizens. Also, we have completely rehabilitated over 31 schools across the state.

Recently, I launched the #Imole100BInfrastructure that focuses on education, health, road construction and water. These are critical sectors that we have identified to urgently revamp for the sustainability and development of the state economy.

I am happy to share that as we move forward, the positive results of our collaborative efforts for the past one year are expected to bear fruit. With projected increase in our internally generated revenue and prudent application of public funds, our infrastructure plan will be fully funded without seeking external loan.

Today, I re-affirm my commitment to serving with the fear of God and focused on delivering on my 5 point agenda as promised during the campaign season.

I thank you for your continuous support and prayer as you continue to support our efforts to develop our dear state.

By Eric Elezuo

The atmosphere was surreal, the turnout fantastic, the ambience splendid and the environment cozy with flamboyant touches of royalty, magnificent and deep rooted culture. It was the Chieftaincy title conferment of the Akinrogun and Yeye Akinrogun of Gbonganland on prolific journalist, Aare Dele Momodu, and his wife, Mobolaji Momodu, by the paramount ruler of the land, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, Odugbemi I, the Olufi of Gbonganland.

A known and prominent son of the land, the Momodus were chosen for the title for their unwavering support of the community, and unrivaled performance in the society at large at an event that coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Olufi’s coronation.

According to a letter to the effect, the Olufi stated that the honour is in “recognition of your various land mark achievements as a world renowned journalist author, publisher, business man, public affairs commentator, frontline politician to the level of being chosen as a presidential candidate of a strong political party in our presidential elections.

“Another compelling reason is the fact that your own biological mother was a native of Gbongan from the famous Oluoje family. Some of your achievements include but not limited to:

i. Chief Executive Officer and publisher of Ovation International, a magazine that has given publicity to people from all over the world.

ii. Launched Ovation TV in 2015

iii. Launched an online newspaper called the Boss newspapers.

iv. You have received hundreds of awards and honours for your work in the world of business, politics, literature, the music and fashion industry.

v. You write a weekly column called “Pendulum” published every Saturday on the back page of Thisday newspaper.
Aside from the above. you are a cultural man per excellence and a worthy ambassador of the legendary Oduduwa Dynasty and a philanthropist, committed husband and father. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!”

Beautifully decked in expensive blue aso oke attire, the couple were accompanied by a retinue of well wishers, family members, friends and associates, who made the trip from every corner of the world, as they stepped before his royal Majesty for the all important conferment.

Literally interpreted as an accomplished warrior, the Akinrogun title comes in handy and ready-made for the like of Dele Momodu, who has tranversed the universe, courted the high and mighty even without ever holding public office. It is believed that that there’s no influential personality in the world today that Momodu has not made his acquaintance. He is a man of many parts.

Held at the Community playing field, the conferment of chieftaincy title on the Momodus was the cynosure of all eyes in as much as there were other awardees on the day. His larger than life status was proved with the calibre of personalities that turned up for the all important event.

In his appreciation message, Momodu, who spoke in Yoruba, appreciated the Olufi and the people of Gbongan for considering him for the honours. He also extended his appreciation to a former Chancellor of the University of Lagos and son of Gbongan, Professor Wale Babalakin, who paved the way for him to have a smooth celebration.

Earlier, Momodu had visited the graveside of his mother, Mrs Gladys Momodu, where a prayer session was held, and thanksgiving to God for her life. Another stopover was the family house of the Fatoyes, where the patriarch of the family, Osuola Isaac Fatoye, received the entourage, and proclaim blessings on Dele Momodu.

Shortly after the conferment, the party moved in a convoy to the reception ground at Bola Babalakin Estate, decorated in elegant colours and lights by @psquareevents, where other high profile individuals were already waiting in anticipation of the grand celebration.

It was not just one party; it was a gathering of the who is who is Gbonganland, the southwest and Nigeria in general.

Among personalities present were the Deputy governor of Osun, Prince Kola Adewusi, Chairman, Biscon Communications, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Prince Damola Aderemi, Senior Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Lagos Liaison, Mr. Michael Effiong, Mr. Dupe Ashama, Hon. Remi Ojo, Otunba Gbenga Peters, Mr. Adebanjo Adebanjo, Erelu Fadeyi, Mr. Rufai Ladipo, Mr. Wale Babalakin, Mr. Gbenga Olunloyo, Editor, Ovation Magazine, Mr. Eric Elezuo, Publisher, Yes Magazine, Azuh Arinze and a host of others.

The first class event was punctuated at regular intervals by rhythmic sounds from a live band, and sumptuous meals and drinks from @depotterscocktail, @kammisplaceevents, @tripple O finger foods.

Also in place for a well rounded ceremony, which was organised by  @Subtleleganceeventbackup, was @fortuneguard, which provided adequate security in conjunction with @bandbushers, that served as ushering crew.