Featured

CSOs Accuse Media Houses of Misleading, Mischievous Report on Hon. Obasa

Published

4 years ago

July 15, 2020

Joel Ajayi

A coalition of Civil Society groups comprising of Competent Governance for Accountability and Civic Trust, South-South Youth Peace Mission and other Civil Society groups in the country have accused some section of media houses of a mischievous story to destroy the reputation of Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa built over the year

The groups in a press release jointly signed under the leadership of Amb. Omoba Micheal and Comrade Godwin Erheriene, as the conveners on Tuesday in Abuja, asked those media houses to stop misleading the public.

According to the release, unarguably religion plays a major role in the life of the people. To some it is their candlelight; it gives them insight, wisdom, and knowledge. Therefore, it is expected that the teaching of religion should reflect in the lives of the people.

“Fake news stories can not only polarize different groups within a state but can also affect international relations and for political intrigues whereby causing conflict to undermine people faith in the Democratic process and people ability to work together.

“While it is right to encourage outstanding actions and condemn mediocre deeds, the intent and manner have done matters. In recent years, social media has been hijacked by those who are stock in trade of fake news and seek the downfall of persons, organization or Nations perceived to be excelling in their chosen endeavors.

“Based on fact findings, is not possible for anyone to have more than one account in one bank with two different dates of birth and different names in with one BVN.

“Officials of Ecobank, Wema Bank and Polaris has denied that Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa is operating multiple bank accounts with them.

“Some representatives of the banks spoke before the 9-man House Adhoc Committee on fact-finding and investigation on the corruption allegations against Speaker Mudashiru Obasa being circulated on social media recently.”

“The bank officials stated that it was not possible for an individual to operate multiple accounts with one Bank Verification Number (BVN). The Committee is headed by Hon. Victor Akande (Ojo Constituency 1).” The statement said.

Present during the meeting were Hon. Rotimi Olowo, Hon. Yinka Ogundimu, Hon. Lukmon Olumoh and Hon. Mojisola Alli-Macaulay.

A Business Development Officer with Wema Bank, Mr. Adekunle Adeleke said that the BVN server did not reserve with any bank, and that it is with the CBN.

“The BVN and the accounts stated in the story is not correct and they don’t belong to the Speaker of the Assembly.

“It is not possible for a BVN to have two dates of births. If they do so, it would be rejected in another bank, they would have to swear to an affidavit so that it would be the same.

“If it should be changed, it would be backed up by marriage certificate or sworn affidavit,” he stated.

Adeleke stressed that the companies stated by those media houses in their reports had no linkage with Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

He added that the name, signature, and other details in the story has no relationship with Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa

“BVN is a different server, it does not belong to any bank. You cannot punch BVN and get any financial details. It is only the regulator or the anti-corrupion agency that can do so through the CBN,” he said.

Polaris Bank was represented by Mr. Charles Osho and Mr. Rotimi Omotayo, Chief Internal Auditor of the bank.

“Mr. Adebayo Adeyemi David is different from Mr. Ajayi Mudashiru Obasa and there is no linkage between the two personalities.

“Rt. Hon. Ajayi Mudashiru Obasa has one account with our bank and the BVN quoted for Obasa is correct. The other person has a separate BVN for the two accounts.

General Manager of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA), Mr. Onafowote Fati Idowu, who was also invited by the Committee, revealed that the 40 Toyota Corolla back-up cars bought for the 8th Assembly was with the notice of his office and that the purchase followed the due process.

He said that Certificate of Compliance was issued for the procurement of the vehicles on 30th April 2019.

“The purchase of the vehicles was approved by the Management Committee of the House, led by the Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the relevant documents were provided.

“Members of the Committee were Hon. Wahab Olumuyiwa Jimoh, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, Hon. Dayo Saka-Fafunmi, and Hon. Setonji David. The purchase was budgeted for and It is in tandem with the appropriate Procurement Law,” he said.

We, therefore encourage those organizations behind those publications against the impracticable character and numerous achievement of the Speaker, to have a rethink and do a rejoinder of their allegation, as is now obvious that they goofed based on the publication made against the innocent man. Reject invitation to support lies against the innocent. Very common in politics; blackmails will come but stick to the truth and right fact.

Hon. MUDASHIRU AJAYI OBASA has won so many awards based on his outstanding performance over time. As a young man of his age to have achieved a lot within this short period of time, I think he deserves an accolade from us, Nigerians.

Leadership Training, Cambridge University, UK, Certificate on Legislation, UK parliament, Nigerian Law School, (2007)

Legislator of the Year, Podium Recognition Awards 2016 by Podium International, 10th Anniversary, Evergreen Lawmaker of the Year 2016 by APC Volunteers Lagos Award of Excellence, Omoluabi/Ambassador Ile Asofin Rere (OAIAR) by the Yoruba Community (Egbe Omo Oduduwa), Naples, Italy. True Son of Islam Award 2016 by CITINET international, Best House of Assembly Speaker 2016 by Global Excellence, Speaker of the Year 2016 by City People Magazine, Outstanding Leaders Award by Christian Coalition Against Corruption, Award of Landmark for Community Support Initiative by Orchard Media, Man of the Year Award by Agege Awards Organization, Mentorship/Leadership Award by R&A City Hotel: Ikeja Committee of Friends, Certificate of Excellence by the State of Georgia, USA. His awards and achievement will be too numerous to mention here on this platform. May we at this juncture call on well-meaning Nigerians to always support hard work instead of this, “let bring him down syndrome” for the Development and interest of this Nation is more paramount than our individual interest.

Share on Facebook

Featured

FG to Harness the Digital Economy to Empower Youth

Published

2 days ago

April 17, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande has disclosed that the Federal Government is making efforts to harness the potentials of the digital economy in empowering the youth and creating sustainable jobs.

He made this disclosure in Abuja when he received the participants of the Senior Executive Course 46, 2024 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State who were on study tour to the Ministry.

Mr Olawande said over 50% of the population below the age of 30 have a significant demographic advantage in the digital age.

“Our youths are tech-savvy, innovative and eager to contribute to the country’s economic growth. However, they face numerous challenges including limited access to quality education, skills training and job opportunities.

The digital economy offers a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog traditional development challenges. With the rise of e-commerce, digital payments and remote work”. “Our youths can assess global markets, skills training and job opportunities like never before,” he added.

According to the Minister, challenges hindering the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria must be addressed.
He explained that to overcome the challenges, the Ministry has implemented initiatives such as digital skills training programs for youths, focusing on areas like software development, data analytics and digital marketing especially in the NYSC.

This, he disclosed is alongside partnering with Galaxy Back Bone to improve infrastructure, Internet connectivity and alternative electricity supply as well as funding opportunities such as grants, loans and venture capital for startups of small businesses with launching of the National Youth Investment Fund.

The Honourable Minister who hinted that the Ministry’ s goal is to create an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for youth stated: ” We recognise that sustainable job creation is critical to Nigeria ‘s economic growth and stability”

”I urge you all to join us in this journey to harness the potential of the digital economy for youth empowerment and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.”, he added.

Mr Olawande further said that the opportunities and challenges underscore the need for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to harness the potential of the digital economy for sustainable development.

The Minister who observed that there is a gap between the Government and the young people expressed his heartfelt desire for the Youths of the nation to feel the Government. He opined that the country has the most intelligent youths in the world.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation from NIPSS, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, mni said they are in the Ministry to research, proffer solutions, recommendations and strategies to help Government chart its course for the the year, with the theme : ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’.

.She also added that Ministry of Youth Development is very germane to this year’s theme .” We are with the Ministry of Youth to listen to what you are doing to help the youth, how you are doing it, strategic plans and way forward as well as how we can use the digital economy to chart the goal for sustainable job creation,” she concluded.

Share on Facebook