“Our plan is to transform the Julius Berger brand into a thriving conglomerate” 

– Julius Berger Chairman, Mutiu Sunmonu, CON

The coastal town of Epe in Lagos state came alive with excitement on Saturday with the commissioning of the country’s and perhaps West Africa’s most ultra-modern Cashew Processing Plant by Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, finally substantively birthing the company’s  strategic plan to transform into a conglomerate in the nearest future. The commissioning of the state-of-the-art cashew plant is an effort by the company reputed for its sustainable business offerings at diversifying into the economically significant agricultural industry in addition to its thriving construction major.

Epe lies on the north bank of the about 50 km long coastal Lagos lagoon that has since been a collecting point for the export of fish. But all that changed Saturday with the commissioning of Julius Berger’s huge and expansive Cashew Processing Plant.

According to Chairman of Julius Berger’s Board of Directors, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu who presented the keynote address at the event, the occasion marks a pivotal moment in the company’s history “as we are ready to succeed and move in the right direction tremendously for Nigeria, our employees and shareholders.”

He recalled the history of the company in Nigeria saying that since 1965 when Julius Berger entered Nigeria with the construction of Eko Bridge in Lagos, “we have always represented ourselves very well with our trademark great value chain….We have now strategically diversified Julius Berger from being only an engineering construction entity into agricultural produce processing for which we all know Nigerians have a historical antecedent and understandable nostalgia,” Sunmonu said. He added that, there is a lot the company still has in the pipeline, saying, “as we continue to work on our plans, you will see us transform into a conglomerate.”

The Chairman revealed that the new factory is semi-automated for premium international quality cashew processing designed to produce about 60 tons per day. “We seriously aim to create and sustain increasing value and add significantly to Nigeria’s GDP,” he added.

The Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, in his speech said that by the commissioning of the factory, Julius Berger has inaugurated its first Cashew Processing Plant, marking another significant milestone in the company’s partnering relationship with Nigeria. “Today we start another milestone in our relationship with Nigeria built from the past into the future,” he said.

Richter added that “…since 1965, when Julius Berger Nigeria entered into the country and began operations in Lagos, it has never looked back in its strategic contributions to national development. That mission will continue.” Dr. Richter continued, “our launch into agriculture is part of our larger ambition to diversifying the Julius Berger Group, expanding our positive impact and extending our contribution to Nigeria, beyond construction.” He added that, “I can’t help but speak about how far we have come as a company and how much more we hope to achieve,” even as he thanked members of Epe community for welcoming the company and partnering with it for greater heights for the country’s cashew industry and for the country as a whole.

Julius Berger’s Director, Corporate Development, Tobias Meletschus, in his remark after a tour round the factory said that the project is a determination towards greater corporate growth as “this is tremendous achievement and our first step into agro-processing.” Declaring that the company values productive and result-oriented partnerships which are innovative and guarantee highest quality of product and service, Meletschus added that, “to achieve this, we are already partnering with farmers, employing over 300 employees with impressive payroll even as we target a zero-waste policy at our production plant. All these alongside the fact that our cashew is farmed and processed locally makes our efforts homegrown and essentially unique.”

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar was represented by Mrs Abimbola Oguntuyi while the minister of Industry was represented by Malam Ali Adamu, a deputy Director in the ministry.

Others who graced the occasion include, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Arc Abisola Olusanya who represented His Excellency Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Mr Tokunbo Talabi, Secretary to the Ogun State Government. His Royal Highness, the Olisa Odomola, Y. T. Rahseed Aji and his Chiefs were also present at the ceremony. Top management of key financial institutions in the country were also in attendance at the event. The Director, Product Development department of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs Obidike Ifeyinwa Evelyn, represented the CEO of the Council, while Mrs Talatu Ethan, Director Lagos Operations, represented the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) at the event. The President of Cashew Processors and Packaging Association of Nigeria, Mr Daniel Gemana, was also present at the epoch-making ceremony.

Top cashew research institution, GIZ, was also eminently represented at the Epe Lagos event. According to the GIZ, “In Nigeria, after an intense opportunity mapping phase where we were assessing potential sectors, we have identified the cashew value chain as a promising sector to achieve our objectives.” GIZ added that “…we are very happy that we found Julius Berger Nigeria as a strong and committed private sector partner and we are joining forces to collaborate on professionalizing skills development and enhancing the competitiveness of the cashew value chain in Nigeria…” The GIZ Programme Leader for West Africa, Rita Weidinger, led the GIZ delegation to Epe, Lagos for the ceremony.

After the tour of the processing plant and inspection of the finished and packaged Julius Berger cashew for export, the representative of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Mrs Abimbola Oguntuyi on behalf of the minister commended Julius Berger for the well thought-out investment, employment-generating initiative and gross domestic product-improving project.

Other officials in Julius Berger’s hosting entourage at the event were the company’s Board members and the Company Secretary; management staff of the corporation, the JBN Cashew plant project managers, Tarciso Falcao, Denis Steppuhn, and Mrs Foluke Abidoye, amongst many others.

The brand name of the new and uniquely processed Julius Berger cashew is Mighty Kashoo.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2022

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE APC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL ON

THE OFFENSIVE VIDEO BY Mr. PETER OBI:

Our attention has been drawn to an offensive, hate-filled video made and circulated by the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, in which he accused an amorphous and non-existent “Tinubu’s Group” of spreading a Whatsapp message calling on the Yoruba not to vote for him. The purported message, according to Mr. Obi, forewarned the Yoruba that a vote for Peter Obi would be a vote for a seaport in South/South and South/East.

For the avoidance of doubt, this is a transcript of the so-called message as relayed by Mr. Peter Obi:

“Yoruba shine your eyes o, if you vote for Peter Obi, it is automatically voting for seaports in South South and South East. The Igbos will stop coming to Lagos State to invest, rather they will go to Delta and Rivers States, they may even stop building houses in Lagos. It will affect a lot of Yorubas. Yoruba ro nu o.”

Firstly, we vehemently deny the existence of any of such “Tinubu group” that made and circulated such a message. All groups supporting the APC Presidential Candidate and his running-mate have clear designations with well-known promoters. In addition, it is only messages released by the APC Presidential Campaign Council that are officially authorized and for which we take responsibility.

We challenge Mr. Peter Obi to reveal the source and name(s) behind that nebulous Whatsapp message.

We wish to state that it is obvious Mr. Peter Obi deliberately concocted that message and circulated that offensive video himself as a campaign strategy in order to come across as a victim of some kind of ethnic agenda, whereas in truth, he is the real agent provocateur of an ethnic agenda.

As the takeoff date for campaigns draw closer, Mr. Peter Obi has suddenly realised that Nigerians are beginning to burst his bubbles as his messages are bereft of ideas, depth and clear-cut solutions to our challenges. His messages are only full of false data and highfalutin jargons in what is clearly a disingenuous ruse to distract a scrutiny of his empty records as a Governor of Anambra State and nothing else. Hence his easy recourse to playing ethnic card and fanning the ember of hate.

We have in on good authority that part of the “US Strategy” (just like the failed “Dubai Strategy” his former boss and himself adopted in 2019) was to return to the country and spread ethnic hatred amongst the voters and cause chaos, then pose as the victim. They have just kick-started that plot by orchestrating and circulating the said video.

We find it utterly disgusting, demeaning and insulting to the sensitivities and sensibilities of Nigerians for a Presidential Candidate of the ilk of Peter Obi to make such a video parroting a spurious, unverified and sham message that has the potential of deepening our faultlines as a nation and further promoting ethnic tensions. This is completely unbecoming of a Presidential Candidate that hopes to unite this country. Again, we note that Mr. OBJ’s latest stunt is consistent with what is now widely perceived as his adoption of hate as campaign strategy, having consistently failed to rein in his known and identifiable supporters, mostly domiciled on social media, threatening political opponents with violence and death.

Moreover, here is a man known as a sectional irredentist, with public records showing him expelling Nigerians from a section of the country from Anambra State while he was Governor and has decidedly resorted to ethno-religious card in his activities and messaging thus far, now accusing his better of being an ethnic champion. What a supreme irony!

We are also aware that plans are afoot by Mr. Peter Obi to fake an assassination attempt on himself and hire Labour Party boys dressed in APC caps and T-shirts to attack some Labour Party offices. It is all part of the “US Plan”. It is the first in a series of incendiary actions planned by this ill-prepared but desperate candidate.

We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic origins or political divides, to rise up and condemn this tactless tactics and cheap manoeuver by a desperate non-starter of a presidential candidate who has decided to resort to crude revisionism, ethnic jingoism and crass insensitivity with a view to whipping up undeserved sentiment to fuel his faltering ambition that is nothing but a flash in a pan.

Our advice to Mr. Peter Obi is to quit the race if he has nothing more to tell Nigerians.

N.B:

We also wish to use this medium to debunk the false and misleading posts on various social media handles of supporters of Mr. Peter Obi that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is withdrawing from the race on health grounds. This is nothing but a figment of their warped imaginations. Our candidate is strong, healthy and fit enough for the coming campaigns. The opposition will hear loud and clear from him soon.

Thank you.

FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN FCIArb(UK)

– Director, Media and Public Affairs and Official Spokesperson,

APC Presidential Campaign Council.

– Honourable Minister of State,

Ministry of Labour and Employment,

Federal Republic of Nigeria.

September 12, 2022

Press Statement

Demolition of Gombe PDP Campaign Office Invitation to Anarchy- PDP

…Insists APC Must Leave in 2023

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns in the strongest terms the unprovoked invasion and demolition of PDP’s campaign office in Gombe, Gombe State capital by the jittery and outgoing All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration in the State.

This cowardly and provocative action by the Governor Mohammad Inuwa Yahaya-led failed APC administration in Gombe State is a call for anarchy and a vicious attack on the generality of the people of the State, whose Will, aspiration and resolve for good governance is symbolized and embodied in the PDP as a Party.

The PDP, without any equivocation, demands that the Gombe State Government should immediately rebuild the demolished Campaign Office and tender unreserved apology to the people of Gombe State.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya is in mortal fear of the PDP Gombe State Campaign office which has become the rallying point of the people in the determination to liberate their State from the misrule and stranglehold of the APC administration.

Nigerians were shocked by the display of hatred, violence and brute force by the Inuwa Yahaya-led APC administration in Gombe State, which also enlisted heavily armed police operatives, who reportedly fired tear gas and live shots at innocent citizens to assist the demolition squad to carry out its dastardly act.

This failed governor is discomfited because the APC in Gombe State has fallen apart in the face of mass exodus of prominent APC members arising from his abysmal failure in office for which the people of the State have rejected him and the APC.

It is inexcusable that being flustered by rejection and inevitable electoral defeat in 2023 given the soaring popularity of PDP’s Governorship Candidate, Jibrin Barde, the failed Gombe State Governor has resorted to inflicting violence on the people of Gombe State.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya is aware that he is no match to PDP’s Jibrin Barde and as such he is now seeking to foist a fascist regime as a way to forcefully perpetuate himself in office beyond May 29, 2023.

The PDP alerts that Governor Inuwa Yahaya has become a clear and present danger to national security as well as a huge threat to our democratic process and corporate existence as a nation.

This is particularly as there are apprehensions in the public space that the Governor Inuwa Yahaya-led APC is setting up killer squads to unleash terror on the people ahead of the elections.

Our Party cautions Inuwa Yahaya to note that he has been exposed and would be held responsible for any breakdown of Law and Order as well as any terrorist attack in Gombe State ahead of the elections.

The PDP therefore invites President Muhammadu Buhari to call Governor Inuwa Yahaya to order before he causes another mayhem in Gombe State.

We also charge the Inspector General of Police to order an investigation into the use of police operatives to attack the people of Gombe State to facilitate the demolition of the Campaign Office.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya should accept the reality of his rejection. He must know that he can never intimidate or cow the people of Gombe State to submission with his resort to violence.

The people have made up their mind that he must leave office in May 29, 2023 and there is no going back on that resolve.

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

2023: OUR STRUGGLE FOR SOUTHERN PRESIDENCY MUST NOT BE IN VAIN – GOV AKEREDOLU

• Says Tinubu Remains Best Choice
• Appeals To Christians Over APC’s Muslim/Muslim Ticket

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has advised that the struggle for the President of Nigeria to come from the Southern part of the country in 2023 should not be in vain.

Governor Akeredolu, who is the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, said the North can not retain power after spending eight years in office.

The Governor spoke on Sunday at the 40th Holy Ghost Convention Dinner of The Sword of the Spirit Ministries held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Agbawo, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Governor Akeredolu explained that he led his colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum to demand a Southern Presidency despite stiff opposition from some quarters.

He called on the people not to throw away the chances of producing the next President, particularly from the Southwest where Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu hails from.

Arakunrin Akeredolu described Tinubu as the best choice, adding that he has the experience and courage to tackle the challenges facing the country.

On the Muslim/Muslim ticket, the Governor pleaded with Christians to look beyond religion and focus on the competency of the Presidential candidate.

While stressing that the buck stops on the President’s table, the Governor added that what is important is to have a Southern President come 2023.

He said: ”I discussed with Bishop Francis Wale Oke that presidency must come to the South. Take it or leave it, it is the minimum we can get. It must come to the South. The North cannot produce President for eight years and still want to retain it for another eight years. It is not going to work.

“That is why under the Southern Governors’ Forum, where, luckily, God made me the chairman, we kept harmering on that. It must come to the South. And when it also got to our party in APC, we fought that it must come to the South.

“Luckily, it did not only come to South, it came to the South West. Now, where do we stand? I understand our feelings because I’m one of you. I am a Christian. All of us here are worried. What will be our gain, and that, why is my party, the APC throwing up a Muslim/Muslim ticket.

“It has been a real issue for all us. Even members of the party, it has been an issue for us. We have debated it, fought it and we have done so many things on it. I have always said to people, my fight was for Southern President.

“Now it has come to the South West, will I now throw the baby away with the bathwater? Can I, in all honesty, do it? Should I, in all honesty, do it?

“We call it a matter of coincidence. It is a matter of conscience. All of us are here, why don’t we look at it from one angle. The buck stops on the table of the President. Do we have a capable hand who can manage the affairs if given the opportunity? Do you have a man who is bold enough to challenge incursion into our land? That is it.

“All of us here have lived together for years and we didn’t allow religion to bring fight among us. We have Muslims in our families and there is no fight. We have many leaders in Yoruba land who have both Muslims and Christians in their families and there is no fight.

“So, we want to appeal to our people that this is our time. I want to appeal to all our senior Pastors and General Overseers to help talk to their followers. We politicians can only do little. This is our time, please don’t be angry.”

Earlier, the Founder, The Sword of the Spirit Ministries, who is also the President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, specially appreciated God for His good works and the journey so far.

Richard Olatunde

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.

September 12, 2022.

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES FAYEMI/NGF ON ELECTION AS FORAF PRESIDENT

President Muhammadu Buhari warmly lauds Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who has been elected as President of the Forum of Regions of Africa (FORAF), in his capacity as Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

The election was held after a conference in Casablanca region, Morocco, at the weekend.

Receiving a delegation made up of Fayemi, Gov Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, and Gov Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State at State House on Monday, the President said: “In spite of the security challenges we have, it is good to see that other countries still believe in our potentialities. Congratulations for doing justice to Nigeria. We thank you.”

President Buhari also thanked all other countries that queued behind Nigeria to emerge FORAF President, noting that it was a good show of brotherhood and solidarity.

Governor Sule said the conference was well attended by Governors and participants from about 22 African countries, where regional issues were discussed, and memorandum of understanding (MOUs) signed on different areas like agriculture, mining, education, scholarships, and many others.

He added that while Nigeria, from West Africa, clinched the Presidency, Vice Presidents emerged from South Africa, for Southern Africa; Kenya, East Africa; Morocco, Northern Africa; and Cameroon for Central Africa.

Governor Fayemi, who relinquishes the Presidency to the next NGF President at the expiration of his tenure in office, said the idea of FORAF was for sub-nationals to become engines of growth, “and reduce pressure on central governments.”

He added that FORAF was a unifying force for States (called Regions, Counties, or Provinces in other countries) “to create a globally respected continent,” submitting that Nigeria’s election was a testimony to the huge respect President Buhari enjoys in Africa.

“Other countries simply withdrew their bids, once they saw that Nigeria was interested in the position,” he disclosed.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

September 12, 2022

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS COL SABO ALIYU, FORMER COMMANDER, GUARDS BRIGADE

President Muhammadu Buhari mourns the passage of a “diligent and committed officer,” Col. Abdulazeez Sabo Aliyu, who was Commander, Guards Brigade (then known as Brigade of Guards) from 1984 to 1985.

The President recalls the sense of duty and professionalism of the departed officer, and condoles with his family, former colleagues, and all those mourning him.

President Buhari wishes Col Aliyu eternal rest, and divine comfort for his family.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

September 11, 2022

PRESS STATEMENT

CDWR CONDEMNS THE BUHARI GOVERNMENT’S FRIVOLOUS SUIT AGAINST ASUU AT THE NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL COURT AS REPORTED BY THISDAY NEWSPAPER

CDWR DEMANDS THAT THE FG ADEQUATELY FUNDS EDUCATION AND MEET ASUU’S DEMANDS

Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) condemns the Buhari-led government’s lawsuit at the National Industrial Court, Abuja against the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as published by ThisDay newspaper on September 10, 2022. This latest step by the federal government is a continuation of the antics to arm-twist the union and possibly lay the legal basis to attack ASUU and its members.

CDWR also condemns the Buhari-led government’s neglect of public education and refusal to meet ASUU’s demands.

ASUU has embarked on strike since February 14, 2022, and the strike has lingered on for 7 months over the demands on funding of university education and better welfare conditions. Education is an important aspect of society and should be given utmost priority but the Buhari-led government just like its predecessors are not interested in protecting public interest. Allowing public universities to close down for 7 months clearly shows the anti-people character of the Buhari-led government.

At this stage, the solidarity of the trade union movement (Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress) is most needed. We call on the leadership of NLC and the TUC as a matter of urgency to begin the mobilization for a 48-hour warning general strike backed with mass actions to demand government meeting the demands of ASUU and other unions and protest the under-funding of public education and healthcare, rising cost of living, hike in fuel prices, hike in electricity tariff etc. With this, the government can be forced to meet the demands of the striking university workers, increase funding to public education and retreat on other anti-poor policies.

SIGNED:

Comrade Rufus Olusesan                                                    Comrade Chinedu Bosah

National Chairperson                                                              National Publicity Secretary

APPEAL FOR KID+NEY DONATION BY SONIA EKWERE+MADU

I, Sonia Ekweremadu, hereby appeal to the general public to come to my aid and save my life.

I am 25 years old and a graduate of Media and Communications, University of Coventry. I dropped out of my post graduate studies at the University of Newcastle in 2019 when I was diagnosed with a rare kid+ney disease, FSGS Nephrotic Syndrome. My family has battled to save my life and has taken me to various hospitals, but the illness persisted and kept degenerating. I am alive today by the special grace of God. I am presently in London, UK, receiving 5 Hours of dialysis 3-4 times a week. This is at the expense of my family as I am not qualified for NHS due to my immigration status.

The last 3 years have been extremely challenging. The charges being faced by my parents in London presently, are directly connected to my illness and have complicated matter for me and my family. I do not intend to delve into details of this unfortunate development as the matter is still in Court. I am however optimistic that the truth will prevail and it will end in praise to God.

In the circumstance above, I am appealing to anybody whom it may please to assist me willingly with a kid+ney donation in the name of God.

This appeal would have been utterly unnecessary as every member of my family is eager to donate their kid+ney to me, knowing that I would do the same for any of them. Regrettably, comprehensive medical examination showed that my case of nephrotic syndrome is a gen!etic illness and the doctors advised against donation from any of my family members, as it would likely reoccur. In the time that my father has been incarcerated, he has been diagnosed with acute kid+ney dama!ge.

Anybody that is moved by this appeal and wishes to donate his or her ki+dney to me may send an email to helpsonialive@gmail.com and include his or her name, phone number, email address and place of residence.

Please, note that under the laws of Engl!and and Wale!s, o!rg+an donation must be purely driven by compassion and therefore no reward is involved.

Finally, I have decided to commit and dedicate myself to helping people with the challenges of kid!ney disease, upon my full recovery.

Thank you and God bless you.

Via Sonia’s Instagram handle @soniaekw

‘HE HAS BEEN TRADING IN STOCKS’: DELE ALAKE DEFENDS TINUBU’S SOURCE OF WEALTH

The Director of Strategic Communication of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Dele Alake, has attributed the source of the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, to investment in the stocks of blue chip companies.

Mr Alake spoke about Tinubu’s wealth during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

Asked about the source of the former Lagos Governor’s wealth, he said, “What I know is that right from his days in the corporate world, he has been trading in stocks, and he himself said so.

“He has been buying stocks and bonds and all of that. I am not a finance person. So, I am not going to be interested in the nitty-gritty of it all. But I know he has been trading in stocks.

“I know that when you trade in stocks and you are a finance person, you know how to juggle the stock market and all of that. Those who are adept at it know what I am talking about. They wouldn’t start questioning how he made his money from stocks.

“He was buying stocks of blue chip companies and all of that. He was making money and he was spending money. He has been doing all of these years before he got into office.”

The source of APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu’s wealth has repeatedly been called into question by critics.

Critics and opponents of the former Lagos State governor have continued to call his wealth into question with some accusing him of corruption and of covertly owning stakes in companies. But Mr Tinubu and his allies have continued to reject the claims and insist that he earned his wealth legitimately.

With elections approaching, those questions have increased but Mr Alake believes they are the result of the “pull-him-down” syndrome, jealousy, and hatred.

“Why people are querying the source of his wealth is because he had been a successful governor of Lagos and a successful politician even after office,” he said.

“He is about the only one of the class of 1999 who is at that enviable political height today. He is bound to attract all of these negative comments.”

Mr Alake stressed that he knew Tinubu to have been spending money and to have been wealthy every before he got into office.

That, to him, was crucial.

“He made his money well before he got into office. I think what is important to Nigerians, really, is to know that this man was not a pauper before he came into office, like some others,” he said.

Mr Alake declined to reveal whether or not Tinubu owns or has investments in any company in Nigeria.

He said, “What is my business about the company that he owns in Nigeria? If tomorrow you become like Bola Ahmed Tinubu, why should I be bothering about the companies you own as long as it is not proved that you have taken the money of your state or whatever company you work for?

“It is not proven and you are not indicted in any court of law. Why should I now be bothering my head?

“It is an extraneous issue and, like I always say, pandering to the whims and caprices of those who are jealous and extremely envious and suffering from OCH, obsessive-compulsive hatred, of Asiwaju.”