GR Diary

Tinubu tears into Atiku: ‘Your state of the nation address filled with lies’

Published

7 years ago

January 30, 2019

grassroots

By: Oliseama Okwuchukwu

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has responded to the state of the nation address by the former vice president and presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic party, Atiku Abubakar. He described most of the issues raised by Atiku as anchored on tissues of lies.

Read the full text below:

The PDP’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku, recently made comments regarding suspension of CJN Onnoghen. Atiku’s release is entitled “State of the nation address”. I encourage everyone to read it. In its disregard for the truth and patent misrepresentations, it will go down in political history as a classic of self-incrimination. Atiku thinks the piece exalts him. Instead it evinces his penchant for wilful misstatement that make him unfit for the office he now seeks and has always coveted.

In the statement, he claims to have dedicated all his life to the defence of democracy. Those of you who know him, and even those who don’t, know this is not true. If all of his life has been dedicated to support for democracy, then he is far too young to run for president; however, I must congratulate him for having somehow managed to find or begin a second life. This rebirth as a defender of democracy must have taken place only a few short hours ago.

His previous life of over seventy years was one of skirting democracy and of blatant impunity in attempting to enshrine reactionary government and installing an unjust political economy on the backs of the people.

In his address, he claims the nation has entered a difficult moment. To my dear and good friend Atiku, I say the difficulty is not so much with the moment but with your memory.

When you lorded over Nigeria in tandem with President Obasanjo, there were myriad court orders mandating that your government render to Lagos state the funds due it to improve the lives of its millions of inhabitants. Instead, you gladly and without dispute joined Obasanjo in utter disregard for these unambiguous legal verdicts. In so doing, you demeaned the rule of law. You also readily sacrificed the economic development and welfare of millions of innocent people in Lagos just to gain some illicit political advantage that proved to be fleeting and of no avail to you in the end.

You now speak of democracy and the need for executive restraint. But such verbal finery never crossed your lips or traversed your pen when you and Obasanjo improperly removed Senate Presidents more easily than a trendy cad exchanges a pair of shoes or changes the subject of his false affections. Your love for democracy is such that you were recently observed apologising to the PDP for not rigging the Lagos 2003 gubernatorial polls as you did the polls in the other Southwestern states…

It is curious that Atiku would take up the marker of a jurist who has enjoyed the sweet but hidden benefits of several million dollars of mystery money passing through his secret bank accounts, Even when discovered, these accounts held several hundred thousands of dollars in them.

Someone in Atiku’s position would normally be wary of a judge thus tainted. A politician in Atiku’s position should more objectively be concerned that the government would have been the source of the hidden funds or that government would use the fact of the clandestine money as leverage against the judge to make sure he did government’s bidding for surely this a jurist highly compromised by pecuniary indiscretion. It is almost unnatural that an opposition candidate would champion the soiled cause of such a judge who seems to have sold something in exchange for the money found in his vest’s secret pockets.

Yet, Atiku now cries the anguished cry of a man who thought he had won the lottery only to find he had misread the last number on his claim ticket. Or perhaps these are the tears of a man who thought he had invested in a sure deal only to see the reason for the investment evaporate before his very eyes. Now, Atiku and his cohort seek to turn their personal disappointment into a burning national issue. They seek to manufacture a constitutional crisis where none exists.

They said they suspended their campaign because of this matter. Here, they are as illogical as illogic can beget. By suspending their campaign, did that mean they were permanently ending it? Of course not! That would be a boycott or the permanent “removal” of the campaign. No, they have resumed their campaign after temporarily suspending it. If they know the meaning of suspend in this regard, only malign intent allows them to feign ignorance to the meaning of the word “suspend” when applied to CJN Onnoghen.

There is no need to quake at the solitary incident of the interim suspension of a justice pending the legal resolution of serious criminal claims against him. If this matter is shorn of the political trappings it has acquired, there is no fairer way to handle the matter.

Atiku, I gather, would rather leave the man in seat and allow the charges against him to go unattended. Or Atiku would rather that the CJN preside over his own trial. Such is the logical conclusion of Atiku’s position. It is an odd bravery that would lead Atiku to stake such a position. If Atiku is as oddly courageous as he now depicts, then let him venture a step further. Pray tell, let Atiku tell us what good and precious thing he and the PDP rendered that they cannot even countenance the temporary and conditional suspension of a single jurist until the charges of illegality against the man have been fully resolved in open proceedings conducted by his judicial peers.

Atiku claims to be a democrat and defender of democracy, but where was he, his voice and action during Abacha’s suffocating maximum rule? Was he not a member and cheer-leader of one of the five Abacha parties aptly described then as five leprous fingers of Abacha? Did he even have the courage to visit his mentor, late Major General Shehu Musa Yar Ádua, in jail for fear of Abacha stopping him from running for the governorship of Adamawa?

Dare Atiku say what is really upsetting him and what he really is hiding in his attempt to cloak his lifetime of undemocratic reckonings in the swaddling of this much too belated democratic second birth he now claims for himself. (NAN)

Events

Takang, Ladid Lead Africa’s Digital Sovereignty Debate At DACE 2025

Published

18 hours ago

September 17, 2025

grassroots

L-R: Prof. Latif Ladid and Dr. Armstrong Takang

How can Africa remain safe and powerful in a world being rapidly redefined by Artificial Intelligence?

That pressing question will take centre stage at the 13th Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition (DACE), scheduled for October 28–29, 2025, in Abuja.

The two-day gathering will be anchored by two powerhouse keynote speakers: Dr. Armstrong Takang on Day 1 and Prof. Latif Ladid on Day 2, each bringing unique expertise to Africa’s digital sovereignty conversation.

Dr. Armstrong Takang, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), will open the conference with a keynote that situates Africa’s digital sovereignty within the broader context of economic reform, institutional innovation, and strategic governance.

A consummate professional and visionary thinker, Dr. Takang has spent decades bridging the gap between public reform and private investment across Africa and the United States. Before his current role at MOFI, he served as Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, where he led the MOFI Transformation Team.

His career includes leading Growth Alliance Partners (GAP), a pan-African firm that helped turn around several businesses to create shareholder value, and working at KPMG in New York.

He has been instrumental in designing and implementing key national initiatives such as the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS), and the ICT components of EFCC/NFIU systems.

Dr. Takang has also chaired national ICT committees and contributed to landmark policies, including Nigeria’s Content Development in ICT and the country’s 50-year Development Plan. His keynote will highlight how digital and financial sovereignty intersect to secure Africa’s long-term competitiveness.

On the other hand, Prof. Latif Ladid, Founder & President of the IPv6 Forum and Chair of the AI & Blockchain Global Forum, brings decades of global leadership in internet architecture, digital policy, and emerging technologies.

His expertise spans across pivotal roles from IEEE Future Networks to the Internet Society, 3GPP, and EU research on next-generation networks.

Organizers say his keynote will set the tone for the conference, unpacking how Africa can assert digital sovereignty, safeguard its data, and lead in shaping the ethics and standards of AI on the global stage.

“This year’s theme, ‘Sovereign Intelligence: Africa’s Voice in the Global Digital Order,’ isn’t just a concept, it’s a necessity,” said Dr. Evans Woherem, Chairman of Digital Africa Consult. “Prof. Ladid’s keynote will highlight what it takes for Africa to remain safe, independent, and powerful in the new AI era.”

At a time when global powers are racing to define AI norms and secure digital dominance, Africa risks being left behind if it fails to act. Much of its technology remains imported, its data stored abroad, and its languages invisible in mainstream AI systems.

DACE 2025 is designed to change this narrative, by equipping Africa with the tools, strategies, and partnerships to become a proactive co-author of the digital future.

The conference will feature high-level dialogues on digital sovereignty, policy innovation, and cross-border cooperation, alongside exhibitions of homegrown startups, developer workshops, and showcases of African-built AI tools for health, agriculture, finance, and education.

Beyond the panels and showcases, DACE 2025 is expected to produce a concrete roadmap for Africa’s digital sovereignty.

“This isn’t just about technology,” noted Woherem. “It’s about agency, safety, and independence. With Prof. Ladid setting the stage, we hope to leave Abuja with a united vision of Africa’s place in the global AI order.”

With delegates expected from across Africa and the world, the two-day gathering promises to be a defining moment in the continent’s digital journey.

GR Diary

Lagos Mainland Trade Fair: Entrepreneurs gain export skills

Published

7 days ago

September 11, 2025

grassroots

L-r: Olori Janet Afolabi Queen of Apomu Kingdom/Collaborator in the event and Monalisa Abimbola Azeh, CEO of Mona Matthews/ Convener of the event.

Nigerian Export Promotions Council, NEPC, played a significant role at the just concluded maiden Lagos Trade Fair. NEPC, enhanced the export capabilites of entrepreneurs at the Fair.

Nancy Okpa and Olamide Olatunde, both Senior Trade Officers from NEPC, equipped the entrepreneurs with knowledge and skills necessary for international trade.
The Vendors learnt the step by step export procedures. They also gained insight to the importance of compliance with international standards.

Monalisa Abimbola Aze, a lawyer turned entrepreneur whose company Mona Matthews curated the event expressed appreciation for developing the export capabilites of entrepreneurs and providing them access to international markets.

She said the ” Vendors will be more confident and equipped to navigate the exportation process.”

“Through exportation entrepreneurs can expand their businesses and access global market.”She added.

Olori Janet Afolabi, a Publisher and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, who collaborated with Azeh on the event, commended NEPC for its effort to reduce Nigeria economic vulnerability to oil price fluctuation by promoting non oil exports.” She said through exportation there will be increased foreign exchange earnings”

Apart from NEPC, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control, NAFDAC , officials also attended the Trade Fair to sensitise entrepreneurs on the need to register their products.

The event drew a large crowd and sparked entrepreneurial growth.
Aze, said ” I am overwhelmed by the success of the event We are grateful for the enthusiasm from Vendors who showcased their products and services with passion..
The event has shown that with determination and hard work we can create a lasting impact and provide opportunities for growth and expansion of businesses and services “

Olori Afolabi described the event as a great first attempt ” It exceeded my expectations.It was incredible to see entrepreneurs come together to celebrate enterprise and innovations. The energy was amazing. We look forward to building on this momentum.”

Vendors at the Fair expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the opportunities provided by the event.Many of them reported increased visibility, valuable connections and potential business deals.

One of them, Enobong Ezekiel, CEO / Founder Coreal8 said “l am honoured to have been a part of this experience. I was able to connect with many customers and partners.The organisers did an incredible job of creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere that allowed us to showcase our services”

The event held on 6th and 7th September at Yard 158, Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja Lagos.

The two day event brought together about 100 versatile Vendors, showcasing a wide range of products and services in fashion, food, lifestyle, technology and beauty.The event featured food courts, entertainment and games, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Many visitors attended the Fair Prominent among them is Tope Alabi a popular gospel musician.

The Fair which showcased the entrepreneurial strength of Lagos is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy .

GR Diary

The Elevation Church’s Youth Ministry Hosts The Hangout 2025 for Singles

Published

2 weeks ago

September 5, 2025

grassroots

LifePointe and Surge, the vibrant youth expressions of The Elevation Church, will host The Hangout 2025 on Saturday, September 13, 2025, across four locations simultaneously.

This free, one-day gathering is designed for singles (20+) who desire meaningful, faith-based connections in an atmosphere of worship, fun, and intentional conversations.

In a culture dominated by fleeting trends and surface-level connections, The Hangout 2025 offers a refreshing alternative: a safe, Christ-centered space for singles to engage in authentic conversations, intentional fellowship, and spiritual growth.

Tagged “Same Energy” as it happens at 4 locations on the same day, The Hangout 2025 promises an exciting mix of music, inspiration, and community. Attendees will be inspired by Godman Akinlabi, Bola Akinlabi, Busola Wale-Siyanbola, Dave Ugbor, Phillip Olubakin, Emmanuella Mike-Bamiloye, Bowale Kotun, Seun Afolayan, and Debo Omotunde, while enjoying powerful performances from internationally acclaimed gospel artist Limoblaze, Greatman Takit, Gospel Force, DJ Horphuray, DJ Sammy, and Tkeyz.

“The Hangout is not just another singles event; it is a movement to help young people build relationships anchored on biblical principles, emotional maturity, and Godly standards,” said Pastor Godman Akinlabi, Global Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church “We believe this gathering will empower a generation of believers to form covenant marriages that reflect God’s design.”

At its core, The Hangout 2025 is designed to help singles connect with like-minded believers who share a vision for covenant marriages, while also creating opportunities to learn biblical principles for dating, courtship, and intentional relationships.

The programme will further equip attendees with wisdom, emotional maturity, and spiritual preparedness for marriage, fostering the growth of a supportive community that values accountability and upholds Godly standards.

The event will hold on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Pistis Conference Centre in Lekki, Lagos, with simultaneous gatherings at Maryland, Ibadan, and online. A subsequent edition will be hosted in Abuja on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Each event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with free admission for singles aged 20 and above. Interested participants are encouraged to register online at elevationng.org/hangout25