Ikpeazu rejects naming NLC secretariat after him, proposes Abia Labour House

In keeping to his decision that no government and public property will be named after him while serving as governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has rejected the proposed naming of the Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in Umuahia as Dr Okezie Ikpeazu Labour House.
He, instead, pleaded with NLC to consider naming its secretariat as Abia Labour House.
Ikpeazu, while speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of the secretariat which he performed, promised that he will not take Organised Labour in Abia for granted.
He also promised to support the leadership of NLC to ensure the completion of the secretariat, and promised that Abia State Government will donate N10 million, while he as a person will make donation of N2 million every month until the end of 2017 to ensure the completion of the building.
While delivering his address, the Abia State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe, said: “Today, our amiable Governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, is here live to, not only perform the ground breaking, but to lay the foundation of the edifice to be known and called Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu Labour House Umuahia-Abia State, the first modern Labour House in the South-East geo-political zone.”
Speaking before laying the foundation ceremony of the secretariat, and in response to NLC chairman, Ikpeazu said: “I want to say that I appreciate very well, your decision to name this building after my humble self but I am constrained by the policy of this government that you don’t take credit on our marks; we wait for gold medals when we cross the finishing line. For us today, we are on our marks and the race is just beginning, so it will be preposterous for us to take the accolade and diadem that should come ordinarily, at the breaking step. I will ask you to wait till we get to the tape, it is at that time that I will take up the acquisition of Excellency, and also accept awards like this. I, therefore, plead and suggest that this house be called Abia Labour House. Thank you very much and God bless.”

My husband rapes me in presence of our children, woman tells court

“My husband rapes me in the presence of our children’’, a 40-year-old trader, Bolanle AbdulKareem, told an Igando Customary Court in Lagos .
Bolanle said her husband, Olasunkanmi, with whom she had three children in their 17-year-old marriage, always molest her whenever he got drunk.
“Whenever my husband comes home drunk, he will want to make love to me by fire by force and I will caution him not to do it in the presence of our children.
“He will beat me and make love to me by force while the children watch us.
“There was a day I came back from work and I met my children, one on top of another doing what they always see their father do to me,’’ she further told the court.
The petitioner also said her husband always threaten to kill her.
“My husband derives pleasure in beating me. There was a day he beat me and broke my leg.
“One day, he threatened to kill me, so I ran to one of my relative’s house.
“My husband came there, he met my sister’s husband ironing his clothes; he snatched the iron from him and started chasing me with it.
“Seeing his desperation, I ran into the street and my husband still chased me with the pressing iron.
“Anytime, I reported him at the Police station the Police always tell me that it is a family matter and refused to caution him’’.
She described her husband as an irresponsible husband and father, who did not care about the welfare and education of the children.
According to her, Olasunkanmi neither cares for her nor the children, adding that that she is the one paying the school fees of the children.
“He has a tricycle that he is using for business but he always use the proceeds to drink to stupor and usually loses self control’’.
She begged the court to dissolve their marriage, adding that she was no longer in love with the husband.
However, Olasunkanmi, who did not deny the allegation of raping his wife, however, begged the court not to dissolve the union.
“Please, do not dissolve our marriage, I still love my wife, I know I have made a mistake; I will make amend,’’ he said.
The 42-year-old commercial tricycle operator admitted that he used to beat his wife, whenever she flouted his orders.
“I don’t derive pleasure in beating her but I only beat her whenever she disobeys my instruction.
“The day I snatched the pressing iron from my in-law, I only wanted to use the iron wire to beat her and not to burn her’’.
He said that he was not a drunk but that he drank moderately.
The President of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola, ordered the couple to come along with three members of their families for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Omilola adjourned the case till May 9 for further hearing.

Dokpesi received N2.1bn from Dasuki, says witness

A prosecution witness, Mrs Zainab Kokobili, on Wednesday, told a Federal High Court, Abuja, that Raymond Dokpesi, received N2.1 billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) was the NSA when Dokpesi received the money.
Kokobili, the third prosecution witness to testify in Dokpesi’s trial, confirmed that the money was paid in four different occasions from the ONSA.
Dokpesi, Chairman of Daar Holdings Investment Company Ltd., was arraigned on a six-count charge of money laundering and procurement-related offences.
Kokobili, a banker with First Bank, was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Olaleke Atoglabe.
She said that as a relationship manager, she manages the account of Daar Holdings Investment Company and other accounts in the bank.
She said on Feb. 6, 2016 she was invited to EFCC office through their Fraud and Investigation Unit to make statements on the case.
Kokobili read from the company’s statement of account, saying that N2.12 billion was paid into the account in four tranches of N500 million, N500 million, N620 million and N500 million between January and March 2015.
She said the balance on the company’s account was N113, 885.28 before the first tranche of N500 million was paid into the account on Jan. 22, 2015.
“On Jan. 22, 2015 – RTGS, being payment by ONSA: N500 million, it was a credit. Before the payment of N500 million the balance on the account was N113,885.28.
“On Feb. 4, 2015 – RTGS, being payment by ONSA: N500 million.
“On Feb. 9, 2015 – RTGS, being payment by ONSA: N620 million only. It was also a credit.
“On March 19, 2015 – the narration is RTGS being payment by ONSA: N500 million,” the witness said.
She also said that N2.12 billion was disbursed from Daar Investments and Holdings Limited after receiving instructions from Dokpesi.
“The customer sent instructions to the bank for payments. Money was paid after getting confirmation from the customer.
“High Chief Raymond Anthony Alegho Dokpesi was the signatory who sent instructions for the payments,” she added.
Justice John Tsoho admitted in evidence the witness statement made at the EFCC’s office and bundles of documents submitted to the chairman of EFCC.
Under cross examination by the defence counsel, Mr Kanu Agabi, the witness said that Daar Investment was a customer of the bank not Raymond Alegho Dokpesi.
The case was adjourned till May 24 and May 25 for continuation of trial.

God’s mercy has been upon us’ – Tolu Omoniyi, CEO Bobo’s Clothing

Bobo’s Clothing has been in the industry of selling men’s apparel since 2006. Bobo’s Clothing started its business at 39,Opebi Road, Ikeja Lagos and presently has four branches at Opebi in Ikeja, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and flagship store at 61, Allen Avenue Ikeja, Lagos. Bobo’s Clothing is one of Nigeria’s leading fashion houses for formal and ceremonial suits. They also stock shoes, slippers, formal shirts, casual shirts, wing-collar shirts, T-shirts, pants, jeans pants, chinos pants, long ties, bow ties, loose cravats, waist coats, cummerbunds, cuff-links and other accessories.

With nine industry related awards to its credit, Bobo’s Clothing deliver customer friendly oriented services to its clientele across the country.

On Friday, December 30, 2016, Tolu Omoniyi who has been running the pocket friendly men apparels and accessories store, Bobo’s Clothing, for ten years assembled some of his customers and friends as well as those dubbed ‘Legends on the runway ‘ at Sheraton Hotel &Towers on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, near Maryland, Ikeja (Lagos) for a memorable shindig.
The happy businessman spoke to us about the eventful journey of Bobo’s Clothing…

Bobo’s Clothing was 10 few days ago… How did it all begin?
Bobo’s Clothing’s first retail shop opened February 2006, but operating without a name since 2005 from a living room.
How would you tell the story so far in 10 years of its existence?
Sincerely, it’s been God mercies all the way.
How far have you gone achieving your set goals for Bobo’s Clothing?
The normal business challenges, but by His Mercies we have been able to overcome and remain in business to be what God has made us be now.
How were you able to grow your business to what it is today? What is the strategy?
We have a vision for Bobo’s Clothing and we are not yet there. But we thank God for where we are today, we are getting there soon.
Strategy – good products with moderate pricing, continuous efforts in improving customer service, right staffing and training, putting all in hands of God in conclusion.
What separates Bobo’s from other clothing outfits?
Good products with moderate pricing, friendly work environment.
You sign-posted a decade of Bobo’s with a spectacular event tagged Legends on the run way. Can you let us into what went down at the December 30, 2016 ceremony?
The program was actually in celebration of our 10th anniversary and also to celebrate stylish men (legends) from various sectors of the economy. We had D1 (Dayo Adeneye) representing Entertainment, Tex Egbedi (Texen) representing the fashion Industry, Pastor Femi Paul  of The Grace Assembly representing clergy, YBO Yomi Badejo-Okusanya representing PR, Kunle Bakare representing print media… also present were Kanayo O Kanayo, a Nollywood legend, Femi Adeyinka (Capital), Wole Oni, good customers, family, friends, associates and colleagues in the industry like the CEO’s of Tafoo, Kijipa, Faw Couture (Saheed Fawehinmi, Gani Fawehinmi’s son), etc.
You thanked your costumers with special rewards with a couple winning the star prize of return ticket to Kenya…?
We had a raffle for our customers with the star prize of a return trip to Mombasa, Kenya (holiday destination) for a couple… This was won by Mr. Ukachi Savior. The raffle was conducted by Kanayo O Kanayo and Abiona Babarinde…a token to our customers for God Almighty using them in many more ways to get us to where we are today.
What keeps your business going considering the economic situation of the country?
Some businesses must remain, no matter what. We are fortunate that ours is one of those God has purposed and said would remain to even outlive its founders as a Blessed Generational Business.
Your projections for the outfit…
Generational global business.

Christopher Atane Speaks on why Paradise Hotel and Garden, subsidiary of CIA IRENS Ltd is fun lovers’ first choice

Christopher Atane is the Managing Director/CEO of Paradise Hotel and Garden, subsidiary of CIA IRENS International Company Ltd. The hotel is noted for unlimited hospitality, accommodation, event place and fun arena. In this interview with  Prestige International Magazine, the amiable hospitality investor opens up on various issues including how the hotel became a mega brand, what it takes to run a successful hospitality business in Nigeria and the real reason Paradise Hotel and Garden is  customers and fun lover’s first choice. This smart and vibrant young man with top business acumen hails from Owan West Local Government Area of Edo state. Paradise Hotel is a high flying one in Lagos hospitality Industry.

As an investor in the hospitality industry, how did you get into the hospitality business?

I came into the business by accident. I started the business about eight years ago, before then I was an agent with business centre at Ogba. When I came back from abroad I sourced for the funds and I started the business. I hail from Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

What is the experience so far?

The experience is not bad so far so good. Every time we have to spend to watch your games here whenever there is sporting event. We are living in a country, Nigeria where you get a business and your business will get you. We are not in a foreign country where everything is in place to run the business. You have to be there most times to manage your business.

Paradise Hotel and Garden is one of the top rated hotels in the city, how did it happen?

That is what I have stated above, but most especially gives kudos to my clients. I am always here as the chairman of the company to look at the affairs of the company. If there is any complaining I don’t just leave it for workers, supervisors and managers alone to handle. Apart from that I appreciate security so much. I have cordial relationship with Area Commanders and DPOs. They always position their vehicles outside there and always around whenever there is distress call. I am also good in public relations management, you have to appreciate your neighbours and be in good relationship to run your business. When it comes to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), they know that I pay my bills as at when due. I pay all the government tax and I have no problem with them.

As a learned person why did you venture into the business?

I read law but I am not a lawyer. You know in Nigeria factor we have instances where it is not what you read that you practice. I appreciate law but this is my calling now.

What are the areas your knowledge in law is helping you now in your business?

I know my boundary; I don’t go beyond my boundary with my knowledge of law. In all sincerity I appreciate reading the law. It helps me in every area of doing my business. You cannot intimidate me when I know what I am doing. I know the ambit of the law I know what the law say and I am following it. I have my CCTV camera and everything that I have to have to do a business I think I have them. And moreover I read my books to keep myself abreast.

What are the challenges facing the running of businesses in Nigeria?

As you can see as you are here now, we are running on generator. If you don’t have access to money you can’t run hotel of this standard, you need to furnish all the rooms to standard. For you to have this kind of hotel you need to have the building and equip it to taste. Running hotel is capital intensive. We also have to cope with double taxation. Also, you need to pay your staff well, all over the world it is always like that but in Nigeria it is critical because there is shortage of electricity. You have to supply your own water, there is no support from anywhere, there is no government presence in what we do, and you have to supply all you need to run your business.

What is your management style?

I have workers under supervisors and managers. We work like one family. In the same vein my staffs have access to loan. I pay as at when due and we do declare excess on a very good day. We pay salaries early and regularly and it works for me and make them to be more committed. I see them as my children.

What is your assessment of hospitality business in Nigeria, do you think we have come of age like what is obtainable in developed worlds?

We have come of age in Nigeria like what is available in the developed world. We have so many big hotels in Nigeria that are making people comfortable. Apart from the fact that you have to spend so much money to run the business in Nigeria, we deliver the same quality in Nigeria and abroad.

What are the areas you want government to come into assisting investors in hospitality industry?

I want government to assist us in finance, so that we will be able to upgrade our hotels into what is comparable with what is available outside. I also want government to assist us in security so that we have our records to show for it.

Who is your kind of man?

I like honest person because I am honest, I like helping people, and in my community I do personally sponsor community projects like road construction. Even here I do help our neighbor.

What is your assessment of current administration in Nigeria?

I am not a politician but with present government I believe that we should have hope that it will be well. This government has come to redeem our image, we need to endure. Let them fight the corruption and we see those who are corrupt and those who are not.

As a shining light for young investors, what are your words of advice for younger generation?

Honesty and hard work never fail. Idea that everybody wants to be in music at the age of 14 and you abandon education does not augur well. They should go for honest education that will last for them.

What words do you have for your customers?

With my customers we are one, I relate with them well, we are always in the garden talking together. All my customers are my friends.

What is the expansion plan of Paradise Hotel and Garden?

It is our plan to expand beyond Nigeria shore.