Perhaps the most telling moment in the National Broadcasting Commission’s ban of rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s track, “Tell Your Papa” is its acknowledgement that the song was already trending on social media. If they knew that many of us had already listened to the song, and we have almost endless means to access the track anytime we wanted, why did they impose a ban on it? Of what use is such a ban in a country where the reach of social media surpasses that of broadcast media houses? How many people get their news from the traditional media compared to those who rely on ubiquitous social media apps where materials like “Tell Your Papa” freely circulate?

As much as I agree with observers who have challenged NBC on free speech, there is also more than a violation of democratic rights at work here. The NBC’s banning of a protest song they consider “objectionable” (to whom, anyway?) is telling of the analogue intelligence that runs this country, a realisation as frightening as the loss of fundamental human rights. This lack of organisational reflexivity and stimulation towards continuous self-reinvention explains why our society always seems to be stuck in the same spot.

This is, of course, not to dismiss the aspect of fundamental rights. The ban is one of the countless instances of the assault on free speech under the present administration, a government ironically peopled by men who boast about their record of once “fighting for democracy”. Yet, nobody has done more to diminish democratic freedoms in Nigeria than these so-called activists. One of the instruments of their insidious warfare is, of course, the police. Currently, the police have made it their job to subvert free speech by elevating what should otherwise be inconsequential social exchanges to the level of “threat to public peace” and proceeding to act on it with unwarranted violence. This has become so recurrent that we are as good as inured to their excesses.

The other weapon through which free speech is being corrupted is the activities of public administrations like the NBC. Several times in this column, I have raised issues with the NBC and its obsequious tendency to court the favour of the government in power by punishing media houses that give a voice to a dissenting part of the populace. There was a time the NBC would release a bulletin listing the names of electronic broadcast stations that said one or two things they found “objectionable” and fine them heavily. Once, Bayo Onanuga cried wolf because a broadcast on one of the television stations had gotten his feelings hurt and the next thing the NBC did was slam a fine on the media house. They are that openly partisan. Even basing its objection to “Tell Your Papa” on its supposed objectionable contents would have been entirely hilarious if this were a satire. How is a song composed to protest an oppressive government expected to be inoffensive? Funny, but only in the way a tragedy makes you laugh to keep from crying.

What is really infuriating is that NBC is run by civil servants who probably have no serious idea what it takes to maintain a business in an economically hostile society like Nigeria. If they manage a backyard poultry, you can bet they will run it down. Those lacking an idea of what it takes to build an enterprise are more inclined to pursue aggressive tactics that threaten the survival of businesses. The NBC slams heavy fines on media houses that refuse to grovel before the powers that be, while conveniently forgetting that broadcast media are economic enterprises that must not only cater to an audience but must also make enough money to keep afloat. The civil servants in NBC have no such insights. Its job is to listen to the radio and television day and night, nitpick a few sentences they deem anti-government, and chase down the business with a fine. Thankfully, the court reined in its excesses by ruling on its fine as an administrative overstep. Now they are back in the public eye, seeking relevance by banning a song that gives voice to the many dissensions roiling contemporary Nigeria.

Yet, one cannot help but wonder what relevance organisations like the NBC have in the digital age. Why does it still exist? First, we live in a world where communication can be said to be out of control. Global media systems have empowered us to act outside the limits of the nation-state, and those of us in underdeveloped countries under repressive governments have been prime beneficiaries of this technological advancement. There are no borders on the internet, thankfully. The capitalist forces that control the algorithms (the technology that determines the range of what we see on our social media pages) have no use for our petty Nigerian issues; they will not shut down social media because a Tinubu does not like a song.

When I say the NBC ban on “Tell Your Papa” goes beyond the very vital matter of free speech, it is because I am sincerely perplexed by the failure of the NBC—and by extension, the Federal Government that funds it—to reinvent itself for a digital age. It is stubbornly stuck to the analogue means of managing the parameters of public discourse. While the world has changed significantly, it holds on to the illusions of a glorious past where it controlled the electronic media and, consequently, the range of public speech. NBC’s ineffective bans also reflect other larger systemic issues: the people running this country demonstrably lack the dynamism and flexibility to continuously reinvent and (re-) organise their administrative mandate to match social reality. This is a story of underdevelopment sponsored by the leaden-footedness of a leadership class that cannot cultivate its instincts to adjust to a world where the ground beneath its feet has long shifted.

This failure to reposition themselves to confront the dictates of the new world speaks to the broader issues of leadership and management, a crisis of imagination that haunts us at many levels. Its effects are reflected in the recrudescence of our national crises, to which we respond by marshalling the same old arguments as we did the last time. Hardly anything ever changes, and when all we do is relive the former moments, we appear to be stuck in history. Things have gotten so repetitive that you know the best even the Presidency will do to address the recurring spate of killing orgies under his watch is to “condemn” the violence and then deflect the responsibility just like he did the last time and as his predecessor also did. There are no solutions, not because our problems are irresolvable, but because our leaders are bored and can no longer stimulate themselves to fresh, vivacious thinking. When the leadership fails to reinvent itself and falls back on the same old methods that once worked, they also lose the opportunity to infuse vitality into the polity. Everything will appear to be dead still.

Finally, I do not know the extent to which Seyi Tinubu— the President’s son at whom the song was directed—influenced the media ban, but the NBC did him no favour. Even if the ogas at the top had pressured it to ban the song as a gesture of loyalty to Tinubu, there are more than enough contemporary experiences to which they could have referred to their paymasters to warn them that banning a song in the age of Twitter was a bad idea. What exactly did the song say that we do not say every day? Seyi, too, is not exactly a private citizen. He has been all over the place, ostentatiously lapping up the privileges that come with being the President’s son. So, why is someone like that beyond criticism? Does he have two heads, or why exactly does he deserve a pass? Even if this bad was a self-directed organisational decision by the NBC, the ban is still an imprudent one. Someone at NBC must really hate Seyi to have done this.

The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the conduct of its officers captured in a viral video receiving money from a Chinese national, describing their actions as “unprofessional and unethical.”

The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage online, prompted the force headquarters to identify the officers involved and initiate disciplinary proceedings.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police emphasised its commitment to upholding professionalism and maintaining public trust.

The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force has taken cognisance of a disturbing video making rounds in the media space, showing police officers receiving money from a Chinese national.

“The Force has strongly condemned the conduct exhibited by the police officers in the video, describing it as unprofessional and unethical.”

Adejobi reiterated that such behaviour runs contrary to the established ethics, standards, and core values of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The actions of the officers do not represent the established ethics, standards, and core values of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Force has zero tolerance for such unprofessional behaviour and other forms of misconduct, which undermine public trust and confidence,” he said.

He confirmed that the officers involved in the incident have been identified and are currently undergoing disciplinary procedures.

The nature of the sanctions was not disclosed, but Adejobi assured the public that justice would be served.

In addition to addressing the misconduct, the Force warned individuals and organisations making use of police services, particularly escorts and guards.

“The Nigeria Police Force hereby cautions individuals and organisations privileged to the services of police personnel, particularly as escorts and guards or other specialised services, to desist from any act capable of degrading the integrity of its officers and bringing the Force to disrepute,” Adejobi warned.

The development comes amid the Force’s renewed efforts to rebuild public confidence and ensure accountability within its ranks.

While calling on the public to continue supporting the police in its reform agenda, Adejobi reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to transparency and professionalism, Adejobi said “We remain resolute in our commitment to discipline and service in line with international best practices.”

The disciplinary process is expected to serve as a deterrent to erring officers and reinforce the message that unethical conduct will not be tolerated in the Force.

[Punch]

In the wake of the disappearance, on Monday, of Crypto Bridge Exchange Smart-Treasures, widely known as CBEX, a digital asset platform, grief and regret have enveloped the land and understandably so. In the coming days, some will commit suicide, having watched, in some cases, entire life savings, pensions and hope for a more secured financial future evaporate like morning dew.

This latest Ponzi scheme, experts say, may have cost the victims an estimated N1.4 trillion. Such colossal sum will, no doubt, have dire consequences, including the disappearance of the sanguinity of the unfortunate investors.

The CBEX swindle, now Nigeria’s biggest Ponzi scam, when added to an estimated N300 billion lost since 2016 gives an estimated N1.7 trillion lost by Nigerians in sundry Ponzi schemes in nine years.

Because CBEX, believed to be a Chinese-owned digital trading company, with no verifiable physical presence in Nigeria, lured its hapless clients with promise of high returns, some Nigerians have uncharitably labelled them greedy people, victims of their own gluttony. Though not pronounced loudly, it is hard to miss the “it serves them right” sneer in most of the ongoing conversations.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, said that much on Wednesday when its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, claimed that the anti-graft agency has, for the umpteenth time, warned Nigerians against falling for Ponzi schemes.

Exonerating the EFCC from blame, Oyewale said: “In March 2024, the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, directed us to publish a list of 58 Ponzi scheme operators to warn the public. That shows we’ve been proactive. We had already been monitoring CBEX, and we’ve continuously advised Nigerians to stay away from such deceptive platforms. We have empowered, enlightened and informed the public. Nigerians must take responsibility for safeguarding their investments by verifying compliance with relevant laws.”

Weighing in on the matter same day, The Guardian newspaper, in its lead story, “Desperate Nigerians lose over N1.7tr to Ponzi schemes in nine years,” listed five ways to spot such a scam, including high returns with no risk, pressure to reinvest and recruit new investors, guaranteed return on investment, unknown owners/corporate offices and unregistered and unregulated business.

While these tips may come in handy, they are not sufficient.

Why? Like most things here, there is neither a pattern in the country’s Ponzi madness. Financial institutions such as banks, insurance and stock market companies, duly registered and regulated are known to have disappeared with investors funds.

Truth be told, these scams have persisted not because the victims are greedy or not discerning enough but because nobody is held accountable for such frauds. There are no consequences for bad conduct in the financial sector despite the fact of regulatory agencies such as SEC.

I know this for a fact because I am a victim. And I am a victim not because I am greedy or not discerning enough to differentiate Ponzi schemes from genuine investment channels. No! I am a victim because the line that differentiates both is too tenuous, neither firmly established nor well-defined. I am an investment enthusiast because I believe that it is as important to an individual as it is to an organisation and a state. Investment is a powerful tool for wealth accumulation and financial security. Because it helps in generating passive income, it is the primary way people save for retirement. Simply put, people invest to meet obligations in the future. I also grew up believing that the more diversified the investment portfolio, the better, hence my foray into insurance, stocks and bonds.

Three years ago, I lamented my experience in the insurance world with an article, “Industrial and General Insurance Plc. as a Ponzi scheme.”

I wrote: “Is Nigeria’s insurance industry now a glorified Ponzi scheme? This is the question concentrating the minds of investors right now… The reason is simple. When an insurance company defaults in paying the claims of clients at the maturity of a policy, it is not better than a Ponzi scheme, an unconscionable pyramid investment that lures investors solely to defraud them. An insurance firm that conjures all manner of policies to entice clients without intention of meeting obligations is a pyramid investment. Simple!”

I got paid eventually though I was shortchanged, courtesy of this article. But till date, hundreds, if not thousands of IGI clients, are yet to be paid many years after the maturity of their policies.

Right now, I am a victim of another Ponzi scheme, this time by Cashcraft Asset Management Limited.

For those who may not know, the company, a dealing member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, which registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, as a broker and fund manager, was incorporated in 1991 with an authorised capital of N3 billion, and shareholders’ funds of over N1.5 billion. As at the time I invested, it had physical offices all over the country, with a proclamation that: “Cashcraft is one of the leading Asset Management firms in Nigeria and is positioned to build enduring wealth for you.”

One of their products was the Personal Earning Annuity Scheme, P.E.A.S, which was designed, according to them and with the permission of SEC, to meet the long term investment needs of self-employed people, business owners and individuals both in public and private sectors.

“The scheme is a disciplined and consistent investment plan which could be used to store and create wealth for the future which makes the retirement period a season of relaxation and happy memories, and not of financial worries,” the company boasted.

The scheme, they insisted, was managed in such a way that it guaranteed gradual increase in capital and adequate securities for a client’s future needs after active working life, in addition to affording a unique opportunity to take care of dependants in the event of premature death.

“Take your destiny into your hands, subscribe to P.E.A.S plan now!! And take care of your retirement period!” they ululated.

I believed them. In September 2006, I took a 15-year PEAS Investment Plan worth N500,000. On maturity in September 2021, I was supposed to be paid N6,289,988. In December 2016, I invested another N3 million under the PEAS Education Plan for my children, with a maturity date of December 10, 2026.

When the N500,000 investment matured, Cashcraft, like IGI Insurance, refused to pay. Alarmed, I complained to the SEC management in a meeting in Lagos. They literally threw their hands in the air. I then got my lawyers to write the company not only to demand payment for the investment that has already matured but a termination of my childrens’ education policy and refund of my capital.

As I write, Cashcraft Asset Management Limited, just like CBEX, has vanished, literally, into thin air.

In September 2024, some Nigerians, fellow victims of the Cashcraft Ponzi scheme, petitioned the House of Representatives over their failed investments totaling more than N8 billion. The group, in the petition sponsored by a member representing Awka North/South Federal Constituency of Anambra State,  Professor Obiageli Lilian Orogbu, demanded the intervention of NASS to help it recover the trapped funds.

Unfortunately, almost eight months thence, that has not happened. The 9,326 hapless Nigerians, including my humble self, scammed by this soulless company of their hard-earn money are yet to get justice even as the promoters of the Ponzi scheme live large with their stolen wealth.

As Orogbu told her colleagues last year, Cashcraft Asset Management Limited is duly licensed by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. So, Nigerians who invested with them are not financial illiterates. It is not their fault that the company went rogue. They are also entitled to protection as citizens. It, therefore, behoves the Nigerian state to ensure that Cashcraft fulfills its obligations to them.

On the face value, the amended Investment and Securities Act, ISA, 2025, which was signed into law in March by President Bola Tinubu is a step in the right direction because it is not only a sweeping reform aimed at strengthening investor protection and tightening oversight of Nigeria’s capital market, it explicitly criminalises the operation and promotion of Ponzi schemes, empowering the SEC to prosecute offenders with penalties of up to 10 years in prison.

But while the amended Act is a significant step forward, legislation alone is not enough to stem the wave of financial scams. Enforcement is the elephant in the room. It is good that the EFCC has assured CBEX investors of getting back their funds even when CBEX is a foreign company that operated online without legal status in Nigeria. The anti-graft agency should also make the same commitment to victims of Cashcraft Asset Management Limited because both companies are two of a kind, agents of financial darkness in the Ponzi netherworld.

Carlo Ancelotti accepted Real Madrid may look to replace him as coach after Arsenal knocked out the Champions League holders in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

The Italian oversaw a 2-1 home defeat with the Gunners progressing 5-1 on aggregate to the semi-finals.

Real Madrid suffered their 12th defeat of the season, by contrast to just two across the whole of the previous campaign.

“It could be that the club decide to change (coach), it could be this year — or the next when my contract expires, there’s no problem,” Ancelotti told reporters.

“The day that I leave here I can only thank the club.

“It could be tomorrow, in 10 days, in a month or a year, but all I can do will be to thank the club — if my contract’s up or not, I don’t care.”

Madrid have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, who played for Los Blancos, and former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Ancelotti said his team were still in the fight for La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Club World Cup this summer.

“The team gave everything in terms of attitude, but we weren’t able to do it,” said Ancelotti after the Arsenal defeat.

“To be honest Arsenal defended very well, we found it hard to find space, in terms of intensity we were better but it was not enough.”

Nigeria and South Africa have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost cooperation in the mining sector.

The agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, and Gwede Mantashe, South Africa’s minister of mineral resources and energy, held in Abuja.

The MoU, which outlines key areas of collaboration along with implementation timelines, is part of efforts to solidify the partnership established through the Nigeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission, inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa.

Key highlights of the MoU include capacity building in geological applications using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), utilisation of multi- and hyperspectral remote sensing technologies for mineral exploration and geological mapping.

Others include sharing of geo-scientific data on strategic minerals through the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), training on mineral processing and value addition, capacity building on elemental fingerprint technology using LA-ICP-MS, and exploration of agro and energy minerals in Nigeria.

According to a statement by Segun Tomori, special assistant on media to the minister, Alake described the engagement as a milestone in deepening bilateral relations, especially in the mining sector.

Reflecting on the historical ties between the two countries, the minister acknowledged the longstanding diplomatic and economic cooperation rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for Africa’s development.

‘THE PARTNERSHIP WILL CREATE JOBS’

Alake said working together in the mining sector presents significant opportunities for driving industrialisation, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable growth throughout the continent.

“The memorandum of understanding in geology, mining, and mineral processing signed today will serve as a cornerstone for facilitating knowledge and technology transfer, investment promotion, capacity building, regional integration, and value addition,” Alake said.

He underscored Nigeria’s renewed commitment to advancing its mining industry, noting that South Africa stands to gain from Nigeria’s extensive mineral resources, just as Nigeria can leverage South Africa’s mining expertise.

The synergy, the minister said, would open doors to investment, skills development, and economic diversification.

In response, Mantashe acknowledged that South Africa, where mining is a key pillar of the economy, could benefit from Nigeria’s revitalised interest in the sector.

He noted that his visit was intended to refine the agreements reached under the Bi-National Commission and strengthen cooperation on joint projects with Nigeria’s ministry of solid minerals development.

The ministry said both ministers committed to sustained engagement and collaboration to boost intra-African trade and deliver on the actionable steps outlined in the MoU.

“They expressed confidence that this renewed partnership would significantly enhance the mining sectors of both countries,” the ministry added.

The MoU signing was attended by Shuaibu Audu, minister of steel development; Mary Ogbe, permanent secretary of the ministry of solid minerals development; Chris Isokpunwu, permanent secretary of the ministry of steel development; alongside senior officials from both solid minerals and steel development ministries and members of the South African delegation led by Mantashe.

[TheCable]

The pain from the death of my friend lingers. It weighs me down. I hardly sleep through the night with a headache.

I am thinking of the meaninglessness of life, of human mortality, and the inevitability of death that ‘will come, when it will come’.

I wake early. My heart is pounding with grief. I head to the airport for my early morning flight to Abuja.

What happens next is fortuitous, a divine script. At the airport, I am allocated seat number 1C. We soon start to board. I take my front row seat. Others follow.

Then he embarks. His small retinue of aides indicate his status. He is wearing a simple traditional Igbo attire - a red cap on a red Isiagu and white trousers. This is not a small man. I recognize him immediately.

His seat is 1A, right next to mine.

I salute him. The broad smile on his face is no more than his usual dispensation of courtesies to everyone around him. He is a very friendly political leader. He takes the seat next to me.

I don’t waste any time at all.

‘Accept my sincere condolences, Your Excellency’.

He looks at me with some measure of surprise. Obviously, he does not know what I am talking about. It also confirms he does not recognize me.

‘The passage of Christian Chukwu’, I guide him. ‘I am Segun Odegbami’.

It adds up quickly in his head.

‘Ah, the Mathematical’. Recognition comes and lights up his face.

‘Thank you very much’, he says. ‘What a sad situation to lose one of the greatest heroes of this country, a legendary football player’.

He talks more about Christian Chukwu glowingly. He promises to support a befitting burial by the country for the born-leader and illustrious patriot. He recalls that Chairman Chukwu led a great generation of players in Rangers FC, IICC, Bendel Insurance and others, teams that played a big role in uniting the country in the years following the Civil War.

I tell him about Chukwu’s role, through his exemplary leadership of both Rangers International and the Green Eagles, of helping to heal the wounds inflicted on the psyche of Nigerians by the Nigerian Civil War.

Then he surprises me. He goes back in time to rekindle the magic of radio commentating: ‘Mathematical. He dribbles one, he dribbles two, he sprints down the touch line, he passes to Chukwu, he moves, oh, oh , oh……’.

He is actually running a commentary of an imaginary football match. Some of the passengers by our seats enjoy his sonorous rumbling voice, mimicking late Ernest Okonkwo.

He is obviously very happy to meet me. He says more than once as we settle down to a conversation that covers several subjects. It is as if we are long-separated friends running out on time to catch up.

We race through different subject matters until the plane taxis and lifts off into the darkening and pregnant clouds of Lagos at this time of the year.

Our conversation is like between two friends that have not seen each other for a long time, racing to catch up on things.

We talk about Christian Chukwu’s sad passage; his invitation to ex-Rangers players to the State House in Awka after he became governor; his support for the welfare of the Rangers players, a monthly stipend contributed by some of the South-East zone Governors. He desires that the stipend in increased. He tells me about his relationship with football. It is the only addiction he has.

He tells me he once cancelled an international trip whilst in transit in order to watch the Spanish El Classico on television between Real Madrid FC and FC Barca. Like me, he is a supporter of FC Barcelona. Up Barca!!

In his youth, he played football against his father’s wish, an old scar on his cheek-bone evidence of his defiance to play football on street pebbles.

He talks a little about his foray into politics, about Onitsha market and its poor reputation, plus the re-modeling of the city. There are steps to be taken to repair the image of the biggest public market in the whole of West Africa.

I ask him how he is able to run the State without borrowing a Kobo. That’s easy. He has prioritized his assignment to essential projects and has cut down on all waste.

He answers all my questions.

I am in his lecture-space.

He radiates confidence and happiness. His records of performance in almost 4 years will speak for him at the polls in his re-election bid.

The sound of the engines takes over. We go silent. By the time the plane gets to maximum height and starts to cruise comfortably, we are both taking a nap.

Abuja.

We resume our conversation as our plane lands in Abuja. Christian Chukwu is on our mind again. He led the Eagles at a glorious era in Nigeria, the 1970s and parts of the 1980s. He sees those years as half-filled, rather half-empty of opportunities to make Nigeria the greatest Black Nation on earth.

There is work to be done. Our responsibility is not to change the world but to play our parts in making a difference.

The only question he asks me is:’what do you do now?’.

I tell him - a little bit of this, a little bit of that.

I tell him about my only official portfolio is as Head of the Sports and Diplomacy Unit of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs. I tell him about the ‘Wall of Fame’ and Allen Onyema’s role in that endeavour that makes me an Air Peace Ambassador.

We both wonder why we have never met before when we have several mutual friends.

We exchange numbers.

We take a picture as the plane stops finally.

We walk together from the plane to the arrival hall of the Airport where we part ways and promise to keep in touch.

Through all of this time he is greeting everyone around, sharing a few words here and there with even total strangers, a smile on his face always. He is a great man.

It is a great personal privilege and invaluable experience to have shared an entire 60 minutes, or so, with the former Governor of the Central Bank, and current Governor of Anambra State, PROFESSOR Chukwuma Soludo.

As I drive into Abuja, I am thinking.

3 members of the 1980 team have died in the past 3 months - Moses Effiong, Charles Bassey and ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu!

May they find absolutely peace with the Creator of the Universe! Amen.

Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, MON, OLY, AFNIIA, FNIS

Several persons are feared dead following another deadly attack on Emichi village in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

DAILY POST gathered that the attackers stormed the community around 2:00 pm on Wednesday, shooting indiscriminately at residents.

It was learnt that terrified residents fled for safety as no security personnel were on ground to intervene at the time of the attack.

The incident is coming barely 24 hours after 11 persons were gruesomely killed in Otobi-Akpa by suspected herdsmen.

More details to follow…

[DailyPost]

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar III, has declared social media a “terrorist organisation” during a speech on Wednesday, urging security agencies to address its dangers.

In the remarks, captured in a video posted by News Central, the prominent Nigerian traditional leader criticised the platform for spreading false narratives that can destabilise society.

“What happened has happened. You cannot come and be doing social media because that is one terrorist organisation.

“Social media is a terrorist organisation. What they do; somebody will sit down in his comfort zone and formulate stories, and you will discover that it is not true,” the Sultan stated.

The Sultan’s call for action emphasizes the need to curb misinformation, which he believes is easily spread by individuals crafting deceptive stories online.

“So, social media is a terrorist organisation that we must deal with. Security agencies must deal with this terrorist organisation called social media,” he reiterated.

[Punch]

Following his recent investment drive in the United Kingdom, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke disclosed that his administration has secured a hundred million dollars in investment from British investors.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed and made available to reporters in Osogbo on Wednesday, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, which was witnessed by the UK Prime Minister’s trade envoy, Hon Florence Eshalomi, covers investments in different areas including agriculture, water, tourism and free trade zone.

The trip also yielded a partnership deal with the British Museum on cultural tourism, focusing on Osun’s cultural assets.

“Contrary to the fake news and doctored video from members of the opposition, the state governor successfully and flawlessly addressed four major high-profile meetings, which include the landmark trade meeting in the House of Commons; the address at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce trade mission; the cultural tourism engagement at the British Museum; and the investment briefing with a select group of investors.

“In the end, a total of $100 million investment deals were made with a group of investors who attended the signing of the investment facilitation MOU in the presence of UK Prime Minister’s trade envoy, Hon Florence Eshalomi. The investment areas include agriculture, water, tourism and free trade zones.

“An investment collaboration framework with the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry was agreed upon during the chamber’s trade mission. Alongside the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the relationship is to create a tripartite working framework among the binational chamber, the State government and the UK Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“A partnership deal with the British Museum on cultural tourism focusing on Osun cultural assets and confirmed a huge link between the museum and Ile Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba nation.

“A new framework relationship between the British Museum and the state government on digitization of cultural assets.

“Multiple hosting and briefing of Osun indigenes on state of governance at home with two full days of feedback and brainstorming on governance ideas”, the statement added.

Vanguard News