How 3SC Celebrated Coach Ogunbote's Birthday [PHOTOS]

The entire Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), on Wednesday, celebrated the team's Head Coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, the Oracle in grand style as the gaffer marked his birthday.

The short but exciting celebration took place inside the main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium after the team's training ahead of Thursday's match day two fixture against Kwara United 

The event had in attendance members of the club's management led by the Executive Chairman, Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan  accompanied by General Manager, Dimeji Lawal, and the Director of Administration and Supply, Alhaji Rahman Olapade, coach Ogunbote's assistants, other staff and players.

Chairman, of Oyo State Sports Council, Honourable Gbenga Adewusi Arole was also present as well as members of the club's fans and friends.

Premier Hotel: Odu'a Reacts, Says "It's A Decision In Pursuit of Excellence"

Odu'a Investment Company Limited, owners of Premier Hotel, has rested to the sale rumour trailing the hotel.

A press statement by the Head, Branding and Communication of the conglomerate, Victor Ayetoro, indicated that the hotel is to be remodelled into a 5-star hotel.

ReadAlso: https://trendscopenews.blogspot.com/2023/01/odua-gmd-adewale-raji-reacts-as-sale.html

The statement reads:

PREMIER HOTEL IBADAN TO BE REMODELLED INTO A 5-STAR HOTEL

Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL), owners of Premier Hotel, Ibadan hereby notify our stakeholders and the general public that in pursuit of excellence and commitment to reposition the Hotel, the Company has entered into a joint venture agreement with a seasoned international Hotel development and management company with the requisite expertise, technical and financial capacity for redeveloping and revamping the Hotel. 

As a result, Premier Hotel will be shut down immediately in order to have a safe environment for the commencement, execution, and timely completion of the project. 

The hotel redevelopment project will entail remodeling, renovating, and upgrading the existing structure as well as adding new and modern facilities befitting of a 5-Star world class Hotel. This will take place in phases with anticipation that the first phase will be completed within 24 months.

The ‘’New Premier Hotel’’ when completed will transit into additional upgraded rooms, equipped with international standard conferencing facilities, modern recreation and fitness centers, multiple restaurants serving African and Continental cuisines, etc.

We have sought all necessary statutory and regulatory approvals from all relevant agencies.

All obligations of the Hotel are being fulfilled and appropriate stakeholders in this respect are fully engaged in line with best practice. 

                          

Former Skye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni In Paternity Scandal

Popular Nigerian businessman and former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank, Tunde Ayeni is currently entangled in a paternity mess.

An Abuja-based female lawyer simply known as Adaobi Alagwu, has claimed that Ayeni is the biological father of her baby. A claIm the business magnate is said to have been publicly denied.

The 30-year-old Adaobi, according to sources who are familiar with whole issue, was a classmate of the businessman’s daughter.

“To continue to spread this unfounded tale is not only unfair to our friend, but also an embarrassment to the lady who knows the father of her baby. Tunde has got nothing to do with this.

“In 2019, businessman Tunde Ayeni met and dated Ada briefly, and being a perfect gentleman he had presumed her to be a decent and respectable lady, one who can be considered for future prospects should the possibility arise. But alas! A Leopard cannot hide its spot for too long. Realising that he could not cope with her numerous escapades and being a highly responsible individual, He called off the relationship at once within just a matter of months.

“Having ended the relationship with Ada, Mr. Tunde Ayeni moved on with his life since 2019 and had put all the unpleasant experience in the past. It came as a rude shock and is highly traumatising, the recent rumor gaining grounds within the FCT of a paternity row between Ada and Tunde,” a statement by Ayeni's media team reads.

However, sources familiar with the duo’s relationship confirmed Ayeni as the father of the baby.

“Isn’t it funny that Tunde Ayeni is in a pregnancy dispute with a 30 years old girl, younger than his first and only daughter,” a relative of Adaobi told SaharaReporters.

He described Ayeni’s initial statement as a panic move and an attempt to shut Adaobi up because “he suddenly realised his folly and the lifetime pain this has brought on his long suffering wife and children. Not only is Adaobi Alagwu as young as his daughter, she was in fact in the same class as his daughter.

“He dated and flaunted her openly and with no regard for his family and friends then. He gifted his building, right next to a supposedly serious business entity of his (address withheld) to her out of fear he might lose her.

“He gifted her the house she lives in Lakeview in Abuja, and purchased a choice property for her mother to live in. This act of his drove his daughter to shame. Whilst his daughter was struggling, he set up Adaobi’s chambers. Her chamber is at 36, Birao Street, Wuse 2, back of AP Plaza, off Adetokunbo Ademola Street in Abuja.

“He also gifted her a multi-million Naira Range Rover from his fleet and was constantly at her office even in the full glare of his hardworking staff next block.

“Currently, Ayeni just pretends he is a rich man in billions but all he really does is to struggle for positions with real politicians as he’s currently doing with the Atiku campaign. He’s battling tooth and nail to secure his place with Atiku so as to be the one all funds would be kept with.

“In the last six years where he has spent most of his time chasing Adaobi, his business has suffered. Ayeni has been desperately appearing in all Atiku’s pictures in order to compromise people and make them believe he is very important in Atiku’s campaign.”

Meanwhile, another source described Adaobi as a temperamental lady.

According to her, Ayeni broke the “unspoken gentleman code” with his long time bosom friend, Greg Uanseru.

“She’s not different from Ayeni, she was warned against Ayeni. She’s so mean; she shouts, abuses all the staff at will and controls their actions. It was Ayeni’s bosom friend, Greg Uanseru that we know with aunty Ada before. Greg it was, who was playing and fiddling with her before Ayeni snatched her from him by outspending Greg and all others.

According to the source, the lawyer had also vowed to drag the businessman through the mud until he took full responsibility for the baby girl.

“She is ready to drag him through the mud if he continues to deny the paternity of her daughter. She said he was the one who encouraged her to get pregnant and many witnesses can attest to it. According to her, early last year, she was a constant face at his Solween house as she lived with him in his Rhine street address.

Ada also told us that many times in the past, she had actually walked out of the relationship with Ayeni only for him to run to her mother and other family members on bended knees to beg.”

Recently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission withdrew the N25.4billion corruption case it filed against Ayeni; and the Managing Director of defunct Skye Bank, Timothy Oguntayo, after entering into a secret settlement with the businessmen that might have involved the forfeiture of N15billion in cash and assets.

The EFCC under the leadership of Ibrahim Magu, had on March 7, 2019 arraigned him, Oguntayo and two other companies before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of a Federal High Court, Abuja on 10 charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N25.4bn.

One of the counts had read, “That you, Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, between the 1st of January, 2014 and 31st December, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did commit an offence, to wit: converting the aggregate sum of N17,415,080,000  taken in cash from defunct Skye Bank Plc Suspense Account and delivered to you by the staff of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, which money you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: fraud and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 15(2)(b) and (3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).”

However, the final amount of money Ayeni and his co-defendant reportedly returned was never made public, unlike other cases involving bank executives.

Credit: saharareporters

Oyo Deputy Governor Charges Civil Servants On Work Ethics, As Pensioners Honour Six Octogenarians

The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal on Tuesday, charged civil and public servants in the state to uphold work ethics and integrity in discharging their duties.

The Deputy governor stated this during an event organized by the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries of Oyo and Osun States (AREHSPSOOS) to honour the association's octogenarians, held at the Oyo state Nigeria Union of Pensioners House, Agbarigo, Ibadan. 

He said the civil/public service is the engine room of any administration in terms of the quality of advice they give to the government, and the uniqueness of courage at which such advice is delivered. 

"This day, it is not exactly the same thing as most of our civil servants are called politicians, we know those who under the cover of the night will go to political heads and tell so many things that should not be told to politicians and that is to some politicians that do not exercise discretion and come back to say, but you were with me yesterday, asking for promotion, infact, some civil servants have come to ask politicians for contract", he said.

He however advised civil and public servants in the state to be prayerful and circumspect to how they relate with politicians. He added that the civil service rules and regulations have been put in place but most of the civil servants do not know what civil service rules and regulations are, because they don't read. 

He equally advised members of the association not to leave the serving staff as they still need to be tutored, nurtured and guided, 

"Call them to the attention of what they are doing well or otherwise, so that the state can move forward", he added. 

In a goodwill message, the Oyo state Head of service, Alhaja Amidat Ololade Agboola who will be joining the association soon, said there has been constant touch with the body of AREHSPSOOS for any of the government's programs.

"We open for discussions, recommendations, or directives because you were once our bosses and you were given us these instructions when you were there, so, do not leave the civil/public service alone", she said.

She highlighted some of the robust relationships that the association has with the present administration in the state which includes participation in Public Service Merit Awards. 

She also disclosed that the governor has approved the review of public service rules and regulations, which will be done by five members of the association.

Also in his own goodwill message, former military governor of Oyo and Osun states, Brigadier General OLUWOLE ROTIMI (Rtd) harped on continuous training for civil and public servants in the state. 

He equally spoke on ethics in the service and integrity saying, "A civil service without integrity is of no use to a developing country like Nigeria "

In his opening remarks, the chairman of the day and  former military governor of oyo and osun states, Major General (Rtd) Oladayo Popoola advised serving civil servants to plan for their retirement thoroughly so that they won't rely on people for their survival. 

In his welcome address, the chairman of the association, Alhaji Oladiti Oladapo eulogised the retirees for their uprightness, integrity and diligence while in service. 

Highlight of the event was the presentation of honorarium to members of the association. They include:

1. PRINCE LOLA OMOJOWOLO JP,MNIM

2. CHIEF(ARC) BILIAMINU ADEGBOYEGA SHODEINDE

3. CHIEF JOHN ONAOLA AJIBOLA JP

4. CHIEF MUSTAFA ADEBAYO OYERO

5. CHIEF MICHAEL OLADEJO MOJOYINOLA JP, KSM

6. MRS JULIANA ADUNOLA FAWUSI

Odu'a GMD, Adewale Raji Reacts As Sale Rumour Trails Premier Hotel Ibadan

Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investments Limited, Mr Adewale Raji, has come out to clear on the rumour making the rounds about Premier Hotel, Ibadan.

The hotel, owned by Western Hotels Limited, a subsidiary of Odu’a Investments Limited, is said to have been shut down since December 2022, according to Nigerian Tribune's findings.

While another report has it that the hotel may have been sold to the owner of Golden Tulip Hotel, Jericho, Ibadan. The report further revealed that Odu'a retained only 25%.

Adewale Raji has however debunked the claims. Saying the arrangement, as being worked out with the partner, will ensure the retention of ‘Premier’ in the name. That the hotel was shut down temporarily for renovations and its facilities upgraded.

He said: "In line with our plans to make our hotels world class, we are renovating Premier Hotel and upgrading its facilities to make it a five-star hotel, in collaboration with a global brand chosen by the board with the help of KPMG and approval of the shareholders.

“We want to increase the number of rooms we have, and increase the capacity of the halls. We are conscious of health and safety of the people, so we had to disengage the employees. We had to pay all of them off.”

Speaking further, Raji explained that the decision to temporarily shut down the hotel, remodel and rebrand it was taken in the best interest of the region and its people.

He added that the group was working with an internationally renowned partner to improve the hotel’s services and reputation.

Raji however declined to mention the partner for strategic reasons. But assured that all stakeholders will be happy with the choice when eventually unveiled.

He noted that all the owner state governors were aware of the decision and had given it their blessing.

Premier Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Nigeria, had been battling with declining patronage as a result of ageing structures and outdated facilities. This prompted the board and management to seek international brands to salvage the hotel and shore up its fortunes.

Source: nigeriantribune

How Kolapo Kola-Daisi Used The 2022 World Cup For Political Campaign, His Other Plans To Win Oyo South Senatorial Seat Revealed

Though Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles didn’t participate in FIFA World Cup 2022, hosted by the oil-rich Qatar some Nigerians definitely benefitted directly or indirectly from the world events.

While some benefitted directly by working at stadiums mainly constructed for the matches, others had their businesses affected positively during the World Cup.

Idris Kolapo Kola-Daisi, the Accord Senatorial Candidate for Oyo South in the coming election, is one of such persons who used the World Cup to their advantage.

A giant outdoor led screen with sound system and power generating set was mounted at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium) Ibadan, courtesy of Kola-Daisi. For 29 days that the World Cup lasted, the very interesting moments at Qatar were brought down to doorstep of the people of his constituency. The banker-turned-politician didn’t stop at providing the avenue for people to watch the World Cup alone, he also watched some of the matches and interacted more with them. In fact, the gubernatorial candidate of his party (ACCORD) Chief Bayo Adelabu was on the ground for the tough final match won by Argentina against France.

The initiative didn’t only attract the youth but also some old ones who are football lovers, as well as fun seekers around that area. It was indeed a great booster for Kolapo’s campaign for the coming election. As his posters and banners were pasted around the screen and his jingles played intermittently during the matches.

This of course is one of the many strategies Kolapo Kola-Daisi has adopted for his campaigns. He recently sent out season greetings letters to the people of his constituency. The letters were well distributed across the length and breath of Oyo South senatorial district. In the letter, Daisi gave detailed accounts of his views about how politics is currently being played in the country and why things must change. He also talked about his plans and visions for his people if he is elected as their senator.

“Politics, as it is currently being practiced, is unfortunately not working for the people. From insecurity issues to economic issues like inflation and chronic exchange rate depreciation to the very high unemployment rate (especially among the youths) to the level of poverty in the nation to the deterioration in the level of education to the absence of health and other social infrastructures – things clearly need to change.

I am writing not only to highlight some of the issues we know are holding up the vast potential of this constituency and its people but to also seek support for all of us to come together and bring about the change our historic and resourceful constituency and its determined and vibrant people desperately deserve.

I attended Federal Government College, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, gained a BA in Economics from the University of Manchester, UK, I’m a Chartered Accountant (2004), an MBA holder from the University of Bangor (UK) and a Chattered Bankerin Nigeria and a Chattered Banker in Scotland. I have been in employment in the private sector since the year 2000 in both the UK and in Nigeria in various fields including the Accounting profession and in financial services.

Apart from finding lasting solutions to the issues highlighted that are crippling our communities, our youths, and the general population, I wish to represent our communities in a manner that returns power to the people. I will bring back regular community engagements such as town hall meetings and regular consultations with critical stakeholders in our community. This will allow all my actions and areas of focus to be drawn primarily from issues raised by these communities and stakeholders.

Our intervention programs will tackle youth unemployment through the provision of skill acquisition training programs and financial empowerment through provision of financial assistance for youths who want to start their own business.

We also need to review and/or propose laws which will boost economic activity (such as our unfair tac laws) and to encourage private sector participation in more areas of our society. Creating jobs for our youths must be a priority for the next administration and we must find all avenues to ensure jobs are available for the youth – for instance, tax incentives/reliefs for corporation that employ and train youths.

We can only begin to effect this change in our constituency by supporting the right candidate who has no other intention but to deliver for the people. As a 44 years old and with my wealth of experience, I will deliver not only for the youth, but for the generality of our constituency. I am ready to serve and will ensure that all the dividends of my tenure in the Senate will be for the people.

Let the change start with you Sir/Ma – JEKA DASI!

With a deep sense of responsibility, I hereby ask for your vote in the upcoming elections in order to serve and represent you as the next Senator for Oyo South Senatorial district,” the letter reads in part.

Kolapo Kola-Daisi, it would be recalled, wanted to contest under APC but was denied ticket. He later dumped the party and pitched his tent with another political party, Accord.

Also, considering status of the political bigwigs in the race, Kolapo Kola-Daisi, to some people, is an underdog as far as race to Oyo South senatorial seat is concerned. The former Oyo SSG Barr. Sarafadeen Abiodun-Alli, the APC candidate and a close ally of Governor Seyi Makinde and candidate of PDP, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe are both contesting the same seat. But Kolapo Kola-Daisi seems to be unperturbed with whatever assumptions that might be flying around in the political circle. He appears to be battle ready for the election. That also explains why he has engaged in door to door campaigns.

For Kolapo Kola-Daisi’s team, he has many things going for him. The family background, the qualifications, his achievements in the private sector and the age on his side. But can he pull a surprise by beating both Alli and Tegbe in the poll? Time will definitely tell!