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How I reacted losing election as incumbent president — Jonathan

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, recounted the experience of losing the 2015 presidential election, saying it was a tough moment in his political life.

The ex-president admitted that he was emotional when he learned about the result, adding that it felt as if the whole world was against him.

He made the confession in Abuja at the 1st Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture, organised by the management of Daar Communications in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

Jonathan, who ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, was defeated in the 2015 election by the All Progressives Congress candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

The former military dictator polled 15,424,921 votes, relegating the ex-president, who garnered only 12,853,162 votes, to second place.
The election marked the first time an incumbent president had lost re-election in Nigeria.

Beaming with a smile as he addressed the audience on Friday, Jonathan said the emotional torment he experienced was inexplicable.

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The former Bayelsa deputy governor also recounted the fatherly role the Chairman of Daar Communications, Raymond Dokpesi, played before he officially handed over to Buhari.

He said, “It is not easy to lose an election as a president. You will think the whole world is against you. But then, Dokpesi invited me before I handed over. I remember what he said to me when I lost the election.

“There were so many senior Nigerians (elder statesmen) who spoke. After I listened to all the conversations, he congratulated me and encouraged me to look beyond the election. This is how I commemorated that session.

“That communication gave me hope and helped me not necessarily for the transition hour ahead of me but also in my spiritual life as a private citizen. If you read my book, My Transition Hours, I explain it more elaborately.”

Earlier in his address, the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, urged Nigerians not to abuse the freedom of speech they are enjoying.
While describing Dokpesi as a patriot and exceptional media personality, Mohammed suggested that others should borrow a leaf from his exemplary lifestyle of nation-building.

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“Our respect for freedom of speech is sacrosanct even as we continue to urge responsibility in the exercise of this freedom. Nigerians are free to speak about this dear country of ours. What we can and will continue to do is to avoid getting to the point where reckless negativity becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts.

“We will make a grievous error individually and collectively if we choose to focus only on what is not working and neglect to balance it with equal attention to the things we are getting right. And we are getting a lot of things right as a nation even in our present circumstances.

“The media has an important role to play in strengthening this balanced approach through your reportage as shepherds and drivers of public opinion. The late Dokpesi played his part, and he did it in a way that he will never be forgotten,” he stated.

Dokpesi passed away on May 29, 2023.

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According to DAAR Communications Group Managing Director, Tony Akiotu, he had been ill for a few weeks before his death.

Akiotu added that the former marine engineer fell off his treadmill during a routine gym exercise.

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Olo Omidan Bata Set To Drop Another Hot Single On Nov 10

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Female talented drummer, Olo Omidan Bata, is fresh out of the studios and she is set to drop yet another hot single that will explode in everyone’s faces!

 

The 23 year old youth beauty is very proud of her culture and flaunting it in stylish class. While her musical colleagues are busy trying to re-sell foreign music, Olo Omidan Bata the queen of the Bata drums is busy most times in the studios working on new African hit songs that will set the dance floor on fire!

 

Her dexterity and dedication to her kind of music has reflected in her other past singles, released in recent years.

 

Olo as she is also fondly called is actually one of the very few female that can handle the Bata, and that’s because Bata is such a tasking kind of drum to play.

But Olo handles Bata drums with ease and that is why ‘Inun mi dun’, her next hot song, is going to reflect the star energy that she has put into the African fusion she’s presenting.

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The new single is weaved around celebration as the title: ‘Inun mi dun’, suggests. In the song, Olo is thanking God, she’s thanking her star and thanking Atunda Entertainment for making her to hit stardom in her musical career.

“I’m happy to have seen this day! I’m happy to have the right people around me. I’m happy to have been enjoying the right support that has taken me this far. I’m happy for life, so let’s celebrate!” Olo Omidan Bata said excitedly.

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IPADA: VANUATU TRADE COMMISSION IN CONJUNCTION WITH ADCB SET TO EMPOWER 5 MILLION AFRICANS

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The IPADA INITIATIVE founded by Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye has received a massive boost from friends from the Diaspora. The Vanuatu Trade Commission in conjunction with African Diaspora Central Bank has rolled out an array of mouth watering knowledge programmes that is about to fast track and elevate Africa in the global competition for contemporary Al knowledge.

 

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hugh Aryee, the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, shared his excitement in a letter to the Founder of IPADA Initiative, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, regarding the launch of a multifaceted AI project aimed at advancing AI-related skills across Africa. Designed to run for a year, this initiative aims to empower Africans by building a foundation of knowledge and skills aligned with global AI standards. As the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, I am optimistic that the IPADA Carnival initiative will expand to reach and positively impact the people of the Republic of Vanuatu, becoming part of our shared journey toward transformative growth and developmen.

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The laudable knowledge impacting training programme is for 5 million Africans over a period of one year, of which 5000 participants will be trained during the carnival, in what is tagged business unusual, over a 3 day period, to kick start the programme.

 

Upon completion of the training programme, the participants will be empowered with AKL Lumi parity value of US $100 and be listed on a learning management system for ongoing learning and career opportunities.

 

This knowledge based skill programme is therefore set to open the entire African continent to a huge new developmental opportunity, that will likely change the face of Africa.

 

The initial training of 5000 participants during the IPADA Carnival will definitely set the ball rolling and open the door to Africans to acquire Al knowledge which ordinarily would have cost each African about a whooping US $1000.

 

Speaking about this to newsmen yesterday, an equally excited Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, commended H.E. Prof. Dr. Hugh Aryee, the Vanuatu Trade Commissioner to Ghana, and the entire government and people of Vanuatu. He said it is a new dawn that will open up a new chapter, in the relationship between Vanuatu and people of African descent.

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Furthermore on benefits of the fallout of this breaking news, Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye said, “the benefits that will accrue from this, are too overwhelmingly multidimensional. It is going to be a path to a new journey, that will lift Vanuatu to a global space and accord the African continent, fast growth and development.

 

Asked to say something on the IPADA Initiative, H.E. Prof. Dr. Hugh Aryee became very poetic, as he replied:

“When will the children of Africa and lovers of Africa come back home? The IPADA Carnival Initiative is here, paving the way for thousands to journey back to Africa, reconnect with their roots, and celebrate the unity and strength of our heritage. Join us as we welcome the African Diaspora and lovers of Africa to an unforgettable experience of culture, connection, and celebration. This is more than a homecoming; it’s a powerful reminder that Africa is a vibrant, growing heartbeat, welcoming all who share in its dreams and vision.”

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Vanuatu, is an island nation that comprises of 83 islands in the South Pacific ocean, about 800 kilometres west of Fiji and 1800 kilometres east of Australia. The nation reached out to Africa, through IPADA Initiative, and through its Trade Commission in Ghana.

And IPADA which means the return, is a platform created by Motherland Beckons to bring African people from the Diaspora and Lovers of Africa to Africa, to experience the content of Africa through tourism, cultural exchange and business opportunities.

The Ipada Carnival is a ten day long invitation to people of African descent across the globe to experience an unparalleled cultural renaissance in Lagos, Nigeria, at the 65 acres La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort located at Ibeju-lekki.

 

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‘Good night father’ — Tributes pour in as Nollywood mourns veteran actor, Baba Agbako

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Social media is agog with tributes for the late veteran Nollywood actor Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, popularly known as Charles Olumo or “Agbako,” as fans and colleagues share memories of the iconic performer.

 

On Thursday, the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) announced the passing of Agbako in a statement on Instagram by its president, Bolaji Amusan, also known as Mr. Latin.

 

He wrote, “#tampanglobal announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as AGBAKO. Details of the burial arrangements will be shared at a later time. Good night father, 25/02/1923 to 31/10/2024.”

 

Actor Jide Kosoko also confirmed Agbako’s demise as he wrote: “Good night ooo, Baba Charles. a.k.a Agbako, 101 years, ba wasa ba. R I P.”

 

Actor Kunle Afod said, “Good night pa Charles Olumo (Baba Agbako), the oldest actor. 101 years, Sun re ooo, O dabo, O di Oju Ala.”

 

Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele, wrote, “Awwwwwwww may his soul rest in peace. Wow. Oluwa tobi loba”

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Film Maker / Movie Distributor, Kazim Adeoti, wrote, “May his soul rest in peace. Orun ‘re o Baba.”

 

Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, wrote, “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

 

Nollywood actress Biodun Okeowo, popularly known as Omo Butty, wrote, “Rest well sir. No matter how old our loved ones are, we never want to see them go! Kudos boss Afod for all you do.”

 

Agbako, born in 1923, was a beloved figure in the Yoruba film industry, known for his powerful portrayals of characters like chiefs, warriors, and villains.

Starting his career in stage plays, he seamlessly transitioned to film as the industry evolved, becoming a key figure in Nollywood’s early days.

With memorable roles in classics such as Ogbori Elemosho and Atorunmo, Agbako’s performances captivated audiences for decades and earned him a place as a Yoruba film legend.

Agbako clocked 101 this year.

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