NEWS

No date yet to re-open land borders — Buhari

Published

5 years ago

December 3, 2019

President Buhari has disclosed that there is no date yet for re-opening of the Nigerian border which according to him has led to a drop in the country’s domestic fuel consumption.

The Nigerian leader who is on a 4-day working visit at his hometown Daura in Katsina State, told a delegation of Katsina State Elders Forum that he is yet to give a date for the reopening of the land borders.

In a statement released by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the Presidency said two months into the closure of Nigeria’s land borders to curb smuggling activities especially rice, the Buhari-led administration was betting on same measure to rekindle the agriculture sector.

President Buhari who acknowledged the hardship residents of border communities have been going through following the ban on sale of fuel at stations 20 kilometres to the border, stated that the restriction was a temporary measure as the Nigerian Customs Service needed to ascertain outlets involved in real sale of products and those being used for smuggling.

The statement reads in part “Two months into closure of Nigeria’s land border to curb smuggling activities, especially rice, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is betting on same measure to rekindle the agriculture sector.

The government’s directive will save the country billions of naira on import bills.

Receiving a delegation of Katsina State Elders Forum at his country home in Daura, the President said the country’s domestic fuel consumption had dropped by more than 30 per cent, following closure of land borders.

President Buhari said he had not given any date for the reopening of the land border until the situation improves.

The President commended the actions taken by the President of Niger Republic, Muhammadou Youssoufou, including the dismissal of officials and a ban on use of the country as a dumping ground for Nigeria-bound smuggled goods.

President Buhari noted that the measures taken by the President of Niger were helpful and supportive.

President Buhari acknowledged the hardship of border communities following the ban on sale of fuel at stations 20 kilometres to the border, a restriction that also saw to the closure of all fuel stations in his native home, Daura.

‘Farmers must be protected. Dishonesty is deep rooted in the country. Otherwise the border closer would not have been warranted,” he said.

According to him, the restriction was a temporary measure as the Nigerian Customs Service needed to ascertain outlets involved in real sale of products and those being used for smuggling.

President Buhari told the delegation that he intends forging ahead with poverty alleviation schemes and the agricultural and livestock reforms started by the administration in the first term, since the election was behind him and a government now in place.

He explained that the reforms, especially those relating to the settlement of livestock herders would take time to accomplish, assuring that his deliberate choice of tested farmers as his past and current ministers of agriculture was informed by the need to carry his vision through.”

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NEWS

EeZee Tee Refutes Apostle Anselm Madubuko’s Claims, Reaffirms Transparency and Catalogue Ownership

Published

4 months ago

January 21, 2025

Baba Blow

EeZee Tee Refutes Apostle Anselm Madubuko’s Claims, Reaffirms Transparency and Catalogue Ownership

Mercy Chinwo former label EeZee Conceptz has issued an official response to Apostle Anselm Madubuko’s press statement, rejecting claims of financial impropriety and non-cooperation during mediation efforts in its ongoing dispute with former artist Mercy Chinwo.

The label has strongly reaffirmed its transparency, contractual compliance, and rightful ownership of the music catalogue created during Mercy Chinwo’s time with the label.

In its response, EeZee Conceptz highlighted key inaccuracies in Apostle Madubuko’s account of events, asserting that the mediation process has been hindered by bias and misrepresentation of facts.

According to EeZee Conceptz, while the Apostle’s press statement attempts to frame the dispute as a financial issue, the real contention has always been the ownership of master rights.

“At the mediation meetings, the artists demanded the transfer of master rights to them, despite the clear terms of their contracts, which state that the music catalogue is owned by the label in perpetuity. These demands are not only legally unfounded but also go against the principles of fairness and respect for agreements,” the label stated.

The label emphasized that the artists are entitled only to royalties from the catalogue, which have been transparently accounted for.

“No funds were diverted by EeZee Conceptz. This entire campaign against the EeZee Tee is an orchestrated attempt to forcefully claim ownership of the music catalogue we fully funded and produced. This is a clear violation of the contract terms that both parties agreed to,” the statement added.

EeZee Conceptz also addressed allegations by Apostle Madubuko that it failed to cooperate with the audit process. According to the label, it submitted its financial records to Judikay’s personal auditors to commence the process but faced roadblocks when Apostle Madubuko stopped responding to follow-up attempts to schedule meetings for appointing mutually trusted auditors.

“Contrary to the Apostle’s claims, I personally called him several times, sent messages, and even visited his house twice in an effort to reschedule the meeting for appointing new auditors. He assured me he would revert, but to date, I have received no response,” said EeZee Tee, CEO of EeZee Conceptz.

The label further revealed that it endured undue hardship during the dispute, including the nine-day detention of its CEO in Ilorin, during which all personal and corporate accounts were frozen.

However, after extensive investigations into its books, no evidence of financial misconduct was found.

“Despite the ordeal I faced, including losing access to my family and business operations during my detention, our records were thoroughly investigated, and no wrongdoing was discovered. This is a testament to the transparency and integrity with which EeZee Conceptz operates,” the EeZee Tee stated.

EeZee Conceptz expressed disappointment in what it described as Apostle Madubuko’s biased handling of the mediation process.

“When men of God are entrusted with resolving conflicts, they must approach the matter with fairness, impartiality, and a commitment to truth.

Unfortunately, Apostle Madubuko has allowed bias to cloud his role, making false claims and failing to address breaches on the part of the artist,” the label said.

The label cited examples from the first mediation meeting, where it raised issues of one of the artists boycotting scheduled events and diverting funds to personal accounts in breach of her contract. According to EeZee Conceptz, the Apostle failed to address these breaches, further questioning the neutrality of the process.

Despite the ongoing challenges, EeZee Conceptz reiterated its commitment to fairness, integrity, and adherence to contractual agreements.

“Throughout our history, EeZee Conceptz has provided periodic financial reports to all our talents, ensuring full transparency. We remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold justice, protect the integrity of our contracts, and defend the investments we have made to support gospel creatives. We trust that the truth will ultimately prevail,” the label concluded.

Background

The dispute between EeZee Conceptz and Mercy Chinwo has gained significant public attention, centered around claims of unpaid royalties, fund diversion, and disagreements over the ownership of master rights.

In a press statement dated January 18, 2025, Apostle Anselm Madubuko detailed his involvement as a mediator, accusing EeZee Conceptz of various wrongs.

The label, however, has denied these allegations, maintaining that the real issue lies in attempts to unlawfully claim ownership of its music catalogue.

The label also revealed that its CEO, EeZee Tee, was detained for nine days during the dispute, during which its accounts were thoroughly investigated, and no wrongdoing was discovered.

The dispute has seen several failed mediation attempts, including multiple sessions where the focus shifted to the demand for master rights. EeZee Conceptz has maintained that it owns the catalogue in perpetuity and is only obligated to pay royalties to the artist under the terms of their agreement.

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NEWS

Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin’s Generous Act: Donates Over 30 Million Naira to Help Alleviate Soaring Food Prices in Nigeria (Watch Video)

Published

1 year ago

April 11, 2024

Baba Blow

Billionaire prophet and General Overseer of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry in Warri, Delta State, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, has given out over N30 million in charity to reduce the current economic crisis faced by the masses.

In a viral video on social media, Fufeyin, known for his philanthropic gestures, was seen giving out wads of cash to church members to ameliorate the rising price of food items in the country.

The humanitarian effort has caught the attention of netizens, capturing the hearts of many amid the current challenging times.

Fufeyin has emerged as a beacon of hope by extending a remarkable gesture of kindness towards struggling church members even as he stressed the need for well-meaning Nigerians to help assuage the challenges of the masses.

This spontaneous and substantial donation not only alleviated immediate concerns but also underscored Fufeyin’s deep empathy for those affected by economic hardship.

The response to Fufeyin’s act of benevolence has been overwhelmingly positive, with Nigerians taking to social media platforms to commend his compassion and selflessness. Amidst a climate of economic uncertainty and rising living costs, Fufeyin’s initiative has resonated deeply, sparking discussions about the importance of generosity and communal support during trying times.

Fufeyin expressed his motivation for the donation, citing a desire to alleviate the suffering of his church members and fellow Nigerians in tangible ways.

He emphasised the necessity of collective action in addressing societal challenges and urged others, particularly those in positions of influence, to contribute towards uplifting the less fortunate.

The impact of Fufeyin’s philanthropy extends beyond financial assistance, serving as a powerful reminder of the potential for positive change when individuals leverage their resources for the greater good of all.

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Entertainment

Big Dreams, is set to release his debut Single’s , ‘Vanity & Painful On January 26th

Published

1 year ago

January 19, 2024

Baba Blow

Delta State Born Singer, Big Dreams, is set to release his debut album,My Way ‘,’Coming Soon.

With they announcement of his two singles which are set to be released on 26 January 2024.

In the digital era of Afrobeats, the music superstar, Big Dreams, has established a name for himself thanks to a succession of great singles and collaborations.

They man of they moment has done great works, therefore this album will set a pathway to Greatness.

The musician made this announcement via his Twitter account. He characterized the album as everything he desires and all he stands for.

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