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Robert Okosun’s Speech to fellow musicians and Artistes in Diaspora

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To my fellow artistes, my name is Robert Okosun and I will like to thank God for such a great privilege and opportunity for us being alive and you taking time from your busy schedule to the present with us here at the RANCH. There is this saying from one of the favorite authors, the late Chief Chinua Achebe in one of his great books tilted “things fall apart” and I quote that when families do come together for a purpose, there is this possibility that something is amiss or something is about to happen. It is not a coincidence that we all gathered here, it is been preordained by GOD that we as a family of artistes and musicians will come together under one umbrella. We all gathered here for the main fact that the entertainment industry both here in USA and in Nigeria is not performing and functioning the way it used to be, and I had to speak out due to the plight, struggle and situations that faces our less privilege musicians and artiste that lives across the pond. There situations reminds me of Fela’s song titled “suffering and smiling”. I do personally that God for those of us that are fortunate to live in the US. My brief discussion with some musicians both here and abroad is the subject matter that inspired and motivated me to propose for this meeting. As some of you might have known, I grew up in an entertainment family as far back in the early 70’s with my late brother evangelists Sonny Okosuns.

We grew up in an industry where there was respect, dignity and host of talented musicians, and also a true love for the art. Some of us still do remember the good old days when recording companies like EMI DECCA POLYGRAM and a few local labels like PHONODISCTYC and TABANSI  where owned and operating effectively and responsibly in Nigeria. We had record pressing companies where men like Prince Adeniyi of poatson printing company that does all the record sleeve. Distributions of albums and singles were were well taking care of well across Nigeria and her frontier, and all the mechanism that goes with the industry was at work then. When artiste names like King Sunny Ade, Chief Ebenezer Obey, late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Late Evg Sonny Okosuns, Late Chief Osita Osadebey, Ms. Dora Ifudu, and Ms Onyeka Onwenu were mentioned, you immediately knew the labels and companies they represent.

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In the promotional circle we had men like Chief Chris Okolie who later became the new breed publisher, Mr Vincong and late Mr Black power promotions. Those were the Era when Men like Tony Ibegbuna , J.A.J and Benson Idonije were playing our records on the new FM radio stations across the country, those were the good old days\. I was so fortunate to learn and work with some of the best in the entertainment industry like late Henry Mosco of “country boy fame”. Onyeka Onwenu of “endless life fame”. Yvonne Maha of  “child for sale fame”. Charlie Aka of “poor Charlie Aka fame” and I briefly managed Uche Ibeto, but most importantly I worked with my late brother the legendary Evg Sonny Okosun’s with some of his albums both here and abroad.

I say all this is not as a badge of honor or being pride full about it, but to but mindful I have all the credentials to speak on issues concerning the Nigeria music industry. As of this moment it is not about you and I but about the industry and its legacy. PMAN that was formed in the early 80’s to cater to the plight and needs of Nigeria artiste has gone into factions and not catering to the yearn of musicians and artist. Some months ago I decided to take a trip to Nigerian with my family on a fact finding working vacation to Lagos. It was then I met the new PMAN president Mr. Pretty Okafor for the first time who happens to be a straight shooter and a man of high quality and integrity. And from our long discussions I came to the realization that this gentleman knows a lot about the music industry, and as I walked away from his office I knew that PMAN coming together under one umbrella is bound to succeed.

I personally pray that from all I see and observe, hopefully everything in place the Nigerian musician will be proud of their profession, and that is my personal opinion. In as much as our music sounds great with good beats and meaningful lyrics, unfortunately here in America there has not been adequate airplay on tv and radio stations, but most especially a lack of distribution network has hindered the sales and impact of our music.

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The task of building and sustaining our music industry here and abroad is not the duty of government agencies alone but required the active participation of every one of us. I mean a spirit of oneness. My fellow artiste and musician this is not the time to follow who is right or wrong but do the right thing. It is true that a picture can say a million words, but it is also a fact that the same picture can capture the essence of a person, so what does our picture say about us?  So ladies and gentlemen let’s busy and the good LORD gives us the strength to overcome as we walk in unity and love towards HIS divine connection.

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Why are you running away, Is EFCC a dragon or phyton? – Prophet Ikuru mocks Yahaya Bello

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The prophetic hall of fame, prophet Godwin Ikuru of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry, Lagos has mocked the former governor of Kogi state,Yaya Bello,who has been placed on the wanted list of EFCC to stop running away and submit himself for clarifications since EFCC is not a dragon or python that swallows people.

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The handsome prophet believes that Bello is currently on the run because he knows that he’s guilty of the charges against him.He said at his residence in Ikeja yesterday ” I don’t know why Yaya Bello is running away from EFCC if his hands are clean,for God sake,EFCC is not a dragon or python that swallows people,he should be courageous to submit himself to them,if his hands are clean,why run?”

The prophet Thanked the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for empowering the body with the necessary powers to go after those who has swindled and looted the common wealth of the people.

Finally,he commended the chairman of EFCC for the bold steps the organisation is taking in order to help recover the looted resources of the Nigerian nation.He encouraged the chairman to continue with his good works,he urged him not to be afraid because he’s praying for him and nothing evil will happen to him.

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SHALINA CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF TRUST, REITERATES COMMITMENT TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE DELIVERY IN AFRICA

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In celebration of its 40 years in Africa, a leading Afro-focused multinational company, Shalina Healthcare has reiterated its commitment to the delivery of quality healthcare in Africa. Declaring this in Lagos on Friday at the event to wrap up the company’s 2023/24 financial year and celebrate its 40 years of its existence, the Chief Commercial Officer, West Africa of the company, Arun Raj said the company “is determined to continually fulfill its corporate mission of making quality products available to every African at affordable prices.

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According to him;  ” It has been 40 years of trust in Africa and these 40 years,  the people of the continent have also reciprocated the trust in our quality products and healthcare delivery.”

Also, in his corporate presentation as well as new financial year projection, the Head, Corporate Marketing of the Company, Folorunso Alaran said; “the Company is building on the trust Africans have in its products and services over the year and is committed to healthy Africa.  It has been forty years of available, affordable and quality products for Africans.”

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In the words of Mr. Nirmal Jain CEO Shalina consumer Global,

“At Shalina, we believe that every African must have access to good products.  And for the last forty years, we have been trusted for our quality products. And more so, through our many initiatives and healthcare interventions, Shalina has continually raised the bar in healthcare delivery.”

Speaking further, Mr. Debajeet Mukherjee CEO Shalina Pharma Global, posited that; “despite the prevailing economic challenges, we do not waver in delivering our corporate purposes of available, affordable and quality health products. It is our belief that economic challenges should not hinder people’s access to quality healthcare.  Either the economy is good or bad, it shouldn’t affect the lives of the people in an adverse way. Despite the fact that some companies are leaving Nigeria, we are expanding our team in the country.  This is because we have trust and believe in Nigeria.”

In her own presentation at the event, the Company’s Managing Director, Nigeria ,  Opeyemi Akinyele said the company “is focused to become number one brand in Nigeria and continually promote the best of healthcare delivery in the country. ”

“Through our products, activities and interventions we have been doing greatly to ensure that quality healthcare is available and affordable for every citizen. And this is a promise that will remain unbroken ” She said.

Appreciating the members of staff of the company for their commitment and supporting roles in the company, Akinleye said “without you, your roles and efforts, we won’t be here and the successes recorded in the out gone year won’t be possible.  We also rely on your continuous support and commitment in the new year. ”

Meanwhile as part of the company’s end of year activities, many staff members were given awards of excellence in different categories for 2023/24 financial year.  Amongst them were  Lasisi Abiodun, Best Pharma Delegate,  Lawal Abubskar,  Best Medical Delegate,  Ruth Adesua Adewoye,  Best Regional Manager Pharma,  Ganiyu Lateef,  Best CVD Delegate, Mercy Omoji, Best Regional Manager, Consumer, Uzuma Pascal,  Best Zonal Manager, (Global) and  Juliet Ngozi Edward,  Best Consumer Delegate Global .  Winners in other categories included Sandeep Sahu, Folorunso Alaran, Emeka Adimoha, Chiuba Nwaosu among others.

Shalina Healthcare which began its business in Africa in DR Congo in 1984 made entry to Nigeria 25years ago.  It currently has about 2500 staffs globally out of whom 2000 are in Africa.

 

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THE PROPHETIC HALL OF FAME: How I ended “sit at home” in the East, Prophet Godwin Ikuru speaks

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By Collins Nkwocha

One of the major problems of the Eastern region was the “sit at home” menace which crippled business activities in the entire Eastern region; several lives have been lost in the process of enforcing this as the enforcers have always been very cruel and wicked, killing anyone who refuses to obey the order.

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Disturbed by the cruelty of the enforcers and how many lives that have been lost through this act, the prophetic Hall of Fame, prophet Godwin Ikuru of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry, Lagos,made a public declaration that “sit at home” was going to be over in the East.

People didn’t believe it when he said it, everyone believed that only the release of Nnamdi Kanu was going to end “sit at home” in the East.prophet Ikuru said that it would stop even while Kanu is still in detention.

Today,”sit at home” has ended in the East, people now go about their normal businesses on Monday.Today, the dreaded “sit at home” enforcers are nowhere to be found, you can do anything or carry out any business activity of your choice on monday because God has honoured the word of his prophet.

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Prophet Godwin Ikuru is one of the best prophets in Nigeria,he remains a major part of the ruling party in Nigeria.He is the major prophet that brought the president to power .

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