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Saturday 28 February 2015

Why Sally Mbanefo must go “Imagine Sally Mbanefo constructing one of the best stand for Nigeria in South Africa at the cost of 2 .5 million naira which her predecessor used 25 million naira to build !

Many sins of   Sally Mbanefo, DG , NTDC  !
I will not join the multitude in deliberately committing evil neither will  I be part of the minority which  shy  away from speaking the truth , the whole truth nothing but the truth .
Hence , this article which I am writing with the fear  of God and commitment to the ethical dictate of the pen profession .
Mrs Sally Mbanefo has been a subject of vitriolic media attack right from the very first day her name was announced by the federal government as a replacement for  Otunba Olusegun Runsewe .
Not that Mrs Mbanefo is not competent , nay , going through her resume and investigating her precedent at working posts , she is not only fit but an asset to the nation rather it was the manner and   ridiculous way which Otunba Runsewe ‘s appointment was terminated  while on active assignment of the Federal Government in far away Dubai  .
This writer was in fact an arrow head of people  who led a heavy voice of criticism against the act of the Federal Government not because of the personality of Sally Mbanefo ,  but the undignified manner with which Otunba Olusegun Runsewe and another Yoruba man who was the Director of Nigerian Broadcasting Commission , NBC , were   removed before the end of their tenure . As for Otunba Runsewe , he had almost 8 months more into the end of his 2nd term tenure of 4 years each , having spent 7 years and 4 months out  of  8 years .  
Making the announcement a painful one then was the fact that Otunba Runsewe had led  a large delegation of NTDC staff including ,drivers , office assistants  and some of the tourism writers including the writer  and journalists to attend the Arabian Travel Market  , taking place in Dubai where some of the investors  who visited Nigerian stand raised the fear of assignment instability of Nigerian’s  tourism administrator .
And we have not left the market when the fears of the investors were  not only confirmed  but that the man who had allayed their fear was removed with ignominy on the second day by the Federal Government !
And the man that was removed is not only an accomplished journalist /  publisher but a wonderful personality  who is not only a philanthropist  to journalist and journalism but   gave his best according to his own vision by  creation of huge  awareness about tourism in term of publicity .
Definitely , only a fool will expect someone like Otunba Runsewe with his looming image which was even larger than tourism himself to be removed without rumbles .
Even , if there were no natural rumbles ,  as human too , one does not expect Otunba Runsewe  or his followers not to be throwing stones .
Particularly with the background of personality  discord  between the former occupier’ of the  Ministry  of Tourism , Adetokunbo Kayode who had made futile effort of getting rid of Otunba Runsewe  and the brazen enmity between the present occupier Chief Edem Duke who finally succeeded in removing him and appoint a " supposedly stooge " in person of Sally
So the first sin of Sally Mbanefo is the fact that the Federal Government was unkind enough by appointing her to replace a huge personality who spend over 7 years  as a DG and  whose fame , good deeds and large heartedness have cultivated to him large troop of followers , admirers , loyalists and praise singers who enjoyed tremendous patronage and support and  survival from him within the NTDC as a corporation and within the  travel tourism journalists  some of us who so much depended on his largesse to live, buy car , build houses ,  junket over the world  and social support  on  etc , etc .
Expectedly  this group of people will not be happy and will forever curse the day Otunba Runsewe was removed and unless the person who is stepping into the post is ready to carry on with business as usual and wear the  behavioural garb of Otunba Runsewe’s  , there is no way things will be smooth for the occupier .
To many of the journalists and Otunba’s  admirers . Sally was the fellow who pushed Otunba Runsewe out as if she has the authority to appoint herself and as if Sally has taken the life of out of Otunba’s  world , hence they  have to pull this lady down at cost with frivolous and wicked accusations and allegation of fraud which are figment of imagination. .
And thus lies the second sins of Sally Mbanefo who came brandishing a new concept and approach to tourism , believing that Nigeria must first of all develop domestic tourism by promoting the local festivals and developing them instead of expending  the fund of the corporation gallivanting all over the world marketing what is not on ground .
She announced that there would be a sharp drop in Nigeria attendance at international fairs and tourism exhibitions which have not substantially added any value to Nigeria tourism growth because the local tourism products are not on ground and there has not been any conscious efforts at developing the domestic tourisms by her predecessor  other than on the pages of newspapers  .
To her ,  tourism business should be conducted as serious business not only on the pages of newspaper or by employing  highfalutin sloganeering   but strictly for its economic impact  behaving as if she is in a private sector where every step must lead to profitable result  .
 Of course , this did not go down well with staff who  usually benefits from such trips via estacode ,  and the travel journalists who are always sponsored by NTDC to such events .
Compounding the case was the drastic short fall in the nation’s revenue and  the dwindling allocation to Ministry , Departments and Parastatals  which reduced the scope and activities of the Corporation .
The third sin of Sally lies in the fact , since her appointed , she has been able to block some of the holes where the NTDC funds were siphoned and wasted particularly the tradition of  attending fairs and markets with large number of staff and in most cases with  those who are not relevant in the scheme of international marketing .
She was quoted “ I believe our international engagement or fair attendance should not only be dictated by need , achievable goal ,   purposeful , with a mission and  vision. It should be dominated by members of the private sector with a sizeable and function members of staff .Trade fairs and exhibitions are not for the sake of paparazzi or personal aggrandizement but to further the growth of domestic tourism “
Thus she incurred  the wrath and antagonism of a sizeable number of those who should have benefited from what she called unproductive travels and more particularly some of these journalists who have not been opportune to travel out of this country since Otunba Runsewe left .
Another sin of Sally was her “extreme prudence “ particularly when it comes to building Nigerian stand at international fair and event
“Imagine Sally Mbanefo constructing one of the best stand for Nigeria in South Africa at the cost of 2 .5 million naira which her predecessor used 25 million naira to build ! “
Definitely , such a stingy fellow is not supposed to be the DG of NTDC
Another sin of Sally is her failure to honour and pay  shadow contractors who were verbally awarded contract without proper contract procedure of offer , availability , consideration and acceptance .
Also , Sally has sinned against some of these journalists who alleged her of being stingy  “she does not operate like Runsewe  “forgetting and not susceptible to blackmail . Thus these set are ready to be used by whoever wants a pound off  Sally’s flesh  .
Another sin of Sally is the fact she has remained unperturbed despite all the attempted to stain her reputation and someone is of the fear that she is writing her name better in the  tourism book of Nigeria .
They could not understand why she has to travel and visit tourism sites in  25 states of the Federation and visiting  traditional rulers  spreading domestic tourism and encouraging stakeholders and promoters of culture and tourism .
They could not see why she  is identifying  with traditional rulers , the custodian of cultures in the six geo- political zone of the country an act they could not do or ever envisaged she could achieved within the first 12 months as DG, NTDC.
They are not happy that she has been able to secure a cultural exchange training programme for NTDC staff in Gambia which was the first time of  such a scheme in 7 years .
These and other reasons have led to the renew fabrication of falsehood of wasting several millions while the fact is that the Lady inherited a bag of several millions of debt left by her predecessor.
















Never book a flight on Friday – the cheapest days to find tickets

Never book a flight on Friday – the cheapest days to find tickets

The day of the week you choose to book a flight on – as well as how far in advance - can massively impact how much it costs. But which days are best for where?

We reveal the cheapest time to book and fly on
Choosing the wrong day to book a flight can add 66% to the cost of a ticket. There's just one problem - the day changes.
Figures from travel comparison company KAYAK.com shows you'd save £100 on a flight to America if you booked it on Wednesday two weeks before you travel. But if you're flying to Asia to get the best deal you need to book seven months ahead and fly on a Tuesday.
The only rule that applied to all destinations was that it's never cheapest to fly on a Friday or Saturday.
“Business travellers usually travel during the week and try to return on Friday, while leisure travellers usually try to fly on Saturday or Sunday, to use as little annual leave as possible,” said Loella Pehrsson, managing director of KAYAK UK.
“For long-distance routes, travellers should be flexible and avoid the usual travel cycle.”

Find the perfect combination

You can save a lot of money by booking on the cheapest dates. To do that, you need to time two things - when you book, and what day you will actually fly on.

When to book

Save hundreds booking on the right day
Save hundreds booking on the right day
For most destinations, booking far in advance is the answer. But not all.
If you're flying to Europe, a month ahead is the right time to book – saving you up to 66% on the cost of a ticket. For the US and Canada, two weeks ahead is the ideal time, with flights then on average £100 cheaper.
On the flip side, you get the best deal on flights to Asia by booking seven months ahead. And flights to South America and the Middle East are cheapest five months before they take off.
The full list:
Source: KAYAK

What day to fly

The cheapest day to fly on also depends on where you are going.
Thursday is the cheapest day to fly to Europe, Wednesday to North America and Monday for Africa if you're leaving from the UK.
The return flight also changes depending on where you've been. Flights from South America and the Middle East are cheapest on Monday, form Europe it's Sunday and from North America it's Tuesday.
The cheapest days to fly:
Source: KAYAK

Other ways to save

If you're looking to book a family holiday, Tuesday morning at 10am could be perfect, while you can keep a look out for the latest holiday deals and cheap flights on our dedicated page here.

Cheating wife and lover having sex become stuck together after 'witch doctor curse'


Cheating wife and lover having sex become stuck 

together after 'witch doctor curse'

Crowds gathered after rumours spread that the frisky love cheats were trapped by black magic ordered by the woman's suspicious husband

Wikimedia/GettyWitch Doctor
What's up, doc? Reports claim cheating pair Sasha Ngema and Sol Qoboza became stuck during sex because of a witch doctor curse
Police had to break up a crowd gathered to see a cheating wife and her lover locked together during sex.
Scores of people flocked after a rumour spread that her husband had asked a witch doctor to put a curse on her private parts.
And although experts say the embarrassing experience was more likely to be a common medical phenomenon that causes the vagina to contract too much, there was no dissuading the mob.
Local media claimed unfaithful Sasha Ngema, 34, had been romping with toy boy Sol Qoboza, 22, at a rented apartment in Johannesburg, South Africa while her husband was away.
But they apparently could not separate after their romp with the tale going that suspicious hubby Neill, 42, had gone to a witch doctor who put a sex curse on his wife.
The spell - known as a muthi - is designed to make sure that anybody who is not the husband who attempts to have sex with the woman will remain stuck until the husband returns to exact revenge.
The shocked couple began calling for help which soon turned into screams as they became more worried about their compromising situation, according to local media.
CENSasha Ngema
Cop off: Police arrive to disperse the crowd that gathered by the apartment where the stuck couple lay screaming
Neighbour Priscilla Ndlovu, 34, said: "At first I thought it was just the screams of sexual pleasure, but it turned out to be screams for help.
"I knocked on the door to see if everything was OK, and when I went in I saw him lying on top of her sobbing as she screamed to be freed."
By the time police arrived over 2,000 people had swarmed onto the street outside the apartment block shouting: "We want to see them! Show us the cheaters!”
A police spokesman said: "We had to use pepper spray to disperse the crowd."
The couple were reportedly taken to hospital but black magic specialist Sangoma Mathabo Mofokeng: said: "No one will be able to separate them until the woman’s husband comes back."
It's not the first time an adrenaline-fuelled leg over has ended in public humiliation.
In October, a couple's x-rated ocean clinch quickly transformed from fantasy to nightmare as the steamy pair realised they were unable to pull away from each 

Friday 27 February 2015

What the hell with Biodun Olujimi ? Exposing Biodun Olujimi (1)

What the hell with Biodun Olujimi ?
Exposing   Biodun Olujimi  (1)
Like I promised last year , I will sequentially expose  Aunty Biodun Olujimi , the daughter of the Late Photo journalist , Baba Ariyo of Oke Padre fame in Ibadan . I know Aunty Biodun very well . She was the commissioner for Works under Ex - Governor Segun Oni's tenure in Ekiti state , while I was the Chief Press Secretary , CPS . Also when we left government through a black market judgement and the PDP as a party was docile then , I stayed with her in her own apartment in  Abuja for almost a year. So I know her very well for we were under the same roof
I must say here  that whatever I am going to reveal or expose about this Lady is the truth , the whole truth nothing but the truth .
If not because Mother Mary , the Virgin mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ has forbidden us from swearing , I would have swore to authenticate all what I will be revealing about this Lady who is one of  the PDP Senatorial candidate in Ekiti State
  To also authenticate whatever I will be revealing about her past is the fact that Aunty Biodun and I belong to a  'CULT' . Yes . The sacred CULT of Mary  the Virgin mother of our Lord Jesus Christ , the founder of the Catholic Church which member I am by birth and will be till Jesus  comes .  I have no shame in letting this out .
So there is no way that I will concoct lies and fabricate falsehoods  against .
Though some people might see me as a betrayer or what the Yoruba say ODALE , but I hold nobody any apology for this because my loyalty is more to  the people of Nigeria and Ekiti state  who I owe the onerous duty a duty to reveal all I know about this lady .
And I will also mention here some of the names of those who can also testify or authenticate whatever  I will be revealing .
Bunmi Ojo who is a Federal Commissioner with Federal Character Commission , Dr Femi Thomas who is heading a Federal Health Scheme , one brother Pero , Soji Akinbayo , a Senior Police Officer , Steve Oje something , a SSS , the Olomuo of Omuo , the people of Kota and Omuo Obadore , Rt Hon Femi Bamisile  , Egbon Obayemi , Ojo okorobo , a driver  .
Aunty Biodun Olujimi should not be judged either by her look or her apparel for all these give fake interpretation rather , she should be viewed through the interpretative prism of people like me   who stayed under the same roof with her for a whole year .
Thus I was baffled  when someone who has little knowledge about her coming up to declare Aunty Biodun Olujimi as  " more than a boss "  he event went  further to declare her as " "A mother indeed ".....
But is Biodun Olujimi more than a boss or indeed a mother ? I think this descriptive or adjective is  totally ......
Kindly excuse me for a moment ......
To be continued next week,

Thursday 26 February 2015

This man sold his son for 300 thousand Naira !

Man in police net for selling son

 

Suspects; Eberechi and the son
A middle-aged palm tree harvester, George Maduabuchi, from Owerrinta in the Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State is in the police net for allegedly selling his 14-month-old son for N300,000.
The father of four was said to have connived with another suspect, Obinna Erondu, now at large, to perpetrate the act.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joshak Habila, who paraded the suspect along with other suspected criminals on Thursday, said, “Luck ran out on Maduabuchi when the wife alerted the police on his questionable role when the baby fell ill and he took him out and did not return with him.”
But the suspect told our correspondent that he did not sell his son, but only took him to a herbalist when he took ill.
He said, “The herbalist gave me money and told me that he could not heal the baby. I therefore left the baby in the herbalist’s home.”
But his explanation was countered by his wife, Eberechi, who said he took their son, who had a cough to the said herbalist, but instead of returning with the baby, rather came back with bundles of money.
She said, “When I demanded explanations on the whereabouts of our son, he could not offer any convincing answer.”
The wife, who is also pregnant, said she raised the alarm, which attracted neighbours who helped to arrest the husband.
The neighbours subsequently alerted the police, who picked up the husband who later led the police to the herbalist’s house at Owerrinta where the boy was recovered .
Paraded also by the police was one Chizaram Amandu, 40, who allegedly murdered his kinsman over an argument over snails in the bush.
The suspect, according to police, went to hunt for snail at Ahiaba Okpuala Isiala Ngwa with the victim, Sampson Sunday.
The police added that quarrel ensued over sharing formula and the suspect allegedly stabbed Sunday to death with dagger.
But the suspect said it was an accident as the victim came out to confront him while hunting for snail behind his ( victim’s) house in the night .
According to him, he never knew the victim could die as a result of injuries he sustained.
The police also paraded one Gideon Ezenwoko, a suspected kidnap kingpin, who had been allegedly terrorising residents of the Obingwa council area, adding that he had been on the wanted list of police .
The CP said, “The suspect escaped from prison, where most members of his gang had been jailed.
“He will be arraigned as soon as investigations are over.”
Copyright PUNCH.

Wednesday 25 February 2015

Where is Ralph Attah , CEO Bobby Ralph Ventures Nigeria Limited ?


Whoever knows the where about of this man called Ralph Attah who runs a freight company in New Jersey  and Nigeria ?  
We have been calling the numbers 08069062579 and 081807357, 
Only 08069062579 was picked by a lady who said she is no longer working with the company.
He should kindly get in contact .

Tuesday 24 February 2015

Boni Yayi ,Benin Republic President endorses OPU in Benin Republic

Boni Yayi ,Benin Republic  President endorses OPU in Benin Republic
 25.Feb.2015  DISQUS_COMMENTS   Wale Ojo-Lanre
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The efforts of the National Coordinator, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams at ensuring that the Yoruba culture, tradition and historical heritage survive the test of time was buoyed at Palais Des Congres, Cotonou, Benin Republic on Saturday, February 21, 2015 when the President of Republic of Benin, Mr Boni Yayi endorsed the inauguration of Oodua Progressive Union (OPU). 
The former President, de la Societe Civil du Benin, Mr Chacha M Rigobert, who was the father of the day at the event described the President of Benin Republic, Dr Boni Yayi as a staunch admirer, supporter and promoter of Yoruba culture and heritage, which made him to endorse the inauguration of Oodua Progressive  Union in Benin Republic .
Rigobert, who delivered half part of his speech in impeccable Yoruba revealed, “I must inform this gathering of noble and distinguished personality of Yoruba origin both from Nigeria and Benin Republic, that President Yayi personally endorsed the inauguration of OPU, which we are holding today. It is with the full endorsement of President Yayi that this event is being held. I wrote for his approval and he gladly endorsed this programme and directed all the necessary authorities in the country to ensure the successful launching and inauguration of the union in Benin.
He revealed that President Yayi is very conversant with your efforts at promoting the Yoruba culture. “He is in love with the mission and purpose of the OPU, which is promoting peace, unity and harmony among all Yoruba sons and daughters in Diaspora by reawakening and strengthening of the rich culturally diverse and heritage of the Yoruba nation. This has planted his interest in our President who is glad that OPU has come to Benin.
“Otunba Gani Adams, I called you severally to emphasise my regard and respect which I have for you. I am meeting you for the first time, but I have read a lot about your activities as the leader of the OPC. You endeared yourself to me more by your singular efforts at ensuring that our culture, the pristine Yoruba culture, customs, tradition, norms and historical heritage do not only survive the test of time, but also embraced by Diaspora Yoruba which I belong to among many others.
“I am convinced Oduduwa planted this vision in you and backed you on this mission. I must also confess that you have scored high mark in the estimation of us here in Benin not just because you are here to launch, but you are here with our first class historical kabiyesis that are essential reference in the history of Yoruba race.
“I am happy to see here also for the first time in my life and this is an evergreen memory of my history, Obas from Ekiti State; Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole of Owa Ijero; Oba Adegoke Olu Adeyemi, Alara of Aramoko;  Oba Ekundayo Sunday Kayode, Alayegunle of Ayegunle Ekiti and Oba Augustine Aderemi Obaleye, Oluroye of Ido Ile. Others include Zaki of Arigidi, Oba Yisa Olanipekun and Oba Adeyemi Ipinmoroti, Oluro of Uro Ajowa-Akoko.
“I must also confess that without the launching of OPU in Cotonou, we will not be able to see and meet these Obas of immeasurable historical reference and reverence in our lifetime. So, I am grateful to you Otunba Gani Adams for this privilege.”
In his welcome speech, Chacha Victorian A. Lamidi, Commissioner due Police, Republic du Benin and OPU coordinator Benin Chapter said that the inauguration of the OPU in Benin was an excellent thinking and act on the part of Otunba Adams. “Yes, it is the right place and the best time to recognise excellence, your sense of love, peace, re-awakening, sharing and your guide’s mind for Nigerian Yoruba sons and  daughters in the Diaspora geared your visit to Benin Republic to launch the crucible ‘Oodua Progressive Union.
“We shall do everything humanly possible at implementing the vision of OPU and ensure that all interested sons and daughters of Oodua in Benin Republic become members of the union.”
Otunba Adams in his speech said, ”We are happy that today’s launching marks another watershed in the history of this organisation. This is the 55th country where we are launching this union, only recently we were all gathered in Lagos for leadership training and adoption of programme for 2015 for the union. 
“In addition, one of the programmes enumerated for this year is the launch of the OPU in Benin Republic, which is the reason we are gathered today. 
“The other reason why I have cause to be happy is the impressive turnout at this event. 
“I am particularly delighted that many accomplished persons were gathered here today. 
“It gladdens my heart to see our Kabiyesis. 
“I am also happy that our brothers and sisters who by circumstances of colonisation, which forcefully dispersed them into different countries are all here today.
“There is no greater bond that unites us than our common progenitor; Oduduwa and filial link to Ile-Ife (Oodua a gbe wa ooo!!!). The Oodua Progressive Union is a Pan-Yoruba organisation founded in 2011 to create a platform for the Yoruba sons and daughters in the Diaspora. In essence, we established OPU to work for the interest of all that have ancestral link to Oduduwa, our common progenitor. 
“Consequently, through the OPU, we hope to break both physical and psychological boundaries that kept our people apart for years by reawakening and strengthening our common link with Oduduwa.”
Otunba Adams revealed that among ethnic groups of the world, people of Yoruba ancestry are well dispersed. 
“The dispersal of Yoruba people across the world is occasioned by waves migrations that are historically conditioned by indigenous settlements. The Trans-Atlantic Slave trade and voluntary movement of our people are because of socio-political and economic pressures. Today, Yoruba people are majorly in Nigeria and Republics of Benin, Togo and partly Ghana.
Although our common ancestral home is Ile-Ife in Nigeria, descendants of Oduduwa maintain very large presence in the republic of Benin as either indigenes or settlers. Despite the fact that our people are in different boundaries and governments because of colonialism, we remain united by same ancestry, same history and same culture. 
“This is evident in similar cultural and traditional institutions we share in our countries. In fact, three of the principal monarchs with direct ancestry to Oduduwa are Alaketu, Onisabe and Onipopo, who have their kingdoms in Republic of Benin.
“In addition to this, most of our people, irrespective of the artificial boundaries and lingua franca, speak the same mutually understandable Yoruba language and have similar cultural practices. As you can see, our Obas that are present here today are not in any way different from those in Nigeria. 
“Interestingly, the President, Republic of Benin, Dr Boni Yayi is of Yoruba extraction and a proud descendant of Oduduwa. There is hardly any programme organised by us that is not graced by our Kabiyesi from Benin Republic.
“We are here to lubricate this great bond for better harmonious and brotherhood relationship and we stand to benefit a lot if we are united under this common umbrella of Oodua Progressive Union (OPU). 
In his solidarity message, the Nigeria Ambassador in Benin Republic, Ambassador Lawrence Obisakin who was represented by Mrs Nsisong Ojelese  also commended Otunba Adams for exploring the cultural heritage of the Yoruba race to forge unity, reawakening brotherhood tie and building culture of good conduct among the Yoruba in diaspora.
“I must commend your passion and strident efforts at promoting the Yoruba culture and reminding our people in the Diaspora the need to embrace our culture and see it as a tool for development and better relationship.
“This is not only commendable, but an act to emulate by other ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The inauguration of OPU in Benin also served as a platform of re-union for the Yoruba Obas from Nigeria and their counterparts in Republic of Benin going by the words and interactions as all the Obas from Nigeria addressed the gathering and all showed their profound happiness for witnessing the day.
Oba Augostine Aderemi Obaleye, Oluroye of Ido Ile, Ekiti State, prayed for Otunba Adams, according to him, “our ancestral progenitor and fathers will continue to bless you and protect you.
“You are a wonderful son of Oduduwa. You are unique, brave and rare. I always pray for you whenever I read your articles about OPU in the newspapers particularly in the Tribune and I acknowledge your passion as manifested brazenly today. You will succeed in God’s name.”
From the speeches and testimonies of over 20 Yoruba Obas who reign in Benin Republic and who were witnesses of the inauguration of OPU in Benin was one of the best things that had happened in the history of their linkage with their origin as Yoruba.  
According to Oba Adekoya Ayitchedji Adewale, Head, Ogboni Fraternity, Benin Republic, described Otunba Adams as Oduduawa reincarnation.   
“Otunba Adams, I see you not as a mere person, but as the Oduduwa reincarnation. And you are. You started with OPC, a militant group in Nigeria to announce that you are ready to defend your race internally and now you are calling back and reuniting all your scions who were carried away by slavery or war outside the country with OPU, this is an act of destiny not a mere mortals making. You launched the best platform of reunion and re-integration of the Yoruba in Diaspora with their root. This is the best culturally inspiring initiative, which is not located or restricted to an enclave. It is the best so far and we are happy.”
The inauguration was made lively not only by the Igunnuko dance group, but by the electrifying beat of Sir Shina Peters who came all the way from Nigeria.

Tuesday 17 February 2015

Solam: A non-alcohol hotel debuts in Ibadan

Solam: A non-alcohol hotel debuts in Ibadan
 18.Feb.2015  DISQUS_COMMENTS   Wale Ojo-Lanre
Nigerian Tribune 

Hospitality industry in Nigeria is not only growing despite the stifling economic situation, but also witnessing the emergence of brand concept to cater for distinct buyers and consumers.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, at the end of Aalafin Avenue, Oluyole Estate Extension, a hotel christened Solam Executive Suites has reared its head telling all that “No alcohol is sold here.”
One may think that such a hotel will be one of the-run-off-the-mill with low standard, poor public relations, just created to satisfy the yearnings of the religious minded fellows who just want a place to hide their heads or sleep for the night maintaining their ascetic way of life.
But none of this is a portion of Solam Suites. Apart from the fact that you cannot buy or get to buy any alcoholic drinks on its bar, the hotel is set on an internationally high standard acceptable benchmark of excellence.
One of the noticeable features of this non- alcohol hotel is the spacious parking lot with exceptional double-layered security control gate manned by courteous security men who warmly direct clients to a lot and watch keenly over your car.
“The reception manned by enthusiastic staff who take pride in smiling at you whether you are good looking or not   is cute, stylish and regales in comfort to offer our dear customers or our clients prompt service without wasting their time as they have no business staying long at the reception . Also, to let them have a taste of what we fitted in the rooms within minutes,” says Kola Shodimu, Business Manager of the hotel.
“Each of the 20 bedrooms is set in perfect decor of luxury and splendour striving earnestly to ensure the utmost pleasure for the guests who want and desire an ambience of bliss in a non- alcoholic polluted environment.
The fixtures and fittings are not only of the best quality but adopted to be environmentally stable ranging from the therapeutic beddings, atmospheric duvet, side lamps, bulb, the fridge, plasma TV, reading table, comfortable chair while the conveniences are designed and equipped to be real conveniences where customers can feel free to read and think .
“We know we are catering for discerning customers who desire the best of the best atmosphere, an unpolluted and serene environment, hence everything you see here or fitted showcases quality, standard and excellence,” Shodimu said.
The restaurant is fitted to lure customers’’ throats to menu as the chef who has intercontinental experience and exposure   is ever ready to serve the food fresh and fast within minutes of order.
“We realise that having a very beautiful and highly polished hotel like ours is good and desirable,
We know that we have the best hardware which is the building, the security, the concept of non-alcohol, but also realise that if we failed to get the best chef around seasoned enough to cook mouth-watering and something to remember food we shall be wasting our time.
“Hence, we have one of the best chefs around who is skilled in local and intercontinental cuisine. You see a man who loath alcohol will love good food. Hence, anyone who sleeps here is assured of good food produced by a clean chef under a most hygienic environment.”
Solam is not about non-alcoholic drinks alone, as it offers its clients unlimited access to Wi-Fi “We don’t see this amenity I mean Wi-Fi or internet as a privilege or favour to our customers.
“We see it as a right for them. It is a hotel with availability of generators as a value added facility. A hotel must be able to provide efficient power supply, that is why we have four generators here for the hotel alone,” revealed Shodimu.
Solam is a total hotel which does not only take care of the accommodation, feeding and leisure demands of customers and clients, but has ventured in providing support services to enhance the business and social factors of desired members of the public .
It has within the premises of Solam Executive Suites an Event Centre purposely constructed to sit over 1000 guests in Cinema format and 700 in party styles. Clients need not worry about musical equipment, as this event centre is all-inclusive with LCD TV transmission while the event lasts. This event centre is blessed with air conditioning, equipped with audio-visual equipment with complimentary band super fast and wireless and internet connection.
According to Shodimu, “Solam is one out of all hotels in Ibadan which sets out to offer that unique services delivery by upward mobile and thoroughly trained staff to satisfy the yearning of customers in the most conducive atmosphere devoid of alcohol and lewdness. It is a hotel carved for the best of minds.”