IBEDC restores electricity to 52 communities

Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company said it invested over N120m to replace a faulty 15 MVA transformer in Odigbo Ota in Ogun State, that enabled it to restore electricity to 52 communities.

The communities, according to a statement from the IBEDC, are Abebi, Ilo Awela, Anglican, Navy Quarters, Toll Gate, Osi Quarters, Amadia, Gbenga Daniel estate, Afobaje and Olosun communities and environs.

It said the power transformer with three 11 KV outgoing feeders in Homan, Township and Tower developed a fault on October 5, 2016, resulting in total blackout in the communities.

The company said repairs began with the replacement of the faulty transformer through the importation of a new transformer and the installation of new 11KV indoor panels, and power was finally restored to the communities on Sunday.

Speaking on the new development, the Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Ade Ayileka, said that the company was committed to fulfilling its promise of rehabilitating the network infrastructure and providing good customer service to its customers.

He said, “Customers should rest assured that we are working assiduously to upgrade our facilities and improve our network. This is just the beginning of more great things to come this year from the IBEDC as we have taken delivery of over N1bn worth of network upgrade equipment. In addition, the company will soon take delivery of a new batch of transformers.”

He said well-to-do Nigerians should begin to invest in power supply equipment, adding, “This will not only solve our immediate needs on time, but will ease forex requirement for sourcing power equipment abroad.”

According to Ayileka, a period of nearly six months is required to source and receive a 15 MVA, 33/11KV transformer.

He urged the customers on the new transformer to always endeavour to pay their bills and vend promptly to enable the company to have more funds to invest in the network.

He said, “To further complement the IBEDC’s efforts, we appeal to our customers on the need to protect the various power installations such as substations, transformers, poles and lines within our communities in order to avoid vandalism, energy theft and other illegal activities.

“We also encourage our customers and the general public to be vigilant and to report suspicious behaviour. The resource and manpower used to replace damaged installations could be better used to upgrade and expand more of our network.”

Rohr dumps China pros, opts for new stars

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr on Wednesday omitted China-based trio  Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo and Brown Ideye from his call-ups for this month’s friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso.

The Super Eagles  face Gabon 2017  Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinalists  Senegal’s Teranga Lions   on March 23  before taking on Burkina Faso’s Etalons, who came third in the   Gabon tournament, four days  later. Both matches will be played in London.

Rohr  had promised to invite  the players, who joined the China exodus   for megabucks, but the German sensationally omitted them from his 25-man squad  for   the friendlies.

Mikel,  who is the captain of the national team, joined  Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda  for a reported £140,000-a-week deal  in January after being frozen out of Chelsea’s first team  by the Blues’ Italian manager Antonio Conte.

Ighalo joined the gold rush in China when he dumped Premier League strugglers Watford for Changchun Yatai for a reported £180,000 per week wage. And Ideye completed the Nigerian player exodus to the Far East after he ditched Greek champions  Olympiakos  to team up with Mikel at Tianjin TEDA on Tuesday.

However, reports claimed  that Mikel pleaded with Rohr to leave him out of the encounters to enable him to settle down  at his new home.

But Rohr   has kept faith with Wolves  goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, Ogenyi Onazi, Kenneth Omeruo,  Elderson Echiejile, as well as  Premier League  forwards Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Isaac Success  for the fixtures.

 Germany-based defender   Leon Balogun, Belgium-based defender  William Troost-Ekong, Leicester City  new boy  Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu  and   Moses Simon made the list.

 In-form Hannover 96 midfielder  Noah-Joel Bazee, 20,  who has hit the back  of the net once for his German Bundesliga side this term, topped the list of new young players invited by Rohr.

   Portugal-based defender  Chidozie Awaziem, 20,  ADO Den Haag’s rising star Tyronne Ebuehi, 21,  and Wolfsburg forward Victor Osimhen, 19,  are  other young players listed for the encounters.

 The squad

Goalkeepers: Ikeme (Wolves); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United); Ikechukwu Ezenwa ( IfeanyiUbah)

 Defenders: Balogun (Mainz 05); Troost-Ekong  (Gent); Kenneth Omeruo (Alanyaspor); Uche Agbo (Granada); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Musa Muhammed (Zeljeznicar, Bosnia);  Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag); Echiejile (Gijon); Kingsley Madu (Zulte Waregem); Chidozie Awaziem ( Porto)

 Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor);  Ndidi (Leicester); Etebo (Feirense, Portugal); Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva)

Forwards:  Musa (Leicester); Iheanacho (Man City);  Simon (Gent); Moses (Chelsea); Iwobi (Arsenal);  Success (Watford); Bazee (Hannover 96); Osimhen (Wolfsburg)

Top 10 Superfoods for Weight Loss

If you dislike dieting, like most of us, and do not have time to go to the gym every other day, a few selected food choices could help move your scale in the right direction and would hardly have to break sweat.

Certain foods can help you slim down or help you maintain a healthy weight while simultaneously packing your body with nutrients that aid in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, preventing heart disease, and controlling type 2 diabetes.

These superfoods help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism to burn fat and by curbing cravings for fatty foods. In addition, these will keep your energy level high.

In addition to including these superfoods in your diet, make sure you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water and do physical activities daily.

superfoods for weight loss

Here are the top 10 superfoods for weight loss.
1. Green Tea

Green tea has many health benefits rather than coffee or other beverages. It helps in maintaining the body weight to its perfection by burning body fat, which results in reduced waist circumference and weight loss, as pointed out by a 2009 study published in the International Journal of Obesity.

Green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant that burns calories throughout the whole day.

A 2014 study at Pennsylvania State University reports that EGCG in green tea slows down weight gain by restricting fat absorption and increasing the body’s ability to burn fat. It even keeps your body hydrated, which can help reduce your appetite.

For optimum health benefits and to manage weight, drink two cups of freshly brewed tea or concentrated green tea everyday.
2. Blueberries

Blueberry, a powerful figure friendly superfood, should also be included in your diet. These small berries contain powerful antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals.

They also contain ample amounts of soluble fiber and water that produce a feeling of fullness so that you will stay satisfied for a longer duration between meals while improving digestion.

The manganese in it metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. In addition, blueberries are free from fat, cholesterol, or sodium.

A 2009 University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests that blueberries help in eliminating belly fat. The polyphenols in blueberries reduce belly fat and even reduce the risk factors for metabolic syndrome.

Try to eat about a cup of blueberries every day. You can eat them as a healthy snack or include them in fruit salad, smoothie, or yogurt.
3. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are great for losing weight fast, thanks to their healthy fat and fiber content.

Dietary fiber is an important weight-loss nutrient, and flaxseed has high fiber content. A 2012 study published in the Appetite journal concludes that a drink containing 2.5 g of flaxseed fiber helps to suppress appetite.

This makes you feel full in a short time, and this feeling (satiety) lasts longer.

Flaxseeds contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) that help in weight loss. A 2013 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that including a sufficient amount of omega-3s in diet helps prevent obesity.

A 2015 study published in the Nutrition journal suggests that flaxseed when added to a weight loss diet helps reduce inflammation markers such as CRP and TNF-a.

Flaxseed can even improve the lipid and metabolic profiles and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

In your diet, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed. You can sprinkle it in your smoothies, juice, yogurt, cereals, salads, or soups. However, when adding flaxseed to your diet, be sure to drink enough water throughout the day.
4. Almonds

Almond is another rich superfood that helps you slim down. Fiber, protein, and monounsaturated fat contents of almonds help in losing weight. The fiber in almonds make you feel full and nourished so that you avoid unhealthy foods.

According to a 2013 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who ate 1.5 ounces of almonds daily for a period of 4 weeks did not gain significant weight.

The vitamin B and zinc in almonds also help stop sugar cravings.

Eat a handful of dry roasted or soaked almonds, in place of your regular snack. As almonds contain calories, try not to eat more than 1 ounce, or 23 almonds. You can also drink unsweetened almond milk to lose weight.
5. Grapefruit

A 2006 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food reports that eating half of a fresh grapefruit before meals can result in significant weight loss.

Its fat-burning ability comes from its fat-burning enzymes. Even insulin resistance can be improved with fresh grapefruit. Insulin is a fat-storage hormone that can affect your weight.

In 2014, researchers at the University of California-Berkeley found positive effect of grapefruit juice in curbing weight gain in a high-fat diet.

The study was done on 2 groups of mice. One group was fed a high-fat diet and grapefruit juice. The other group was also fed a high-fat diet but with plain water instead of grapefruit juice.

The researchers found that mice who were fed grapefruit juice gained 18 percent less weight compared the the other group.

As a grapefruit contains 90% water, it can fill you up; so you eat less. It is even packed with immune-boosting vitamins and antioxidants, and is also low in calories.

Try eating half a grapefruit before breakfast and the other half before lunch to enhance your body’s fat-burning performance.

Note: Grapefruit may not be suitable for people on certain medications such as statins and antihistamines.
6. Oatmeal

An oatmeal breakfast is great for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy body.

Oatmeal contains beta glucan, a kind of soluble fiber that helps reduce abnormal levels of fat in the blood. It induces greater feelings of fullness and a reduction in hunger.

A 2013 study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition suggests that oatmeal provides more fiber than other ready-to-eat breakfast cereals.

Another study published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition in the same year reports that regular intake of oats can help reduce body weight and waist-to hip ratio.

Eat oatmeal for breakfast. Cook it with skim milk and add healthy toppings such as almonds or berries to keep the calorie content loOranges

orange

Orange is an incredible superfood for weight loss. High fiber and vitamin C contents of the fruit promote weight loss.

A 2005 study published in the journal of the American College of Nutrition notes that people who eat more vitamin C–rich foods have lower body mass index as compared with those who consume less vitamin C. Vitamin C also promotes the production of carnitine in the body, which reduces fat.

Also, the fiber content of orange makes people less likely to gain weight.

A 2009 study published in the Nutrition journal reports that high-fiber foods take longer to chew and slow down the emptying of your stomach. This means fiber keeps you full for longer duration.

This low-calorie fat-free fruit is also a good source of nutrients required for a healthy body. Start your day with an orange and also drink a glass of fresh orange juice daily. However, avoid packaged orange juice as it contains sweeteners and preservatives.
8. Salmon

salmon

Cold-water fish like salmon also boosts your body’s metabolism and helps burn fat faster.

Salmon is packed with good fats, which are conducive to weight loss. Also, the good quality protein in salmon also supports weight loss.

Protein requires more energy from the body to process, thus providing the fat-burning benefits. In addition, lean sources of protein like salmon help you feel full for longer.

A 2011 study published in the journal Metabolism analyzed the differential effects of various fish proteins in altering body weight, adiposity, inflammatory status, and insulin sensitivity in high fat–fed rats and found salmon to be the most effective one.

Salmon also contains vitamin D, which is deficient in many people.

Try to eat two or three servings of salmon per week. You can try grilled or baked salmon dishesAvocados

avocado

Although avocados are high in fat, they are an excellent addition to any weight loss program. The monounsaturated fats in avocados help satisfy hunger and make you feel.

Plus, avocados are rich in L-carnitine, an amino acid used in metabolizing fat.

They also have good amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber, which are effective for weight loss.

A 2014 study published in the Nutrition journal reports adding one-half of a fresh avocado to a lunch made overweight people feel more satisfied by 26% and reduced their desire to eat following a meal by 40% over a 3-hour period, and by 28% over a 5-hour period.

A 2013 study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition highlights the composition and potential health effects of ‘Hass avocados’, the most common commercial avocado cultivars in the world.

The study notes that the consumption of avocados with salads helps in weight management, ideal cardiovascular health, and blood glucose control.

Eat half an avocado every day. The rich texture and flavor of avocado make it a perfect addition to any dip and spread, or when chopped into salads. However, do not overindulge in this rich, creamy fruit.
10. Dark Chocolate

dark chocolate

Many chocolates contribute to weight gain. But dark chocolate can actually help you lose weight. Dark chocolate with a high quantity of cocoa is rich in antioxidants that help you slim down. It even revives your metabolism to burn more fat.

A 2014 study published in Phytotherapy Research highlights the possible implication of dark chocolate in the modulation of obesity and body weight.

Dark chocolate reduces the expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis, thus reducing the digestion and absorption of fats and carbohydrates, and increasing satiety.

Earlier, a 2010 study published in the journal Regulatory Peptides reported that people who either ate or smelled the chocolate that consisted of 85 percent of cocoa showed a drastic reduction in ghrelin and satiated appetites. The hormone ghrelin is produced in the body to increase your appetite.

In addition, the magnesium content of dark chocolate keeps body pain at bay, which makes exercising far more appealing.

It can even help lower blood pressure, increase blood circulation, and prevent arteriosclerosis, all side effects of obesity.

However, dark chocolate is a calorie dense food. Hence, you need to enjoy it in moderation. If you are trying to lose weight, eat an ounce of dark chocolate three times a week, with the composition of cocoa between 70 and 85%.

Home remedies for tooth decay and cavities

Tooth decay and cavities are among the world’s most common oral health problems. These problems are most often seen in children, teenagers and older adults. However, anyone can get cavities.
Dental cavities, also referred to as caries, are holes in the teeth caused by tooth decay. Decay usually occurs due to a bacterial infection that causes demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues in the teeth.
Certain factors can increase the risk of getting cavities, including foods that cling to your teeth for a long time, frequent snacking or sipping, poor oral hygiene, not getting enough fluoride, dry mouth, worn fillings or dental devices. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia can also contribute to serious dental problems due to repeated purging.
The signs and symptoms of cavities vary, depending on the type and the severity of the problem. Some common symptoms include toothache, tooth sensitivity, mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking, visible holes or pits in the infected tooth, and black, brown or white stains on the tooth’s surface.
If cavities aren’t treated, they can lead to severe toothache, infection and even tooth loss. Some of the treatments for tooth decay and cavities are fillings, crowns and root canals.
The first step toward preventing cavities and stopping existing cavities from becoming worse is to take good care of your teeth. Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime. Floss once a day and also clean your tongue daily.
There are also some natural remedies that can help provide relief and maintain good oral health. Also, consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
tooth decay and cavities 1
Here are the top 10 home remedies for tooth decay and cavities.
1. Clove
Clove is one of the most important ingredients for treating any kind of dental issue, including cavities. Due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibacterial properties, clove can help alleviate pain and prevent the cavity from spreading.
tooth decay home remedy
Dilute 2 to 3 drops of clove oil with 1/4 teaspoon of sesame seed oil. Put a few drops of this solution on a cotton ball and dab the solution on the affected tooth. Repeat every night before going to bed.
    Another option is to gently chew a whole clove to extract its oil. Then keep the clove under your tongue for several minutes.
Note: Do not use clove oil in excess or too frequently as it best used for temporary relief.
2. Salt
Salt can also be used to treat cavities due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It can reduce inflammation, ease pain, draw out any infection and prevent growth of bacteria in the mouth.
  Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish a mouthful of this solution around in your mouth for 1 minute, concentrating on the affected tooth. Follow this treatment 3 times a day until your symptoms subside.
    Alternatively, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a little mustard oil or lemon juice to make a paste. Massage the gums gently with this paste for a few minutes, then gargle with warm water. Repeat twice daily for a few days to kill bacteria.

3. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an age-old practice that can reduce cavities as well as bleeding gums and bad breath. It helps clean the mouth of harmful bacteria that are responsible for different types of dental problems.
  Put 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in your mouth.
    Gently swish it around for about 20 minutes.
    Spit it out. Avoid gargling or swallowing the oil.
    Rinse your mouth out with warm water. Use salt water for added antimicrobial benefits.
    Brush your teeth as usual.
    Do this daily in the morning, on an empty stomach.
This can also be done with sunflower or coconut oil.
4. Garlic
Being rich in antibacterial as well as antibiotic properties, garlic is often recommended for tooth decay and cavities. It can also provide respite from pain and promote healthier gums and teeth.
  Prepare a paste from 3 to 4 crushed garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon of rock salt. Apply it on the infected tooth. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing with a mouthwash. Do this twice daily for a few weeks to reduce cavities.
    You can also rub garlic oil on the affected tooth to get quick relief from pain due to a cavity.
    Eating raw garlic regularly can also provide effective results.

5. Licorice
According to a study published in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Natural Products, licorice root may help keep teeth healthy. There are two effective antibacterial compounds in dried licorice root – licoricidin and licorisoflavan A – that can prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Plus, this herb can also reduce plaque.
 Use dried licorice root powder to brush your teeth on a regular basis.
    You can also use a soft stick of licorice like a toothbrush to brush your teeth daily.
6. Turmeric
In Ayurveda, turmeric is often used to provide respite from cavity pain. It has antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help keep the gums healthy and prevent tooth decay due to bacterial infection.
  Apply some turmeric powder on the affected teeth. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse well with warm water.
    Another option is to mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little mustard oil and use it to massage your teeth and gums. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then spit it out.
Repeat either of these remedies once or twice daily for at least a few days.

Dangote Ends Nigeria’s Dependence on Imported Cement

Having ramped up cement output from its factories within Nigeria to nearly 30 million tonnes per annum, the Dangote Group tuesday announced that it had officially ended the nation dependence on imported cement.
The company also hinted that it exported 400,000 tonnes of the product to other nations in 2016.

In its 2016 full year audited results presented on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in Lagos yesterday, Dangote Cement sold 8.6 million metric tonnes of cement outside Nigeria, which is 54 per cent more than what was sold in 2015.

Analysts said the export is significant, given that the nation used to be a net importer of cement.
As at 2011, Nigeria was one of the world’s largest importers of cement, buying 5.1 million metric tonnes of foreign cement at huge expense to the country’s balance of trade.

The company’s Pan-African cement plants continued to perform well, contributing significantly to its turnover and profitability.

While presenting the results, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Onne van der Weijde, assured the investors of better returns on their investment in the Dangote Cement.
According to him, “The new year has started well and we expect much higher profitability in Nigeria in 2017, even though we may not see the volume growth we achieved in 2016. I am confident that we will deliver an even stronger performance in 2017 as we increase market share and extend our reach across Africa.”

The economic challenges notwithstanding, Weijde revealed that Dangote Cement achieved sales and revenue growth of 25 per cent and consolidated its position as Africa’s leading producer of cement.

While sales from Nigerian operations increased by 13.8 per cent to nearly 15.1 million metric tons at a growth rate far higher than the country’s GDP, which fell in 2016, its total revenue leaped by 25.1 per cent to 615.1 billion
To the delight of the investors, Dangote Cement earnings per share increased by 4.5 per cent to 11.34 and the dividend payout to the shareholders also increased significantly by 6.3 per cent to N8.5 kobo per share.
Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with nearly 46 million metric tons’ capacity across Africa.
It is a fully integrated quarry-to-customer producer with production capacity of 29.25Mta in Nigeria; Obajana plant in Kogi State is the largest in Africa with 13.25Mta of capacity across four lines; Ibese plant in Ogun State has four cement lines with a combined installed capacity of 12Mta and Gboko plant in Benue State has 4Mta.

The company has also concluded arrangements to build new factories in Ogun State (3-6Mta) and Edo State (6.0Mta). Through its recent investments, Dangote Cement has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and has transformed the nation into a net exporter of cement serving neighbouring countries.

In addition, the company has invested several billion dollars to build manufacturing plants and import/grinding terminals across Africa. Its operations are in Cameroon (1.5Mta clinker grinding), Congo (1.5Mta), Ghana (1.0Mta import), Ethiopia (2.5Mta), Senegal (1.5Mta), Sierra Leone (0.7Mta import), South Africa (3.3Mta), Tanzania (3.0Mta), Zambia (1.5Mta).

As New Devt Bank Takes off, Finance Ministry, CBN Parley on Intervention for SMEs

As the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) begins the final processes of take-off, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has disclosed that her ministry is in discussions with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the need to use the emerging bank to convey any of the CBN’s subsequent Small, Medium Enterpries’ (SMEs) interventions.
Adeosun also stated that the DBN is being positioned to galvanise the SMEs sector for the overall development of the nation’s economy.

According to her, the present administration is aware of the role of SMEs in national economy, hence the resolve to position the DBN as a catalyst for the development of the SMEs.
The minister, who spoke during a Board/Management/Development partners’ retreat of the DBN in Abuja, last Monday, also assured the board that the federal government is ready to provide support for the new development financial institution.

The DBN had convened its development partners and incoming management team and Board of Directors for an inaugural strategy retreat, in order to ready itself for immediate operation upon the issuance of its licence by the CBN.
A statement issued by the minister’s media aide, Mr. Festus Akanbi, said she decried the present situation where SMEs account for 45 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but just 10 per cent of bank credit.
She pointed out that currently, Nigeria’s financing of MSMEs lagged significantly behind other countries, including Brazil (63 per cent), Ghana (36 per cent), China (30 per cent), Kenya (24 per cent), and South Africa (21 per cent).

However, the minister who disclosed that the operating licence for DBN was expected imminently also believed that through the activities of the DBN, some of the problems currently discouraging the growth of the SMEs sector would be effectively tackled.
She stated that DBN would lend to microfinance banks, which will in turn develop specific products for specific markets at a lower interest rate than currently available to SMEs.

The DBN is a wholesale financial institution, which aims to increase access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through eligible financial intermediaries (“participating financial institutions”).
It will have access to US$1.3 billon (N396.5 billion), which will be provided by the World Bank, KfW (German Development Bank), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Agence Française de Development (French Development Agency).

I Will Not Run against Buhari, Says Tinubu

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, has said he will never contest against President Muhammadu Buhari nor will he support anyone who does so.

In a statement filled with vitriol over a this news report published tuesday on his preparations for a run for the presidency, the former Lagos State governor denied it, stating that he was not preparing to contest for the presidency in the 2019 elections.

He said the story was aimed at placing him at odds with Buhari, adding that it was baseless.
A statement by his media office said: “First, Tinubu is not gearing up for a presidential run. So there will not be any doubt about this core matter, we shall state Tinubu’s position clearly and unequivocally.

“As long as that patriotic and committed man named Muhammadu Buhari holds and seeks to hold the mantle as our president, then Tinubu stands behind him in unwavering support and confidence.

“Tinubu remains faithful to the mission of progressive reform and change that President Buhari, he and the All Progressives Congress (APC) members have started.

“Tinubu was instrumental in the formation and success of the APC. His toil and efforts helped establish this government. He is not one to tear down something he laboured so dutifully to build.”
The statement said the report misrepresented the mild banter Tinubu had with journalists at the inauguration of Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

“When asked about future political office, Tinubu said he could not discount that possibility if the nation called upon him for such service, provided, he emphasised, that all political conditions were appropriate; particularly the office in question would have to be vacant, even if it’s local government area chairmanship.

“In our political lexicon, this means the office is not held by a member of the APC in good standing. We all know this.

“Moreover, if you really listen to his words, Tinubu did not mention any office or any timeframe. The conditions he mentioned may not become ripe for years to come and they might not pertain to the presidency.
“In effect, all he said was the position that any political figure would hold.

“As a politician, he cannot preclude the possibility of running for office in the future because no man knows what the future will hold,” the statement added.

The statement signed by Tinubu’s media aide, Mr. Tunde Rahman, stressed that his principal has not held any planning meetings for any such presidential campaign and is not contemplating any such meetings.

“He has no present list of possible running mates because he has no present intention of running,” it noted.
It also described as false that Tinubu ever contemplated leaving the APC to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PCP), saying: “Asiwaju is acknowledged to be the intellectual father and the driving force behind the APC. It makes no sense that he would abandon the party that he worked hard to build in order to enter the dilapidated building the PDP has become.

“Asiwaju worked for over 16 years to break the PDP yoke on the nation. After breaking that yoke, it is not in his nature to voluntarily place it back on our necks.

“Anyone who has followed his career, even his staunchest critics, knows Asiwaju for his partisan consistency. He is not a party hopper.

“He is loyal and sticks with the party to which he belongs. After fighting for so many years to elevate his party to the position of national leadership, he would not give that away in order to join with those who blame him for their currently bleak political circumstance.”

The statement added that any attempt to put Tinubu at odds with the president would fail, saying he supports and stands behind Buhari.

“He wishes the president well and that he returns soon. Whether the president is here or away, he has the full loyalty of Asiwaju Tinubu.

“President Buhari can rest assured on this point: Asiwaju Tinubu will never contest against him nor will he support anyone who does,” it said.