EX MILITANT TOMPOLO BUYS A PRIVATE JET

For those who haven’t heard, 43 year old ex-militant, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) on Monday 26th August 2013 received his LearJet 60SE produced by Canadian aerospace company Bombardier. The Jet according to aviation sources cost a whopping sum of $13.3 million (N2.12 billion).

The aim of this article is not to rubbish the person of Tompolo, [what is there to rubbish anyway] but to address inter alia; the scenarios that continue to play out in favour of his ilk, institutions and systems that perpetually endeavour to make his likes overnight celebrities. I would also analyse the opportunity cost of his latest toy.

The Man Tompolo

Tompolo was born Government Oweizide Ekpumopolo in 1970 into the family of Chief Thomas Osei Ekpempulo and Mrs Sologha Ekpemupol of Okorenkoko in Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of present Delta State. He attended Edah Primary School, Madagho and Kunpa Primary School, Kunukunuma before later proceeding to National Comprehensive College, Warri where he completed the SSCE in 1993.

After a brief stint as Managing Director of his father's family business, Tompolo Nigeria Limited, his militancy career began in 1997, during the struggle to ‘liberate’ the Ijaws from the dominance of its neighbours -- the Itsekiris. General Sani Abacha had then relocated Warri South Local Government headquarters from Ogbe-Ijoh to Itsekiri’s Ogidiben and thus, an Ijaw ‘Soldier’ was born.

After the struggle, he relocated to Oporoza due to threats to his life and there, he started the struggle against the oil majors and the federal government for what he perceived as injustice against ‘their land’–usually the rhetoric for Niger Delta militants.

True to his name, Government Ekpumopolo was an authority of some sort. Traditional rulers, local council men, lawmakers, governors differ to him. To show the power Tompolo wields, during the visit of then Vice President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to his terrorist headquarters at the notorious Camp 5, he instructed all the Vice President’s entourage, security details, and other officials to stay outside the camp, allowing only Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in for ‘consultation’ (I wonder what they must have agreed in secret).

He led several ‘successful’ guerrilla attacks against Shell, almost crippling their production capacity in the Niger Delta. The company had no choice but to start paying some sort of ‘security fees’ to the warlord.

Tompolo started consulting in security matters for the oil companies, the Federal Government and the Joint Task Force to maintain some level of peace. Things got out of hand after his men beheaded 11 military men comprising of 1 officer and 10 rank and file of the Nigerian Army. That development forced the Chairman of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, Brig. Gen. Sarkin Yaki Bello to declare him wanted, dead or alive.

His Entrance Into The Nigerian Billionaires Club

When the late President Musa Yar'adua took oath of Office in May 2007, he promised to bring an end to the Niger Delta insurgency, offering them a state pardon for all their criminal atrocities.

In June 2009 when the implementation of the amnesty programme started, thousands of youth surrendered their arms and ammunitions, with a report stating that Tompolo along with 1,500 militants handed in a cache of weapons that included general purpose machine guns, grenades, rocket propelled grenade launchers, explosives and a large number of assorted weapons.

Unfortunately, President Yar’adua who originated the idea died of some ailment and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the Vice President as it then was, took the reins of power.

In what seemed like an opportunity-comes-but-once-so-lets-seize-it-and-settle-the-boys-bigtime-kind-of-contract, the Goodluck administration through NIMASA, headed by Ziadeke Akpobolokemi (said to be Tompolo’s candidate for the NIMASA job), awarded a contract worth $103.4million (N15billion) maritime surveillance contract to Tompolo’s company--Global West Vessel Specialist Limited (GWVSL). The contract stated that GWVSL will provide security for oil pipelines, repel pirates and oil thieves, guard the nation waterways and also (wait for this), COLLECT LEVIES ON BEHALF OF NIMASA. The agency said about N124billion is expected to be generated by GWVSL for the federal government.

In a memo dated 9 November, 2011 with reference number PRES/99/MT/61 and titled Award Of Contract For The Strategic Concessioning Partnership With NIMASA To Provide Platforms For Tracking Ships And Cargoes, Enforce Regulatory Compliance And Surveillance Of The Entire Nigerian Maritime Domain, President Jonathan approved the contract and it was rubber stamped by the Federal Executive council in one of its weekly contract awarding bazaars on 5 January, 2012.

The contract will run for 10 years, though President Jonathan through NIMASA has promised not to renew the contract after the expiration of its present term. But to show how desperate Jonathan was in securing the contract for his friend and personal confidant – Tompolo – he wrote to the National Assembly, withdrawing an earlier similar proposal submitted by his predecessor which sought to create a coast guard comprising of all the security agencies to man the country’s maritime domain. But why should he not, when NIMASA presently pays Tompolo’s GWVSL N49m weekly for vessel hired by the agency?

The Nigerian Debacle

We have heard over and over how the Nigerian system rewards honest labour with hardship and award criminal endeavours with the juicy contracts and patronage which only feather the nest of cronies.

Fellow militants who didn’t labour (killed) as much as Tompolo weren’t rewarded as much. I pity men of the Nigerian Military who daily sacrifice their lives for nothing. I hope Abubakar Shekau will not be given the same ‘heroic’ welcome whenever he leads his comrades-at-arms to accept the amnesty proposals of the Jonathan-administration.

Despite the huge amount being paid to Tompolo, Nigeria’s Maritime Domain has been less secure. Crude oil theft has reached an all-time high, threatening Nigeria’s income. Coordinating minister of the economy last July, lamented the alarming rate at which Nigeria’s income from oil was being depleted due to oil theft and bunkering. Tompolo’s militant colleague, Asari Dokubo has threatened to destroy Nigeria and march his opponents’ bullet for bullet, bomb for bomb, and missile for missile if Dr. Goodluck Jonathan isn’t re-elected in 2015, because only his stay in office will guarantee Tompolo's business which will in turn guarantee continued oil bunkering and theft in the Niger-Delta.

The Opportunity Cost Of Bombardier 60SE Learjet

Economist define opportunity cost as the alternative forgone. It is the cost of an alternative that must be forgone in order to pursue a certain action. Put another way, it is the benefit you could have received by taking an alternative action. In layman’s terms, opportunity cost is the other product that would rather have satisfied your want.

An Example: If you need a Plasma Television and an iphone; and you divert your limited resources to purchase the iphone, the opportunity cost (i.e. what it is costing you) is a Plasma Television set.

Investopedia cites this vivid example: if a gardener decides to grow carrots, his or her opportunity cost is the alternative crop that might have been grown instead (potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins, etc.).

In both cases, a choice between two options must be made.

A LearJet 60SE cost $13.3 million (N2.12 billion), a N2.12 billion we could have invested into other productive ventures had the contract not been awarded to Tompolo in the first instant.

The opportunity cost of Tompolo's private Jet are enormous, I have defined what opportunity cost is, please fill up the comment section with your suggestions of public goods we could have purchased with our collective N2.12 billion in the hands of an ex-militant.(Remember say ASUU dey strike o.. and graduates no even fit get job) LOOD Naija

NIGERIA 2 - 0 MALAWI

Nigeria earned passage into the final round of Caf qualification for World Cup 2014 with a 2-0 victory over Malawi in Calabar on Saturday.

The Super Eagles were helped by goals from returnee striker Emmanuel Emenika and a penalty from attacker Victor Moses.

The game began on a very competitive note with Liverpool loan signing Moses and Ahmed Musa tormenting the James Sangala-anchored Malawian defence. As early as the second minute, Limbikani Mzava was booked for a rough challenge on Moses who was on a goal-bound move.
Despite gaining most of the ball possession, Nigeria failed to get the curtain raiser as they failed to create clear cut chances.  The attack-minded Eagles did not relent as they challenged Tom Santifiet’s men for every ball.

In the 11th minute, Musa saw his opportunity declared offside after he got a well-tailored cross from John Obi Mikel. Few minutes later, Ogenyi Onazi's shot went just wide as Stephen Keshi's men continued their search of the early goal.

Malawi shot-stopper, Simplex Nthara repaid the faith shown in him by Tom Saintfiet to start the game with a brilliant save off the boot of Efe Ambrose followed by another super effort in the 26th minute to deny Moses the opening goal.

As the first half petered out, Emenike put Nigeria ahead with a very cool finish off a pinpoint cross from Onazi. Despite resolute defending from the Malawians, they allowed the Fenerbahce striker sneak in to chip the ball past Simplex to calm the nerves of the hosts.

In the early minutes of the second half, Musa failed to double Nigeria’s lead after missing a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper who gathered safely to keep the Flames in the game. Shortly afterwards Emenike was denied by the same goalkeeper.

The Eagles, however, put the game beyond the reach of the Malawians in the 51st minute after Brescia forward Nnamdi Oduamadi was forcefully brought down by Flames skipper James Sangala. Moses shot the resultant penalty past Simplex to give the Eagles a comfortable lead.

A few minutes later, the visitors were reduced to 10 men after Limbikani Mzava was sent off for a second yellow to compound Malawi's misery.

Musa's battle with the Malawi goalkeeper continued in the 68th minute as he was unable to score again in a one on one situation. Even with the introduction of Newcastle forward Shola Ameobi for his competitive debut, Nosa Igiebor and Uche Nwofor, Nigeria failed to get the third goal after missing several scoring chances.

With this result, Nigeria are now through to the final play-off round of World Cup 2014 qualification and will know their opponents when the draw is made in a few days. LOOD Naija

JAY Z IN HIS MULTI MILLION LUXURY

 

 

The documentary of American rap star, Jay Z’s ‘Made In America’ music festival is set to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2013.

 

A month later, precisely on October 11, the documentary of the annual two-day music festival will hit Showtime Cable Network. Basically, the documentary will chronicle Jay Z creating the festival which held in September 2012.

 

Held in Philadelphia, the concert featured performances by some other artistes including Kanye West, Drake, Tyler, Pearl Jam and Run DMC. Interviews by some of the artistes have been said to also feature in the documentary.

 

The film was directed by Ron Howard with the trailer for the documentary already out.

Showtime president of entertainment, David Nevins, said, “Ron Howard and Jay-Z have crafted an inspirational portrayal of American resilience, drive and creativity, interwoven with an incredible showcase of musical talent.”

 

At this year’s show, however, Jay Z’s wife, Beyonce Knowles, entertained the crowd with a 90-minute performance that featured songs like ‘Crazy in Love’ and ‘Single Ladies (Put a ring on it).

 

Jay Z is one of the world’s most successful hip hop artistes, having sold over 40 million albums in his career.

 

In June 2013, Samsung bought a million copies of his recent album, ‘Magna Carta Holy Grail’, for $5 each, to put on some of their models for customers, prior to its official release.

 

 Jay Z: From the streets to a life of luxury

 

Shawn Corey Carter, better known as Jay Z is one of the most successful music artistes with 17 Grammy awards and a track record of achievements as a rapper and record producer. Jay Z, who is arguably one of the greatest rappers of all time, has sold approximately 50 million albums worldwide.

 

 Born on December 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, United States, Jay Z’s foray into business has also paid off, in spite of his poor background. Jay Z was only 11 years when his father, Adnes Reeves, abandoned the family, leaving him and his three siblings to the care of their mother, Gloria Carter.

 

He once admitted in his music to having been involved in selling crack cocaine as a street boy and also claimed that at age 12, he shot his older brother in the shoulder for stealing his jewellery. He claimed that he himself was shot at three times during that time of his life.

 

But today, Jay Z is an entrepreneur with a stake in NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. He co-owns the 40/40 Club and is also the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and the clothing line, Rocawear.

 

 In 2012, Forbes estimated Jay Z’s worth at nearly $500 million (N80bn). Remarkably, Jay Z started his music career selling his CDs out of his car because he could not get a major label to give him a record deal.

 

It seems that Jay Z is still very much connected to his roots as an African-American. His contributions to the Broadway show, Fela, which celebrated the work of the late Nigerian music legend, Fela Kuti, was a case in point. Jay Z said that Kuti’s work and life story inspired him and stirred up his interest to support the production of the musical.

 

Jay Z is publicly known to be friends with US President, Barack Obama, and both parties have openly confessed their friendship. He was a supporter of Obama’s candidacy to become a senator and later, the US president. Recently, Jay Z admitted in an interview that he and Obama exchange text messages.

 

“Yeah, I’ve spoken to him on the phone and had texts from Obama, of course,” he once said.

In the past, Obama has also been quoted as saying, “Every time I talk to Jay Z, who is a brilliant talent and a good guy, I enjoy how he thinks. That’s somebody who is going to start branching out and can help shape attitudes in a real positive way.”

 

Jay Z is married to American R and B singer, Beyonce Knowles, who he gave a $5 million (N800m) wedding ring in 2008. The couple lives a lavish lifestyle and their daughter, Blue Ivy, has also not been left out.

 

Jay Z once joked in an interview on TV that he knew he would “probably have the worst, spoiled little kid ever,” and he had reasons for saying so. Blue Ivy was born amid a $125,000 (N22m) security operation which saw a bulletproof door temporarily installed at the entrance to Beyonce’s room at the New York hospital where she delivered.

 

It is said that Blue Ivy has her own nursery at a basketball stadium that costs $1 million (N160m) a year to rent. When Blue Ivy was just five days old, the couple reportedly bought her a $21,000 (N3.36m) crib. And don’t forget the $16,000 (N2.56m) high chair lined with crystals, designed by Carla Monchen, from which Blue Ivy can eat when she is old enough.

 

Jay Z owns a 14-room apartment in one of the world’s most luxurious apartment buildings, the Trump World Towers in New York, at a cost of $65,000 (N10.4m) a month. In addition, the couple owns a property spread on about 2 acres of land in Scarsdale, New York . The couple also owns a large mansion in Indian Creek Island, Florida, which was their onetime residence. The house has 7 bedrooms, 8 full and two partial baths, a tile roof, and a pool.

 

 But that is not all, Jay Z has a $40 million (N6.4bn) private jet, a Bombardier Challenger 850, which was presented to him as a gift by his wife on the occasion of Father’s Day. The jet can accommodate 15 passengers and boasts a living room, two bathrooms and a kitchen. By the way, the couple also has a yacht that reportedly costs them $377,000 (N60.32m) a week. And what is it they say about a man’s car saying a lot about him? Well, if that’s the case, then Jay Z’s garage screams about his flamboyant lifestyle. Consider this! Jay Z has a Maybach Exelero, a super luxury car customised to his taste and priced at a whooping $8m (N1.28bn).

 

The car, report says, has a special place in his car collection. Jay Z also has a Bugatti Veyron, the world’s fastest legal sports car, estimated to cost about $2 million (N320m). Also in Jay Z’s garage are other luxury cars like the Pagani Zonda, Rolls Royce Phantom, Ferrari F430 Spider and the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet.

 

Jay-Z, who is known to be a lover of art work, wears Radii 420 Top Sneakers. He is also a fan of Air Jordan sneakers from Nike. However, Jay Z’s preferred phone is the Blackberry and he has been spotted several times using his customised Blackberry Porsche designed P’9981 Smartphone. As a birthday gift in December 2012, Beyonce gave Jay Z a $5 million (N800m) Hublot wristwatch, which has 1,282 diamonds in all on its case, dial and bracelet. The watch was said to be the most precious watch ever created by the watch company. LOOD Naija

D'BANJ GOT INVITATION FROM HENNESSY IN PARIS

 

To many, D’banj is not on top of his game when it comes to music but the guy is having a ball at the moment no matter what his critics say.

 

Oh yes, the Koko Master is in Paris having been invited by Hennessy.

 

Don’t forget that the entertainer is the sole headliner of this year’s Hennessy Artistry and he has even released the theme track for this edition.

 

Saturday Beats gathered that D’banj flew into France from the US where he went to attend Davido’s sister’s wedding.

 

 According to his people, he is already in Cognac (The home of Hennessy) where he’s staying at the Chateau De Bangolet.

 

Others on the visit are his manager Tony Nwakalor, Hennessy Brand manager Lere Awokoya, Marketing Manager Moet Hennessy Nigeria, David Hourdry, Bolaji Kekere-Eku of 37th State and Ayeni Adekunle of BHM. LOOD Naija

WIZKID WAS STONED BY FANS

It all started as a joke, he was simply somebody who nobody would give a second glance. That era has gone. Today, he is an A-list act, headlining shows, getting endorsement deals and basically, making millions. He is called Wizkid.

 

 No doubt, the young lad has paid his dues as it were, for few years back, nobody would have thought the ‘errand boy’ would grow to become this big. Indeed, his talents and luck, shone and now, Wizkid is a superstar.

 

 But it seems stardom is getting to his head.

Recently, the Internet was agog when the singer called a fan ‘broke’ for correcting a grammatical error he made.

The singer posted on his instagram that he was about to perform at a wedding with ‘an hangover’. The crime of the fan was telling Wizkid the correct thing to say was ‘a hangover’.

 

His reply angered fans who quickly reminded him that he was not born rich and it was the ‘broke’ fans who made him who he is at the moment.

 

Wiz hasn’t only been misbehaving online. The kid took his arrogance to another height when he allegedly poured his drink on a fan in London.

 

Speculation has it that all the fan did was to reach out to Wizkid to greet him. Probably trying to impress an American hip-hop sensation, Wiz allegedly called the fan, Oloshi (Idiot). The shocked American took to instagram to talk about Wiz’s atiitude.

The singer posted on his instagram that he was about to perform at a wedding with ‘an hangover’. The crime of the fan was telling Wizkid the correct thing to say was ‘a hangover’.

 

His reply angered fans who quickly reminded him that he was not born rich and it was the ‘broke’ fans who made him who he is at the moment.

 

Wiz hasn’t only been misbehaving online. The kid took his arrogance to another height when he allegedly poured his drink on a fan in London.

 

Speculation has it that all the fan did was to reach out to Wizkid to greet him. Probably trying to impress an American hip-hop sensation, Wiz allegedly called the fan, Oloshi (Idiot). The shocked American took to instagram to talk about Wiz’s atiitude.

Another fan Reginald said, “Wizzy is just a kid and that is what he will be until he grows up! Let’s keep praying he grows soon.” LOOD Naija