The prestigious International Accounting Bulletin (AIB) in its recent 2024 Country Survey of Accounting firms in Nigeria has rated GBC-Reanda as the 11th local Accounting firm in Nigeria.

In its previous year’s rating, the organization was ranked 16th. This year’s improved ranking is a demostration of GBC-Reanda’s steadfast dedication to providing outstanding services and exceeding client expectations.

The ranking process started with the Bulletin’s invitation of Accounting firms in Nigeria to present their organizations and evidence of their compliance with best global practice in Accounting profession an assessment which was in conformity with IAB World Survey data.

According to the publication “We are delighted to share that your firm climbed up to rank 11th in Nigeria, according to the 2024 Nigeria Survey of IAB. Congratulations”

GBC, now GBC-Reanda International, was established in 1996 and has continued to provide qualitative value added services to its diverse, ever growing clientele in different sectors of the economy. The firm is endowed with highly competent and experienced professionals with a wide exposure to all aspects of Accounting, Financial Management and General Business Administration.

According to Managing Pattner of the firm, Sir Gbenga Badejo, FCA, KJW, “we are a composite one stop professional & consulting firm providing Professional Services, Business Consulting & Financial Advisory Services to clients in various sectors of the economy. The firm is principally driven by sound professional and business principles geared towards providing value added services through highly experienced and well-trained professionals.”

He revealed that in the firm’s over 28 years of existence, over 250 Accounting Professionals have been trained, who are all out in various Sectors to add value within the Consulting and Accounting chain of the Global economy.

Sir Gbenga Badejo sees a better future of impact and value in the organization’s continuous drive towards professional excellence.

***Lauss Tinubu for naming of National Theatre after him

Nigeria’s literary legend, Professor Wole Soyinka at his 90th birthday today has been idolized by the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa as she joined Nigerians and the global community in celebrating him.
A statement by the special adviser on Media Nneka Ikem Anibeze quoted the Minister to have congratulated Professor Soyinka on this remarkable milestone and acknowledged his enduring legacy.

“I wish to extend our warmest congratulations to the Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka on his 90th birthday. His contributions to literature and culture have immensely impacted our nation and the world. His legacy continues to inspire generations, and we are honored to celebrate him today.

“This milestone is a testament to his remarkable life, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in literature, culture, and the arts. Prof Soyinka’s contributions to Nigeria and the world are immeasurable. His writings have inspired generations, and his tireless advocacy for justice, equity, and human rights has left an indelible mark on our society.

“As we celebrate him today, we honor his legacy, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of our nation. His life’s work has been a beacon of hope, inspiring countless individuals to strive for greatness.
We are grateful for his inspiring life and legacy, and we look forward to many more years of wisdom, guidance, and inspiration”.

Musawa also expressed her excitement at the renaming of the National Theatre to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and heartily welcomed the change to the beloved Nigerian cultural landmark.

“This renaming bears testament to the enduring legacy of Professor Wole Soyinka, whose contributions to literature and culture have immensely impacted our nation and the world as a whole.
“The National Theatre will continue to be an icon of creativity and a symbol of our rich cultural heritage”.

The renaming comes at an appropriate time, as the theatre gears up to reopen after undergoing extensive renovations by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Banker’s Committee to transform the Theatre into a world-class center of culture.

The General Manager of the National Theatre, Mrs. Adetola Akerele Alao acknowledged the significant contributions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Banker’s Committee towards the renovations.

“The National Theatre has always been a cornerstone of Nigerian culture, cherished by generations. “Through engaging programming, and the transformation of this repository of cultural legacy into a reputable center of creativity and community, our goal is to revive that sense of awe and wonder. And under the public-private partnership with the CBN/Bankers Committee, we are confident of a sustainable cultural impact”.

In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, government is committed to promoting cultural education and entertainment infrastructure. The proposed Media City, modelled after the Dubai Media City, will provide state-of-the-art facilities for film production, conference centers, and performance spaces. Existing entertainment venues and stadia will be upgraded, and new ones constructed across the country.

“As we celebrate Professor Soyinka’s 90th birthday, we also announce the establishment of an animation hub to support young talents and attract global animation studios. This initiative will provide opportunities for collaboration and skill development in the creative sector”.

The renovations to the National Theatre commenced three years ago, marking a significant chapter in the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has designated October 1st, 2024—Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary—as the date for the grand reopening of this iconic institution. The Theatre is scheduled to reopen with a spectacular array of world-class performances in the arts and an exclusive showcase of the National Art Collection. This momentous occasion promises to celebrate not only the rebirth of a cultural landmark but also the enduring spirit of Nigerian creativity and excellence.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, should not provoke a Kenyan-style uprising in the country through his highly condescending and degrading comments, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Monday, has warned

Frank’s warning is coming in reaction to Akpabio’s recent comments where he gave parliament’s anticipatory approval to President Bola Tinubu for a new presidential aircraft worth billions of Naira.
Akpabio had while reacting to social media reports that he had allegedly vowed to approve the purchase of new aircraft for the president despite excruciating hardship, denied that there was any such request before the Senate.

He however added that if such a request is made, the Senate will approve it in order to forestall the kind of air mishap that claimed the lives of the President of Iran and Vice President of Malawi.

According to Frank, Akpabio has been talking recklessly adding that he has been talking down on Nigerians and making mockery of the Senate and National Assembly.

He said: “One of the cardinal role of the parliament is to serve as a check and balance on the other arms of government but Akpabio has derailed by deciding on and goading the executive on what expenditure to make irrespective of the economic plight of taxpayers.

“His effrontery and audacity in turning legislative procedures upside down notwithstanding, his verbiage at times rudely assaults our democracy, denigrate Nigerians as a public official in a position of trust and a mockery of the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly stands for.

“Akpabio can choose to be President Bola Tinubu’s cheerleader, praise singer and errand boy, but he must not reduce the National Assembly to an organ extending anticipatory approvals for requests yet to be made by the executive and justifying same.

“Akpabio must learn to limit his actions to those within the ambit of his constitutional role by ensuring diligent scrutiny of money bills before the Senate to prevent profligacy and waste and equally refrain from talking down on Nigerians and taxpayers who own the office he now occupies.

“Above all, he must be mindful of the uprising in Senegal that led to the election of 44 years youthful opposition Bassirou Diomaye Faye and the ongoing one in Kenya where the youths invaded the parliament to stop lawmakers from considering an anti-people Finance Bill and the attendant killings of scores by security forces which has sparked a call for President William Ruto’s resignation despite his hasty withdrawal of the Bill.”

He noted that according to reports in the media, the Presidential Air Fleet currently consists of six aircraft, namely, Boeing 737, Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream GV, Two Falcon 7Xs and a Challenger CL605. Also in the PAF are six helicopters made up of two Agusta 139s and four Agusta 189s.

According to him, media reports show that the average budgetary allocation for the maintenance of the Presidential Air Fleet in Nigeria from 1999 to 2024 amount to N214billion, as follows: 1999 to 2000 – N7billion, 2011 – N17.98billion and N3.54billion, 2013 – N7.5billion, 2014 – N7.97billion and 2015 – N5.19billion.

Others are: 2016 – N3.6 billion, 2017 – N4.37billion, 2018 – N7.26billion, 2019 – N7.297billion, 2020 – N8.51 billion, 2021 – N12.55billion, 2022 – N12.48billion, 2023 – N25.7billion, and 2024 – N20.5 billion.

He said: “It’s important to note that the age of an aircraft does not necessarily determine its safety or airworthiness. Aircraft are subject to regular maintenance and inspections to ensure they are safe to operate, regardless of their age. So the question is: What happened to the about N214billion allocated in annual budgets for maintenance of the Presidential Fleet from 1999 till date?

“So why can’t Akpabio launch an investigation into how the N214billion was spent or recommend that some of the aircraft or helicopters be sold to augment the cost of buying new ones instead of waiting for a hefty proposal from the executive for express approval?

“Akpabio must realise that being a Senate President is not a right but a privilege and being a privilege he must guard it with decency and decorum by doing the work of Senate President according to law with at least a modicum of respect and consideration for ordinary Nigerians on behalf of whom he claims to be there.

“He should not also forget that if not for a compromised Judiciary, he would not have had a seat in the 10th National Assembly. Nigerians are no fools! He must know that elected government officials are expected to serve the people and not to oppress them.”