Ridoola's blog

President Muhammadu Buhari has just addressed Nigerians on New Year's Day. Here's what he said. President Muhammadu Buhari addressed Nigerians via a nationwide broadcast on New Year's Day. The president's speech dwelt on restructuring, power, rail infrastructure and the petrol scarcity gripping the nation. The address lasted for 24 minutes. The full text of the president's address is reproduced below: I join my fellow citizens this morning to welcome and celebrate the New Year 2018. This year promises to be pivotal in our quest for CHANGE. Unfortunately, I am saddened to acknowledge that for many this Christmas and New Year holidays have been anything but merry and happy. Instead of showing love, companionship and charity, some of our compatriots chose this period to inflict severe hardship on us all by creating unnecessary fuel scarcity across the country. The consequence was that not many could travel and the few who did had to pay exorbitant tr

The government had earlier blamed petrol marketers for the fuel scarcity that has ravaged the country for about a month. President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to deal with the people sabotaging the efforts of the Federal Government on the adequate supply of fuel, thereby by causing the ongoing scarcity. The government had earlier blamed petrol marketers for the fuel scarcity that has ravaged the country for about a month. Buhari made the assertion in his New Year message to Nigerians, adding that he is "saddened" by the fuel scarcity. He said, "Some of our comrades chose to inflict hardship on us all. "I am determined to get to the root of this collective blackmail on all Nigerians to ensure such scarcity does not occur again" . Details soon. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

He admitted that the year 2017 was a challenging one for many Nigerians but expressed optimism that the new year would be better. National Chairman of the All Progressives Comgress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is making efforts to fulfil its 2015 promises. He admitted that the year 2017 was a challenging one for many Nigerians but expressed optimism that the new year would be better. Oyegun stated in Abuja in his New Year message. He said, "Indeed, the collective task before us is converting our country’s potential – derived from size, demography, human and natural resources –to greatness. "While the task may seem onerous, it is achievable. With the right ethics, morality, attitudes and priorities, we will get out of our current societal morass that has found expression in our economic challenges, bad politics, ethno-religious divisions and other negative aspects of our national life, sooner than sceptics

NAF spokesman said the postings and redeployment came as a result of the recent promotion of senior NAF officers to the next higher ranks. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the postings and redeployment of 41 senior officers comprising 19 Air Vice Marshals (AVMs), 14 Air Commodores and four Group Captains. Others are two Wing Commanders and two Squadron Leaders. The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya , announced this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, December 31, 2017. Adesanya explained that the postings and redeployment came as a result of the recent promotion of senior NAF officers to the next higher ranks. He explained further that though a routine exercise, it was aimed at ensuring that NAF was effectively manned for operational efficiency and effectiveness. He said, "Prominent among those affected by the new postings are: AVM Lawal Alao who is now the Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff

From Segun Arinze to Gabriel Afolayan, check out Charles Novia's top 5 actors of 2017. Charles Novia has shared his annual 'Top five Best Actors’ list. The filmmaker used his annual templates of characterisation, internalisation, visualisation and articulation as score points. He revealed his list on his Instagram account on Sunday, December 31, 2017. From Segun Arinze to Gabriel Afolayan, check out Charles Novia's top 5 actors of 2017. . 1. Bolanle Ninalowo   " I had categorised him as a 'medium budget film' actor, which is not bad by itself but sometimes limits an actor's jump to big hit movies but Bolanle shocked me in the movie 'Picture Perfect'. He was outstanding and almost flawless in the role and showed a depth of research and talent. This is the my Actor of 2017 and he has made that jump! Kudos!. " ALSO READ: REVIEW OF THE MOVIE PICTURE PERFECT 2. Gabriel Afolayan " It was a struggle to put him on my Number 2

Snapchat is flying in employees from around the world. Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snapchat parent company Snap Inc., reportedly spent over $4 million on the company's New Year's Eve party at L.A. Live, according to TMZ. Spiegel rented out several venues, including the Microsoft Theater, a bowling alley, and Wolfgang Puck's restaurant. The company is flying in Snapchat employees from around the world, and Drake is said to be performing. Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snapchat parent company Snap Inc., reportedly spending north of $4 million on their New Year's Eve party tonight, according to documents obtained by TMZ . Snap's party to close out 2017 will reportedly be held at L.A. Live, the massive entertainment complex in downtown Los Angeles that includes various restaurants, movie theatres, and venues. According to TMZ, Spiegel and Snap rented out " Microsoft Theater and virtually every venue facing Microsoft Square — Katsuya, Lucky Strike, Tom's Urban, Conga Ro

From "The Book of Henry" to "Bright," these are the worst movies of the year, according to Metacritic. Another year is about to end, and as we all praise the movies that we loved (and made billions), it's also a time to look back on the ones that didn't turn out so great. The list of 2017's worst-reviewed movies has a little bit of everything in it: the colossal box office duds, the movies that became nothing more than a joke on social media, and the one that cost its director a "Star Wars" movie. Here are the 25 worst-reviewed movies of 2017, as rated by critics' scores on Metacritic : 25. “The Book of Henry” Metacritic score: 31/100 What a critic said: “‘The Book of Henry’ is the most misguided film since the 2003 Gary Oldman abomination ‘Tiptoes.’ [Director Colin] Trevorrow is slated to helm an upcoming ‘Star Wars’ film, so y’all have fun with that.” — The Austin Chronicle (Editor’s Note: Three months after the

They're even reportedly flying in Snapchat employees from around the world. Snapchat parent company Snap Inc. and its CEO Evan Spiegel are reportedly spending over $4 million on their New Year's Eve party at L.A. Live, according to TMZ. Spiegel and Snap rented out several venues, including the Microsoft Theater, a bowling alley, and Wolfgang Puck's restaurant. They're flying in Snapchat employees from around the world, and Drake is said to be performing. Snapchat parent company Snap Inc. and its CEO Evan Spiegel are reportedly spending north of $4 million on their New Year's Eve party tonight, according to documents obtained by TMZ . Snap's party to close out 2017 will reportedly be held at L.A. Live, the massive entertainment complex in downtown Los Angeles that includes various restaurants, movie theatres, and venues. According to TMZ, Spiegel and Snap rented out " Microsoft Theater and virtually every venue facing Microsoft Square — Katsuya

They're even reportedly flying in Snapchat employees from around the world. Snapchat parent company Snap Inc. and its CEO Evan Spiegel are reportedly spending over $4 million on their New Year's Eve party at L.A. Live, according to TMZ. Spiegel and Snap rented out several venues, including the Microsoft Theater, a bowling alley, and Wolfgang Puck's restaurant. They're flying in Snapchat employees from around the world, and Drake is said to be performing. Snapchat parent company Snap Inc. and its CEO Evan Spiegel are reportedly spending north of $4 million on their New Year's Eve party tonight, according to documents obtained by TMZ . Snap's party to close out 2017 will reportedly be held at L.A. Live, the massive entertainment complex in downtown Los Angeles that includes various restaurants, movie theatres, and venues. According to TMZ, Spiegel and Snap rented out " Microsoft Theater and virtually every venue facing Microsoft Square — Katsuya

Cacao plants could disappear by 2050, so companies like Mars are teaming up with scientists to save them. Cacao plants are slated to disappear by as early as 2050 thanks to warmer temperatures and dryer weather conditions. Scientists at the University of California are teaming up with Mars company to try to save the crop before it's too late. They're exploring the possibility of using the gene-editing technology CRISPR to make crops that can survive the new challenges. Beyond the glittery glass-and-sandstone walls of the University of California’s new biosciences building, rows of tiny green cacao seedlings in refrigerated greenhouses await judgment day. Under the watchful eye of Myeong-Je Cho , the director of plant genomics at an institute that's working with food and candy company Mars, the plants will be transformed. If all goes well, these tiny seedlings will soon be capable of surviving — and thriving — in the dryer, warmer climate that is sending chills throu

Making a decision to change is never an easy one. Sticking to it can be even harder. If this year was a tough one for you, then it might be time for a change. These science-backed ways may lead to a happier year for you. This piece was originally published on December 29, 2016. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Police said the truck crushed a Sharon vehicle, which was overloaded with 14 passengers instead of seven. No fewer than 15 persons died in an accident involving a Sharon bus and a truck along Gujungu-Gumel road in Kaugama Local Government Area of Jigawa . Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday, December 31, 2017, the spokesman of the state Police Command, SP Abdu Jinjiri said that the accident occurred on Saturday around 7:30 p.m. Jinjiri said that the Sharon vehicle which was supposed to carry seven passengers, was overloaded with 14 people. He said, "A seven passengers-capacity vehicle overloaded with 14 passengers rammed into a truck coming from the opposite direction on Gujungu-Gumel road. "As a result, nine of the passengers died on the spot, while the rest were rushed to Gumel General Hospital, in Gumel local government area. "Nine males including the driver of the Sharon bus, four females and two children died in the accident. "It was possi

The Director General on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo has hailed the emergence of Confluence Rice The Director General on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo has hailed the emergence of Confluence Rice as “a huge success by the Governor Bello Administration”. Speaking to a section of the media at his Takete Ide country home, the Director General said the release of rice to the market is a “fulfillment of the promise by government to produce quality home grown rice that can compete with the market leaders”. He said “Governor Yahaya Bello promised to ensure Confluence Rice hits the market in 2017. That promise has been fulfilled. “Kogi has enough rice to feed the nation. We have just shown that this administration is fully committed to the agricultural revolution it promised the people of the state. Confluence Rice will get even better when our Mills start operating at full capacity. Confluence Rice has succeeded in

Bukola Saraki, extended his heart-felt wishes to all Nigerians. President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has extended his heart felt good wishes to all Nigerians in the New Year, calling on them to pray for a full recovery of the economy in 2018. In a New Year message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Bukola Saraki said a strong economy would enable the government to achieve physical development and improved standard of living of the people. According to The Punch, the President of the Senate noted that most of the problems now threatening the unity , progress and peace of the country were rooted in the poor state of the economy and that there was need for the government and Nigerians to work together in 2018 to ensure the success of policies initiated to rebuild the economy, create employment, attract investment opportunities and make the nation self- sufficient. He however seeks the co-operation of the people stating that government alone ca

Nigerian Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has reacted to the ongoing fuel scarcity in the country saying the government is only “buying time” and “passing blame.” Nigerian Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has reacted to the ongoing fuel scarcity in the country saying the government is only “ buying time ” and “ passing blame .” He said this in a statement he released on December 30, 2017, and made available to reporters in Lagos. He entitled the statement: Blame Passing, Social Media Automated Mumus- The New Year Gift to a Nation. Soyinka cited a Daily Times “ news clipping from June, 1977 ”, where the President “ General Buhari ”, then Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources, was quoted to have said, “ Fuel crisis may be over next year .” Speaking about this, he said: “ It captures the unenviable enigma that is the Nigerian nation .” He added that: “ When many of us are blissfully departed, an updated rendition of this same clipping- with a change of cast here and the

Makarfi said this while responding to questions on a few issues in an interview with Vanguard. Former National Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has called on the APC-led Federal government to work the talk because “ the suffering in the land is too much .” Makarfi said this while responding to questions on a few issues in an interview with Vanguard. He spoke about the achievements of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, PDP’s recent convention, his presidential ambition and the return of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). About how far the APC government has fulfilled its promises, he responded: “ The APC government should walk the talk. They came with policies that sounded sweet on the face of it but no implementation. The suffering in the land is too much. ” He added that “ the division in the land is alarming”, with “high level of insecurity and unprecedented kidnapping ” He however noted t

Professor Wole Soyinka has released a statement titled, “Blame passing: The New Year Gift to a Nation.’’ Professor Wole Soyinka has released a statement titled, “Blame passing: The New Year Gift to a Nation.’’ According to THE PUNCH, Soyinka also cited the clipping of the 1977 edition of the Daily Times when President Muhammadu Buhari, then a minister of petroleum and natural resources, was quoted as saying, “Fuel crisis may be over next year .” Part of the statement reads as follows: “ Pronouncements – such as the 1977 above – again re-echoing by rote in 2017– are a delusion at best, a formula that derides public intelligence. Buying time. Passing blame. Yes, of course, the current affliction must be remedied, and fast, but is there a dimension to it that must be brought to the fore, simultaneously and forcefully? This had better be the framework for solving even a shortage that virtually paralysed the nation .” “ It is however a masterful end-of-year image to take into the comin

The Nollywood actor and one of our favourite meme face took to social media to share photos from his birthday celebrations. Odunlade Adekola is a year older today, December 31. The Nollywood actor and one of our favourite meme face took to social media to share photos from his birthday celebrations. ALSO READ: Odunlade Adekola, the hilarious 'King of Memes' actor   Sharing picture collages of himself while cutting his extravagant cakes and another of those who were around to celebrate with him, he captioned one of the posts: "I am so much happy. As you celebrate me, the whole world will celebrate your glory with you in JESUS name. Happy birthday to your boy!" Odunlade made his debut into acting in 1996, the same year he joined the Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts practitioners.   He has however gone to act and produce so many movies over the years. In April 2014, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award, emerging as the 'Best Actor of the Year'. In

Life in Nigeria will always have its downsides. But we can all embrace these fleeting moments of live music and concerts. Nothing was on my mind as I walked down the crowded sandy beaches via Hard Rock Café for the ‘Wiz on the Beach Concert’ . An hour later, a girl pushed out of the crowd, tears in her eyes. I instinctively moved towards her, asking for the cause of her woes. “They just stole my phone in the crowd. They stole my phone,” she sobbed. I understood her pain. I have lost devices before, I still lost one this year. The connection between a person and their phone is a spiritual and essential one. Each entity depends on the other for nourishment and maintenance. To cut that off is a sacrilege, the highest height of disruption, and tears are only the smallest price to pay as you start the journey to a new device. On stage, Wizkid was in his element. He was performing his hit single, ‘ Ojuelegba’ . “Ni Ojuelegba oh, my people dey there, my people suffer, dem they pray for

It will be legal to use marijuana in eight states, including California, Nevada, and Massachusetts in 2018. Here's the full list. The United States is gradually becoming the land of the red, white, and green. Starting January 1, it will be legal to smoke marijuana for medical use in 29 states , and Americans will be able to toke up without a doctor's letter in nine states. Support for the drug reached new highs in 2017. A Gallup poll showed that 64% of Americans favor legalization, and even a majority of Republicans back it. The booming industry was expected to post nearly $10 billion in sales in 2017. Here's a summary of where Americans can legally light up in 2018. Alaska Adults 21 and over can light up in Alaska. In early 2015, the northernmost US state made it legal for residents to use, possess, and transport up to an ounce of marijuana — roughly a sandwich bag full — for recreational use. The first pot shop opened for business in late 2016. Alaska h

New York's LaGuardia Airport is dirty, cramped, and poorly lit. LaGuardia has a reputation for being one of the worst airports in the US. When I used the airport to go home for the holidays, I noticed it was dirty, cramped, and poorly lit. The airport is undergoing significant renovations over the next few years. While innovators like Elon Musk want to reinvent American transportation with self-driving cars , supersonic jets , and flying Ubers , our current transportation infrastructure needs some work. Airports, in particular, have struggled to keep up with an increasing demand for air travel. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the American aviation industry a "D" grade in its 2017 Infrastructure Report Card . "Progress at the nation’s airports and in the air traffic control system is slow, as investment has been consistently lagging in the past 18 years, unable to keep up with demands of increased traffic and new technologies," the re

President Buhari will address Nigerians on New Year's day at 7am. President Muhammadu Buhari will address Nigerians on January 1, 2018. According to a statement from the presidency, "president Buhari will make a national broadcast at 7am tomorrow, January 1, 2018". The broadcast will be aired across all local television stations and state owned radio stations. ALSO READ: ‘Why we appointed dead people into agencies’- Presidency The president's broadcast is expected to briefly outline achievements, challenges thus far and plans for a most decisive year for the administration. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Okpozo's wife said she was surprised her late husband's name appeared on the list, adding that she was not offended by it. Late Senator Francis Okpozo 's widow, Mrs. Anna, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint another member of the family for the board appointment given to her late husband. The late Senator's name was among the list of Board appointments released by the Federal Government on Friday, December 29, 2017. Okpozo was appointed as Chairman of Nigeria Press Council. Following the criticism that trailed the list of appointments, which also had two other names of dead men on it, the Presidency said the list was originally compiled in 2015. Okpozo's wife said she was surprised her late husband's name appeared on the list, adding that she was not offended by it. She acknowledged the appointment of one of her sons, Harrison Okpozo, as member of Board of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, and urged Buhari to consider a

According to eyewitness reports, Chocolate City musicians clashed with N6 at a concert in Lagos. The beef between M.I Abaga and rapper/OAP N6 took a physical turn at the Palmwine Music Fest. M.I and N6 had clashed on social media earlier in the year due to the Abaga’s controversial single ‘You rappers should fix up your life’. N6 had made a response track to it, calling out the Chocolate City boss on it. The conversations later deteriorated on Twitter, with exchange of words between both parties.   But according to eyewitnesses, things got physical when they met up at the Palmwine Music Fest, a concert headlined by rap group Show Dem Camp. 'MI had just finished his performance and heading out when N6 was spotted backstage as well,” an eyewitness told LIB. “ N6 was seen approaching MI but was quickly confronted by Ahabuchi (MI's manager) and some Choc City crew. In the heat of the confrontation, N6 who was alone with at least 5 hoc City guys held on to an empty bottle of

Tiwa has now reacted to FAAN's statement, expressing her hurt and disappointment at being branded a liar. Tiwa Savage is calling out FAAN for branding her a liar after she complained about losing her luggage ta the airport. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, in a statement released on Wednesday, December 27, debunked the allegations, claiming that they are baseless and impossible. ALSO READ: We really need to talk about Tiwa Savage's body   Tiwa has now reacted to FAAN's statement, expressing her hurt and disappointment at being branded a liar. See her post below:   The drama began on Tuesday, December 26, when a private jet purportedly conveying Wizkid and Tiwa Savage from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, was allegedly attacked and robbed while taxiing on Lagos airport’s runway. According to Instablog9ja , the Bombardier Challenger 605 jet with registration number T7-A00, reportedly arrived Lagos from Uyo at about 8:33 p.m and was taxiing to the arrival

Now, one million followers later, RMD is proving to us that indeed the "race is not to the swift, but of the lord that shows mercy." Just when becoming popular on social media has become as easy as a click of a button, Richard Mofe Damijo has chosen to remain true to himself. The veteran Nollywood actor has revealed that he was initially pressured to buy followers after joining Instagram but he refused. ALSO READ: 'Nobody can stop you from dining with kings' actor says   Now, one million followers later, RMD is proving to us that indeed the "race is not to the swift, but of the lord that shows mercy." He went on to recount the countless offers and advice he received on how he would benefit from falsely growing his account.   RMD however, chose to have real fans and real comments over the mouthwatering deals he was offered and somehow, has achieved more than those that settled.   ALSO READ: Veteran actor reflects on 33 years of acting afte

New York's LaGuardia Airport is dirty, cramped, and poorly lit. LaGuardia has a reputation for being one of the worst airports in the US. When I used the airport to go home for the holidays, I noticed it was dirty, cramped, and poorly lit. The airport is undergoing significant renovations over the next few years. While innovators like Elon Musk want to reinvent American transportation with self-driving cars , supersonic jets , and flying Ubers , our current transportation infrastructure needs some work. Airports, in particular, have struggled to keep up with an increasing demand for air travel. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the American aviation industry a "D" grade in its 2017 Infrastructure Report Card . "Progress at the nation’s airports and in the air traffic control system is slow, as investment has been consistently lagging in the past 18 years, unable to keep up with demands of increased traffic and new technologies," the re