Ridoola's blog

Merkel wishes Buhari greater successes in the challenging task of leading Nigeria. President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his full gratitude to Angela Merkel for always supporting Nigeria, during a telephone call between the two on Thursday, September 30, 2021. The 78-year-old applauded the outgoing German Chancellor for always lending a helping hand to developing countries with numerous initiatives. He particularly thanked her for supporting the project to recharge Lake Chad, through inter-basin water transfer, and ease the lives of about 30 million people. Merkel, who steps down soon after 16 years, wished Buhari greater successes in the challenging task of leading Nigeria. The phone call was initiated by the German leader, according to a statement signed by presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina . ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Star singer Niyola plays the lead role in the Kunle Afolayan directed film adaptation of Sefi Atta's 'Swallow' currently streaming on Netflix. Adaptations are a hard nut to crack any day for the many complications associated with bringing to life an already existing entity priory introduced to an audience. With Kunle Afolayan's latest film, an adaptation of Sefi Atta's novel of the same title, my expectations were both high and low. High because if there is any Nollywood filmmaker with the resources, creative and otherwise, to make a decent period piece, it is Afolayan and low for the dilemma of Nigerian film production values. Set in Lagos in the 80s, the film attempts to depict the vividly narrated tale of Atta's characters as they try to manoeuvre the realities of misogyny, corruption and poverty. For the lead role, Afolayan handpicks singer Eniola Akinbo aka Niyola , who save for music video features, has no formal or informal acting experience. ...

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency, (NPHCDA) says there is no scientific evidence suggesting COVID-19 vaccination can cause infertility in men or women. The Executive Director, NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib , told News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), on Thursday in Abuja that the COVID-19 vaccination among populations of reproductive age was safe. ”All available COVID-19 vaccines have demonstrated high efficacy among their respective clinical trial endpoints. ”Additionally, a growing body of evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people are less likely to have symptomatic infection or transmit SARS-CoV-2 to others, ” he said. He called on obstetrician- gynecologists and other women’s health care practitioners to lead by example by being vaccinated and encouraging eligible patients to be vaccinated as well. “We recommend that pregnant individuals and lactating individuals be vaccinated against COVID-19. “While a conversation with a clinician may be helpful, it is not a requir...

The House of Representatives has called for the enforcement of compulsory teaching of moral lessons and orientation subjects and courses in Nigeria’s educational curricula. This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Uju Chima (APC-Imo), on the floor of the House on Wednesday, in Abuja. Moving the motion, Chima noted that good morals and proper orientation remained indisputable basic components of child upbringing and training. He added that a lack of it, especially in young people, would result in societal decay, while recalling that moral instructions was a compulsory subject in Nigeria schools curricula in the past. The lawmaker noted that due to the removal of moral instructions from the school system, the current generation of youths lack the benefits of such lessons, and may end up as nuisances in the society. He stated that with the increasing rate of violence and various forms of immorality in recent times, there was need for reintroduction and enforcement of the teach...

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Wednesday registered 437 additional COVID-19 infections, six deaths and 582 discharged across 17 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The statistics, according to the NCDC, on Thursday indicate that the country’s total infection from the pandemic currently stands at 205,484, while the fatality toll had increased to 2,701. “A State-by-State breakdown reveals the following: Lagos-126, Rivers-76, Kwara-44, FCT-37, Edo-32, Kaduna-30, Anambra-22, Delta-22, Osun-12, Benue-7, Abia-6, Nasarawa-6, Kano-5, Ekiti-3, Plateau-3, Bayelsa-2, Ogun-2 and Oyo-2. “The report includes: 126 cases reported from Lagos state on September 28th (94) and 29th (32); and 22 cases reported from Anambra state for September 28th (12) and 29th (10). “12 rather than 6 recoveries were erroneously reported for Jigawa state on September 24th. “Also, Bauchi and Sokoto States recorded zero cases on Wednesday,” it stated. The Public Health Agency ...

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dr Usman Abubakar as the new Medical Director (MD), Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger State. This is contained in a letter signed by the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora , in Bida on Thursday. According to the letter, the appointment takes effect from Sept. 14, 2021 for an initial term of four years. The appointment followed the expiration of the eight-year term of the former MD, Dr Muhammad Usman-Aminu . Until his appointment, the new MD was the Ag. Medical Director and the Head of Clinical Services and Training of the centre. The president, while congratulating the new MD, enjoined him to work hard to ensure that the hospital was positioned to provide quality health care services to the people. “It is expected that you will not only work hard to ensure that the hospital continues to provide quality health care, but endeavour to improve on the achievements and leave your mark of progress on the insti...

The Oyo State Government has asked the Court of Appeal, sitting in Port Harcourt, to be joined in the suit instituted by the Rivers State Government against the Attorney-General of the Federation. The suit is in respect of the bid by the Rivers government to take over the collection of the Value Added Tax (VAT) from the Federal Government. The joinder request is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan by Mr Taiwo Adisa , the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Seyi Makinde . According to the statement, the suit instituted by the Attorney-General of Oyo State, Prof Oyelowo Oyewo , is seeking an order of the Appellate Court to enable Oyo State to join the suit as an interested party. “In the suit, the Government of Oyo State is seeking two orders, viz: an order of the Honourable Court joining the Attorney-General of Oyo State as a respondent on the appeal with suit number FHC/PH/CS/149/2020 and appeal number CA/PH/282/2021 and any other order the Court may deem fit. “Accordin...

The synergy of Sologic Entertainment, LordTanner Studios, and Harp and Bowl Studios, assembled an avalanche of celebrities and Nollywood heavyweights on Sunday 26th September, at Filmhouse IMAX, for the premiere of their film, Hide and Seek . Set for cinema release across all Nigerian cinemas on independence day (1st October 2021), the film is part of the slate to entertain movie-goers during the holiday. Hide and Seek is a crime-thriller-drama that tells the story of a Robinhood-like attempt to stop a corrupt public servant of high designation from embezzling public funds. A security intelligence officer assigned to protect a permanent secretary understudies his corrupt practices and orchestrates a heist with a diversely-positioned team, to re-steal what had been stolen. 'Hide and Seek' set for cinema release on Independence Day However, to succeed, he has to battle with several unforeseen factors, including an obsessed girlfriend and a hilarious pair of greener pasture...

The movie star recently lost his mother. Nigerian movie veteran Francis Duru has lost his father. The movie star announced the passing away of his father via his Instagram page on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. "My last pix with you..dad..memories of yesterday..u defined my essence...built my being...took the tough and the rough to put me on the turf...of life..I salute you dad," he wrote. www.instagram.com "As you took your last bow and transitted to glory...u broke my heart this morning when you refused to wake..mum just left..you too ..hmm...so heavy...so painful...thank you..thank you...thank you dad for all..thank you..Will miss you." May his soul rest in peace. ridoola.blogspot.com

The music star says he had to leave the country because of his involvement in the protest that rocked the country. Nigerian music star Davido has revealed how he got into trouble with the Nigerian government during the #EndSars protest in 2020. The singer made this known during his guest appearance at Trevor Noah 's ' The Daily Show .' Noah asked the music star how his song ' Fem ' became the anthem for the movement even though the song wasn't recorded for the protest. www.instagram.com "I did not record that song thinking that was going to happen. Honestly, it is amazing how I saw my voice be an instrument for the people. It was amazing...I got into a lot of trouble, I got into a lot of trouble. I had to actually leave the country it was that bad because I got into a lot of trouble," he said. "It was amazing to see people come out like that. I'll tell you this, they listened, they heard us. They might have changed nothing but they we...

Former Big Brother Naija housemates turn up for Mercy Eke on her 28th birthday. Reality TV star, Mercy Eke celebrated her 28th birthday on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, in grand style. The party which took at the popular Circa restaurant in Lagos, was attended by friends, colleagues, celebrities and well-wishers of the BBNaija season four winner. One of the major highlights of the evening was the entrance of the celebrant herself. Mercy Eke in one of her stunning dresses for the evening [MercyEke] Mercy who is a known fashion icon and red carpet stunner wore two different outfits for the evening. Sources close to the reality TV star told Pulse that her two outfits for the evening cost N1.8M! www.instagram.com www.instagram.com www.instagram.com Among those who turned up to celebrate with Eke were former BBNaija housemates - Erica , Laycon , Maria , Dorathy , Venita Akpofure , Nini , Prince , Khloe , Michael , Jackie B , Lilo , Seyi , Frodd , Lucy , Tuoyo , Kim Oprah...

Apple has released its latest iPhones on the market and some Ghanaian celebrities are making a mad rush to grab theirs. The new iPhone 13 was announced on September 14th, made available to pre-order from Friday 17th September and finally went on sale on Friday 24th September. Just a few days after, some Ghanaian socialites have already grab theirs and flaunting them online. Repented fetish priestess, Nana Agradaa, who has now changed her name to Evangelistic Patricia Asiedua, first flaunted the phone on social media and challenged others who claimed to be 'preman' to also go and get theirs. www.instagram.com A few hours later, Nana Aba Anamoah also took to social media to show off an iPhone 13 she has acquired. She posted a photo of herself holding the phone and wrote " 13 '" and added " apple " with a fire emoji. Nana Aba Anamoah shows off new iPhone 13 Actress Tracey Boakye has also decided to join the show off spree. The mother of two, known...

The Pope hopes Nigeria can always guarantee the safety of all its citizens. Pope Francis has condemned the latest wave of violence in Kaduna State that has claimed at least 46 lives over the past few days. The head of the Catholic Church, at a General Audience event on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, prayed for the lives of those lost in the latest attacks. "I hope that the country always guarantees the safety of all its citizens," he said. 34 people were initially pronounced dead following an attack on Madamai village in Kaura local government area of Kaduna on Sunday, September 26. Another person was also killed in Jankasa village, Zangon Kataf LGA around the same time. Eight more people were then killed in Kacecere village, Zangon Kataf LGA in an attack government officials believe was a reprisal for the two previous attacks on other communities. Three more bodies have been recovered by security agents, leaving the death toll at 46. Kaduna's Governor Nasir E...

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has called on Nigerians, stakeholders, civil societies, among others, to join hands in securing the country against the activities of insurgency and banditry. Jonathan , who was the Special Guest of Honour and Guest Speaker, made the call while delivering a lecture at the inauguration Ceremony/lecture of the National Defence College (NDC), Course 30, in Abuja. The former president noted that security is the business of every Nigerian, whether in media, civil society, traditional rulers, religious leaders and politicians. He, therefore, urged that security should not be left in the hands of the governments alone, urging Nigerians to join hands with the security agencies to secure the country. Jonathan added that security was just not about defending the borders, but that the people needed to join hands too in securing lives and properties of the citizens, especially in area of access to food, water, and education, among others. “It is very obviou...

The governor has placed a N20 million bounty on the heads of those who killed the medical doctor. Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State is convinced that the killers of Dr. Chike Akunyili and at least seven others, at Nkpor, in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State this week, are "invaders" from outside the state. The gruesome murder of the widower of Dora Akunyili, who served Nigeria to international and local acclaim from 2001 to 2013, has sparked outrage, with President Muhammadu Buhari warning afterwards that the perpetrators of the heinous act would face the judgment of man and that of God. In his assessment of the incident, Obiano said: “I urge all citizens of the state to unite in this fight against all forms of terror, intimidation and tyranny. "We will not succumb to invaders, as I am convinced that no Anambra son will indulge in this kind of heartlessness. "I warn all those promoting and participating in these violent attacks to leave our state o...

The south should sit and dialogue with the north, El-Rufai insists. Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai, says a resolution by governors from the south that the next President of Nigeria must emerge from their region, is foolish, unconstitutional and goes against the tenets of democracy. This week, northern governors held a meeting and described the resolution of their southern counterparts as " quite contradictory with the provision of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended, that the elected President shall: score the majority votes; score at least 25% of the votes cast in 2/3 states of the federation." In a chat with select journalists after the meeting, El-Rufai said no one should assume that they can sit in Lagos or Port Harcourt and decide what the north should do or who the north should vote for. He added that if the south wants power so badly, it should be prepared to sit with the north, dialogue and negotiate, then agree on who ...

Senators want Buhari to bomb the locations of the bandits and eliminate them all. Senators have passed a resolution calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare bandits as terrorists and wage total war against them. Bandits, mostly armed gangs, have terrorised many parts of the northern region, especially over the past few years, killing thousands and abducting more. The Federal Government has struggled to contain the wave of violence, and been accused of not taking the threat of the armed groups seriously enough. A motion raised by 10 senators during plenary on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 expressed concern about the menace posed by the bandits. In a list of resolutions passed unanimously, they urged President Buhari to bomb the locations of the bandits and eliminate them all. The lawmakers said all known top bandits should be tracked and arrested for prosecution. They also urged the Federal Government to provide necessary relief support for all the victims of banditry, a...

DSS says it cherishes life and believes in the rule of law. The Department of State Services (DSS) has dismissed allegations that it was involved in the murder of Dr Chike Akunyili , the husband of the late former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili. He was killed by unknown gunmen at Nkpor in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. There have been numerous reports pointing fingers at groups that could have been responsible for the murder, including a video clip on social media blaming DSS. The secret police's spokesperson, Peter Afunanya , said in a statement on Thursday, September 30, 2021 that the allegation is illogical. "There was no basis for the DSS to kill the Medical Doctor and/or fellow law enforcement agents. The Service cherishes life and believes in the rule of law," he said. He warned Nigerians to be cautious about false narratives designed to paint the DSS in bad light. He assured the public that the agency is wo...

The Senate has commenced moves to stop processing delay and illegal charges on cargo transport by freight agents in the country. The Senate decision followed a motion sponsored by Sen. Bala Na’Allah (APC-Kebbi) during the Wednesday plenary The motion was titled: “ The need to streamline Import and Export Cargo Processing in the Aviation Sector ”. Rising under Orders 42 and 52 of the Senate’s Standing Rules, Na’Allah noted with dismay the loss of about N250 billion on agro-export of produce in the country. According to the lawmaker, the loss which translates to a ratio of 87:13 continues to impact negatively on the country’s economy. He lamented that loading 100 tons of cargo on aircraft cost around 35,000 Dollars in Nigeria, compared to Ghana that cost just about 4000 Dollars. He said, “ this has caused substantial damage to the Federal Government efforts of stimulating Capital Inflow”, adding that, “airlines involved in cargo transport have started avoiding Nigeria in view of ...

‘Army of the dead’ earned a 67% rating on rotten tomatoes, 5.8/10 on IMDb and a 57% on Metacritic, which I personally consider average, giving the prominent names involved in its production. The bloody zombie film, which followed a group of rogues on a mission to loot millions of dollars while fighting an army of zombies along the way, will be writer and director Zack Snyder ’s first Non-DCEU feature since SUCKERPUNCH (2011). Army of the dead ‘Army of thieves’ the prequel, is set for release on October 29th 2021. And its trailer released as part of the global TUDUM event shows this prequel aims to outperform its sequel while expanding Zack Snyder’s zombie universe. Directed by its main lead Ludwig Dieter( Matthias Schweighöfer ), ‘Army of thieves’ appears to have a far more alternative direction despite the heist theme and zombie carnage still intact. Ludwig after being recruited by Gwendoline ( Nathalie Emmanuel from the fast and furious saga). A whole new crew with criminal a...

It is no news that the super talented Liberian-Ghanaian artist, T Frank is talking over the music industry with the release of his hit single “Talk To Me” which has made him a force to be reckoned with. Teddy Franklin Atamudzi , who is popularly known by his stage name “ T Frank ”, is an Afrobeat musician who is based in London. He grew up and had his early education in Liberia before relocating and attending Wilson College in Reading, United Kingdom. He began his musical career in 2008 after he left school to focus on music. https://trendybeatz.com/musics . The X factor in the United Kingdom (UK) helped him collaborate with diverse bands and musical shows. He has had the opportunity to perform in clubs, pubs, and carnivals. T Frank has spent years finessing his vocal and songwriting skills which is why his latest single is a smash hit. Each song he releases is always better than the last. T Frank has been recognized for his amazing, magical, and well-put-together performances of...

Inserting the wrong geographical coordinates or just plain carelessness from flying forces, has led to the smoking of innocents on the ground. Since Nigeria commenced its war against insurgents in 2009, thousands of innocent civilians have paid with their lives--they have either been killed by the terrorists or 'accidentally' by troops. Here are 7 times the Nigerian Airforce has 'accidentally' bombed innocent Nigerians on the ground, in a war that has claimed thousands of civilian casualties or non-combatants. 1..Rann, January 2017 A Nigerian Airforce fighter jet on a mission against Boko Haram extremists, mistakenly bombs an internally displaced persons camp in Rann, Borno State. More than 100 refugees and aid workers are killed. Some soldiers on the ground are left fatally wounded too. Rann lies on the border with Cameroon. 2..Sakotoku, 2020 At least 17 people, including children, are killed when a Nigerian fighter jet bombs Sakotoku village in Borno, in 2020....

The OAP was accused of forcefully taking his kids from his ex-wife. On-Air personality Nedu has returned to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Yaba, Lagos, with his two daughters, a day after claiming to have gotten them unanimously from his wife. The OAP made this known during a chat with Punch on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. "Since she said she did not willingly give me the kids and that we seized the kids from her, I am at Panti now to return the kids; but she is nowhere," he said. On Air personality Nedu [Instagram/NeduWazobia] “She has turned off her phone and she has done everything for us not to reach her. I hope you can write that.” One of Uzomaka’s relatives, however, told The PUNCH that she had been hospitalised and had also been invited by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. ridoola.blogspot.com

All vehicles used for commercial transportation are to be painted in yellow and black within 30 days. Telecommunication services have been shut down in parts of Kaduna State as part of new measures to fight banditry in the state. Parts of Kaduna affected by the telecommunications ban were not made public at a media briefing held by the Commissioner for Internal Security of Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan , who announced other new measures at a media briefing on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Also effective from September 30, the state government banned the use of motorcycles, both for commercial and personal purposes, for three months. All vehicles used for commercial transportation, including ride hailing cars for Uber and Bolt, are to be painted in yellow and black within 30 days. Tricycles are allowed to operate only between 6 am and 7 pm, and the government emphasised a ban on possession of or wielding of dangerous weapons. The sale of petrol in jerry cans or other containers has...

IPOB says those trying to injure its public image will be dealt with when caught. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from the murder of Dr Chike Akunyili , the husband of the late former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili . He was killed by unknown gunmen at Nkpor in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, with reports blaming IPOB. The separatist group said in a statement on Wednesday, September 29 that it has no involvement in Akunyili's murder. "Agents are doing this to paint IPOB black in the face of support and encouragement we are getting from our people," the group's spokesperson, Emma Powerful , said. IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), has been blamed for recent unrest in the southeast region that has led to the death of dozens of civilians and security operatives. Powerful said on Wednesday those dragging the group's name in the mud are trying to sabotage it...

President Muhammadu Buhari has granted approval to 159 companies, communities and institutions of higher learning to operate radio and television stations. Director-General, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Malam Balarabe Ilelah , made the disclosure in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday. “Following the approval granted by the president, NBC has released the list of 159 licenses granted to companies, communities and institutions of higher learning. “The commission was established by the NBC ACT, Cap. N11, Laws of the Federation 2004 with the mandate to regulate and control broadcasting in Nigeria. “Today, there are a total of 625 functional broadcast stations in Nigeria,’’ Ilelah stated. The D-G said that the newly-approved licenses were the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro (Radio), Prospective Union of Reno People (Radio), Smile Community Radio Initiative and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Radio. He said others are Dudu African Broadcasting Communications L...

The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA), have reiterated their threat to shutdown hospitals and other healthcare facilities at the end of the fresh 15-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government. Mr Biobelemoye Josiah , JOHESU National Chairman, reiterated the call in a press statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the union had on Sept. 2, issued the Federal Government a 15-day ultimatum to meet its demands without which it will embark on nationwide strike at the expiry date. However, this followed a unanimous resolution adopted by the expanded National Executive Council meeting of JOHESU, and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) to step down the notice of strike that expires mid-night Sept. 17 and issue a fresh notice of 15 days. According to Josiah, “ we wish to remind the Federal Government to act before it is too late on the fresh 15 days notice as con...

NAFDAC has arrested 24 hawkers and retailers of unregistered aphrodisiacs – sex enhancing herbal medicines – in Sokoto. Its coordinator, Malam Garba Adamu , told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that NAFDAC also impounded six vehicles and public address systems used in selling the products and some counterfeit medicines. He said the consignment valued at about N2 million were seized in markets and on the streets of Sokoto metropolis. He noted that the items confiscated would be subjected to tests and persons involved would be sanctioned to serve as deterrent to others peddlers. Adamu said that the exercise was in line with recent pronouncements by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Moji Adeyeye , that hawking of herbal drugs under scorching sun could cause decomposition of their active ingredients risking users’ health. He enjoined members of the public to be wary of what they consumed and monitor any unregistered item; desist from patronising the products and hawkers s...

The Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday adjourned the trial of former Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde until Oct. 8. Justice Obiora Egwuatu fixed the date, following Ojerinde ’s decision to change his counsel. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prior to his decision, Peter Olorunnisola , SAN, had been appearing for the ex-JAMB boss in the money laundering charge preferred against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). NAN reports that the ICPC, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/97/21, said that the former chief executive officer allegedly committed multiple frauds, while heading JAMB and the National Examination Council (NECO). Justice Egwuatu had, on July 8, admitted Ojerinde to a bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties. Egwuatu, who granted Ojerinde’s prayer after taking the arguments of counsel to the parties in the matter, said one of the sureties must be a profe...

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, says the Nigeria Police will soon begin the recruitment of 20,000 junior police officers. The IGP gave the hint on Tuesday evening, when he paid a working visit to Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State at the State Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan. Baba informed the governor that Nigeria Police has every intention to increase its strength in terms of junior police officers’ recruitment. He said it had overcame all the issues that had been delaying the recruitment process, adding that President Muhammadu Buhari has given approval for the recruitment. He assured the state government that every local government area would benefit from the recruitment, saying that the recruited officers would serve in their respective local government areas after training. The IGP said that the recruitment exercise would not only expand the capacity of the force in combating crime, but also emboldened its community policing strategy. Baba said that his work...