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Showing posts from April, 2023

NPC ready to conduct postponed census when Tinubu takes over

About 450,000 digital gadgets were procured and distributed to all the local governments. The National Population Commission (NPC) says the 2023 Population and Housing Census was postponed due to the government's transition programme and the post-election mood in the country. Dr Inuwa Jalingo , the 2023 Census Manager and Director, National Population Commission (NPC), said this at a news conference in Abuja on Sunday. Jalingo, who asserted the preparedness of the commission for the 2023 census, said that the NPC had prepared the ground for the first-ever digital census in Nigeria. He said that the commission had achieved top most success in all ramifications in terms of the preparation. "We achieved the international standard for a digital census. About 450,000 digital gadgets were procured and distributed to all the local governments," he said Jalingo said however, that government was a continuous process, hoping that the incoming administration would build on th

Sanwo-Olu unveils first set of electric buses in Lagos Mass Transit Master Plan

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that this is just the beginning of efforts to transform Lagos into an even smarter city, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced the first set of electric buses in the Lagos Mass Transit Master Plan as part of efforts to modernise every sector of Lagos. This move is aimed at providing Lagosians with a cleaner and greener public transportation system, thanks to the partnership between the Lagos State Government and Oando Plc. The governor made the announcement in a tweet on Sunday, April 30, 2023, explaining that the new electric buses will not only reduce carbon emissions but will also increase efficiency. With the ability to travel 280km at full charge, the electric buses are expected to revolutionise public transportation in Lagos, given the unique travel times in the state. With an average daily usage of 200km by existing BRTs, there is no need to fear that the buses can stop while in transit. This means that Lagosians can say goodbye t

Godswil Akpabio for senate president: Tinubu gets letter from APC youth leader Tukura Kwayi

APC youth leader urges President-elect Tinubu to prioritise merit and competence in appointees. Hon Tukura Kwayi, the National Youth Leader of the National Progressive Hub and a member of the defunct APC PCC, has written a letter to President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to prioritise merit and competence in choosing his appointees. In the letter, sent to Pulse, Kwayi, who also coordinates the All Progressive Congress, APC, youths mobilisation Central Taraba, emphasised the importance of a supportive National Assembly, suggesting Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio for the position of Senate President, and Hon. Mukhtar Aliyu Betara for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives. "We strongly recommend His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, a two-term governor of Akwa Ibom State and a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs for the plum job of Senate President ," wrote Kwayi. "The uncommon performer and reformer has a track record of exc

Sudan: FG pays ₦553m for 40 buses out of desperation

The government is committed to the successful evacuation of all Nigerians stranded in Sudan. The Federal Government has explained that the sum of ₦553.2 million ($1.2 million) spent on hiring buses for the evacuation of Nigerian students in Sudan was due to the dire need of the war situation. This is contained in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Rhoda Iliya . It was also signed by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Janet Olisa and Dr Sani Gwarzo of the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry in Abuja on Saturday. "The outcry over the negotiated sum of $1.2 million for the buses hired for the exercise, is uncalled for. "The amount in question was negotiated in a condition of war and where there are competing demands for the same bus services by other countries also trying to evacuate their citizens. "The general public is hereby advised to discountenance the unverified information being circulated on socia

74 abducted children in Zamfara state freed after ransoms paid

The abducted children were found to be suffering from severe malnutrition. Gunmen have released 74 children out of more than 80 people who were abducted earlier this month in Zamfara state, following payment of ransoms by their families, according to parents and a village head. The incident highlights the rise of criminal gangs in the region, who have been attacking hundreds of local communities across northwestern Nigeria in recent years. In the case of the Wadzamai village abductions, two parents said they paid 20,000 naira ($43.50) each to secure the release of their children, who were among those released on Friday. However, the children were found to be suffering from severe malnutrition. Meanwhile, a village head in Wadzamai confirmed that 11 people were still being held, while two were killed trying to escape from their captors. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Lagos residents commend FG on postponement of 2023 population census

A resident said it was not a good move to schedule the conduct of census a few days before the close of an administration. Some residents of Lagos State have lauded the postponement of the 2023 National Population and Housing Census by the Federal Government, saying it was a good decision. Some of the residents, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos, also criticised the timing and schedule for the conduct of the 2023 census. According to them, the timing of the census scheduled for May 3, a few weeks before the end of Buhari’s administration, was not good enough. Speaking, Mr Abraham Ariyo , a Lagos-based Engineer, said it was not a good move to schedule the conduct of census a few days before the close of an administration. “I suspected the exercise might be postponed with the report of unpaid allowances to some state enumerators, shortfall in Census PADs, lack of funds a few days to the exercise. “I’ve always believed there is no need

NDLEA asks court to dismiss PDP’s drug case against Tinubu

The NDLEA asked the court to dismiss the suit by the PDP because it is “political in nature”, and not in the interest of Nigerians. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has asked the court to dismiss a suit filed against the president-elect, Bola Tinubu by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The opposition party, and Dino Melaye, a chieftain of the party had instituted a suit asking the court to compel the NDLEA to arrest and prosecute Tinubu over the alleged forfeiture of funds relating to drug deals in the United States over two decades ago. However, a preliminary objection filed on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, by Joseph Sunday, the director of prosecution of the anti-narcotics agency, stated that the application by the PDP and Melaye was “incompetent”. President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. The NDLEA asked the court to dismiss the suit by the PDP because it is “political in nature”, and not in the interest of Nigerians. The agency argued that “ the only underlyi

Wike says Tinubu has what it takes to turn Nigeria around

Wike says Nigerians are anxiously waiting for Tinubu's inauguration on May 29. Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has said that the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has the capacity to turn around the fortunes of the country in the interest of all. Wike said this on Friday in Abuja when he, alongside his Oyo State counterpart, Gov. Seyi Makinde, visited Tinubu. The Rivers governor, who is one of the leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said Nigerians were anxiously waiting for the May 29 inauguration of the President-elect. The two PDP leaders held a closed-door meeting with Tinubu along with the Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu; Gov. Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa; and the former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi. Speaking with newsmen after the closed-door meeting, Wike said, “Elections are gone and a winner has emerged and therefore all Nigerians must rally round and give him (Tinubu) necessary support. “Everybody is waiting for May 29 to see that

Buhari postpones 2023 population and housing census

The incoming administration is expected to pick a new date for the 2023 census. President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the postponement of the 2023 Population and Housing Census earlier scheduled for Wednesday, May 3, –Sunday, May 7, 2023, to a date to be determined by the incoming Administration. The President gave the approval after meeting with some members of the Federal Executive Council and the Chairman of the National Population Commission, Nasir Isa-Kwarra, and his team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, April 28, 2023. The FG announced the postponement in a statement signed by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed , and released on Saturday, April 29, 2023. The statement reads, “In arriving at the decision to postpone the Census, the meeting reiterated the critical need for the conduct of a Population and Housing Census, 17 years after the last Census, to collect up-to-date data that will drive the developmental goals of the country and improve

Security in Borno has improved greatly - NYSC assures corps members

The scheme urges corps members not to panic because peace has returned to Borno. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has assured Corps members posted to Borno that the security situation in the state has improved greatly. The NYSC Coordinator in the state, Alhaji Muhammad Adamu-Jiya disclosed this during the induction of 1,341 Batch ‘A’, Stream II corps members, on Friday in Katsina. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that corps members posted to Borno usually camp in Katsina since the Boko Haram crisis in the state. According to him, the corps members should not panic as peace has returned to Borno. The coordinator said because of the improvement of security, the NYSC camp in Borno will soon be reopened. He cautioned the corps members against involvement in cultism, drug abuse, cyber crime and other negative tendencies during the service year. “There is the need for the corps members to use the social media wisely and desist from drug abuse and other crimes for a suc

Buhari extends tenure of NIS Comptroller General

Jere will remain in office till May 29, 2023. President Muhammad Buhari has approved the extension of the tenure of the Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration service (NIS), Mr Isah Jere. A statement issued in Abuja on Friday by NIS Spokesman, Mr Tony Akuneme , said Jere would remain in office till May 29. Akuneme said that the approval was contained in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari. According to him, Jere has since resumed duties at the Service Headquarters. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that before the extension, the CG NIS tenure had ended on April 24. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Tinubu tasks progressive governors on unity, support

He reiterated that as leaders, the governors were elected to serve the people and humanity with fairness and justice. The President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has charged All Progressives Congress (APC) governors to work with the party’s leadership and lawmakers on the election of principal officers of the incoming 10th National Assembly. According to a statement issued by Mr Tunde Rahman, one of Tinubu’s Media Aides, on Thursday in Abuja, he gave the task when the governors under the agies of Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) visited him. “We thank God Almighty for our electoral victory. It was tough and turbulent. “The challenge before us is working in unison with the party’s leadership and the National Assembly over the election of their principal officers. “And I charge you to unite in spirit and faith and work in line with the party,” he urged. The president-elect told the governors and former governorship candidates of the party that whether they were returned elected or no

TV icon Jerry Springer passes away at 79

"Jerry, Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!!!" Jerry Springer, a highly influential and controversial personality in US TV history, has been confirmed dead. The host of 'The Jerry Springer Show,' a popular talk show filled with outrageous guests and wild fights that lasted 27 years, passed away peacefully at his home in the Chicago area on Thursday morning after battling pancreatic cancer. According to TMZ's source, it was diagnosed a few months ago. Jerry Springer talks to his guests and audience on the set of "The Jerry Springer Show."Ralf-Finn Hestoft/Getty Images However, a family spokesperson stated that Jerry had been dealing with a brief illness. Before achieving worldwide fame through his TV show, Jerry Springer was a former politician who ran for the US Congress in 1970, became a Cincinnati City Council member in 1971, and went on to serve as the city's mayor in 1977 for a single term. Jerry Springer chatting with co-anchor Jim Watkins and a techn

Nkechi Blessing wants people to make their relationship public on social media

This is in character for the actress, who constantly shows off her personality on social media. Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing, well known for openly sharing details of her relationships online, criticised those who conceal their romantic partnerships from the public eye. She asserted that it's preferable to make one's relationship public on social media. Blessing argued that many people remain in toxic relationships, citing privacy as the justification. She pointed out that some people are in relationships with unworthy partners and use privacy as an excuse for their secrecy. "Sometimes it’s best to post your partner. Some of you are in unhealthy relationships, all in the name of keeping it private. The men themselves will say, ‘Please keep me private,’ so he can be with your whole squad without any of you knowing. Ara Agbala privacy," she wrote. Nkechi Blessing is always making the world know her partner It is worth noting that Nkechi Blessing has a repu

Nigerians fleeing Sudan to arrive home today

The head of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) responded to allegations of discrimination in the evacuation process, stating that children and women were given priority... The Federal Government has evacuated the first batch of stranded Nigerians in Sudan. The evacuees are expected to arrive in Abuja on Friday, April 28, 2023. The Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abdur-Rahman Balogun , announced this in a statement. Abike Dabiri-Erewa , the Chairman of NiDCOM, gave more details about the evacuation during a State House briefing on Thursday, April 27. According to Dabiri-Erewa, a total of 13 buses have already left Sudan to transport Nigerians. The buses moved by road to the border town of Aswan in Egypt. Members of staff of the embassy in Egypt and the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Habeeb-Muhammed, received the evacuees. Ten of the buses transported Nigerians

JAMB accommodates blind students in UMTE Exam

The registrar came up with the idea of creating JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), where eminent Nigerians were picked to actualise the dream... At least 27 visually impaired students participated in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UMTE) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Enugu. The exercise took place on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Coscharis Hall, Law Faculty, University of Nigeria, Enugu (UNEC). News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the supervisors read out the questions and the students were provided with options which they chose and wrote with the help of typewriters, braille, and laptops, among other things. Professor Emeritus, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), and Coordinator of the examination, Prof. Mosto Onuoha , spoke about the exercise and said it was the brainchild of the current JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede , to accommodate physically challenged persons in the country. He stated that the registrar came u

Zulum inaugurates FG’s 100 housing units in Gwoza

Zulum lauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision toward ensuring that Nigerians in the low-income category had access to decent and affordable homes. Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno on Wednesday inaugurated 100 housing units constructed by the Federal Government in Gwoza Local Government Area. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was constructed by the Federal Government under its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) scheme. Zulum, represented by his deputy, Usman Kadafur, at the ceremony lauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision toward ensuring that Nigerians in the low-income category had access to decent and affordable homes. He pointed out that the housing projects would address the challenges of housing shortage and improve on the resettlement drive in the insurgency-ravaged communities of the state. In her remarks, Mrs Adejoke Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, said the project was designed to support the 25-year long term Born

Uche Ogbodo is expecting 2nd child with husband Bobby Maris

Uche Ogbodo and Bobby Maris welcomed their first child together in 2021 and tied the knot in January 2023. Nollywood actress Uche Ogbodo has announced that she and her husband, Bobby Maris, are expecting their second child. The actress took to her Instagram page to share the good news with her fans on Wednesday afternoon, April 26. Along with a positive pregnancy test kit, she shared a photo of herself displaying her expanding baby bump. "The Maris Family is Increasing all thanks to my Sweet Husband, the Sweetest of them all , my Crown , You are the Mightiest Man in a Young Body I Love you With All my Heart ♥️ @bobbymaris . Pls Send your Congratulations with a Toast from our Wine Shop," she captioned the post. Uche Ogbodo and Bobby Maris welcomed their first child together in 2021 and tied the knot in January 2023. This came eight years after the actress' failed marriage to footballer Apo Arthur, which produced a daughter. They got married in 2023 The actress,

Governor-elect condemns Plateau killings

The governor-elect commiserated with those who lost loved ones, but advised residents against taking laws into their hands. Mr Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau Governor-elect, has condemned the killing of six persons at Farin lamba community in Jos South Local Government Area of the state Mutfwang, in a statement on Thursday in Jos, tasked security agencies to fish out perpetrators of the evil deed and bring them to justice. The statement was signed by Gyang Bere , the governor-elect’s Special Assistant on Media. ”We condemn this attack in totality and appeal to security agencies to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice. ”We call on security personnel to do all within their power to halt further attacks on our communities; we cannot afford to allow acts of impunity to continue against peace-loving people,” the statement said. Muftwang appealed to Plateau residents to remain peaceful at all times, and report any suspicious movement in their vicinities to security agencie

Orji Kalu visits President-elect, Tinubu

Before the closed door meeting, kalu expressed gratitude to God for Tinubu’s successful vacation and safe return to Nigeria. The President-elect, Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja, held a closed door meeting with the Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Orji Kalu. Kalu, who arrived Tinubu’s Asokoro residence in Abuja at 5:31pm, decked in white attire and red cap, was ushered into a meeting with Tinubu. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Monday after a four-week vacation in France. Kalu, before the closed door meeting, expressed gratitude to God for Tinubu’s successful vacation and safe return to Nigeria. The reason for their meeting might not be unconnected with the race for the Senate Presidency. Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Kalu said the purpose of his visit was to officially welcome and felicitate with the president-elect on his return from a successful vacation in Europe. According to him, the successful return of the president-elect att

Police Service Commission sacks 3 officers, demotes 5

20 other officers were severely reprimanded. The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of three police officers and a reduction in rank of five others. Ikechukwu Ani , the Head of Press and Public Relations of PSC, said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja that 20 other officers were severely reprimanded. He said the dismissed officers were three Assistant Superintendents of Police, while those affected by the reduction in rank include an Assistant Commissioner, a Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents and one Assistant Superintendent. Ani said those severely reprimanded were an Assistant Commissioner of Police, a Chief Superintendent of Police, four Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents and 12 Assistant Superintendents. He said the decisions were taken during the 20th Plenary Meeting of the Commission, presided over by its chairman, Dr Solomon Arase . Ani said the meeting treated 43 pending disciplinary matters, appeals and petitions. The PSC spoke

P-Square foresaw Wizkid's rise to prominence in the music industry years ago

The brothers also talked about their importance and significance to the music industry, which they dominated at the time. Renowned singer Peter Okoye has revealed that he foresaw Wizkid's meteoric rise to prominence in the music industry years ago. Speaking on DW's 'The 77 Podcast' latest episode with his brother Paul, Peter recounted the role he played during the Grammy-award-winning superstar's early career. Peter shared that he never underestimated Wizkid during his early days and always held high hopes for him. He mentioned that he had criticised journalists who dismissed Wizkid as an up-and-coming artist, confidently stating that Wizkid would eventually take over the industry. P-Square In his words, “We [P-Square] were never the type of artistes that looked down on anybody. If you remember, there was a video that went viral where it was P-Square concert and Wizkid was opening for us. So, they [reporters] kept on interviewing only P-Square and we were l

Ini Edo speaks out after being linked to Empress Njamah's former lover turned scammer

This accusation has garnered widespread attention, with many people criticising the actress. Nollywood actress Ini Edo has been implicated in a scandal involving an alleged scammer and former lover of her industry colleague, Empress Njamah, named Jack Davies. Davies has been confirmed by the Liberian police as a notorious scammer who targeted wealthy women, entered into romantic relationships with them, and swindled them of their fortunes. Reports have surfaced that, in addition to his known victim in Nigeria, Empress Njamah, he possessed intimate videos of about nine other female celebrities. Amidst these recent developments, Instagram blogger Gistlover has also accused Ini Edo of having a relationship with Davies. To support this claim, the blogger shared a recording of a video call between Davies and Ini Edo as well as a snapshot of her passport that was allegedly found on his phone. This accusation has garnered widespread attention, with many people criticising the actress. In

WHO estimates 6.2m Nigerian children unvaccinated due to COVID-19

Moeti said that an estimated 33 million children would need to be vaccinated in Africa between 2023 and 2025. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 6.2 million Nigerian children are zero doses (unvaccinated), a consequence of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2021. Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said this in Abuja on Tuesday at a news conference to celebrate the African Vaccination Week (AVW) and World Immunization Week with the theme “The Big Catch-Up’’. “The Big Catch Up is actually a year-long campaign aiming to reverse the serious setbacks in routine immunization. “We acknowledge current efforts by government for 83 per cent reduction in circulating Variant Polio Virus type 2. “Also a significant feat in sustaining certification for the eradication Wild Polio Virus in Nigeria,’ ’ she said. Moeti, represented by Dr Walter Mulombo , WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, said that an estimated 33 million children wou

FG hires 40 buses to evacuate stranded Nigerians from war-torn Sudan

Abike Dabiri-Erewa has confirmed that Nigerians in Sudan will be moved to Egypt on Wednesday. The Federal Government is set to repatriate about 5,500 Nigerians, including students stranded in Khartoum in Sudan. The FG reportedly hired 40 buses to facilitate the evacuation of the stranded Nigerians from the war-torn country to Cairo in Egypt. The government is reported to have released N150m for hiring the buses. According to ThePunch, the money was paid to an undisclosed transport company on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 12:37 pm by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the National Emergency Management Agency. Confirming this, Abike Dabiri-Erewa , Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, said the payment has been made, adding that the evacuees would take off on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Security forces are at war in Sudan. (Punch) In a tweet on Tuesday night, she confirmed that Nigerians in Sudan would be moved to Egypt on Wednesday. “It’s late in the night. Wil

EFCC arraigns Ondo house of assembly speaker, 2 others for alleged fraud

The EFCC has arraigned Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Bamidele Oloyeloogun, and two others before the State High Court sitting in Akure for alleged fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Hon. Bamidele Oloyeloogun, and two others before the State High Court sitting in Akure for alleged fraud. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the allegations levelled against them. Also arraigned along with the speaker is a lawmaker representing Akoko South/West Constituency 1, Felemu Bankole , and Segun Oyadeyi Bankole , a civil servant. EFCC Seeks Remand of Defendants During the court proceeding, counsel to the EFCC, Kingsley Kudus , urged the court to remand the defendants at the Olokuta Correctional Facility in Akure. He argued that though they had pleaded not guilty, the defendants were still in the hands of the court while the trial continued. Defendants’ counsel prays for administrative bail How

Kinzo drops new project titled 'Discovery'

#FeatureByKinzo Kinzo was born and raised a Lasgidi boy. Since a young age, I have been very active and my vision was clear: “As long as the sun shines, I will continue to shine.” "My teenage years were very vital to my youth’s development. I was born and Raised in Lagos, Grew up in Ladi -lak Bariga, High school at St Gregory’s college Obalende, and completed my college degree in Canada as an immigration consultant. An indigene of Ikorodu Lcga. My purpose is to bring the world's best music with a greater message to “elevate mood [Through] conscious music.” I listened to the likes of Fela Anikulapokuti, Haruno Ishola, Yusuf Olatunji, Micheal Jackson, Tu Pac, 50cent, Da Grin, Terry G and Olamide. I am a “multidimensional being,” and with that in mind, you should expect the unexpected creativity. EP titled “Discovery.” Drops this April 22 Kinzo Kinzo Listen here; https://album.link/kinzodiscovery It’s your boy Kinzo aka youdonknow! Instagram - @kinzoworld _1 Youtub

Ghanaian capital takes over as UNESCO’s 2023 World Book Capital

He added that the choice of Accra as the 2023 World Book Capital was a call for action to support reading among all people and remove the barriers to reading on the African continent. The Ghanaian capital Accra formally took over as the 2023 World Book Capital of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) from the Mexican city of Guadalajara on Monday. “Books and reading are essential to us all, as a source of information, questions and emotions, to get us close with the world,” Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay said at the launching ceremony for the 2023 World Book Capital along with Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He added that the choice of Accra as the 2023 World Book Capital was a call for action to support reading among all people and remove the barriers to reading on the African continent. While reading some books with some school children at the ceremony, Akufo-Addo said: “The World Book Capital is more than a re

Buhari mourns retired Gen. Sa’id

Buhari said that the late military officer was brave and worked hard to make the country’s army a respectable institution. President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of retired Maj.-Gen. Suleiman Sa’id, Commissioner representing Niger State at the Federal Character Commission. A statement by Malam Garba Shehu , Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said the president conveyed his condolences via a message to the family of the deceased on Monday. Buhari said that the late military officer was brave and worked hard to make the country’s army a respectable institution. “He dedicated his life to the discipline and pride of the country. May Allah accept his good deeds and grant those who mourn him fortitude to bear the loss,” the president added. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

British-Nigerian rapper Tion Wayne shares cloth on Lagos streets

Rap superstar Tion Wayne has delighted fans as he distributes clothing items to fans on the streets. Tion Wayne is one of the UK's finest rappers whose music has crossed over to the Nigerian market. The rapper who is in Nigeria for Davido's 'The Timeless Experience' concert took a break to visit the street and connect with fans. In the video posted online, the rapper can be seen opening a box filled with clothes and sharing the clothes with random people in a Lagos community. The acts have put smiles on the faces of fans who struggled to pick the packaged tracksuits in the box. This is not the first time the Ondo State-born Tion Wayne will be hitting the streets of Lagos. In 2022, he took to the streets with British rapper Arrdee as part of the content for their video shoot for their song '24 Hours in Lagos'. Tion Wayne was one of the performers at Davido's 'The Timeless Experience' concert in Tafawa Balewa Square Lagos. The concert was hi

President Buhari to attend Gulf of Guinea Commission Summit in Accra

President Muhammadu Buhari is set to attend the Gulf of Guinea Commission Summit in Accra, Ghana, to discuss strategies for strengthening peace and security in the fight against maritime-related crimes. President Muhammadu Buhari is set to depart Abuja for Accra on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, to attend the 3rd Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC). According to his media aide, Mr Femi Adesina , the summit was called by President Nana Akuffo-Ado of Ghana. The president is expected to participate in a high-level discussion on strategies for strengthening peace and security in the fight against maritime-related crimes in the gulf. Accompanying President Buhari on this trip will be the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama , the National Security Adviser, retired Maj.-Gen Babagana Monguno , and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Abubakar. President Buhari has been a leading advoc

Allen Onyema says Air Peace ready to evacuate Nigerians from Sudan free

Allen Onyema said he is compelled to help his compatriots because Nigeria cannot afford to lose its citizens in the ongoing war in Sudan. The Chairman and Chief Executive Office of Air Peace, Allen Onyema has disclosed the readiness of his airline to evacuate stranded Nigerians in Sudan for free. Onyema in a statement on Monday, April 24, 2023, said he would bring Nigerian students and others in Sudan back home if the Federal Government can get them to a safe and secure airport in any of the neighbouring countries. The CEO of the airline said he is compelled to help his compatriots because Nigeria cannot afford to lose its citizens in the ongoing war in the North-East African country. He said some parents have been calling on him to help their children stranded in the war-torn country. Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyema [Twitter] “Again, Air Peace is willing to evacuate Nigerians stranded in Sudan free of charge if the government can get them to a safe and secure airport in any of the

Davido escapes onstage attack at Lagos concert

"In the midst of happiness, there is brutal danger." Afrobeat sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, found himself in a scuffle with an unruly 'fan' during his highly-anticipated Timeless concert at Lagos' Tafawa Balewa Square. The incident occurred on April 23, 2023, as Davido performed his latest album for the first time in Nigeria at the renowned venue, known for accommodating over 50,000 fans. As Davido dazzled the audience with his performance, a fan unexpectedly stormed the stage and approached him in a menacing manner. However, the quick-thinking singer swiftly turned around and almost threw a punch at the intruder before security personnel intervened and escorted the individual offstage. The viral video of the altercation has caused a buzz on social media, with many applauding Davido's ability to defend himself and handle the situation with composure, while others speculate on the motive behind the fan's actions. This is the fir

Ohanaeze Ndigbo lauds Ikpeazu for peace in Abia

He said that the outgoing governor created an enabling environment for lawful economic and social activities to thrive in the state. The Abia Chapter of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has lauded Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu for the prevailing peace and security in the state. The chapter President, Mr Okey Nwankwo, made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia on Sunday. He said that the outgoing governor created an enabling environment for lawful economic and social activities to thrive in the state. Nwankwo said that Ikpeazu had recorded developments “more importantly in peace and understanding among Abia people”. He also said that Ikpeazu had demonstrated that Abia remained relatively the most peaceful state in the country. Nwankwo, who doubles as the Chairman, South-East and South-South Presidents’ Forum, urged the Governor-elect, Dr Alex Otti, to continue with Ikpeazu’s template on peace and security. He pledged

Davido, Cubana Chief Priest unfollow each other as fans speculate breakup

However, amid speculation of a breakup between them, Cubana Chief Priest recently shared a video of himself vibing to Davido's song. Popular Nigerian singer and his long-time friend, celebrity barman Cubana Chief Priest, have recently decided to unfollow each other on Instagram. Having shared a strong bond for many years, Davido and Cubana Chief Priest have been known to support each other in their respective endeavours. The owner of a popular nightclub, Cubana Chief Priest, has frequently been spotted alongside Davido at various events and parties and has even gone the extra mile to promote the musician's music on his own social media platforms. However, the once seemingly unbreakable bond between the duo appears to have hit a rough patch, as they have unfollowed each other on Instagram, as observed from their respective pages. Reactions as Davido and Cubana Chief Priest unfollow each other on Instagram Reactions as Davido and Cubana Chief Priest unfollow each other on

Fg to evacuate over 5,500 trapped Nigerian students from Sudan by road

The Federal Government said the evacuation plan to move by road became imperative following the attack on the flight of a French rescue team in Sudan. The Federal Government has resolved to transport over 5,500 stranded Nigerians in war-torn Sudan by road as flight operations have become increasingly dangerous. Disclosing this during a Channels Television programme, Politics Today , on Sunday, April 23, 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama , said the government has concluded arrangements to bring the trapped Nigerians back to the country by road. This is coming as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Northeastern African country following a clash between a paramilitary group, Rapid Support Force (RSF) and Sudanese armed forces. The fierce confrontation, which broke out on Saturday, April 15, 2023, has now entered its eighth day without showing any sign of abating. The development has prompted foreign nationals resident in Sudan to seek evacuation back to the

NDLEA arrests cripple in Edo, ex-convict in Adamawa for drug trafficking

The NDLEA further said that operatives in Imo intercepted a female suspect at Orogwe, Owerri North with 70 blocks of suspected cannabis sativa weighing 30kg. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 42-year-old cripple, allegedly trading in illicit drugs on his wheelchair in Edo. This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja. Babafemi said the suspect was arrested in a raid of drug joints in parts of the state. He said the suspect was nabbed at Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, with 1.3kg of substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa and 10 litres of suspected Monkey Tail. He also said that another suspect, a 46-years old lady was arrested at Ugbegun, Esan Central LGA with four litres of suspected “monkey tail.” “We also arrested another lady, 19, at Ekpoma, with various quantities of substances suspected to be Colorado, Methamphetamine and Molly. “A 50kg suspected cannabis, stored in a

NDLEA arrests widower with 14.4kg cocaine on her way to Lesser Hajj

Four set of white lace material with linings of substance that tested positive to cocaine weighing 11.50kg was discovered in her bag. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a widower, Ahmed Ariyibi and a divorcee, Silifat Akanbi at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA) Lagos for alleged drug trafficking. The Director, Media and Advocacy of the agency, Femi Babafemi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. Babafemi said the suspects who were going for lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia, were arrested for attempting to export 14.4 kilograms of cocaine concealed in lace and ankara fabrics. He said that Ariyibi was arrested on April 20 at the screening point of MMIA terminal 2, during outward clearance of Qatar Airways passengers travelling from Lagos via Doha to Medina, Saudi Arabia. According to him, when his carry-on bag was checked, four set of white lace material with linings of substance that tested positive to cocaine weighing 11.50kg was disco

I'm relieved Tinubu, Shettima are succeeding Buhari - Zulum

Zulum said he will seriously miss the massive support he received from President Buhari in administering Borno State. As President Muhammadu Buhari continues to count down to his last day in office on May 29, 2023, Borno State Governor, Babagan Zulum, has expressed satisfaction that the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima will be coming on board. Zulum made this known while speaking at a Sallah lunch he hosted for his predecessor and Vice president-elect at the Government House in Maiduguri on Friday, April 21, 2023. Describing what the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s victory in the February 25, 2023, presidential election meant to him, Zulum said he felt relieved that the duo of Tinubu and Shettima would be stepping in after Buhari's exit. Though he said he would greatly miss the huge support the outgoing President has given him in administering Borno State, the governor is convinced that the President-elect and his vice will be eq

My dad wished for Tinubu's presidency on his deathbed - Alaafin's son

Alaafin's son revealed that the late traditional ruler visited 27 Yoruba monarchs in their palaces to talk about Asiwaju's emergence as Nigeria's next President. The late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, had just one wish while lying on his deathbed and that was the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the next Nigerian president. It's been one year since the revered monarch died and his son, Akeem Adeyemi , has revealed his discussion with his father before he drew his last breath. Alaafin died on Friday, April 22, 2023, at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, after a brief sickness. Lying on his deathbed, Alaafin shared his thoughts with Akeem which revolved around politics, and specifically his determination to see another Yoruba man become the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In an interview with The Punch , Akeem disclosed that his late father threw his weight b