The Federal Government has condemned the letter of a US Congressman, Tom Marino, asking his country to withhold security support to Nigeria, describing it as “out of tune with reality’’. Marino had written the letter to the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, alleging infractions on some principles and local and international regulations and conventions by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said that the allegations by Marino were imaginary and that he was poorly informed about the issues he commented on. He wondered…
Author: David Folami
Militant attacks on energy facilities in Nigeria’s southern Niger Delta threaten to cripple the country’s state oil company if allowed to go unchecked, it said on Sunday. Militants calling for a greater share of the country’s oil wealth to go the impoverished region have reduced Nigeria’s crude oil output by 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.56 million bpd since the start of the year. Niger Delta Avengers, which claimed responsibility for most of the attacks, said last month it had ceased hostilities to pursue talks with the government, but others say they will continue attacks. Another group, the Niger…
The United Nations (UN) has described Nigeria as one of the poorest and most unequal countries in the world. The UN also said that Nigeria is deeply divided on the basis of the plurality of ethnic, religious and regional identities. This was contained in a report released by the UN on Nigeria’s Common Country Analysis (CCA). The report reads in part: “Nigeria, with a population of over 75 million, is the most populous nation in Africa and the seventh most populous in the world. Her population will be approximately 200 million by 2019 and over 400 million by 2050, becoming…
The United States of America is set to return $458million in funds looted by former dictator, Sani Abacha to Nigeria. The US is said to have seized about $550 million which had been corruptly obtained by Abacha and his associates under its 2013 Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. The disclosure was made by Comrade Salihu Othman Isah, the media aide to Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami to Daily Trust on Sunday, September 4, 2016. Isah added that a US-Nigerian lawyer, Godson Nnaka, had filed an appeal stalling the release of the funds after claiming to be entitled to…
The Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike pledged his support for the Nigerian Army exercise in the Niger Delta- Operation Crocodile Smile. Governor Wike said his administration will continue to support all security agencies in Rivers state to maintain peace and order. He said this while speaking with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai at the Rivers state Government House. Wike said “The Rivers State Government is fully in support of the Operation Crocodile Smile. I was fully briefed by the Brigade Commander and we associate ourselves with the programme because it will make the Niger…
The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu has called on South-East Governors to enact laws restricting the movement of Fulani Herdsmen to ranches. Ekweremadu asked the Governors to emulate the Ekiti state Governor, Ayo Fayose, who passed the Grazing Prohibition law recently. According to the Deputy Senate President, laws like that will stop the loss of innocent lives in Igbo land. He also suggested that the Federal Government can construct and lease ranches for use by the herdsmen, adding that it will produce healthy livestock. Ekweremadu said “Governments of various states in Igbo land and indeed other parts of the country…
The exchange of words following the death of Senator Stella Oduah’s son after a brief illness, is heating up by the day. The Senator’s enstranged husband, Lieutenant Colonel Satchie Ayomike Etoromi (rtd.), who said he was not informed of his son’s death, has issued a statement replying his son’s comments about him. Tuoyo Etoromi Oduah, had earlier issued a statement in the dailies, calling his father an attention seeker. According to the Lt. Col. Etormi, Tuoyo is being manipulated and lied to by his mother, who has been silent since this war of words started. The Senator’s enstranged husband also…
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, on Sunday advocated the celebration of Yoruba icons and heroes while they were alive. Ogunwusi made the call when the crew of Apreel 1 Events Management visited him in his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun, to herald the 70th birthday of popular juju musician, Mr Sunday Adegeye. He said that the musician, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA), had touched many lives in Yorubaland and the world through his music. Ogunwusi said that Sunny Ade’s brand of juju music cut across old and new generations, adding that he brought joy and happiness into…
Nollywood superstar Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde might be feeling left out after Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg came to the country and did not visit her. Mark Zuckerberg was in the country last week and met top Nigerian celebrities such as Basketmouth and Richard Mofe Damijo. Yesterday, August 4, 2016 Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde posted a photo of Mark Zuckerberg at the Aso Rock in her Instagram and wrote “That weird moment Zuckerberg visits Nigeria and meets with Everyone but the ones with the highest Ff on his platform #welcomeZuck or #goodbyezuck ? #jealousmuch #welovehimthough #controversialpost and #heworeasuit #facebook.” Was Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde joking…
September 3, 2016, was the highly anticipated Buckwyld ‘n’ Breathless. The event which had two headliners, 2Face Idibia and MI saw Choc Boiz reunite on stage at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos. The group while performing their hit song ‘Brother’ spoke a lot about growing up and helping each other. According to MI Abaga he once stayed with DJinee in his house for years before he finally made it. Jesse Jagz showed fans that there was no hard feelings between him and ‘brother’ Ice Prince as they both were very close at some point. He said, “Me and Ice…
Toyin Aimakhu was born on September 5, 1984 in Auchi, Edo state but spent her early life in Ibadan, Oyo state. She holds a Higher National Diploma certificate in marketing from Ibadan polytechnic. She began acting in 2003, when Bukky Wright, visited Ibadan to shoot a movie. currently an actress, producer and director, Toyin has featured in several Nigerian films, such as “Alani Baba Labake”, “Ebimi ni” and “Iya Ibadan”. The elated actress took to Instagram to celebrate her special day. “Who am I Lord that you are mindful of me? Who am I that you should hear me when…
Seems like Mavin artiste Reekado Banks has found love in the arms of a certain Emem Inuikim. The singer who never once denied been in a relationship recently revealed the face of the woman, he often refers to as ‘Bae of life’. He shared a photo of Emem six days back with the caption, “Mi island ting.” Emem who is obviously in love with the ‘Katapot’ singer promoted his album “Spotlight” and she got an ‘I love you’ response from the star. “I LOVE U ..MY WOMAN,” he commented, adding, “Come hia lemme chop ya.” By the way, we learnt…
In the last clip of an exclusive interview with Cool FM OAP Freeze, the veteran media personality says he is not leaving radio despite his new interest in the online scene. “I would have gone online a long time ago but I just love radio. You don’t know what it is to be able to open this mic here and just talk. I love to talk” confessed Freeze. Further in the interview, the OAP said that radio is his life although he appreciates the power of new media. “Online-yes I love. It also affords me the opportunity to express myself…
A few days ago, Rihanna, flaunted a new addition to her tattoo collection, dedicating it to Drake, but it’s even sweeter to note that the pair share the same tattoo. Earlier reports revealed that the “Work” singer had the image of a shark inked on Wednesday, August 31, right after she shared a kiss with the OVO rapper mid performance. The shark was reportedly made in the image of a stuffed shark doll Drake got Riri while on a date at Ripley’s Aquarium, in Toronto last month. Now, we can confirm that Rihanna isn’t the only one who remembers their…
In celebration of Beyonce’s birthday, her makeup artist, Sir John, shares an epic photo of himself and Queen Bey. As the “Lemonade” singer turned a year older today, September 5, the makeup artist who has worked with her for years took to his Instagram page to celebrate her. Sharing the photo which showed Sir John slung around Beyonce’s shoulders, he wrote: “Happy Birthday sis!!! “I’m inspired by you everyday. Love you.” There are many words to use when describing the pop diva and strong has always led the pack. This photo is far more than a tribute to the singer…
Khloe Kardashian seems to have found a new flame in the person of NBA star, Tristan Thompson. The 32-year-old reality star was pictured with the Basketball star on a water skiing trip on Saturday, September 3, 2016. Thompson, 25, couldn’t take his eyes of Khloe and her ample endowments wrapped in a red swimsuit as they prepared for the rides in Cabo, San Lucas, Mexico. Since Khloe finally let go of estranged husband, Lamar Odom, the TV star has been spotted with Trey Songz, as well as with Odell Beckham Jr. Following the speculations that arose from her being spotted…
As many celebrities have been forced to do in recent times, Ali Baba, has asked some pertinent questions pertaining to the current state of the Nigerian economy. Although the questions he shared via his Instagram page are mostly rhetorical in nature, they are enough to provoke deep concerns in the hearts of Nigerians. According to the comedian, the country has gotten to the point where, even Jesus Christ, cannot save it. He wrote: “The economy will remain like this for a long while because the strings that pull us into dire straits are still pulling us even much stronger. “How…
As much as Manchester City fans would like to see their side comfortably win the Premier League title, there’s an ever-growing sense in the stands at the Etihad that the club just isn’t built like that. Famed for doing things the hard way down the years, it seems that if they are to emerge as champions in 2017 they’ll have a fight on their hands. Recently, Chelsea won it at a canter in 2015; Manchester United cruised to the title in 2013; even Leicester wrapped it up with two games to spare last season. The only time City have been…
Barcelona are unhappy with Santos’ decision to push through with the sale of Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa in the final days of the summer transfer window, according to multiple reports in Catalonia. Gabigol joined Inter Milan for an initial fee of around €25 million last week, but Barca reportedly feel Santos violated an agreement between the two clubs by selling the 20-year-old without allowing them sufficient time to decide whether to match the Italian side’s offer. The Catalan club, in conjunction with the Neymar transfer in 2013, reportedly paid Santos €7m euros to have a preferential option on three of their…
Hernan Crespo has said Juventus did not pay over the odds for Gonzalo Higuain — but indicated that Manchester United may have done so for Paul Pogba. Juve brought in Higuain, last season’s leading Serie A goal scorer, from Napoli for €90 million (£75.6m). General manager Beppe Marotta insisted it was an investment the club would have made even had they not been set to recoup that money and more from the £89.3m (€105m) sale of Pogba. And Crespo — the world’s most expensive player when Lazio signed him from Parma for €55m in 2000 — told La Nacion: “You…