Author: The Nation

  • Ilebaye laments N120k fee for makeup service

    Ilebaye laments N120k fee for makeup service

    Ilebaye Odiniya, the winner of Big Brother Naija All-Stars, recently took to X platform (formerly Twitter) to express her disappointment over the exorbitant price of makeup services.

    The acclaimed ‘Gen Z’ baddie, who won the ultimate price of N120 million, revealed that she was charged N120,000 for a makeup session.

    Read Also: Khloe condemns natural hair, minimalist makeup

    She linked the inflated price to her newfound wealth and expressed her dissatisfaction with the situation.

    She tweeted: “Because I win 120 million, person charge me 120k for make-up.”

  • I get jealous seeing Portable with other women, says fiancée Ashabi Simple

    I get jealous seeing Portable with other women, says fiancée Ashabi Simple

    Ashabi Simple, fiancée to controversial singer, Portable, has said she sometimes gets jealous when she sees her fiancé with other women.

    Ashabi, whose real name is Akinyanju Omobolarinde, also doubles as an actress.

    Ashabi, in an interview with Punch, stated that despite the ‘Zazuu’ singer’s hectic lifestyle, he still dedicates time to visiting her, stressing that Portable is very protective regarding his relationship.

    She said: “When it comes to his relationships, he is very protective. When I see him with other women, I sometimes get jealous, but I caution myself, knowing that he is a celebrity. However, he is always open and that is better than hiding (keeping secrets). I am used to it all.

    Read Also: Mercy Aigbe recounts s3xual harassment experience in movie industry

    “If I am dating him because of his money, I would be tired by now. No one forces Portable to do anything, and I do not have a problem with that, because I do a lot for myself. I have always been like that. Before I started my clothing business, I worked as a bus conductor, bartender, and I sold pieces of jewelry before I started attending filmmaking class and working in the film industry as a manager. And, that was where I started making money.”

    Expressing admiration for Portable’s dedication to his craft, the actress said the singer is vibrant and full of energy.

    She added: “I strive to achieve what I want. I am not in competition with anyone. If I want to compete with anyone, that should be my husband, because he is also an entertainer. I look up to him; he is more like my mentor. Despite being made, he is still vibrant and full of energy.”

  • BBNaija Boma goes bald, announces new title

    BBNaija Boma goes bald, announces new title

    Reality star and actor Boma Akpore has announced his new title as he goes bald for a new movie role.

    The former BBNaija housemate posted a majestic message about himself, praising his persona while dressed in Egyptian attire, hinting at an upcoming movie.

    Read Also: Khloe condemns natural hair, minimalist makeup

    His caption read: “I’m African, a warrior, a fighter, a king. I rule, I dominate, I protect. Created in the image of God. Call me AUDU BALEBA.”

  • Road crashes claim 35, injure 270 in Anambra – FRSC

    Road crashes claim 35, injure 270 in Anambra – FRSC

    A total of 35 lives have been lost, while 270 have equally, been injured in 97 road crashes in Anambra state .

    These incidents happened between January and November 2023, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disclosed.

    Sector Commander, Adeoye Irelewuyi, made the disclosure during a media parley with the command weekend in Awka, Anambra state.

    The sector commander said a total of 820 persons were involved in the crashes within the period, with 25 being fatal.

    He said the statistics showed significant improvement and reduction, particularly when compared with 2022 records where 132 crashes with 42 fatal, involving 1,048 persons, 64 deaths and 306 injured were recorded.

    He said: “In the face of security threats and high risks to personnel safety, the Anambra Sector Command remains undaunted in its efforts to drastically reduce RTCs and create safer motoring environment. 

    “It has arrested 1,953 offenders with 2,119 offences from January to 30th November, 2023 and impounded 332 vehicles. 

    “This also shows an improvement when compared to the year 2022 where we recorded 1,381 offenders arrest with 1,493 offences and 382 impoundments.

    “The Command will continue to strive harder to ensure the achievement of the Corps’ Corporate Strategic goals as well as the United Nations target of reduction of RTC by 50% by the year 2030.”

    Speaking on preparations for 2023 operation zero tolerance, the FRSC boss announced deployment of about 1000 personnel state wide, including both regular and Special Marshals. 

    “The command is poised to commence the Operation Zero Tolerance to RTC which starts nationwide on the 15th of December 2023 and is expected to run through 15th January, 2024.

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    “We have mapped out strategies for the success of this exercise in Anambra state. These strategies include: Deployment of about 1000 personnel State wide. These include both regular and Special Marshals. 

    “It is expected that these personnel when deployed will engage in robust traffic management (enforcement and traffic control) as well as Public enlightenment, all targeted towards RTC reduction.

    “We are also in synergy with critical Stakeholders including Sister Security agencies, Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra state ministry of transport, Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency, the Press and all other stakeholders in order to ensure a successful Operations Zero Tolerance. 

    “Presently we are discussing with the representatives of MTN and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH) Anambra on the possibility of opening the Onitsha bound lane of the Expressway to traffic as from the 15th of December, 2023. 

    “This we believe will ease the pressure of traffic at the Amawbia flyover.

    “Similarly we are discussing the possibility of some emergency repairs of critical portions of the expressway at Onitsha, Owerri road, Bridge head and other points as palliative measures so as to ensure free traffic flow.

    “The State Command has also received the delivery of a brand new 70 ton Tow truck (Juggernaut) from our national HQ. This will greatly assist in ensuring prompt removal of obstructions and reduce gridlock.

    “Part of our strategies to ensure safe travels within Anambra State during this season is to establish 3 Help areas along the critical Onitsha-Awka-Enugu corridor. 

    “This will ensure prompt response to RTC and other traffic situations that may require intervention.”

  • Remove your vehicles from our station, police warned

    Remove your vehicles from our station, police warned

    Ogun State Police Command has warned owners of abandoned or recovered vehicles parked at Ogbere Division, to remove them within two weeks or risk forfeiture.

    According to a statement by the police command, the vehicles include ”two Toyota Camry cars with registration numbers-819 SM, LSR 460 BZ; one Toyota Hiace bus(APP 867 XZ); one unregistered Toyota Camry car; one unregistered Mercedes Benz; one Volkswagen(MUS 912 AZ) and one DAF truck head (APP 526 XF).

    Read Also: Gov joins military operation to rescue abducted civilian

    ”Others are: five unregistered Bajaj motorcycles; one Bajaj motorcycle (PMD 715 QC); one TVS motorcycle(Y 406 UW) and one blue Honda motorcycle,” the statement signed by the deputy spokesperson of the command, Folashade Oluwole added.

  • 23-yr-old Oyo indigene becomes youngest alumni of NIPSS

    23-yr-old Oyo indigene becomes youngest alumni of NIPSS

    A 23-Year-Old native of Lagelu Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State, Ayomide Shukurat Olubodun has emerged as the youngest graduate to attend the Nigeria National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State.

    Olubodun, alongside other distinguished Nigerians, participated in the 47th October diet of the Policy, Strategy, and Leadership Course (PSLC) at NIPSS.

    A human resources expert, she possesses a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management and Master degree in Business Administration. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in the same discipline.

    Read Also: DSS to unveil self-made UAVs, other weapons soon, says DG

    Speaking on the feat, she said: ” I completed the  Policy, Strategy, and Leadership Course (PSLC)  at the highest training institute for public officials in Nigeria, alongside military officers and public servants making me the youngest to attend and complete such programme at 23 years old.

    ”I performed excellently well and was commended for my brilliance by my colleagues and facilitators of the programme.

    , “At first, I didn’t quite grasp its full impact until my dad explained, ‘You are truly making history being the youngest to ever accomplish this and attend the Policy, Strategy, and Leadership Course (PSLC) at age 23.”

  • NDIC raises concerns over asset liability mismatch in banking sector

    NDIC raises concerns over asset liability mismatch in banking sector

    The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has identified a significant challenge that could jeopardize the stability of the banking sector.

    The NDIC has discovered what it refers to as “asset liability mismatch” during its review of banks’ risk management practices.

    According to the Managing Director of the NDIC, Hassan Bello, the effective management of assets and liabilities is crucial for promoting the stability of banking operations.

    Mr. Bello further emphasised that the significant maturity mismatch between banks’ available funding and the tenors required by fund seekers could prevent banks from meeting their obligations, including meeting depositors’ demand.

    The primary source of funds for Nigerian banks is generally short-term in nature, while the demand, particularly by medium to long-term seekers, tends to be for more extended periods. This disparity has resulted in maturity mismatch, presenting high vulnerability to risks and potentially endangering the safety and stability of the banking sector.

    Read Also: Gov joins military operation to rescue abducted civilian

    The NDIC’s discovery of this issue is a warning sign to the banking sector on the need for more effective risk management practices. The survival of banks and the protection of depositors’ funds require matching assets’ tenors to their respective liabilities.

    It is not clear at this point which banks have been affected by this challenge. However, the implications of such risks are vast and could result in dire consequences if not adequately managed.

    Bello stated that “as regulators and supervisors within the financial sector, our concern would surely be beyond managing the above risks. We must deeply think on how to create enabling policies and frameworks that will support the supply side for our banks.”

  • Lack of census has created information vacuum, says NPC Chairman

    Lack of census has created information vacuum, says NPC Chairman

    • Holds retreat for Reps on population in Abuja

    The Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa-Kwarra on Saturday said lack of census has created an information vacuum in the country.

    Isa-Kwarra said after 17 years of not conducting a national population and housing census, there is a need for Nigeria to conduct its census soon enough.

    Speaking during a retreat for the Chairman and members, House Committee on Population of the House of Representatives, the Chairman, NPC, Nasir Isa-Kwarra said Nigeria is at a great disadvantage of not having data and that it hinders sustainable development for the nation.

    Isa-Kwarra, who was represented by the Federal Commissioner in charge of Niger State, Malam Muhammad Dattijo Usman, said: “Population is a critical factor in a nation’s efforts towards achieving sustainable development. The people are both the agents and beneficiaries of the development process. Knowledge of the country’s population in terms of size, distribution and socio-economic characteristics is required for planning purposes.

    Read Also: DSS to unveil self-made UAVs, other weapons soon, says DG

    “This therefore makes the conduct of the census an essential governance activity. The imperatives for the conduct of the next population and housing census rest on the following grounds: Nigeria has one of the fastest growing populations, with a growth rate of 3.2% and an estimated population of about 216 million. Capturing the essential dynamics of such a population requires the regular conduct of censuses, preferably every 10 years as recommended by the United Nations.

    “The country’s inability to conduct a population census in the last 17 years has created an information vacuum as the data from the last Census conducted in 2006 has been rendered less useful for planning purposes.”

    “Preparations for the conduct of the next Census have reached an advanced stage with the demarcation of all the LGAs in the country into enumeration areas. The demarcation exercise began in 2015 and further delay in conducting the next census will make the products thereof less optimal for the next census in view of the rapidly changing environmental landscape and settlement patterns in the country.”

  • REA, NASENI sign $150m lithium battery manufacturing deal with Chinese firm

    REA, NASENI sign $150m lithium battery manufacturing deal with Chinese firm

    The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Nigeria and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) have sealed a $150 million lithium battery manufacturing deal with a Chinese investor.

    The agreement was signed with the Chinese firm: SHENZEN LEMI Technology Development Company as the global community converged for COP 28 in Dubai at the weekend.

    The agencies are poised to make a significant stride in climate action by signing the groundbreaking Cooperation Agreement, marking a pivotal moment in the global effort towards sustainable energy practices.

    Read Also: Gov joins military operation to rescue abducted civilian

    According to the REA press statement that contained this, the agreement was signed under the leadership of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Power and the China Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

    It noted that the “partnership will facilitate the establishment of a Lithium-Ion Battery manufacturing and processing factory in Nigeria. This initiative is backed by a US$150 million investment from LEMI, with operations scheduled to commence in phases, starting from the 2nd quarter of 2024.”

    REA said the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Power in Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm for being part of this transformative agreement.

    It further noted that the signing of the Cooperation Agreement is anticipated to serve as a pioneer initiative for the Light and Belt Initiative in Africa, aligning with global efforts to drive climate technology development and transfer.

  • Correctional Service promotes 5,004 personnel

    Correctional Service promotes 5,004 personnel

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced the promotion of 5,004 personnel cutting across all cadres and ranks within the institution.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abubakar Umar who made the announcement in a statement said it was carried out based on those who participated in the 2023 promotion exercise.

    According to him the promotion exercise was conducted by the Civil Defence Corrections Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).

    He explained that an internal message for the NCoS dated 8th December, 2023 showed that seven (7) Controllers of Corrections (CC) were elevated to the rank of Assistant Controller General of Corrections (ACG).

    Also thirty-five (35) Deputy Controllers of Corrections (DCC) were promoted to Controller of Corrections (CC).

    Read Also: DSS to unveil self-made UAVs, other weapons soon, says DG

    “Others promoted to new ranks include 68 Deputy Controllers of Corrections, 129 Assistant Controllers of Corrections (ACCs), 426 Chief Superintendents of Corrections (CSCs), 650 Superintendents of Corrections (SCs), and 1048 Deputy Superintendents of Corrections (DSCs),” Umar said.

    He explained that 2641 Assistant Superintendents of Corrections (ASCs) among whom are those qualified for upgrading and omitted from advancement.

    According to him the Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Haliru Nababa, charged the beneficiaries to get ready for more work knowing fully well that promotion comes with additional responsibility.

    “The CGC admonished the newly promoted officers to brace up for the tasks ahead.

    “He encouraged those that missed the promotion to remain steadfast as more opportunities abound in the future,” Umar stated.