Author: The Nation

  • Judy reduces Yul Edochie’s perception – Blessing CEO

    Judy reduces Yul Edochie’s perception – Blessing CEO

    Amid the marital saga involving the Edochies, social media personality Blessing Okoro aka Blessing CEO has lent her voice to the marital saga involving Yul Edochie’s second Judy Austin.

    She accused Judy of corrupting the once highly respectable personality of the actor since she came into his life.

    Explaining she had intentionally stayed away from Edochie’s marital crisis due to the cordiality she enjoys with the actor, Blessing CEO said she voiced her opinion after people asked her to address the matter.

    While not disapproving of polygamy, Blessing CEO berated Yul and Judy for being insensitive as well as constituting a nuisance on social media while his first wife and kids mourned the passing of their first son, Kambilichukwu in March; hailing May for maintaining decorum through it all.

    The self-proclaimed ‘intellectual entertainer’ in a video stated: “I’ve been trying so hard not to come into this matter. I’ve been trying so hard to shy away from it. A lot of people have reached out to me and said, ‘Blessing, you’re partial. Blessing, this is what is happening, we need your opinion.

    “But I’m going to be very honest. The reason why I’ve not interfered in the Yul, May and Judy saga is because the actor is kind of a friend to me, not like a very close friend. But at least, we know each other, we’ve chatted and I’ve met him before.

    “When the news of polygamy came out, I came out and said there’s nothing wrong with polygamy. And I’m still saying the same thing that there’s nothing wrong with polygamy in Africa because it allows it.

    “Now at this point, as a woman, if your husband brings in another woman and you’re not comfortable, what do you do? You leave. And that’s what May Edochie is doing. She’s been quiet, calm. She has not said anything bad about Yul on social media; she’s been respecting herself.

    Read Also: It’s time for Yul Edochie’s ‘snatcher’ to release him- Rita Edochie

    “With all this drama that is going on, she lost her first son. I’ve never lost a child before, so I don’t know what it feels like. But when I see people cry, I imagine what it feels like for me to have nurtured my child to a particular age and the child just died. The trauma alone, I don’t know how I’ll face it. Forget that people say I’m strong.

    “This woman has been quiet, Judy. Will you just shut up! You’re watering down Yul Edochie’s personality. Yul was one man that when he spoke, everywhere shook. Yul was my crush, his voice. Like, we don’t play with him. He was a man with integrity, with so much respect when he was with May. The moment you came into his life, I don’t know what happened.

    “I don’t believe in jazz, I don’t know what you tell him, I don’t know what he saw in you. I don’t know the fact that you would marry a woman that you cannot talk to. A woman that would just go to your Facebook account and start saying rubbish. A woman that’ll just pick up your phone and start saying rubbish. Why can’t she do it on her own Facebook account?

    “Your wife is mourning. Your kids are mourning; you lost your first son. And every time Judy will go and carry ring light and start making noise, telling us nonsense..this one..that one. You, you’ll be calling her Ijele. What’s all that rubbish for?”  

  • LP mourns late Lagos medical doctor, Diaso, says death avoidable

    LP mourns late Lagos medical doctor, Diaso, says death avoidable

    The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State on Thursday sympathised with the family and colleagues of late Dr Vwaere Diaso, who died in a faulty Lagos hospital elevator.

    Diaso, a female medical house officer died on Tuesday due to injuries sustained after she was trapped for more than 40 minutes in an elevator at the Lagos Island General Hospital, Odan .

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Diaso reportedly died a few weeks to the completion of her housemanship in the hospital.

    Pastor Dayo Ekong, the Lagos State LP Chairperson, in a statement on Thursday described the demise of Diaso as unnecessary and avoidable.

    Ekong said: “The death of Doctor Vwaere Diaso is not only avoidable but very painful and a pointer to the decrepit infrastructure and inefficient government of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led Lagos State Government.

    “We commiserate with the family of the shining star Medical Doctor on the death of their promising Daughter.

    “It is only the Almighty GOD that can console the family on this tragic and avoidable death of your promising Daughter. It occurred due to the failure of the LASG. Please accept our condolences.”

    Ekong said that preliminary investigation revealed that there had been complaints about the malfunctioning elevator for years without attention.

    Read Also: No crisis in Lagos LP, disregard impostors, says Chairperson

    “The complaints were largely ignored until a life was lost, then suddenly, an investigative commission was immediately set up.

    “Must `Governor Sanwo-Olu’ wait until a life is lost? Will the commission raise the dead? Why did it take over an hour to get the then injured (and now dead victim) out of the malfunctioning lift?

    “The Babajide Sanwo -Olu-led LASG has always claimed to be a working government especially in the provision of `fantastic health infrastructures’ we wonder if this incident is part of the fantastic infrastructure,” Ekong said.

    She urged the government to pay genuine attention to the citizens it governs.

    (NAN)

  • Whitemoney to female housemates: we’ll no longer separate fights

    Whitemoney to female housemates: we’ll no longer separate fights

    BBNaija All Stars housemate Whitemoney has sounded a note of warning to warring female colleagues.

    Barely three weeks into the season, a number of the housemates, particularly the females, have engaged in a heated war of words that almost climaxed into throwing blows at each other.

    The latest are Angel and Ilebaye which led the former to consider voluntary exit after their altercation last night.

    In a morning chat with Soma and Adekunle, the ‘Shine Ya Eye’ winner spoke on how the housemates have often threatened to go physical because they know the others would certainly come to intervene, an opinion, Soma affirmed.

    He however vowed that should his colleagues decide to fight forthwith that there’ll be no intervention from anyone.

    He added they’ll be allowed to fight since they decided to abandon the essence of their participation on the show.

    If anybody drink begin fight, I no go answer you again,” Whitemoney said.

    Adekunle stated: “We talk am yesterday. Okay, una no dey. We don talk am yesterday say if any girl say she wan start to fight, we go leave them to fight themselves. E be like say na that holding wey dem de hold them, na e dey ginger them.”

    Read Also: I share similarities with my twin Kiddwaya – Whitemoney

    Whitemoney added: “Na that holding na e dey ginger dem. Don’t hold anybody ever again. You want to fight? You feel like fighting?

    “You feel like cutting your wig, you feel like drawing out the eyelashes, go ahead. No more holding.

    “If I eventually get babe here, and the babe decides to fight, she says come and stand up for me. I won’t stand up for you because you should know what brought you here.”

    A few days ago, some other male housemates including Pere, Kiddwaya, Ike and co had agreed they’d refrain from getting in the way of the ladies should they ever decide to fight.

    They vowed to exploit the flaws of ‘short-fused’ females to get them throw blows at each so they could earn strikes and ultimately disqualification from the show.

  • Olorogun Emerhor congratulates Omo-Agege on 60th birthday

    Olorogun Emerhor congratulates Omo-Agege on 60th birthday

    Delta All Progressives Congress (APC) founding leader, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor OON, has congratulated former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege on his 60th birth anniversary.

    Olorogun Emerhor, in his goodwill message by his media aide, Aghogho Abraham Orotomah, noted Omo-Agege’s achievements at 60 are monumental, having served Delta in various executive capacities and Delta Central and Nigeria outstandingly during the 8th and 9th Senate dispensations.

    Read Also: Tribunal dismisses Omo-Agege’s application

    He stated Omo-Agege’s tenure as the Deputy Senate President  was record breaking in terms of development improvements for his constituents and Nigeria as a whole.

    While wishing Senator Omo-Agege God’s continued grace, favour, long life and prosperity, Olorogun Emerhor urged all Deltans to continue to pray and support him as they await his swearing in as their duly elected Governor.

  • BBNaija All Stars: Angel a drama queen, says Cross

    BBNaija All Stars: Angel a drama queen, says Cross

    BBNaija All Stars housemate Cross has described fellow housemate Angel as a drama queen.

    ”I know Angel like the back of my hands, she’s just a drama queen, people don’t know her,” Cross said while conversing with fellow housemate, Venita. 

    This is coming after Ilebaye and Angel got into a very heated argument last night which almost got physical but for the intervention of fellow housemates. 

    Read Also: Adekunle’s intelligence attracted me to him – BBNaija’s Venita

    Venita was seen discussing with Cross how both of them could have gone home yesterday if she had not intervened. 

    ”Ilebaye started peeling her body paint in Angel’s open box, I don’t know if she did it intentionally” Venita said. 

  • Bridging the AI Gap: Africa’s path to cultivating homegrown talent

    Bridging the AI Gap: Africa’s path to cultivating homegrown talent

    By Lucky Salami  

    In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), Africa stands at a critical crossroads. As AI reshapes global industries and economies, the continent’s ability to develop and harness AI talent could define its economic trajectory for decades to come. Recent initiatives, such as the African AI Foundation’s bootcamp, spotlight both the challenges and immense opportunities in nurturing Africa’s AI ecosystem.

    The Talent Chasm

    The scale of Africa’s AI skills shortage is stark. A 2021 Stanford University report revealed that Africa accounts for a mere 2% of global AI talent, despite representing 17% of the world’s population. This disparity underscores the urgent need for comprehensive talent development strategies across the continent.

    Dr. Nkiruka Eze, a tech policy expert at the University of Lagos, emphasises the gravity of the situation: “We’re not just facing a skills gap, but a chasm. Bridging this divide is crucial for Africa’s economic competitiveness in the global arena.”

    Building a Robust AI Talent Pipeline

    Experts argue that cultivating AI talent in Africa requires a multifaceted approach:

    Education Reform: Integrating AI and data science into curricula from secondary school through university is essential. Lucky Salami, a judge at the recent African AI Foundation bootcamp, stresses the importance of early exposure: “We need to demystify AI early on. It shouldn’t be seen as something intimidating or out of reach for African youth.”

    Bootcamps and Intensive Training: Short-term, intensive programs like the African AI Foundation’s bootcamp can rapidly upskill individuals. These initiatives provide hands-on experience and real-world problem-solving opportunities, crucial for developing practical AI skills.

    Industry Partnerships: Collaboration between academia and industry ensures that skills development aligns with market needs. Tech giants like IBM and Google have already launched AI training initiatives in several African countries, setting a precedent for future partnerships.

    Government Support: Policy frameworks that incentivize AI research and development are crucial. Countries like Kenya and Rwanda have developed national AI strategies, providing a roadmap for others to follow.

    Infrastructure Investment: Reliable internet access and affordable computing power are prerequisites for AI development. Expanding digital infrastructure is a must for nurturing AI talent across the continent.

    Addressing Uniquely African Challenges

    Africa’s AI talent development isn’t about replicating Silicon Valley models. It’s about fostering innovations that address uniquely African challenges.

    Ade Ogundeji, a participant in the recent AI bootcamp, explains this crucial distinction: “We need AI solutions that work for our context. Whether it’s optimizing agriculture in arid regions or improving healthcare delivery in remote areas, our AI talent should focus on African problems.”

    This approach not only solves local issues but also positions Africa as a source of innovative AI solutions for similar challenges globally.

    The road ahead

    While initiatives like the African AI Foundation’s bootcamp are promising, they’re just the beginning. Sustainable talent development requires long-term commitment from governments, educational institutions, and the private sector.

    “We’re laying the groundwork now,” says Salami. “But nurturing a thriving AI ecosystem is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires consistent investment, policy support, and a shift in mindset across the continent.”

    As Africa races to close the AI skills gap, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Success could usher in a new era of innovation-driven economic growth. Failure could relegate the continent to the sidelines of the global AI revolution.

    With targeted efforts to develop homegrown AI talent, Africa has the potential not just to catch up, but to leapfrog ahead, creating AI solutions that resonate far beyond its borders. The journey is challenging, but the potential rewards make it a race Africa can’t afford to lose.

    In the words of Dr. Eze, “The future of AI in Africa is not just about technology—it’s about empowerment, innovation, and creating solutions that work for us and the world. It’s time for Africa to take its place at the forefront of the AI revolution.

  • I understood value of freedom in solitude – Trinity Guy

    I understood value of freedom in solitude – Trinity Guy

    Two weeks after release from Police custody, skitmaker, Abdullahi Maruff Adisa aka Trinity Guy is grateful for freedom.

    He reminisced about his time in solitude when he was remanded in Agodi correctional facility by a Family Court sitting at Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State for allegedly exploiting a minor sexually.

    He appreciated the love of family, explaining it was the same that helped his sanity during the travails.

    He promised to apply modesty in his craft henceforth while also appreciating his colleagues, fans and his lovers generally.

    Sharing his latest photos looking all dapper, Trinity Guy wrote: “THANK GOD DAVIDO BOY IS BACK.

    “Spending few times in solitude showed me how valuable freedom is and how much the effect of a loving family can keep you from going insane.

    “I will make sure moving on and try as much as I can to stay within the lines of modesty.

    “I would just like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all my fans worldwide, all my colleagues and my family members. It is a very nice feeling when you know there are people who love you so much

    “God bless the Nigeria police and God bless everyone that stood by me.”

    In June, the prankster and the parents of a minor were remanded to the Agodi Correction Centre for allegedly s3xually exploiting a 10-year-old girl in the state.

    Read Also: Skitmaker Trinity guy regains freedom after four weeks in custody

    The police charged Abdullahi alongside the parents of the victim with conspiracy and sexual abuse/exploitation.

    The Prosecution Counsel, Insp Oluwakemi Arowosaye told the court that Abdullahi, Ahmed, and his wife Rofiat allegedly conspired together to wit sexual abuse.

    Arowosaye said ‘Trinity” on Dec. 17, 2022, was alleged to have sexually abused and sexually exploited a 10-year- old girl at Kuola area, Ibadan.

    The offence, the police said, contravened the provisions of Section 35 (1) and punishable under Section 35 (2) of the Oyo State Child Rights Law 2006.

    She said it also contravenes the provisions of section 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

    The Ibadan-based skit maker eventually regained his freedom on Friday, July 21, 2023 after meeting his bail conditions as announced by his colleague, Cute Abiola via his Facebook page.

  • APGC condemns imbalance in sale of electricity to international customers

    APGC condemns imbalance in sale of electricity to international customers

    Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joy Ogaji has bemoaned the imbalance in bilateral contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity, especially for deliveries of power from the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to international customers.

    Some of the Nigeria’s international electricity customers are Republic of Benin, Niger, and Togo.

    Speaking at the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations (Alliance) – REEEA Conference in Abuja, she said lack of effective planning has culminated in the dependence on rental plans that further expands cost, imbalance in bilateral contracts of purchase mostly for supplying power to international customers.

    The APGC boss said, there is “Lack of effective planning & monitoring has led to reliance on emergency rental plants, which further
    inflates costs.

    “Imbalance in bilateral contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity, especially for deliveries beyond
    the borders, payment defaults of buyers, as well as the failures to deliver the electricity promised by
    several sellers.”

    She said Africa consumes a meagre 3.3% of the world’s electricity @ 16% World population. Domestic demand in West African countries, according to her, is said to be too low to attract investments in large projects that benefit from economies of scale.

    Ogaji noted that there is a lack of synergy in the regulatory frameworks of some Member States.
    She also expressed concern over

    “Differences in contractual arrangements and Disparities in the organization of national markets

    “Lack of harmonization & standardization in operational, security rules, contractual provisions & tariffs.”

    The theme of the conference was “Accelerating Private Sector Investment in the Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Sector.”

    Her topic was “Electricity Act 2023: Option for Renewable Energy Penetration & Role of Stakeholders.”
    On the potentials of renewable energy in Nigeria, she dropped the hint that there is currently no supply from renewable to the national grid.

    “No renewable energy generation company connected at distribution and transmission level,” she said.

    The Chief Executive Officer noted that most of the targets from renewable energy in the Federal Government plans are not backed up with data and as such are not realizable.

    According to her, the journey to attainment of the renewable energy dream in the country that no one knows when it would be accomplished.

    Ogaji said, “They are mere targets currently as at today. Majority are off-grid, Solar Home System with no clear data.

    “The journey is long but I don’t know whether you know how long the journey is?”

    Read Also: Politics hindering power sector drive, says APGC

    The APGC boss raised the question whether “We don’t consume energy. May be what we consume is not captured. Why it is not consumed; where are the industries in Africa? They are a consuming continent.”

    She however admonished that ones the continent commences production, its energy consumption would rise.

    Speaking while inaugurating the REEEA Governing Council, the President, Prof. Magnus Onuoha recalled that the associations decided to have a United voice for renewable energy and energy efficient sector.

    According to him, it was because there were so many associations, all pulling in different directions with barely any major impact on the sector.

    He noted that the renewable energy and energy efficiency sector has so much potential for women empowerment, youth development and national growth.

    Onuoha, however revealed that “But we barely had a cadre of local indigenous developers as most of the developers then, products and finance were not accessible to Nigerian developers.

  • Rita Edochie announces May Edochie’s official return online

    Rita Edochie announces May Edochie’s official return online

    Veteran actress Rita Edochie is excited about the official return of May, the estranged first wife to her nephew, Yul Edochie, to social media.

    The brand influencer took time off online interactions to mourn the passing of her first son with Yul.

    Elated about May’s return online, the seasoned actress who’s remained supportive towards the grieving mother, announced she would now be available for business.

    She anticipated that worthy brands would reach out to her ‘daughter’ with juicy endorsement offers while appreciating all those who’ve steadfastly supported the bereaved 

    Read Also: May Edochie’s sister offers comfort after child’s loss, alleged divorce

    Sharing a video of the now of three, Rita Edochie wrote: “Huraaaaaayyyyyyyy! My darling daughter Queen May will inally be back online today and very very strong.

    “She is now ready for business so, any good endorsement is acceptable.

    “Thank you for the massive support all the time @mayyuledochie.”

  • Nigerian military yet to receive order for intervention in Niger – DHQ

    Nigerian military yet to receive order for intervention in Niger – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says the the Armed Forces of Nigeria is yet to receive order for any military intervention in the Republic of Niger following the coup that led to the ouster of democratic governance in the country.

    The Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Thursday, dismissed the online report that the Nigerian military was assembling its forces for military action in Republic of Niger.

    According to him, the AFN is yet to receive any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action against the Military Junta in Niger.

    “It is no longer news that some members of the Republic of Niger Armed Forces seized power from a democratically elected government through un-constitutional means.

    “In reaction to this illegal takeover of government, the ECOWAS Heads of Government met and a series of options were reached on how to intervene in the crisis.

    Read Also: Why military destroys vessels with stolen crude, by DHQ

    “Military option was the last option to be taken in case every other option fails, to reverse the situation and return the Government of Republic of Niger to constitutional order.

    “At the moment, ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is currently holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in Republic of Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of States and Government of ECOWAS for consideration.

    “In conclusion, the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot proceed on any operation in any of the member states of ECOWAS without the mandate from the Authority of Heads of States and Government,” he said. (NAN)