The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Gunmen attack Senator’s farm, kill one in Kwara

    Gunmen attack Senator’s farm, kill one in Kwara

    Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have invaded the farms of Senator Simeon Suleiman Ajibola.

    They allegedly killed the farms’ supervisor, Biodun Ajibola.

    The incident occurred on Monday in Isapa, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.

    Senator Ajibola represented Kwara South in the seventh National Assembly. 

    The deceased was said to be a relative of the erstwhile legislator.

    It was gathered that Ajibola was murdered in cold blood while trying to resist the hoodlums’ attempt to kidnap him on the farms.

    The men of the underworld were said to have stormed the farms around 8 am.

    A family source said that the kidnappers’ move to whisk away one Felix Segun Adeleye, who is the driver attached to the supervisor of the farms, failed after they sighted some motorcyclists coming in their direction.

    The source explained that the kidnappers abandoned the driver, who had been injured in his leg and pursued the motorcyclists.

    It was however not clear whether the hoodlums eventually abducted the motorcyclists after giving them a hot chase.

    The source said: “Thank God that Senator Simeon Ajibola was not around. Perhaps their intention was to take him away. But the supervisor in charge of the farms was not lucky as he was killed when the kidnappers invaded the farms. 

    Read Also: Soldiers, police injured as operatives sack gunmen in Anambra forest

    “Senator Ajibola’s driver attached to the late supervisor was wounded and he is currently in the hospital in Ilorin receiving treatment”.

    The source added that “the driver told me that they attempted to take him away after killing the supervisor of the farms. But that they abandoned him when they saw some motorcyclists and faced them”.

    It also gathered that the incident was reported at Osi Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekiti Local Government Area, after which the remains of Ajibola were evacuated.

    Kwara spokesman Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation, saying that the corpse had been evacuated from the scene.

    He said the policemen were on the trail of the hoodlums.

  • Italy legend Buffon retires aged 45

    Italy legend Buffon retires aged 45

    Former Italy goalkeeper and World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon has retired from football aged 45.

    He wrote on social media: “That’s all folks. You gave me everything. I gave you everything. We did it together.”

    Buffon brings an end to a 28-year career that saw him lift the World Cup in 2006 along with 10 Serie A titles with Juventus and Ligue 1 with Paris St-Germain.

    He ends his career where it began in 1995, at Parma, now a Serie B club.

    Buffon, who had a deal with Parma until 2024, made 19 appearances last season as he struggled with injuries.

    He began his career at Parma’s academy and made his Serie A debut for the club in November 1995 before joining Juventus in 2001 in a £32.6m deal – a world record for a goalkeeper at the time.

    Buffon spent most of his career in Turin, despite a stint at PSG in 2018-19. In total he made a record 657 appearances in the Italian top flight and is the most-capped goalkeeper of all time with 176 appearances for Italy.

    Buffon retired from international football in 2018 after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup that year.

    His career highlight was winning the World Cup as Italy beat France 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw in Berlin.

    “Thank you to our number 1. Grazie, Gigi!” the Italian national team tweeted.

    Serie A posted: “There is football history. There is also Gigi Buffon. A fairy-tale career that took off and ended in one place.”

    Read Also: Buffon set for retirement at 45

    “A legend hangs up his gloves today,” tweeted Juventus. “Your saves, your smiles, and your character will be forever remembered.”

    In a letter to the player, the Turin club added: “It is incredibly difficult to talk about football on a day when the beautiful game bids farewell to its number one par excellence.

    “You were not simply the best; you were more than that. You gave the position a face and became THE goalkeeper to beat and aspire to be.

    “You are the player that has worn our jersey for the longest and won the most trophies. You rank second in the all-time appearance charts and are, of course, the shot-stopper with the most clean sheets to his name. You were our captain and our rock. You were simply Gigi.”

    Parma president Kyle Krause said: “Throughout his illustrious career, which is unparalleled, Gigi has demonstrated unparalleled skill, relentless determination and unwavering passion on and off the pitch. Parma Calcio sends its heartfelt congratulations to a true champion and friend.”

  • NLC protest: Obaseki promises N500m for poor residents

    NLC protest: Obaseki promises N500m for poor residents

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, on Wednesday promised to support poor residents in the state with N500 million monthly to cushion the impacts of the prevailing economic situation caused by the fuel subsidy removal.

    Obaseki made the promise while addressing members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo chapter, led by its chairman, Odion Olaye, during a peaceful protest in Benin.

    The governor noted that his administration was sensitive to the plights of Edo people, hence the decision to dole out the amount from the state government’s coffers.

    The News Agency of Nigeria NAN (NAN) reports that the protesters marched through some major streets to the Edo Government House, displaying placards with different inscriptions.

    Some of the inscriptions read “we demand immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of government”, “Our refineries are in comatose; they need government attention in fixing them up” among others.

    The protesters urged those in authorities to do something urgently about the hike in fuel price that had led to increase in prices of basic needs.

     Obaseki said “We in Edo State are going to do our own bit.

    “I have decided that every month, going forward, we will take N500 million from our own money to give to the poorest of the poor in Edo State. We are not waiting for anybody.

    “Recall on May day, this year, I warned you that we are likely to face the condition we are seeing today.

    “And, I advised you in that speech that you should not wait but to be proactive.

    “I want to let you know that in Edo state that we are labour-friendly.

    “Two years ago, we increased minimum wage because we knew that the workers were suffering and we had to do something about it.

    “We know that your take home pay can no longer take you home and something must be done.

    “We, in Edo state, will support your action that your wages must reflect the current realities,” he said.

    Obaseki urged the federal government to give the palliative to the various local government area across the country, adding that the local governments were closer to the people,” Obaseki said.

    Earlier, the state NLC chairman,  Olaye, said the removal of fuel subsidy had caused hardships to Nigerian workers, and other citizens.

    Read Also: Olympians visit: Obaseki vows to produce more world beaters

    Olaye urged the government to fix the three refineries as it would significantly reduce the impact on the citizens.

    “We decided to protest after the government failed to listen to our demands. We want the Nigerian citizens to have a breathing space.

    “We are not a party to the federal government’s plan to give N8,000 to the poorest.

    “It is an insult to us. It will not take us two days. Government should work on our refineries,” he said.

    Among the unions present at the  protest were the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Academic Staff Union of Universities and the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

    (NAN)

  • 10 ECOWAS defence chiefs meet in Abuja

    10 ECOWAS defence chiefs meet in Abuja

    Chiefs of Defence Staff of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are meeting in Abuja over the situation in Niger where soldiers overthrew the elected government of Mohammed Bazoum.

    The meeting is being attended by 10 countries including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, Liberia, Ghana, Gambia, Cote D’voire, Cape Varde, Benin and Senegal.

    Those absent from the meeting are Mali, Niger, Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Burkina Faso.

    On Sunday leaders of ECOWAS slapped sanctions on Niger and warned they may use force to reinstate the ousted President.

    Read Also: ECOWAS and the Niger coup

    The ECOWAS gave the junta in Niger a week to leave the stage and allow President Bazoum to resume work.

    Earlier, the junta warned it would resist any plan of aggression against Niger by the ECOWAS or any Western power.

    (NAN)

  • Why I’ll never ‘chase’ Ilebaye – Ike

    Why I’ll never ‘chase’ Ilebaye – Ike

    BBNaija All Stars housemate Ike Onyema has revealed one female he’d never pursue a romantic affair with and why.

    He said he would never get involved with Ilebaye who once informed him that she was still a virgin.

    Discussing with Pere, the blogger said even if Ilebaye was being dishonest, he would yet not want anything romantic with her.

    He explained a lady who claims to be that is someone he’s not ever likely to fulfill his s3xual fantasies with because the process of wooing her would be too stressful for him.

    Ike said: “One thing about this house is, if I wait two or three weeks, even Doyin or Uriel, any of these girls fit enter my eye that I don’t really reason before.

    Read Also: BBNaija All-Star: I’m still a virgin at 22, says Ilebaye

    “I know, I can imagine”, Pere noted.

    Ike added: “As I am, I’m even thinking who in this house I’m seeing like that. Ilebaye? Ha! Once she told me she’s a virgin, I ‘X’ her off my list.

    “I no even want again at all. Whether it’s true or not, she’s off my list.

    “If you can say that and want us to believe it, that means to get what I want isn’t gonna happen, it’s gonna be too much stress.”

  • May reportedly demands N100m damages from Yul, Judy Austin

    May reportedly demands N100m damages from Yul, Judy Austin

    May, the estranged wife of popular actor Yul Edochie, has reportedly slammed him and his second wife, Judy Austin with a lawsuit, demanding N100,000,000 in damages for alleged adultery they committed.

    The mother of four, who lost her first son a few months ago, is reported to have initiated divorce proceedings against her hubby with whom she now shares three kids.

    According to an update shared by the DPA Family Law Clinic, the bereaved mother is being represented by Femi Falana and Eculaw group.

    In a lengthy post via its Facebook page titled: “YUL EDOCHIE’S SITUATION: UNDERSTANDING THE REALITY OF IT”, it claimed it was pure delusional and absurdity for Yul and Judy to consider themselves husband and wife when he was still legally married to May; adding the duo has continued to ‘avoid the service of the process upon them’.

    It also confirmed May filed for a court order restraining Yul from accessing their former matrimonial home over safety concerns for her children and self, alleging the movie star’s behaviour had been erratic, irrational, aggressive and increasingly threatening.

    The post reads: “I have not seen in recent times a case where so much is going on, and yet not much is known to the public despite the intense public interest.

    “For the avoidance of doubts, May Yul-Edochie filed a divorce petition against Yul. She also filed against Judy as a party cited and she is asking for 100 million naira in damages against Judy for adultery with her husband. Make no mistake about it: Yul and Judy are NOT husband and wife, and cannot be so until Yul and May are divorced. It is a combination of delusion and absurdity for the two to call themselves husband and wife yet.

    “Both Judy and Yul are aware of the lawsuit, having received copies of the suit papers by email.

    “Surprisingly, both Yul and Judy are avoiding service of the process upon them. The court bailiff has tried so many times to serve them in accordance with the rules of court. But they have evaded service of the court process. Despite the braggadocio and the social media stunts, Yul Edochie and Judy are facing serious legal challenges and they seem ill-prepared for them, given the fact that they have been evading service of process.

    “In addition to the substantive petition, May also filed for an order of court restraining Yul from accessing their former matrimonial home. That application is based on the fact that there are genuine security and safety concerns. Yul’s behavior has been erratic, irrational, aggressive and increasingly threatening. He seems to have been under some influence, the full extent or scope of which we are yet to ascertain. But measures are being taken to protect May and her children. These measures are proportionate to the threats.

    Read Also: Don’t tell my hubby how to mourn son – Judy Austin

    “Despite the combination of circumstances at the present time, last weekend, against all advice, Yul attempted to access the home, now occupied alone by May and her children. But he was stopped by the intervention of law enforcement. He was reminded that henceforth all issues involving his marriage to May and dealings in that regard are subjudice. He should consult his lawyer, when and if he hires one, and be guided by such a lawyer.

    “After the event of last weekend, it was not surprising at all to hear that Yul and Judy would be on social media in a comic display where Judy showers Yul with unfettered adulation, calling him Odogwu, the best in Africa and fountain head. It is totally understandable that he would need such extreme ego massage.

    “As the world can attest by now, May is the sharp opposite of Yul and Judy. She is calm, rational and incredibly stoic. Despite the enormous losses and suffering she has endured lately, she held on to high values of honor and integrity and remained calm and focused in the face of turbulence. She has earned the respect and admiration of many good people.

    “DPA Family Law Clinic remains committed to supporting her through the storm.

    “NOTE: May is represented in court by Femi Falana’s Firm and Eculaw Group. Our Family Law Clinic plays a support role aside from litigation activities.”

  • Oworo residents kick against female genital mutilation

    Oworo residents kick against female genital mutilation

    Hundreds of residents of Oworonsoki in Lagos threw their weight against female genital mutilation when a non-governmental organisation Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE) held a one-day sensitisation programme on Female Genital Mutilation at the newly built Olubori Odunfa health centre in Oworonsoki Lagos.

    The NGO, which focuses on the right and welfare of vulnerable children, condemned the FGM also known as Female Genital Cutting or Female Circumcision and it’s usually done for cultural or non-medical reasons in no small words.

    Read Also: Lagos moves against child abuse, genital mutilation

    Founder and Executive Director of Cee-Hope Nigeria, Betty Abah, said:”We have an ongoing project on ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria, we are here to educate the residents of Oworo that female circumcision is a crime and a punishable offence under the Law.”

    Representing the Baale, Chief Mrs Omolara Lasisi, the Olori of Baale Olubori Odunfa who in Oworosoki Lagos State. said: “We got aware of this event by the Cee-Hope Nigeria representative we bought the idea and help them in the mobilisation of Women and Men in the community here in Olubori Odunfa, Oworonsoki to get educated on FGM’s negative effects. 

    “Since my time here as the Olori, I haven’t seen any victim of Female circumcision, but I have heard about people doing it secretly which was why I decided to be a part of this community awareness and enlightenment.”

  • TG Omori mocks Blaqbonez over ‘inability’ to rent crowd for video shoot

    TG Omori mocks Blaqbonez over ‘inability’ to rent crowd for video shoot

    Popular video director ThankGod Omori aka TG Omori has taunted rapper, Emeka Akumefule aka Blaqbonez over his upcoming music video shoot.

    The rap star had announced the shooting of the video for his latest song “Like Ice Spice” would take place on Wednesday, August.

    Anticipating a party-like scene for the video, ‘Emeka the stallion’ as he’s also fondly called, invited interested party attendees/ potential video vixens to send a DM to his management to get more details on the party that would serve as his official video.

    Reacting, TG Omori attempted to rekindle their ‘beef’ by making mocking remarks over the rapper’s request.

    He questioned if Blaqbonez was out of funds to ‘rent crowd’, seeing the latter in time past had always hit him for the same.

    Read Also: Blaqbonez is the best rap artiste – Singer Amaarae

    He took the mockery a step further, reassuring Blaqbonez he had nothing to worry about, promising to send a quarter thousand people to the said location for the video shoot.

    “No budget to rent crowd? I gatchu covered. Will send 200 people to your shoot location tomorrow,” Omori tweeted.

    The duo’s feud presumably intensified after Blaqbonez co-directed the music video of his song, “Back in Uni” 2022 as a result of his inability to afford TG Omori’s ‘exorbitant’ fee.

    Subsequently, the said video recently bagged a nomination for “Best Music Video” category alongside Fireboy DML’s ‘Bandana’ music video featuring Asake, directed by TG Omori, Blaqbonez went on to brag about being a better music video director.

  • Three ways to save money on tight budget

    Three ways to save money on tight budget

    The recent removal of fuel subsidy has limited the amount of disposable income available to Nigerians. 

    If you are wondering how to survive the high cost of living and save on a tight budget, here are steps to consider: 

    * Avoid spontaneous purchases: 
    Let people call you ‘ijebu’ all they want but it is your shoe and you know where it bites. Absolutely avoid buying things you did not plan for. Write out a weekly list of purchases and stick to it. You may even realise you will no longer need to purchase some items on the list. There you go; that little money may just sustain you.

    *Resist buying in bits

    Buying in bits drills a hole in your pockets and leaves you wondering where all the money went. This is because retail sellers sell with added profit. Purchase the number of items that will sustain you for at least a month and buy at wholesale prices too.

    Read Also: Club budgets N150m for humanitarian services

    * Adopt cheaper ways of transportation
    Transport fare looms large in our world of spending and it’s necessary for reaching various destinations. Walk trekkable distances; hitch a ride with neighbours or acquaintances; move close to your workplace but not to a place with exorbitant rent; consider cycling too.

    This is a trailing time for every Nigerian. While the aforementioned will help you save money on a tight budget, an improved standard of living with a pleasant economy is what we should all strive towards.

  • Niger’s military junta reopens land, air borders with five neighbours

    Niger’s military junta reopens land, air borders with five neighbours

    One week after the military coup in Niger, the new military government has reopened the country’s land borders and airspace with five neighbouring countries, a spokesman for the junta announced on television on Tuesday evening.

    The border crossings to Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Libya, and Chad were reopened, he said.

    The junta also appointed new governors for the country’s eight regions.

    Tensions with the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) remained.

    The junta said Niger’s borders with Benin and Nigeria, both ECOWAS members, remained closed for the time being.

    On Sunday ECOWAS issued an ultimatum to the coup leaders demanding that the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum be released and reinstated within a week.

    If not, then the group threatened to take measures that could include the use of force.

    ECOWAS began a three-day meeting in Nigeria on Wednesday to discuss the way forward. ECOWAS members Burkina Faso and Mali, already suspended after earlier military coups, had sided with Niger.

    Meanwhile, France and Italy began evacuating their citizens and others, with two planes landing in France and one in Italy.

    The French planes carried mainly French citizens but also Germans and several other EU nationals, some from the United States, Ethiopia, and elsewhere, according to French press reports and the French Foreign Ministry.

    The first flight carried at least 260 people, including 12 babies.

    The European Commission said in a press release that around 500 people arrived in Paris on Wednesday on board the first two repatriation flights from Niamey.

    According to information from the French General Staff, two more planes had also been sent to Niamey for the evacuation.

    France has offered to evacuate people from other European countries from Niger as well.

    The Foreign Office in Berlin had said that the Germans in Niger were advised to accept the offer.

    After a request by France, the European Commission is to cover 75 per cent of the transportation costs, according to a press release.

    A flight carrying dozens of people evacuated from Niger landed in Rome on Wednesday morning, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said.

    On board the Italian plane were 87 people, including 36 Italian nationals, 21 U.S. citizens, four Bulgarians, and two Austrians, according to the Italian news agency ANSA.

    Tajani said there are almost 100 Italians in Niger.

    On July 26, officers of the presidential guard arrested Bazoum and declared him deposed.

    The commander of the presidential guard, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, appointed himself the new ruler on Friday.

    Read Also: ECOWAS and the Niger coup

    Shortly after Tchiani took power, the putschists suspended the constitution and dissolved all constitutional institutions.

    In Brussels, the European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell said that an imperialist Russia aims to use military regimes in Africa “as pawns in its global chess game.”

    Russia under President Vladimir Putin has been fuelling recent military coups in Africa with its false propaganda and “profiting from the establishment of military regimes with its private militias that plunder the wealth of the region,” Borrell said.

    Last week’s coup in Niger was the fifth one since 2021 after democratically elected governments were overthrown in Mali, Sudan, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, Borrell wrote in a blog post published on Tuesday evening.

    Borrell said in a separate statement on Monday that the EU rejects any accusation of foreign interference in the coup in Niger.

    (dpa/NAN)