The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • I found out my marriage ended on YouTube – Stella Damasus

    I found out my marriage ended on YouTube – Stella Damasus

    Popular actress Stella Damasus has finally bared details about the failure of her third marriage.

    She admitted that she discovered her marriage had ended on YouTube during an interview with media personality, Teju Babyface.

    Her phone started vibrating with notifications and friends calling, sending links, she claimed, after her ex-husband, Daniel Ademinokan, had just travelled.

    She revealed at that point, she contacted her daughter, and they instantly went to YouTube to discover that her marriage had crashed, with people implying that Karma had finally caught up with her.

    “The thing is, I’m not here to apportion blame to say, ‘Oh, you did this, you did that’. I’ll never do that. I pride myself in being a respectful person.

    “A lot of things were said about me on YouTube. Because that’ how  I found out my marriage had ended, on YouTube. I didn’t know that my marriage had ended.

    “How do you mean you found out your marriage had ended on YouTube?

    “Well, the man in question travelled and was supposed to be away for a while and was supposed to come back.

    “And a few days after the man travelled, my phone was buzzing nonstop. I received messages from people telling me, ‘What’s going on? Are you okay? Why didn’t you tell me that there was something wrong? Blah blah blah!!!

    Read Also: It is wrong to put a leash on kids – Actress Stella Damasus

    “I was like, ‘What are all these links they’re sending me?’. Then I called Isabel, asked her to open YouTube for me, typed my name; then videos just started popping up. ‘Stella Damasus’ marriage crashes! Karma is a bitch!’ This! That! That!!

    According to Damasus, she was still in denial of the facts facing her at the time even after communicating with her ex-hubby on the phone.

    The thespian noted the reality eventually dawned on her when he made the final call informing her that he wouldn’t be coming back.

    She added: “And I called and we had a conversation. Even at that time, I still didn’t know what had happened until I got the final call where he said; ‘Oh, no. I’m not coming back!” I was like, ‘Wow! Okay!’”

  • NAF air strikes kill 16 terrorists in Zamfara, Katsina

    NAF air strikes kill 16 terrorists in Zamfara, Katsina

    Air bombardments by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have killed 16 terrorists loyal to criminal kingpin, Dankarami, in Zurmi, Tsafe and Faskari local government areas of Zamfara State, and Jibia local government area Katsina State.

    A military source told The Nation that the air strikes were conducted between 28 to 29 July 2023, following credible intelligence of Dankarami’s whereabout, whom he said was known for collaborating with other kingpins in the area to carry out violent attacks on some communities in Zurmi local government.  

    The source further said that several terrorists on eight motorcycles and herds of cattle were spotted heading towards a hidden camp in the bushes which was subsequently struck by NAF aircraft.

    “The aftermath of the strikes later revealed the obliteration of all the motorcycles and the decimation of at least,” he said.

    The source also said that similar air strikes were carried out at terrorist kingpin Ado Aliero’s enclave near Asola Mountains in Tsafe local government of  Zamfara State and Faskari local government of Katsina State.

    According to the source, the air strikes destroyed structures within the terrorists’ enclave, while a few surviving terrorists were seen fleeing the location after the strike.

    Read Also: NAF cautions applicants over fake recruitment portal

     “About an hour later, some terrorists who returned to the location to evacuate casualties and salvage some of their belongings from the rubbles, but were again struck by NAF aircraft,@ he said.

    When contacted, NAF Spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, confirmed the development..

    He said that the increase in air strikes in the North West was in line with the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, to all Air Component Commanders to ensure they, alongside sister services and other security agencies, free the entire region of terrorists and other criminal elements.

    “So far, the CAS has expressed satisfaction with the level of successes recorded just as he has enjoined the component commanders to sustain the tempo,” Gabkwet said. 

  • Ministry gives reason for road failures

    Ministry gives reason for road failures

    The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH), says societal development and indiscriminate dumping of refuse are major causes of drainage systems blockage which leads to road failures.

    Mr Bola Aganaba, Director, Highway, North Central, said this on Tuesday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on why most roads across the country lack drainage systems.

    According to him, one of the major considerations when building roads is cost, drains are provided for those areas it is required.

    “We cannot not just do drains from beginning to end that would not be cost effective what we do to identify some parts that need drain.

    “There is no way we build our roads and not provide drain because if we don’t provide drain automatically we know that with time it will fail.

    “The challenge is that  when you build a road it attracts development. When the place is developed then houses start coming up and there are instances where people build on drainage parts.

    “Other issues has to do with indiscipline in terms of throwing of refuse in drains  some with time it is tilted that is where maintenance come in  but a lot of times it is out of abuse that you discover that the roads fail .

    Ananagba further said that the only area government does not build drainage is when government build in an open area where drainage was not necessary because water would automatically drain off the road.

    “However, when development comes they might now build in such area that is why sometimes we might now go back to provide drain in such places but under normal circumstances when we design our roads we provide drainage.

    “So drains are very important intact we know that a road that is not properly drained will eventually fail.”

    Speaking on building tollgates across major highways in the country, he said the collection would only take off if the roads to be tolled were completely in good shape.

    “We would not  want to start tolling a road when the road is not completed, it would not make sense for people to drive on bad roads.

    “So they are waiting for some of these roads to be totally completed before they can have the justification of collecting toll.

    “The road from Makurdi to Nasarawa that is presently tolled that particular one is being done through a loan with the Chinese.

    “There is an agreement so that one is part of the way of recouping   for the repayment of the loan so they started providing drains when the drains  have been completed the drains people will now know they have value for money.”

    He explained that tolling also had to do with provision of alternative routes for commuters.

    “If I am tolling am collecting money from people especially now that things are even difficult, tolling the roads you should give people alternative routes.

    “So that those that do not the  money will have alternative routes it might be a longer route but if you have the shorter route you can pay but there has to be alternative routes that is part of the tolling policy.”Ananagba said.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s broadcast out of touch with reality – NLC

    Similarly, the immediate past President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Mr Ali Rabiu said globally roads are tolled to provide funds to maintain them.

    “Today to travel from Abuja to Lafia even up to Makurdi the road is very smooth and they building toll gates on the road.

    “It is better for you to pay a token amount  and travel on safer roads than not pay anything and cause yourself, your vehicle and other road users harm,” Rabiu said.

    NAN reports that previously tolls were collected on major highways across the country until they were dismantled by the President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

    NAN also reports that in 2019 the last administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, through the Federal Executive Council approved the Federal Roads and Tolling Policy and Regulations aimed at reintroducing toll plazas on Nigerian roads. (NAN)

  • NNPC expanding gas development, infrastructure projects – Kyari

    NNPC expanding gas development, infrastructure projects – Kyari

    There is an urgent need for balancing energy accessibility, affordability, and sustainability in Africa, especially in Nigeria, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Limited, Mr Mele Kyari said. 

    He made this known on Monday at the Nigeria Annual International Conference & Exhibition (NAICE) 2023 held at Eko Hotel and Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos. 

    The NAICE 2023, organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria council, attracted prominent industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders who gathered to discuss the pressing energy challenges facing the continent. 

    Kyari expressed his honour to address the esteemed audience at this critical juncture when the National Energy Landscape is undergoing transformation to reflect global realities. 

    He said that there could be no better time and place than the NAICE conference to discuss strategies for a sustainable energy future. 

    Drawing attention to Africa’s specific needs, Kyari, who was represented at the event by the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, presented three fundamental keywords: energy accessibility, affordability, and sustainability. 

    He stressed the importance of providing all citizens with access to reliable and modern energy, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic status. 

    Moreover, he underscored the significance of ensuring that energy and its infrastructure are reasonably priced, allowing Africans to obtain it without facing financial burdens. 

    “Energy sustainability,” he declared, “is the key to preserving our environment and safeguarding resources for future generations.” Kyari expressed the importance of adopting clean energy practices that do not harm the local environment or exhaust natural resources. 

    Throughout his address, the NNPC Limited GCEO emphasized the trilemma situation Africa faces and the delicate balance required among political will, technological innovation, effective market mechanisms, policy interventions, and capacity building. He called for a collaborative effort involving governments, the private sector, civil society, host communitiegas-centredublic to address these challenges collectively. 

    Kyari highlighted the significant strides made in the Nigerian energy industry, such as the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the long-term gas-centered energy transition plan. He also noted NNPC LimiMr’s commitment to renewable energy, as stated in the Nigerian Climate Act, which aims to achieve low emissions and inclusive green growth for sustainable economic development. 

    Read Also: ‘NNPCL to sustain gas development’

    Regarding Nigeria’s energy landscape, Mr. Kyari emphasized the pivotal role of natural gas as a transition fuel. With Nigeria boasting approximately 209.5 Trillion Cubic Feet of natural gas reserves and a potential upside of up to 600 TCF, he revealed that NNPC Limited is actively expanding gas development and infrastructure projects to increase energy accessibility. 

    Kyari concluded his address by urging all industry stakeholders and the SPE Nigeria Council to collaborate in providing affordable, clean, and efficient energy options for the nation. He emphasized the necessity of embracing innovative research, development, and adoption of new and emerging technologies in the energy sector to secure a sustainable energy future for generations to come. 

    The NAICE 2023 continued with fruitful deliberations on achieving a balanced energy landscape that ensures energy accessibility, affordability, and sustainability. The insights shared by  Kyari resonated among the attendees, reinforcing the collective commitment to creating a brighter and greener energy future for Africa. 

  • Money no longer cause of all evil – Timaya

    Money no longer cause of all evil – Timaya

    Singer Timaya has stated that “money is no longer the root of all evil.”

    He declared that attention is currently “the root of all evil.”

    He tweeted on Tuesday: “Money is no longer the source of all evil.”

    Read Also: As e dey sweet them e dey pain you, tweeps tackle Timaya

    Huge responses to his message were received, with many pointing out that the love of money is actually “the root of all evil” rather than money itself.

  • A woman who obeys everthing you say doesn’t love you – Soul E Baba

    A woman who obeys everthing you say doesn’t love you – Soul E Baba

    Apostle Emmanuel Ifechukwude Okose aka Soul E Baba has submitted a woman who loves a man mustn’t always be in agreement with everything he says.

    He argued she must question her man’s every decision and even make him angry at intervals, noting that and many more are the qualities of a real woman.

    The secular singer-turned-preacher inferred if a man married an ‘absolutely obedient and submissive’ wife, it’s safe to say he got for himself a puppet and not a partner.

    He maintained since the scriptures preaches submission from wives to their husbands, many have bastardised the very essence of the concept, expecting ‘stooges’ as partners.

    He stated: “If a woman is not making you angry, she is yes everything you say. She doesn’t have a contribution; she doesn’t love you.

    “Real women question everything you say. Not because they are disobedient or arrogant but because they want the best for their man.

    “Any woman that is at your beck and call, you married a puppet; you’re with a puppet.

    “Am I saying that women should be arrogant? They should be disobedient to their men? No! But what I’m saying is that, a real woman wants the best for her man. 

    “So, she questions what you say. She wants you to give her a proper reason why you’re asking her to do what you want her to do. But this is where men miss it. 

    Read Also: Addressing partners as baby, honey, pumpkin demonic – Soul E Baba

    “They take a woman that wants to know exactly you want to do as disobedient. When the woman just wants to know if that idea you have is going to lead the family forward or bring it backward.”

    According to him: “Because the scripture said you should obey; the Bible did not say you should obey in foolishness.

    “So, if the scripture say you should obey, if your husband tells you to pierce yourself with a knife, you should obey because, you’re a submissive wife? 

    “We have misplaced priorities. We have misplaced the ideology of submission. If you don gerrit, then forget about it “

  • Consider Idoma/Igede youths for appointments, group begs Tinubu

    Consider Idoma/Igede youths for appointments, group begs Tinubu

    The Conglomerate of Benue South APC Youth Forum has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider young people from the senatorial zone for appointments and not elders.

    The forum at a briefing in Abuja said this would compensate youths who worked for the success of the party as against some who abandoned the party before the elections but are complaining about political appointments.

    Convener of the forum and former governorship aspirant in the state, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi, said youths from the zone frowned at condemnation by some elders of the Idoma/Igede extraction on the nomination of Professor Joseph Utsev for ministerial appointment by the President.

    Ogenyi noted that the Tivs occupied two of the three senatorial zones of Benue State while the Idoma/Igede people dominate one zone. 

    Ogenyi said: “We read with great dismay, the press conference by some Idoma/Igede older persons most of whom are not of the APC stock, people who never campaigned for the party, some were even seen campaigning for other political parties and made statements on national television against the APC and voted against Presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “The elders abandoned the campaign completely, most of them voted against the APC during the elections and they are now the ones complaining about the appointment.

    Read Also: Presidential broadcast: Okumagba commends Tinubu for reassuring, commensurate actionable plans

    “This is the reason why we preached synergy during the elections and the need to work wholeheartedly for the APC.”

    Ogenyi maintained that the action of these elders could be considered blackmail against President and a quest to deprive the young Idoma/Igede people who worked tirelessly for the votes we gathered during the last elections. 

    Passing a vote of confidence on the President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the group appealed to President Tinubu to consider “the younger Idoma/Igede people who have worked for the party should be considered for federal appointments” insisting that the region “has ably qualified youths for all available positions.”

  • Angus Cloud who played ‘Fez’ in Euphoria movie dies at 25

    Angus Cloud who played ‘Fez’ in Euphoria movie dies at 25

    Angus Cloud, the standout actor who played Fezco, ‘Fez’, in the movie Euphoria, has died at 25, his representatives confirmed. 

    He died at his family home in Oakland, California. 

    The cause of death has not been revealed yet but he was suspected to have died of drug overdose.

    Read Also: Democracy beyond the euphoria of inauguration 

    A statement from Cloud’s family reads:

    “It is with the heaviest heart that we had to say goodbye to an incredible human today. 

    “As an artist, a friend, a brother, and a son, Angus was special to all of us in so many ways. Last week he buried his father and intensely struggled with this loss. The only comfort we have is knowing Angus is now reunited with his dad.”

  • I don’t mind marrying a 60-year old man – BBNaija’s Angel Smith

    I don’t mind marrying a 60-year old man – BBNaija’s Angel Smith

    Big Brother Naija All star housemate, Angel Smith, has stated that getting married to a 60-year-old man will be her dream as long as she stays ‘pretty’.

    Angel in a recent discussion, reiterated that she’s not ashamed to reveal that she has dated older men. 

    The 23-year-old stated that she currently does not have a dream job, adding her dream is to see a 60-year-old man and marry him.

    Angel revealed this while having a conversation with other housemates.

    “I don’t have a dream job. If I see one 60-year-old man that wants to marry me like this, I’m gone. My dream job is to stay pretty”, she said.

    Angel Smith has never hidden her love for older men, in October 2021, she stated that she’s not ashamed to say that she has dated older men.

    Read Also: I didn’t envision to be back here again, says BBNaija’s Angel

    Clearing the air on sugar ‘zaddy’ claims, the then 21-year-old girl said the talk about a sugar daddy in Dubai was a joke.

    Angel said: “I’m not ashamed to say that I have dated older men. For the most part, what I was saying about having a sugar daddy in Dubai was just ‘cruise’. I was joking.”

    Angel further stated that she would prefer to marry a man who has kids because she was not mentally prepared to have hers.

    “I’m saying if I got married now, I will prefer if the man came with his own kids or we would adopt. I don’t mind getting married to a man with kids because I don’t want to have a child of my own as of no.”

  • Singer Monday Igbinidu slams Shallipopi with N200m lawsuit

    Singer Monday Igbinidu slams Shallipopi with N200m lawsuit

    Veteran Edo singer Pa Monday Igbinidu has slammed a N200m lawsuit on fast-rising singer, Shallipopi over the alleged inappropriate sampling of his song “Obapluto”(N’ogbaisi).

    This comes a week after the veteran singer called out Shallipopi and his mother for allegedly deceptively reaching out to him and tipping him N50,000 after the song had already been recorded and published.

    He was given a week to make necessary arrangements, including acknowledging Pa Monday on the song.

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    At the expiration of the deadline, the legal team of Pa Monday Igbinidu slammed Shallipopi with a lawsuit for copyright infringement.

    The title of the document reads: “Copyright infringement of the musical work of Monday Edosomwan Igbinidu alias Monday Edo Igbinidu- Demand to render account, compensation and an apology”.