The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Cardi B throws mic at unruly spectator

    Cardi B throws mic at unruly spectator

    American rap queen, Cardi B, has evoked reactions among fans as well as the online community after throwing microphone at an ‘unruly’ spectator.

    At a recent outdoor show, the famous rap star was on stage performing when what’s almost becoming a trend happened.

    Someone from the audience, emptied the content of her cup on Cardi B who wasted no time in reciprocating.

    Stunned, the obviously pissed rapper immediately threw her microphone at the offender while cursing at the same time.

    The incident has continued to generate reactions from social media users as they applauded Cardi for delivering swift judgment on the offender noting the ‘trend’ of throwing things at performers on stage needed to end.

    One @SpicyCammy tweeted: “Yeah right the women who threw the drink deserved to have that thrown at them.”

    Irunnia said: “Time for entertainers to start reacting. This trend of throwing things at them is wrong.”

    @crdisdior wrote: “She did what needed to be done, performers are always getting stuff thrown at them. it needs to stop.”

    msquaredizz stated: “If you do anyhow, you go see anyhow” was a person.”

    Read Also: Cardi B, Offset gift daughter Kulture $20,000 Birkin bag on fifth birthday

    mika tweeted: “Would hate to be a “performer” during this era. It’s become normalized to throw things at people while they perform & it really just needs to stop. It’s dangerous and not cool.”

    nikki_stephanie said: “This is one of the reason I love this lady,can’t love her less,she is way too real to be a human

    talkwithkess wrote: “Why pour her water? That was uncalled for and the person sure deserved what came after.”

    gazkitchen_ stated” “An anger for an anger. Cardi nwa, you’ve done well.”

    eniafemac said: “Cardi B get one Nigeria blood for her body.”lorde martha wrote: “Cardi na Burna Boy sister. Vawulence pro max.”

  • Celebrities, fans equal, says Rema

    Celebrities, fans equal, says Rema

    Afrorave pioneer, Divine Ikubor aka Rema believes celebrities and their fans aren’t different from each other, saying they are at par.

    The Benin City-born artiste admonished fans on the need to seek among the celebrates, those who truly care about them and make such their fave (favourite).

    The “Calm Down” singer said: “Find you a fave that actually cares about you as a fan, we’re equal & we’re one.”

    Talking about practising what one preaches, Rema recently displayed the above assertion after he walked off stage, calling off his eagerly awaited concert in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

    Read Also: Reactions trail Rema after storming out of US show

    Rema reportedly made the decision as a way of prioritising the safety and well-being of his fans and crew due to the potential health risks associated with extreme heat owing to the soaring temperature at the facility.

    The songster announced the cancellation of the show midway into his performance, while also accusing the event organisers of disrespecting not just his person but the most popular African music genre, Afrobeats.

    Cladded in a hooded jacket, Rema, after performing two songs, expressed his grievance and walked off stage leaving behind a disgruntled crowd.

  • ECOWAS leaders meet on Niger Coup

    ECOWAS leaders meet on Niger Coup

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and Government are meeting in Abuja, at an extraordinary summit on the socio-political situation in the Republic of Niger.

    President Bola Tinubu, who is also the chairman of the ECOWAS, is hosting the meeting to continue to dialogue on the way out of the impasse that the military takeover has thrown the region into.

    ECOWAS nations, including Niger republic, would likely impose sanctions on the military headed by the former head of the presidential guard, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani.

    The African Union (AU), ECOWAS, UN, EU and Niger’s former colonial ruler France, have condemned the takeover, insisting on return to constitutional rule in the country.

    Though funding is still unclear, the ECOWAS leaders have agreed on a regional security force to intervene against jihadists and military coups.

    The AU’s Peace and Security Council “demands the military personnel to immediately and unconditionally return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority, within a maximum period of 15 days”, it said in a communiqué after a meeting on Friday.

    Read Also: Niger coup: Tinubu to host ECOWAS meeting tomorrow

    The AU’s Peace and Security Council condemned the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was taken into custody on Wednesday by the coupists.

    The takeover was justified by the junta as a response to the deteriorating security situation in the country.

    In light of the unfolding events, the AU’s call for the military to restore constitutional authority and return to their barracks is aimed at upholding democratic principles and preserving stability in Niger.

    A communiqué is expected at the end of the one-day meeting.

    (NAN)

  • Soludo terminates Onitsha road contract over negligence, incapacity

    Soludo terminates Onitsha road contract over negligence, incapacity

    Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has terminated the 2.17km Niger Street Road, Fegge, Onitsha with a 1.1km flood control channel contract with TEC Engineering Nig Ltd.

    He accused the contractor handling the road rehabilitation project of negligence and lack of capacity to deliver the job.

    Soludo gave the order when he paid an inspection visit to the project and discovered the contractor was not delivering according to the timelines and agreement reached before the contract was awarded.

    He assured that another contractor would be engaged to execute the job, just as he reiterated banning of street trading in the state, as new markets were being built where street traders could stay and trade.

    The governor also inspected Ose Market, Bida Road, Emodi Street, Oduigbo-Ochanja Market, Fegge, Onitsha South Stadium, and Creek Road in Onitsha.

    Read Also: Between Tony Nwoye and Soludo

    He promised installation of street lights on the roads and clearing of all drainages to enable free flow of water all the way to River Niger.

    While revealing plans to renovate Onitsha South Stadium into urban entertainment, leisure, recreational centre which would be family-friendly, Soludo promised creation of a framework where the state sports development commission and Onitsha South Local Government would synergize to actualize the plan.

    Officials who accompanied the inspection tour included Anambra Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoma and Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba.

    Others were the Special Adviser Political Matters Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, AVM Ben Chiobi Rtd, Chairman Anambra Urban Regeneration Council Architect Mike Okonkwo, among others.

  • BREAKING: Kanu meets his choice specialist doctors, examination successful

    BREAKING: Kanu meets his choice specialist doctors, examination successful

    Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has met with his personal physicians in an Abuja hospital outside the facility of the State Security Service(SSS).

    The Nation reports that Kanu’s lead counsel, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, disclosed this in a tweet on Sunday.

    He said: “Sequel to our avowed assurance to always keep Ezigbo UmuChineke abreast of pertinent happenings especially with Onyendu’s health status, welfare and update on his legal matters, we are pleased to inform you that Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu met with his choice personal physician yesterday in a hospital in Abuja, outside the facility of the State Security Service (SSS).

    “As was part of the protocol, I witnessed the consultation. The medical examination was seamless and productive, and he will be progressing to the next stage soon.

    “As the entire world has always been informed, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has consistently made his position on the infamous sit-at-home known, and his directive is that this must be stopped.

    Read Also: IPOB: Simon Ekpa, Kanu’s lawyer fight dirty over end sit at home message

    “Onyendu’s legal team, under the able leadership of Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, and the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have been the lone voice conveying this important message on all media platforms available to us, as well as condemning in unequivocal terms, the heinous criminal activities of the serial fraudster in Finland.

    “To this end, we urge all Ezigbo UmuChineke and indeed, the members of the public to respect and carry out the wishes of Onyendu and accordingly, desist from any further engagement with those whose primary intention is to ensure that Onyendu is kept in perpetual captivity, and consequently, destroy the entire Southeast through unauthorized sit-at-home and its enforcement.

    “Interestingly, the bad news for these enemies of our people is that they have failed and failed woefully, and the long arm of the law will surely catch up with them.”

  • Nouhaila Benzina becomes first player to wear hijab at World Cup

    Nouhaila Benzina becomes first player to wear hijab at World Cup

    Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina has made history by becoming the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup.

    The 25-year-old wore the Islamic headscarf as she made her first appearance at the tournament in her side’s 1-0 win over South Korea.

    The wearing of head coverings for religious reasons was authorised by FIFA in 2014.

    Read Also: Hijab tussle: Court fixes March 27 for hearing

    Morocco are one of eight teams making their debut at this summer’s Women’s World Cup.

    Benzina, who plays her club football in Morocco, is the first player to wear a hijab at a senior women’s international tournament.

    She was an unused substitute during her country’s opening game against Germany, which they lost 6-0.

  • Co-hosts New Zealand out of Women’s World Cup

    Co-hosts New Zealand out of Women’s World Cup

    Tournament co-hosts New Zealand were knocked out of the Fifa Women’s World Cup as Switzerland got the draw they needed to advance as Group A winners.

    New Zealand began the day in second position in the group, but Norway moved above them thanks to a convincing 6-0 victory over the Philippines.

    Jacqueline Hand hit the post for New Zealand but they could not get the win they needed to stay in the competition.

    They become the first host nation to fail to make it past the group phase.

    It was a tame and disappointing end to the tournament for New Zealand, who had beaten Norway 1-0 in the World Cup’s opening match.

    Read Also: Jamaica record first-ever Women’s World Cup win to knock out Panama

    A shock 1-0 loss on Tuesday in Wellington against the Philippines, the lowest ranked nation in Group A, left New Zealand’s qualification in the balance, although their fate was still in their hands before their final match in Dunedin.

    But, in a game they needed to win, they failed to have a single shot on target in the opening 70 minutes against Switzerland.

    With the Europeans themselves only one goal away from elimination, it became tight and tense with neither side able to create many clear-cut opportunities.

  • DJ Cuppy confirms breakup with fiancé Ryan Taylor

    DJ Cuppy confirms breakup with fiancé Ryan Taylor

    Popular disc jockey, Florence Otedola aka DJ Cuppy has updated her current relationship status.

    In a recent tweet, the entertainer confirmed she and her British boxer fiancé, Ryan Taylor, had gone their separate ways.

    She shared a photo with her adopted “sons” (pet dogs) while referring to herself as a single mom of two.

    In May 2021, Cuppy acquired the two Pomeranian brothers at three-month-old.

    In a video which she shared afterwards, she introduced the puppies as her ‘babies’, naming them Dúdú and FünFün Otedola.

    Cuppy also went a step further to open an Instagram account for the dogs and did a photoshoot with them.

    Tweeting a picture with her sons, the “Gelato” crooner stated: “It’s giving single mum of two. LMAO.”

    Earlier in the month, Cuppy and the boxer sparked breakup speculation after unfollowing each other on Instagram.

    Taylor made a suggestive post almost the same time after he unfollowed his beau on Instagram.

    He advised individuals against holding onto things capable of hampering one’s growth spiritually.

    “If it’s blocking your spiritual growth, let it go. Have a blessed Friday. #Alhamdulillah for everything”, the British boxer wrote.

    Hours after Ryan unfollowed Cuppy, checks by The Nation on her Instagram account showed she was still among his followers.

    However, that changed soon enough as she reciprocated the favour.

    Before Ryan’s post, Cuppy implied she had more ‘fake’ friends than genuine ones in her life.

    Read Also: At 30, I can count my real friends on one hand – DJ Cuppy

    The billionaire’s daughter inferred after spending three decades on earth, her circle of friends consisted of only a few real ones.

    She suggested that if she were to count those she considered true among her friends on one hand, it may turn out to be just one.

    “At 30, I can probably count my real friends on one hand. Maybe even on one finger,” she tweeted.

    Known for flaunting their relationship online after they got engaged in November 2022, recent events stirred breakup reports between the lovers.

    The one-time lovebirds, who got engaged merely a few days of meeting each, just after Cuppy clocked 30, never stayed long without sharing photos of themselves, displaying PDA (public display of affection).

    That and other indexes further fuelled the recent speculation that the duo may have quietly gone their separate ways though online shippers and in-laws decided to blow it up.

  • How we auctioned 2 helicopters – NCAT

    How we auctioned 2 helicopters – NCAT

    The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State, says it auctioned two helicopters at 556,200,322USD (N1.2 billion), because of under utilisation.

    The Rector and Chief Executive Officer of the institution, Capt. Alkali Modibbo told newsmen on Sunday in Zaria that the two Bell 206B – III model helicopters were disposed of after satisfying all due diligence.

    Modibbo explained that a Federal Government licensed auctioneer, Messrs Tresmo Nigeria Limited, was appointed to dispose of the affected helicopters sequel to the approval and valuation reports obtained from the Federal Ministries of Aviation and Works, respectively.

    According to him, the auctioneer paid $275,782,661.25 and $280,417,661.25 (totaling N1.2bn) vide FGN Remita receipts bearing reference numbers 3008-4333-3046 and 1008-4304-1098, accordingly.

    He recalled that the Nigerian Navy expressed interest to acquire the two helicopters via a letter dated 13th December 2022, with Ref. No: NHQ:04/61/93/OPS/VOL. VII/23.

    “I am directed to convey the compliments of the Chief of the Naval Staff to the Rector and Staff of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, and to further Express our interest to inspect the 2 Bell 206L – 3 (Long Range) helicopters proposed to be disposed by your organisation.

    “The Nigerian Navy (NN) is aware that the 2 Bell 206L – 3 helicopters are currently grossly underutilized due to none training of helicopter pilots at the facility.

    “I am to respectfully inform the Rector that the NN operates a similar type of helicopter and hereby expresses its interest to inspect the helicopters for possible acquisition with a view to bolster its operations towards ensuring a safe and secure maritime environment,” the letter read in part.

    Consequently, the Director of Tresmo Nigeria Limited, Mr Adeyemi Apata, applied to be appointed as the auctioneer for NCAT vide a letter dated March 3, Modibbo revealed.

    Furthermore, the NCAT chief executive said that the Federal Ministry of Aviation in a letter dated 15th March, 2023, granted approval for the disposal of the two Bell 206 helicopters to enable the college acquire Basic Trainer Helicopters.

    Read Also: How indigenous MRO will grow economy, by former NCAT rector

    Again, in furtherance of following due process, the college obtained the Valuation Reports of the affected helicopters from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing via a letter dated 30th March 2023.

    This culminated to the engagement of Messrs Tresmo as the auctioneer vide NCAT.11/1204/VOL.1/043, dated 6th April 2023, Modibbo stated.

    The NCAT Rector added that the auctioneer also accepted and executed the disposal of the helicopters via a letter signed by Mr Baba Malik on 7th April 2023, which also remitted the proceeds of N1.2 billion into the Federal Government account.

    He, therefore, emphasised that due diligence was followed in the auctioning of the two unutilised helicopters to boost the training needs of the college. 

    (NAN)

  • Enugu youths storm streets, support ending illegal sit-at-home order in South-East

    Enugu youths storm streets, support ending illegal sit-at-home order in South-East

    Enugu youths have stormed the streets in peaceful protests to support an end to IPOB’s illegal sit-at-home order in the South-East.

    The youths, in their numbers on Saturday, marched through major roads and streets in the Enugu metropolis with placards carrying inscriptions: “Even Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is Against Sit-at-Home” and “Sit-at-Home discourages economic progress”.

    The Leader of Enugu Innovative Youths, Mr Maduabuchi Edeani, said people pushing  the illegal order under any guise should stop it, adding that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, was against it and had publicly called for its cancellation.

    Edeani said that the action had resulted in untold hardships and poverty in Enugu State and by extension, the entire South-East.

    “The illegal sit-at-home is causing so much havoc and making our education, health and economic institutions not to function optimally and our people are counting their losses both as individuals, groups and corporate entities.

    “We as youths in Enugu State are supporting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in his stance to stop and totally cancel the illegal sit-at-home being engineered by a misguided Nigerian in Finland.

    “We are here to let the world know that anybody supporting the illegal sit-at-home is against the South-East, good people of Enugu State and the future of youths in the state and South-East in general.

    “I call on all youths in Enugu State and South-East to desist from supporting the anti-progressive, evil and illegal sit-at-home.

    “It remains a wrong path and it will not do anybody any good, rather it will truncate our future and prospects in life as youths,” he added.

    Edeani also appealed to the Federal Government to obey the court order to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, adding that it would help to reinvigorate the South-East and bring the manipulation by a few hoodlums to an end.

    Read Also: Simon Ekpa adamant as Kanu orders end to sit-at-home

    Contributing, Mr Ebube Nebo, a youth leader in Enugu State, said that youths were tired of the order, adding: “Sit-at-home is a cankerworm gradually snowballing into a big monster of human and economic waste.”

    “In all sincerity, we are suffering. It is not just about what the Enugu State governor is saying to end it, we are indeed suffering and feeling the pains of our deprivation and loss resulting from the illegal sit-at-home.

    “As youths, it is affecting our education, employment, and entrepreneurial prospects, while our fathers and mothers, especially those in the villages and suburbs, are living in untold hardships,” Nebo said.

    Nebo reiterated the displeasure of South-East over the continuous incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and called for his freedom.

    The youths covered 30 kilometres in the march within Enugu metropolis, which covered Okpara Square Road, Presidential Road, Owerri Road, Ogui Road, Lagos Street, Basiala Road, among others.

    (NAN)