The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Tinubu will turn around ECOWAS as Chairman, says Speaker Abbas

    Tinubu will turn around ECOWAS as Chairman, says Speaker Abbas

    Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has expressed confidence that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu will turn around the sub-regional body ECOWAS as its Chairman. 

    The Speaker congratulated the President on his emergence as the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Tinubu emerged Chairman of ECOWAS at its 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government on Sunday in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, in a unanimous endorsement on Sunday.

    The Speaker, in a congratulatory, expressed confidence that Tinubu will deploy his wealth of experience in public administration to spearhead sustainable socio-economic plans for the African sub-region.

    He said the Nigerian president would join hands with other ECOWAS leaders to turn things around in the subregional body.

    Read Also: Benue lawmaker drums support for Tinubu, Abbas

    The Speaker said: “I congratulate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his unanimous adoption as the Chairman of ECOWAS in the just concluded 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the West African States.

    “It is an affirmation of President Tinubu’s popularity beyond Nigeria and among his colleagues in West Africa. There are no doubts that the African sub-region will witness exemplary leadership with the Nigerian President as ECOWAS chairman.”

    Tinubu had after he received handover documents from the outgoing Chairman and President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Embaló, said, “We will take democracy seriously, Democracy is very tough but it is the form of government.”

  • Kanu’s immediate release will stop unrest in South East – Rita Edochie

    Kanu’s immediate release will stop unrest in South East – Rita Edochie

    Veteran actress Rita Edochie reiterated the call for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.

    She challenged the Federal Government to set the IPOB leader free and watch how the unrest in the South East would cease forthwith.

    Kanu had been in the custody of the Department of State Security (DSS) in spite of the ruling by the court to release the IPOB leader.

    In connection with his support of the secessionist movement, Nnamdi Kanu was first detained on October 14, 2015.

    He was granted bail in April 2017 but was shortly thereafter confined to jail pending his trial for alleged terrorism at the Federal High Court of Abuja in 2021.

    The separatist group, IPOB instituted a sit-at-home order every Monday throughout the South-east area to exert pressure on the Nigerian government in an effort to achieve Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

    Given their anxiety, many people in the region have continued to adhere to the Monday sit-at-home order, even after it was modified only to be observed on the days that the IPOB leader appeared in court.

    Recent reinforcement of the sit-at-home order by the separatist group cumulated in unrest and violent acts against people who flouted the same.

    Reacting, the thespian argued Kanu’s continued detention despite the court’s ruling was responsible for the state of anarchy throughout the southeastern region.

    Read Also: For those seeking Nnamdi Kanu’s release

    Sharing a video of Kanu, she wrote: “Release Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu today and see the unrest in the South East become history.

    “Stop playing with people’s lives especially all you elites that your children are overseas and you are using other people’s children to create unrest.

    “If you are one of them your generation and generation to come will never know peace.”

  • Gov. Bago, deputy visit IBB, Abdulsalami to seek counsel

    Gov. Bago, deputy visit IBB, Abdulsalami to seek counsel

    Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger and his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, on Monday visited two former Heads of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar in Minna to sought advice.

    The governor said in an interview with newsmen that the visit to the elder statesmen was in continuation of his Sallah homage.

    Bago said that the visit was also to thank the elder statesmen for their support and get wise counsel expected to bring about positive change in the state.

    “Our visit is in continuation of our Sallah homage; we came to visit our fathers and thank them for their support.

    Read Also: Banditry: Be security conscious, Bago urges Niger community

    “We are also here to seek for their advice at any point of time that will bring about positive change to our state.

    “We are here to derive inspiration from them as our fathers who have continued to admonish us all the time and have given us continuous support,” he said.

    Bago, however, disclosed that the elder statesmen urged them as government to continue with the ongoing developmental strides in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Mr Abdullahi Gbatamangi, and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Malam Ibrahim Bello.

    (NAN)

  • ‘Stop using your manhood to block visas’ – Bizzle Osikoya

    ‘Stop using your manhood to block visas’ – Bizzle Osikoya

    Music executive Abiodun Osikoya aka Bizzle Osikoya has appealed to Nigerian men to cease blocking other people’s visa applications with their manhood.

    The talent manager bemoaned the rate at which the Kenyan police reportedly arrest Nigerian men unjustly because of claims made by their married women.

    Osikoya berated Nigerian men over allegations of impregnating Kenyan women which has made it impossible for their unmarried countrymen to gain entrance into the East African country.

    “Single Nigerian Men are not allowed in Maldives anymore, they claim Nigerian men are impregnating their women. Nawa o!!!

    “Kenya police arresting Nigerian men for nothing, their wives claim it’s because they are married to Kenyan women and they spoil them.

    “Nigerian Men stop using your Penis to block other people’s Visa,” he tweeted.

    Reacting, one Chika affirmed it as he went ahead to share his experience while attempting to secure a visa to Zanzibar.

    “Unfortunately this is very true. We were blocked from getting a visa to Zanzibar. When we asked what’s happening we were told Nigerian men are sleeping with their prostitutes and the same prostitutes would steal. The Nigerian men kept reporting them and the govt was tired,” he stated.

    Last month, a Kenyan woman who claimed to be married to a Nigerian man, called out the Kenyan police over the constant harassment of Nigerian men.

    Speaking passionately in a video, the lady claimed Kenyan police officers constantly brutalised Nigerian men whenever they go out.

    She said they try extorting them and sometimes have them deported from the country.

    According to her, the constant harassment and extortion were making ‘ashawo’ work too difficult as Nigerians were some of their best customers.

    Read Also: Olamide lauds Rema as ‘Calm Down’ becomes most streamed African song

    She added that some Kenyan ladies who are also dating Nigerian men are left fatherless, urging everyone involved with Nigerian men including wives, baby mamas, and prostitutes to come out and stage a protest against this discrimination and unjust treatment of these nice men from ‘the giant of Africa’.

    She said women were being left husbandless and without orgasms. Adding their lives were transformed by Nigerian men who take extra care of them.

    She vowed that Kenyan women would donate their children to the Kenyan government if they continued to deport and chase away Nigerian men who happen to be the fathers of their children.

  • Edo assembly announces Okaka as Minority leader

    Edo assembly announces Okaka as Minority leader

    The Edo State House of Assembly on Monday announced Mr Eric Okaka (APC, Owan East) as the Minority leader of the House and Osamwonyi Atu (APC Orhionmwo) as the Minority whip.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, had during the June 20 plenary announced the receipt of letters from PDP, APC and LP parties nominating members for the assembly’s Principal Officers Council (POC).

    Agbebaku urged members of the newly constituted POC and other members of the house to work for the common good and benefits of their constituencies and the state in general.

    Also during Monday plenary, the House announced the composition of its various standing committees.

    The Speaker would chair the selection committee while the Deputy speaker, Marie Edekor, would head the tenders board, among others

    Meanwhile, the House has adopted a resolution calling on relevant government agencies to urgently fix the failed portions of the Auchi-Ayogwiri-Agenebode road that has been cut off by erosion.

    Read Also: Allow Edo central produce governor’

    The adoption of the resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Kingsley Ugabi, APC member representing  Etsako East), under matters of urgent public importance.

    Ugabi expressed displeasure over the plights of motorists on the failed portion of the road, adding that commuters now seek alternative routes to access their destinations.

    Other lawmakers who spoke during the deliberation of the matter, aligned with the views of Ugabi and called on the relevant government agencies to urgently fix the road.

    (NAN)

  • I lost my marriage after mom died- Jim Iyke

    I lost my marriage after mom died- Jim Iyke

    Actor Jim Iyke has said he stopped being the loving man his wife met but become obsessed with his child. 

    In an interview with Chude monitored by The Nation, Iyke said his marriage failed because he couldn’t cope with his mom’s death. 

    According to him: ”When I lost my mum I couldn’t find my feet for years, there is a lifestyle, understanding and spirituality. I just really wanted to live my life outside the world because the mistake was already made. Note it took them 72hrs to let me know she was dead. 

    ”I am a product of love, my parents were so in love with each other. Just when I was getting over my loss, my woman got pregnant with my first son. Then I had a quiet space there was nobody to take care of anymore because that was my excuse to heal and there was nothing all of sudden. The loss hit me, I couldn’t sleep. I wasn’t the loving man she met, I am the prankster of the family. I don’t even get invited for family meetings because I make them laugh. 

    Read Also: Jim Iyke: Ini Edo is soft emotionally

    ”I lost my sense of humor, I lost the lion in me, I gave myself to the elements and so she suffered for that. I became an obsessive dad, I took everything in me to my son, I was changing diapers, and I was the popular stay-at-home dad. I took everything to him and left her behind. 

    ”I was a husband. I was an excellent father and woeful husband. After a while, she said I can’t find who I married. We are friends and I said if she can wait for me to get myself back I will appreciate but if she can’t I will understand. She said we can’t and we are friends.

    ”I went out of the country to find a place and I told them I couldn’t find myself so I went to a private beach, I cried and poured out my emotions. I went to other countries to chill with white kids and when I got back I said I am here again.”

  • Adekunle Gold blasts ‘stream farmers’ colleagues

    Adekunle Gold blasts ‘stream farmers’ colleagues

    Sensational singer Adekunle Gold has taken a swipe at his colleagues who engage the services of streaming farms.

    Streaming farms are services designed to inflate streams or add a lot of fake listens to a song.

    By taking advantage of the business model of streaming platforms like Spotify, they massively increase the number of listeners and in turn, raise the hype surrounding the artiste.

    While celebrating his Zinoleesky-assisted track, ‘Party No Dey Stop’ amassing over 20 million listens, AG baby subtly threw shades at his stream-farming colleagues.

    He appreciated his fans for the numbers, maintaining it was a result of their love and support but not via agriculture (referring to streaming farms).

    He tweeted: “20 METER! PARTY NO DEY STOP TEQUILA EVER AFTER Thank You”, he tweeted.

    “No Agriculture, Just Fan Love”, added the 36-year-old  Def Jam Recordings artiste.

    Adekunle Gold’s “Party No Dey Stop,” features Marlian Records Zinoleesky and showcases the combined talents of producers Kel P and Monro.

    Read Also: Why I accepted Adekunle Gold’s proposal – Simi

    Released on March 15, 2023, the upbeat Afrobeats track is a celebration of life and an affirmation of one’s personal journey.

    It stands out among AG Baby’s previous releases by offering a fresh, lively sound that showcases his artistic growth.

    “Party no dey stop” celebrates resilience, and the power of music to bring people together.

    The song’s catchy chorus, engaging verses, and infectious beat made it a sound to be savoured by fans and music lovers.

  • Internet users tackle Bobrisky over butt surgery

    Internet users tackle Bobrisky over butt surgery

    Self-proclaimed ‘transgender woman’ Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky has been called out after surgically enhancing his body in a video.

    Over the weekend, Bob claimed ‘she underwent a butt lift procedure to enhance ‘her’ figure.

    Last year, the controversial social media personality hinted at gender transformation when ‘he’ slammed men while expressing gratitude about not being one of them anymore.

    VBob berated a man who broke up with his girlfriend and announced his wedding to her via Snapchat.

    According to ‘her’, “Men will always disgrace you. Such a stupid gender. Thank God I left the group.”

    Several other times, Bob lamented having to defend his ‘acquired’ gender noting it was only in Nigeria people doubted and argued over another’s gender.

    As ‘he’ continues on ‘his’ quest to convince netizens about ‘his’ transformation into a female, Bob recently shared a clip of a naked female who just underwent a butt enhancement procedure, claiming to be ‘him’.

    The caption of the video reads: “I pray all my bruises clear ASAP.”

    A previous clip which displayed one lying on the chest with the butt padded like they do after a butt surgical procedure held the caption: “Got myself a new bum”, accompanied by a dancing emoji.

    However, social media users reacted differently to Bob’s video, particularly the one which captured a nude backside.

    Many have voiced their disbelief about the body in the footage, insisting it didn’t belong to Bob

    obaksolo stated: “But Idris no be your body be this Heal In Jesus Name.”

    booming_by_booms said: “Like this comment if you don’t believe this is Bob.”

    blinkz_collection1 wrote: “How can this be Bob Fucking obvious this isn’t his body.”

    iamnasboi stated: “No be this Body REMA been Dey talk.”

    Read Also: Bobrisky undergoes butt enlargement surgery

    thereal_beth said: “This isn’t you bob!! I saw this

    same Yansh on the 29th of may! Make it make sense!!”

    fifehanmioluwa wrote: “Idris make we see your face nah no be your body be that Allah walahi Person no fit dey depressed seh just have 2.5gb data.”

    iamdreofficial stated: “No be u be this. We know the matter U Dz guy Sha.”

  • Involve youths in ECOWAS decision-making, Tinubu told

    Involve youths in ECOWAS decision-making, Tinubu told

    Vice President of West Africa, Pan-African Youth Union (PYU) Ambassador Oladele Nihi has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the well-being of youths as chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Tinubu was named ECOWAS chairman during the 63rd Ordinary Session of the regional bloc in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, on Sunday.

    Speaking from his PYU office in Abuja, Nihi commended Tinubu for his successful outing at the recent ECOWAS Leaders summit, emphasising the significance of this achievement, which “showcases President Tinubu’s exceptional leadership acumen and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration and cooperation”.

    “The Pan-African Youth Union, West Africa, fully supports President Tinubu’s tenure as ECOWAS Chairman, believing that his wealth of experience, dedication, and vision will contribute significantly to the advancement of ECOWAS and the well-being of its member countries,” he said.

    Addressing the pressing issue of youth empowerment and development, Nihi recommended the importance of policies that promote youth employment and holistic growth.

    Read Also: Onjeh congratulates Tinubu on emergence as ECOWAS chairman 

    He also urged the new ECOWAS Chairman not to overlook this critical need, asserting that West African youths hold immense potential and must be meaningfully included in decision-making processes and socio-economic development. 

    “The Pan-African Youth Union calls upon President Tinubu to champion initiatives that prioritise access to quality education, vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and job creation for the youth across ECOWAS member states,” he added.

    Oladele extended his best wishes to President Tinubu, adding that his tenure will bring about substantial progress and opportunities for the youth in West Africa.

  • Why Nigerians should ignore EU report – U.S professor

    Why Nigerians should ignore EU report – U.S professor

    A United States-based associate professor of medicine, Yemi Oladimeji, has called on Nigerians to ignore the final report of the European Union (EU) election observation mission on the 2023 polls.

    Oladimeji, in a statement on Monday in Osogbo, described the report as a threat to the country’s national unity and portends danger to peaceful co-existence among diverse ethnic groups and interests.

    According to him, the report is not comprehensive enough to be valid, since the EU Elections Observer Mission failed to cover a substantial number of polling units across the country during the elections.

    Oladimeji, who is also the Chief Medical Officer of the Community Hospital and Diagnostic Center, Abuja, said the time of release of the EU report should also be queried, adding that the report was meant to serve a “political purpose.”

    He said that no group or individual outside Nigeria has the competence to “define us better than who or what we are or interpret our political and electoral processes better than ourselves.”

    “There is no time better than now to assert our sovereignty as a nation. Nigeria should resist imperialism under any guise.

    “The EU knowing its limitation in interfering directly with the internal affairs of Nigeria now resorts to a subtle appeal to make the world believe something was amist with the nation’s 2023 general elections through that report.

    “The majority of Nigeria voted for Bola Tinubu, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and must be allowed to stay focused and chart a way out of the woods for a country already bedeviled,” he added.

    Oladimeji noted that no election anywhere the world, including countries like the United States of America, England and Ireland, was perfect.

    “Reports of skirmishes in few areas can not be used to determine the overall performance and integrity of our electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), swept all the votes in his South-East stronghold and even beat Tinubu in his homestead in Lagos.

    “While Abubakar Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also made a significant performance in some states in the South-West.

    Read Also: The EU gaffe

    “But, I think we should all wait for the judiciary, an arm of government empowered by the Nigerian Constitution, through an election petition tribunal, to give a final verdict on the matter rather than the EU speaking for all of us”, he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EU Observer Mission had on June 27 in its report faulting the 2023 polls owing to “enduring systemic weaknesses.”

    The Federal Government, however, rejected the report, describing it as “a poorly done desk job”.(NAN)