The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Lagos continental hotel gets double global awards

    Lagos continental hotel gets double global awards

    Lagos Continental Hotel has been awarded the Best Luxury Business Hotel in Nigeria and World Chef Championship at the 2023 Hotel Managers Awards, a globally recognised accolade that celebrates and acknowledges excellence in hospitality. 

    The Hotel Managers Awards attract top-class hotels globally, making the competition keenly contested. 

    Lagos Continental distinguished itself among its competitors with exceptional service, luxurious ambiance, state-of-the-art conference facilities and executive lounges, and high-speed internet access for travelers. 

    Chef Chua Kong Ngiap, the master chef at Soho Restaurant, the signature Chinese restaurant of Lagos Continental, was awarded the prestigious World Chefs Championship 2023 Award.

     Chef Chua Kong Ngiap’s dedication, exceptional culinary skill, and passion for Chinese cuisine have earned him international acknowledgment. 

    The World Chefs Championship Award is considered the most esteemed honor in the culinary world.

    Read Also: Access Bank gets leadership awards on women empowerment

    The awards, according to the General Manager, Lagos Continental, Mr. Karl Hala,  are  testaments to the hard work, talent, and commitment of the entire Lagos Continental team.”

    Hala said: “We are delighted to be recognized as the Best Luxury Business Hotel in Nigeria at the Hotel Managers Awards, and we are immensely proud of Chef Chua for winning the World Chefs

    ”Lagos Continental remains committed to providing the best facilities and services to its guests, setting a benchmark for luxury hospitality in Nigeria.”

  • Seven tips to sail through rainy season

    Seven tips to sail through rainy season

    Unlike farmers who receive rainy season with jubilation, many Nigerians are worried over the discomfort they undergo during the period such as the peeling of leather bags; ruined leather shoes; soiled whites or soaked wear, smelly hairdo from contact with rain, splash of puddles by passing vehicles and other avoidable experiences. 

    Here are tips on how to get through the rainy season: 

    1. Stock up on rain-proof gears: Stock up on rain-proof gears to help sail through the rainy season without a slight ruffle to your feathers. These items include a portable umbrella that can fit into your handbag, bag-pack, or suitcase; a shower cap to prevent the rain from ruining your hairdo and a foldable raincoat that can be neatly tucked in your bag and kept at arm’s length. 

    2. Wear footwear built for the rainy season

    Rain can be unpredictable sometimes. Adopt the Girls’ Guide motto by being prepared at all times. Avoid getting caught in the rain with your cool sneakers, nice heels or cover shoes by either trusting your instinct to wear waterproof walking shoes or footwear that are built for rain or have a spare one in your bag. They include crocs, rubber sandals, kito shoes, or rain boots if you leave in flooded areas. 

    3. Grab a water-friendly and spacious bag

    Rain has no care for your sleek bag. When it’s time, it pours. So avoid ruining your leather bag by swapping to waterproof or water-friendly ones. Some leather bags are built for the rainy season and stylish rubber bags too are best shopping options in this period. Also, ensure that your choice bag is spacious enough to take rain-proof kits when the rain begins.

    Read Also: How essential is hot bath during rainy season? 

    4. Have in-handy wear for rainy season

    As if it is not enough to endure the chilly weather, many corporate workers still crouch behind their desks all day under full blast-Air Conditioner; even the business men and women are not left out as they expose themselves to cold too. Have thick wears like cardigan or sweaters close by. White clothes are not advisable, especially in muddy areas, use pop socks and long sleeve blouse too. Make sure you can slip out of them without looking odd because heat sometimes surfaces later in the day after it has rained before. 

    5. Boost immune system with balanced diet 

    Research has shown that cold weakens the immune system and cold weather constitutes rainy periods. Microorganisms attack more at this time of the year. To fortify your immune system against attacks,  be particular about the hygiene of the food you consume and cook with green pepper too. Take fruits that contain vitamin C like orange and pineapple. Also, take vegetables and lots of water. 

    6. Wade off mosquitoes 

    Mosquitoes are more rampant during rainy seasons as they breed in clogged drainages and gutters and puddles. Ensure your environment is clean. Install mosquito net; use mosquito repellant cream and spray. Avoid wearing black to bed because it attracts mosquitoes. 

    7. Include getting a car in your plan 

    Gone are those days when cars are seen as a luxury. When a heavy downpour meets you riding in your car, then you will be glad you have it. However, it is not enough to get a car as maintenance is also pivotal. Ensure there are no holes under your car for water to penetrate and ensure the wiper functions well to clear the windscreen. 

    Practise these tips during the rainy season and you might just join the train of those who jubilate when the period approaches. Stay fresh!

  • Threads app hits 100 million users

    Threads app hits 100 million users

    A data tracking website on Monday revealed that the Threads app launched by Instagram has surpassed 100 million users in five days. 

    The Nation reports Mark Zuckerberg launched Instagram Threads on Wednesday as an app to rival Twitter.

    Checks by the Nation confirmed that only 10 million people signed up to Threads as of last Thursday.

    But on Monday, Threads had reached the 100 million milestone beating OpenAI’s generative chatbot, ChatGPT, which surpassed 100 million monthly users in two months.

    Threads went live on Apple and Android app stores in 100 countries at 2300 GMT on Wednesday and will run with no ads for now.

    The app which is yet to launch in Europe was introduced as a clear spin-off of Instagram, which offers a built-in audience of more than two billion users, thereby sparing the new platform the challenge of starting from scratch.

    Twitter is thought to have around 200 million regular users but it has suffered repeated technical failures since Elon Musk bought the platform last year and sacked thousands of staff.

    On Sunday, Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare, shared a screenshot showing how Twitter’s traffic is ‘tanking’.

    Read more Threads related stories:

  • Don Jazzy’s mom’s demise inspired ‘How Are You My Friend’ – Johnny Drille

    Don Jazzy’s mom’s demise inspired ‘How Are You My Friend’ – Johnny Drille

    Alternative Rock artiste Johnny Drille has disclosed the story behind the creation of his smash track “How Are you my friend?”

    According to him, the hit single was not just the Mavin boss Don Jazzy’s idea but he also co-wrote it.

    He explained in a chat with Hip TV that the inspiration came as a result of the sad passing of the music executive’s mom who died after battling cancer.

    He said after her death, Jazzy suddenly realised he had lost touch with many friends who reached out to him during that time.

    According to him: “For ‘How Are You My Friend’, the inspiration behind it was, Don Jazzy had just lost his mom like a couple of weeks.

    “I guess, maybe the song was his own way of talking about it because a lot of people were reaching out to him that he has not heard from in like years.

    Read Also: Cheapest clothes have earned me more compliments – Don Jazzy

    “So, it just kind of hit him that, ‘Omo, I actually have these many friends that I have not spoken with for so long.’

    “I also think that we are also in pretty tough times. The economy is crazy. A lot of people are having it hard.

    “A lot of people going through things in their lives that sometimes they don’t feel comfortable sharing them. And I guess, maybe that is why people have been able to connect with the song.”

  • I will touch lives as Delta Central Senator -Dafinone

    I will touch lives as Delta Central Senator -Dafinone

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has emphasised his duty is to serve the people of Delta Central and touch as many lives as possible in the district without minding political or religious affiliations.

    He also urged All Progressives Congress(APC) faithful and Deltans to remain steadfast and resolute in their quest for a new Delta, noting that in no distant time, the APC Governorship Candidate Senator Ovie Omo-Agege would be declared Governor.

    The Delta Central lawmaker stated this while speaking at his election victory/inauguration thanksgiving held at Praise Baptist Church in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area in Delta State.

    He said: “I belong to the Urhobo people, it does not matter if you vote for me or not whether you are in party A or B, it’s irrelevant. My assignment is to serve the good people of Delta Central. I promise my people that I will be accessible, my door is always open for everybody.

    “My assignment is not an easy one, my late father Senator David Dafinone, made a trail through which I am now following, he threads the party not just in Okpe, Urhobo and Delta State but the whole of Nigeria. As I take up the assignment, I take all the responsibility that goes with it, to deliver the dividends of democracy to the great people of Delta Central, I have the objective to touch as many lives of the people Delta Central, to change as many lives as possible.”

    Dafinone further said the outstanding performance of Ovie Omo-Agege as Deputy Senate President made his campaign easier “because of what he (Senator Ovie Omo-Agege) did all over Delta Central and beyond. We could point at a meaningful project at every ward we visited. The number of senators that could achieve what he did in the last 24 years would not be more than five,” he said.

    While offering thanksgiving to God during the service, Senator Dafinone said he was dedicating the victory to God, the hardworking members of the political campaign team and the esteemed leaders of the APC for their tireless efforts during campaign periods, adding that the teams were undeterred by challenges.

    Ministering at the Thanksgiving service which took place at Praise Baptist Church New Ogorode Road Sapele, Delta State, Rev Iweh Godspower took his sermon from 1st Corinthians 15 verse 9-10 and titled his message “I am who I am by his Grace.”

    Rev Iweh begged the congregation to always acknowledge the grace of God in their lives, stressing the need for believers to embrace humility in their day-to-day affairs.

    “This is the conclusion of the whole matter fear God.”

    “If you wish to express gratitude to God, you must recognise His grace. Humbling oneself is one of the ways to respond to grace.”

    While outlining some of the challenges Dafinone might face, he advised him to carry the eight local governments along.

    “We have 24 clans in the eight local governments in Delta Central and you must carry everyone along, I know it’s not easy but with the grace of God you can,” he said.

    Read Also: Rotary club installs new District Governor in Delta

    The thanksgiving was graced by Royal Fathers from across the Senatorial district, party leaders and supporters from the eight local government areas and beyond.

    Some notable party leaders at the event were Delta South Senator Joel Thomas-Onowakpo, Stella Erhuvwu Okotete as the Executive Director, Business Development, Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank, Minority Leader DTHA, Rt Hon Emakpor Edafe, Hon Spencer Obokpare Ohwofa, Esq, Hon Blessing Achoja, Chief Adelabu Bodjor, Esq, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya, Hon Chief Ejaife Odebala, Chief Tuesday Onoge, and Chief Joshua Asah.

    Prominent royal fathers include: HRM Maj General Felix Mujakperhuo CFR MNI Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Okiemute Onajita 111 Ovie of Ogor Kingdom, HRM Oghenekevwe Kumane Eruvwedede 111 Ovie of Evwreni Kingdom, HRM Dr Emmanuel Sideso Abi1 JP, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Oharisi 111 Wilson Ojakovo JP, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Obukowho Monday Whiskey, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle JP, Okorefe 1, Ovie of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom, HRM M.E Egbi JP, Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Sunny Odogwu Okpurhie JP, Uduaka 1, Ovie of Mosogar Kingdom, HRM Ugugu JP, the Osuivie of Agbarha kingdom, HRM Solomon Ukukavwen JP, the Ovie of Aravwarien Kingdom and many other dignitaries too numerous to mention.

  • Court stops prosecution of suspended Adamawa REC

    Court stops prosecution of suspended Adamawa REC

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from prosecuting the suspended Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Yunusa-Ari, over his declaration of Aisha Dahiru, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as governor in the March 18 poll.

    Justice Donatus Okorowo made the order after Mr Michael Aondoaka, SAN, counsel to Dahiru, moved the ex-parte motion to the effect.

    In the ex-parte motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/935/2023, the APC candidate in the poll, sued INEC, Attorney-General.of the Federation (AGF) and another  as as respondents.

    Aondoaka while moving the motion on Monday, argued that until the election petition tribunal decides the fate of his client in accordance with Section 149 of the Electoral Act, 2022, the prosecution of Yunusa-Ari cannot be said to be valid.

    He said the decision of INEC to.file.action against any person involved in Dahiru’s April 15 declaration as winner of the supplementary poll in the state when the tribunal was yet to determine the petition of his client,  would deprive her of Section 285(6) of the law which gives 180 days within which the petition filed on May 6 should be dispensed with.

    The senior lawyer, who informed the court that though a similar suit was earlier filed before Justice Inyang Ekwo where a judicial review of INEC’s action was sought, he said the sister court ordered Binani to approach a tribunal with her suit, having being an election-related matter.

    He said an undertaking had been signed to prove to the court that the present suit was not frivolous.

    Read Also: INEC files six-count charge against Adamawa REC

    He said in the undertaking, they were ready to face any cost should the court found the case to be frivolous.

    After listening to Andoaka, Justice Okorowo ordered the parties to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

    The judge, who adjourned the matter until July 18 for hearing, ordered the respondents to show cause while the reliefs sought by Dahiru, popularly called “Binani”, should not be granted.(NAN)

  • Bayelsa, Borno get new Commissioners of Police

    Bayelsa, Borno get new Commissioners of Police

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of new Commissioners for Bayelsa and Borno States.

    The new Commissioners are: CP. Alausa Hakeem Tolani for Bayelsa State and CP. Yusuf Mohammed Lawal for Borno State.

    The Commission approved the appointments at the continuation of its 21st Plenary Meeting going on at its Corporate Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

    Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, retired Inspector General of Police charged the new Commissioners to ensure that the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for an improved national security is accorded the required attention.

    According to a statement on Monday by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC boss said the war against terror and terrorism in Nigeria must be won. 

    He called on the Commissioners to re-strategise and take over the public space currently being distorted by non state actors. 

    He noted that PSC will continue to create the enabling environment for the Officers to give off their best, adding the security of Nigeria must remain a priority for our national growth.

  • Online beggars turned my DM to Bank of Industry, Aki laments

    Online beggars turned my DM to Bank of Industry, Aki laments

    Popular actor Chinedu Ikedieze aka Aki has lamented the number of social media users that beg for financial assistance in his direct message (DM).

    The overwhelmed comic star is annoyed with the vast number of online beggars, noting they have turned his DM to Bank of Industry.

    He recollected how two individuals reportedly requested $35,000 and $12,000 respectively with the latter claiming he needed the money to open a shop.

    Feeling exhausted with the massive rate of begging happening in his DM and even email, Aki also pleaded with his beggars to ‘take it easy on him because they (celebrities) have responsibilities and are also being affected by the cash crunch.

    He also cautioned online beggars against ill insinuations during those times they can’t assist because contrary to their beliefs, no mishap would come to them just because they couldn’t render help when it was requested for.

    He said:” Guys, I dey vex o! I’m not happy this thing. This getting out of hand. How can you people turn my DM to a bank of industry? If I open my dm every time, it’s bros please..please…please; it’s too much.

    “The way you guys are asking us for money is like we don’t have responsibility. If I start to share the money like that, it will finish. Haba! Every now and then whenever I open my DM

    “Anytime I open my DM is either I see bros I need 40 thousand, bros my mother is sick. Imagine somebody was begging me for $35,000 that is like how much in naira? Approximately N27 million another one was asking me for $12,000 that he wants to open a shop.

    Read Also: Ohakim sues Uzodimma’s ex-aide for libel

    “The problem is that it’s not just Nigerians. Abeg now..You guys are making it look like we have this money packed somewhere and it’s a must that we cater to your needs. No, it’s not. This economic crunch is biting everybody.

    “So, guys, make una take am easy. Una don open office for my head, turned my DM to the bank of industry.

    “Don’t make it look like if I don’t do this, something will happen to us. No, nothing will happen to me. I give when I can. Do you know the number of people in my DM? You guys are many. You guys even started sending messages to my email.  If I open my email, bros, abeg! Bros, abeg! Me sef dey beg una. Make una take am easy, abeg. I love you guys but I dey vex.”

  • Onjeh congratulates Tinubu on emergence as ECOWAS chairman

    Onjeh congratulates Tinubu on emergence as ECOWAS chairman

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Benue South senatorial candidate Comrade Daniel Onjeh has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his emergence as chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Onjeh, in a statement on Monday, said it was not surprising to Nigerians who know Tinubu as a unifier and a peace-builder.

     He said that Tinubu’s election to preside over the affairs of the sub-regional body was well deserved as he is a round peg in a round hole.

    He added the leaders of ECOWAS recognised Tinubu’s capacity as a leader, a unifier, a nation-builder and a peacemaker. 

    Onjeh said  Tinubu has already shown abilities and capacity in his actions in the first month of his administration, which has confirmed to all that he has the will and the means to do the right things for Nigeria and the sub-region.

    He said Tinubu’s domestic orientation was best suited for sub-regional integration and cooperation, especially in the area of peace and stability. He said that Tinubu has the ability to rally the support of leaders of other African countries, as well as leaders of the EU, UK, and the US, to forge a common front required in this era of globalization.

    Read Also: Expert seeks common visa for ECOWAS

    “As a true democrat who has paid his dues in the struggle for democracy and its nurturing in Nigeria, Onjeh asserts, President Tinubu will be true to his word of positioning ECOWAS to maintain zero tolerance for military coups in West Africa. Onjeh assured the good people of the sub-region that as President Tinubu stated in his acceptance speech, indeed, Nigeria is back to taking its responsibilities as a champion of democracy in the sub-region,” he explained. 

    Onjeh expressed hope that Tinubu’s chairmanship of ECOWAS would transcend the sub-region and impact Africa as a whole so that the continent can emerge as a powerful bloc.

    He said that as a former President of the West African Student Union (WASU), he appreciates the need for proper regional integration and cooporations; that ECOWAS has found the right person to achieve that. He stated that through this Africa can combat many challenges that affect its development, such as health (communicable diseases etc), trade, and foreign policy.

    Onjeh wished the new ECOWAS Chairman a successful tenure blessed with peace, security and prosperity.

  • I offended several women who may have my kids – Suebebe

    I offended several women who may have my kids – Suebebe

    Ailing veteran actor, Sule Suebebe aka Suebebe, has sought forgiveness from women he dealt with in his youth, especially those he may have impregnated.

    In a viral clip, the frail thespian who’s been indisposed for some years, speaking with a pastor, frankly admitted to trampling on several toes as a result of his reckless and negligent lifestyle, notably during his time as a musician.

    He expressed regret for offending people in and outside the industry, seeking their forgiveness in an emotive video

    Convinced that he has kids with some of the women he dated in the past, Suebebe begged those with his child(ren) to pardon his youthful mistakes and unite them with him.

    He hoped that his estranged wives and girlfriends would forgive, pray for him and unite him with his unknown children.

    He stated: “E dariji, paa pa awon obirin (please forgive me, especially women).

    Read Also: Access Bank gets leadership awards on women empowerment

    “I’m begging the women, as I can’t tell the one that has my child and has refused to come forward because I used to have a lot of them.

    “So, I’m begging any of them with my child to come forward. I can’t lie that I didn’t have several women, pastor.

    “Those days, I had encounters with women that I couldn’t resist the urge of dating them.