Author: The Nation

  • Police arrest 30 pro-Biafran agitators in Enugu

    Police arrest 30 pro-Biafran agitators in Enugu

    Operatives of the Enugu Police Command have arrested no fewer than 30 Pro-Biafra agitators during a procession for the Biafran Day commemoration in Enugu.

    They are members of the Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM) agitating for a sovereign state of Biafra.

    They were arrested around 11 am and taken to the State Police Command.

    Tuesday was declared sit-at-home day by Pro-Biafra agitators in remembrance of the day the defunct Biafra Republic was declared, a development that forced businesses, schools, markets and offices to shut down in Enugu and other Southeast States.

    Read Also: Uwazuruike urges UNPO, UN on Biafra

    It was learnt the men had gathered at a location at Independence Layout, Enugu and were about to commence procession when the police swooped on them.

    A source told our correspondent the agitators were clutching Biafran flags and those of Israel and the United States of America when they were arrested.

    The source said: “The men numbering over 30 had arrived at the venue where they were set to embark on a procession. They had Biafran flags and those of USA and Israel. They were also carrying loads of tracks bearing the name of their group and their messages.

    “So, it was when they started matching that about five Hilux vans loaded with policemen came and arrested them. I must tell you that they were not bearing any arms or dangerous weapons”.

    When contacted, the spokesman of the state police command, Daniel Ndukwe (DSP) promised to get back as he was still awaiting report on it.

  • ‘Nigeria is fastest growing digital market’

    ‘Nigeria is fastest growing digital market’

    The Managing Director Ad Dynamo by Aleph Nigeria, Tintin Imevbore, has described Nigeria as one of the fastest growing digital markets in the world with over 100 million internet users.

    He said that Aleph’s entry into the market is to help bridge the gap between brands and consumers and provide a platform for businesses to reach new audiences and grow their sales.

    He spoke in Lagos while unveiling the platform’s official entry into the Nigerian market. Aleph is the world’s leading digital global enabler of digital advertising in emerging countries.

     Read Also: Angala FinTech set to transform digital payments with Payrail business

    “We are excited to bring Aleph’s expertise and experience to Nigeria. We believe that there is a huge opportunity for digital advertising in this market, and we are committed to helping brands reach their target audiences and achieve their business goals,” Imevbore added.

    Aleph offers a comprehensive suite of digital advertising solutions, including media planning and buying, creative development, and measurement and analytics. The company has a team of experienced professionals who are experts in the Nigerian market. Aleph also works with a network of local partners to provide additional support to brands.

    “We are here to solve Digital Media Education in Nigeria and Africa at large with Digital Ad Expert, our proprietary and FREE digital media education platform,” said Michael Owatunde, Regional Marketing Manager. “Digital Ad Expert is educating and certifying the next generation of digital professionals across the globe, enabling more people to compete in the global digital ecosystem. Over 1000 Nigerians have already benefited from this program.”

    “Our platform welcomes newcomers into the industry by teaching the basics. It also keeps experienced advertisers on top of their game by helping them sharpen their skills. Compared to other MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) our methodology leads to 2x higher graduation rates, 50% less dropout rates, and 90% more engaged learners” said Stephen Newton, MD, Sub Saharan Africa on Digital Ad Expert.

    According to Partner and Global Chief Operating Officer Mr. Ignacio Vidaguren over the past 18 years, ‘we have built a global infrastructure that aggregates untapped advertising revenue from digitally developing economies.’ 

    “Our infrastructure acts as a bridge, widening access to and equalizing the global digital media ecosystem. Our comprehensive solutions and the value that we create for our partners and advertisers has given us a first-mover advantage that puts us light-years ahead of any global competitors. Our team is made up of people from all walks of life – with different stories, cultures, and aspirations. That means that we are constantly learning from each other and growing together” 

    Regional Meta Director in Meta Nigeria Mr Stan Martins said: “Aleph has access to global platforms, and focuses on bringing these platforms to brands in Africa. We are Meta’s Authorized Reseller in Nigeria, providing strategic consultation and local solutions expertise.

    As a Meta ASP, we are here to help you choose the right advertising strategy for your business across Meta technologies, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp. We offer local, in-market support and consulting, and provide access to workshops and training in Nigeria to help you and your team learn new skills to get the most out of the platforms and your advertising budget.”

  • NDE collaborates with Binani, commissions projects

    NDE collaborates with Binani, commissions projects

    The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in collaboration with Senator Aisha Binani in Adamawa Central has trained and empowered over 5,000 youths and women, including people with special needs and the aged. 

    The training and empowerment exercises were carried out under constituency projects being executed by Binani, who represents Adamawa Central.

    The Director General (NDE) Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, with NDE top management team, was recently in Yola, Adamawa State, to commission a chain of meat and fish cold rooms projects built and equipped by the distinguished Senator in collaboration with the NDE as part of constituency projects for job creation and good use of the people of Jimeta abattoir area of Yola.

    Read Also: Sambo, Binani, Oyegun, Kwankwaso, Akande commission El-Rufai’s projects

    Fikpo lauded Binani for effective and efficient senatorial representation, ingenuity, courage and compassion. According to him, the commitment of the distinguished senator to the service and well-being of the people she represented is overwhelming, well cherished and appreciated by the beneficiaries. 

    While calling on the good people of Yola Central Senatorial District to encourage the Senator to do more, the Director-General urged the beneficiaries of the cold rooms to put the facility provided to good use for long-term benefit. He further appealed to the jobless in Adamawa State to take advantage of the self-employment opportunity presented by the NDE.

    The NDE in the last three years under the leadership of Mallam Fikpo, has created thousands of jobs, mainly self-employment, through constituency projects nationwide. This was aside over four (4) million jobs created through her four core programmes namely; Vocational Skills Development (VSD), Small Scale Enterprises (SSE), Rural Employment Promotion (REP) and the popular Special Public Works (SPW).

  • JUST IN: Case in US court was civil forfeiture proceeding – LP/Obi’s witness

    JUST IN: Case in US court was civil forfeiture proceeding – LP/Obi’s witness

    The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) heard on Tuesday that the proceedings before a United States (US) court in respect of which President Bola Tinubu allegedly forfeited $460,000 was a civil forfeiture case.

    A lawyer and first petitioners’ witness in the petition by the Labour Party (LP) and Peter Obi, Lawrence Uchechukwu Nnana Nwakaeti, who said this, added that he is not aware of any charge against Tinubu.

    Nwakaeti, through whom the petitioners tendered documents in relation to the said US court proceedings, which was marked “exhibit PA5,” said the documents were not registered in Nigeria.

    Read Also: VIDEO: Moment after court sentenced Adedoyin, staff to death

    The witness, when being cross-examined by Wole Olanipekun (SAN), lawyer to Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettma, said the documents were not accompanied with a certificate from either the Nigerian Consular in the US or US Consular in Nigeria.

    Nwakaeti said he would be surprised if the documents did not indicate that Tinubu was fined. 

    Under cross-examination by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), lawyer to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the witness said the documents were also not accompanied with a certificate issued under the hand of a police officer in the US where he alleged that Tinubu was convicted, indicating the sentence and terms of the sentence.

    The witness also denied knowing if there was charge filed, adding that he  did not have any copy. 

    Nwakaeti added that he was not aware of the letter of clearance, dated February 4, 2003 issued by the Legal Atache of the US Embassy in Nigeria issued in respect of Tinubu on his alleged prosecution in the US.

    INEC’s cross examination of the witness was conducted by Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN.

    Under cross examination, Pinheiro asked questions to show that all the averments contained in the witness’ statement on oath were his own subjective legal opinion and issues of law.

    The witness agreed under cross examination that he had never published any book on constitutional law and had never been an amicus either at the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court.

    Dr. Pinheiro also put it to the witness that he had a penchant for causing crisis everywhere he goes including in his local community.

    Earlier, while being led by Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), lawyer to the petitioners, the witness adopted his written witness statement, which he urged the court to adopt as his evidence in the case.

    He said beside being a voter, he did not do any other thing on the day of the presidential election, but just votedin his village in Anambra State.

    Okutepa also tendered through the witness, some set of documents relating to Shettma ‘s nomination.

    Further hearing in the petition has been shifted to Wednesday.

    The court has commencement proceedings in the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Atiku Abubakar.

    Details Shortly…

  • Jonathan mourns Dokpesi, describes him as humane entrepreneur

    Jonathan mourns Dokpesi, describes him as humane entrepreneur

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has expressed sadness over the death of the Founder of DAAR Communications, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

    Jonathan, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Ikechukwu Eze, in Abuja on Tuesday, said that Nigeria has lost a true patriot and fair-minded nation builder.

    The former President said Dokpesi was a successful entrepreneur, media mogul and philanthropist, who took the art of giving to a new level and made significant contributions to human progress.

    Jonathan, who was one of the early sympathisers to visit the Dokpesi family in Abuja last Monday, said that he cultivated the kind of friendship with Dokpesi that stood the test of time.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Dokpesi dies at 71

    “He was a humane businessman and philanthropist who took the art of giving and human relations to a new level.

    “As a patriot and politician, he exemplified the virtues of loyalty, justice and service. A team player and bridge builder, High Chief Dokpesi played the kind of politics that promoted friendship, ethnic cohesion and national unity.

    “He will be remembered for his works of charity, devotion to his faith and inspiring leadership, especially serving as a trailblazer who pioneered private broadcasting and played a major role in advancing media freedom in Nigeria,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Panic buying in Ebonyi over fuel subsidy removal

    Panic buying in Ebonyi over fuel subsidy removal

    Residents of Ebonyi on Tuesday decried the high cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as fuel, in the country.

    The residents, in separate interviews, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki that the development was occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

    Mr Darlington Okeke said panic buying was occasioned by the announcement by President Bola Tinubu, during his inaugural speech, of an end to subsidy regime.

    Read Also: Gov Nwifuru freezes Ebonyi accounts, appoints CPS

    Okeke stated that a pump price of fuel in filling stations was sold between N800 and N1,200, against N230.

    Another resident, Mr Ibrahim Ali, said that black marketers sold a liter of fuel for N1,500.

    Ali said the development was causing panic buying and frustration among residents.

    He appealed to President Tinubu to address the situation to mitigate panic buying and arbitrary hoarding of the products, which marketers introduced after the announcement from the president.

    Meanwhile, staff of some filling stations visited by NAN, speaking under condition of anonymity, alleged that management of the Petroleum Dealers Association, Ebonyi chapter, had ordered closure of fuel stations. 

    “We are waiting for further directives,” they said.

     Efforts to speak with the state chairman of the association, Mr Sailas Njaka, over the development was not successful.

    NAN reports that residents were seen with their cans as most fuel stations visited were under lock. (NAN)

  • Spotify reveals top tracks on mellow playlists among Nigerian Gen Zs

    Spotify reveals top tracks on mellow playlists among Nigerian Gen Zs

    Spotify, a global online streaming platform, has revealed Tom Odell’s “Another Love”; Billie Eilish’s “Lovely” and Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved”, as the top tracks on mellow playlists among Nigerian Gen Zs.

    Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Africa, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, said this was from the platform’s observation.

    Okumu noted that the other rated tracks on mellow playlists were Ruth B’s “Dandelions”; Lewis Capaldi’s “Before You Go”; Duncan Laurence’s “Arcade”; Kina Snow’s “Get You The Moon (feat. Snøw”; Tate McRae’s “You broke me first”; Alec Benjamin’s “Let Me Down Slowly” and Omah Lay’s “Soso”.

    She said the top five mellow playlists among  Nigerian Gen Zs were: Chill Hits, Sad Songs, Soft Pop Hits, Chill Bops and Mellow Bars.

    “Mellow music is a respite from the constant connectivity and information overload of the modern world, offering a space where listeners can find solace, connect with their emotions, and navigate the complexities of life at their own pace.

    Read Also: Spotify’s African Heat gets a makeover

    “Among Gen Z listeners in Nigeria, one trend shines brightly, their unwavering love for mellow music. From Lo-Fi and sad melodies to chill vibes and easy listening anthems.

    “The younger generation has wholeheartedly embraced these soothing sounds to navigate life’s complexities in a fast-paced world.

    “Whether it is the introspective lyrics, delicate instrumentation, or soul-stirring vocal performances, according to a Spotify data, mellow music has become a trusted companion for Gen Z across Africa as they embrace the beauty of vulnerability and emotional depth.

    “In the world of music genres and emotions, there exists a unique space for mellow beats, effortlessly transporting us to tranquility and introspection,” she said.

    Okumu noted that in Nigeria, Tom Odell’s “Another Love”, is the most listened to mellow songs among Gen Zs.

    According to Okumu, it is a track that delicately weaved a tale of pain and longing, illustrating the struggle to release a love that has faded away.

    She said this was along with Billie Eilish’s Lovely (with Khalid).

    According to her, these standout songs, along with the others, offer a diverse range of introspective and emotive experiences.

    She said the songs touched upon universal themes of love, heartbreak, vulnerability, and self-reflection, making them resonate deeply with Gen Zs.

    “Through their relatable lyrics and melodies, these songs provide a refuge for young listeners, offering solace and understanding amidst the complexities of their own personal journeys.

    “These tracks have found their home in meticulously curated mellow playlists like Chill Hits, Sad Songs, and Soft Pop Hits among others.

    “These playlists serve as sanctuaries for the wounded hearts seeking solace, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.

    “As for the timing of mellow music consumption, the 18-24 age group tends to seek solace in the mellowness of their favourite tunes during two distinctive periods: at 7:00 p.m. as they wind down from the day and 11.00 p.m. as they navigate their late night feels,” she said.

    (NAN)

  • Reps approve refund of N16.772 bn to Borno

    Reps approve refund of N16.772 bn to Borno

    The House of Representatives has approved the refund of about N16.772 billion by the Federal Government for projects executed by the Borno government on behalf of the federal government. 

    The House approved the refund in the form of issuance of promissory notes to the State following a report from its Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management. 

    The Senate had approved the refund to the Borno State Government.

    Chairman of the Committee, Hon Ahmed Safana Dayyabu said the committee discovered that all of the projects listed by the state Government were actually executed. 

    Read Also: Buhari launches resettlement cities in Borno, Kano, Nasarawa, Zamfara 

    He said further the Borno State Government began construction of the federal roads in 2014, adding that out of the roads, only the Damboa-Chibok-Mbalala (30Km) Road Phase I was eligible for reimbursement as it was awarded before the President’s directive of 29th July 2016 which suspended assessment of requests for refund on projects carried out without the Federal Governments approval. 

    He said the other three projects (Damboa-Chibok-Mbalala Road Phase II, Flyover Bridge at Custom Roundabout, Maiduguri, and Dualisation of the Maiduguri-Dikwa-Gamboru/Ngala Road from Custom Area to Muwa Welcome Gate) awarded by the Borno State Government after the President’s directive, were approved upon a compassionate appeal by the Borno State Government. 

  • Davido performs free at Otti’s inauguration party

    Davido performs free at Otti’s inauguration party

    Afrobeat star Davido has reportedly performed free of charge at the inauguration party of Abia Governor, Alex Otti, at the Government House on Monday.

    One SportsDokita aka Odogwu1, a medical doctor and sports analyst, tweeted videos from Davido’s performance at Otti’s inauguration party  

    To accompany his posts, SportsDokita wrote: “Many don’t know but Davido is Dr. Alex Otti’s godson and he’s in Umuahia at the inauguration after-party where he’s giving a full performance. It’s a full-blown show in Umuahia.”

    Read Also: Cheque apologises to Davido for ‘direspecting’ wife

    But one tweep simply identified as Khalifa asked, ‘Na free performance??”

    Responding, O.B.O said: “Not a dime I’ve known Excellency all my life … and I’m sure he will do well for the people of Abia state.

    Following Davido’s response, SportsDokita shared a screenshot of the short Twitter exchange between the Afrobeats maestro and the curious tweep.

    To caption the screenshot post, SportsDokita wrote: “The 001 has replied and cleared everyone’s doubts, many were saying Alex Otti paid to have Davido perform, and guess what the baddest replied one in my comment section. 

    “@davido said and I quote, “NOT A DIME”, he performed FREE OF CHARGE FOR ALEX OTTI today!!!! My Governor is NOT your mate!!!!”

    In a follow-up post, the Odogwu1 highlighted the breathtaking show given them by Davido in honour of the Alex Otti absolutely free of charge.

    He added: “The 001 @davido, our in-law and Abia State Governor’s godson Davido flew into Abia State in his PJ, drove down to the Government House and gave Abians a TIMELESS inauguration party for FREE OF CHARGE!!!

    “Like I said earlier, it’s only in Abia State that inauguration happened!!!”

    Davido’s aide, Isreal DMW with his bestie, Cubana Chief Priest also shared clips of the performance on their insta stories while the latter added that the singer would also perform at the inauguration reception for the newly sworn-in Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori. 

    Davido performs free at Otti’s inauguration party
  • Court remands Man for allegedly defiling 13-year-old girl

    Court remands Man for allegedly defiling 13-year-old girl

    An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Tuesday ordered the remand of a 26- year-old man, Darlington Ezenwa, for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old girl pending legal advice.

    The police charged Ezenwa of Vitus Okpala Street, Ajao estate with conspiracy and defilement.

    He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The Magistrate, Mrs E. Kubeinje did not take the defendant`s plea.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Court condemns Adedoyin, two staff to death by hanging

    She ordered the police to duplicate the case file and send same to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, for legal advice.

    Kubeinje who frowned at the high rate of rape of minors, adjourned the case until July 6 for hearing.

    Earlier, the prosecuting officer, ASP Kehinde Ajayi told the court that the defendant and  Ebuka, now at large committed the offences on April 8 at Ajao estate, Lagos.

    Ajayi alleged that Ezenwa was caught red-handed having sexual intercourse with the minor, whom he lured into his room and defiled without her consent.

    The prosecutor said that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by having canal knowledge of the minor.

    The offences, he said, contravened the provisions of Sections 137 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.

    (NAN)