The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Expect economic revolution under Tinubu, ex-lawmaker

    Expect economic revolution under Tinubu, ex-lawmaker

    Mr Lanre Odubote, a former member of the House of Representatives in the 7th Assembly, on Tuesday said Nigerians should expect “economy revolution” under President Bola Tinubu.

    Odubote, who said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), also congratulated Tinubu on his inauguration as Nigeria’s 16th president.

    According to him, Nigerians now have a tested economic growth driver as president.

    He said Tinubu created the Lekki Free Trade Zone currently accommodating the Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Sea Port and several other world-class infrastructure.

    Read Also: Reps back Tinubu on fuel subsidy removal

    He added that Tinubu, an accountant, used his wealth of experience as retired treasurer of Exxon Mobile to bring quantum leap to the Internationally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Lagos State when he was governor of the state.

    Odubote said Tinubu created various agencies and institutions that had taken the economy of Lagos to enviable heights.

    “We should expect revolution in our economy nationally.

    “Tinubu was the one that created Lekki Free Trade Zone before he left office. He paid compensation to indigenes and even set up Lekki Indigenes Divisional Committee.

    “He will replicate what he did in Lagos nationwide. We are confident that by God’s grace he is going to be successful,” he said.

    He said Tinubu’s promise to revive the nation’s economy was real because the president was good at identifying talents and assembling the right team without the prejudices of tribe and religion.

    Odubote is a foundation member of SWAGA’23 South West agenda, a campaign group that championed the candidature of Tinubu, Southwest Agenda.

    (NAN) 

  • Seven celebrities for 2023 National Awards

    Seven celebrities for 2023 National Awards

    Singers Davido and Tiwa Savage as well as footballer Victor Osimhen are among celebrities to join the growing list of those conferred with national honours.

    The national honors are decorations given each year for exceptional accomplishments to Nigerians and allies of the country.

    To honour Nigerians who have made outstanding contributions to the nation, the National Honours Act No. 5 of 1964 established the recognition.

    Read Also: Why I won’t reject national honor, by AY Makun

    Among the list are the following celebrities to be officially conferred with national honours on Thursday:

    Davido

    Born David Adeleke, the Afrobeats maestro, well-known for his contribution to the growth of the music genre globally and for his slogan, ‘We Rise By Lifting Others’ will be awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

    Excited about the news, the ‘Timeless’ hitmaker took to his Twitter handle to share the same.

    “David Adeleke OON”, tweeted the DMW boss, accompanied by an emoji of the country’s flag.

    Tiwa Savage

    Born Tiwatope Savage, the singer who recently sealed her position as the ‘Queen of Afrobeats’ and made history with her mesmerising performance at the coronation concert of King Charles III was listed to be conferred with Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

    Albeit, the ‘African Number 1 Bhad Gyal’ is yet to make a statement about it on any of her social media handles.

    Kunle Afolayan

    Multiple award-winning filmmaker and actor, Kunle Afolayan well-known for several high grossing movies including Aníkúlápó, an epic Nigerian fantasy released in September 2022, described as the recreation of ‘Game of Thrones’ in Nigeria but with a better representation of our culture which became the number 1 most-watched non-English Netflix original film after just 11 days of its release will also be honoured with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

    Afolayan acknowledging the honour in a video shared on his Instagram page, stated: “I want to say, ‘Thank you’ to the Federal government for honouring me with the OON merit award. I really appreciate. I’m a Nigerian and believe so much in this country. God bless Nigeria!

    “Thank you to Federal Republic of Nigeria for the honour. Ogbeni Adekunle Ayodeji Akande Afolayan (OON) #nationalmeritaward.

    AY Comedian

    Famous multi-award-winning entertainer and Guinness World record holder, Ayodeji Richard Makun, aka AY also made the list of special honour awardees.

    The UN Peace Ambassador whose movie, ‘30 Days in Atlanta’, a romantic comedy film was identified by the Guinness World Record for its high domestic gross earnings will join others to be conferred with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

    Sharing the news as he reintroduces himself in a tweet, the 51-year-old multi-media personality wrote: “Barely a week ago I was awarded The Most Outstanding Comedy Personality of A Decade. Yesterday, I woke up to a message from my manager, informing me about being listed amongst notable Nigerians to receive a national honour.

    “Just when I was taking it to be another award to join the ones on my shelf, I was told that National Honours are the highest honours or awards that a citizen can receive from his or her country for their contribution to national development.

    “The honours are as follows in descending order of importance: ORDER OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) ORDER OF THE NIGER Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

    “I am indeed happy to be listed amongst individuals adding value to the country in all spheres of human endeavour. Not everyone gets to enjoy that special grace that brings me nothing short of consistent favour against all odds. At this point permit me to reintroduce myself, I am Dr Richard Ayodeji Makun (MFR).”

    Jay-Jay Okocha

    Augustine Azuka Okocha, commonly known as Jay-Jay Okocha,  played as an attacking midfielder widely considered by certain pundits internationally as the best Nigerian footballer ever, and as one of the best African players of all time was listed to be awarded the Officer Of The Order of The Niger (OON).

    Victor Osimhen

    The Super Eagles and Napoli striker is known for his elite finishing, pace, strength and athleticism made the list of outstanding Nigerians to be accorded national award.

    Victor Osimhen on May 28, moved a step closer to becoming the first African to be crowned Goal King in Serie A after he netted his 25th goal for Napoli.

    He scored a brace in a 2-2 draw at Bologna to remain the leading scorer in the Italian top league.

    His goals came on a day he was announced as one of the 340 to be conferred with a national honour by the Nigerian Government.

    Remarking on the special recognition to be awarded the Member of the Order of the Niger (MFR) in a lengthy tweet, Osimhen said: “Today, I feel so blessed and grateful as I announce that I have been awarded the prestigious Member of the order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award by the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Today also marked my 100th game for Napoli and I was fortunate to score 2 goals for my club, it is an amazing moment and feeling for me to be able to achieve this feat for this great club.

    “This MFR recognition also means a lot to me, as it symbolizes the appreciation and support of the great Nigerian people for the dedication and hard work they have always put into their individual career to make Nigeria Proud.

    “My deepest gratitude goes to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for recognising me at such a national level, and I am so humbled and grateful. I am proud to be a Nigerian and represent Her.

    “I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for their continuous efforts in promoting and developing sports in our country. Their support has contributed to the growth of myself and every other athletes in the country.

    “To my amazing family, who have been my rock and source of inspiration throughout my journey, I am forever indebted to your love and support. I love you all and this award is as much yours as it is mine.

    “And to my fans and supporters, both in Nigeria and around the world, you all are super amazing and I am so grateful for all you do for me. Your constant support, well wishes and cheers have uplifted me in moments of triumph and provided solace during challenging times.

    “I am immensely honored to achieve this feat for Napoli and I’m also honored to receive this MFR award, and I consider it a responsibility to continue striving for excellence, more records and making meaningful contributions to people’s live with the sport I love. Thank you everyone. GOD IS THE GREATEST.”

    Charles Okpaleke

    Movie producer Charles Okpaleke, popularly known as Charles of Play whose debut film, ‘Living In Bondage: Breaking Free’ won seven awards at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2020, including the Best Movie (West Africa) and Best Overall Movie categories, is also was among those to be awarded the Officer Of The Order of The Niger (OON). 

    Sharing the good news on his page, Charles wrote: “Grateful and proud as I am, I know my father is even more proud.

    “I just turned 40, so to be conferred with this title at this age (one of the youngest ever) makes me feel very encouraged. It has been dedication and resilience all the way, even on the most difficult days, and so on a day like this where I get recognised by my country, a country that I love so much, a country that I have given so much of myself to, and one that has given me so much in return, just feels very encouraging.

    “Thank you all for your love and support through the years. We are only just getting started by the special grace of God! Slide left, your guy is number 9!!

    “Education, Health, Entertainment, Filmmaking, Agriculture, Gaming, Hospitality, Automobile, Philanthropy etc.. And We Just Getting Started!!!!!

  • VIDEO: NNPC agrees with Tinubu on subsidy removal

    VIDEO: NNPC agrees with Tinubu on subsidy removal

    NNPC agrees with Tinubu on subsidy removal

  • Lukaku sparks dating rumours with Megan Thee Stallion

    Lukaku sparks dating rumours with Megan Thee Stallion

    Inter Milan star Romelu Lukaku and American rapper, Megan Thee Stallion have sparked dating rumours with the emergence of their images together.

    The duo was spotted during the wedding of Lautaro Martinez, an Inter Milan teammate of Lukaku in a five-star hotel in Como, Italy.

    The pair, a part of Jay Z’s management, music publishing, and entertainment company, Roc Nation was seen together at the wedding, though it is uncertain if they came as a couple.

    Read Also: UCL: Inter’s Lukaku defeat Benfica 2-0 in Portugal

    Several reports claimed that the on-loan Chelsea striker recently ended his five-year relationship with Sarah Mens.

    Stallion apparently terminated her two-year romance with her colleague, rapper Pardison Fontaine.

    In February, she reportedly stopped following him on social media.

    With more than 120 invited guests, it was a lavish occasion. Also seen were Lionel Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo, his wife.

    Among Martinez’s other Argentina teammates present at the wedding were Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton & Hove Albion, Emi Martinez of Aston Villa, and Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea.

  • Reps back Tinubu on fuel subsidy removal

    Reps back Tinubu on fuel subsidy removal

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday threw its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the removal of subsidy on petroleum products. 

    The President has said that there was no provision for subsidy in the 2023 appropriation, adding that monies from subsidy will be channeled to other uses. 

    The House lauded the courage of the President in announcing the subsidy removal and asked Nigerians to be patient with the new administration.

    Read Also: Subsidy removal won’t take immediate effect, Tinubu clarifies

    This followed a motion of urgent public importance moved at the plenary by Hon Jimoh Olajide from Lagos State.

    He appealed to Nigerians to be patient and support the decision of the President to deliver on his promises to the Nigerian people. 

    He said it is obvious that past administration had gone about the issue of subsidy illegally, spending money that has not been budgeted for. 

    He said the President was concerned about the masses and budgetary reforms especially in the area of health, food security, education among others.

  • Fuel scarcity hits Akure, sells at N500 per litre

    Fuel scarcity hits Akure, sells at N500 per litre

    Long queues have returned to petrol stations in Akure and environs as commercial drivers increased transportation fare.

    The long queues were attributed to the communication by President Bola Tinubu that fuel subsidy will go after June. 

    Some motorists accused marketers on hoarding fuel to create artificial scarcity and hike the price of fuel.

    Read Also: Five benefits of fuel subsidy removal

    Two petrol stations visited along Oba Adeshida Road were selling fuel for N220 and N250 per litre.

    At Oba Ile area, Akure North local government area, motorists said petrol stations pegged their prices at N500 per litre.

    Ocafine petrol station along Airport was seen selling fuel at N250 per litre.

    In Ikare Akoko, fuel was sold at between N250 and N300 per litre while transportation cost was increased to N200 per drop.

    Residents engaged in panic buying for fear of further scarcity of the product.

    Chairman of IPMAN, Ore Depot in Ondo State, Shina Amoo, said they were monitoring situation to know when it vwould stabilised and the next step to take.

    Amoo denied allegation of fuel hoarding by marketers saying product was not available at many of the fuel stations.

    He said some officials of IPMAN have gone round petrol stations and urged them to dispense product.

    Amoo said it was difficult to predict price of fuel with the removal of subsidy.

    Special Adviser to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Doyin Odebowale, said the State Government was awaiting further  statement from the Presidency on the removal of subsidy.

    Odebowale blamed residents in the state for engaging in panic buying which he said usually caused hike in price of fuel.

  • Angala FinTech set to transform digital payments with Payrail business

    Angala FinTech set to transform digital payments with Payrail business

    Angala FinTech, a leading financial technology company, is in the final stages of preparations for the launch of Payrail business, a new service that will significantly transform the digital payments landscape and provide unparalleled benefits to its market, users, customers, and partners.

    The new service builds on Angala FinTech’s other key offerings, such as mobile app, payments and transfers, lending solutions, investments, security and privacy, and customer support. The service, Angala FinTech said, will address several key challenges and pain points that businesses commonly face in managing their finances, including payment efficiency, cashflow management, invoicing challenges, expense tracking and categorization, financial insights and reporting, and financial reconciliation.

    Read Also: CIBN eyes banking sector transformation with fintech training

    It will target businesses across various industries, from small businesses to medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs and freelancers, service-based businesses, e-commerce businesses, businesses engaged in B2B transactions, as well as larger enterprises seeking a streamlined financial management solution. Commenting on the new service, the CEO of Angala Fintech, Charity Orji, said with Angala Fintech’s reputation in the financial technology industry as a trusted and innovative company, it will have a profound impact on the market, users, customers, and various stakeholders. “This new offering will bring forth a disruptive solution that sets a new benchmark in the industry.

    It will challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is possible in digital financial services,” Orji said. “The market will experience increased competition and innovation as other players strive to match the standards set by our service,” she said.

    The CEO said the introduction of this new offering will create new opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and advancements within the financial technology sector. The service will offer users and customers faster, more convenient, and more secure digital payments, eliminating the hassles associated with traditional payment methods, the company said. It will also empower businesses to optimize their financial operations, improve cash flow management, and drive growth. And whether it’s enabling secure online transactions, facilitating international payments, or simplifying recurring billing processes, the service will provide the tools and features needed to stay competitive in today’s digital economy, it said.

    Speaking further, the Angala Fintech CEO said the company will continue to push the boundaries of innovation, leveraging the latest technologies and insights to revolutionize the financial technology landscape. “Our commitment remains unwavering in providing exceptional services and solutions that address the evolving needs of our users, customers, and partners,” Orji said. “We will continue to invest in research and development, staying at the forefront of technological advancements and industry trends. This ensures that we can offer state-of-the-art products and services that empower individuals and businesses to thrive in the digital economy.

    “Additionally, we will foster strategic collaborations and partnerships with industry leaders, recognizing the power of collective expertise and collaboration in driving meaningful change. By working together, we can create comprehensive solutions that tackle complex challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth,” she said. Established in 2021, Angala FinTech is a leading financial technology company that specializes in providing innovative solutions and services designed to revolutionize the way individuals and businesses manage their finances. The company caters to a diverse range of clients, including individuals, businesses, and organizations, with a focus on transforming the way financial transactions are conducted.

  • Joy in Anambra orphanage as Soludo’s wife feeds 69 vulnerable kids

    Joy in Anambra orphanage as Soludo’s wife feeds 69 vulnerable kids

    No fewer than 69 kids of Model Community Children’s Home, Awka, Anambra State were fed by wife of the Anambra Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo as part of activities marking 2023 Children’s Day celebration.

    The kids, who were treated to sumptuous lunch and dinner, specially prepared by the First Lady, were full of joy and excitement for her presence. 

    Mrs Soludo said the gesture was a show of motherly care to the kids who deserve same love their counterparts privileged to have their parents alive were enjoying.

    She said: “My visit here today which is very special for me is simply to extend love to these my children whose life has not been too good to. We want to tell them that although their parents are not here, we as a government will always be there for them.

    Read Also: Soludo’s curious campaign

    “As children all over the country are celebrating, I thought it wise and proper to also give these ones reason to smile. The present administration is doing a lot to reduce the incidence of child abuse, labour and trafficking in the state.

    “One major strategies for addressing the anomalies is education. Deprivation is a major challenge the state government will not tolerate. That is why we want to make education at the lower level free so our children can afford it irrespective of their social class.

    “We find it rather absurd that parents will send their wards of lower than 7 years away to live with others as maids or servants, to be taking care of adults, when they should be under the tutelage of their parents.

    “This is unacceptable and we are fine tuning laws that will help us fight this issue.”

    Responding, Coordinator of the home, Mrs Precious Asiegbunam appreciated the benefactor for finding time to spend with the children, describing it as hope and encouragement for them.

    She said the Governor’s wife, through Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, had been responsive to the plight of the home, but appealed for more attention, particularly with increasing number of inmates.

    “We need assistance in the home especially in the area of feeding of the children, staff strength and some other infrastructure to make the home more comfortable for the children,” she said.

  • BBNaija’s Alex Unusual shares ‘unusual’ experience at filling station

    BBNaija’s Alex Unusual shares ‘unusual’ experience at filling station

    Reality TV star Alexandra Amuchechukwu Asogwa aka Alex Unusual has related a weird experience at a filling station recently.

    The ‘anti-bullying specialist’ claimed she visited a popular filling station to purchase fuel but was left astonished at the response of the attendants.

    According to her, the fuel attendants bluntly informed her they weren’t selling from the pump but had products for sale in the black market, inside their premises.

    Read Also: Stop comparing me with young women without kids – BBNaija’s Venita

    “I came out to buy fuel, their gate was open and the workers went, “we no dey sell but we get black market for sale”. Inside the filling station!!! A finished country. Tufiakwa,” she wrote.

    On Monday, many  filling stations in Lagos and Abuja were closed while those that opened experienced long queues. 

    The development dubbed “panic buying’ comes after President Bola Tinubu said fuel subsidy was gone..

  • Marry guys who offer lift in air-conditioned cars, N6 advises ladies

    Marry guys who offer lift in air-conditioned cars, N6 advises ladies

    Radio presenter and rapper, Nnamdi Nwabalisi aka N6 has advised ladies on who to marry based on the ongoing fuel subsidy.

    President Bola Tinubu during his inaugural  speech on Monday announced fuel subsidy was gone. 

    Barely 24 hours after the announcements, some filling stations have increased fuel to N600 per litre.

    Read Also:  Cars45, GAC Motors seal partnership deal

    In the midst of the fuel, N6 advised ladies to marry any man who offers them a lift in their cars while putting on air condition..

    He said: “Dear ladies, in this new dispensation of N600 a liter, any Naija guy wey give you lift come ON AC for you in his car truly loves you. Marry him”