The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Court remands man, 27, for attempted murder

    Court remands man, 27, for attempted murder

    An Abakaliki Chief Magistrates Court on Monday remanded one Chigozie Nwachukwu at a correctional centre in Ebonyi, allegedly for attempted murder and belonging to a cult group.

    Nwachukwu, 27, a suspected member of Barger Confraternity, is facing a three-count charge which bordered on conspiracy, cultism and attempted murder.

    The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Bassey Okon, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Nov. 24, 2022 at Amachi-Unuhu, Abakaliki Local Government Area of the state.

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    Okon told the court that Nwachukwu and one other, now at large, attempted to murder one Nwachukwu Lawrence, by pushing him into a soak-away pit.

    Okon said the offence was punishable under Section 516A (a) of the Criminal Code Cap 33 vol. 1, laws of Ebonyi, 2009.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Ojemba Isu-Oko, ordered that the accused be remanded at a correctional centre.

    He adjourned the matter until June 23 for hearing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nwachukwu has yet to engage a counsel.

    (NAN)

  • PRNigeria female staff win 2023 SABRE African PR Awards in Zambia

    PRNigeria female staff win 2023 SABRE African PR Awards in Zambia

    Female employees of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), the publisher of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, have bagged double SABRE African Public Relations Awards 2023 in Lusaka, Zambia.

    The award, which recognises Superior Achievement in Branding Reputation and Engagement (SABRE) and hosted by PRovoke Media, was held on the sideline of the annual Conference of the African Public Relations Association (APRA).

    The female communicators won a trophy and a Certificate of Excellence for Employee Communication and West African categories with a gender inclusivity campaign titled “Nigerian Ladies in PR”

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    Supported by the MacArthur Foundation and Kogi State Government, the campaign involved public speaking, press releases, article writing, social media engagement and book publishing.

    The Department of State Security Service (DSS) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) also bagged Certificates of Excellence for their campaigns also handled by IMPR.

    The DSS campaign was recognised under the Public Sector/Government category for tackling lingering fuel scarcity that threatened the Ember Months through stakeholder engagement and effective communication.

    That of NITDA was recognised under the Public Affairs/Government Relations category for deploying mainstream and social media to counter misconceptions by educating the public on the benefits of its Code of Practice for Social Media and Online Platforms.

    Chairman of the Awards Jury, Paul Holmes said agencies across Africa performed extraordinarily well in the competition, stressing that the quality of work has never been higher.

    “Robust data and smart cultural insights are informing the planning process, big bold creative ideas are driving the execution, and real business-related metrics are showing how successful these campaigns are,” he added.

    IMPR Founder Yushau Shuaib, who expressed excitement about the feat of his staff, thanked clients/partners, promising that the firm would “remain the most gender-friendly communication outfit that promotes excellence in service delivery”.

    The PRNigeria ladies received accolades from Nigerian delegates at the conference. In attendance were Prof. Boniface Obiefuna of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, Head of Media Relations, Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC).

    Others were Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information (DDI); Umar Mohammed, Head of Corporate Communication, Petroleum Products Marketing Company Limited (PPMC); Alhaji Lamaran Garba of Bayero University Kano (BUK), etc.

  • Simi slams critics over alleged fake accent

    Simi slams critics over alleged fake accent

    Singer Simi has replied to critics who claim she speaks with a fake accent.

    Trolls on the internet have made fun of the singer by suggesting that she speaks with an imitative American accent.

    However, the singer in a video on her social media page, insisted she doesn’t fake her accent, adding that she speaks flawlessly.

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    She said: “Let me tell you something that gets on my nerves; when some motherf*ckers come on here saying I’m forming accent. Do I seem like the kind of person that will care about how anybody feels about how I talk? like I sit down and I plan, this is how we are going to use this accent today? I don’t give a f*ck. Do I sound like I’m struggling when I’m talking?”

    Simi added the insinuations are funny, urging those who don’t like her accent to stay away from her social media pages.

  • Oyo health insurance refutes misleading post on healthcare plan

    Oyo health insurance refutes misleading post on healthcare plan

    The Oyo State Health Insurance Agency, (OYSHIA) has appealed to the public to disregard a now deleted post on social media by a radio station, promoting its former standard healthcare plan of N8,000. 

    It said its yearly standard plus plan is N13,500, reiterating commitment to the healthiness of its enrollees. 

    A statement by OYSHIA Executive Secretary, Dr. Sola Akande, said the agency appreciates the cordiality it has enjoyed with the media, urging them to uphold the tenets of journalism, in the execution of their duties.

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    He noted the radio station, without confirming from OYSHIA, promoted one of its old adverts in collaboration with the United Nations International Emergency Fund (UNICEF) about 5 years ago at the inception of the scheme.

    According to him: “While the agency appreciates the media for its collaborations on giving our activities wider coverage, we implore journalists and media houses to uphold the ethics and tenets of the profession by confirming information from the right source, before publishing. This will avert pushing misleading content to the General Public.”

    “We hereby state unequivocally, that the former plan ceased to be in existence as the N8,000 naira Standard Plan has been replaced with N13,500 Standard plus plan.”

    The OYSHIA boss added: “The Agency is still committed to provide accessible and affordable health care services which will engender Universal Health Coverage for all Residents of Oyo State.”

  • EWAN applauds Elumelu’s investments in education sector at 60

    EWAN applauds Elumelu’s investments in education sector at 60

    A group of journalists has felicitated the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu, on his diamond jubilee birthday anniversary, describing him as a selfless investor in Nigeria’s education sector.

    The group- Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN)- a body of print, online, and broadcast journalists reporting issues around education, innovations, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria and beyond, said the businessman has continued to prioritise education and entrepreneurship through the corporate social responsibilities of various organisations he leads. 

    In celebration of his landmark birthday, EWAN at the weekend presented a portrait to the philanthropist, urging him to do more, and that he should “encourage his coterie of friends to also prioritise education in their support for humanity.”

    In a statement by the association, the presentation was done as part of the activities organised by the financial institution to welcome the new Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations, Alero Ladipo.

    Ladipo was introduced to the media at a lunch organised by the bank’s media and public relations unit, where she received the gift on behalf of Elumelu.

    EWAN was represented at the event by its Chairman, Mojeed Alabi, and the Education Editor of The Guardian Newspaper, Iyabo Lawal.

    Alabi is the Head of the Development Desk at PREMIUM TIMES, one of Africa’s leading online investigative media platforms. 

    Speaking during the presentation of the gift, the EWAN Chairman, Alabi said no nation develops beyond the quality of its education sector, adding that since successive governments have failed to invest adequately in the sector, “it is not out of place to look in the direction of private investors and philanthropists.”

    Alabi said: “Whether through the Tony Elumelu Foundation or the UBA Foundation, Mr Elumelu stands out as one with deep interest in the promotion of quality education and entrepreneurship not only in Nigeria but the continent of Africa.

    “Journalism does not bar people from being appreciated when they do well, but without doubt, the reasons for such appreciation must be well known. We believe it is in order to commend Mr Elumelu’s investment in this all-important sector he has prioritised for support and encourage him to bring more selfless friends on board.”

    Alabi said without investing adequately in education, every other sector of national development cannot stand the test of time.

    The association also presented a congratulatory letter framed in a plaque to the bank’s Head of Media and External Relations, Ramon Nasir, who also marked his birthday recently.

    Alabi said apart from his support for the association, Mr Nasir’s recent return to his alma mater- Ado Odo High School, in Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State for a donation of a block of classrooms to mark his birthday is commendable and inspiring. 

    Alero thanked EWAN for being thoughtful and pledged to deliver the message to Mr Elumelu.

    According to the new head of marketing and corporate relations for the UBA group, the call by the journalists would be heeded not only by the chairman but by the corporate body as an entity.

    Nasir said he was overwhelmed by the association’s encouragement, saying the donation to his alma mater would soon be completed.

  • Murphy Afolabi made me, says Kelvin Ikeduba

    Murphy Afolabi made me, says Kelvin Ikeduba

    Actor Kelvin Ikeduba has said his late colleague Murphy Afolabi made him a star.

    The Yoruba movie star made this known during Murphy Afolabi’s post-burial celebration.

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    Kelvin said Murphy’s death was a sad one for him because the deceased helped him become who he is today.

    According to him: “His death is a very very sad one to me especially. I want to say something today for the record. The Kelvin Ikeduba you all know today, God used the late Murphy Afolabi to bring my Glory out.”

  • ‘The Amari’ expands to Abuja, unveils two luxury housing projects

    ‘The Amari’ expands to Abuja, unveils two luxury housing projects

    The Amari, a real estate development company in Lagos, renowned for its commitment to luxury and innovation, has officially announced its strategic expansion into Abuja.

    This move, initiated by the company in the last quarter of 2022, was aimed at bringing the company’s signature blend of sophistication and excellence to the thriving real estate market of Abuja, while offering discerning investors and residents unparalleled opportunities for upscale living.

    The Amari’s entry into Abuja marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. As a leading developer with an impressive portfolio of successful projects, The Amari is bringing extensive experience and a strong track record to the Northern market. 

    The company’s unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional quality, unique architectural designs, and meticulous attention to detail sets it apart as a premium choice for discerning homebuyers and investors.

    CEO of The Amari, Wale Olayanju, in a statement, shared insights on the company’s bold move into the Abuja Property market.

    According to him: “We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter in The Amari’s journey with our expansion into Abuja. The city’s dynamic real estate market and its tremendous potential align perfectly with our vision of delivering unmatched luxury and innovation. We are committed to setting new standards of excellence in the industry.

    “The launch of The Amari Terraces, Kaura and The Amari Apartments in Durumi, Abuja represents a significant milestone for our company. These projects showcase our unwavering commitment to creating exceptional living spaces that seamlessly blend aesthetics, functionality, and comfort. 

    “The decision to expand operations to Abuja underscores our commitment to supporting growth and development across the nation. Recognizing Abuja’s status as a hub of economic and cultural significance, we aim to contribute to the city’s real estate landscape by offering world-class properties that elevate the standard of living. 

    “The company’s investment in Abuja reflects its confidence in the city’s potential for sustainable growth and its unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional value to investors and residents alike.”

    The Head of Marketing, Paul George also commented on the two projects. He said:“We are proud to introduce our two exceptional real estate developments in Abuja. The first, “The Amari Terraces,” is an exclusive collection of five units of four-bedroom luxury terrace duplexes nestled in the prestigious Kaura District. These exquisite residences showcase the perfect harmony between contemporary aesthetics and functional design, providing residents with an unparalleled living experience. The Amari Terraces boast spacious interiors, high-end finishes, lush green surroundings, and state-of-the-art amenities to cater to the discerning tastes of Abuja’s elite.

    “The second project, The Amari Apartments is located in Durumi, Abuja, and presents a block of impeccably designed 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. These modern and stylish homes offer a blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability. With meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful layouts, The Amari Apartments will provide residents with an urban oasis in the heart of Abuja. Residents will enjoy a range of amenities, including a play area for kids, landscaped gardens, and 24-hour security, ensuring a safe and luxurious living environment.”

  • Kogi-born businessman welcomes baby girl after years of waiting

    Kogi-born businessman welcomes baby girl after years of waiting

     Kogi-born businessman and politician Ozigis Abubakar Mujahid aka Glassman has welcomed a baby girl after several years of waiting. 

    The baby was born on May 19 with the excited Glassman stating it is best gift so far from God to him. 

    He said the waiting years exposed the family to anxieties, longings and troubles but hanging on to hope saw them through. 

    According to him: “It is with immense gratitude and a heart brimming with joy that I share the incredible news of the greatest gift bestowed upon us by Allah on Friday, May 19th, 2023.

    “In the presence of indescribable happiness, my beloved wife and I have been blessed with the arrival of a precious miracle—a beautiful, innocent soul who will change our lives forever.

    “Overwhelmed with awe and amazement, tears of wonder stream down our faces as we express our sincere gratitude to Allah, the Most Merciful, for this extraordinary blessing.

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    “As we dedicate our newborn to Allah, we acknowledge that every breath taken, every heartbeat felt, and every milestone achieved by our little one is by His divine will and decree.

    “As I reflect upon our incredible journey, I am filled with a profound appreciation for my beautiful wife. Throughout the years and months leading up to this wondrous day, she demonstrated unwavering patience, strength, and support. In the face of discomfort and exhaustion, she remained resilient, a pillar of unwavering determination and grace.

    “The road to this moment has not been without its challenges. We experienced moments of uncertainty, periods of longing, and countless nights filled with silent prayers. But through it all, we held onto hope and clung to the belief that Allah’s plan is perfect and His timing is immaculate. 

    “Patience, my dear friends, has proven to be the most exquisite virtue during these years of waiting. It has taught us resilience, instilled in us a profound appreciation for life’s blessings, and deepened our faith in the power of divine timing.

    “To our wonderful parents, friends, and family whose support and faith never wavered, we owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude. Your love, encouragement, and words of wisdom were the guiding stars that lit our path in the darkest of times. You stood beside us, providing comfort and reassurance, and celebrated with us every little victory along the way.

    “I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for the support and kindness of Pharm. Okpe Christian; The CEO/MD of Famkriss Pharmaceuticals, throughout this incredible journey. From the very beginning, his guidance, reassurance, and assistance have been invaluable, and we are truly grateful for his presence and contribution to our lives.

    “To Engr. Muhammed Lawal, thank you for all you do. Today, as we hold this precious baby girl in our arms, we recognize that this journey was not ours alone. It was shared by all those who loved us, prayed for us, and believed in us.

    “May our lives forever be enriched by the love and unity that has carried us through these trying times.

    “We pray that this precious child grows to be a beacon of love, compassion, and righteousness, guided by the light of faith and enveloped in the protective embrace of Allah’s love. May our child’s life be a testament to His mercy and grace. #GLASSMAN”

  • I’m struggling with being a single parent- Tboss

    I’m struggling with being a single parent- Tboss

    Big brother Naija housemate, Tokunbo Idowu aka Tboss has said that she is struggling with being a single parent. 

    She has been raising her daughter alone for the past few years and she has taken to her Insta story to repost the report from Kim Kardashian struggling with being a single parent. 

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    She said “Normal levels. This has been me for the past two weeks”. 

  • I hate when a man knows his worth- BBNaija’s Angel

    I hate when a man knows his worth- BBNaija’s Angel

    Big Brother Naija season 6 housemate Angel Agnes Smith has said that she hates it when a man knows his worth. 

    The 23-year-old, who hails from Akwa-Ibom State, tweeted:  “I hate when a man knows his worth. Why will I ghost you and you sef go ghost me back. Na so dem dey do for here?

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    “Instead of you to beg me, pretty princess, you wnat booty rubs too abi?”

    In another tweet she said “I am awake, who is going to worship me”.