The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Kogi monarch gets 48-hour ultimatum to respond to govt’ query

    Kogi monarch gets 48-hour ultimatum to respond to govt’ query

    The Kogi State Government has given the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, 48 hours to re-submit his response to a recent query given to him with the appropriate title of the stool as recognised by the Kogi State Chieftaincy Law 2006 and his letter of appointment.

    The monarch was issued a query for his alleged untoward conduct during the recent visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state.

    He had, in his response letter marked: “Ref. No. ETC/CHI/35/VOL.II/33”, dated January 6, 2023, addressed himself as “Atta Ebira” instead of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

    Declaring that the Atta Ebira title is unknown to the law of the State, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Salami Ozigi Deedat, in a letter addressed to the monarch on Monday, noted that any correspondence with the Atta title was unacceptable for official purpose.

    “Your personal decision to use the title of Atta Ebira and not Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in your official communication is at variance with sections 19a, 27(2b), 33 and schedules II and V of Kogi State Chiefs (Appointment, Deposition and Establishment of Traditional Councils in Kogi State) Law, 2006 and your letter of appointment issued to you with Ref. No. GHLK/KGS/22, dated 2nd June, 1997.

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    “The title of Atta Ebira is alien to law and not recognized by Government. Therefore any correspondence with that title is unacceptable for official purpose,” the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs stated.

    The monarch had allegedly disrespected the offices of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State when the President visited the State on Thursday December 29, 2022 to commission landmark projects executed by the current administration in the state.

    Prominent indigenes of Ebiraland had, following the controversy generated by the state government’s query, flayed their traditional ruler on the issue, saying that monarchs must respect constituted authority “and not play God”.

    The Commissioner’s letter reads in full: “I wish to refer to your letter Ref. No. ETC/CHI/35/VOL.II/33, dated 6th January, 2023, in respect of the above subject matter and to inform you that the said letter under reference, which ought to be your response to a letter of query was not conveyed with the appropriate title of your stool as recognized by the Kogi State Chieftaincy law 2006 and your letter of appointment.

    “Your personal decision to use the title of Atta Ebira and not Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in your official communication is at variance with sections 19a, 27(2b), 33 and schedules II and V of Kogi State Chiefs (Appointment, Deposition and Establishment of Traditional Councils in Kogi State) Law, 2006 and your letter of appointment issued to you with Ref. No. GHLK/KGS/22 dated 2nd June, 1997. The title of Atta Ebira is alien to law and not recognized by Government. Therefore any correspondence with that title is unacceptable for official purpose.

    “In view of the above, you are hereby requested to kindly re-submit your reply to the query with the appropriate title within 48 hours to enable further necessary action to be taken.

    “It is expected that Your Royal Majesty will respond accordingly, please.”

  • Accident claims 18 persons, 16 cows in Kebbi

    Accident claims 18 persons, 16 cows in Kebbi

    No fewer than 18 persons died in an auto crash on Sunday at Malisa village in Gwandu LGA of Kebbi State along Aliero/Sokoto road.

    Forty-two other persons were injured in the crash, which left 16 cows dead. 

    A  statement by Kebbi police spokesman SP Nafiu Abubakar explained the accident occurred when a yet-to-be identified driver of a truck with Reg. No. SRP 442 XA Niger State conveying passengers and cows from Illela LGA of Sokoto to Lagos lost control at Malisa junction. 

    He said: ”On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Ahmed Magaji Kontagora instantly rushed to the scene, evacuated the victims to General hospital Gwandu for treatment, where a medical doctor confirmed18 dead while the remaining victims are currently responding to treatment. 16 cows also died as a result of the accident.

    ”CP Ahmed Magaji Kontagora also prayed for the souls of the departed to have eternal rest and may their immediate families have the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

  • Inflation eases to 21.34% in December 2022

    Inflation eases to 21.34% in December 2022

    The inflation rate eased by 0.13% in December 2022 from 21.47% in November 2022 to 21.34% in December 2022.

    It was the first time that the rate was reduced in the last 11 months.

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) broke the news in its “CPI December 2022 Report” on Monday.

    The document said: “In December 2022, the headline inflation rate eased to 21.34% compared to November 2022 headline inflation rate which was 21.47%.

    Looking at the trend, December 2022 inflation rate showed a decline of 0.13% when compared to November 2022 inflation rate.”

    NBS said however on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 5.72% points higher com-
    pared to the rate recorded in December 2021, which was (15.63%).

    According to the report, this shows that the headline inflation rate increased in the month of December 2022 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., December 2021).

    NBS also explained: “On a month-on-month basis, the percentage change in the All Items Index in December 2022 was 1.71%, which was 0.32% higher than the rate recorded in November 2022 (1.39%).

    “This means that in the month of December 2022, the general price level was 0.32% higher relative
    to November 2022.

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    “The percentage change in the average CPI for the twelve months ending December 2022 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period was 18.85%, showing 1.89% increase compared to the 16.95% recorded in December 2021.”
    NBS said the likely factors responsible for the increase in the monthly inflation rate (Month-on-month basis) can be attributed to the sharp increase in demand usually experienced during the festive season, increase in the cost of production e.g. increase in energy cost, transportation cost, exchange rate depreciation.”

  • Ebuka not extremely ill, says wife

    Ebuka not extremely ill, says wife

    Cynthia Obi-Uchendu, wife of popular media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu has detracted her words concerning his ill health.

    The maiden edition of BBTitans kicked off on Sunday with a mix of 10 nationals each from Nigeria and South Africa ushered into the house by the hosts, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Lawrence Maleka.

    Seeing how her hubby fared during the show’s premiere last night, Cynthia took to her Twitter page to hail him for his professionalism despite being terribly under the weather.

    “Who would have thought Ebuka is extremely sick right now… professional to the core…,” she wrote.

    Read Also : Meet the 20 maiden BBTitans housemates

    But having had a second thought over her choice of words in relaying her hubby’s health condition, the mother of two decided to make some adjustments arguing words are powerful.

    In a follow-up tweet, she noted: “Maybe not extremely …. Words have power biko…”

  • Craze Clown: You’ve failed as a mother if your son prioritizes you over wife

    Craze Clown: You’ve failed as a mother if your son prioritizes you over wife

    Comedian Emmanuel Ogonna Iwueke, aka Craze Clown or Papa Ade has stirred reactions with his assertion about a mother who has failed in her duties.

    The content creator posited a mother has failed in her capacity if the son places her way above and treats her with more importance than his wife.

    “As a mother, if your son prioritises you over his wife then you’ve failed as a Mother,” he tweeted.

    Craze Clown’s assertion sparked reactions among the online community who registered differing opinions.

    @Kingsirdams tweeted: “A good mother will tell you your wife first and a good wife will also tell you mother first. Situation will determine who’ll come first between the both.”

    @majorchusky said: “Bro, from your POV, you are not wrong. From my own POV, I can tell you that I will prioritize my mom over my wife and I will not be wrong. My mom made me who I am today. I no wan talk long talk sha.”

    @olamilekanlias1 wrote: “You can replace your wife anytime but you can never replace your mom.. it’s not everything you have in your head you spit out..”

    @sugarisDNature stated: “Prioritize how ?, they hold different Positions in a Man’s Life, so it’s different and u need to be man enough to make that perfectly clear.”

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    @opeyemiajideh tweeted: “As a Man U shld knw hw to balance both sides. Bro u shldnt come on here addressing mothers like dis. What do u hope to achieve with such statement.”

    @iamdynamique said: “How is prioritizing both a problem, they have different function in a man’s life. You should love both but never in a way that the love will start affecting another badly.”

    @JAkEDFIRST1 wrote: “This is just a controversial question or sentence. Like fucking prioritise both, this life just be fair give each of them the love they need and do your best you’ll have peace of mind. Do ham were ur power reach. Sha still take care of yourself.”

    @therchasempire stated: “I can’t allow my son prioritize me over his wife, there should be a balance, even me as a mother should know my place as a mother and mother in-law, my opinion, my take.”

    @professorOla_ tweeted: “Well, What can I say it’s your opinion and besides that, you have both fame and money. But for me any day any time I will prioritize my mother over my wife.”

  • Comedian AY, wife celebrate daughter’s first birthday

    Comedian AY, wife celebrate daughter’s first birthday

    Popular comedian Ayo Makun and his wife Mabel are celebrating their second daughter at one.

    The couple shared lovely photo shoots of their little princess to mark her first birthday.

    Captioning his post via his Instagram page, the actor movie producer wrote: “It’s been a whole year since we were blessed with our long-awaited beautiful baby girl, Adele Ayomide Makun.

    “We count those blessings of God’s precious gift to us every day.

    “Enjoy your special day, Daddy’s princess. You deserve a lifetime of happiness. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AYOMIDE.”

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    His wife, expressing heartfelt gratitude to God for all his wondrous works in her life.

    She said: “He is God almighty, worthy of all the glory and honor.

    “Thank you, father for all your goodness in my life. I will remember all your good deeds and will remain thankful for the rest of my life.

    “Happy birthday, daughter of mine, Ayomide.”

  • Lion’s club renovates Gbagada General Hospital ICU

    Lion’s club renovates Gbagada General Hospital ICU

    The Ikeja Metro Lions Club of the Lions Club International District 404-B2 Nigeria has flagged off the renovation of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos. 

    It said it was part of its commitment to address the plights of the less privileged, especially in the area of health.

    Lion Olalekan Owolabi District Governor, 404B2 Nig, (3rd left) with the Shovel to commence the Renovation and Equipping of Intensive Care Unit ( ICU) for Gbagada General Hospital, others flanked by him are Lion Blessing Umebali, Core Project Chairperson; Lion Godson Ikechukwu Anigbo, Club President Ikeja Metro Lions Club; Dr. Babafemi Olusegun, MD/CEO , Gbagada General Hospital, while others watch during the ground-breaking ceremony, held in Lagos recently.
    Lion Olalekan Owolabi District Governor, 404B2 Nig, (3rd left) with the Shovel to commence the Renovation and Equipping of Intensive Care Unit ( ICU) for Gbagada General Hospital, others flanked by him are Lion Blessing Umebali, Core Project Chairperson; Lion Godson Ikechukwu Anigbo, Club President Ikeja Metro Lions Club; Dr. Babafemi Olusegun, MD/CEO , Gbagada General Hospital, while others watch during the ground-breaking ceremony, held in Lagos recently.

    Club Governor, District 404-B2 International, Lion Olalekan Owolabi, said: “The project is a very laudable one. Intervention in a tertiary health institution like this is worthwhile because of its impact. This is a strategically located tertiary health institution. And from what the Chief Medical Director has said, having over 45,000 patient on a monthly basis is a big figure. So, coming here to intervene and upgrade their infrastructure and ensuring that we have a conducive atmosphere for patients to dwell, I think it is a worthwhile project.

    “With what we have seen during the ground breaking ceremony, the place needs a massive intervention in terms of repairing some of the damage walls, coming out to painting and equipment, it is going to be a huge cost.”

    Managing Director of Gbagada General Hospital, Dr. Olusegun Joseph Babafemi, who appreciated the club for carrying the project, said it was ‘going to be of benefit to everyone’. 

    He also reiterated the State Government’s commitment in assisting citizens get quality health service when they cannot afford it. 

    Babafemi warned Nigerians against self-medications to avoid kidney failures that is on the rise. Dr Babafemi also calls for the need for cooperation between the government and the private sectors to be able to provide adequate health care.

    He said: “We have so many patients here that needs this Intensive Care Unit, because we are not just a General Hospital but a referral center for other General Hospitals. So we have so many patients that needs to be monitored and need to be cared for in the Intensive Care Unit. Once we have this, this is going to be of benefit to Lagosians, to Nigerians and even outside. 

    “And we are so glad to be having Ikeja Metro Lions for coming to our aid to do this. This is handshake. You will find out that government is doing a lot but at this stage we do not expect government to do everything. It is going to be done through cooperation between private and public sectors. This is one of the thing and Lagos state promote this type of things to have the cooperation between us and the Private sector of a non governmental organization. So we are very much glad to have them.

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    “ Here, we see so many patients that could not afford services but they are brought here, and we do not reject anyone. The issue is of recent , there is this station “Ilera Eko” , it is to make health care available to people. Because even those that can not afford it are suppose to be taken care of. It is a program that is set up by Lagos state whereby everyone, whether you have the means or do not have the means can take into this and get the services . 

    According to Lion Blessing Uzoamaka Umebali, the Club Core Project Chairperson, the motive behind the Project, Renovation and Equipping of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Gbagada General Hospital was a heart touching story, told by the Head of Department , during when the club visited the hospital for a Club Need Assessment.

    “We were told that 90 per cent of patients who are been refereed to Intensive Care Unit die on their way since the Hospital hasn’t got any “.

    Umebali said that the essence of existence is to serve humanity. 

    She said that the club, Ikeja Metro Lions Club will put all resources raised amongst them and also financial support raised during the club president’s public presentation to invest into the renovation and equipping of Gbagada General Hospital.

  • Igbo youths celebrate Mbaka’s return to Adoration Ministry

    Igbo youths celebrate Mbaka’s return to Adoration Ministry

    Igbo youths under the auspices of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide have celebrated the return of fiery Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka to his Adoration Ministry, Enugu.

    Mbaka, who was sent to the monastery for several months, has resumed at his Adoration Ministry, Enugu.

    The youths said it was heartwarming to see Mbaka return at the time the nation needed his spiritual guidance and prayers.

    The National President of the youths organisation, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, said Mbaka’s voice was missed during the days of killings in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State and other parts of the country.

    “It was a period we will never forget, with several natives gruesomely murdered by herdsmen.

    Read Also : Mbaka stages a comeback

    “The absence of Mbaka was evident; his loud voice on issues of that nature was greatly missed during that period of carnage. We know that he would have delivered humanitarian assistance to the displaced people of Eha-Amufu just like that he did during the Nimbo massacre.

    “This is why we are happy that he is back; we welcome him and urge him to continue his role as the voice of millions of oppressed Nigerian people. He should continue his charity which is benefiting millions of people.

    “No level of intimidation should make him lose his voice in his role as an advocate of the masses,” Okwu stated.

  • Wayles splashes millions at book launch

    Wayles splashes millions at book launch

    Delta-born business mogul, High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore JP, has splashed multi-million at the launch of three books at the weekend in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

    The launch was part of occasion marking the retirement ceremony of the Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, which culminated a week-long activities.

    Chief Egukawhore, chief launcher of the books and who is often referred to as the Marine Oxygen, lauded the authors for their initiatives and expressed the confidence that the books would enrich knowledge and enhance understanding of their projects.

    He expressed appreciation for the honour given him to launch the books as he acknowledged the obvious efforts that went into bringing the books to fruition, stressing that he wished them well in their future endeavours.

    He donated $100, 000 and N20 million naira for the books.

    In the same vein, the Rivers and Bayelsa State Governments made very significant donations along with a plethora of donors.

    The three books unveiled included Kate Abiri: Footprints on the Bench, Judges and Judging in Nigeria and Bayelsa State Law Reports: Volume One.

    Bayelsa gyovernor, Sen. Douye Diri, who is the Chief host, hailed Justice Abiri for her outstanding achievements, noting that she swore in three Governors during her 15-year term as Chief Judge and one Governor in Rivers State.

    They included Chief Timipre Sylva (2008); Sen. Seriake Dickson (2012); Sen. Douye Diri (2020) and Nyesom Wike (2015).

    He described Justice Abiri as a legal icon who rendered unblemished and meritorious services in three decades of legal practice, stressing “Bayelsa State will still require her services due to her commitment and wealth of experience”.
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    The chairman, the Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanikpekun (SAN), who is chairman of the occasion, described Justice Abiri as an elegant, brilliant and hardworking jurist, who he said represented the best in the legal profession. He also lauded Sen. Diri’s administration for supporting the judiciary.

    Justice Abiri expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa governor for his support and encouragement to the judiciary owing to the financial autonomy given the third arm of government in the state.

    She said: “The state judiciary now executes quality projects without external supervision or stifling of funds”.

    Dignitaries at the colourful event included Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; wife of former President, Dame Patience Jonathan; Justice Chima Centus Nweze; Justice Gabriel Kolawole, HRM (Justice) Francis Tabai, JSC (rtd), legal icons/luminaries and a host of others.

  • Davido bags five awards at 2023 AFRIMA Awards

    Davido bags five awards at 2023 AFRIMA Awards

    Afrobeats superstar Davido has bagged five awards at the just-concluded 8th edition of the All Africa Music Award (AFRIMA).

    Two of the five awards, included features with Adekunle Gold and Tion Wayne.
    The DMW boss won the ‘Best Male Act in African Inspirational Music’ award for ‘Stand Strong’.

    His song ‘Champion Sound’ ft. South Africa’s Focalistic clinched two awards including ‘Best Act, Duo or Group in African Electro’ and ‘Best African Collaboration’.

    He also bagged another award ‘Best Act in Diaspora Male’ for his feature Tion Wayne’s ‘Who’s True’.

    Adekunle Gold’s ‘Born Again ft. Fatoumata Diawara won ‘Best Act Duo or Group in African Contemporary’. He also bagged ‘Best Act, Duo or Group in African Pop’ for High ft. Davido.

    Read Also : Burna Boy, Wizkid, Adekunle Gold shine at 8th AFRIMA

    Grammy-winning Afro-fusion singer clinched two significant awards, ‘Best Act in Africa’ with his song ‘Last Last’ and the ‘Best Album of the Year’ award with his album ‘Love Damini.’

    While Wizkid walked away with the ‘Best Male Act in West Africa’ award with his song ‘Anoti’.
    The AFRIMA awards night, held at the 15,000-capacity Dakar Arena in Diamniadio, Senegal climaxing the four days festival of music to celebrate African music superstars.

    The event featured performances from Nigerian Singer and Songwriter, Tiwa Savage, sensational singers, P Square, Ghanaian rapper Black Sherif and other African artists.