The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Gbajabiamila sad over Ambassador Seriki’s death

    Gbajabiamila sad over Ambassador Seriki’s death

    Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila has expressed sadness over the death of Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Demola Seriki.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, Gbajabiamila described Seriki was a fine diplomat who represented Nigeria to the best of his ability.

    Until his death, Ambassador Seriki was the Nigerian ambassador to Spain with concurrent accreditation as a Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

    Read Also: Seriki: I lost a patriot, partner, friend – Tinubu

    The Speaker stressed that during his lifetime, Ambassador Seriki dedicated himself to the service of his fatherland and humanity in general.

    Gbajabiamila sent heartfelt condolences to the Demola Seriki family, the people and the government of Lagos State and prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Seriki.

  • BBNaija’s Eric to sue blog over reported arrest

    BBNaija’s Eric to sue blog over reported arrest

    Former BBNaija Season Eric Oshiokhai Akhigbe has reacted to the reports by blog(s) that he was arrested in the United Kingdom for alleged fraud.

    Eric, in a post via his Instagram page where he shared a screenshot of the blog’s report, said the report was false.
    The self-styled ‘drip influencer’ particularly mentioned a blog, accusing the same of defaming his character and telling lies about his alleged arrest in the UK.

    He stated his legal team was working on reaching out to the appropriate blog to correct the misconception they have created in the minds of the general public or face legal action

    “My legal team and have been alerted on an article posted today on @pulsenigeria247 defaming my character and telling lies about my alleged arrest in the UK which are totally false. I was not arrested in the UK, they are all lies.

    Read Also: Ex-BBNaija’s Erica veers into music, releases song Friday

    “My legal team is taking all actions on reaching out to the appropriate blog to correct the misconception they have created in the minds of the general public or face legal action,” the reality TV star wrote.

    On Wednesday, posts from several blogs stated the BBNaija Lock Down housemate had reportedly been arrested for allegedly scamming people by promising them slots in the coming BBNaija reality TV show.

    As of the time of this report, the blog as mentioned above had taken down the post alleging Eric’s arrest.

     

  • Poly Ibadan SSANIP commends Makinde on welfare

    Poly Ibadan SSANIP commends Makinde on welfare

    The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, (SSANIP) of The Polytechnic, Ibadan branch has commended Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde for priortising welfare of its members.

    The body noted one of the major things that matters most for civil servants is prompt payment of salary and allowance, which the Governor has been doing on 25th of every month.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the 2022 End of the Year Celebration Programme of SSANIP, chairman of SSANIP, Com Abiodun Abegunde noted Makinde has been fulfilling his promises since he became Governor.

    He said prompt payment of salaries and allowance have bettered their lives and families.

    They urged the Governor to listen to constructive criticism and ignore baseless ones, saying leaders at all level are always objects of criticism.

    He thanked the Governing Council and Management of the institution for conversion exercise and other welfare- oriented matters, saying they have proven to be a blessing to the polytechnic community despite all challenges.

    The Governing Council chairman of the institution, Prof Kunle Akinyemi, who was represented by member of the Council, Prof Kareem Olateju urged the union to always fight for its members, saying this is what distinguished them from other unions in the society.

    He said they should always embrace dialogue in their struggles, saying there should be proper understanding between the union and the institution whenever the need arises.

    He implored them to be committed, consistent, and contentment in their doings so as to move the institution to greater heights, saying this can only be achieved through dedication, determination, and discipline.

    Rector of the institution, Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi, who was represented by Mrs Akinola Oladunni, lauded efforts of the union towards the development and progress of the institution, saying the union remain important to the progress of the institution.

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  • I woke up with Davido on my mind- Shaggi

    I woke up with Davido on my mind- Shaggi

    Popular comedian Samuel Perry aka Broda Shaggi is nostalgic about one of his idols in the music industry Davido.

    Davido, who has totally stalled all social media activities after the demise of his son, Ifeanyi Adeleke in October, continues to attract well wishes, prayers, and love from his lovers all over the globe.

    Shaggi, who is a huge admirer and fan of the “E Choke” crooner expressed deep concern and care for the singer by dedicating a post to him on his Instagram page and insta story.

    Read Also: Cubana Chief Priest confirms Davido for World Cup performance

    While Davido’s fans and lovers highly anticipate his first performance after the tragic incident that has kept him away from social activities at the closing ceremony of the Qatar 2022 World Cup on Sunday, December 18, Shaggi has revealed a deep yearning to see the “Stand Strong’ singer smile again.

    “Will see you smile again”, he captioned a post that held photos of Davido and his wife, Chioma.

    Via his insta story, the 29-year-old funnyman also said he got out of bed with Davido in his thoughts while praying for God’s continued preservation over his life.

    Shaggi sharing the DMW boss’ photo wrote: “Woke up with you on my mind and I know God’s got you as he’s always.”

  • World’s nonuplets return to Mali from Morocco

    World’s nonuplets return to Mali from Morocco

    The world’s only nonuplets (nine babies born at the same time) have safely returned home to Mali after spending the first 19 months of their lives in Morocco.

    The babies broke the Guinness World Record for the most children delivered in a single birth to survive.

    The nonuplets mother, Halima Cissé was flown to Morocco for special care ahead of the record-breaking delivery.

    They lived with medical support in Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca before their return home to Mali.

    Arriving in the Malian capital, Bamako, in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the father Abdelkader Arby expressed gratitude to the Malian government which he said had been helping the family financially.

    “It’s a lot of work but Allah, who gave us this blessing, will help us in their upbringing and taking care of them,” he added.

    Read Also: Buhari’s congratulatory message responsible for Morocco loss to France – Omokri

    The babies, five girls and four boys, were born by Caesarean section at 30 weeks, according to the Malian authorities last year.

    The girls named Kadidia, Fatouma, Hawa, Adama and Oumou, and the boys named Mohammed VI, Oumar, Elhadji, and Bah weighed between 500g and 1kg (1.1lb and 2.2lb) at birth.

    There were risks that they could have developed health problems due to their premature birth and they spent the first months of their lives in hospital.

    They were then moved to an apartment where they received round-the-clock care from the Ain Borja clinic.

  • You’ve proven to be model of democracy, Biden tells Buhari

    You’ve proven to be model of democracy, Biden tells Buhari

    President of the United States of America (USA) Joe Biden has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts in deepening democracy not only in Nigeria but also in Africa.

    This was contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.

    President Biden said this on Wednesday in Washington during his meeting with leaders of six African countries slated to have elections in 2023 on the sidelines of the US-Africa Leaders Summit taking place in the US Capital.

    He said he had followed the trajectory of the Nigerian leader since 2015 when he was elected President from being an opposition leader at a time he (Biden) was a Vice President.

    He added that it was very heartening that Nigeria is quite a model for democracy, especially the fact that President Buhari is not seeking a third term.

    Biden encouraged Buhari and the Nigerian electoral umpire to continue to be totally non-partisan.

    Read Also: IGP to Buhari: Police will not disappoint on 2023 polls

    The US President said the meeting with the select African leaders, including those of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Madagascar and Sierra Leone, was to discuss elections and democracy in Africa, share experiences with the United States on the forthcoming elections as well as encourage the countries to continue with the democratic process.

    He pointed out that he really understands the challenges facing the countries and expressed the willingness of the United States to support them in every area assistance may be required.

    Buhari expressed his appreciation to the US President for his positive remarks and congratulated him on attaining the peak of his political career.

    He also thanked him for organising the Summit with African leaders and wished him well in all his endeavours.

    End ###

  • Nigerians, South Africans battle for $100k as Big Brother Titans debuts

    Nigerians, South Africans battle for $100k as Big Brother Titans debuts

    Multichoice, organisers of the Big Brother show, have announced the grand prize of $100,000 for the winner of the ‘Big Brother Titans’, a mix of Big Brother Naija and Big Brother Mzansi.

    According to the head of content and West Africa channels of Multichoice Nigeria, Busola Tejumola on Thursday stated the show will have two hosts; Ebuk Obi-Uchendu and Lawrence Maleka.

    The show, which will hold in South Africa, will have a combination of South African and Nigerian housemates for the 2023 edition.

    BBTitans will premiere on January 15 from 7 pm on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 29 with a simulcast on Africa Magic Showcase, Africa Magic Urban, and Africa Magic Family.

    BBTitans will run for 77 days and end on April 2, 2023.

    The organisers said fans can only vote for their favourite housemates for free on BBNaija’s official website and mobile app as well as on the MyDStv and MyGOtv apps.

    In October, the CEO of Multichoice Nigeria, John Ugbe while calling for entries, said the Big Brother Titans would be a mix of BBNaija and Big Brother Mzansi of South Africa.

    Read Also: Big Brother Titans: Auditions open for Nigerians, South Africans

    Ugbe said the reality show would feature new contestants who must be Nigerian or South African citizens, aged 21 and above with valid means of identification.

    Speaking about the twist of having a mash-up of BBNaija and BBMzansi, Ugbe said: “The long history of rich culture and talent shared by both countries will be brought to life through the Titan housemates in one house.

    “I can only imagine the explosion of drama and intrigue that will ensue, so, imagine ‘Afrobeats’ meeting ‘Amapiano’; imagine the food and everything else that will be showcased; we think this will be quite exciting.

    “We are excited about the special big brother season, and we will reveal more details at the right time sometime next year. If you think you have got what it takes to be Biggie’s next reality TV star, this message is for you.”

  • Seriki: I lost a patriot, partner, friend – Tinubu

    Seriki: I lost a patriot, partner, friend – Tinubu

    The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the death of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Senator Ademola Seriki, as a national loss of a patriot.

    He also said that the demise of the envoy was a personal loss to him and the progressive community.

    Amb. Seriki passed on in the early hours of Thursday.

    A statement by Tinubu’s Media aide Tunde Rahman in Abuja on Thursday said he (Tinubu) had lost a friend, associate and a Nigerian patriot who served the country in various capacities.

    The statement reads: “I’m deeply saddened and disturbed by the passing in the early hours of Thursday of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, H.E. Ademola Rasaq Seriki.

    “A Nigerian patriot and prominent Lagosian, Ambassador Seriki was my friend, brother and close associate. He served Lagos and Nigeria in various capacities, the icing on the cake being his appointments as Minister of the Federal Republic and much later as Ambassador to Spain till his death. Indeed, Ambassador Seriki died in active service.

    Read Also: Lagos women pray for Tinubu’s victory

    “He made invaluable contributions to Lagos in all spheres – economic, political, social, traditional, and religious. Popularly called Otun-Are, his traditional title in Lagos, Seriki was visible on the social scene and within the Islamic community where he was respected as a devout and knowledgeable Muslim, as he was influential in politics.

    “In politics, he played important parts in the struggle for democracy and within our progressive front for which he will always be remembered. Seriki would have been on the hustings with us, but for his ambassadorial work.

    “We are all deeply touched by this unexpected passing. I must, however, offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, particularly his wives and children.

    “I commiserate with President Muhammadu Buhari who graciously appointed him as an ambassador as a mark of honour to us in Lagos.

    “I mourn with the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who is from his immediate constituency. While commiserating with his friends and associates, I also sympathise with the people of Lagos State for we have lost an eminent son of the state. May Almighty Allah grant repose to his soul and protect all that he left behind. Amin.”
    End.

  • Stop blaming celebrities for not helping people – Mr P

    Stop blaming celebrities for not helping people – Mr P

    Singer Peter Okoye aka Mr P has told Nigerians to quit blaming celebrities for not helping people.

    He urged them to rather hold the government responsible for noting just like them, celebrities are also going through a lot.

    The PSquare twin spoke during an Instagram Live session, addressing fans’ expectations of celebrities to build hospitals, schools, and other basic infrastructures when they have a government that should provide those for them.

    The 51-year-old entertainer said: “I invest more money on Tech. Telling me, ‘Ohhh..PSquare who una help? Who una bring up? Abeg, who Michael Jackson bring up? It’s not everybody artiste must sign artiste. Even me sef, I no wan even sign again.

    ‘Michael Jackson brought up his sister’, a fan chipped in

    Replying, Mr P continued: ‘If I bring my own sister you’ll say it’s family business. Yes now! If I focus on my sister, you’ll say it’s only my family I want to help.

    “So if you ask me next time, ‘Who you help?’ My brother I help my family o! My wife, my kids, and my siblings. It’s them I want to help.

    Read Also: Entertainers are goats for Christmas celebration – Mr P

    “A lot of people need help but please learn to hold your government accountable. Enough of looking for people to blame.

    “You guys are quick to blame celebrities. And I see that all the time. Yes, you guys are just quick to look for whom to blame. Meanwhile, the government is there. You’re waiting for a celebrity to go and build hospitals, schools, this, that.

    “Meanwhile your government is taking their own children abroad to go and treat them. Taking their own children to the best schools outside the world. Taking their own children to go and be lavishing money outside the world. You’re focusing on celebrities to come and build schools, infrastructures, roads…. Celebrity that’s hustling?!

    “You think celebrities don’t go through a lot?”

  • Abuja-Kaduna train kills woman in Kubwa

    Abuja-Kaduna train kills woman in Kubwa

    An unidentified woman was killed by an Abuja-bound train on Thursday.

    The accident happened around 9:56 am while the train conveying passengers from Rigasa ran into a car on the rail tracks.

    The woman was said to have had her car windows raised and was playing loud music.

    According to NRC officials at the Kubwa train station, the loud music and the raised windows may have prevented her from hearing the oncoming train.

    The official however said the accident did not disrupt the train operation.

    Confirming the accident to The Nation, a staff of NRC who did not want his name disclosed said: “The train was coming from Rigasa in Kaduna to Idu in Abuja. The accident happened before passengers alighted at Kubwa station.

    “The accident happened due to illegal level-crossing in Byazhin, Kubwa. The vehicles were at a very close range with an oncoming train. One vehicle had passed but the one at the back decided to park and it was at a very close range, so the train hit the car and killed the woman who was the occupant of the car.

    Read Also: Diesel cost: NRC hikes fares on Lagos-Ibadan-Abeokuta route

    “It happened around 09:56 am. The accident did not and will not disrupt our operation because it did not damage the loco, so the operation continues.”

    A source at the Operations unit of the Abuja-Kaduna train service who witnessed the accident said: “There is no perimeter fencing where the accident occurred. The accident happened at level-crossing point. The road is joined to the track, so cars can pass through that place and the train can also pass.

    “The driver of the train knows that place is level-crossing but I think the woman’s windows were raised and I think loud music was playing.

    “The train could not apply the emergency brake at that point. If the emergency brake was applied at that point, the lives of so many people on the train would have been endangered.

    END