The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Marriage, not love a scam – Pere Egbi

    Marriage, not love a scam – Pere Egbi

    Former Big Brother Naija Season 6 housemate, Pere Egbi aka the General has ‘raised dust’ with a recent assertion.

    Egbi on Thursday asserted that marriage is a scam but argued the reverse is the case for love.

    In tweets that followed after, the 36-year-old media personality referenced the Bible, explaining there won’t be anything like husband or wife in heaven.

    He said: “Marriage is a scam!”

    “Slide in my DM real quick. Getting married ain’t a problem. Staying married is”, said Pere in response to Sabi Radio for the offer of a wife.

    It wrote: “Pere I have somebody you will like. You will marry IJN.”

    Tackling him, one Rennetta said: “The issue has to do with people’s attitude in the marriage, not the marriage itself.”

    In response, the reality TV star stated: “Everyone has a bad attitude? Seems like it is cos the marriages we admire most are the ones breaking. I mean even Paul advised the unmarried to stay single! (1 Cor 7:8).”

    Read Also: Miss Unilorin beauty pageant unites students — MC Peperenpe

    Another Twitter user, Omotayo of Lagos wrote: “Na mumu dey marry,” which Egbi retweeted accompanied with the multiple pinned emoji.

    In the following tweets, the model reiterated his opinion that marriage is a scam but love isn’t

    “The same ones shouting “it’s not” are the same ones who believe there’s a “right person” for you! No there isn’t. There are “compatible” persons for everyone tho. It’s still a scam. Why marry only to end up in divorce and be single all over again?

    “In Heaven, you won’t have a wife or husband for the rest of eternity! Love isn’t a scam tho”, he added.

  • TikTok celebrates Nigerian creative community

    TikTok celebrates Nigerian creative community

    Video-sharing platform, TikTok has celebrated its Nigerian community, saying they’ve successfully addressed pivotal issues.

    This comes with its Year on TikTok 2022 announcement where eight creators across Sub-Saharan Africa will be awarded through TikTok’s inaugural #TopCreator2022 awards.

    TikTok’s Head of Content Programming Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, while heaping praises on Nigerian creators, said the pivotal issues addressed by them in the course of the year, include climate change.

    According to him, the creators of the app use the platform in a way that is interactive, authentic, raw, and creative.

    Read Also: TikTok challenge used to steal information from devices, NCC warns

    “What happens on TikTok doesn’t stay on TikTok – whether you’re building a brand, showcasing talent, or using the platform as a vehicle for self-expression, we’ve seen creators realising tangible, real-world benefits of creating content on the platform.

    “In the examples of the content, our community enjoyed this year lies a clear illustration of the fact that TikTok is for everyone, everywhere.

    “This is something that we are proud of and will take into the new year as we continue to grow and develop as a platform for discovery, creativity, and community,” he added.

    TikTok identified Burna Boy, C Kay and Oxlade among its most viewed Nigerian artistes in 2022.

  • I won’t be distracted, says Wike

    I won’t be distracted, says Wike

    Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike has vowed that nothing will distract him from governance until his last day in office.

    The Governor said he would remain focused on delivering more projects to communities in the state despite the ongoing political campaigns.

    Wike spoke on Thursday when he led a former Minister of State for Agriculture, Heineken Lokpobiri, to kick off the construction of the 17th internal roads within Rumuigbo community in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

    Wike also donated N200m for the rebuilding of the palace of the king in the area, Uchechukwu Isaiah Elikwu, the Eze Epara Rebisi, XII.

    The Governor said his social contract with Rivers people, who gave him their mandate required that he remained committed to serving them till the last day of his administration.

    Wike assured that he would continue to make Rivers people happy and deliver infrastructure until the 29th May 2023.

    He said: “We believe that party is a vehicle that conveys you to where you want to go. Having conveyed to where you are heading to, you come down and begin to do governance.

    Read Also: G-5: Rivers alleges campaign of calumny against Wike

    “We just invited you (Lokpobiri) to come down and see what we are doing in the State.

    “So many people are distracted by the campaign. We are not going to be distracted by the campaign. We want to focus on the development of our community. I will work until 29th of May, 2023 because that is the day my agreement will terminate with the people of Rivers State.”

    He dismissed comments by critics that Rumuigbo community had never benefitted from his administration and reminded them of the reconstruction work carried out on the Omoi-Orosi road with the drains channelled through Okocha Streets to the nearby stream.

    Wike said the contractor also handled the Obi Wali Road but observed that the area was still affected by though perennial flood.

    To solve the perennial flood, Wike pointed to particular land considered suitable to channel the water and assured the Rivers government would acquire the property for that purpose.

  • Firm partners Wonderland Lagos to delight fun-seekers

    Firm partners Wonderland Lagos to delight fun-seekers

    Wonderland Lagos has partnered with Agri-Fintech company, Tingo Mobile to deliver an exciting holiday experience to Nigerians this December.

    Speaking on the idea behind the partnership, Co-founder of Wonderland Lagos, Ezekiel Adamu said it was to show the opportunities that exist in the tourism space in Nigeria.

    “The time that was used to build the whole city in record time shows that the organizers are visionaries but the vision goes beyond paper. Today we see a Wonderland Lagos that is clearly a new discovery that has never been done before in this part of the world. This goes to show the opportunities that exist in the tourism space in Nigeria.

    “Wonderland Lagos has Qatar Live which is the biggest Viewing Center, the marketplace which provides for trade and WonderX which is geared towards concerts. The ultimate of them all is Christmas in Wonderland Lagos which is a custom theme park for the family that was purposely built from the ground up for this exact event.

    “It is a wonder to see as it has all you can think of from the magical walk of lights to Santa empire which is bigger than your regular grotto in 4 places, games, rides and great food and drink. Wonderland Lagos also partnered with Nickelodeon to bring Sponge Bob and Paw Patrol characters live at Wonderland Lagos. It sure has amazing and magical times all around the face. Guests are sure to be blown.

    Read Also: Wonderland set to light up Lagos

    “A project like this costs a lot and wouldn’t have been possible without the Headline sponsor Tingo Mobile. A fintech company that has powered several fintech solutions and made life easy for farmers and Nigerians in general through their advanced technology. Tingo Is known to support visionary projects and definitely chose Wonderland Lagos because of its unique opportunities.

    “Tingo Mobile bought into the vision of Wonderland Lagos and have provided the necessary technology to make it an amazing time for visitors that will be coming to Wonderland Lagos. Tingo Mobile as headline sponsor will also be adding experiences to the visitors and it promises to be an amazing time,” he said.

    According to Dozy Mmobuosi, founder of Tingo Mobile, he bought into the project because of the innovation, planning and reach of the project and most importantly how these partnerships would redefine December hospitality in Africa.

  • ‘South West has a lot to benefit in Tinubu’s presidency’

    ‘South West has a lot to benefit in Tinubu’s presidency’

    A chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) and the National Director, Media and Publicity, Asiwaju Project Beyond 2023 Adeboye Adebayo have said Yoruba race has a lot to benefit if the APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is elected.

    He said the Yoruba nation should look at how they started in the nation’s politics, where they are and where they are going to and vote for their kinsmen ahead other contestants.

    Speaking in Ibadan at a briefing Adebayo, who is a member of Public Affairs Directorate, APC, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, maintained that the advantage and opportunity Yoruba have in Tinubu must not pass them.

    He said they should see Tinubu’s presidential ambition as their personal project which must come to reality.

    Read Also: Why youths need Tinubu – Nnamani

    He described the APC candidate as a patriotic Nigerian using his intellectual and financial capacity for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.

    “He is a team leader, one of the major trait of a good leader is to identify talents, Nigeria needs competent hands like Tinubu who is a talent Hunter, he deserve to be the president so that Nigeria can have good governance they are seeking for.

    “His pedigree and antecedent distinguish him from other candidates, his connection and wealth of experience can not be over emphasised in Nigeria and abroad,” he said.

    He urged Nigerians to set aside religion or ethnicity and vote for the right person like Tinubu, adding that people should vote for good governance, stability, democracy and renewed hope

  • Céline Dion battles rare incurable disease

    Céline Dion battles rare incurable disease

    Best-selling Canadian recording artist Céline Dion has opened up to fans about a serious health struggle she’s been facing.

    The veteran singer, in an emotional video posted on Thursday on her Instagram page, revealed she’s been battling against a rare neurological disorder called “Stiff-Person Syndrome.”

    She said the disease, which affects about one in a million persons, causes her spasms which affect her daily life.

    She said she is forced to reschedule her 2023 Europe tour to 2024 so that she can get the needed treatment and be better for everyone.
    The 54-year-old singer said: “Hello everyone, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reach out to you. I miss you all so much and I can’t wait to be on stage talking to you in person.

    “As you know I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before but I’m ready now.

    “I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.”

    Read Also: Celine Dion: I’ll not sing at my husband’s funeral

    Fighting to keep her composure, Dion continued: “Recently, I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome which affects something like one in a million people.

    “While we’re still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having.”

    “Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life. Sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cord to sing the way I’m used to.

    She added: “It hurts me to tell you today. This means I won’t be ready to start my tour in Europe in February 2023.

    “I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better. And my precious children beside me, supporting me to give me hope.”

    “I’m working hard with my sports therapist to build back my strength and my ability to perform again.

    “But I have to admit it’s been a struggle. All I know is singing. It’s what I’ve done all my life and it’s what I love the most. I miss you all so much.”

    The caption of the video read, “Celine Dion reschedules Spring 2023 shows to 2024, and cancels eight of her summer 2023 shows.”

    “I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through…It hurts me to tell you that I won’t be ready to restart my tour in Europe in February.” – Céline.”

  • Gunmen whisk away four new babies in Soludo’s council

    Gunmen whisk away four new babies in Soludo’s council

    Gunmen in the early hours of Thursday allegedly made away with four newly born babies during an invasion of a hospital in the local government area of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

    They also reportedly made away with all the blood-stained wrappers and clothes of the women that delivered.

    The hospital (names withheld) is situated in Aguata local government area of Anambra State.

    Residents raised the alarm that the incident could be for ritual purposes.

    A source, who spoke with The Nation, said the gunmen did not kill anyone or burn any police station but made away with the babies.

    “They didn’t shoot as usual but they drove to the hospital early morning, took the newly born babies and blood-stained clothes and drove off.

    “We were told that they threatened to kill anybody who opened his or her mouth in that hospital. Everybody is living in fears now in Anambra,” the source said.

    The Nation reported recently some of the gunmen called one of the doctors in Awka South local government area, threatening to visit his hospital if he fails to support the Biafra project.

    Read Also: Youth leaders wade into Obi, Soludo rift, urge restraint

    They threatened to make the State ungovernable for Soludo, since according to them, he had been using security operatives to harass them.

    One of the doctors, who did not want to be quoted, said since they succeeded in the latest strategy, they were likely to continue with it.

    The doctor said the security in Anambra State was porous, adding that only God would protect His people during the yuletide period “no place is safe again.”

    Anambra Police spokesman Ikenga Tochukwu said the command had not received any information about the incident.

    However, he promised to make enquiries to ascertain the authenticity of the report.

    But one of the senior Police Officers, close to the community, told The Nation he heard the information but could not confirm it.

  • Sam Miracle sets to release new song

    Sam Miracle sets to release new song

    America-based multi-talented Afro Rock musician, Samson Adewale aka King Sam Miracle (KSM) is set to release a new song ‘Ebo oso’.

    KSM produced the single alongside his unique Afro Rock Band. In a chat with The Nation, he said: “The new single; ‘Ebo Oso’ is another must-listen-to song from the music booth of King Sam Miracle like never before just like his previous song that is still making waves ‘My Prayer’ (Remix) on top-notch radio stations in Nigeria.”

    To herald the official release of the new song; ‘Ebo Oso’ a 1-minute video reel thriller has been posted on King Sam Miracle’s social media handles, which has become the talk of the town and fans..

    Read Also: Vyootopia Festival, John Mikel Obi partner for African youths

    KSM has thrown a bounty of N300,000 for the dancing challenge video and N50,000 for the best funny selfie video concept to interpret the new song in the trending 1-minute video reel thriller.

    “Ebo Oso’ will be officially released on Thursday, December 22 on top online music platforms for massive downloads and on major radio stations for massive airplay.

    “Ebo Oso” is a fusion of classical tunes that are rooted in inspirational and motivational lyrics with a perfect blend of danceable beats and a spice of great melody for all the good music lovers around the world to enjoy anytime.

  • It’s hard making friends with women raised in Nigeria – Stephanie Coker

    It’s hard making friends with women raised in Nigeria – Stephanie Coker

    Television presenter Stephanie Coker-Aderinokun has shared her thoughts about how difficult it is for her to make friends with women born and raised in Nigeria.

    In an interview, she said women living in the diaspora possess a different mentality from those living in the country.

    She claimed women who aren’t from or have lived abroad are probably struggling with some form of inferiority complex which affects them when they meet other women in a gathering.

    According to her: “I find it hard to make friends with women that have grown up and spent their whole lives living in Nigeria. Just because I feel like their mindset is very different. And I think sometimes people take it that you’re trying to be snobbish, or whatever and I’m like ‘no’.

    Read Also: ​Stephanie Coker, Tania Omotayo to lead RIF Trust’s ‘Hello to Freedom campaign’

    I’ll give you a very good example. When you are out and maybe you’re at a table, if a girl that’s like maybe not from abroad or has never lived outside Nigeria comes to the table, she will greet all the guys and not greet the woman.

    “And I’m always like, “Why? What is your problem? I was here first. You should at least say, ‘Oh hi! How are you?’

    “No, they’ll just sit and now act like they can’t see you, looking everywhere. And I’m like, ‘Ah ha!”.

    “One day I had to say, ‘Excuse me, madam. Hello, hi! And the girl was like, OH!’. She was shocked. But why do they think like this? Is there a complex? Girls, what going on?”

  • Davido confirmed to perform at 2022 World Cup closing ceremony

    Davido confirmed to perform at 2022 World Cup closing ceremony

    Afrobeats superstar, Davido has been confirmed to perform at the closing ceremony of the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    Chinese businessman, Stephen Hung, shared the news via his Instagram story on Thursday

    Hung, who couldn’t conceal his excitement, said: “So happy my bro #davido confirmed he will be performing at the World Cup Qatar closing ceremony. Can’t wait to see him there.”

    Read Also: Davido’s online absence always felt – Lojay

    The closing ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, 18th December 2022 and according to the reports, the DMW boss will be performing the Qatar World Cup anthem ‘Hayya Hayya (Happy Together)’ alongside Trinidad singer Cardona and Qatar singer Aisha.

    Davido’s absence on social media has no doubt been felt by his fans and lovers following the tragic death of his son on October 31.

    Though, he recently accorded them a brief glimpse of his presence online during the inauguration ceremony of his uncle, Ademola Adeleke on November 25.