The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Terry-G, Joel-EL, others thrill fans at Blast, Funk show in FCT

    Terry-G, Joel-EL, others thrill fans at Blast, Funk show in FCT

    Nigerian sensational singers, Terry-G and Joe –El and others, thrilled fans with electrifying performances from Saturday night to Sunday morning at the Blast and Funk Concerts held in the Federal Capital Territory.
    The much anticipated free-ticket music fiesta was organisd by the Bolingo Xperia.
    It was a show of scintillating performances, in colourful and festive ambience, as different artistes took their turn on stage to entertain fans.
    The appearance of Terry-G, fondly called “Akpako Master” by fans, and that of Joe-El on stage, was preceded by performances by several up and coming artistes.
    Joe-El dazzled the audience with series of his hit songs, including “Love song” and “Happy”.
    Terry -G was then ushered on stage amidst ovation by fans, and then the ‘party just began’, as he performed his iconic songs” Run Mad”, “Sexy Lady” and “Free Madness”, among others.
    NAN reports that other artistes that performed at the show included Faze Alone, popular Nollywood actor, comedian and rapper, Charles Okocha and others.
    However, their appearance on stage was disrupted as the rain continued unabated at the open-air arena of the show.
    Digidi DunHill, Nollywood star and host of the show, told the News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) on the sideline that the event was organised to remind fans that Bolingo Xperia had much to offer beyond hospitality.

    Read Also:I love portable, says Terry G

    He said the event was part of lined up shows geared towards making the FCT another hub of entertainment, beside Lagos.
    “We did it in Lagos, and we want same in Abuja, as more shows will be followed monthly, especially as we approach the Yuletide, all for the amusement of both visitors and residents of Abuja.
    “All these are put in place by the Xperia team that has taken over Bolingo Hotels to run it as one of the foremost hotels in the FCT.
    “Everybody knows that for some time, Bolingo Hotel was shut down; no operation going on, but then, recently the Xperian has taken over Bolingo to run it.
    “The Xperia is running the affairs of Bolingo for now, we have fixed over 200 rooms and we are rebuilding more, and also got the pool side renovated.
    “Since we want a situation where you have all in one for both Nigerians and foreigners, we are developing the Chinese restaurant and night club, too,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Nigeria, South Sudan to develop bilateral agreement on creative industry.

    Nigeria, South Sudan to develop bilateral agreement on creative industry.

    Republics of Nigeria and South Sudan have agreed to pursue a common goal in the development and sustenance of the cultural and creative industries of both countries.

    This decision was reached at a bilateral meeting between the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and his South Sudan counterpart, Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage, Nadia-Arop Mayom, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the meeting was on the sidelines of the ongoing Sixth International Culture Summit going on in Edinburgh.

    At an interview they granted to newsmen after the meeting, the two ministers said Nigeria and South Sudan shared common natural endowments, rich and diverse cultures and they can learn from each other.

    The transcript of the interview was made available to NAN on Sunday in Abuja by Mr Segun Adeyemi, Special Assistant to the President (Media).

    Adeyemi is attached to the Office of the Minister of Information and Culture.
    “We both agreed that we have similar challenges in terms of insecurity and we have similar fortunes in terms of being blessed with oil and gas.

    “Oil and gas are assets that will finish, so, we agreed to concentrate more on our creative industry, our history our culture, film and music,” Mohammed was quoted as saying.

      Read also:Kebbi, Pakistan set for bilateral cooperation to boost agriculture, education

    The minister also told newsmen that they agreed to form a bloc where both countries could better negotiate in terms of their artifacts and work together as governments to give a pride of place to their creative industry.
    For her part, the South Sudanese minister told newsmen that her country was willing to learn from the Nigeria’s rich and developed culture and creative industry.

    “We know that Nigeria is a developed country in terns of culture and creative industry and it is very important to us to learn from Nigeria how we can develop our own cultural industry.

    “South Sudan like Nigeria has a rich and diverse cultural heritage and people and we want to learn from Nigeria how they raised up their cultural and creative industry,” Mayom was quoted as having said.

    The minister also told newsmen that they discussed the need for African countries to come together to discuss issues relating to the reawakening of their culture eroded by colonial incursion.

     

    (NAN)

  • NDLEA arrests Lagos airport cleaner who leads drug syndicate

    NDLEA arrests Lagos airport cleaner who leads drug syndicate

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a cleaner at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos, Ohiagu Sunday, who allegedly leads a drug syndicate at the international wing of the airport.

    The Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Babafemi said that the suspect was nabbed on Tuesday following the arrest of an intending passenger on Airpeace flight to Dubai, UAE.

    He said that the passenger named, Obinna Osita, was arrested with three bags, two of which contained eight blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 4.25kg concealed in cassava product, garri and crayfish.

    He also said that one other member of the airport syndicate who worked with Ohiagu had also been arrested, while operatives were trailing another suspect.

    “Investigations revealed that a Dubai-based drug dealer recruited Obinna, a 42-year-old native of Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra, to traffic the drugs.

    Read Also:NDLEA destroys illicit drugs worth N2bn in A’Ibom

    ” And equally contracted Ohiagu, a 34-year-old airport cleaner from Orlu West Local Government Area of Imo to create access for the unhindered passage of the trafficker.

    “The drug syndicate bust, which is the first drug arrest at the new terminal of the MMIA comes on the heels of the seizure of a consignment of bottles of viju and fearless energy drinks.

    “They were used to conceal skunk for export to Dubai, UAE through the NAHCO export shed on Monday Aug., 15, ” he said.

    Babafemi said that a freight agent had already been arrested in connection with the seizure and more Investigations were still ongoing. (NAN).

  • Gunmen kill hotel owner, two others in Ebonyi

    Gunmen kill hotel owner, two others in Ebonyi

    Gunmen have invaded a hotel, popularly known as “Galaxy” in Isu community, Onicha Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State and killed three persons.

    Mr Igwe Nwaokorie, a resident of the area, told reporters on Sunday in Abakaliki, that the incident happened on Thursday Night.

    Nwaokorie said one of the victims was the owner of the hotel, Ogbonnaya Nwadibia, also known as “Galaxy” and two others.

    “The incident occurred in the night of Thursday, August 25. The suspects came on motorcycles with arms, about three of them, and entered the hotel.

    Read Also:Gunmen kill Inspector in Lagos

    “Before we could know what was happening, we started to hear gunshots that lasted for some minutes. After they left, three persons were found dead, including the owner of the hotel,” he explained.

    Chris Anyanwu, Spokesperson of the Police Command in Ebonyi, confirmed the attack.

    He noted that the command was yet to have full details of the incident.

    “Yes, the Command has heard about the incident but we have not got the full details of what really happened,” Anyanwu said.

  • Church to celebrate Esther Ajayi’s 15 Years of Divine Ministration

    Church to celebrate Esther Ajayi’s 15 Years of Divine Ministration

    It is a season of celebrations at the Love of Christ Generation Church, Cherubim and Seraphim, Lagos as the Church celebrates 15 years of divine ministration by Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi.

    Ajayi, who is a philanthropist, has touched and changed many lives through her ministry and humanitarian foundation. She has dedicated much of her life supporting grassroots initiatives which have seen her touch thousands of lives and received numerous awards.

    Ajayi whose charity foundation, Esther Ajayi Foundation empowered 10 traders with N500,000 last year, is a Grand/Life Matron to many charity organisations, as well as various Non-Government-Organisations across many communities in Africa.

    In 2020, she commissioned the new office building of the Special Protection Unit, Base 2 Lagos of the Nigeria Police, a multimillion-naira building, which was single-handedly built by her.

    The church will also be celebrating its first anniversary on the 4th of September. The Lagos centre of the church was inaugurated on September 5, 2021, and consecrated by Pastor Enoch Adeboye and other anointed ministers of God in Christendom from different denominations. The first congregational service was held on September 12, 2021.

    Several activities have been lined up for the week-long double celebrations.

    According to Rev. Mother Ajayi, “the LOCI is a force for unification in christ and a symbol of the oneness of the body of Christ. “It’s important to promote unity in Christ and oneness of the message of salvation of humanity as ordained by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. That is one mission we cherish and will hold on to, even to the end of time.”

    Read Also:Pope swears in Okpaleke, 19 others as Catholic Church Cardinals

    Iya Adura, as she is fondly called, started her spiritual journey at childhood but gave her life to Christ in 1993 at the Faith Bible College in Ota, Ogun State.

    The formation of the Love of Christ Generation Church (Cherubim and Seraphim) was inspired by a revelation in 2007 “Where the Glory of God Shines” was established by Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi in London. About 18 people worshipped on that day in the family house at Edmonton.

    Today, the church boasts of over 10,000 worshipers combined at the Lagos and London LOCI centres.

    The Love of Christ Generation (C & S) has continued to grow attracting Christian faithful and new converts who seek a better relationship with God through the practical Christian teaching and impartation under the leadership of Rev. Mother Ajayi.

  • Plateau: Pastor, wife, two others die in flood

    Plateau: Pastor, wife, two others die in flood

    No fewer than four people including a couple have died in a flood that followed a heavy downpour in Nyelleng and Gwabi communities of Pankshin Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State.

    Council Chairman, Audu Kak’mena, who confirmed the deaths during a visit to the communities, expressed sadness at the incident.

    A heavy downpour occurred in the area from Monday 22nd to Wednesday 24th August leaving the areas flooded.

    The only bridge linking the area with the outside world was submerged and some residents returning from a neighbouring local market tried to wade through but some lost their lives in the process.

    Kak’mena while sympathising with the victims’ families and the community, assessed the level of damage.

    He said this would help to develop an intervention template and recommend same to the State and the National Emergency Management Agencies for intervention.

    The Chairman advised people to be cautious while crossing rivers during the rainy season to avert a reccurrence. He assured them of the council’s support.

    Kak’mena visited the family of Evangelist Daniel Goma who was killed alongside his wife.

    Responding, the eldest son of the deceased, Jonathan Daniel thanked the Chairman for the visit.

    The Chairman was also at the home of Nendirmwa Kamshinen, a pregnant woman who sustained injuries as a result of the flood.

    Read Also:Flood kills pastor, wife, two others in Plateau

    Kamshinen explained that she was carried by the flood while crossing the bridge. She thanked God she was able to hold a tree in the river and escaped death.

    Danjuma Philip and Amos Goyit who took the Council Chairman to the affected areas, appreciated him for identifying with the community and solicited assistance from the government and other good-spirited individuals to construct the Fwor-ching Nyelleng bridge which is a problem for the community every rainy season.

  • Anxiety as ASUU NEC convenes for crucial meeting over strike

    Anxiety as ASUU NEC convenes for crucial meeting over strike

    • Students, parents await ASUU’s decision on strike

    • ASUU president denies calling state varsities quack

    The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, will Sunday night/Monday morning decide on whether the union will continue its over six-month strike or not, The Nation has learnt.

    The Nation reports that ASUU commenced a nationwide industrial action on February 14 and has continued to extend it as there has been no substantial agreement with the government.

    Recall that on August 1, ASUU announced another extension of the strike by another four weeks.

    The NEC meeting promises to be a decisive one and may determine whether the government would suspend the union as is being rumoured in some quarters.

    The Nation gathered that parents and students are keeping their ears wide open to hear the outcome of the striking lecturers.

    On social media where many have aired their opinions, they appealed to the university teachers to give peace a chance, resume dialogue with the Federal Government, and return to classrooms.

    However, a final decision on whether to call off the strike or extend it will be reached at the NEC Meeting.

    The Nation learnt that various ASUU branches have held their congresses during the week, and the majority voted for another rollover of an indefinite strike.

    The renegotiation of the 2009 agreement and the replacement of IPPIS with UTAS are the major demands of the striking lecturers.

    Meanwhile, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) , the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Allied Institutions (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) have suspended their actions for a few months to allow the Federal Government to look into their demands.

    Read Also: Neglect of nomadic education responsible for banditry, says Oshiomhole

    The President of the Union, Emmanuel Osodeke, had come under sharp criticism for referring to other universities that announced resumption despite the union’s ongoing strike as “quacks”.

    But he denied the now-viral report. Describing the report as fake, Osodeke lamented unprofessionalism in reportage, alleging that the media aimed at creating confusion in the system.

    He said, “There is nothing like that. It is a lie. I have told myself that I will not talk to the press again because they always misrepresent things.”

    ASUU has, however, accused the Minister of Education Adamu Adamu, of leading a gang of ministers to fight them over the ongoing strike.

    The university lecturers made the allegation at a press conference held at the ASUU Secretariat, University of Jos, yesterday.

    Prof. Lawan Abubakar, Zonal Coordinator of Bauchi Zone of ASUU, who addressed the press on behalf of his colleagues, said, “Adamu now leads his colleagues like Chris Ngige, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmad, etc., to misrepresent facts and mislead the good people of Nigeria against ASUU.”

    Abubakar who described the antics of the minister as unfortunate said, “It is the highest level of unpatriotic disservice a minister would do to his nation, particularly a sector like education which is the backbone of the development of any country.

    “If this is the way to end ASUU strike, ASUU, Bauchi Zone is taking exception to it and assuring Adamu Adamu that he is wrong; he has rather succeeded in undermining the future of Nigerian youths and Nigeria.

    “If it would take him six months to only come up with this deceit as a solution to the strike, we then have the right to ask whether he really has a brain in his skull. It has now come to bare, that the minister had all along been deceiving everybody since 2017, as far as ASUU’s agitations in the tenure of this government are concerned.”

    He added: “We want you, gentlemen of the press and the general public, to know that the Federal Government through Adamu Adamu did not approach ASUU with any reasonable and acceptable solutions to the issues in contention that led to the current strike; the miserable and insulting award of the government were appropriately and squarely rejected by the union.

    “So the claim of the minister that ASUU has accepted the offers from government was a blatant lie aimed at scuttling what Prof Nimi Briggs put together to resolve the matter thereby undermining the sincerity of the Briggs presidential committee in resolving the issues.

  • Trafficking: 2,700 women survivors rehabilitated in seven years

    Trafficking: 2,700 women survivors rehabilitated in seven years

    2,700 women survivors of trafficking have been rehabilitated for social and economic independence between 2014 and 2021, according to Pathfinders Justice Initiative (PJI), a Non-Governmental Organisation.

    PJI stated that while Nigeria remains a source and transit for and destination country of human trafficking, its population has made it to be routinely listed as one of the countries with the largest number of trafficked victims overseas (particularly in Europe), with victims identified in 34 countries in four regions in 2018.

    The Executive Director of PJI and HERS (Hub of Economic Resources for Survivors) Africa, Ruth Evon Benson-Idahosa, made this known in a statement, even as she launched a new initiative – HERS AFRICA.

    She explained that the initiative is the first and only digital ‘one stop’ resource hub in Africa to address the unique and complete needs of survivors of trafficking as they navigate a path towards self-sustainability and economic independence.

    Read Also:COVID-19: Over 41.9 million Nigerians vaccinated, says FG

    She said: “It is our hope that this one stop digital hub, the first of its kind in Africa will address the unique and complete needs of African survivors, and will provide you with the resources you need to journey from victim to advocate.

    “Our mission is to prevent sex slavery/sexual violence and to liberate enslaved women and girls through the direct eradication of root causes.”

    Benson-Idahosa explained that by registering with hersafrica.com, survivors of sex trafficking can get access to life transforming and exciting video lectures, vetted current job opportunities, one-on-one counselling services and list of service providers to get support from anywhere in Nigeria and beyond.

    She therefore urged interested Nigerians to take advantage of the services which she said are totally free of charge.

  • 2023: Tinubu commends Buhari’s resolve to support APC candidates

    2023: Tinubu commends Buhari’s resolve to support APC candidates

    The Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his loyalty and commitment to the party and her victory in the February 25, 2023 elections.

    Tinubu gave the commendation at the weekend when he received the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by the National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu at the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign office in Abuja.

    Responding to President Buhari’s resolve not to support any other candidates except those being sponsored by APC, Asíwájú Tinubu said the president deserves commendation for being a true leader and loyal party man.

    A statement by his Media Office in Abuja, quoted the APC presidential candidate as saying: “I like the statement of the President a few days ago: firm, concise, straight to the point and bold as a leader of our party. We should commend the President for that statement, for his commitment and loyalty to the party and for being a true party leader.”

    The APC standard bearer then pledged to work towards creating and empowering a knowledge-based economy in Nigeria if elected president.

    “Among other things if and when we are elected, we will work towards developing Nigeria as a knowledge-based economy that meets the overarching needs of the present and plans for the future.

    Read Also:2023: APC has the most saleable candidate in Tinubu – Shittu

    “We will institute 21st-century financial reforms, embark on 21st-century infrastructural development and 21st-century elimination of crimes that will be technology-driven.”

    The APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu commended Asíwájú Tinubu for the efforts made and structures erected thus far towards ensuring an effective campaign.

    Adamu said: “You’re already writing the word success with these laudable efforts. Those who know you expect no less. And it is our hope and prayer that God Almighty crowns our efforts with victory in February 2023.”

  • 2023: APC has the most saleable candidate in Tinubu – Shittu

    2023: APC has the most saleable candidate in Tinubu – Shittu

    Former Minister of Communications, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu, on Saturday said the candidacy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the presidential flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is guarantees victory for the party at the polls in 2023.

    He said this at the inauguration of a pro-Tinubu support group – the Jagaban/Shettima Local Government Voluntary Representatives Forum (JSLGVRF) in Abuja.

    Shittu, who is the Director-General of Asiwaju Tinubu Presidential Campaign Organisation (ATPCO) said the emergence of Tinubu as the presidential candidate of APC was the best thing that happened to the party given the current challenges bedevilling the country.

    He stressed that the performance of Tinubu as the Lagos State Governor was enough testimony to convince Nigerians that he is the best candidate for the presidency.

    “I told our leaders that we are very lucky in the APC, because if we did not have a saleable candidate as Sen. Ahmed Tinubu, looking at the challenges that the Nigerian government is facing now, we would not have had hope that APC presidential flag bearer will still win in the next general elections.

    “But we are lucky, we have a saleable candidate. As Director-General of Tinubu Campaign Organisation, I am excited by the enormous support that people are giving to Tinubu all over the country. More often than not, people struggle to belong as if the struggle is for a ticket to go to paradise,” he said.

    The Former minister then commended the group for sacrificing their energy and resources to put together a support organisation for Tinubu with membership across the country.

    Read Also:Tinubu’s indelible Lagos record

    The Director-General of the forum, Mr Abdulkareem Rasak, said there was no other person that could lead Nigeria to achieve the greatness that Nigerians are clamouring for, other than Tinubu.

    Rasak disclosed that the forum has concluded arrangements for a door-to-door campaign to cover the 774 Local Government areas in the country, to reach out to the grassroots and rural areas.

    “We have the plan to train our polling unit representatives in the area of tolerance, perseverance and an understanding of the choice of people.

    “In as much as we want to convince Nigerians, we will not engage in any form of violence or coercion.

    “It is amazing that the doings and the steps of Jagaban and his running mate, Shettima have gingered love amongst Nigerians which have brought us together from different parts of the country through social media.

    “It is indeed a beautiful moment for me to understand that Nigerians need good governance from a leader irrespective of their religion, cultural and ethnic differences.

    “No one supports any politician without expectation, our only expectation from Jagaban/Shettima is to deliver good governance, and affordable price of food for all Nigerians, unite Nigerians and tackle insecurity.”