The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • I married ex-hubby with my money – Tonto Dikeh

    I married ex-hubby with my money – Tonto Dikeh

    Former actress Tonto Dikeh has opened up on funding the marriage ceremony with her ex-hubby, Churchill Olakunle.

    Dikeh claimed she felt terrible, used and tagged herself as the biggest scam her ex-hubby has ever played in his life.
    The duo recently resumed hostilities towards each on social media after Churchill posted a photo of their son, Kind Andre on his 7th birthday.

    Read Also : Ex-hubby hits Tonto Dikeh, says focus on your life

    Dikeh called her son’s father a deadbeat dad accusing him of only making posts to celebrate their son on his birthdays but neglecting his upkeep.

    But Churchill claimed otherwise, posting ‘receipts’ of accounts, including a trust fund that he opened for their son

    While they ‘warred’ online on their respective Instagram pages, the politician decided to share a YouTube clip from three years ago where he revealed circumstances that surrounded her brief yet violent marriage with Churchill who she referred to as a ‘Yahoo boy’ (internet fraudster).

    The video saw the mother of one disclosed she was in her weakest state when she met her son’s father.

    ”I dated a man, Mr X from 2013 to 2015. We broke up in the worst circumstances ever. He woke up from my bed and went for his own wedding”, she said.

    “2015, Feb 13, I went into a club to celebrate and I met my son’s father.

    ”Mind you, Mr X had existed from 2013 and 2014. But because I was an emotional wreck, I needed some sort of consolation, that was how we started dating and I declared him (Churchill) Mr X.”

    Speaking about their wedding, Tonto said: “He didn’t pay for anything at all. A lot of people say, ‘Oh, you’re very stupid! You paid for your wedding, you were desperate! And all what not. But that wasn’t the case. When I travelled to Ghana, I stayed with him and whenever he came to Nigeria, he stayed with me.

    “When we were planning our wedding, I was here in Nigeria and he was in Ghana. And all he kept saying was, ‘Baby, go ahead and spend, I’ll pay you back.’

    “These are document of me asking this man to pay me back the money I used in marrying him. In this document also, you’d also see his replies. There’s also a document here where I said that he never gave me any money and he acknowledged it.

    “I said ‘Ola, the only money you gave me for the wedding is N1.7 million. Even your family contributed N1 million inside this money. You asked me to keep spending that you would pay back. I don’t know why it is an issue now. Is N1.7 million my bride price? Or is it what bought the drink? Flew you there, paid for the hotel and fed you?

    “My friend’s boyfriend paid for the hotel that my husband slept with me in, made love to me in on the day of my wedding. It was another man that paid for it. To the drinks for my wedding, I paid for it.

    “I flew my ex-husband down from Ghana to Nigeria, to my village to get married to me. His uncle, God bless, he’s a pastor, gave me N1 million through my son’s father. That’s the N1.7 million I was talking about. And my son’s father gave me two different money. N300,000 once and N400,000 once which makes N700,000. Which I never used that money for the wedding because by the time it came in, I already spent, dispatched all the money I was to out. So these are all the documents that prove that Olakunle Churchill was married by a woman’s money.”

    Giving more details about their wedding to refute her ex-hubby’s claim that there was no wedding but a parlour ceremony that had only four guests, she continued, “There were 250 people seated at my wedding. And the whole village, three communities before my village, they all came out. Because my father is a big deal from where I come from. So they all came out. I had over a thousand people at my wedding. And there are pictures to prove it.

    “Do you see the crowd? Do you see the mopols? Because my father had to get almost 12 lorries of mopols for protection.

    “And this man went to the court and told the court that I paid for my wedding because there were only four people. I know people will sit at home and say, ‘This girl is very stupid. You paid for your wedding. Why did you pay for your wedding?’

    “He said that there was never a wedding. That it was only four people, a parlour wedding.”

    Tonto married Churchill in 2015 and they welcomed their son in 2016.
    In 2017, the couple divorced and Churchill married the Gambian-born actress, Rosy, in 2019.

  • We’re ready for polls, says Immigration

    We’re ready for polls, says Immigration

    Authorities of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) have declared readiness to participate and provide security during the forthcoming general elections.

    The Comptroller of Immigration, Bayelsa State Command, Sunday James, spoke on Monday in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    He said said the Command was following the directives of the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola and the Comptroller-General Isa Jere Idris to ensure that non-Nigerians are not in possession of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and participate in the voting process.

    James also announced that a combatant force of the NIS had been deployed to border towns, saying the service had met with the key stakeholders and community of non-Nigerians on the development.

    He stated: “Our officers are at the toll gates of Bayelsa State and other border areas. And our men have been intercepting and apprehending those on illegal entry. Our operational vehicles are positioned on the road and our operatives are on surveillance while awaiting further Federal Government directives.”

    Read Also : Polls: NIS redeploys 11 ACG, 30 state comptrollers

    He said the preparedness of the NIS followed a meeting held between the Comptroller-General, Isa Idris and Comptrollers and Assistant-Comptrollers Generals of states and zones.

    He noted: “We had a meeting with the Comptroller-General, Isa Jere Idris, at the headquarters in Abuja where he addressed us on what must be done as patriotic officers.
    “He directed that our statutory mandate must be sustained as non-partisan officers that should act with high level professionalism.”
    James also conducted some reporters on the tour of the renovated operational headquarters of the Immigration Service following the devastation caused by last floods in the state.
    End.

  • 17 escape death as boat capsizes in Lagos

    17 escape death as boat capsizes in Lagos

    Seventeen passengers, including officers of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), were rescued when a boat, Fazma Logistics, capsized near Third Mainland Bridge in the wee hours of Monday.

    A statement by LASWA noted that the boat’s driver is being interrogated while adding that investigation is ongoing.

    It reads: “At 7 am on Monday 20th of February 2023, a commercial passenger ferry named Fazma logistics loaded with 17 passengers, left Ikorodu ferry terminal at exactly 6:45 am en route Ebute Ero but unfortunately capsized around Third mainland bridge close to Bariga ferry terminal.

    Read Also : Lagos announces travel advisory for APC mega rally

    “All the passengers were rescued alive by first responders, including officers of the Lagos State Waterways Authority LASWA.

    “Boat recovery operations commenced immediately while the boat captain is been interrogated and investigation is ongoing.”

  • Tinubu will win Nasarawa with landslide – Speaker

    Tinubu will win Nasarawa with landslide – Speaker

    Nasarawa Speaker Ibrahim Abdullahi has assured that the All Progressives Congress(APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the State with a large margin on Saturday.

    The Speaker stated this on Monday while addressing the people of Ugya ward of his constituency ahead of the presidential election.

    Read Also : Nigerians in diaspora drum support for Tinubu

    He urged voters in Ugya and other wards of his constituency to vote Tinubu and re-elect Governor Abdullahi Sule as well as other candidates of the party at the polls.

    He said the works Sule are everywhere in the Constituency and beyond while calling on the people to reciprocate the Governor’s gesture by returning him for another term.

    Balarabe added that Sule has brought permanent peace to not only Ugya/ Umaisha constituency but Toto LGA and the state at large.

  • My life dedicated to making others happy-Billionaire MC

    My life dedicated to making others happy-Billionaire MC

    Popular Master of Ceremony Olarenwaju Nwabueze aka Larry Foreman (Billionaire MC) has said his life ambition is to make others happy.

    He said this driving passion is at the heart of his multiple talented efforts and activities with his Billionaire MC brand spreading across the globe.

    The holder of a Diploma degree in Human Kinetics, a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy from the University of Lagos and Master in Healthcare Administration from a prestigious university in the United States of America said he chose to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry because of his love for people.

    He started out as a motivational speaker, polishing his art by working with UNILAG FM, the radio station of his university. Since then, he has worked with prominent media houses in Nigeria, including Wazobia TV, Cool FM and Wazobia FM.

    One of Larry Foreman’s many life mantras has been working his way up as a creative and branding himself as a unique entity, leaning towards qualities like classy, funny and being an ideal well-dressed personality.

    Speaking on his social media handles @larryforeman007 on Instagram, @Larryforeman007 on twitter and Larry Foreman on Facebook, Larry explained his unique selling point is being himself. He added the success of an MC or even a hypeman is based on the uniqueness of their brand and how it is promoted.

    He believes in regulating the entertainment industry to give direction amongst creatives. According to him: “There should be checks and balances and systems that help people understand that the industry is not a joke and everything requires a level of technical know how.”

    MC Billionaire relocated abroad in October 2019 where he came across better opportunities with his first gig recorded in November of the same year.

    He has anchored events with different racial audience bringing unique humour, crowd engagement and fun making him a leading global event host.

    Read Also : BREAKING: Court restrains INEC from engaging MC Oluomo for election materials distribution

    Larry is of the belief that his Christianity doesn’t affect his line of work rather he lets his faith reflect in his works. His primary focus are wedding events, destination events, concerts, birthdays and any special occasion.

    In light of the oversaturated market, he advocates that all creatives should excel at work with their unique abilities and accepting their true self. Larry Foreman, who has experience working as an MC both nationally and overseas, hopes that MCs and hypemen will receive the proper compensation.

    Contrary to the popular opinion of him being perceived as a stand-up comic, he regards himself as a humorous entity.

    Larry Foreman said in 2023, he will a song as he has been working with some talented music acts on a project. This is in response to the subject of swinging into music.

    For a public figure like Larry, who frequently interacts with women due to his job, understanding is the cornerstone of a happy marriage. His wife, Abigail Nwabueze, who happens to be his manager, has a level of understanding and support for him, recognizing that it is one of the challenges that come with the territory.

    He asserted that while she might care about the affection overtures, she knows how to coordinate herself and that alone makes him okay.

  • Buhari ignorant of what NASS stands for – Atiku

    Buhari ignorant of what NASS stands for – Atiku

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar has said President Muhammadu Buhari is ignorant of the role of the National Assembly in a democratic setting.

    Atiku made the observation in Abuja on Sunday during an interactive session with PDP National Assembly candidates for Saturday’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

    “Like what we have currently today, we have a President who does not even understand what the National Assembly stands for,” Atiku told the National Assembly candidates.

    The PDP presidential promised that if elected, he would revive the cordial relationship he had with the National Assembly when he served as vice president from 1999 to 2007.

    Atiku said: “During my tenure as vice president, I developed a very intimate relationship with members of the National Assembly and it was that relationship that enabled us to stop a third term or life presidency attempt by President Obasanjo.

    “So you are going to work with somebody who has worked with the National Assembly before and successfully too, facing the incumbent president and still making sure that we protected the constitution.

    “But let me say that it is very important as members of the same party, that we should have a robust engagement and understanding in our respective duties.

    Read Also : Group to G-5 governors: don’t work against PDP, Atiku

    “I really look forward to engaging you again, as regard to the National Assembly, for your constitutional functions to further deepen democracy, development and progress of our nation”.

    Atiku bemoaned the state of affairs in the country, saying that Nigeria has found itself in one of the most challenging times in the history of its existence.

    “You know that we are more divided than ever before because of the activities and the policies of the current APC (All Progressives Congress) government.

    “Likewise, our security situation has gone from bad to worse. Our economy is in shambles. These are very serious challenges facing us; you in particular and also the executive.

    “We must work together to take the country out of its present predicament and malaise. These are no mean challenges.

    “These are challenges that the constitution has bestowed on both of us to discharge…if you are elected and I am also elected, you are not going to work with somebody unknown or somebody who doesn’t have the experience”.

  • Umar meets Sokoto traders, promises to revamp economy

    Umar meets Sokoto traders, promises to revamp economy

    Sokoto Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) governorship candidate, Mallam Saidu Umar (Mallam Ubandoman Sokoto) has met with Sokoto traders association promising to revamp the economy and sustain the friendly business environment if elected.

    A statement by the New Media Aide to the governorship candidate, Nafiu Muhammad Lema, said Umar made the promise on Sunday during a meeting at the auditorium of Sokoto State Chambers of Commerce located within the Sokoto Trade Fair.

    Read Also : INEC confirms collection of 241,091 PVCs, 3,991 BVAS in Sokoto

    Umar said his administration will focus on the internally generated revenue in the State.

    According to him, if he’s elected his administration will outline plans to diversify the state economy by bringing in investors across the globe to generate revenue and provide the teeming young population with employment opportunities which will further the agenda for poverty alleviation in the State.

    He said other indigenous investors too will not be left out in the noble drive, as the State Government under his watch will liaise with relevant investment institutions to make sure they’re provided for.

    Umar also pledged to provide enabling environment for the traders to continue to thrive in their various areas of business.

    Members of the business community in Sokoto who spoke through their leaders, President Sokoto Chamber of Commerce, Alh Mu’azu Bello, Chairman of the Sokoto Traders Association, Alh Chika Sarkin Gishiri, and others affirmed their solidarity and loyalty to the PDP in Sokoto State.

    They assured they will mobilise and massively vote for its candidates at the polls later this month and the next month.

  • Nigerians in diaspora drum support for Tinubu

    Nigerians in diaspora drum support for Tinubu

    A group of Nigerians based in the United States under the auspices of Tinubu Presidential Forum (TPF) has intensified their sensitisation exercise, engaging fellow citizens, relatives as well as associates on the need to cast their votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    Some of these Nigerians especially those with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have also indicated plans to return home, cast their votes as well as mobilise the electorate on February 25 and March 11 to support Tinubu and other APC candidates.

    These were stated during a town hall meeting organised for Tinubu and Shettima at the Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois.

    The Coordinator, TPF Diaspora, Alh. Olatunji Quadri, said that the group would be embarking on many activities especially in the diaspora to ensure that the APC presidential candidate becomes President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor.

    Quadri, in a statement, jointly signed by the Director of Special Initiatives, Tola Banire, added that their conviction that Tinubu was the right candidate to lead the country formed their decision to mobilize Nigerians to support and vote for him.

    Read Also : ‘I returned to Nigeria to vote for Tinubu’

    According to him: “The Diaspora Nigerians are a very important demographic that cannot be ignored and as the election approaches, we need to reach out to our people, especially our families and associates with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) back home, ensuring that they cast their votes massively for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu during the presidential election on February 25th.

    “We will also like to encourage some of us to travel back to Nigeria for the election and be part of Asiwaju for president project in the country“.

    Banire said everyone in the group has decided to work individually and collectively for the APC presidential candidate and other flagbearers on the party’s platform.

    Also during the town hall meeting, the group presented Tinubu’s closest friend, Dr. Shaffideen Amuwo, an award for his outstanding contribution and support for Nigerians residing abroad especially in Chicago for over 54 years.

  • Wizkid reveals baby’s face

    Wizkid reveals baby’s face

    Afrobeats superstar Ayodeji Balogun aka Wizkid has shared pictures of his infant son with manager-cum-baby mama, Jada Pollock.

    In October 2022, Pollock broke the news of the birth of their second child in an Instagram post that showed her cradling her first son and new baby.

    She accompanied the picture with a caption that reads: “Beyond a blessing. Thank God for another year.”

    This is the second time, the pair will bare their son’s face to the world.

    Read Also : Wizkid ‘running’ from Nigeria to avoid litigation over alleged song theft – Blackface

    Last month, the music executive unveiled the face of the infant for the very first time via her Twitter handle while gushing over him and his elder brother

    Impressed by the end product of their ‘collaborations’, the 39-year-old celebrity manager wrote: “We really did this @wizkidayo.”

  • I get dragged for being beautiful – KimOprah

    I get dragged for being beautiful – KimOprah

    Former Big Brother Naija Season 4 housemate, Chinonso Opara aka KimOprah, has said critics on social media troll her for some of the most unimaginable reasons.

    Speaking in an interview with Hawa Magaji, the former beauty queen claimed she shockingly gets dragged for being beautiful

    She said: “People criticise me for the weirdest reason. How can you drag me for being beautiful?”

    “Sometimes, people also pit celebs against one another, creating animosity for no reason.”

    She recalled how she broke down after participation on the reality TV show as well as having to beg Denrele Edun for some gigs to keep body and soul together

    Read Also : Kim Oprah stuns on birthday

    “My life has been one of grace and blessings because some things happen and one wonders why.

    “I really broke down after Big Brother. I have never shared this story. I was really broken, because with pageantry, I did not get anywhere.

    “I thought BBN would be different because it was out of my comfort zone. My people advised me to try it because I had been in Lagos for about a year hosting events.

    “I recall that I used to tell Denrele Edun to give me some of the gigs that were below his pay grade.”