The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Some Yoruba politicians derailed from Awolowo’s ideology – Academia

    Some Yoruba politicians derailed from Awolowo’s ideology – Academia

    A Dubai-based Nigerian academic Dr. Layo Adeniyi has lamented some Yoruba politicians who used the name of Pa. Obafemi Awolowo to win elections have deviated from the ideology of the late sage.

    He said some of the politicians are just using Awolowo’s name to market themselves to win elections, saying many of them don’t execute Awolowo’s policies after their emergence.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the launching of his book titled “Awoism, Exemplary integrity and welfarism”, Adeniyi noted the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) used Awolowo’s name to market themselves to Yoruba’s but derailed from what Awolowo did in Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) when he was in government.

    According to him, UPN was a continuation of Action Group (AG), which established universities as well as offered free education and medical services to people.

    “When AD came, they used Awolowo’s name to become Governors. At the end of the day, they started increasing school fees of universities established by Awolowo which was meant to give free education to Yoruba children.

    “All state universities are now charging over N300,000 as school fees. Those Governors who increased school fees in their respective states are those who benefited from Awolowo’s free education policy.

    Read Also : Yoruba Nation: Police arrest 10, dismantle camp in Lagos

    “Awoism is free education at all levels for every Yoruba child, free health and medical program, enduring policies that encourage agriculture, rural development and infrastructural development, it is about Yorubas in diaspora coming back to contribute their quota to their fathers land.”

    Speaking on behalf of the Awolowo’s family, Dr. (Mrs) Tokunbo Awolowo described her father as a man whose fatherhood transcended to divine fatherhood of millions of generations after him and generations yet unborn.

    She noted that Awolowo’s 78 years on earth touched many lives and impacted Nigerians, particularly the Yorubas.

    She urged Nigerians to choose the right leader in the general elections, adding that politicians should also take Awolowo’s advice on relationships with people.

  • Kola Abiola hits FG over cash swap implementation

    Kola Abiola hits FG over cash swap implementation

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) Kola Abiola has faulted the Federal Government for imposing untold hardship on Nigerians with the flawed implementation of the naira redesign and cash swap by the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).

    Abiola made this position known in a statement by the PRP Presidential Campaign Council at the weekend.

    He said it was unfortunate that a policy such as a currency redesign/swap, which should lead to improved financial inclusion and protect the interest of the masses, has been implemented in an insensitive manner by the current administration, thereby excluding the underserved citizens from the financial system.

    He promised that, if elected, such uncoordinated and insensitive actions will become a thing of history.

    “We will never again experience this kind of avoidable misfortune that has befallen the citizens of this great country. As an administration, we will demand sound policies and coordinated implementation across board from CBN such that things will be done the correct way,” he said.

    He urged the electorates to let their votes speak loudly come February 25 by electing him, assuring Nigerians that the party will implement people-centered policies.

    Read Also : Kola Abiola storms Ibadan, promises true federalism if elected

    He stressed that the PRP holds the golden key to unlocking and redeeming the people from the shackles of oppression and regressive government policies.

    “A PRP-led government will introduce and implement a Cost of Living Adjustment policy (COLA). Through a well-structured means test to determine eligibility of each family unit, we will alleviate the hardships experienced by unemployed or underemployed citizens,” he assured.

  • I made my dad, Nigeria more famous – Kiddwaya

    I made my dad, Nigeria more famous – Kiddwaya

    Reality TV star, Kiddwaya Terseer has gloated about attracting more fame to his billionaire father, Terry Waya.

    He also claimed Nigerian gained more popularity on the international scene because of him.

    In an interview with Savvy Media Africa, on its 13th issue, he said the entertainment industry has become cool and globally accepted because of individuals like him.
    The former BBNaija ‘Lock Down’ housemate explained he achieved all those through the platform given to him by the organisers of the reality TV show where he did not just fully represent his state, Benue but also the country and the continent at large.

    Addressing how he’s been able to make a mark in life and business independent of his billionaire father’s name, Waya stated: “Not only have I made my father more famous but I’ve also made Nigeria more famous. This is the best time to be in the Nigerian entertainment industry and I’m one of the reasons why it’s cool to be us!

    Read Also : Stop coming to gym with body odour – Kiddwaya vents

    “I know some people will cry about the statement I just made, but I’m one of the few people who has had the pleasure of working with established institutions in the western world such as BBC, Channel 4/5, The Times, The Sun, and of course the Hollywood giant Brian Cox, etc.

    “I continue to rep Africa and Nigeria; carrying the flag for my nation. I also put Benue, my beautiful state on the map!

    Furthermore, the fitness enthusiast blasted critics who would want to disapprove of his claims, urging them to cry nonstop.

    He added: “I did that when I was on BBN so if you don’t agree with my statement then you can cry today, cry tomorrow and cry forever. Period!”

  • Seun Kuti blasts PSquare over campaign for Obi

    Seun Kuti blasts PSquare over campaign for Obi

    Seun Kuti, the youngest son of legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, has lashed out at the PSquare brothers over active campaign for Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi.

    In an Instagram Live session, the Afrobeat musician fumed about the pop singers ‘sudden’ love for the populace, querying where the love was 10 to 20 years ago.

    Kuti argued people like PSquare who have wined and dined with rich men with politicians were in no position to tell the suffering masses who to vote for because they would be speaking from a biased point of view.

    He insisted only the suffering populace could solve the problems confronting the nation and not those who created or were benefitting from the problems.

    Speaking passionately, Big Bird said: “The people that are going through the pain of this country are the ones that can solve the problem of this country, not the one that are causing the pain or benefitting from it.

    “Shey after PSquare don do enough shows for all the rich men and politicians of this country, na today Peter wan dey tell me say him know what is good for Nigeria?

    “We that we abstained from that scene, we refused to condone, we refused to bow, we refused to sing any song we dem go like. No politician can hear any of my songs and smile.

    “That’s why my songs aren’t on the radio because they own all the radio. That’s why my songs aren’t on the TV because they own all the TV.

    “That’s why all the social media boys don’t praise my songs. You know why? Because these mudaf*ckers own them.

    “After they’ve played the game, they’ve hyped them up, they sit down here with you to tell you that they love you.

    “Why didn’t they love you 10 years ago? Ask PSquare why didn’t they love you 20years ago. When they were jumping up and down with PDP all over the place, with different politicians; why didn’t they love you then?”

    Read Also : Seun Kuti urges Africans to promote African-made products

    Speaking further, the 40-year-old saxophonist urged Nigerians not to be bamboozled by who spread the narrative that the country was in it worst state ever because according to him, that wasn’t the case.

    He advised them to embrace the habit of reading about the country’s history so that they are not bamboozled by such talks, stressing the nation didn’t go bad just today but had been in worse state than this in time past.

    “Did Nigeria suddenly just spoil today? Is it today? Because all of you, I don’t know what is wrong with you. Even you don’t know what is wrong with you. Did Nigeria just spoil today?

    “They go, ‘Eh Nigeria has never been this bad’. Is this worse than civil war? Nigeria has always been through civil war. So definitely Nigeria has been worse than than this. And it can still get even worse than this. Don’t let anybody bamboozle you.

    “Go and study about ‘Operation Wetie. Go and read about the First Republic in this country. You people don’t want to be historical. You don’t want to know who you are. You want to listen to the latest song,” he added.

  • I love Portable’s interviews – Olamide Baddo

    I love Portable’s interviews – Olamide Baddo

    Popular indigenous rapper and record label boss Olamide Baddo has declared love for interviews of singer Portable.

    In a recent interview with one Timi Agbaje, Portable expressed his desire to win a Grammy award.

    He said he hoped to win the ‘Best Artiste in Africa’ category at the world’s most prestigious musical award event even though such a category doesn’t exist.

    The ‘Zazu’ crooner insisted he had to be honoured by the international music body noting he didn’t want any of the local awards that were being ‘sold up and down’.

    He also questioned the musical prowess of those who have received awards, arguing they were no match for him in they were to compete.

    The ‘Ika of Africa’ also addressed the issue about why he loves to quarrel and drag people who try to rip him online.

    Read Also : I want to win ‘Best Artiste in Africa’ at Grammy- Portable

    Reacting to Portable’s speech and mannerism during his interview(s), the YBNL boss revealed he lovee everyone of them.

    “I love zazu’s interviews. You de whine?” Olamide tweeted alongside a laughing emoji.

    Portable became famous in 2022 after featuring Baddo Sneh alongside Poco Lee on what became a smash street jam, “Zazoo Zehh”.

    Since then he has continued to thrive, with his release of coinages which have becomes slangs widely used by many both online and offline, as well as new songs.

    Well-known for calling out business partners or colleagues on his Instagram page for ‘ripping’ him, he has managed to endear himself to many despite his controversial yet confident personality.

  • Gunmen kill varsity lecturer in Anambra

    Gunmen kill varsity lecturer in Anambra

    A lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Anthony Eze, was killed by gunmen on Tuesday.

    Prof. Eze was of the Faculty of Education.

    The Nation gathered that the assailants stormed the deceased’s residence in Awka with a Toyota Corolla car, and shot him at close range.

    A resident, who pleaded for anonymity, said the prof tried to run when he saw the assailants, but they rushed at him and shot him repeatedly in the chest.

    He said: “We were here this morning when the man drove out of his house and suddenly a Toyota Corolla car pulled towards his house entrance. When he tried to drive back in, they followed him and shot him, emptying about four bullets into his chest. As soon as they executed their plot, they fled while we ran for our lives.”

    The man said the deceased was rushed to the General Hospital, Amaku, where he was confirmed dead.

    Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said the command was yet to receive information about the incident, but UNIZIK’s acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Chika Ene, confirmed it. She, however, said she was yet to receive full details of the incident.

  • Osimhen draws comparison with Batistuta, Ronaldo

    Osimhen draws comparison with Batistuta, Ronaldo

    Victor Osimhen’s impressive display for Napoli this season continues to attract accolades within Italy as yesterday’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport analyses Osimhen’s impressive performances by drawing comparisons with Gabriel Batistuta, Didier Drogba, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

    The Super Eagles star is the highest goal scorer in the Serie A this season with 16 goals from 17 appearances including a brace in the weekend’s game against Spezia.

    One of his two goals came with a header that saw the 24-year-old jump higher than Cristiano Ronaldo in 2019 when CR7 scored one of his most impressive goals for Juventus against Sampdoria.

    Osimhen is arguably Serie A’s best striker this season and has been compared to some of the best strikers of the last two decades, including ex-Fiorentina and Roma striker Batistuta, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, Edinson Cavani and Samuel Eto’o.

    His goal against Roma in the last meeting with the Giallorossi at the Stadio Maradona in January was reminiscent of Batistuta’s great strikes in Serie A, noted G.B. Olivero.

    “It’s not just about power,” explained La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Osimhen, like Batistuta, is able to read every situation well and often finds himself in the best position to score.”

    Just like ex-Napoli striker Cavani’ Osimhen is always on the move’ and attacks the space like his notorious predecessor. The quality of his teammates, especially Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, does the rest.

    Also, Gazzetta also noted that due to his physicality, it is hard to win duels with Osimhen who also earned a comparison with Inter legend Samuel Eto’o thanks to his pace and ability to press the opposing defences.

  • Peseiro offers Golden Eaglets success tips

    Peseiro offers Golden Eaglets success tips

    Head Coach of the Super Eagles, José Santos Peseiro said he was convinced that Nigeria is a country flowing with an abundance of football talents, after watching the training sessions of the U17 boys, Golden Eaglets on Monday morning at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project pitch, Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

    The Portuguese tactician admitted he was very impressed with the performance of the players, and charged them to keep improving their game as preparations for the Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Algeria hot up. He also admonished players that would eventually be dropped not to be dejected as that would not be the end of their football career.

    “I am impressed with what I have seen with the performance of the players here. Nigeria is known for having very talented players, so I am therefore not surprised with the performance of these players,” Peseiro said.

    “You have to keep working hard and keep improving your game. Unfortunately, not all the players here will be selected. You should not give up if you fail to make the final team,” he added.

    The Golden Eaglets have been drawn in Group B of the Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Algeria, where the team will trade tackles with Zambia, Morocco and South Africa in the city of Constantine.

  • Lagos host inaugural athletics club series Feb 19

    Lagos host inaugural athletics club series Feb 19

    Lagos Athletics Association (LASAA) is pioneering the maiden edition of the athletics club series on February 19 at the Yaba College of Technology.

    According to the chairman of LASAA , Solomon Alao, the championship is aimed at engaging the athletes in a bid to keep them in shape for major events.

    “We want to keep the athletes busy in the best way possible and to make them competitive as well as provide an avenue where the young ones can compete with the best in the country,” Alao said.

    He added: “To foster friendship, develop the spirit of competitiveness and to help put Lagos on the map once again as the centre for athletics development.”

    The Technical Director of LASAA, Enefiok Udo-Obong , said N10m would be competed for in four legs of the series.

    “In total, athletes will compete in four legs and they will be aiming to share the N10m cash prize. It is the biggest rewarding competition in the history of athletics in Nigeria. The league format is innovative as it has never happened before and it is hoped that World Athletics would adopt a similar stance to make athletics a follow-able sport,” he said.

    He, however, said that the championship is an open event but participants must register with their clubs to take part in the competition.

    Apart from the main event, Alao said schools within Lagos state would compete among themselves in the schools’ invitational to give the students the chance to showcase their talents and be discovered by top coaches.

    The one-day event will have athletes compete in 100, 200, 400m, 400m hurdles, 800m, 4X100m relay, and long-distance races like 1500m, 3000m, and 5000m.

    Winners in each event will garner points while the top 12 in each event will earn bonus points for their efforts.

  • Princess, Samantha join Arafa, OJ Posharella for Real Housewives of Abuja

    Princess, Samantha join Arafa, OJ Posharella for Real Housewives of Abuja

    Two other members of the cast of the Real Housewives of Abuja have joined OJ Osharella and Arafa as the first season kicks off on February 17.

     The two new casts revealed are Princess Jecoco and Samantha.

     Princess Umeh-Ubaka aka Princess Jecoco is referred to as an energy queen, vibes goddess, ginger mama, and the life of the party. The trained lawyer, brand ambassador, influencer, content creator, YouTuber, and hotelier is currently the MD of the Sefcon group of hotels and married with two beautiful kids. The Borno State-born beauty has got blue blood running through her veins as she is a true princess.

     On her part, Samantha H. Homossany is a fashion diva with a bit of mystery to her. She is a mom, businesswoman, wellness entrepreneur, humanitarian, and the creative director of Zohi Taglit. She’s also the founder/director of ASTA Foundation, a non-profit organisation aimed at empowering vulnerable women and children. Samantha is passionate about art, fashion, and style. Born and raised in Benue State, Samantha is a good friend, a loyalist, and an introvert who can be extroverted when she is in the right company. She is not dramatic but will hit it off when her buttons get pushed.