The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • The Miracle centre to hit cinemas on January 1

    The Miracle centre to hit cinemas on January 1

    A SATIRE from the stables of Kherut Films, ‘The Miracle Centre,’ is set to hit the silver screen on January 1.

    Produced by Bode Odetoye and directed by Niyi Towolawi, ‘The Miracle Centre’ features a stellar cast that includes Yemi Sodimu, Hafeez ‘Saka’ Oyetoro, Ayo Mogaji, Femi Adebayo, Ayobami ‘Woli Agba’ Ajewole, Etinosa Idemudia, Samuel ‘Broda Shaggi’ Perry, Rotimi Salami, Odunlade Adekola, Rachel Okonkwo, Mary Owen, Muyiwa Donald, Chinonso ‘Nons Miraj’ Uka, Ralph Niyi and a host of others.

    Speaking on the film, Towolawi said: “The Miracle Centre aka Panya is my proudest project to date and shows that filmmaking is a team effort at its best.

    A fun satire about the absurdities of corruption and how it corrupts a society, I hope viewers get a sense of appreciation of its message through the humour.”

    Filmed in Oyo State, Ibadan, the film plot sees an upright educator determined to bring about a change in the system to ensure a corrupt-free school and society is fraught with stiff opposition and challenges from a group of persons. Other thematic preoccupations include a glimpse into agriculture which is carefully juxtaposed with education.

  • Falz: Will Smith inspired me

    Falz: Will Smith inspired me

    By Sampson Unamka

     

    MULTITALENTED and Award-winning rapper, Falz has said that he was inspired by Popular American actor, producer and rapper, Will Smith.

    He made this known in a recent Instagram live interview when asked who inspired his type of talent in Africa or internationally.

    “Within Africa,  I cant really think of anyone, but outside Africa, I’ll say maybe Will Smith you know, that is someone that I kind off looked at and looked up too and I said okay this guy is kind of multifaceted and with his sort of life and everything as well so yeah he is probably the closest to it”, said Falz.

    On how he held strong during the unusual pandemic year and what changes it made for him, he said “The pandemic has been rough, the roughest year by far, so many things have happened, we have lost so many heroes, we have lost so many warriors, but I think it definitely changed a lot, it changed my perspective, it changed my mindset in the sense that I started to see that what we, when I say we I mean we artist and performing act saw as a big stream of income this year was completely cut out, there was a big learning curve and that is me seeing that we have to keep as many streams open as possible because if you only rely on that anything can happen at anytime you know so for me one thing I had always wanted to do was to start a production company, film and television production company so this year was the perfect opportunity, we started that, we put out our first show called `Therapy’ featuring myself, Toke Makinwa and Bovi on Youtube, at the end of the day that was our first project, then and our first ever movie at the box office is in the cinemas right now “Quam’s money’ it is  a collaboration we have co executive producers though now I could proudly say my production house, House 21 has gone on to work on two major projects now”, said Falz.

  • My role in Ayinla Omowura, by Lateef Adedimeji

    My role in Ayinla Omowura, by Lateef Adedimeji

    By Gbenga Bada

     

    LATEEF Adedimeji Adetola has expressed delight over the opportunity to play the titular role in Tunde Kelani and Jade Osiberu’s new production, Àyìnlá.

    “When I say several things are working in your life beyond your imaginations! This year is proof. In the midst of it all, Ayinla the movie dropped in my laps,” he noted.

    Adedimeji couldn’t contain his joy of working with Tunde Kelani, whom he referred to as a living legend.

    “I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity given to me by the living legend Tunde Kelani mostly for trusting me to do justice to the character Ayinla.

    There were times I almost gave up, you held my hand and walked me all the way through the process. Your words of encouragement and prayers kept me going.

    Thank you baba mi,” Lateef said.

    Continuing, the charismatic actor says, “This year has been a roller coaster of bumpy rides especially with the whole pandemic and numerous lockdown ish but God still kept me standing through it all. Who am I not to ascribe all thanks to Him?”

    Lateef also took time to heap praises on the film’s producer, Jade Osiberu, and Kunle Afolayan, saying, “To my sister, Jade Osiberu, my ever gallant producer, I know you’re a great lover of my craft, I am grateful and will never take it for granted. To my Egbon, Kunle Afolayan, thank you for making me learn from your wealth of experience. To my colleagues, the entire cast and crew of this great masterpiece, I am proud to be part of this movie and it was such an honor doing this with you all. Thank you.”

    ‘Ayinla,’ a biopic on the life and times of Apala musician, Ayinla Waheed Yusuf, will feature Lateef Adedimeji Adetola as the lead character, Bimbo Manuel, Bimbo Ademoye, Kunle Afolayan, Omowunmi Dada, Ade Laoye, and many others. The film is directed and filmed by Tunde Kelani and produced by Jade Osiberu.

  • CAN, RCCG, Winners drop Crossover Night services

    CAN, RCCG, Winners drop Crossover Night services

     Gbenga Omokhunu, Osagie Otabor

     

    THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Living Faith Church Worldwide (a.k.a. Winners Chapel), have backed down on their insistence to hold Crossover services in churches tomorrow.

    They announced, on Tuesday, adjustments in their programmes to ensure that none of their members violates the 12 midnight – 4am curfew imposed by the Federal Government as part of measures to contain COVID-19 spread.

    The CAN aligned with government’s ban on watchnight (crossover) service that usually heralds the New Year.

    The association said the service, which normally extends to 12am on the first day of the year, should not hold, so that Christians can maintain a strict adherence to COVID-19, protocols.

    But the Osun State government reviewed its position on the countdown to the New Year.

    “The government has decided to allow crossover religious gatherings, being sensitive to the mood of the season. But any organisation holding crossover service must note that they are expected to close the service early and everyone must be off the streets by 1am,” Osun Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, said.

    CAN’s National President Rev. Samson Ayokunle advised state chapters to adhere strictly to directives by relevant government authorities on the crossover night service.

    “There is no sacrifice that is too much to put an end to the Coronavirus pandemic in the interest of all and sundry,” Ayokunle said in a statement in Abuja yesterday.

    Already, the Ondo State government has vowed to prosecute any church leader that may violate its ban on the midnight service.

    However, in Lagos State, the local chapter of CAN and the state government agreed that services should end by 11pm tomorrow.

    In a memo to all parishes signed by its Assistant General Overseer (AGO) in charge of Admin/Personnel, Pastor Johnson Odesola, the RCCG said it will do live streaming of the Crossover Service tomorrow night.

    Read Also: Lagos govt, CAN differ over crossover services

    It urged members to link up virtually on Dove Television and other on-line platform.

    The January 8 Holy Ghost Service (HGS) will also be conducted by the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, virtually, Odesola said in the memo.

    According to him, the mission took the decision in compliance with the government’s directive.

    It was also learnt that Winners’ Chapel service and Bishop David Oyedpo’s sermon scheduled to kick-off from 6pm tomorrow, will be streamed live and viewed by members at all viewing centres affiliated to the church.

    Winners’ Chapel will stream He said: “Where the government places an embargo on the Crossover Night service, churches may meet earlier to praise and give God praises for the gift of life despite the pandemic and to place their requests for 2021 before God.

    Ayokunle, who urged Christian leaders to cooperate with the government, said the directive was understandable. “We understand the unfortunate state COVID19 infection has put everybody world over, which caused some state governments to place total ban on crossover night service and we are not happy that we would not be able to enter into the New Year prayerfully in joint fellowship with our brothers and sisters.

    “We, however, urge you all to abide by the directives of each state government on this so as to prevent the spread of the infection. One thing that is certain is that, the end of COVID-19 is here at last in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ.

    “In those states, services should be closed about 10:30pm or at most 11:00pm to enable worshippers to return home on time. It is a passing phase and this too shall pass away in Jesus Name. Very soon, the pandemic will become history and we will return to our usual routine services in Jesus’ Name.”

    Ondo State government warned church leaders against violating its directives to avoid prosecution.

    It read the riot act in response to a statement by the state chairman of CAN, Rev. John Oladapo, that churched should hold cross over service in defiance of the state government directive.

    Oladapo was reported to have called on Christians to disregard the government’s directive because relevant stakeholders were not consulted.

    But, the Chairman of the Ondo State Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, said COVID-19 was primarily a health issue and not a religious issue.

    Lagos CAN chairman Bishop Steven Adegbite, who backed down on earlier directive to members that they end the service by 12.15am and that members who could not return home should pass the night in churches till day break.

    In a statement by Adegbite supported government’s directive that the crossover service should terminate by 11 pm.

    Lagos State Government had previously ordered all worship centres to suspend night services, vigils and crossover events.

    The state also announced a 12am to 4am curfew as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

    Adegbite said: “As part of our responsibility as a law-abiding organisation and in response to the appeal made to us by the state government, we hereby direct that all churches should ensure their services on 31st of December, 2020 end at 11:00 pm so as to allow attendees get to their respective homes and places of rest on or before 12:00 midnight when the curfew will start.”

     

     

  • #EndSARS: Man seeks compensation for N38m loss

    #EndSARS: Man seeks compensation for N38m loss

     Bisi Olaniyi, Benin

     

    DEMIAN Oyendikwe (59) is seeking compensation for the N38 million goods he lost to the #EndSARS protest.

    Oyendikwe, who appeared before the Edo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry for Victims of SARS and Related Abuses on Thursday, said creditors are demanding for their money.

    The businessman lamented that his warehouse at Eribo Estate, Textile Mill Road, Benin, was looted by hoodlums.

    He said: “The government should assist me because the loss is enormous. The institutions that gave me the loans are on my neck.

    “I decided to approach the panel for help to liquidate the debts.”

    The panel also told a Police Inspector, Mrs. Christiana Afekhai, who asked for compensation for her vandalised car worth N800,000, that it would be out of place to ask the state to buy her a new car when the vandalised vehicle could be fixed.

    Afekhai said hoodlums vandalised her car where it was packed at Ugbekun police in Benin, broke the windscreen and stole the battery.

    Panel members however agreed to visit the mechanical workshop where Afekhai’s car was being repaired.

  • Delta council polls: Forum vows to resist imposition of candidate

    Delta council polls: Forum vows to resist imposition of candidate

     Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

     

    “THE Natives of Ughelli North’ has warned of mass protest should a chairmanship candidate be imposed on the people for the March 6 local government election.

    A statement by its President, Daniel Awusa and Secretary Olokpa Felix, alleged of plans by a political party to impose a candidate against the people’s will. They said the plan is an attempt to disenfranchise the electorate.

    The statement reads, “Rumour has it that some leaders in Ughelli North are planning to impose a candidate on the people. We are saying no to such plan because it will not happen.”

    Read Also: Hit-and-run driver kills man in Delta

    Awusa said as the tenure of Godwin Adode winds up, the people are poised to frustrate his return for a second term and ‘would not allow anything that can put Ughelli North into a second phase of pain, hunger, and insecurity as experienced in the tenure of the outgoing chairman’.

    “It will not happen because the few leaders are doing so for their selfish end. In the event of an imposition, we are ready for a repeat of the #EndSARS protest.”

    But, another group, Ughelli North Concerned Group for Good Governance (UNCGG) passed a vote of confidence in Adode. It said the area ‘witnessed tremendous development and has been nearly absolute crime-free since assumption of office almost three years ago’.

     

     

     

  • Bayelsa to communities: raise capable teams on GMoU

    Bayelsa to communities: raise capable teams on GMoU

     Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

     

    BAYELSA State has emphasised the need for communities to raise credible and competent representatives to oversee the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) they enter into with corporate bodies operating in their areas.

    Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo spoke at a meeting with representatives of Egbemo-Angalabiri community in Sagbama Local Government Area.

    Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement by his media aide, Doubara Atasi, decried a situation where serving chiefs and other community leaders enlist themselves as members of the GMoU committee. He described the trend as an anomaly that must stop.

    According to the deputy governor, Chiefs-in Council, as the highest decision making body, is expected to be above board and play a watchdog role over GMoU and other important committees in the administration of their communities.

    Read Also: Bayelsa’s road project for January

    He identified fairness, equity and selflessness as some of the major characteristics of leadership, and urged the community stakeholders to ensure that capable people are selected to run the affairs of the community.

    The deputy governor, who urged the people to shun divisive actions that will undermine the peace and unity of Egbemo-Angalabiri, stressed that communities need competent individuals to manage their GMoU with companies.

    He said: “One of the things our people need to know is that oil companies are always happy when there is disunity in our communities because while you are busy fighting yourselves, the money meant for your development will be taken away and they will not bring it back, even after you have stopped the fight.

    “So you should know that while you continue to fight over this GMoU issue, what is supposed to come to your community is denied you forever.

    “I find it ridiculous, if it is true, that Chiefs-in-Council are members of the GMoU Committee. That is an anomaly. I don’t know how we descend to this point because chiefs are the highest decision making body. If the GMoU has a problem, it is the chiefs that should manage and resolve it…”

  • APC faction kicks as Appeal Court sacks Aguma

    APC faction kicks as Appeal Court sacks Aguma

     Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

     

    THE Igo Aguma-led All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has rejected the Court of Appeal’s judgment which set aside the High Court decision which declared Aguma chairman of the caretaker committee.

    The Appeal Court in Abuja  set aside the June 2020 judgment of Justice George Omereji of the State High Court, Port Harcourt, that affirmed Aguma as chairman of the caretaker committee.

    It also affirmed Isaac Abbot Ogbobula as chairman of the caretaker committee.

    The faction appointed Aguma’s deputy, Ben Chioma, to act temporarily as committee chairman pending the completion of its appeal at the Supreme Court.

    A statement by Aguma’s media adviser, Livingstone Wechie, described the judgment as unacceptable. He said the party would appeal at the Supreme Court.

    According to Wechie, the court erred in its decision to rule on the matter that was already a subject of appeal at the Supreme.

    He said: “We have always known this fact and, it is undisputable that the case, being a pre-election matter, has been challenged at the Supreme Court.

    “Being a pre-election matter therefore, the Appeal Court had no jurisdiction to hear the APC appeal ab initio. The appeal was filed in July as an afterthought by the National Caretaker Committee, after the Adams Oshiomhole-led Committee which accepted the judgment and communicated same to Aguma on June 23 had been dissolved in defiance to the National Executive Committee (NEC) directive.

    “The 1999 Constitution as amended makes it clear that pre-election matters are to be filed within 14 days. The APC appeal is clearly over a month after the judgment was given and as such the Appeal Court had no jurisdiction to hear it in the first instance.

    Read Also: APC celebrates Bagudu, Dogara on their birthdays

    “This is our case. In fact the Supreme Court has been asked in the earlier appeal by Ogbobula to determine whether this is a pre-election matter. In line with judicial procedures, there is an Affidavit of Facts before the Appeal Court in respect of the appeals pending at the Supreme Court but the Appeal Court in its wisdom chose to go ahead anyways….”

    “This judgment is strange and shall be further tested at the Supreme Court because as the bonafide leadership of the APC in Rivers State, we shall not allow our party be denied justice because the law is trite and in our favour.”

    Chioma urged party members to remain calm and wait for the decision of the apex court. He, however, said APC must be on the ballot for the local government elections.

    He said: “We have been briefed on the Court of Appeal judgment and I urge party faithful in to remain calm and resolute as we have already instructed our lawyers to appeal the judgment at the Supreme Court while we continue with our preparations for the 2021 local government elections. APC must be on the ballot and there is no going back.”

     

  • NCDC testing samples to determine new variant

    NCDC testing samples to determine new variant

    Moses Emorinken, Abuja

     

    THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Tuesday stated that it has begun the process of sequencing covid-19 samples to determine whether the new variant found in the United Kingdom (UK) is in the country.

    Stating that it suspects that the UK variant of the virus is already in the country, the NCDC stressed that only sequencing can determine that, and the process will take some weeks.

    The agency further disclosed that the new variant has not been linked with difference in known symptoms and severity in cases. It said the new variant is only linked with a higher transmission, which is evident in the rise in the number of new cases in recent times.

    Read Also: COVID-19: NCDC records 712 new infections

    The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, disclosed this during the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Control briefing in Abuja.

    He said: “We know that there is a new variant of the virus circulating in the UK but like we have said severally, there are new variants of viruses appearing all the time. The question is whether this new variant is associated with any increase in transmission or severity. We don’t know that yet but we suspect that this variant is already in Nigeria. It will be surprising if it is not, but we simply don’t know yet.

    “So, what we are doing is collecting samples of most cases and working to do the sequencing that we need to do in order to verify if these variants exist in Nigeria or not. It will take us a couple of weeks to have enough samples to analyse, to then define whether we have this new variant or not.”

     

     

  • Niger council chair impeached

    Niger council chair impeached

    Justina Asishana, Minna

     

    THE Chairman of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State Suleiman Chukuba, has been impeached.

    Chukuba was impeached by the councillors during their sitting in Kuta, the headquarters of Shiroro council.

    It was learnt that 11 of 14 councillors voted for his impeachment at the sitting which was presided by the Leader of the House, Yusuf Aliyu.

    The allegations against Chukuba included the withdrawal and spending of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) without due process or approval from the legislative council.

    Read Also: Nigeria not a failed state

    He was also accused of not keeping accurate account of how the money was expended and he was also accused of refusing to present to the legislative council, the estimate of revenues and expenditures of the local government for the year.

    The 14 councillors then proceeded to the Government House in Minna for a meeting with some key government officials after their impeachment sitting.