The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Buhari mourns veteran highlife star, Chris Mba

    Buhari mourns veteran highlife star, Chris Mba

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled the family, friends, and fans of veteran Nigerian pop and highlife star, Chris Mba, who died on Wednesday in Lagos.

    In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, lauded the memory of Mba, whose talent and hard work he reckoned was recognised by Nigerians, including major institutions within the entertainment industry in the country.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari extends deepest condolences to family, friends, and fans of Chris Mba, one of the icons of Nigerian highlife music, whose works brought excitement to many households and his admirers in social and corporate functions.

    “In paying tribute to the gifted voice, the President recognizes the contributions of the artiste to the growth of the Nigerian music and entertainment industry, a feat recognised and celebrated by his colleagues in the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) and Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN).

    “The President prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed, and comfort for those who mourn”, the statement said.

  • Bayanni: I don’t feel pressure being on Mavins

    Bayanni: I don’t feel pressure being on Mavins

    The name Abimbola Oladokun does not definitely ring a bell but at the mention of Bayanni, millions of fans of the young Mavin records signee will quickly jump out to see what the singing sensation is currently up to. Bayanni is one of the reigning artists from Nigeria whose songs have taken the music landscape by storm after he was discovered by music production maestro Don Jazzy. THE NATION’s ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR GBENGA BADA had a chat with the youngster on his music, stardom and more

    Let’s start with your current single, which even got a remix with Jason Derulo, tell me about the feeling.

    It feels really amazing to have one of my favourite artists on my song. I am definitely ticking that off my bucket list.

    So are you working on more of such collaborations like the one with Jason Derulo from you?

    Yes, all these and more! The goal is for my music to reach every corner of the world. I will continue to work hard to make this dream come true.

    Are you planning on shooting a video for the remix soon?

    Oh yes. The video will be dropping really soon.

    So, as a youngster, what influences your music?

    I make music that cuts across all areas. My mood influences my music. I make music based on how I feel at the time.

    You joined Don Jazzy’s Mavin records after an online trend, how has that helped or changed your work ethic?

    Yes. Since I got signed into Mavin, I have improved in major key areas of my music. I have learned how to make the best use of my main instrument which is my voice. I have also learned to be consistent in my delivery, which has contributed to my relevance in the music industry.

    Don’t you feel pressured being on Mavin records with other unique and trending artists?

    No. I do not feel pressured, rather I feel motivated to do better today than I did yesterday.

    So, you are Bayaani, what does that mean?

    Bayanni is of Philippine origin, and it means someone who is brave, fearless and determined.

    I’m curious, how did you meet Don Jazzy?

    On the 22nd of December 2019, around 2:30 a.m, Don Jazzy sent me a direct message on Instagram. I was asleep but for some reason, I was feeling uneasy in my sleep, so I woke up at about 5:30 a.m, picked up my phone and the first thing I saw was a direct message from Don Jazzy saying ‘Bonjour’. It took me at least 15 minutes to process the whole thing and reply. He said he saw my freestyle videos and thought to have a chat with me. I felt great the first time I met Don Jazzy in person. It was at that moment I knew there was no going back.

    The world has accepted and is now focused on Afrobeats. How does this reality affect your music and how do you intend to keep the spotlight?

    It’s a big blessing to be part of the Afrobeats movement. One thing I am sure of is that I’ll make sure to keep the flag high.

    There’s this talk about many Afrobeats acts relying on made beats and not giving fans live band experience. Do you agree and in your opinion, how do you think artists can showcase their creativity better at live events?

    My opinion is that sometimes the stage or set up may not be conducive enough for a live band performance. I love performing live to my audience but if the stage isn’t set up well and spaced enough for my band to perform with me, it may be difficult. These are some of the reasons and it is mostly up to the organisers of events and shows.

    Tell me something not many know about Bayanni?

    Something many people don’t know about me is that I trade forex. I’m a pro forex trader.

    You are a trained accountant with a degree from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), why music?

    Well, I think everyone has that one thing they know they are best at. Mine was making music. I always knew I would do music; the signs were there from when I was a child. By the time I told my parents I wanted to pursue my music career after school, they didn’t even hinder me. They supported me whole heartedly because they already saw it coming too.

    More musicians are joining the cast of some of the biggest movies. Are you open to exploring acting?

    I have always wanted to do acting too, and I have plans to explore the movie industry as well. In time, we will see how that goes.

    In your opinion, how important is creating a unique identity for a recording artist?

    It is as important as your branding, it’s important that people are able to connect with who is behind the mic. In most cases, it strengthens the artist’s fan base.

    Tell me a bit about your fashion sense

    Most times, I like to wear what makes me comfortable

    What’s your typical day like?

    My typical day is waking up to check the forex charts, cleaning up, checking my to-do list, then carrying out my day by making sure I tick everything I have to do on the list.

    What else is in the works that fans should look forward to?

    Definitely, it has to be beautiful music, plenty of beautiful music.

    Who are your greatest musical influences and how have they influenced your music?

    Some of my greatest musical influences are Wande Coal, Olamide, Davido, Wizkid, Fela, Lagbaja (the names I remember at this point). They all had a huge impact on my music because I listened to them while growing up. I picked up a lot from their styles of music.

    .

  • Pa Fasoranti convenes book launch on Tinubu

    Pa Fasoranti convenes book launch on Tinubu

    All is now set for the official launch of the book: ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Season of Success Stories.’

    The book which chronicles the immense contribution and colossal achievements of Nigeria’s President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will come under the spotlight at a high-level book launch convened by Afenifere National leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti (OFR), who is also the chief host of the event.

    The launch will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023, by 10.30 am at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos.

    It has as chairman Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi (OON) APC Chieftain and the chairman, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).

    The book has its foreword by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

     ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Season of Success Stories’ was published by Global Topten Enterprises and has as Editor-In-Chief, a former legislator and former director at the presidency, Ayotunde Akinfolarin.

    According to the national book launch planning committee, led by Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Pa Fasoranti has invited Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to be the guest speaker, while the Event’s Hostess/Guest of Honour is the Iyaloja General of Lagos State, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.

    In the foreword, Gbajabiamila writes: “The Publishers/Editor-In-Chief and their team have demonstrated unquestionable patriotic zeal and uncommon commitment to the Asiwaju Tinubu’s project. The Book has not only brought out the outstanding virtues and values of our President-elect but has also reminded us successfully that Bola Tinubu has been in the past, present and will also as President-elect in the future be an excellent manager of resources and a great driver of our National socio-political and economic growth and development.”

  • Conflict in Sudan: NSCIA expresses worries

    Conflict in Sudan: NSCIA expresses worries

    The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, is appalled by the bitter political rivalry that has metamorphosed into a bloody military conflict in Sudan.

    According to a statement signed by its Director of Administration,

    Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, the Council worried by the devastation that the conflict has wrought on civilian life and the attendant losses of hundreds of lives and critical Sudanese infrastructure. “The gory sights of dead and decapitated bodies on the streets of Khartoum leave less to be desired and question our humanity,” the NSCIA said.

    The group also noted that several thousands of people had also been displaced and stranded as a result of the ugly development, with reports of gross violations and abuse coming from them.

    The NSCIA said that those still in Sudan are finding it extremely difficult to access food, water, and medical attention, adding that “the whole scenario is scary and heart-rending.”

    The group wondered why the two gladiators in the conflict, General Abdul Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti) cannot resolve their differences in a peaceful manner, accusing them of flexing their military muscles at the expense of the innocent civilians who are struggling daily to eke out a legitimate living.

    “This bitter fighting is uncalled for as leadership is all about serving the interest of the people and not advancing personal egos and interests. The Sudanese people have endured a distressed economy and the attendant high costs of goods and services for some time but adding the prospects of a civil war to the equation is a needless escalation of the misery of the vast majority of the people,” the group said.

    Given the strategic position of Sudan, the NSCIA said the ongoing bloodshed has the potential of creating a domino effect on other African countries, especially those in the Sahel region, therefore “All hands must be on deck to extinguish the smouldering cauldron before it gets worse to become an uncontrollable conflagration. A stitch in time saves nine.”

    The Council hereby calls on the United Nations to immediately send in the peace- keeping forces to restore peace and order to Sudan. This is expedient in order to prevent the crisis from not only consuming Sudan but also destabilising the entire Sahel region and Africa at large.

    It also advised the African Union to take decisive action and not engage in issuing statements, saying the situation is dire and delay is dangerous. Africa should not be a battleground for advancing the geopolitics of the superpowers.

    While thanking the Federal Government of Nigeria for the ongoing efforts in Sudan, just as it did in Ukraine and in other dangerous situations, “we urge it to expedite action to bring home thousands of Nigerians who are stranded in Sudan. We pray that the Almighty Allah protects all those who find themselves in the country and grant the leaders the tranquility and wisdom to pursue the noble path of peace.

    “The situation in Sudan provides a chilling warning to Nigerians to guard their peace jealously. It is only a fool that learns from his sad experiences only. The wise learn from the experiences of others and do not fall into the same errors that destroyed them.

    “As politics is over, governance should be the sole focus of stakeholders in the Nigerian project now. Under no condition should the peace of Nigeria be compromised by political actors and their impressionistic followers. We don’t have to lose peace before we appreciate it as ordinary Sudanese are currently experiencing. We should join hands to save Sudan and save our common humanity from the catastrophe of violent conflict,” the group said.

  • Ayra Starr: My teachers said I would amount to nothing

    Ayra Starr: My teachers said I would amount to nothing

    Mavin records songbird, Ayra Starr has opened up on how some of her teachers opined that she would not amount to anything in life.

    During a recent podcast, Ayra Starr disclosed how some of her teachers made condescending comments about her because she painted her nails while in school.

    She recalled that a group of teachers had noticed that she had one of her nails painted in pink and they knelt her down while saying she cannot amount to anything in life if she continues that way.

    “There was a time I painted one nail pink and one teacher saw it and I remember they knelt me down and they said ‘you can never be anything if you continue like this,’ I was literally 13 or 14 years old. I had these female teachers telling me that you’re painting your nails pink, how can you be like this, you want to be useless. I was just looking at them and saying in my mind that they would be alright,” she said.

    The Mavins record star, however, singled out a male teacher who, according to her, was an inspiration that encouraged her and foresaw her future.

    “I had a teacher that inspired me and said that I would be signed to Mavin. I was 14 then and he told me to start making videos that Mavin would sign me. When I’m singing in school, he would tell me to go to church and join the choir even though he was a Muslim. He was my maths teacher.”

  • Aso Villa to wear new look for Tinubu

    Aso Villa to wear new look for Tinubu

    Nigeria’s seat of power, Aso Rock, is currently being renovated ahead of the inauguration of President-elect, Bola Tinubu, billed for May 29, 2023.

    Sentry gathered that work is currently going on in and around the Villa as enthusiastic presidency officials and staff prepare for the coming of a new president.

    A tweet by the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Garba Shehu, yesterday, confirmed the preparatory renovations being witnessed in Aso Rock. Sharing picture of a man at work painting a wall, he wrote “painter at work. Villa wearing a new look for the incoming President.”

    Tinubu, who will become the eighth Nigerian leader to govern from Aso Rock, is expected to move from the Defence Guest House into the Presidential Villa immediately after he is sworn in on May 29th.

  • Buhari celebrates veteran State House Correspondent, Onuah, at 60

    Buhari celebrates veteran State House Correspondent, Onuah, at 60

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated Felix Onuah, one of the longest-serving State House correspondents, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, Onuah was first assigned to cover the State House in 1991 and since then has continued on the job for several media organizations.
    “In 32 years, he has had the rare privilege of reporting eight Heads of State and Government, from Dodan Barracks, Lagos to Aso Rock, Abuja, beginning from General Ibrahim Babangida to President Buhari.
    “As a government that values the importance of press freedom and freedom of expression to democracy, the President commends the State House correspondent for Reuters World News Agency for maintaining a high standard of journalism over the years through objective and informed reporting, free from any political interference.
    “The President trusts that the versatile journalist, who is a calm and courageous voice among his colleagues in the State House Press Corps, will continue with the remarkable legacy of delivering news about Nigeria and the seat of government with insight, integrity, balance, and knowledge.
    “President Buhari joins family, friends, colleagues, and members of the State House Press Corps in wishing the veteran journalist with 36 years of experience more prosperous years in health and vitality,” the statement said.

  • 10th Senate leadership and the rules of engagement

    10th Senate leadership and the rules of engagement

    By Eseme Eyiboh

    The 9th Legislative cycle is on its eclipse into the historical trajectory of our uninterrupted constitutional democracy since 1999. By the community reading of Sections 60(1) and 4(1) of 1999 Constitution as amended, the national legislature is intentionally empowered without hindrance within the purview of its core mandate of legislative processes in appropriation, legislations and oversight responsibilities.

    Unarguably, these highlighted constitutional provisions have enhanced the unassailable authority of this arm of government within the province of separation of powers in constitutional democracy thus promoting participation within the allowances of International Covenants on civil and political rights and domesticated in Chapter 11 section 14 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    As the 10th Senate is in its delivery stage, the ranking rules that govern and promote institutional integrity, capacity utilisation and the traditional parliamentary precedent on returning members has been a subject of several and associated intrigues arising from either the misunderstanding of the rules or mediocrity of the otherwise proponents in the black corridor of various power grid.

    These antics and needless efforts at derobing the relevance and clear intendments  of the Constitution as espoused in Section 311 of the 1999 CFRN (as amended, Fifth Alteration, No. 8), which provides that only the standing orders and rules of a subsisting Assembly shall be used in the election of principal officers at the state and National Assembly. The same 5th Alterations

     (No.8) Act, 2023 also alters sections 54, 96 and 311 of the Constitution to stipulate a quorum of at least two-thirds of members-elect for inauguration or first sitting of the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly. Within the purview of section 311(1)of our constitution, “this section shall have effect until the National Assembly or a House of Assembly exercises the powers conferred upon it by section 60 or 101 of this Constitution as appropriate.

    Section 311(2) posits that “The Standing Orders of the Senate established under the section shall have effect until the National Assembly or a House of Assembly exercises the powers conferred upon it by section 60 or 101 of this Constitution as appropriate.

    Section 311(2) posits that “The Standing Orders of the Senate established under the provisions of this Constitution”.

    Section 50(1) has unambiguously gives verve and meaning to who the presiding officers in the Senate are. The preponderance of strong aspirants from the cubicle of affluence and in some cases of weak leadership culture to the Senate Presidency demonstrates the deep national consciousness in our representative democracy and the associated desperation by some politicians regardless of the mood of the nation to manipulate our commonwealth. In consequence, caution must be exercise and vigilance should be unlocked to monitor these emerging mercantilists on the prowl.

    The 10th Senate President must be a connecting rod to the other arms of government to reset our national priority and jumpstart sustainable development governance. The 10th Senate President and its Leadership must have people-driven consciousness to protect and preserve sovereignty which belongs to the people. Senator Godswill Akpabio as the 10th Senate President will be a frankincense in flavour and a veritable incentive to progressive politics and governance.

    •Eyiboh, a former Spokesperson, House of Representatives is Dean of The INITIATIVES

  • Binani raises the alarm over alleged smear protest plot

    Binani raises the alarm over alleged smear protest plot

    The Binani Campaign Organization yesterday said it has uncovered plans by some politicians to sponsor a series of protests against the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Sen. Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani).
    It said the protest was part of a plot to divert her attention from her petition before the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Adamawa State.
    It alleged that some protesters have been recruited for the smear plot.
    It claimed that the key part of the plot was to ask for the prosecution of Binani over the Adamawa Governorship Supplementary Elections.
    It said nothing can dissuade Binani from fighting for her mandate.
    The Director-General of the Binani Campaign Organization, Senator Ahmed Barata, made the revelations in a statement in Abuja.
    The campaign organization called on APC faithful and Binani’s supporters across the country to disregard the proposed protest against her.
    The statement said: “It has come to our notice that in its desperate attempt to divert public attention from the strong case being filed at the Election Tribunal by our gubernatorial candidate, Sen. Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, some politicians and highly-placed forces have engaged the services of some civil society organisations (CSOs), to engage in a week-long protest in some strategic places and Western Embassies here in Abuja, to achieve its propaganda objective.
    “The sponsored CSOs have already been provided with T-shirts and Face-caps that have been imprinted with the picture of Sen. Binani and some inscription calling for her prosecution.
    “We would like to assure the people of Adamawa State as well as her well-wishers throughout the country, and indeed, the international community, that neither will she be distracted nor intimidated or cowed into surrendering the already ongoing legal quest to recover her stolen mandate.
    “They have tried everything under the sun to downplay the evidence of their barbaric brutality on INEC officials and the acts of brigandage they perpetrated during the last election to no avail.
    “We call on all Binani supporters, our party faithful and well-wishers to ignore the planned protests by the rented members of the civil society organisations, and look forward to the good news ahead, as we are optimistic that we have an air-tied case against INEC at the tribunal that would result in Binani’s victory.”

  • Buhari celebrates Lalong at 60

    Buhari celebrates Lalong at 60

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sent birthday wishes to the governor of Plateau State and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Simon Bako Lalong, as he marks his 60th birthday. According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, President Buhari also expressed gratitude for the immense affection shown to him by the governor and the people of Plateau State.

    “I express my special gratitude to Governor Lalong as he marks his landmark birthday. I thank you for the trust you have in our friendship” the President said.

    Lauding Governor Lalong for the work he has done since taking the Oath of Office and the decisions he has taken in the last eight years, the President said “these reflect his effectiveness as a leader. On matters of the security and wellbeing of the people, the Governor is an example for the whole country. I believe a great future lies ahead for him”. In wishing him many happy years ahead, President Buhari urged Governor Lalong to continue to bring convenience and respect to the people of his state.