The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Donor dependency

    Donor dependency

    Who would have thought the Nigerian Correctional Service Ikoyi Custodial Centre in Lagos, also known as Ikoyi Prisons, lacked vehicles to transport inmates to court regularly? The Deputy Comptroller and Officer in charge of Ikoyi Prisons, Julius Ogueri, was recently reported to have appealed for a vehicle donation for this purpose.

    He made the appeal during a ceremony to open the renovated and equipped Lagos Ikoyi Lions Club Vocational Centre at the correctional facility.  He painted a picture that exposed the scale of the problems facing the prison.

    He lamented: “We have a lot of challenges. One is the challenge of how to convey the inmates to the courts because most of our vehicles are unserviceable. We had a situation where one of our vehicles conveying inmates to court broke down on the way, we had to look for an alternative vehicle to transport them to court. This is a security risk and embarrassing.”

    How long has the transportation of inmates been problematic at the prison, and what moves have been made by the prison authorities to solve the problem? The prison chief didn’t supply answers. 

    “The inmates want to go to court as this gives them hope of getting their freedom,” he was reported saying, adding, “The Lions Club and other charity organisations should help us with a vehicle to enable us to take the inmates to courts regularly.”

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    Prison authorities should not depend on donations from charity organisations; but the situation at the Ikoyi Prisons suggests that those in charge of the facility are heavily dependent on donations.  

    President of Ikoyi Lions Club, Taiwo Raji, noted that the vocational centre project dates back to 1994.  He pointed out the centre has been equipped with sewing machines, shoe-making machines, carpentry and furniture machines and accessories, among others.

    It is commendable that the club donated such a facility to Ikoyi Prisons. But it raises questions about how well the prison authorities are carrying out their responsibilities, if they depend so much on donations. 

    Major prison problems in Nigeria include inadequate funding, poor welfare conditions and dilapidated infrastructure. Lack of operational vehicles, highlighted at the Ikoyi Prisons ceremony, may well be connected with poor funding.

    The Nigerian Correctional Service, the Ministry of Interior, and the Federal Government, should not abandon their responsibilities concerning the country’s prisons, and hope that charity organisations will provide prison necessities through donations. That is an irresponsible approach to correctional administration.    

  • Organisation empowers 200 vulnerable persons

    Organisation empowers 200 vulnerable persons

    A non-governmental organisation  (NGO), Mercy Crystal Empowerment Initiative, has given 200 youths, widows and the less privileged vocational skills and cash to start up their businesses.

    Beneficiaries walked home with gifts, including clothes, foodstuffs, drinks, buckets.

    President, Adejuyigbe Adesanmi, said the foundation, launched last year, is committed to advancing the social and economic condition of disadvantaged people.

    Adesanmi said the organisation aims to give hope to the less privileged, adding the group is geared towards helping the poorer discover and develop their talents.

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    While seeking the support of wealthy Nigerians, corporate and public agencies, he noted the privileged do not have to give million before they transform lives, adding “we can positively change people’s lives by a token.”

    “We are empowering 200 beneficiaries today in Ketu. We did the same thing last year in Ikorodu. We want to keep empowering people, especially the youth, to be self-reliant and shun hooliganism, by encouraging them to learn computer training, hair stying, hair cut, shoemaking and others,” he said.

    Secretary-General, Rosemary Brown, said the organisation is obliged to change the narrative about NGOs.

  • DSS mum as Emefiele spends sixth day in custody

    DSS mum as Emefiele spends sixth day in custody

    The suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele has spent his sixth day in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) with the secret police keeping mum over whether he will be charged to court or not.

    Emefiele was arrested by the DSS last Friday evening shortly after he was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    On Saturday, DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, confirmed Emefiele was in their custody for investigative reasons.

    Though he did not state the reasons, it was gathered Emefiele’s travails had to do with allegations of terrorism and financial impropriety at the apex bank.

    The Service last December attempted to get a court order to arrest the CBN Governor over alleged “acts of financing terrorism, fraudulent activities and economic crimes of national security dimension.”

    This was however unsuccessful as the court decided the DSS did not provide any concrete evidence to substantiate its claims that Emefiele was involved in terrorism financing and economic crimes.

    Read Also: The rise and fall of Emefiele

    The Service, it was reported, was expected to approach the court last Tuesday to obtain an order to keep the embattled CBN Boss longer in custody to enable it to carry out a comprehensive interrogation.

    However, at of the time of filing this report, it could not be established that such an order had been obtained.

    “This is a sensitive matter and I cannot say much. But the DSS is working to ensure it establishes a watertight case on this matter. Investigations are ongoing. I can’t say more for now. Let us watch and see how it unfolds,” the source said.

    The DSS also invited Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday.

    Afunanya, in a statement late on Wednesday, said Bawa was in custody.

    “Bawa arrived a few hours ago. The invitation relates to some investigative activities concerning him,” Afunanya said.

    He did not give further details.

  • Olamide lauds Rema as ‘Calm Down’ becomes most streamed African song

    Olamide lauds Rema as ‘Calm Down’ becomes most streamed African song

    YBNL boss Olamide Gbenga Adedeji aka Olamide Baddo had lauded Rema after his smash track ‘Calm down‘ became the most streamed African song on Spotify.

    Recently the remix of the song, which featured American singer and actress, Selena Gomez hit 800 million streams.

    Announcing the feat, record label executive and talent manager, Bizzle Osikoya, shared the update on his Twitter handle with the caption ‘Amazing’.

    Retweeting Bizzle Osikoya’s post, Baddo who’s considered one of Africa’s most influential artistes, captioned it, ‘Greatness’

    Read Also: Wizkid, Olamide not Davido started Afrobeats – Samklef

    Rema’s ‘Calm down’ jumped two places to peak at Number 3 on this week’s US Billboard Hot 100, extending its record as the highest-charting Nigerian song in the history of the chart.

    Last month, Rema’s hit track achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first-ever No.1 hit on The Official MENA Chart.

    As of the time, “Calm down” had garnered nearly 388 million streams on Spotify, while the viral remix featuring Selena Gomez had reached 717,512,920 streams on the same platform.

    The track has garnered multiple nominations and consistently topped international charts, reaching the Top 3 in countries such as France, Belgium, Portugal, and the Netherlands, among others.

  • Actress Destiny Etiko calls out colleague over alleged debt

    Actress Destiny Etiko calls out colleague over alleged debt

    Actress Destiny Etiko has publicly criticised her colleague, Ruby Orjiakor over an alleged breach of contract.

    She claimed that she paid Ruby for a role in one of her productions after the latter pleaded to work with her. 

    Etiko alleged Ruby is yet to show up and deliver on the job she was paid for. 

    Read Also: Destiny Etiko curses impersonator over adoption claim

    According to Destiny, Ruby came on social media to make claims against her and to deal with her.

    The Nollywood star who has been pissed by the whole situation, took to social media, threatening to give her the beating of her life 

    ‘‘If she doesn’t return the N700,000 she was paid. I go beat craze comot for your body, all your teeth go comot,”  she threatened..

  • Agric firm to lift Benue farmers with inputs

    Agric firm to lift Benue farmers with inputs

    AgroEknor has entered into a five-year, 150 million naira partnership with 10,000 smallholder farmers in Benue state to scale the production and agroprocessing of key exportable agricultural products in the state.

    This initiative from AgroEknor underscores its commitment to enhance smallholder farmer productivity by providing agricultural inputs and impact-driven inclusion strategies with high-impact potential.

    “This partnership enables AgroEknor to bring our experience, capital and technical expertise to Benue State as we drive agricultural productivity while reducing food waste in line with our mission to build the largest network of profitable farmers in Benue state; the food basket of the nation as we accelerate a country that feeds itself and also generates agricultural export income” said Attah Anzaku, AgroEknor’s Executive Director of Partnerships

    Read Also: Katsina seeks AfDB’s support on agric, renewable energy

    Over the past ten years, AgroEknor has empowered 20,000 farmers while producing and processing over 15,000 tons of agricultural product through the FEEP initiative.

    In order to reach some of the most isolated farmers in Benue state, AgroEknor works with more than 300 Field Partners, including 20+ co-operatives and NGOs as we gather and transfer knowledge, as well as the distribution of fertilizers, pesticides, solar kits and mobile phones to support Benue state farmers to optimise their cultivation efforts.

  • Urhobo nation up for a great time , says Senator Dafinone

    Urhobo nation up for a great time , says Senator Dafinone

    The Senator representing Delta Central District in the National Assembly, Ede Omuenya Dafinone, has said that he will work assiduously to improve on and supersede the record of performance of the past Urhobo senators.

    The Delta Central lawmaker, promising to give to the Urhobo people effective and result-oriented representation, noted that the Urhobo nation has had the privilege of producing great senators in the past who have contributed to the development of Delta Central and the nations at large.

    Senator Dafinone stated this during a reception in Abuja on Tuesday, adding that he will work not just to surpass past senators’ records, but will create his record that will be indelible in the minds of our people.

    He said that he and his team have mapped out strategies to give Delta Central quality representation with visible results because he stands in an enviable position of doing more than the past senators did because they have set a standard that must not be lowered.

    Speaking at the reception which was graced by the immediate past Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the founding leader of Delta APC, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Omene Sobotie, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, former Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Monday Igbuya, Dafinone said the Urhobo Nation is up for a great time.

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    According to Senator Dafinone, I have been told by many Urhobo leaders that I must not only beat the record of my late father, Senator David Omuenya Dafinone of blessed memory but I must also beat the record of the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege.

    “I tell you that when we were campaigning in Delta State, their works made it easy for us to campaign, Omo-Agege made our job of campaign easier and now I stand in an enviable position of doing more than he did, disregarding whether I am the Deputy President of the Senate or just new Senator.

    “So, my answer to those people asking what I am going to do, to surpass his record, is that Ovie Omo-Agege has his record already, I will create my record with time, myself and my team, and have already mapped out what we are going to do, so Delta Central be on your toes as we said before the campaign Dafinone is coming.

    “Today, I am no longer just an APC senator, but the Senator for Delta Central irrespective of religious or political affiliation, ultimately that is the assignment I signed up for and I will do that job to the best of my ability.

    “I also wish to thank you all, friends and well-wishers and the great people of Delta Central who gave their time, money, and advice which motivated me to keep going through a period of one year of the campaign, I am thanking you all,” he added.

    Earlier, Senator Dafinone had played host to leaders, and members of APC from Delta State, in a colorful ceremony after his inauguration as the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Federal Republic.

    Speaking earlier, the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Sen Ovie Omo-Agege challenged Senator Dafinone to embrace all Urhobo people irrespective of the political divide, stressing that his doors should open at all times to the people.

    Omo-Agege, assuring Dafinone of his support and that of other Urhobo leaders to make him succeed, urged him to see all Urhobo people as one.

    The founding leader of Delta APC, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, urged Senator Dafinone to hit the ground running and use his contacts at the national level to improve a lot of the Urhobo people.

    Prominent Delta APC leaders at the event include Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Chief Adelabu Bodjor, Chief Omeni Sobotie, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, Chief Ominimini Obiuwevbi, Hon Godwin Anaughe, Rt Hon Chief Monday Igbuya, Chief Francis Atanomeyowvi, Chief Barr Omizu Odebala, Chief Barr Hero Omwirhiren, Chief Dr. Wilson Omene, Chief Diakpo Obire, Hon Efe Duku, Engr Sam Omoko, Chief Abel Idigun, Chief Steven Ideh, Hon Benjamin Ogbalor, Hon Chief Julius Okpoko amongst others.

  • Isis Models begins selection for Africa’s supermodels in Kenya

    Isis Models begins selection for Africa’s supermodels in Kenya

    As Africa retains the top spot for emerging creative and technology talents, Isis Models International is set to rediscover a new Africa through its modelling talent search which is on a new level. 

    After a successful maiden edition of Africa’s most prestigious modelling competition held in November last year in Kigali, Rwanda where Isis Models hosted several high-profile personalities with many global talent experts travelling from various countries and continents to converge on Kigali, yet again, Isis Models is to break new grounds as it storms several cities across the continent of Africa scouting for the next models to feature in Africa’s next Supermodel competition this year, slated for Nairobi, Kenya.

    Speaking on the Rwanda maiden edition which held last November, Joan Okorodudu, CEO of Isis Models International, said that the top five of the winners from the Rwanda edition have since after the event taken their careers to the next level as they are now featured in top international modelling runway shows around the major capitals of the world like Paris, Madrid and New York.

    According to Okorodudu, who is best described as Africa’s most exceptional talent finder, the debut show in Kigali, Rwanda was attended by 15 agents around the world, producing selected top five contestants for the event and an overall winner, MARVELLA, who was awarded the  $5000 alongside other gifts and prizes.

    She said that this year’s competition in Nairobi, Kenya promises to be more interesting as about 31 agents have registered for Africa’s Next Super Model 2023 including some models from the Kakuma refugee camp and other camps in East Africa. Also, Nigeria, South Africa and the entire continent of Africa will be represented.

    She said: “Models from the entire continent of Africa have been registering on the portal www.africasnextsupermodel.org. At the moment we have over 500 models who have registered, and we are looking forward to seeing amazing faces in Nairobi. With what we have seen so far, it is going to be difficult to even choose the top 10, so this year we are going to choose the top 20 models. We are looking forward to having models from all over the continent of Africa – Nigeria, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, South Africa, and the entire African continent.

    Okorodudu hinted that the next edition in 2024 might be going to diaspora Africans which will include also the Caribbean. 

    She noted that Africa’s Next Super Model, a renowned prestigious modelling and reality show, is remarked as one of the world’s most outstanding modelling events in Africa, representing some of the most influential models and working closely with renowned designers, brands, and industry professionals.

    She stated that Isis Models Africa has been instrumental in promoting African beauty and talent on a global scale and it is dedicated to scouting Africa’s finest talent in the modelling industry with the goal being to mould Africa’s raw modelling talents into world-class professional supermodels.

    “While this year’s edition is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, a vibrant city which will serve as the perfect backdrop for the gathering of Africa’s brightest talents, allowing them to shine on an international stage, the event will also include an intensive training program, grooming sessions, runway shows, and industry networking opportunities, all aimed at preparing the models for successful careers in the fashion industry.

    According to her, among the models for this year’s competition are the girls from the Kakuma refugee camp who possess dreams that transcend their circumstances and Isis Model International is working tirelessly to empower these girls and provide them with a unique opportunity through Africa’s next supermodel and other competitions.

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    “I believe in the untapped potential of those young girls who probably feel their dreams are lost and so my going to the refugee camp was to give hope to those beautiful and daring young girls because what I see is not what they look like right now, I see what they will become when I am done with them.

    “Africa’s Next Super Models 2023, therefore, promises to be a landmark event that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and raw talent of African models. This year’s edition will showcase the immense potential that lies within the continent and reinforce Africa’s position as a global fashion hub,” she said.

    This world-class talent event, Africa’s Next Super Model in the heart of the East African country of Kenya will be hosted on October 28 at Radisson Blu Elgon Road, Westlands in Nairobi, Kenya. Models will start arriving by the 20th of October, says Okorodudu who is reputed for her bespoke skills in hosting amazing modelling experiences.

    In her determination to transform Africa through talents discovery and putting the same talents on the world stage, Joan Okorodudu raised 100’000 euros for Vogue Talent for Africa in 2014, another 70’000 euros from Access Bank and 30’000 euros of her funds propelled by a simple email from Vogue Talent for Africa editor, Franca Sozzani. Okorodudu continues to change the lives of young people across Africa through her craft.

    Inspired by the impact of the talent event on African youths, one of Africa’s leading philanthropists who owns the most successful Photographic studios with a presence across Nigeria and in Cotonou, Benin Republic, Mr Ifeanyi Oputa, CEO of STUDIO 24 has donated $5’000 and over the years donated 11 different vehicles as prizes to winners of Nigeria’s Next Super Model. Mr. Oputa is also donating another $5’000 for the 2023 winner and this year, lots of Brands have indicated interest in partnering with this great event.

    With offices across Africa; Johannesburg since 2008, and in London, Joan Okorodudu’s Isis Models International has taken its African modelling brand to another new height. The boot camp for the 2023 Nairobi Kenya Africa’s Next Super Model will be televised for global audiences with 31 agents having confirmed that they will be in Nairobi. On the attraction for Kenya, Joan said she has fallen in love with Kenya as a country, its food, and its people.

    Isis Models remain Africa’s leading agency as evidenced by the number of models on models.com and several working models worldwide.

  • Fan gets actress Sotayo’s tattoo a year after gesture

    Fan gets actress Sotayo’s tattoo a year after gesture

    A fan has inscribed a tattoo with the name of actress Tayo Sobola aka Sotayogaga in appreciation of a help she rendered one year ago.

    The fan teekaychatta on Instagram appreciated the actress for coming through for his mother and family when he needed help.

    Read Also: Money major cause of stress – Sotayo Gaga

    Reminiscing on the good deed after a year, he decided to show gratitutde by having a tattoo on his hand with the inscription ‘SOTAYO’.

    The actress, in her response said: “It is well”.

  • Ex-Super Eagles Onyemachara for burial July 7

    Ex-Super Eagles Onyemachara for burial July 7

    Former defender Super Eagles Mike Nkeonye Onyemachara, who died on May 5, will be laid to rest on July 7 in his hometown, Umuanunu, Obinze, Imo State.

    According to a statement by the family, football legends and professionals, fans, friends and well-wishers are expected at the burial.

    The family has solicited support from Onyemachara’s former employers, clubs and football lovers to give the former Iwuanyanwu Nationale captain a befitting burial.

    The statement signed by Onyemachara’s older brother, Johnson, reads: “As arrangements for the burial are being made, family members are also grappling with the challenge of completing a four bedroom bungalow project the deceased started a couple of years ago, but was unable to complete it.

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    “We need money to ensure the completion of the house before the burial, which has already been fixed for July 7, 2023.”

    Onyemachara started his football career with Golden Guinea Breweries, Umuahia before moving to First Bank of Lagos, where he rose to become club captain. He left First Bank for ACB FC, also of Lagos, which he captained before moving to Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri, another club that made him skipper.

    He came to international prominence in 1989 as a member of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles’ squad, known for the famous Dammam Miracle of Saudi ’89 FIFA U-20 World Cup tournament.

    Onyemachara made his Super Eagles’ debut in a Senegal 1992 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana in Kumasi. He was also part of the Super Eagles’ team at the African qualifying matches of the USA ’94 FIFA World Cup.