The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Keith Moore visits Nigeria as CAN seeks unity

    Keith Moore visits Nigeria as CAN seeks unity

    The Christian Association of Nigeria has charged the Christian community to unite in order to move the country forward.

    President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh said this at the weekend during the Impartation Conference 2023 organised by The Summit Bible Church, Abuja.

    This year’s conference, tagged ‘Triumphant’, was aimed to be a time of fellowship and divine encounter that would position believers for greater exploits and fruitfulness.

    Okoh said: “As children of God we must be seen to be together because that is what the enemy doesn’t want. When we come together, that is where our potency lies.

    “We need to be coming together. The unity has to continue to be there so that the kingdom of the enemy will not only be jittery but will be totally disarmed.”

    Popular American pastor and televangelist, Keith Moore was a guest minister at the conference.

    Moore, who is the Founder and President, Moore Life Ministries, during the conference, said he wanted to be a martial art fighter at age 10.

    Read Also: Can the Chief of Defence Staff make a difference?

    The popular American pastor said his dad registered him in a martial arts school at the time but later found his way into ministry.

    He said he was been “fighting” for the Christian community since that time.

    “I was going to be a martial art fighter. My dad put me in martial art school at 10,” the Founder and President, Moore Life Ministries said.

    Senior Pastor, The Summit Bible Church, Andrew Osakwe said the conference was designed to equip and empower Christians for greater efficiency and effectiveness in life and ministry.

    Osakwe said: “The Impartation Conference will be of immense benefit to Christians as they can expect to receive great impartations, clear instructions and undeniable confirmations and solutions from the Holy Spirit. They will be equipped and enabled with the necessary gifts and abilities they need to do God’s work successfully in every field of endeavour.

    “They can expect to receive a word in due season at the conference; that is, God’s word for them for now, particularly at this critical time in our nation. There will be manifestations of the Blessing, as God will show up to meet their needs.”

  • Wizkid, Burna Boy, Asake used my sound without consent – Blackface

    Wizkid, Burna Boy, Asake used my sound without consent – Blackface

    Popular singer and songwriter Blackface has accused music stars Wizkid, Burna Boy and Asake of intellectual property theft.

    The ex-member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz, claimed his sound was used without his consent and permission.

    The ‘Ghetto Child’ crooner, made the allegations during an interview with Naija FM in Lagos.

    “Ginger’ by Wizkid and Burna Boy is a sample of my track ‘Twist & Turn’; the rhythms, the beat, how the melody starts and ends. Na only the verses dem change,” he said.

    Read Also: Burna Boy leads Spotify’s all time top 10 afrobeats artists globally

    Blackface also accused Asake of sampling his song ‘Ikebe Supa’ in ‘Joha.’

    “Asake’s ‘Joha’ is a sample of my song ‘Ikebe Supa.’ I dey inspire them,” he said.

    The veteran singer said he is not against ‘new cats’ sampling his songs but frowned at the manner in which they go about it without seeking his permmission.

    He said the unauthorised use of his music is akin to child molestation.

  • Actor Yinka Quadri returns from Hajj, prays for fans

    Actor Yinka Quadri returns from Hajj, prays for fans

    Veteran actorYinka Quadri has returned after completion of fulfilled and successful Hajj rites.

    The legendary actor shared a video and photo from his trip home and appreciated God for the success of his journey to the Holy Land.

    The ace movie star prayed for the salvation of man from the ‘chastisement of fire’, asking God to show mercy and allow everyone entrance to paradise.

    Read Also: Sola Sobowale, Kanayo O Kanayo, Yinka Quadri feature in Double Dekoi

    He wrote: “Alhamdulillahi! Alhamdulillahi!! Alhamdulillahi!!! Praise is to Allah.

    “Safe landing to Nigeria after successful completion of hajj rites 2023…

    “Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of fire, and allow us to enter Paradise with the righteous ones. O Glorious One! O All Forgiving! O Lord of the Universe!”

  • I didn’t use your slang to win, Phyna tells Whitemoney

    I didn’t use your slang to win, Phyna tells Whitemoney

    BBNaija Season 7 winner Phyna has debunked allegation she followed the footprint of her predecessor, Whitemoney to win the show.

    Phyna said she did not use the techniques of previous housemate to secure her win.

    According to Phyna, she auditioned five times before she was selected.

    The reality TV star stated this while featuring on MTV Base Sparks with her senior colleague, Whitemoney, BBN Season 6 winner.

    Whitemoney had questioned Phyna on the technique she used in securing her victory and she explained that she never copied any of the previous housemates because she did not watch their shows.

    He said: “I heard that you kind of used my script in the Big Brother House.

    “There is a certain aspect of me that you inherited and used to spice up your own game. And it worked for you.”

    Read Also: Don’t be an entitled girlfriend, work for your money- Phyna

    Phyna responded: “I have been auditioning for Big Brother for about five years. Four years before the fifth year last year when I was selected.

    “Any year they don’t pick me, I don’t watch Big Brother. I don’t even want to know anything about it. I’m always jealous.

    “So, when I was in the Big Brother House and I said, ‘Who deyyyy?….’ I was angry that day. It’s something I always say. It’s just part of me. So, I said that. And one day, one of the housemates was like, ‘Whitemoney used to say this ‘Who deyyy?’ in the House. You’re copying him.’

    “I’m like, really? I didn’t know o because I didn’t watched Big Brother Naija Season 6. “And she was like, no, you’re copying him. And I was like, anyways, as long as he win, you say I dey copy abi? Ehnn, make e still work for me,” she said.

  • Lawmaker accused of alleged misconduct

    Lawmaker accused of alleged misconduct

    • •’Baseless petitions targeted at me’

    SEVENTY-nine year old businessman,  Timothy Umenzekwe, has raised the alarm over what he termed “serial involvement in criminality, misconduct and desecration of ethics” by member representing Onitsha South Local Government of Anambra State in the House of Assembly, Jude Umennajiego.

    The septuagenarian, in petitions to  Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Public Complaints Commission (PCC) and Labour Party (LP), urged the establishments to checkmate the lawmaker’s excesses and ensure disciplinary actions were taken against him.

    Addressing reporters in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government, Umenzekwe accused Umennajiego,  of recruiting some criminals to demolish his properties and that of Mrs Joanah Umenzekwe, a widow at Awarasi village, Uga.

    He alleged the lawmaker saw his election victory as opportunity to go after his perceived and imaginary enemies instead of taking up his legislative duties.

    In a reaction, Umennajiego described the petitions as baseless to tarnish his political career, urging Umenzekwe to rather embrace peace and ensure justice was served to his kindred.

    He said his problem with the septuagenarian was his decision to offer legal aid towards recovery of his brothers’ inheritance, a move the petitioner saw as stumbling block to acquiring the inheritance of his 11 brothers.

    Read Also: Police commission dismisses three top officers for misconduct

     “Umenzekwe, who was removed as chairman of Awarasi Progressive Union in 1995, is fighting me because I decided to offer legal aid to other members of Umenzekwe family,  as well as my appeal to release share of over 100 plots he hijacked over the years.

    “He has refused to allow anybody in the family to progress. He employes thugs, locks up his brothers at different police stations, including Innocent, Cajetan, Elozona Umenzekwe and others demanding share of their family inheritance”.

    “He has written petitions against me, all of which he lost because they are baseless. He also felt engaging the media would tarnish my image and career…’’

    “He thinks he is the God that made me and can destroy me. But I tell you, my mandate is not man-made. Only God can destroy me, and he won’t do that.

    “There’s need for us to have peace in our place, but not the peace of Jonah in the fish belly. Let Nze Tutus, at his age, give peace a chance. The legacy he is living is not worthy of his family…’’

    “I have no personal interest except to ensure justice is meted out to everyone. That’s all I’m asking. Aside this, I’m a very peaceful person, ” he said.

  • Actress Uche Ogbodo mourns best friend

    Actress Uche Ogbodo mourns best friend

    Pregnant actress, Uche Ogbodo is grieving over the death of her best friend.

    The soon-to-be mum of three teared up going down memory lane as she shared their photos.

    She said he pictures brought back memories of her friend as it was the last event they attended together before her untimely death.

    Read Also: Reactions as Uche Ogbodo shares twin babies scan

    She wrote: “Nah me be this oooo. Death took something very very Dear to me from Me. My bestest friend in this whole wide world. I still cry and miss Her so much. This picture just brought back memories to me. This was the last event we attended together before you left me Jenny.
    Keep Resting in Peace”.

  • Actress Bolaji Ogunmola excited as family becomes landlords in America

    Actress Bolaji Ogunmola excited as family becomes landlords in America

    Actress Bolaji Ogunmola is excited after claiming her sister has built a house in America with her husband.

    She said when she got the good news, she couldn’t stop crying because God has been faithful and love them.

    Congratulating them, Bolaji told her fans to address her as a friend to the homeowner.

    Read Also: Singer Spyro crushes on American actress, professes love

    “This particular testimony I have to share…
    My family built a house in America!!! Look, I couldn’t contain my joy when @thejoyfuladenike told me I started crying because God has been too faithful and he loves us too much.

    ” Congratulations my people, when you work together in alignment there’s absolutely nothing you cannot achieve and I am so happy.
    You can now call me ore homeowner. @thejoyfuladenike look at how far God has brought us.. just look!!!!,” She wrote.

  • One dies of diphtheria in Osun

    One dies of diphtheria in Osun

    •NCDC: cases may rise

    One person died yesterday in Osun State from diphtheria. The government has ordered contact tracing, and an activation of the State Emergency Response Centre.

    This is just as Director-General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention  (NCDC), Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, predicted a spike in diphtheria cases.

    Adetifa blamed the expected rise on the gaps in vaccination coverage.

    With 798 confirmed cases and 80 deaths from 33 local governments in eight states, the NCDC chief urged the media to ramp-up sensitisation, with attention on accurate information to curb  infodemics, wrong and erroneous information.

    Adetifa spoke during launch of the Epidemiology, Infodemic Management, and Social and Behaviour Change (SBC)/Risk Communication (Media-EIS) Fellowship, in collaboration with African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), and Breakthrough Action Nigeria.

    He said the training is to strengthen capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health events through effective science communication, understanding of risk communication to develop SBC content, and coordinated management of misinformation.

    “The media plays important roles in amplifying messages that  support behavioural change, irrespective of socio-economic standing of citizens, and through all platforms.

    “Diphtheria has been about since December, and we expect more cases to arise because this is related to historical gaps in vaccination coverage.

    Read Also: NCDC reports 798 confirmed cases, 80 deaths from diphtheria

    “Rather than focusing on the headline of a disease or re-emerging disease, it is important that same headline is accompanied by detailed discussion about underlying or predisposing factors, which is all about people not taking up vaccines; vaccines that are routinely available on NPHCDA recommended childhood immunisation schedule. 

    “The correct message is that we need vaccination coverage to go up. We need people to take up opportunities provided by Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, states PHCDAs, and put lic health authorities to make vaccines available.

    “We hope our media colleagues will be better equipped and spread the message to other colleagues. We expect them to learn and share knowledge with others, and even to start similar endeavours.”

    Adetifa, urging parents to take their infants under two years that have not been vaccinated to the health centre, to start vaccination, added: “More than 70 per cent of cases are occurring in people aged two to 14 years. Over 82 per cent of confirmed cases are unvaccinated.

    “We are unfortunately seeing the consequences of historical poor vaccination coverage. There have been more efforts to make sure vaccination coverage improves, and we are seeing a bit of the evidence because infants or children under two, with higher coverage these days are less affected by outbreaks. There are also older people above 40 years that are affected.”

    Governor Ademola Adeleke, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said: “The governor’s directive was issued after a situation report from Ministry of Health on the outbreak which has claimed one life at Osogbo, with other suspected cases under testing.

    “The governor has directed the state emergency response to be reactivated. The confirmed case at Osogbo is to be followed up with contact tracing to ascertain status of those who had been in contact with the victim.

    “Additionally, treatment must be provided for the infected person. We are in touch with National Centre for Disease Control for exchange of information and technical support. I assure our people steps are being taken.

    “The ministry earlier briefed the governor on the resurgence. The victim, a six-year-old, developed the symptoms on June 25 and died on July 7… the ministry has embarked on certain actions –  production and distribution of handbills, posters and billboards; training of health workers on case definitions and infection prevention and control; production and airing of jingle on prevention, among others.

    Rasheed advised the people to ensure children and wards are fully vaccinated, avoid crowded environments, consult doctors in case of symptoms and eat fruits and vegetables.

  • ‘I wanted presidency to go to the South’

    ‘I wanted presidency to go to the South’

    Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has said he was one of those in Peoples Democractic Party (PDP), who wanted the 2023 presidency to go to the South.

    He said there was no way he could have worked for  his party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, having taken a position with some others that  it was the turn of the South to be president.

    The candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), now President Bola Tinubu was declared winner of the election by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Tinubu had, since May 29, been sworn in as president and commander-in-chief.

    Last week Fayose was at the Villa, the seat of power, to visit Tinubu.

    Speaking on Channels television’s Politics, the former governor, a chieftain of PDP, said he and G5 governors worked 100 per cent against their candidate.

    The governor called on President Tinubu to reward G5 governors, particularly past Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.

    He said 2023 presidential election was far better than 2019, countering a European Union narrative on 2023 election.

    According to him, he said his party had failed before the election and there was no way he could have supported Atiku.

    Fayose said he has never hidden his respect for Tinubu, who he said remains a notable leader in politics and governance.

    “When APC was playing games, I  stood up to then President Muhammadu Buhari that Asiwaju was instrumental to him becoming president.  And as a Yoruba man, he deserves to be accorded same respect.

    “In 2021, I said all those behind the shenanigans against Tinubu will be defeated.  I didn’t know Asiwaju would be president.

    “When he returned from knee surgery, I went to his house at Bourdillon to welcome him.  I counted the cost before I took those actions.  If Tinubu is not somebody to identify with, I will not identify with him.

    “I was the first Nigerian despite not being in APC and without apologies that it was the turn of South to be president and I have no regret making that statement.

    “Don’t get it wrong, we did not support Atiku; we worked against him 100 per cent.  Nigeria is bigger than PDP, APC, any other person.  I supported Asiwaju…’’

    Read Also: PDP crisis: twist as Fayose threatens to sue party

    “In Ekiti, we provided the difference.  If PDP says it does not need me again, it cannot say I cannot live. PDP has not been fair to me.  I was the only one fighting Buhari’s government throughout.

    “I never worked for PDP during the last election.

    Asked if it was right to work against the candidate of his party, Fayose said “this is not the first time I will say this.  I am not a pretender of any sort…”

    “The reality is I worked for Asiwaju.  Asiwaju is a Yoruba man of note.  Asiwaju is a respectable person in the West. It is the time of South.

    On the EU report, Fayose said: “Let the EU enjoy its report.  Were they at the polling units? Will the EU report nullify the court’s decision?

    “The last presidential election was far better than 2019.

    “PDP would have won that election if we didn’t have a balkanised house.  Imagine Obi, Kwankwaso, Wike working with Atiku?

    “We failed before the election. The PDP needs total reconciliation . Except we do that, we will remain in party politics and not in government. Let PDP leadership put their house together.

    On Wike, he said: “I want Wike to be in Tinubu’s cabinet.  He has what it takes to serve Nigeria.  “Wike is an articulate person with capacity.  Nigeria needs such a person.

    I support Wike, if Asiwaju finds any of the G5 worthy.

    “I will be disappointed if Asiwaju fails to appreciate them for what they represent.  Wike must serve and he is an asset to Nigeria.”

  • Fans speechless as Davido holds TimelessAlbumTour in Chicago

    Fans speechless as Davido holds TimelessAlbumTour in Chicago

    Afrobeats singer aka Davido has created a buzz online after clips from his Chicago show went viral.

    The ‘Feel’ crooner, who is on tour across America, took to his social media page to thank fans and everyone who came out to support and watch him perform in Chicago.

    The Chicago show is coming two days after his Houston performance earned him a Day to celebrate him as World Davido Day.

    Read Also: Davido appreciates South African artiste for album feature

    But the singer is yet to officially address the allegations against him by controversial American adult film star Anita Brown.

    Anita had accused Davido of impregnating her.

    Another alleged side chic of the singer came out to claim she was also carrying the DMW boss’ baby.

    However, as things stand, none of the allegations seem to have stained the singer’s image as he continues to sell out shows across America as he kicks off his Timeless album tour.