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  • Tinubu congratulates Funke Akindele on historic box office record

    Tinubu congratulates Funke Akindele on historic box office record

    President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the creativity and sheer artistic talents driving Nigeria’s entertainment industry, following the success just recorded by ace Nigerian artist, Funke Akindele, with her movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’.

    The movie, produced and co-directed by Akindele, was released in cinemas in Nigeria in mid-December last year, and after two weeks, it was reported to have grossed over N1 billion, becoming the highest-earning Nigerian movie ever.

    In a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu celebrated the ingenuity, creativity, and immense artistic talents of Nigeria’s thriving entertainment industry.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele breaks record as “A Tribe Called Judah” hits N1b at box office

    According to the statement, the President congratulated Akindele on her record-setting film and commended the ace thespian for her contributions to the growth of the industry.

    He extolled the excellence of the Nigerian creative industry, acknowledging its pivotal place as a medium, not only for artistic expression but also a source of enormous soft power and viable export.

    Tinubu said: “The creative industry is one of the high-employment sectors, providing jobs for our able and talented youths. It is an industry that is crucial to my administration. I salute Nigerians for their enduring support and patronage of home-grown creative efforts. We will provide the conducive environment for the industry to thrive further.”

  • 10 entertainers who bagged degrees from Togo, Benin Republic varsities

    10 entertainers who bagged degrees from Togo, Benin Republic varsities

    Following an exposé by undercover journalist, Umar Audu, revealing his detailed acquisition of a degree from a university in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and subsequent undetected deployment to Cross Rivers State for the NYSC programme, there has been a strong reaction among Nigerians.

    The report, which has since gained prominence, led the federal government to promptly suspend the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.

    The government also announced intentions to extend this sanction to countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and Niger Republic.

    The spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Augustina Obilor-Duru said in a statement on Tuesday, January 2, that the report lent credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a degree.

    He said: “This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.

    “The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).”

    Reacting to the decision of the federal government, Zubby Micheal applauded the development while commenting on an Instagram post, saying that many “mugus” have been parading doctorate titles.

    On Channels Television’s “Politics Today”, the Education Minister, Tahir Mamman, who appeared as a guest on Wednesday, January 3, vowed to go after citizens utilising fake certificates obtained from foreign countries to secure employment in Nigeria.

    Describing such individuals as “criminals” involved in a criminal chain, Mamman insisted they ought to be arrested and not empathised with.

    He said: “They are criminals and you know there is no timeframe to criminality. We will trace them. As long as we can lay our hands on their institutions and they are right here with us, certainly, the security agencies will go after them because they are criminals.”

    “We are not going to stop at just Benin and Togo. We are going to extend the dragnet to countries like Uganda, Kenya, and even Niger here where such institutions have been set up.

    “We will not stop at the suspension of certificates from Togo and Benin Republic alone. We are going to extend the suspension to other countries where such institutions operate.”

    The development comes just after many entertainers got awarded degrees, including honourary doctorates from various universities in the Benin Republic.

    Read Also; Maiden new year speech

    Below is a list of entertainers including singers and actors who bagged degrees from the universities in the aforementioned countries.

    Ayra Starr

    Mavin star girl, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe aka Ayra Start attended Les Cours Sonou University in Benin Republic and received a BA degree in International Relations and Political Science at age 18.

    “I made sure I got into school early because my goal was to be a teenage pop star. So, I got into school early. So I got into the university. I schooled in Benin Republic. My course was three years old. I graduated at 18.

    “I have a degree in International Relations and Political science. Though, I’m thinking of getting another one,” said the “Rush” crooner in an interview with “Nairobi News”, in Kenya.

    Besides Ayra Starr, the others listed were awarded honorary doctorate degrees. They include:

    Kafayat Shafau

    2020 saw sensational dancer, Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, also referred to as Kaffy, receive an Honourary Doctorate Degree for her remarkable role in the African dance industry from Escae Benin University in the Benin Republic.

    Taking to Instagram to share the good news, the mother of two wrote: “I’m humbled to be decorated this afternoon by Escae Benin University with an Honorary Doctorate in recognition as a “pioneer in the business of dance in Africa”. This award is not just for me but for an institution. That institution is the dance industry.”

    Mike Ezuruonye

    In June 2021, popular actor and filmmaker, Michael Ezuruonye, also received an Honourary Doctorate of Arts and Literature from ESTAM University, Seme Campus, located in the Republic of Benin.

    He shared the news on his Instagram page, expressing excitement and gratitude to his fans while identifying himself as Dr. Michael Ezuruonye.

    “It’s cause of you my fans, supporters and good people this happened. Dr Michael Ezuruonye loves you all.”

    Martins Okey Justice

    Along with Mike, singer J. Martins bagged an honourary doctorate from the same institution.

    Posing with the actor, Jay Martins in a post via his Instagram page wrote: “Ladies and Gentlemen say hello to the new Doctorates in town my humble self & my brother @mikeezu from Estam University Benin Republic

    A very big Thank you to all my supportive fans it’s because of you that I have come this far and I do not take you guys for granted so when next you see me remember to add Dr Martins Okey Justice aka J.Martins

    Have a beautiful weekend everyone”.

    Alexx Ekubo

    In August of the same year, Alexx Ekubo received an honorary doctorate in Arts and Culture from Benin Republic’s Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Geston University.

    The Nollywood act took to Instagram to share a picture in a ceremonial graduation gown with the caption: “Introducing, Dr Alexx Ekubo. Thanks to the governing council of the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Geston (ISCG UNIVERSITY) for conferring on me a Doctorate (Honorary) Degree in Arts & Culture”.

    Peter Okoye

    In June 2022, Peter Okoye aka Mr P, one-half of the well-known singing duo Psquare, received an honorary doctorate from the Escae-Benin University in the Benin Republic.

    He was conferred Doctor of Arts by the school which he described as a “distinguished educational institution.”

    Via his Instagram page, he shared the news, stating: “Dear Team P! It’s a great honor to be decorated by a distinguished educational institution, Who have recognised my contribution to Dance and Music as well as my support for the youth in the entertainment industry.”

    IK Ogbonna

    Popular Nigerian actor, Ikechukwu Mitchel Ogbonna aka IK, received an honorary degree in June 2022.

    A Doctorate (Honorary) Degree of Arts in Leadership and Development was granted to IK by the Institut Superieur De Technologies Et De Management, Togo.

    Ireti Doyle

    Ireti Doyle, who starred in Wedding Party, was included in the 2022 academic honour roll.

    The Benin Republic’s Institut Superieur de Communication et de Gestion University awarded the seasoned actress an honorary doctorate in August.

    The actress acknowledged that although she did have a “healthy expectation of receiving accolades,” an academic honour was not what she had in mind.

    Bob Manuel Udokwu

    Another famous Nigerian actor, Bob Manuel, received an honorary doctorate from the same Cotonou-based University.

    The Institut Superieur de Communication et de Gestion University awarded the former Guinness Ultimate Search games master a Doctorate Degree in Arts and Culture.

    Ireti Doyle disclosed the news as she shared photos from the ceremony on her Instagram page.

    Pete Edochie

    Veteran actor and seasoned movie star, Pete Edochie received a double honourary doctorate from the International School of Technology and Management (ISTM) University, Togo in September 2023.

    The 76-year-old movie stalwart bagged a Doctorate in Literature, a Doctorate in Arts, and a lifetime achievement at the Togo-based varsity.

  • 2022 recruitment: FCT police command to commence physical, credentials screening for applicants 

    2022 recruitment: FCT police command to commence physical, credentials screening for applicants 

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has said the physical and credentials screening exercise of all invited applicants of the 2022 Police Recruitment of General duty/Specialist Police Constables who are indigenes of FCT will commence on January 8.

    The screening exercise which will take place between 8th to 29th January, in all States of the Federation and FCT Abuja, the police said is aimed at examining the physical fitness and to cross check the credentials of all applicants shortlisted for the screening exercise.

    Read Also: IGP to improve on police officers’ pension scheme 

    According to a statement issued on Friday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh: “Invited applicants are to report at the FCT Police Command (Block B) on the allotted date in their invitation slips with the following: Evidence of Physical/Mental Fitness from Government Recognized Medical Hospital

    He said: “Evidence of Good character from each village/district head of applicants

    “Originals and duplicates of Certificate of Origin duly signed by the Local Government chairman or secretary

    “Originals and duplicates of National Identity Card/slip. Originals and duplicates of “O” level results, Birth certificate/Declaration of age. Print-out of Application form.

    “Duly Completed Guarantor’s Form and Invitation slips. All invited applicants should take note that “recruitment is free.”

  • Oyo govt reads riot act, says environmental offenders will pay N110,000

    Oyo govt reads riot act, says environmental offenders will pay N110,000

    Oyo state government has declared that violators of Environmental laws would have to N110,000 to government coffers as fines or serve a month of community service.

    The commissioner for environment and natural resources, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola made the disclosure shortly after an arrest and prosecution of 19 environmental polluters in Alakia, and Iwo road areas, within the Ibadan metropolis.

    He said the Ministry’s Environmental Task Force will henceforth embark on weekly exercises, adding that the fine will be fully enforced.

    Read Also: Makinde grants clemency, sentence reduction to 33 inmates across Oyo correctional facilities

    He said: “The rule of law in oyo state would no longer tolerate arbitrary refuse dumping in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

    “It is a big offence to drop refuse on road medians in Oyo State. People are creating a lot of bad spots for us and it has been a terrible headache, especially, throughout the festive periods…we won’t take this again.”

    Mogbonjubola, while appreciating well-meaning residents for showing understanding and compliance in making the state a clean and safe abode, affirmed that all environmental offenders would be prosecuted.

    He assured of the government’s commitment towards ensuring a safe and conducive environment, for the good people of the state, residents, investors and tourists.

  • StarTimes announces readiness to show AFCON 2023 as football lovers express joy

    StarTimes announces readiness to show AFCON 2023 as football lovers express joy

    StarTimes has rekindled the spark in the hearts of football lovers in Nigeria with their latest announcement, revealing that it’ll be airing the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament live, a feat MultiChoice couldn’t attain.

    The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) broadcasting rights were not acquired by MultiChoice Group, as the company disclosed on Wednesday.

    The competition, which is scheduled to start in Ivory Coast on January 13, is unlikely to air on the broadcast giant’s SuperSport channel, according to reports.

    Nigerian football fans had hoped to watch the competition live on SuperSport where the Super Eagles will play the host nation, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea Bissau in Group A.

    Many football fans in sub-Saharan Africa now have fewer viewing alternatives due to the announcement from MultiChoice, which is still one of Africa’s largest broadcasting powerhouses and has a long history of regularly airing continental football championships.

    With Togolese audiovisual company New World TV, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced in December 2023 that the two parties had reached a “historic media rights agreement” for the transmission of all 13 of the federation’s events to sub-Saharan African audiences for two years.

    Read Also: CAF increases AFCON prize money by 40%

    The deal was dubbed “the biggest investment by a Pan-African broadcaster in CAF’s history” by CAF President Patrice Motsepe.

    The agreement, which is valid until 2023–2025, includes the upcoming AFCON and the following season of the competition.

    The broadcast contract is valued at R1.5 billion, or $80 million, according to SABC.

    In essence, MultiChoice, which has over 23 million subscribers across 50 African countries, is out of the running because of the agreement, which requires any TV station that wants to broadcast the competitions to go via New World TV.

    The spirit of football enthusiasts got dampened by the news albeit not for too long as StarTimes offered a great gleam of hope with their latest announcement.

    Last than eight days before the tournament, on Friday, January 5, 2024, via its official X handle, the Chinese electronics and Media Company in Sub-Saharan Africa announced it will be showing the AFCON 2023 matches live.

    StarTimes began by teasing Nigerian football fans, stating: “That AFCON ehn, we go show am!

    It continued: “Are you ready? AFCON2023…..loading.”

    A few hours later, it broke the news adding: “BREAKING.

    “AFCON 2023 is on StarTimes!

    “Watch all 52 matches live and exclusively on StarTimes Sports Channels – Sports Premium, Sports Life, and Beta Sports from January 13 – February 11.

    “We are ready. #AFCONonStarTimes #AFCON2023.”

    Football fans online have since erupted with utmost joy, as they continue to react to the development.

    One King Julien tweeted: “Oh @StarTimes_Ng darling. Where have you been?? Missed you!! I want to renew what I have with you again.”

    Naija Apani said: “Nigerians will feel excited.”

    Another tweep, Premier is here wrote: “This is great.”

    Mofesteven17 quizzed: “Can this be true?”

    StarTimes responded: “Overtrue” dey worry am.”

    Still grappling to comprehend the news, Emir, a tweep stated: “I think my eyes are deceiving me.”

    But StarTimes responding, noted: “No ooo.”

  • Makinde grants clemency, sentence reduction to 33 inmates across Oyo correctional facilities

    Makinde grants clemency, sentence reduction to 33 inmates across Oyo correctional facilities

    No fewer than 33 inmates from various Nigerian Correctional Centres in Oyo state have been granted clemency.

    Ten of these inmates were released from custodial centres, while four individuals who were on death row have had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.

    Also, 15 inmates had their sentences reduced and four others were granted conditional release under a clemency order signed by the governor on Thursday, January 4.

    Commending the development, the state Controller of Corrections; Salami Olubamiji (CC) said Governor Makinde’s seasonal gesture provides forgiveness and hope to dozens of incarcerated individuals across the state.

    Read Also: Inmates’ are being fed with N750 daily, not N200 – NCoS spokesman

    He said: “This effort will go a long way to boost the morale of all the inmates and encourage them to involve themselves in various vocational and academic training programs provided in the facilities to rebuild their lives.

    “Among the main components of the governor’s signed release order: ten inmates were immediately freed from custody this holiday season.

    “Four inmates on death row have their sentence commuted to life imprisonment.

    “Fifteen individuals currently serving term, received reductions in their term of incarceration.

    “Four students progressing towards degrees at the National Open University in custodial centres approved for release upon graduation.”

    He said the Nigerian Correctional custodial facilities in Oyo state house over 1,800 inmates in facilities located in Ogbomoso, Ibadan and Oyo Town, adding that the facilities provide substantive rehabilitation and skills-building programs daily so that restored citizens can contribute to society. 

    He added that officials of the Correctional Service are processing the required paperwork to begin discharging the approved inmates immediately.

  • BREAKING: Pandemonium as angry women burn down Bokkos traditional ruler’s house in Plateau

    BREAKING: Pandemonium as angry women burn down Bokkos traditional ruler’s house in Plateau

    Scores of protesting women have burned down the house of the District Head of Bokkos town in Bokkos local government area of Plateau state, Michal Monday Adanchi.

    The women are protesting the recent killings in the state.

    A source told journalists that the incident happened around 12:30 pm on Friday, January 5.

    The source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the women burned the house following the arrest of some members of the community for their alleged involvement in the recent killings in the area.

    Read Also: Plateau/Kaduna killings: Northern govs laud Tinubu for steps to curb recurrence

    According to him, the traditional ruler’s residence and his administrative office were burned down.

    “The incident began at the police station where they expressed their anger over the arrest of some members of the community,” the source said.

    “After leaving the police station, they proceeded to the house of the traditional ruler, protesting that he was a sellout. A few minutes after reaching the house, they set it ablaze.”

    The Nation learnt that soldiers later arrived in the area and dispersed the protesting women.

    Details shortly…

  • I will be a better leader if given a second chance, says ex-Taraba Gov Nyame

    I will be a better leader if given a second chance, says ex-Taraba Gov Nyame

    Former Taraba state governor, Jolly Tavoro Nyame has vowed to emerge as a more capable leader if given a second chance to preside over the affairs of the state.

    Nyame, who spoke during a Thanksgiving service that took place at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) secretariat in Jalingo, Taraba state, also said he learned so much while serving his jail terms in the Kuje correctional centre.

    He declared that the experience had bestowed invaluable lessons, shaping him into a better potential leader for the people of Taraba state.

    Read Also: Taraba: Sorry state of Jolly Nyame Stadium where Ishaku will hand over power

    Nyame stated: “I learned a lot while in Kuje Prison and the hospital. If given another opportunity to lead the people of Taraba state, I will do better because of the experience I have gained.”

    He stressed the significance of faith and resilience, advising leaders to stand strong in the face of challenges.

    Amid personal reflections, he delivered a message of hope and unity for Nigerians, emphasising the importance of prayer and faith in the nation’s future.

    On his journey, Nyame urged Nigerians to be prudent in their expenses while calling on the government to prioritise policies that enhance citizens’ lives.

    Nyame, who served only four years of a 14-year sentence, asserted that his imprisonment was politically motivated.

  • NSCDC boss appoints new Commander for Safe Schools squad

    NSCDC boss appoints new Commander for Safe Schools squad

    Ahmed Audi, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has appointed a new Commander for the Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre.

    The new Commander of the Centre is Ahmed Abodunrin.

    He takes over from Commander Tersoo Shaapera who has been redeployed to another unit.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Corps,  Babawale Afolabi said in a statement that the change of guard has become necessary as “the primary and Post-Primary Schools are set to resume in continuation with the academic calendar, and a kind of strategic reorganisation needed to boost operations of the centre.”

    He said: “The NSCDC as a lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and Infrastructure with schools inclusive, hosts the Federal Government’s National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC) which is the first of its kind in the implementation of the Safe Schools implementation project.”

    He explained that the Centre located at the National Headquarters of the NSCDC in Abuja serves to coordinate state centres so far established among the 36 States of the federation.

    Read Also: NSCDC rescues woman who jumped into river

    Afolabi said the Centre was established in February 2023 to enhance the security of schools and host communities to coordinate security agencies and other critical stakeholders by receiving and referring complaints and maintaining emergency hotlines.

    According to him, several attacks on Schools have been averted in the country, especially in the North and southeast through coordination with relevant stakeholders and security agencies.

    Afolabi said: “The Centre also has surveillance personnel among schools and host communities, especially at different locations, especially in places believed to be prone to attacks. The deployed operatives gather information which also leads to community engagement.

    “Dr. Ahmed Abodunrin fdc, the new NSCDC Commander of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre was born in Iresi, Osun state.

    “He was a trained and accomplished journalist before he joined NSCDC as a volunteer in 1994 and rose through the ranks. Dr. Abodunrin has held various major key appointments in the NSCDC and was a former State Commandant in Ogun and Ondo states.”

  • 2baba announces release of new album

    2baba announces release of new album

    Legendary Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2baba, has hinted on the release of a new album after four years.

    The ‘African Queen’ crooner disclosed this on his Instagram page while urging fans to look forward to his works in 2024.

    He wrote: “Yes ooo 2024, merry new and happy every, my people, na so we no go gree for anybody this year o.

    “Born Again Album loading.

    “A guy don turn to upcoming artiste o; This boys and guys are not smiling and I’m super excited for this development.

    “Who no work no go shop, so therefore #workshop.”

    With the announcement, 2baba, who dropped his last studio album “Warriors” in 2020, will keep fans waiting in anticipation for the released date of the upcoming album.

    Read Also: I copy a lot from 2Baba, he is my daddy – Peruzzi

    2baba debut album was ‘Face 2 Face’, released in 2004, with hit songs like the award-winning ‘African Queen’, ‘Nfana Ibaga’ and a host of others.

    He went on to release many albums including Grass 2 Grace, Away & Beyond, The Unstoppable, The Ascension and a host of others.

    The Benue born music legend, dominated the African music space for over a decade, winning both local, international awards, including  “MTV Europe Music Award”, World Music Award and five Headies Awards (Hip-hop award).

    He has also won the BET Award, MOBO Award,  KORA Award,   four Channel O Music Video Awards, four MTV Africa Music Awards and three  Afrima Awards, among other  nominations.

    In May 2016, 2Baba received an honorary Master of Arts in Music degree from Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo.

    He was awarded an honorary fellow of the school of music by the Music Department, Obafemi Awolowo University and in March 2019, making him the pioneer recipient of the award.

    In August 2019, 2Baba was appointed as the good cause Ambassador for the Nigerian Stock Exchange. (NAN)