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  • BREAKING: Nollywood veteran Olofa Ina dies

    BREAKING: Nollywood veteran Olofa Ina dies

    Popular Nollywood Veteran, Chief Adedeji Aderemi aka Olofa Ina is dead, The Nation has learnt.

    Actor, Saidi Balogun, confirmed his passing in a post shared on his Instagram account on Thursday, January 4.

    He wrote: “Goodnight legend Chief Deji Akinremi (Olofa Ina) RIP.

    Film producer and Chief Executive Officer of Best of Nollywood (BON) also confirmed his demise.

    Aderemi who is the Sobaloju of Edeland, was 73.

    Chief Aderemi is a renowned name in contemporary Yoruba theatre and film circle.

    He is also famous for the rich Yoruba proverbs and idioms that punctuate his lines in various films and stage plays

    He was born into the family of the late Chief AbdulSalam Aderemi and the late madam Aisha Aderemi of Jagun- Olukosi compound, Ede in Osun State on 15th May, 1950 during the reign of the late Oba John Adetoyese Laoye, the then Timi of Ede.

    He had his primary education at St. Peters Anglican Primary School between 1957 and 1962 and then proceeded to Baptist Secondary Modern School, Ode-Omu from 1963 to 1965.

    He later had his vocational training in carpentry and joinery at Olukorede Furniture Industry between 1965 and 1970.

    Prior to 1980, he had earlier floated the Olofa Ina Theatre Group in 1972 with the likes of Erinfolamin, Dasofunjo, Gbolagade Akinpelu and the late Oyetunji of Esinnla compound, Ede. He received his theatre training under the late Oyetunji.

    The Olofa Ina Group recorded landmark achievements in the theatre industry by pioneering the staging of epical histories of the Yoruba warlords of the 18th and 19th centuries, including Basorun Ogunmola, Balogun Ibikunle, Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Ilesha, Aare Kurunmi of Ijaye, Kakanfo Afonja and a host of others.

    These productions were recorded by Nigerian Television (NTV) Ibadan in the 70s and were narrated by the late Dr. Babayemi then, of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan who later became the Oba Olufi of Gbongan, Osun state.

    Olofa Ina also recorded series of television productions among which are Odetedo, Lakaaye, Kogun Maja, and Ade Oba.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu extends free train service to January 7

    BREAKING: Tinubu extends free train service to January 7

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the yuletide free train service till Sunday January 7, to allow more Nigerians who are yet to return to their stations enjoy the benefit.

    This was contained in a statement signed on Thursday, January 4, by the minister of transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali.

    The federal government announced a free train service on all serviced routes and 50% rebate on road transportation from December 21, 2023 to January 4, on specific routes to reduce the burden of high cost of public transportation during the just concluded Christmas and new year holidays.

    Read Also: Adeleke denies slashing traditional rulers’ monthly allocation in Osun

    The statement read: “While over 163,000 Nigerians benefited from successful first leg of the yuletide initiative, President Tinubu, in further demonstration of his care for the welfare of Nigerians, directed that the free train service should be made available for extra 3 days to allow more Nigerians to take the advantage.

    “The public is advised to note that this extension applies to all three routes currently being serviced by the Nigerian Railway Corporation as follows:

    1. Lagos – Ibadan
    2. Warri -Itakpe
    3. Abuja – Kaduna

    “It is hoped that Nigerians who are interested in travelling by rail will take full advantage of this unique opportunity aimed at enhancing people’s welfare.”

  • BREAKING: Tinubu appoints six new Executive Directors for NPA, NIMASA

    BREAKING: Tinubu appoints six new Executive Directors for NPA, NIMASA

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed six new Executive Directors for two agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

    The new appointments, three for each of the agencies, were made public Thursday evening, in a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

    According to the statement, “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new Executive Directors in two (2) agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy:

    Read Also: Adeleke denies slashing traditional rulers’ monthly allocation in Osun

    “Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA): Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet — Executive Director, Finance & Administration; Engr. Olalekan Badmus — Executive Director, Marine & Operations; and Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar — Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services.

    “Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Mr. Jibril Abba — Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services; Mr. Chudi Offodile — Executive Director, Finance & Administration; and Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi — Executive Director, Operations.

    “The President approves these appointments with the firm belief, after studying their impressive profiles, that the new appointees will expeditiously and efficiently execute on their collective mandate to create the conditions required to significantly raise the contribution of the Marine & Blue Economy sector to the nation’s GDP while evolving the Nigerian economy into a labour-intensive and inclusive one that creates new opportunity for all Nigerians in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda, under the able guidance of the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola.”

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

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

    The Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) has lauded President Bola Tinubu for making moves to get to the roots of the security crises in Plateau and Kaduna states, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.

    The chairman of the forum and Gombe state governor, Inuwa Yahaya, who gave the kudos, speaking in Hausa Language, on behalf of the body on Thursday, also thanked the President for providing support survivors and victims of various crises.

    Governor Yahaya, who gave the kudos while speaking to journalists at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after a meeting with President Tinubu, also appealed against interactions tending to create divisions among communities and neighbours, blaming the bloody clashes and needless killings on these divisions.

    He commended the President for sending Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kaduna and Plateau States, in order to get the details of what transpired at Tudun Biri, Kaduna state as well as Bokkos and Barikin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

    “In my capacity as the chainman of Northern Governors’ Forum, I praise the steps taken by the President in order to get to the root of what happened in these two states and the pledge he made that the right action would be taken to prevent future occurrence of these incidents. Above all, I am thanking him for the support given to victims or survivors.”

    Read Also: Adeleke denies slashing traditional rulers’ monthly allocation in Osun

    Speaking specifically on the Plateau crisis, the Governor said it is not a new thing but there is need for a review of the immediate and remote causes in order to find a lasting solution.

    “Despite the fact that this matter has been there for long, it is time for stakeholders to have a round table and tell each other the truth and then take deliberate steps toward loving each other. Before now, the people were living in peace and going about their normal businesses.

    “Some of the major issues that seem to allow the problem to persist include issues like farmer-herder clashes, the clamour for indigenes versus settlers, but the world over, if any society or country doesn’t welcome visitors, such a nation will not progress. Afterall we here are one and the same family.

    “Therefore, we are commiserating with those who lost their loved ones. There should be no reason why anyone should go and kill or take the life of a fellow human being since it is not a war situation.

    “Reprisal attacks have not taken us anywhere so, what we need to concentrate on doing is to understand ourselves and know that we have leaders at all levels whom we can lodge our complaints to. We should imbibe the habit of loving one another and living in peace for the progress of all of us,” the Gombe state governor advised.

    Commenting on the importance of agriculture to human development and attaining food sufficiency, the Governor said there is need for farmers to embrace modern techniques in order to boost their production.

    “The way it is now, people have to understand that we must modernise. There is need for machine tools, there is need for processing and luckily Gombe is among the States that have been approved to be part of the Special Agric Processing zones.

    “We have set up an industrial park where we can process all the raw materials or the agricultural produce that we have in the State. I think if all States will key-in and work in tandem and work with the federal government, we shall easily reach the desired destination for Nigeria,” he added.

    Governor Yahaya also sought for more collaboration between the federal and state governments in Nigeria, saying doing so would help a lot in achieving development in all sectors thus bettering the lot of citizens.

    “There were several engagements between us towards the end of 2023 particularly pertaining healthcare and enabling business environment reforms and many more. Without the economy picking and doing well, we will continuously be where we are or even worst of.

    “Collaboration of the states and the federal government; infact including the local governments is very key and fundamental for us because if there is any disconnect, we may not deliver on what we have to do for the people”, he said.

    The governor told Journalists that he was in the State House to intimate the Nigerian leader on the achievements the State has made under his leadership as Governor.

    He said the State government is ready to put more words into action in order to bring about faster development in the State known as the Jewel in the Savannah.

  • Why Nigerians should be allowed to carry guns – Ned Nwoko

    Why Nigerians should be allowed to carry guns – Ned Nwoko

    Delta North senatorial district lawmaker, Ned Nwoko, has explained why a bill that allows civilians to own and carry firearms should be legislated. 

    He said that the initiative was crucial in light of the security issues, especially in light of the recent Plateau killings on December 24, which resulted in the deaths of at least 100 people.

    He said: “An amendment bill allowing civilian firearm ownership must be introduced in the Senate.

    “My bill on self-defense and firearms ownership regulation, currently listed in the Senate awaiting its first reading, deals with this pressing issue.

    “I am pleased that the topic has gained national significance, sparking diverse opinions and discussions that predominantly fall into two camps – one in opposition and the other in support.”

    He also said: “It’s evident that the existing security measures have not been sufficient in safeguarding our communities.

    “Allowing law-abiding citizens to possess firearms could potentially provide a sense of security and a means to protect themselves and their families from immediate threats.”

    The Delta politician pointed out that many streams of control must be used to maintain control in order to prevent sabotage and misuse.

    He said: “However, it is crucial to emphasise that the initiative to permit firearm ownership is accompanied by stringent regulations and comprehensive training.

    “This approach ensures that firearms are in the hands of responsible individuals who understand the gravity of such ownership and are equipped to handle these weapons safely.

    “The illegal smuggling of arms is a significant concern due to the prohibition on bearing arms. Introducing licensed dealerships for firearms could potentially address this issue by creating a regulated avenue for legal firearm acquisition.”

    He added: “This move not only seeks to curtail illegal arms trafficking but also provides an opportunity for generating income through licensing fees and taxes imposed on these dealerships.

    “The revenue generated from licensing fees and taxes on firearm dealerships could be allocated towards bolstering law enforcement agencies, improving security infrastructure, and implementing initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity.”

    According to Nwoko, in order to be eligible to own a firearm, a person must first obtain references from four doctors attesting to their mental health, the approval of the local government chairman for community validation, a traditional leader (like the king) who serves as a guarantor role, stressing cultural trust, and confirmation from the Divisional Police Officer confirming the absence of criminal activity.

    He stated: “These requirements aim to ensure a comprehensive vetting process, emphasising mental fitness, community support, cultural ties, and a clean record for responsible firearm ownership.

    Read Also: Ned Nwoko expresses worry over kidnap of aide, 18 others in Abuja

    “Proposed firearms for civilian ownership include single and double-barrel shotguns, pistols with a maximum capacity of six rounds, pump-action shotguns, and any other types suggested by the Ministry of Defence.

    “This selection offers diverse options suitable for self-defense while emphasising control, regulation, and expert recommendations to ensure responsible ownership and mitigate potential risks associated with firearm possession.

    “Nonetheless, this approach necessitates a meticulous regulatory framework and oversight to prevent any adverse consequences and prioritize public safety above all else.”

  • Nollywood stars celebrate actress Toyin Alausa on 46th birthday

    Nollywood stars celebrate actress Toyin Alausa on 46th birthday

    Nollywood stars have taken to the comment section of their colleague, Toyin Alausa to felicitate with her as she clocks 46 today, January 4. 

    The veteran had shared a photo of her in a regal traditional outfit as she ushered herself into the 46s club.

    Toyin Alausa further expressed gratitude to God for life.

    She wrote: “Hello, Chapter 46. Thank you Abba Father. Happy Birthday to me”.

    Below are birthday wishes for the celebrant:

    Stella Damasus wrote: “Happy birthday my darling beautiful sis. You are a rare gem. The story of my entry into the industry can never be complete without you. God bless and enlarge your territory in Jesus’ name

    Yomi Fash Lanso wrote: “Happy Birthday to you Omo Alausa. Everlasting prospects to you in good health and peace of mind

    Toyin Tomato wrote: “Congratulations on its birthday dear sister! God bless your new age and grant you all ur wishes. Amen

    Read Also: Actress Toyin Alausa breaks down over financial instability

    Mustapha Sholagbade wrote: “Happy birthday madam

    Seun Sean Jimoh wrote: “Happy birthday sis

    Uncle Muyii wrote: “My love, 001 my everlasting. Happy Birthday Iya Muyii. I love you more than words can express. Welcome to a new dispensation

    One Gracedo wrote: “Happy birthday Mama. You’ll never lack any good things

    One Lasisi Adetoun wrote: “Happy birthday ma. More years to celebrate

    One Pweety Ewa wrote: “Happy birthday Momma. Many more years to celebrate in good health & wealth IJN.”

  • You haven’t sent money to your baby in three months – Baby mama Keji blasts Portable

    You haven’t sent money to your baby in three months – Baby mama Keji blasts Portable

    Keji, the babymama of controversial street singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as, Portable, has queried her baby daddy for accusing her of having romantic relationship with popular Lagos socialite and aide to former NURTW boss, MC Oluomo, identified as Koko Zaria.

    The Nation reported that Portable claimed on his Instagram story that Koko Zaria is involved in a romantic relationship with his baby mama. 

    He further asserted that Keji takes their son with her whenever she visits her partner.

    It was learnt that the ‘Zazuu’ crooner begged MC Oluomo to tell his aide to return his son and threatened to beat up the Lagos’s transport official if he failed to return his child to him within seven days.

    However, Keji, while reacting to the accusation in a post via Instagram, said that it has been over three months since Portable sent money to their son, except for his birthday shoot.

    Read Also: Portable accuses Babymama Keji of having affairs with Koko Zaria

    She further urged Portable to provide evidence of money sent for their son’s upkeep.

    She wrote: “You said you are giving my baby money. Please Mr man, when last have you sent money? Over three months now, I don’t think you sent any money, talkless of food money,  what nonsense are you capping online, you sent only his birthday shoot money, which money did you now say you sent, can you help me sent the screenshot in case I’ve forgotten.

    “Am I not the one feeding my baby myself. you will not say you’re not giving others money for their food ooo but mine is the issue for you.”

  • Jigawa targets production of 2m tonnes of wheat production

    Jigawa targets production of 2m tonnes of wheat production

    The Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, on Thursday, said his state is aiming the production of two million tonnes of wheat to compliment Nigeria’s target at food sufficiency.

    Governor Namadi, who disclosed this while speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, explained that Jigawa’s production target will be achieved through both the National Wheat Development Programme and the state’s programme.

    The governor, who said he was at the Villa to thank President Tinubu for giving his state an opportunity to cultivate 40,000 hectares out of 120,000 hectares of land set aside for wheat farming in Nigeria, also said Nigeria was capable of exporting wheat with the current deliberate plan to attain self-sufficiency.

    This is even as he said President Bola Tinubu has thrown his weight behind his state’s efforts and has assured of full support to ensure their projections become a reality.

    The governor made the disclosure after briefing President  Tinubu on some development issues in the state as well as thanked him for allocating 40,000 hectares of land in the state to the National Wheat Development Programme.

    The federal government had in November 2023, flagged off the dry season programme in Jigawa, allocating 100,000 hectares to wheat farming in the country, with Jigawa alone allocated 40,000 hectares for the programme. 

    Namadi said President Tinubu assured him that he was ready to give us all the support required to his government to achieve the set goals, saying “whatever we need, we should tell him and he’s ready to support us.”

    Read Also: Police arrest 11 suspected animal rustlers, thieves in Jigawa

    Asked about the difference Jigawa State could make in wheat production for Nigeria, he said: “We are number one in wheat in Nigeria. So, the issue is we have already made a difference because we are number one. And then today like I told you out of 120,000 hectares for Nigeria, Jigawa State alone is given 40,000 hectares and that shows that we are making a difference.”

    On whether Nigeria could attain wheat sufficiency in Nigeria, he said: “Certainly, we will. In Jigawa State, we have a FADAMA land of over 400,000 hectares. So, that is only FADAMA land that we can cultivate both in rainy and dry season.”

    On the possibility of exporting the wheat, Namadi said: “Certainly, we are going to export wheat over time….We’re doing the first one, and then after this one, we’re going for rice, and the next one, we’re going to wheat, that’s how the cycle will continue to go. Definitely, we’re going to have food sufficiency and we’ll definitely have surplus to export.”

    Asked to give projection about the number of tonnes of wheat to expect from Jigawa State, the governor said: “The issue is what we’re doing now, the minimum we’re expecting is about four tonnes per hectare. Now four tonnes per hectare and we’re doing 40,000 hectares. in fact, this 40,000 are the ones which we have received support from the federal government. We are doing more than that. We can have about 50,000 hectares going on of people that are doing it on their own. 

    “So, at least with the essential services we have provided and with all the support we have provided for land clearing, especially for harrowing that we have supported the farmers, that has given them an opportunity to cultivate more. 

    “Somebody who was doing one hectare now is ready to do more hectares because of the support he has from the federal government and from the support he has from the state government, multiply that by 40,000 hectares, official one, we are doing plus about 10,000 hectares. 

    “We are doing, plus minimum of four tonnes per hectare, some people are making 6 tonnes per hectare, but we are taking just the minimum, so definitely, I think the future is very bright”, he said. 

  • Insecurity: Makinde donates reflective jackets to registered commercial motorcyclists

    Insecurity: Makinde donates reflective jackets to registered commercial motorcyclists

    Governor Seyi Makinde presented over 15,000 free reflective jackets to “okada riders” in Ibadan on Thursday, aiming to enhance security, safety, and decrease motorcycle-related crimes in the state. 

    The move, according to the governor, is a follow up to an earlier registration of the operators in the state.

    Speaking on behalf of the governor at the symbolic presentation held at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Babatunde Musbaudeen, said the Makinde led government has demonstrated friendliness and empathy with the commercial motorcyclists and called for reciprocation through cooperation and support from operators.

    He added that the move will enable the government through its agencies to properly monitor the activities of Okada riders, warning that anyone who doesn’t wear the reflective jackets is definitely not a registered Okada rider and will be challenged and arrested by security operatives.

    While calling on leaders of ‘Okada’ riders in the state to join hands with the government to achieve the intended result in its strides towards safety and security on the road, he noted that a security barcode has been embossed on the reflective jackets making it impossible for anyone to fake it.

    He called on ‘Okada’ riders to endeavor to comply with government’s directive on painting their motorcycles to the approved color for easy identification and to be able to easily fish out those he described as unscrupulous elements in the society masquerading as ‘Okada’ riders.

    Prof Musibaudeen said: “One of the strategic pillars of this administration under Omituntun 2.0 and roadmap to sustainable development of 2022 to 2027 is security of lives and properties.

    “So, sometime ago, we brought up a program, residents registration exercise that encompasses all the citizens and residents of the state so, in furtherance of that successful program, the governor in his magnanimity is also bringing up another initiative in securing lives and properties of residents of Oyo state by distributing reflective jackets to all Okada riders in the state, 15,000 in the first phase, free of charge.

    “This is to enable us proper monitoring the activities of Okada riders, so, anyone who doesn’t wear these reflective jackets is definitely not a registered Okada rider and will be challenged and security operatives should cognisance of this initiative.

    “And also, in order to enhance the rule of law in Oyo state, we don’t want a situation whereby Okada riders would be riding against traffic rule so, we have a unique identifier that such violator can actually be tracked immediately and there’s a barcode on these particular reflective jackets that can not be faked.”

    Earlier in his opening remark, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stressed the magnanimity and friendly disposition of Governor Makinde towards commercial transporters, particularly ‘Okada’ riders.

    Oyelade maintained that even though states including Lagos have taken stricter position, banning ‘Okada’ riding in their states, Governor Makinde, considering the source of livelihood of ‘Okada’ riders, household finances of their families, and the socioeconomic impacts of commercial motorcyclists on the state’s economy, had been liberal on operators in the state and refrained from taking similar strict position.

    He appealed to the commercial motorcyclists in the state to reciprocate Makinde’s magnanimity by ensuring full compliance with all extant and relevant laws of the state guiding their operations warning that violators of those laws would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    The commissioner equally noted that Makinde’s magnanimity was born out of his humble background and reiterates that the state government would not tolerate any act of lawlessness or act of indiscipline from any Okada rider in the state.

    Read Also: Makinde unveils book on shared Yoruba kinship

    In their separate reactions, stakeholders at the event including the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle, Tricycle Owners, Riders, Repairers Association of Nigeria,  (ACOMORAN), Oyo State, commended Makinde for his compassion and magnanimity towards the operation of ‘Okada’ riders and Tricycle operators in the state by being lenient on them despite the position of neighboring Lagos State.

    Oyo State chairman of ACOMORAN, Solomon Olugbode, commended Makinde for his efforts at making life better and comfortable for residents and commercial motorcyclists but noted that most issues culminating into acts of lawlessness on the road do not always emanate from riders but private commuters.

    He, however, assured that his members would continue to cooperate, collaborate, and partner the state government in its strides towards improving on safety and security of riders and other road users.

  • Customs will meet N5.1tn 2024 revenue target, says CG

    Customs will meet N5.1tn 2024 revenue target, says CG

    The Nigeria Customs Service is on track to meet its projected N5.1tn revenue target for 2024, its Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi has said. 

    He charged officers of the NCS to work hard to achieve this.

    Adeniyi spoke during the decoration ceremony of newly promoted officers of the NCS by the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team at the organisation’s headquarters in Abuja.

    The CG said the Service couldn’t afford to disappoint the economy and the President despite the challenges facing it.

    He said: “We are now in 2024 and we face daunting challenges. Our challenges are in an economy that continuously looks forward to the Nigeria Customs Service to generate revenue to fund the national budget.

    Read Also: Court declares carmarts’ seal by Customs illegal

    “As at the last time, if it is not changed, the revenue projection for Customs in 2024 stands at N5.1tn.

    “As we start the new year, I want our newly promoted officers, working with other officers, to lead the charge for the realisation of this target. I want all of us to bring our stakeholders to the heart of our operations.

    “We have a country where economic operators, importers and exporters depend a lot on our processes, commitment and efficiency to run their own business. We cannot afford to disappoint these stakeholders.

    “We cannot afford to disappoint the economy and the President, who has given us this opportunity and special privilege to be in charge of this critical aspect of our economic development. So I want you to lead the charge with integrity at the back of our mind.”

    On December 11, 2023, Adeniyi had during his appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, stated that the Customs had a revenue target of over N5tn in 2024, but the lawmakers pushed for N6tn.

    The customs boss had explained that the major source of revenue for the service was duty charged on all goods imported into the country.

    He also stated that another revenue source which the Customs was trying to improve was the excise duty charged on locally produced goods.