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  • Nobody matches actress Destiny Etiko’s standard in the East, says Ruby Ojiakor

    Nobody matches actress Destiny Etiko’s standard in the East, says Ruby Ojiakor

    Nollywood actress, Ruby Ojiakor, has penned a heartfelt note to her colleague, Destiny Etiko for surprising her on her birthday.

    Ruby, who celebrated her birthday with little noise, had invited Destiny Etiko, who showed up in grand style.

    The movie star had rained bundles of naira notes on Ruby, who was left speechless by her sweet gesture.

    Destiny had also praised Ruby for being a good person.

    These words, according to Ruby, struck her heart, saying they brought tears to her eyes.

    She said: “The Worldwide “ Unlimited” Undisputed” Unapologetic” WORLD DRAMA DOLL” @destinyetikoofficial made it rain on my birthday.

    “This was the only thing Destiny said when she came…..” RUBY I CAME BECAUSE U’RE A GOOD PERSON”………

    “These words brought tears to my eyes. @destinyetikoofficial practically gave me “300k” Cash… as my birthday gift” like how??????? Since the 25th till date,” I’ve been asking myself what did I really do right to deserve this massive love from my beloved sister

    Read Also: Be mindful of your financial requests for festivity, Destiny Etiko advises Nigerians

    Ruby added that none of them is up to Etiko’s standard in the East. 

    She wrote: “The surprising thing here is I sent my “I.V” to her very late” and I didn’t even remember to call her on the phone” Yet she showed up” and said “Ruby I came because you be better person” Chai

    “I pray for you my beloved sis”……. Oh God of Heaven & Earth” pls I beg you May your Divine blessings never depart from your daughter “DESTINY ETIKO” pls keep increasing her on all sides. May she never go down in life” She will continue to excel in good health & sound mind” in the MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS CHRIST

    “None of us in the East is up to Destiny’s Level” Financially, Stardom wise, Instagram Followers, Properties, Net Worth, etc…. Yet she came to my birthday even without receiving a single call from me”…. Chaiiiii no wonder she keeps excelling no matter how they try to pull her down… Of course, others will want me to call them 10 times” before they can show up”… yet they claim they love you…sigh

    “WORLD DRAMA DOLL…. I gat you anytime any day” spiritually, physically, I dey for you my sister I swear. You Shock me I no go lie” Chai”.

  • FULL TEXT: Aiyedatiwa’s acceptance speech as Ondo Governor

    FULL TEXT: Aiyedatiwa’s acceptance speech as Ondo Governor

    BEING AN ADDRESS BY THE NEWLY SWORN-IN GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE, HON. LUCKY ORIMISAN AIYEDATIWA HELD AT THE COCOA CONFERENCE CENTRE, OF THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE ON MONDAY, 27TH DECEMBER, 2023

    PROTOCOL

    It is with heavy heart that I accept this onerous responsibility of taking over the reins of governance and affairs of our State following the unfortunate loss and passing of our beloved Governor, leader and dear boss, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

    The death of our Governor is indeed a devastating shock to us all, as we have all been praying earnestly for his quick recovery and subsequent safe return to Ondo State, having embarked on another medical leave on Wednesday, 13th December 2023. Indeed, there is no armour against fate, death lays his icy hand on kings.

    Permit me to use this opportunity to condole with the immediate and extended family of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, HRM Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the Olowo of Owo, the people of Owo and indeed the entire people of Ondo State over this monumental loss.

    The demise of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON is indeed a great loss to me as an individual as our relationship dates back to many years ago, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in the Year 2012. The loss then did not affect our relationship as we continued to maintain a close political and personal relationship which climaxed in Year 2020 when he graciously picked me as his running mate for his Second Term as Governor of Ondo State.

    Governor Akeredolu was a man of courage and conviction who always stood for the truth even to his detriment. I remember vividly when we had a case in court challenging our second-term victory. He still pursued the matter of emplacing a strong security network for the people of the Southwest codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’. The People of Ondo State and the entire people of the Southwest will be eternally grateful for this bold act which has greatly improved the security architecture in the Region and reduced incidents of kidnapping, banditry and other acts of criminalities to the barest minimum especially in Ondo State. His many legacies in the health sector, infrastructural development, education, and industrial development as symbolised in the Ondo-Linyl Industrial Hub, Ore, his innovation in Ondo State Entrepreneurial Development Agency, his Tech Hub, etc will be difficult to surpass.

    The events which culminated in today’s ceremony is a watershed in the history of Ondo State as this is the first time we are having a transition in an administration. Today’s event has placed a burden on all of us to pull together and stay together as one because we have the onerous responsibility to continue to sustain the legacies of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, which was good governance, properly called. Our leader and Governor, during his time, embarked upon several landmark projects, many of which have been completed and several ones ongoing. We now have the responsibility to complete them. It is to the credit of Arakunrin Akeredolu, that the State now has a flyover in Ore, while the one in Akure is ongoing. We must acknowledge with pride the wonderful achievements and legacies of Arakunrin Akeredolu. His records of performance are monumental and unprecedented.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa steps in after Akeredolu bowed to cancer

    I want to assure the people of Ondo State that under my watch, this administration shall continue to advance the welfare of the people. We shall always place the people first in every decision we take. It is my prayer, once more, that God Almighty shall grant the family and the people of Ondo State the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

    Let me use this opportunity to convey our deep appreciation to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Chairman of our party, His Excellency Alhaji Adbullahi Ganduje, the leaders of the party both at the National and State levels, the elders of our State, for providing succour and support to our State at this critical time.

    Ladies and gentlemen, I want to urge the people of Ondo State to continue to remember us in their prayers as we continue to emplace good governance in our dear State.

    May God continue to bless the people of Ondo State.

  • Your opinions doesn’t matter, Actress Angela Okorie blasts online critics

    Your opinions doesn’t matter, Actress Angela Okorie blasts online critics

    Nollywood actress and musician, Angela Okorie has responded harshly to the netizens who criticised her for washing her hands in a bottle of champagne.

    The mother of one, in a video posted on her TikTok page, was seen washing her hands in a bottle of champagne at what appears to be a club.

    In her caption, Angela stated that she doesn’t need to wash her hands with water, especially in these hard times.

    “I don’t need to wash my hands with water during this hard time”, she wrote.

    The video didn’t sit well with many as they mercilessly dragged her on social media.

    Taking to her Instagram page to react to the backlash, Angela made it known that their opinions on her don’t matter at all.

    She noted how she can post anything she likes on her page, as it’s her business and not theirs.

    She questioned why her critics are bitter, and further questioned if they lack love at home or are intimidated by her.

    Addressing the video, she stated that she was just catching a cruise and people took it personally.

    She wrote: “opinions does not matter at all I can post whatever I like on my page, i mean is my platform, my business, not yours

    Why are Some of you so bittered, Do you lack love at home Are you intimidated by the don p? Na your money?

    Read Also: I suffered PTSD after assassination attack in 2019 – Actress Angela Okorie

    na your drink? We just catching a cruise if you no like am pass. I posted a picture in a village eating with a little boy everyone was shouting nature this or that na only village I Dey go??? your hatred and beef got nothing on me Ndi Ara, y’all should go drink very cold water and pass.

    “watch or pass I no won insult anybody again that’s not my style, cos if I insult anybody now dem go say I get bad mouth they won’t leave me, no, not everyone has good taste, some people carry witchcraft once they see me they just won drink blood, they are obsessed with me maybe, while some people will see me and jump on me, stop the disrespect, I have been on limelight over 20years, that’s Legendary, before some of your favs, I have started went to school, traveled around the world with almost 10 passports full with visas, no country I never gooo am too exposed to the allow all this (Ngbeke feeling funky’s talk down on my brand, My fashion sense na follow come, in fact some people copy my dressing, especially that boots thingy but E no Dey fit them I wear luxury, I live luxury, some of your favs can’t even shop were I shop, Am expensive, lifestyle is luxury for over the years some friends/families just like to make me happy, so carry your jealousy and witchcraft and avoid my page, for years I have stayed consistent in putting in so much work.

    “Over 200 movies to my credit dropped an album with 10 songs and zero features

    Had over 8 singles hit songs, collaborations with A lits back to back, and shot many classy musical videos, if you use bad words here, my mouth no good o enjoy the cruise and pass, or mind the business that pays you, my style is different, some love it, while some get intimidated when they see me but life is not too hard to understand knowing I am not looking for anything from anyone here, I don’t care if anyone with the lowest esteem is here respectfully respect your self.

    Note: This page does not support violence”.

  • My dream was to become a musician, not politician – Gov Adeleke

    My dream was to become a musician, not politician – Gov Adeleke

    Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has revealed how his father discouraged him from being a musician.

    He said rather than being a politician, he would have joined the entertainment industry as an artist. 

    Adeleke, due to his jovial and dancing zeal, is nicknamed ‘Dancing Governor’.

    Many of his dancing videos went viral on social media. 

    Adeleke, who doubles as Davido’s uncle was criticised for always dancing during campaigning period, and was automatically deemed unfit by some individuals to run a state, while his supporters said such trait showed that he would be socially accessible by all.

    During an interview on ARISE TV on Wednesday, the 63-year-old politician said he had wanted to be a musician since childhood.

    He said: “Actually, I was supposed to be a musician right away. But my father, when we were growing up in the sixties, didn’t allow it. They didn’t believe that somebody should go and do music. They just wanted you to go to school. So he discouraged me. But I know that I have that talent. It’s the talent I passed on to my nephew and my son.

    Read Also: Akeredolu: I’m hugely shaken by death of my counterpart – Adeleke

    “If you play music now, I don’t know how, I would just start dancing. My body would just start moving without knowing it.

    “I got to America in 1981. The name of my school that time in Alabama was Jacksonville State University. It was in the countryside. At that time, the school was having their anniversary, a lot of activities were happening there. So I picked the dancing part. So, after the stages, we got to the finals.

    “So to cut the long story short, I won. I remember vividly, the president of our school was trying to pronounce my name – Ademola Adeleke – he called me Jackson. And at that time Michael Jackson was reigning. So that’s how I got the name Jackson.”

  • Plateau killings: I wish religion, tribalism could be erased from Nigeria – Diane laments

    Plateau killings: I wish religion, tribalism could be erased from Nigeria – Diane laments

    Reality TV star and actress, Diane Russet has decried the lackadaisical action by leaders and those in authority following the recent attacks on communities in three local government areas of Plateau state.

    Recall that gunmen on Christmas Eve, stormed several communities (Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat, and Butura Kampani villages in the Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Bokkos areas of the state), burning houses and shooting residents.

    It was gathered that over 115 persons, including women and children, were sadly killed in the attack, while over 10,000 were displaced and are currently taking refuge in churches, mosques, schools, and private residences.

    In reaction to the tragedy, President Tinubu assured Nigerians that ‘these envoys of death, pain, and sorrow will not escape justice.’

    Speaking on the attack, Diane also took to social media to offer condolences to the affected parties and expressed outrage that the incident is not receiving enough press coverage in Nigeria.

    The actress and movie producer wrote: “It’s devastating that over 100 people were killed in Plateau state (Jos). We’re silent about it, yet quick to react to killings in other countries. The North is part of Nigeria, and Northern Christians are human beings. 

    Read Also: Plateau killings: Shettima leads Fed Govt’s delegation on condolence visit

    “No one deserves to be killed. I wish religion and tribalism could be erased from Nigeria so we could see each other as humans first. I hope the lives lost get justice. This is not the Nigeria I hoped for. When you can make a difference, I hope you do. True leaders serve!

    “You can choose what to speak about, but I hope you’ll stand against oppression and killings. We need to speak up and make our voices heard.”

  • BOXING: Charles Okocha calls for a rematch with Portable, says referee incompetent

    BOXING: Charles Okocha calls for a rematch with Portable, says referee incompetent

    Nollywood actor, Charles Okocha, has called for a rematch of the recent boxing match with controversial singer, Portable. 

    He demanded that the entire match be cancelled, alleging trickery and an incompetent referee.

    The Nation reported that Charles was defeated by Portable in a recent match on December 26.

    Portable was named the winner by the referee, completing his requirements to win the boxing bout.

    Read Also: Boxing: Portable defeats Charles Okocha in fist fight battle 

    Charles Okocha filed a complaint against the referee and the fight organisers shortly after the results were announced, stating that Portable removed his boxing gloves during the third round, which should have resulted in automatic disqualification.

    In a post on his social media page, he said: “How can you give up in the 3rd round when we have 4 rounds? How do you take off your gloves in the third round, leading to total disqualification when the fight hasn’t ended?”

    “Y’all know this was rigged, with an incompetent referee who knows nothing about boxing rules. Nevertheless, we move on. Rematch coming soon.”

  • CBN investigator rejects Lemo, others’ requests

    CBN investigator rejects Lemo, others’ requests

    • ’Bank owners must honour invitation today so as not to obstruct probe’

    The Special Investigator probing the activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Other Related Entities, Mr. Jim Obazee, yesterday rejected an excuse by the Chairman of Titan Trust Bank Limited, Mr. Tunde Lemo, and two others not to appear for interrogation today. 

    Obazee threatened to make a recommendation to the CBN to ask the Federal Government to take over the two banks. 

    He accused Lemo and two others of alleged obstruction of his assignment. 

    The other invitees are the two largest ultimate investors in Titan Trust Bank Limited and Union Bank Plc, Mr. Cornelius Vink and Mr. Rahul Savara. 

    The trio were given today’s deadline to explain how they owned Titan Trust Bank and sourced $500million to acquire the Union Bank. 

    Barely 24 hours to their appearance before the Special Investigator in Abuja, they wrote through their lawyer that they will not be able to honour the invitation due to family reasons. 

    But the Special Investigator said their excuse was untenable. 

    He also said that documents submitted through proxies shall not be accepted. 

    Obazee alleged that Lemo was in the United Kingdom to celebrate his birthday. 

    He faulted the three invitees in a December 27, 2023 letter, through the Head of Operations, Office of the Special Investigator, DCP Eloho Okpoziakpo. 

    The letter was addressed to Lemo through the Acting Managing Director, Titan Trust Bank (TTB). 

    The letter reads in part: “Reference is made to the Law Firm of G.ELIAS letter dated 27th December, 2023 in response to the Special Investigator’s invitation to you via a letter with reference number CR:3000/TSI/ABJ/VOL.1/69 dated 24th December, 2023 in respect of the above subject. 

    “I am directed to inform you that the Special Investigator is fully aware that you are in the United Kingdom to celebrate your birthday. This you made aware to the Special Investigator when you agreed to attend a meeting to be scheduled for 28 December 2023 and also proposed that Mr. Cornelius Vink and Rahul Savara be given 7 (seven) days to prove their purported ownership of Titan Trust Bank and Union Bank of Nigeria or forfeit the shares to the Federal Government of Nigeria. 

    “Accordingly, this excuse given by your good selves through your lawyers is unacceptable and regarded as obstruction of the Special Investigator in the course of his duties.”

    The Special Investigator said he shall not accept documents submitted through proxies. 

    The letter added: “ We want to put it on record that neither you (Babatunde Lemo) nor Cornelius Vink nor Rahul Savara ever submitted any of these requested documents to the investigating team at Department of State Service (DSS) or anywhere else before now. 

    “ In fact, Cornelius Vink and Rahul Savara have never presented themselves to the Special Investigator since 28th August 2023 when they were first invited for interview. 

    “ The Special Investigator also directs that you should be informed that documents submitted through proxies shall not be accepted as Mr. Cornelius Vink, Mr. Rahul Savara and your goodself will be required to speak to whatever document(s)/information you present during the meeting. 

    “Consequently, I am to further inform you that your invitation to appear before the Special Investigator on 28 December, 2023 by 2pm prompt in respect of the matter under investigation and for which you had earlier made statement stands.

    “ Kindly note that the conditions on paragraphs 6 to 8 in our earlier letter fo you with reference number CR:3000/TSI/ABJ/VOL. 1/69 dated 24th December 2023 remains effective and shall be triggered if you or Messrs Vink and Savara fail to attend the meeting as scheduled. 

    “Accept please, the warm assurances of the Special Investigator’s high esteem.”

    Titan Trust Bank and the Union Bank Plc (UBN), through their counsel, Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), had asked for more time. 

    Elias said Lemo and the two largest ultimate investors in the banks (Mr. Cornelius Vink; Mr. Rahul Savara) are not due to be in Nigeria before the second week in January 2024.

    In a December 27 letter to the Team of the Special Investigators, the counsel said the invitees “will honour the invitations fully soon after they come in.”

    But the counsel said the banks should resubmit all information required by the Special Investigator. 

    The letter was titled: “Re: CBN Investigation Activities: Invitation for a Follow Up Meeting with the Special Investigator.” 

    Read Also: Alleged vote-buying: Adebutu reports to police in Ogun

    The letter reads: “We trust that this letter meets you well. We are lawyers to: Titan Trust Bank Ltd. (“TTB”) and Union Bank Plc (“Union”) (the “Banks”). We respectfully have their instructions to write this letter in respect of the invitations in your letter to TTB dated December 23,2023. 

    “Unfortunately, both Mr. Tunde Lemo and the two largest ultimate investors in the Banks (Mr. Cornelius Vink; Mr. Rahul Savara) are away from Nigeria at the moment for family and other reasons. That is typically so at this time of the year. They are not due to be in Nigeria before the second week in January 2024. They will honour the invitations fully soon after they come in. 

    “With regard to the information requested, which we submitted earlier on 1st September 2023 at the DSS HQ as evidenced in Annex 1 therewith, we will resubmit the information tomorrow morning for your kind review. 

    “ The individual invitees and the Banks re-iterate their willingness and readiness to co-operate with your good selves in your important work. 

    “ We respectfully thank you very much for your attention. Please direct all further enquiries on this matter to our law firm.”

  • Why you need to take lots of pictures in December – AY Makun

    Why you need to take lots of pictures in December – AY Makun

    Stand-up comedian, AY Makun has advised his followers having a ‘detty December’ to take a lot of pictures during the festive season. 

    He took to his Instagram story to encourage them to capture numerous moments through a series of pictures as they indulge in the celebrating wind.

    AY Makun highlighted the ongoing enjoyment associated with the Christmas season and humorously suggested that taking plenty of pictures during this period would serve as a reminder in January that no one stole their hard-earned money.

    “As you’re enjoying yourself, please take lots of pictures because you’ll need them in January to remind yourself that nobody stole your money.”

    Read Also: Comedian AY Makun accuses people requesting money from him of lacking conscience

    His statement garnered reactions from netizens below:

    poshest_hope wrote: “Honestly!! You’ll need them to reassure yourself that nobody stole your money on January 46th, 2024”

    wallpaperplace reacted: “Even if you stay indoors, expenses will come and meet you in your house!!!”

    callmedamy penned: “Before you go turn portable say person rip you”

    therealtej___ said: “Hmm , but we all deserve a getaway, just don’t be too obsessed about over spending”

  • JUST IN: 23-year-old girl shoots police lover dead in Imo

    JUST IN: 23-year-old girl shoots police lover dead in Imo

    A 23-year-old girl reportedly walked into a police station in Imo state and shot an officer, Cosmos Ugwu dead. 

    Ugwu was said to have been shot dead on Tuesday, December 26, by his alleged girlfriend, who was identified as Amanda Uchechi Ugo, a native of Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo state.

    It was gathered from reliable sources that the incident occurred around 6:30pm on Boxing Day at the Ezinihitte Area Command.

    Officers on counter duty were said to have run for cover when they heard three gunshots from the room being occupied by the deceased officer.

     A source said on Thursday: “When police officers ran into the room later to see what was going on, they found Corporal Ugwu lying in a pool of his blood. The girl shot him three times on his chest and his left hand. He was rushed immediately to Evergreen Hospital in Ezinihitte, where he was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty.”

    Our correspondent learnt that the deceased had a serious fight with his girlfriend in the room at the police station, and in the course of the altercation, the girl reached for deceased’s rifle, pulled the trigger and shot him three times.

    “It was like a movie,” the source added.

    “Nobody actually knows what went wrong between the two, but how the girl was able to use a police rifle successfully is still a surprise to many. Maybe, Ugwu was the one who taught her.”

    He said that the remains of the slain officer had been deposited at the Obizi mortuary, while further investigation continues.

    Read Also: Police nab IPOB/ESN commander, Imo monarch

    The suspect is currently cooling her heels in the police custody where she is facing interrogation and possible prosecution, it was gathered.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Imo State, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident, saying the police were doing everything to ascertain what really transpired.

     “Yes, the incident happened. We are doing everything to ensure we investigate the matter, to ascertain the fact and possibly arraign the suspect in court,” Okoye said.

  • Akeredolu: Dark cloud has eveloped southwest – Gani Adams

    Akeredolu: Dark cloud has eveloped southwest – Gani Adams

    The Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams has described the death of the Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu as a huge loss to Nigeria and Yorubaland in particular.

    Iba Gani Adams, in a statement made available to the media by his special assistant on media, Kehinde Aderemi, said he received the news of governor Akeredolu’s death as a rude shock, saying a dark cloud enveloped Ondo state and the southwest in general.

    The Yoruba generalissimo stated further that the late governor fought a good battle with a sickness that had taken a huge toll on his health for a very long time now.

    He said: “I received the news of governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s death with shock. It came at a time when we all hope for his return from Germany, where he had since been receiving treatment for the sickness that had taken him away from the public for a very long time now.

    “The late Arakunrin Akeredolu was my governor. He was the governor of Ondo state and the loss was also very personal to me, first as a native of the state and second as the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land.

    “The late governor Akeredolu was a voice that remained louder even as he battled his protracted sickness. He gave the necessary support to the Ondo state Amotekun, the South Western Security Network and he was very well known for taking bold step on any initiative that could advance the cause of the Southwest region.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa steps in after Akeredolu bowed to cancer

    “As a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) the late Akeredolu was courageous. He was at the centre of every activity that could transform the institution.

    “And in Ondo state, the late governor Akeredolu tried his best before he went the way of all mortals. It is sad that we lost such a brilliant and amiable governor at this time. He was aged 67.

    “I join his immediate family and the good people of Ondo state as we mourn the death of our illustrious son. I pray God to grant his soul eternal rest.”