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  • How I was physically assaulted at Owerri event – Okey Bakassi

    How I was physically assaulted at Owerri event – Okey Bakassi

    Popular Comedian, Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule popularly known as Okey Bakassi has narrated his sad ordeal of how he was physically assaulted at an event in Owerri, the Imo state capital.

    Speaking via his Instagram handle on Saturday, December 24, the comedian disclosed that he was invited to MC an event and the altercation began when it was time to take pictures with the celebrant.

    He said the perpetrators threatened him after he allegedly told them to allow a free flow of wedding photographs.

    Bakassi said he was rescued by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and revealed that he plans on seeking justice for what was done to him.

    He said: “Something happened to me today that I have not experienced in whole 30 years of being a professional Mc and in the entertainment industry.

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    “I was invited to Mc an event in Owerri, Imo State. While doing my job, it was time for the celebrant to cut the cake. After cutting the cake, I invited people to snap pictures.

    “They were coming in batches and as we took photographs, we made way for other people to take pictures.

    “Some sets of young men came to take pictures, finished taking pictures and engaged the celebrant and they were discussing. I simply called their attention to step aside so that other people can continue the flow of photo section, that was the only interaction I had with them.

    “The set of things that followed, first was a threat, ‘do you want something to happen to you in this Owerri?’ It was uncalled for. As an Mc, my role is to just make sure the event was running smoothly.

    “When I saw his reaction, I knew he was calling for a fight, I stepped aside.

    “It looked like these young men were boiling for a fight. They shoved me on their way out. I didn’t alter a word. My professional training, I was not trained to go into altercations with somebody at an event like that.

    “I was busy attending to another guest, when one of them attacked me from behind. It took other guests, restraining them and taking them out of the event.

    “I know we live in dangerous times but I will get justice, I will find them. Thank God for the quick response of the Imo State director of DSS and men of the DSS who came to escort me back to my hotel after the event.

    “Nobody knows what plans they had and what would have happened but I will let the police do their job, there’s no way I won’t get justice. I look for nobody trouble but for somebody to assault me just in the cause of doing my job, I will definitely get justice.”

  • Igbo title for Tinubu, Shettima will enhance nation integration, says Kalu

    Igbo title for Tinubu, Shettima will enhance nation integration, says Kalu

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that the conferment of Igno traditional title on President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will reinforce national cohesion and integration. 

    While congratulating President Tinubu and  Vice President Kashim Shettima on their separate Igbo chieftaincy titles, the deputy speaker expressed confidence that the title will lead to the much desired peace in the southeast. 

    Both leaders were on Saturday conferred different traditional titles while attending  the 32nd Ukpo Ofala celebration of His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Robert Chukwudilim Eze (Okofia VI), Igwe Ukpo and Clan Head of Dunuokofia Ancient Kingdom in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government of Anambra State. 

    Represented by the Vice President, President Tinubu was conferred with the traditional title of “Eze Udo of Igbo Land” meaning “King of Peace in Igbo Land” while Shettima was decorated with the title “Enyi Ndigbo” meaning “A friend of Igbo people”.

    Kalu who witnessed the conferment alongside Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, Prince Arthur Eze, and other prominent figures by Igwe Ukpo IV expressed his delight on the development. 

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    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu said that the traditional titles were both significant in Igbo traditions. 

    He commended the President Tinubu administration for giving the Igbo people a sense of belonging through his appointments, saying it will reinforce national cohesion and integration. 

    Kalu expressed joy that the traditional titles were coming at a time of a new peace initiative called Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), birthed to resolve the security challenges among others sociological issues in the region through non kinetic approaches and restore peace. 

    He was optimistic that the south east will receive unprecedented attention from the present APC government, urging the people to embrace peace and remain steadfast. 

    Earlier in his remarks after receiving the titles, the Vice President, Shettima said that the Tinubu led government understood the challenges of Ndi Igbo and will work assiduously to overcome them. 

    He said: “With our leaders like Senator Hope Uzodinma, Senator Dave Umahi, Hon. Ben Kalu, the process of integrating Ndi Igbo in the mainstream of Nigerian politics has commenced. Senator Ifeanyi Uba has just joined APC.

    “Wherever you go in this country, if you do not see an Igbo man, you better run away from that place. Why won’t I identify with you? Be rest assured that Ndi Igbo are the heartbeat of the Nigeria nation. We will work assiduously to see that Ndi Igbo are well represented.”

  • Christmas: Tinubu greets Nigerians, says it’s time for nation’s transformation

    Christmas: Tinubu greets Nigerians, says it’s time for nation’s transformation

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigerians, especially Christians as they celebrate this year’s Christmas, urging them to use the period to reflect on the life of Jesus Christ. 

    The president made the appeal in a statement he personally issued on Sunday, December 24.

    He said: “Fellow Nigerians, Christmas is a special time of the year for all of us. For  Christians, this time of the year marks the birth of Jesus  Christ and celebrates the hope and redemption that are the hallmarks of Christ’s life. 

    “For people of all faiths, this is an opportunity to enjoy the company of family, celebrate life, and delight in the gifts of love and friendship that make life worthwhile.  

    “This is also a time to look out for each other because, amidst the festivities, this time of year for many will be tinged with sadness: some mourning the loss of loved ones and others grieving the hopes that failed to materialise and the dreams that fell short. 

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    “In the spirit of Christmas, reflecting the best of Christ, let us all endeavour to extend the warm embrace of kindness to those around us who need it and let the multiple acts of kindness serve as a light that guides us into a happy and wonderful new year.  

    He further stated: “This year has been a time of transformation and relentless change in our country. And I am aware that the necessary reforms we are implementing to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful nation for all have imposed unique sacrifices.”

    He said his administration would continue to implement palliative measures to ease the burden on the most vulnerable,  address current hardships and alleviate the suffering of all our nation’s people.  

    He added: “Fellow Nigerians, as we navigate this transition to stability, prosperity, and Renewed Hope, I urge you once more to hold fast and rest assured of my commitment to govern with vision, dedication, and empathy.  

    “Be confident that by the strength of our joint endeavour, we will shortly emerge into a new dawn of prosperity,  peace, and irreversible progress. 

    “As you celebrate this season, please spare a moment of remembrance and prayer for the men and women of our nation’s armed forces, bearing arms in our names and ensuring our safety. My God protect them and bring them back to their families. 

    “And let us together commemorate the memory of those who, in their service, have paid the highest price for our nation. May God bless their souls and comfort their families and loved ones. 

    “Let the light of Christmas guide our paths as we bring this year to a close and usher in the new year. I wish you all a merry Christmas.”

  • Olubadan preaches tolerance, patience, love at Christmas

    Olubadan preaches tolerance, patience, love at Christmas

    As Nigerian Christians join their counterparts across the globe to celebrate this year’s Christmas, the paramount ruler of Ibadanland, Olubadan Oba Lekan Balogun, has enjoined them to take proper lessons in the birth of Jesus Christ as signified by the annual Christmas celebration. 

    This was contained in the Christmas message by the Olubadan which was made available to journalists in Ibadan by his personal assistant on media, Oladele Ogunsola on Sunday, December 24. 

    The monarch recalled that the Biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus Christ are full of lessons in tolerance, patience and love. 

    Oba Balogun said the love of God for mankind upon which the coming into this world of Jesus Christ was predicated and whose birth the Christmas signifies, His life while on earth and his rememberance over 2000 years after his exit from the world are more than enough lessons for all. 

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    Asking that the love which the whole thing about Christ and Christmas symbolizes should permeate among the people, the monarch said: “Our love for one another should never be compromised for whatever reason. We should live for ourselves by being caring, concerned and ready to make sacrifice”.

    While calling on leaders in the country to think more of the people’s welfare in all what they do, Oba Balogun maintained that, “It is only by doing that that we can please God. Our leaders should at all times be conscious of the fact that they are in positions to affect people’s lives positively and any deviation is simply not of God. 

    “As followers too, we have our roles to play by showing love to our leaders and by being law abiding. Let’s love our country dearly by saying positive things about it and acting positively. Whatever we are doing to undermine the system is not of God and is against our fellow beings. Let’s pray for our leaders to give us good and loving leadership.

    “In the spirit of the season, I charge all to rededicate our lives to those things that would please God. All through His earthly sojourn, Jesus Christ pleased His father and till date and even till eternity, He remains a reference point because His father was pleased in Him. Let’s all try in our respective little ways to please God by our acts and deeds. Merry Christmas to all and happy and prosperous New Year in advance.”

  • Christmas: Natasha felicitates Nigerians, calls for peace, love

    Christmas: Natasha felicitates Nigerians, calls for peace, love

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has felicitated with Christian faithful and all Nigerians as they celebrate Christmas and New Year festivities.

    Natasha, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, in a statement by his media aide, Arogbonlo Isreal, in Abuja, lauded Nigerians for their resilience in the face of monumental challenges facing the nation, urging them to embrace love and unity.

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    She said: “Christmas reminds us of the reason for the season. It’s a time to inspire hope and spread the message of love.

    “On this auspicious occasion, I wish all Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

    “I want to call on Christians in particular and Nigerians in general to emulate the virtues of Christ, who through self-sacrifice brought salvation to humanity. We must embrace love, peace and unity even as He first loved us by giving Himself for us.

    “As we celebrate, may the good times and treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow.”

  • Why being in relationship or single doesn’t bring peace – DJ Cuppy

    Why being in relationship or single doesn’t bring peace – DJ Cuppy

    Famous Disc Jockey and billionaire daughter, Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has concluded that being in a relationship doesn’t bring peace neither does being single come with peace.

    Recall that the billionaire heiress and her British fiancé, Ryan Taylor, got separated in July.

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    The singer, who appears dissatisfied with her relationship state, disclosed that she has lived both a single and a partnership in the same year as 2023 draws to a close.

    She continued to argue that being single and dating are both stressful on her Instagram story.

    She wrote: “In 2023 I have seen both relationships and single life, I can confirm that there is no peace anywhere.”

  • Christmas: Barau seeks prayers for unity, peace, progress

    Christmas: Barau seeks prayers for unity, peace, progress

    Deputy president of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, on Sunday, December 24, rejoiced with Christians on this year’s Christmas, urging all citizens to intensify prayers for the peace, unity and progress of the country.

    Senator Barau, in a statement by his special adviser (media and publicity), Ismail Mudashir, in Abuja, urged the Christian faithful not to forget the essence of Christmas on the altar of merriment, but to seek refuge in God through prayers for a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.

    He urged all Nigerians to rekindle their trust in the Renewed Hope Agenda under the purposeful, caring and humane leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

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    He said: “I rejoice with the Christian faithful and indeed, all Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Christmas.

    “I urge the Christian faithful, therefore, to remain steadfast in adhering to the tenets of Christ’s teachings on this Christmas, now and always.

    “I equally enjoin all Nigerians to pray for and rekindle trust in the Renewed Hope Agenda for a brighter future under the purposeful, caring and humane leadership of the current administration.”

  • Yuletide: Akin Alabi showers constituents with gifts, promises mega empowerment in 2024

    Yuletide: Akin Alabi showers constituents with gifts, promises mega empowerment in 2024

    The federal lawmaker representing Egbeda/Ona Ara constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Alabi has celebrated Christmas by showering his supporters and constituents with gifts worth millions of Naira at the last party meeting held simultaneously at Egbeda party house and Ona Ara meeting ground.

    The event, which was held concurrently, had in attendance different party leaders from the two zones, members, women support groups, youth representatives, and new converts, all present.

    Hon. Alabi who was welcomed in grand style and cheered on by his loyal members and admirers expressed gratitude to all party faithful for the trust they had placed in him for the second time and commended their excellent performance during the last election.

    During the electioneering period, Hon. Alabi had promised his constituents that if given the opportunity to represent them once more, he would double and triple what he had done for them. He emphasized that the little gifts given to them for the season were just a tip of the iceberg compared to what was in store.

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    As the newly appointed House Committee Chairman of Works, He assured his constituents that they would not be left out of the major developmental agenda of the federal government, as well as any initiatives that would improve their means of livelihood.

    He added that since returning to the green chamber, he had increased his efforts in giving and spreading the dividends of democracy among his people. He promised that starting from January next year, his constituents would begin to benefit from a planned mega empowerment program, which would be different from the ones they had enjoyed in the past.

    Addressing the upcoming local government election slated to be held next year, he urged all APC members in Egbeda/Ona Ara federal constituency to come out in large numbers to support all candidates put forth by the party. He emphasized that this would further expand their reach and make it easier to positively impact the lives of residents.

    The party chairman at Ona Ara, while speaking to newsmen at the end of the meeting, commended Hon. Alabi for being a man of his word. He described him as someone who genuinely cares for everybody in his constituency and wants the best for them

  • PHOTOS: APC’s Shettima, Ganduje, bag chieftaincy titles in Anambra

    PHOTOS: APC’s Shettima, Ganduje, bag chieftaincy titles in Anambra

    The Ofala festival in Ukpo, Anambra state, transformed into an All Progressives Congress (APC) celebration, honoring the national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, with a chieftaincy title.

    The community also bestowed the title of Igwe Okofia (friend of Igbo people) upon Vice President Kashim Shettima.

  • JUST IN: APC’s Shettima, Ganduje, bag chieftaincy titles in Anambra

    JUST IN: APC’s Shettima, Ganduje, bag chieftaincy titles in Anambra

    The Ofala festival in Ukpo, Anambra state, transformed into an All Progressives Congress (APC) celebration, honoring the national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, with a chieftaincy title.

    The community also bestowed the title of Igwe Okofia (friend of Igbo people) upon Vice President Kashim Shettima.

    Ganduje was conferred with the title of Agunechemba 1 of Ndigbo (Lion that protects Igbo people).

    It was during the 32nd Ofala festival of Igwe Robert Eze of Ukpo Dunukofia local government area of Anambra state, which took place very late.

    The Vice President also attended the burial of pa Nwankwo, the father of Anambra state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo at isuofia, Aguata local government area of the state.

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    The Ofala festival was organised and sponsored by Prince Arthur Eze,the billionaire oil magnate.

    For the monarch, the chieftaincy title was conferred on Ganduje because he was one of the leading detribalized politicians in Nigeria

    He narrated how the APC chairman protected the Ndigbo while he was governor of Kano State.

    Some prominent Nigerians attended the ofala festival, including governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma and deputy speaker House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, was equally, one of the guests at the event

    Ganduje and the VP were accompanied by the Vice Chairman South East, Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, Deputy Publicity Secretary Hon. Duro Meseko among others