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  • Tinubu expanding horizon of entrepreneurship in Nigeria – Alake

    Tinubu expanding horizon of entrepreneurship in Nigeria – Alake

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has said that President Bola Tinubu is expanding the horizon of entrepreneurship in the country.

    He said this is being done through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Alake expressed that the federal government is not just instilling hope in the youth but successfully aligning them with the shared dream of liberating not only the economy but also achieving political and social emancipation for Nigeria.

    Special Assistant Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori made this known in a statement.

    Alake said: “What we are doing today, commissioning this Amal Technology factory is setting the pace, and of course, it synchronizes with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, which aims to expand the horizon of entrepreneurship. 

    “It is not only giving the youths hope, but us all, that we have been able to wriggle the youth into the common dream and vision of the emancipation of not just the economy but political and social emancipation of Nigeria”

    “With these words, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake reiterated the commitment of President Tinubu to creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs to thrive whilst maximizing opportunities for Nigerian youths to achieve their full potential.

    Speaking at the commissioning of Amal technology factory, Alake lauded the National Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for providing the needed support and partnership for the indigenous company, pioneered by a youth, asserting that the present administration is committed to broadening the capacity for young Nigerians to excel in all fields of endeavour.

    He stated: “Amal tech factory incorporates a production facility for gas leak detection devices and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) which complements the Federal Government’s gas policy and deepens the drive for utilization of cooking gas in homes, across the country.

    “Restating the pivotal role of youths in the nation’s development, the Minister emphasized that the demography constitutes the pillar of the country, as statistics indicate they make up over 60% of Nigeria’s population.

    “When you have a restive, ebullient, vibrant youth population and you do not create constructive avenue for their engagement, you are courting disaster.  That’s why the President decided to engage the youths, not just rhetorically or polemically but in actuality. 

    Read Also: Alake: Local, foreign investors coming

    “There is no better way to execute that, than making them drivers of policy, and that is why from the cabinet level to MDAs, the President has given them a seat at the table”, Dr. Alake emphasized.

    He added: “He charged the youth to emulate Amal Tech in not only dreaming big but also conceptualizing innovative solutions to problems, assuring that the federal government is committed to removing bottlenecks hampering ease of doing business.

    “Citing the prevailing discomfort on account of economic reforms, the Minister appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience, stressing that the gestation period is almost over, affirming that the attendant results will lead to prosperity for all.

    Amongst dignitaries present at the commissioning were Minister of State of Youth Development, Hon. Ayo Olawande; Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, representatives of the Ministers of State for Petroleum (oil and gas), amongst others.”

  • FG to FERMA: Brace up for massive road maintenance

    FG to FERMA: Brace up for massive road maintenance

    The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, Senator has called upon the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to prepare for an unparalleled surge in road maintenance nationwide. This initiative is a crucial part of the impending road infrastructure revolution set to transform the sector.

    He emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s allocation of substantial funds towards nationwide road construction, rehabilitation, and repair serves a significant purpose in reinvigorating the nation’s economy.

    Umahi, in Abuja on Thursday during the inauguration of the members of the Governing Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), urged the board to demonstrate steadfast commitment to the road maintenance programs under the administration’s Renewed Hope initiative.

    On Thursday, the Minister’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Orji Uchenna Orji, highlighted in a statement that road infrastructure plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of our nation while emphasizing that pivotal sectors contributing to economic growth heavily depend on the development of road infrastructure.

    The Minister’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Orji Uchenna Orji, in a press statement, said road infrastructure was critical to the socio-economic development of the country noting that the critical sectors that drive economic growth rely greatly on road infrastructure development.

    “We have a very critical situation with our roads all over the country, and for me, the number one thing Nigerians needed like yesterday is road.

    “Road is everything. If we fix our roads today, we will bring down inflation in this country, because bad road is affecting every aspect of our economic activities”, the Minister was quoted as saying, while maintaining that the enhanced budgetary provision for road infrastructure under our dear President shows his commitment in changing the narrative of our road infrastructure.

    Read Also: FERMA begins rehabilitation of N300m roads in Adamawa

    “This underscores the fact that Mr. President understands the plight of our people as far as our road infrastructure is concerned, he’s doing everything within the budget and outside the budget to fix our roads.

    “And I want to assure Nigerians on behalf of Mr. President that our hopes are renewed in tackling our road infrastructure decays”.

    During his acceptance speech on behalf of the newly formed board, the agency’s Managing Director (MD), Chukwuemeka Chijioke Agbasi, committed to fulfilling their duties with with the fear of God and adherence to the policies of the Federal Minister of Works, as well as aligning with the mandate of FERMA.

    He conveyed FERMA’s dedication to significantly improving road conditions and enhancing the travel experience for commuters across the country.

  • Why I divorced Jude Ighalo – Footballer’s estranged wife, Sonia

    Why I divorced Jude Ighalo – Footballer’s estranged wife, Sonia

    Sonia Ighalo, the estranged wife of Nigerian footballer, Jude Ighalo, has taken to her Instagram platform to explain further the reason for her separation from her husband.

    The Nation reported that Sonia, a few hours ago, announced that she has found love again. 

    The mother of three posted a picture of her new partner, concealing his face with an emoji while expressing her admiration for him.

    Sonia has yet again disclosed that she had split up with Jude in 2019, but that she had gotten back together in 2021 and ended things without his consent in 2022.

    She said that the football player had crawled back to her, and she had agreed to it because of the children.

    Read Also: NFF congratulates Jude Ighalo

    She claimed that because of his family and the fact that she was travelling back and forth between Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Nigeria with the kids, they kept their relationship quiet.

    Sonia stated in her divorce petition that Jude Ighalo withheld their reconciliation from his family out of fear that they would ruin it.

    In her words: “Separated in 2019 and got back in 2021 I divorced him in 2022 (Without his signature). They crawled back again I said OK for the sake of our children. We’ve been doing it lowkey (Despite their foolish display on Ig with different women). I was doing Saudi, Dubai, Naija with the kids to see him But he didn’t want his family to know Cox they would REINFORCE spiritually to separate us – He said. I got TIRED. Since he was scared to let Mama Mama know I’m happily back with my family. I’m like FUCK OFF bro. I no fit break covenant wey I no de there him enter. Good luck to my successor.”

  • Banks slash withdrawal limit as traders hoard cash in Abia

    Banks slash withdrawal limit as traders hoard cash in Abia

    Commercial banks in Umuahia, the Abia State capital and their counterparts in Aba, the commercial nerve of the state have further reduced their customers’ cash withdrawal limits.

    Our correspondent who monitored the current development in the state reports that most commercial banks as of Wednesday, were dispensing ₦20,000 daily limit to customers using their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), while they pay the same amount to customers through the counter.

    Customers of other commercial banks were subjected to daily withdrawals of ₦10,000 or ₦5,000 per withdrawal.

    Our correspondent reports that things improved on Thursday as most of them now pay ₦50,000 across the counter to their customers, while their ATMs still dispense daily withdrawals of ₦20,000 for bank customers while customers of various banks were limited to ₦10,000 withdrawals on two tranches.

    One of the commercial banks in Abia State Polytechnic, Aba de-selected other options leaving their ATM users with the ₦5000 option alone; for both customers and other ATM users.

    One of the commercial bank staff who spoke to our correspondent on anonymity said that he decided to start paying their customers ₦50,000 because they were able to get more money from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) office in Umuahia, the state capital.

    According to the source, the bank dispenses money depending on the amount of money it receives from the CBN.

    Read Also: Cash scarcity: N3.4tr in circulation – CBN insists

    The Nation investigation revealed that operators of Point Of Sale (POS) outlets now buy money from traders in various markets who now prefer to keep their money in their shops rather than taking it to the bank.

    A trader who gave his name simply as Chukwuemeka said that their reason for keeping cash in their shops is to avoid the limited amount of money that banks give them.

    Chukwuemeka who stated that they also receive bank transfers from their customers or shoppers that visit their shops, said it was optional for any trader to stockpile money for POS operators.

    This is even as he added that he has a POS stand where he supplies the cash he made from his daily with little charge above what they charged in the time past.

    A resident of Aba who just returned from a journey in Okigwe said she paid as much as ₦6000 for ₦20,000 by a POS operator.

  • Why I didn’t settle Burna Boy, Davido’s feud – Peruzzi

    Why I didn’t settle Burna Boy, Davido’s feud – Peruzzi

    Afropop singer, Tobechukwu Victor Okoh, popularly known as Peruzzi, has explained why he didn’t attempt to settle the feud between music stars Davido and Burna Boy.

    He stated that they were both ‘brothers,’ and that the situation was more serious than many people believe, so he could not intervene.

    This was stated by Peruzzi during an interview on an episode of the Zero Conditions podcast, which was co-hosted by Motolani Alake, Melody, and Excel.

    The ‘Gunshot’ singer stated that he did not get involved because he is older than both of them and has never been a yes man to anyone.

    Despite a disagreement over Burna’s song, Pull Up, he said he still has a good working relationship with the self-proclaimed African Giant.

    Peruzzi believes that Davido and Burna Boy will resolve their differences on their own.

    In the interview, the singer also claimed that he wrote ‘Pull Up’ and was supposed to feature on it, but Burna Boy released the track without informing him.

    He, on the other hand, stated that they were cool and that there is no bad blood between them because what occurred was standard in the industry at the time.

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

    Motolani asked; “Did any of the funny energy between Burna Boy and David affect you guys’ relationship?”

    In response, Peruzzi said: “No, it never did. First of all, I am older than both of them, and I have never been a rubbish guy to anybody, I have never been a yes man. I will always yarn you how things…Because even when they were quarrelling.

    “I didn’t try to settle it because it was deeper than normal. You know they are brothers now. They will still settle don’t worry.”

  • The rich are dying, not crying, says Williams Uchemba

    The rich are dying, not crying, says Williams Uchemba

    Popular Nollywood actor and internet sensation, Williams Uchemba, has bemoaned the country’s poor electricity supply and the scarcity of diesel to power generators.

    Williams Uchemba posted a video to his verified Instagram page with the caption “Permission to Rant?”

    The father of one who lives in an estate in Ikoyi, Lagos state with his family lamented the change in power supply in his then uninterrupted power supply estate.

    He stated that things have now deteriorated to the point where the estate, which used to have 24-hour power, barely receives an adequate power supply.

    According to him, the PHCN manager in his area was contacted, and he insisted that the estate chairman should see him so that he could get ‘Christmas money’.

    Read Also: Actor Williams Uchemba set to bury mother in grand style

    He also bemoaned his driver’s inability to obtain diesel for him to use and power his generator because it is in short supply at most gas stations.

    Uchemba stated that he has now resorted to speaking with his neighbours who have diesel to sell him and that some of them have raised the price from N1200 per litre.

    He said: ‘’I am going mad in this country… The rich are not crying. The rich are dying. With all your money, you will die in Nigeria.”

  • Bella is first Nigerian woman to work with certain brands, Sheggz knocks troll

    Bella is first Nigerian woman to work with certain brands, Sheggz knocks troll

    Popular Big Brother Naija housemate, Segun Olusemo, popularly known as Sheggz has defended his girlfriend, Bella Okagbue from an online troll who advised her to put in more effort in marketing herself to secure more brand endorsements.

    The atmosphere was lively and engaging during Sheggz’s interaction with fans on a Tikto-live video until a critical comment disrupted the positive energy.

    The troll expressed the opinion that Bella should be landing more endorsements based on her potential, insinuating that her current efforts were lacking.

    Read Also: Sheggz defends Bella amid internet criticisms over her voice

    He vehemently disagreed with the troll’s assessment, asserting that Bella is the first Nigerian lady to collaborate with certain prestigious brands.

    He emphasised that her achievements deserve recognition and applause rather than unwarranted criticism.

    He said: “You’re very very silly for that comment. First Nigerian woman to work with these brands, period! If anybody else has done it before her, please correct me but there has been no one. She deserves some applause; don’t even piss me off man.”

  • Rihanna names Davido’s ‘Unavailable’ song of the year

    Rihanna names Davido’s ‘Unavailable’ song of the year

    Grammy-nominated singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido has reacted to the revelation of superstar Barbadian-American singer, Rihanna as she names ‘Unavailable’ her song of the year. 

    Recall that the Barbadian superstar was spotted in a viral video dancing to Davido’s ‘Unavailable’.

    Rihanna disclosed this while speaking with Complex at a recent event of her fashion brand, Fenty, The Creeper.

    During the interview, the mother of two was asked to name her two songs of the year, but she replied by noting that she’s not the album type and went on to name Davido’s ‘Unavailable’ and ‘Mnike’ by Tyler ICU and Tumelo as her songs of the year.

    Read Also: Ayra Starr is new Rihanna – David Guetta

    She said: “Album of the year? Am I an album girl? Or am I a streaming single girl?

    “‘Unavailable’ [by Davido featuring Musa Keys] on repeat. That and ‘Mnike’ [by Tyler ICU and Tumelo] are my song of the year.”

    Following this, the DMW boss reacted to the recognition of the highly decorated singer.

    Davido, who found this to be a great honour, reacted by quoting the video with the words: “My Ri Ri.”

  • Some parents prefer social media to impacting their children’s lives – Yomi Fabiyi

    Some parents prefer social media to impacting their children’s lives – Yomi Fabiyi

    Popular Nollywood actor, Yomi Fabiyi has lamented the poor training and mentorship children get from their parents.

    He said more parents would rather spend their time on social media than with their children.

    Yomi also maintained his stance on domestic abuse, emphasising that it is enough reason to dissolve a marriage.

    He stated that a lot of parents these days are so concerned about being on social media that they do not have time to train their kids, saying that this explains why a lot of them have come to lack discipline.

    He added that the idea of men assaulting their wives is disgusting to him, and he doesn’t advise any woman to forgive their partners when they’re assaulted.

    Yomi Fabiyi said: “As for me, it is only when you physically assault your partner, particularly a man beating a woman you lay with that I will suggest immediate separation. Beating your lover turns me off. I have never begged a woman whose husband or fiance beats to reconcile. It’s not my thing. I don’t fancy such men (even most claim they got provoked). Hear me out. My reasons are:

    “First, you don’t hurt what you love. Secondly, the easiest way to find yourself in body bags is domestic violence with partners. Thirdly, if kids are involved, it will destroy them. It is a serious abuse. Only a small fraction of such children will grow not to believe violence, torture, etc, are means of solving issues. Fourth, even if you are not caught, your hands will be stained with blood, and you are a murderer if you fight/are beaten to death.

    “I would rather prefer you involve the Police immediately if you think your wife or girlfriend exhibits traces of violence or provoking you to turn violent. Self-control is key. Anger is controllable. Just act lawfully before you become a criminal. Don’t give that partner the chance to provoke you so that you turn into a beast or woman beater.

    Read Also: Is it my dad who will train your child – Baby mama blasts Yomi Fabiyi

    “If you indulge in violence and think involving the police is extreme, the moment you start trying to defend yourself and things go south, then you will realize the Police will involve you, prison will embrace you and the very people you are considering will turn their back on you.

    “Violence will never produce love. Most lovers who make up after violence are hoodwinked, motivated, or controlled by something else but definitely not love. Love, don’t stay where it is tolerated. Love, don’t grow where it hurts.

    “Marriage is not for everybody. Only a few have gone through proper home training lately. Most parents are on social media than in the lives of their children and teenagers. These wards, too, are on several toxic and criminal blogs every minute they are awake. These blogs raise and mentor these kids. The percentage you invest in raising your child will be commensurate to how you benefit from the same child. Say no to domestic violence.”

  • FCTA retirees help Abuja’s development – Wike

    FCTA retirees help Abuja’s development – Wike

    The minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has declared that the FCT Administration’s senior retirees and citizens deserve to be given some accolades for their diligent and fruitful contributions to the advancement of Abuja as the nation’s capital.

    Wike particularly noted that the retirees had played roles in different ways while working in different sectors to contribute to the building of Abuja as Nigeria’s dream capital city from scratch to its present status.

    The minister asserted on Thursday, December 21, during an inaugural meeting with the retired Directors of the FCT Administration’s interactive forum, organised by the FCT Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement Department (RCSID), where the retirees were engaged in meaningful discussions, where there were encouraged to always share their ideas, and collaborate with the current leadership of the FCT Administration.

    Represented by the FCTA Acting Permanent, Udom Samuel Atang, the Minister assured that: “the forum will provide the platform for us to tap from your wealth of experience and knowledge.”

    He added that he was pleased with the creation of a platform to unite our senior citizens so that the FCTA can tap from their wealth of experience and knowledge to keep and maintain the development of Abuja.

    He said: “Until yesterday the Minister was personally interested in hosting our senior citizens, to appreciate you for the very diligent and fruitful contributions you have made to the advancement of Abuja as the Federal Capital City of Nigeria. It is not easy to build a capital city from scratch.

    “We have seen in many organisations, where the retired officers are invited as resource persons, because of their institutional knowledge and experience to coach and mentor the young ones. And I think this forum will provide the platform for us to tap from your wealth of experience and knowledge.

    “At each of the training programmes, you can be rest assured that in all the professional fields, which are represented here, we will always contact you. This is because nobody can do it better than those who have been here before.

    “I must commend Dr. Jumai Ahmadu for this initiative because I see this as the beginning of good things to happen to FCT.”

    Read Also: Wike approves N13.1b for schools

    He reiterated the commitment of the FCTA under the renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration towards the well-being of FCT Staff, as it is a new dawn for them.

    Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Director of RCSID, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, noted that the senior retirees’ wealth of knowledge and experience is an invaluable asset to the FCT Administration, which the serving staff are eager to tap into they continue to work towards the development and progress of the territory.

    Ahmadu said the retirees’ commitment to the development of the FCT is unwavering, and their continued involvement will be instrumental in shaping the future of the territory.

    According to her: “Your unique perspectives will undoubtedly enhance our understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and together, we can work towards innovative solutions that will benefit the FCT and its residents.

    “I am confident that this meeting will mark the beginning of a fruitful partnership between the retired Directors and the current leadership of the FCT Administration.”