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  • Peruzzi was never given ‘Gwagwalada’ song – Kizz Daniel’s brother

    Peruzzi was never given ‘Gwagwalada’ song – Kizz Daniel’s brother

    Anidugbe Mofoluwato Uthman, brother to popular singer, Kizz Daniel has addressed the allegations made by singer Peruzzi against his brother on a collaborative song titled “Gwagwalada.”

    Peruzzi, during a recent interview on the Zero Conditions Podcast, claimed that he had initially collaborated with Kizz Daniel on the said track.

    However, according to Peruzzi, Kizz Daniel later handed the song to Buju without informing him, leading to a dispute between the two artists.

    Contrary to Peruzzi’s account of the situation, Kizz Daniel’s brother has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that Peruzzi was never given the song in the first place.

    Read Also: Why I may never work with Kizz Daniel again – Peruzzi

    The brother clarified that while Peruzzi may have expressed interest in contributing to the project, the management team did not confirm his verse before the artist leaked the song to the public domain.

    In a statement, Kizz Daniel’s brother emphasised that there was no intention to sideline Peruzzi and that the allegations of song theft were baseless.

    He explained that the decision to not include Peruzzi’s verse was a result of the management’s discretion, and the artist was not given the green light to share the song publicly.

    In his words: “Peruzzi was never given the song, he was meant to go try it out but once done it wasn’t confirmed and Peruzzi went ahead to leak the song without approval, I remember chasing down a DJ who played it.”

  • JUST IN: Two die, property razed as inferno guts late Akala’s residence

    JUST IN: Two die, property razed as inferno guts late Akala’s residence

    No fewer than two people were reportedly killed while valuables worth millions of Naira were also destroyed in a Monday morning inferno at one of the buildings in the Opadoyin compound of former governor of Oyo state, late Adebayo Alao-Akala.

    According to a source, the inferno started around 7:50 am.

    The source said a power surge is likely to be the cause of the inferno.

    Read Also: Gunmen demand N100m to free Alao-Akala’s farm supervisor

    It was gathered that one of the victims died instantly while the other gave up the ghost at Bowen University Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso where she was rushed to for medical attention.

    Another source, who was privy to the incident said he woke up at about 8 am when he noticed smoke from a part of the building but couldn’t fathom the cause.

    Political associates, friends, and family members of the late ex-governor are said to have been visiting the residence in commiseration with the family.

  • Appeal court victory: We’re one big family, Fintiri’s deputy tells Adamawa people

    Appeal court victory: We’re one big family, Fintiri’s deputy tells Adamawa people

    The deputy governor of Adamawa State, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, has dedicated the victory of his principal at the Court of Appeal to all the people of Adamawa State.

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Monday, December 18, affirmed the election of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, dismissing the appeal filed by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election, Senator Aishatu Ahmed (Binani).

    Fintiri was not in Adamawa when news of the Appeal Court victory hit the state Monday afternoon.

    Speaking to newsmen in her office in Yola on the appeal court victory, Kaletapwa Farauta said the victory is for all the people of Adamawa state irrespective of whatever party they profess.

    She said: “We all must work on Adamawa together. Let us collapse party lines and work as one people,” Farauta told Binani, her supporters, and all opposition forces.”

    She stressed that Adamawa state is one big family and party politics should not be allowed to cause division.

    By affirming Ahmadu Fintiri as governor of Adamawa state during its Monday sitting, the Court of Appeal upheld the judgment of the Adamawa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which last month Okayed Fintiri’s victory in the March 2023 governorship election.

    Binani had, in response to the decision of the tribunal, approached the Court of Appeal which, at its sitting Monday morning held that Binani and her party failed to call polling agents who participated in the conduct of the election as witnesses.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Appeal Court affirms Fintiri’s election as Adamawa governor

    The court said the three witnesses called to establish malpractices in 21 LGAs were not part agents but campaign coordinators who gave mere hearsay evidence.

    The court added that the brief of argument filed by Binani and APC was incompetent, just as the records of appeal transmitted to the court were insufficient.

    Referencing how suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner Hudu Yunusa-Ari announced a winner in the governorship election process that was yet to be concluded, the court blamed the commissioner for taking over the function of a returning officer and going ahead to declare Binani as the winner.

    The court also faulted Binani for making a case for the commissioner, saying: “In the eyes of the law, the Resident Electoral Commissioner is on his own. He should be allowed to take responsibility for his illegal and unlawful act.”

  • NNPCL Limited aims 2mn BPD production by 2024 – Akinyelure

    NNPCL Limited aims 2mn BPD production by 2024 – Akinyelure

    The newly inaugurated Pius Akinyelure-led Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, on Monday, December 18, said it is committed to increasing the nation’s crude oil production to a minimum of 2 million barrels per day by 2024.

    The chairman of the NNPC Limited Board, Chief Akinyelure disclosed this while speaking to journalists after the inauguration of the Board by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

    The board has also promised that Nigeria will compete with the oil and gas industry around the world while it ensures that the key performance Indicators of the Oil Industry of the country are rated number one in Africa.

    It would be recalled that the nation’s petroleum sector has battled massive oil theft and vandalism of oil and gas facilities over decades, leading to significant economic losses and environmental degradation.

    In 2022, Nigeria lost at least $2bn to oil theft, according to an inquiry by the National Assembly, which also revealed that only 66 percent of the country’s oil production could be effectively guaranteed.

    The report of the inquiry, which was made public in November last year, also said the other 33 percent was affected by theft and lost production “due to the third-party easy access on land terrain.”

    Read Also: Port Harcourt refinery ready this month, NNPCL insists

    Speaking at the Villa on Monday, Chief Akinyelure said if the board is to achieve this, the federal government would ensure an overhaul of the security architecture of the oil-producing regions across the country to end the issue of Oil theft and vandalisation of pipelines.

    He said: “It is not an easy task we know we have the challenge of Oil stealing, and vandalisation of our pipelines, our commitment is to produce 2 million barrels per day anytime from next year but for this, we have to overhaul our security architecture so that the incidences of stealing, vandalisation of oil pipelines can be reduced and this will help to beef up our cash flow and we will become a better nation.”

    The chairman also said that the Board members assured the President of collective efforts to reposition the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to sustain the economy better while guaranteeing improved fortune for Nigeria.   

    He stated: “We have assured him of our collective effort to make it a company that we will all be proud of and a company that will help sustain the economy and make sure we create some element of prosperity for Nigerians

    Chief Akinyelure further made known that the board secured 100 percent assurance and support of the President to carry out its responsibilities fully.

    He added: “He has assured us of his support and on our part too we have given him our 100percent assurance that we will do the best we can to make sure the key performance Indicators of the oil Industry in Nigeria will be rated number one in Africa and proudly competing with Oil and Gas industry around the world.”

    The Nigerian Leader inaugurated the newly appointed Board members on Monday at the State House, Abuja.

    Recall that on November 28th, the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Chief Pius Akinyelure as board chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited alongside eight other board members.

    Other board members include Mele Kolo Kyari, Alhaji Umar Isa Ajiya, Mr. Ledum Mitee, Mr Musa Tumsa, and Mr Ghali Muhammad.

    Others are Prof. Mustapha Aliyu, Mr. David Ogbodo, and Ms. Eunice Thomas

  • I have moved past BBNaija, says Phyna

    I have moved past BBNaija, says Phyna

    Former BBNaija housemate, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor popularly known as Phyna has dissociated herself from an award honour that requires vote casting.

    She urged her fans not to cast their votes for her in the category of the most popular BBN fandom on Netnaija.

    Read Also: Phyna blasts Blessing CEO, calls her overused ‘Prost!tutes

    Responding to a curious Twitter user who inquired about her stance and whether she harboured concerns about potentially losing to other formidable BBN personalities, Phyna responded with confidence.

    She expressed that she had moved beyond the league of her fellow BBN colleagues.

    She said: “For your information, your faves can have it. I just really want you people to know, and especially fools like you to know I have gone beyond BBN. If it’s an award with people from other categories of entertainment, I would take it… As far as it’s BBN, your faves can have it. Thank you.”

  • Bullying: Iyabo Ojo apologises to friends, family over misrepresentation of character

    Bullying: Iyabo Ojo apologises to friends, family over misrepresentation of character

    Popular Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo has officially tendered an unreserved apology to her co-reality stars, Laura Ikeji and Faith Morey.

    The controversial mother of two, took to her Instagram page to clear the air with a heartfelt apology to her fans who also felt disappointed with her behaviour on the hit reality show, Real Housewives of Lagos.

    Denouncing any form of bullying, Iyabo said she has remained the same person over the years and stands for justice and fairness.

    She revealed that one of her main goals of starring on a reality TV show was to entertain everyone and give them a show worthy of their time and she achieved her aim.

    However, in the midst of it all, she admitted that she offended some people with her behaviour, which connotes attributes of bullies.

    She stated that her love and support for the late singer Mohbad is dear to her heart and has no regret fighting for him, but finds it hard that people likened her behaviour on the show to her support for him.

    Iyabo penned a short note to her kids as well as her lover, Paulo Okoye for his unwavering support.

    She wrote: “I Iyabo Ojo, I am the same person at my core that you have always known over the years. I stand for justice and fairness. One of my main goals of starring on a reality TV show was to entertain everyone and give you all a show worthy of your time. I made sure that drama was the centrepiece of the show. In the midst of that drama, I may have offended some people and displayed some behaviours that are certain attributes of bullies. For that, I am truly sorry to all that I have offended.

    Read Also: Iyabo Ojo’s daughter blasts Naira Marley over legal suit against mother

    “I emphatically reject all forms of bullying. I have never bullied anyone in my day-to-day life nor condoned bullying in any form. For me to bully, is to continuously denigrate, hurt, and cause harm to others, and that is not me. Stepping on that dress on the show was a way to get talking points for the show for entertainment purposes, and we succeeded. No harm was meant.

    “Justice for the fallen singer Mohbad is something very dear to me and dear to millions of people around the world. I have no regrets, about being in this fight for him and his family. With this, I find myself dragged and people capitalizing and even belittling the gravity of the situation by equating it to a show. This is real life!

    “People who know me are aware that I give my all and last dime to people behind the scenes. I take care, nurture, and uplift others as much as I can. To read my daughter’s post, @its.priscy online broke my heart to even imagine the burden it must be for her and her brother to be dragged online just because of me. That moved me as a mother. I want them to know that I will give the world to them.

    “To my man Obim @pauloo2104, I love and respect how solid you are. Thank you for your unwavering support for me and for reminding me of my core values. You and I are ONE.

    “Finally, just as we can learn to live together in peace when we agree, we can also learn to be cordial in our differences towards each other”.

    Recall that Iyabo had reacted to the heavy cry she received over her dispute with Faith Morey on Real Housewives of Lagos Season 2.

    The movie star noted how many were comparing a reality show to real-life situations using Mohbad as an example, and revealed that she had apologised to Faith in private.

    Defending her behaviour, Iyabo stated that reality shows are edited to suit a certain narrative, as she noted how everyone can’t play the victim, enabler, or peacemaker.

    Her statement didn’t sit well with Faith Morey, who called her out for her lies and exposed the actress, and the two traded words online.

    A heavily pregnant Laura Ikeji had also slammed the movie star, revealing that the respect she once had for Iyabo as an idol has been diminished.

    She further called her out for her bullying behaviour.

    Hitting back at her, Iyabo slammed Laura for playing the victim, pointed out how her blogger sister, Linda Ikeji is the Queen of Bullies, and recounted the lies the famous blogger wrote about her.

    In a later post, Ojo lashed out at the producers of the reality show, stating that she had been trying to hold herself so that everyone could enjoy the show, but couldn’t hold it any longer

    Calling out the production team, she slammed them for their cut and joined which she considers irritating, and questioned why they cut out a particular scene which led up to her outburst.

  • Why electricity demand stands at 54.3% – SON

    Why electricity demand stands at 54.3% – SON

    The director general of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke has explained why Nigeria is struggling to meet up with its energy demand as the present electricity access of the country stands at 54.3% in the last two years.

    Okeke said this figure was obtained from the World Bank record, saying that the SON is doing all it can to ensure standards and compliance with electricity regulations.

    He said this includes the preparation of standards relating to products, measurements, materials, processes, and services amongst others, and their promotion at National, Regional, and International levels.

    He added that certification of products, assistance in the production of quality goods and services, improvement of measurement accuracies and circulation of information relating to standards are all part of the quality work SON is pointing at.

    Read Also: ‘I stay up late to use electricity’

    Okeke who was represented by the Director of laboratory services, Adewumi Richard disclosed at the Awareness rising/designation work for minimum energy performance standard in Abuja, stating that this is in view of the urgent need to ensure the consumers transit to use of energy-efficient appliances.

    He stated: “MEPS are regulations that set a minimum level of energy efficiency that a product must meet to be sold in the market. These standards are crucial in our efforts to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote a sustainable future.

    “It also drives innovation and competition among manufacturers. In order to meet the energy efficiency requirements, manufacturers must invest in research and development and improve the design of their products. This leads to the development of more advanced and efficient technologies, which benefits both consumers and the environment.

    Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Babajide Alo said the Nigerian market is facing the challenge of substandard and fake products. SON is fully ready to address these challenges by promoting efficient lighting and quality products.

  • Wike commences clampdown on illegal motor parks in Abuja

    Wike commences clampdown on illegal motor parks in Abuja

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike‘s joint taskforce team on illegal motor parks on Monday, December 18, arrested 19 commercial vehicles and one commercial motorcycle at Banex Plaza in Abuja.

    The development is to curb the challenges of one chance, kidnapping, traffic congestion, and getting rid of criminal elements.

    The affected vehicles, our correspondent reports were illegally picking up and dropping off passengers at the road corridor, therefore obstructing the free flow of traffic.

    The FCT minister taskforce team comprises of Nigerian Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, FCT VIO.

    Deborah Osho, Head of Operations in FCT VIO, while answering questions from reporters decried the traffic congestion on the road caused by illegal commercial taxi drivers.

    She said: “This is the taskforce team that was constituted by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. What you are seeing now is clearing the road corridor on the popular Banex road, Wuse II that has been taken over by illegal commercial taxis.

    Read Also: Wike to Fubara: don’t pull down ladder you used in climbing 

    “The illegal commercial taxis took over 50% of the road corridor picking and dropping passengers, meanwhile there is an approved park where they can pick and drop their passengers but they don’t use it, most of them prefer to use the road corridor, therefore, blocking the free flow of traffic on Banex road. About 19 vehicles were arrested along Banex road and one commercial motorcycle.”

    On sustaining the exercise, she said: “This exercise is continuous, once we enforce, we clear and then we pin down. And the pin-down is continuous.

    “This will curb the challenges of one chance and will also address the issue of illegal commercial taxis, this will also clean the city and make Abuja safe, especially during this yuletide period.”

    Also, the secretary of Command and Control, Peter Olumiji, said the exercise will help to get rid of one chance manace in Abuja.

    He said: “This joint exercise that we commenced today has two faces, number 1 to clear Illegal Park of criminal elements that run these one-chance taxis, and to also clear the parks of sales and trafficking of illegal drugs, they use the opportunity of illegal parks to transact their businesses. One chance is done at illegal parks and they use unpainted vehicles.”

  • Task force arrests 19 protesters for disturbing peace in Abuja

    Task force arrests 19 protesters for disturbing peace in Abuja

    A Joint Task Force team of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on City Sanitation, on Monday, arrested 19 protesters that besieged the premises of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Wuse Abuja.

    The 19 arrested protesters and scores of more stormed the premises of the council to protest the demolition of a Mechanic Village in Kubwa, by the officials of the AMMC’s Department of Development Control.

    The Director of the department, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, told journalists after the incidents that the workers in the building were going about their official assignments when the protesters besieged the premises.

    Galadima said that 19 of the protesters were arrested for the violent disruption of peace in the area.

    “We were having a meeting in a conference hall when we heard some noises. We decided to come and see what was happening and I saw some people with placards.

    “Some of the people were talking about Kubwa mechanic village where they own shops in the village, but which were demolished by  officials of the Department of Development Control.

    Read Also: Keke riders protest sale of fake tickets in Delta

    “But what proof do they have that they have allocations inside the area,” he said.

    Galadima said that the sponsors of the protest built what they called a mechanic village inside someone’s property, adding that Development Control ordered the demolition of the village.

    He added that beyond building illegally on the property, the action became necessary following a series of complaints of encroachment in the particular space by the rightful owners.

    The director, who described the protest as “simply thuggery”, added that the department would recommend the prosecution of the culprit.

    “This is a breach of peace, and they should be prosecuted.

    “We are also going to find out who among our officers gave out the area for the development of a mechanic village. The officers involved must be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Secretary, FCTA’s Command and Control, Dr Peter Olumuji, said that the task force was out on enforcement duty when the distress call came in from development control over the protest.

    “We abandoned what we were doing and dashed to the scene immediately and on getting here, we saw the protesters attempting to vandalise the premises, vehicles, and assault development control officers.

    “We have been able to arrest 19 of them and these will be taken to Utako Police Division for proper investigation and possible prosecution,” he added.

    (NAN) 

  • BREAKING: Tinubu meets NPAN reps in Aso Villa

    BREAKING: Tinubu meets NPAN reps in Aso Villa

    President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with representatives of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) at the State House, Abuja.

    President of the NPAN and Chairman of Media Trust, Publishers of the Daily Trust Newspaper and Trust Television, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, is at the head of the delegation.

    The delegation also includes former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba; Chairman of Vanguard Newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka; Chairman of THISDAY Newspapers, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; and the Managing Director of The Nation Newspaper, Victor Ifijeh.

    Read Also: Tinubu should appoint next minister from Plateau Central

    Others are Vice Chairman of Leadership Newspapers, Azubuike Ishiekwene; Managing Director of THISDAY Newspapers, Eniola Bello; Managing Director of Businessday Newspapers, Frank Aigbogun; Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspapers, Ayodele Aminu and Executive Secretary of NPAN, Feyi Smith.

    Details shortly….