Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma said that the country has lost an asset over the death of a former governor of Anambra state, Chukwuemeka Ezeife.
The late Ezeife, popularly referred to as Okwadike of Igbo Ukwu, was the first democratically elected governor of Anambra state (1992-1993).
He died at 84 on Thursday, December 14, at the National Hospital, Abuja, according to his family.
Governor Uzodimma sympathized with the family of the deceased, as well as the people of Igbo Ukwu, the government of Anambra State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the federal government of Nigeria.
He expressed that Dr. Ezeife’s absence would be deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
He said that Ezeife’s commitment to the good of all – both the common man as well as the high and mighty marked him out as a man who came to serve God and humanity.
Uzodimma said that Ezeife’s legacies as a former governor, former permanent secretary, and former political adviser will remain indelible in the minds of people, describing his death as painful and regrettable.
He noted that Ezeife’s vocal voice and contributions on issues that border on good governance in his State, Nigeria, and the society at large cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
He therefore prayed to God Almighty to grant Dr. Ezeife’s soul a peaceful repose and to his family, the grace to bear the loss.
The Minister of The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has asked the National Assembly to approve the N17 billion appropriated for FCT Administration in the N27.5 trillion 2024 proposed budget.
Wike made the appeal when he appeared before the joint session of the Senate and House Committees on FCT, in Abuja on Friday, December 15.
He explained that N17.1 billion was allocated to the FCT Administration, adding that the amount was allocated to complete abandoned projects to sustain the implementation of critical projects.
The minister said of the amount, N5 billion was allocated as a counterpart fund for the Greater Abuja Water Supply projects and N4.5 billion for the design and construction of the Nigeria Cultural Centre and Millennium Tower.
He also said N3 billion was allocated for the rehabilitation of the Federal Secretariat, while N4 billion was allocated for the completion of the Vice President’s Residence.
Wike added that N609.7 million was for the settlement of residential and office accommodation for international organisations in FCT.
“The money is just N17.1 billion, so what can I say other than to say, please help us pass it,” the minister said.
On the performance of the 2023 budget, Wike said a total of N15.5 billion was appropriated for infrastructural development, adding however, that only N8 billion was released representing 52 percent.
Responding, the chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Ibrahim Bomai, acknowledged that all the projects were ongoing ones, adding that the funds would not be enough to complete the projects.
He pointed out that the FCT operates a dual budget – the national budget and the statutory budget and expressed hope that the statutory budget might be in the hundreds of billions.
The minister appealed to the members of the joint session to give no objection considering the meagre amount.
Bomai said: “If you have no objection, we will ask the minister to take a bow and go.”
An international non-governmental organisation, WaterAid Nigeria has rolled out a $250, 000 to provide water, sanitation, and hygiene services in the Bwari area council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The project, which is supported by The Church of Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC), is expected to reach over 1,500 people with basic services.
Speaking during the launch of the project in Abuja, Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, said the project would be implemented within the next 12 months.
Mere, who was represented by Kolawole Banwo, the Head of Policy, Advocacy, and Communications, stated that WaterAid intends to collaborate with the FCT Primary Healthcare Board, Bwari Area Council, and the government to achieve its goal.
She said that the goal is to strengthen systems and create an environment that will ensure sustainability, adding that this will involve the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of gender-inclusive water and sanitation facilities in one Primary Healthcare Centre.
She said: “WaterAid Nigeria with funding support of $250,000 from The Church of Latter-day Saint Charities (LDSC) is launching a project targeted at improving public health in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The project will be implemented through the provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene services as well as education on infection, prevention, and control for improved health services in primary healthcare centres. The project is expected to reach over 1,500 people with these basic services.”
“The 2021 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping Survey (WASHNORMS) reveals that only 9% of healthcare facilities in Abuja have access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
“While findings from a 2022 WASH Situation Assessment in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) conducted in the six area councils of the FCT by WaterAid Nigeria revealed that, more than 67% of the PHCs assessed (including Bwari area council) did not meet the WASH requirements outlined in the National Primary Health Care Development Agency’s (NPHCDA) Technical Guide for WASH services in public health facilities.
“To improve access to WASH services, WaterAid in collaboration with the FCT Primary Healthcare Board, Bwari Area Council, and the government intends to achieve this through systems strengthening to create the enabling environment that ensures sustainability, the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of gender-inclusive water and sanitation facilities in one PHC.
“We will also train facility caretakers to operate and maintain water, sanitation, waste management, and handwashing facilities and carry out hygiene promotion activities for improved hygiene behaviours to control the spread of infectious diseases.”
She added: “Healthcare workers are faced each day with the occupational hazards of picking up infectious diseases when they are unable to wash their hands after interacting with patients. This makes it difficult for them to get their work done.
“In various circumstances, they are expected to fetch water to take care of the needs of patients putting additional burden on them.
“Healthcare centres should be a place where clients get quality services free from the risk of contracting infectious diseases and that is why we have collaborated with the church to reach everyone everywhere with clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene.”
President Bola Tinubu on Friday, December 15, inaugurated the Tertiary Education Tax Funds (TETFUND) N1 billion Central Library Complex with a sitting capacity of 2,000 at Bauchi State University, Gadau.
Represented by member House Committee on TETFUND and other services, Hon. Bappa Misau, Tinubu acknowledged TETFUND’s impact on various Bauchi state institutions, emphasising the significant strides made in the Nigerian tertiary education sector.
According to him, apart from the Bauchi State University, Gadau, other public tertiary educational institutions in the state such as Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), and Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, College of Education Azare, College of Education Kangere have not been exempted from the giant strides recorded in the Nigerian tertiary educational.
He said that TETFund had also sponsored 100 lecturers for Ph.D. in both foreign and local institutions totaling N955 million adding that 143 lecturers were also sponsored for Masters Degrees in both foreign and local institutions totaling N359 million, among others.
Also speaking, the vice-chancellor of the institution, Prof. Fatima Tahir, lauded TETFUND for the ‘milestone’ intervention, adding that the project would help in shaping the future of the institution.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Sonny Echono, highlighted the N17.3 billion allocated for infrastructure-related interventions at the university since 2012.
Represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, TETFUND, Olajide Babatunde, the Executive Secretary, assured of continued support to enhance global competitiveness.
Echono said: “From 2012 to date, TETFUND has allocated the sum of N17.3 billion for infrastructure-related interventions only, cutting across the Annual, Special High Impact and Zonal interventions, among others.
“With about 97% funds already accessed, we note with delight that these funds are being deployed judiciously in the provision of requisite facilities, which are obviously seen in various locations on the campus here.”
He assured that the Fund would continue to ensure that its interventions were sustained and improved upon to enable government-owned tertiary institutions to undertake impactful projects that would make them become globally competitive
Following the rise in the costs of food, fuel, energy, electricity, and others, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Friday, December 15, said the inflation rate rose from 27.33% in October 2023 to 28.20% in November 2023.
Accounting for the cause of the increase in inflation, the Bureau said food and non-alcoholic beverages costs rose to 14.61%.
It also noted that clothing and footwear increased by 4.72% and transport costs rose by 2.16%.
This was contained in its document tagged: “CPI and Inflation Report November 2023.”
The report said: “In November 2023, the headline inflation rate increased to 28.20% relative to October 2023 headline inflation rate which was 27.33%.”
NBS noted that looking at the movement, the November 2023 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 0.87% points when compared to the October 2023 headline inflation rate. On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 6.73% points higher compared to the rate recorded in November 2022, which was 21.47%.
The Bureau said this shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) increased in November 2023 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., November 2022).
NBS added that on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in November 2023 was 2.09%, which was 0.35% higher than the rate recorded in October 2023 (1.73%).
According to the report, this means that in November 2023, the rate of increase in the average price level is more than the rate of increase in the average price level in October 2023.
The report said in November 2023, all Items inflation rate on a Year-on-Year basis was highest in Kogi (33.28%), Lagos (32.30%), Rivers (32.25%), while Borno (22.47%), Katsina (24.91%) and Plateau (25.53%) recorded the slowest rise in Headline inflation on Year-on-Year basis.
NBS further noted that on a Month-on-Month basis, however, November 2023 recorded the highest increases in Kano (3.55%), Kebbi (3.34%), Borno (3.24%), while Taraba (0.74%), Anambra (1.00%) and Enugu (1.18%) recorded the slowest rise on Month-on-Month inflation.
On food inflation, NBS said “In November 2023, Food inflation on a Year-on-Year basis was highest in Kogi (41.29%), Kwara (40.72%) and Rivers (40.22%), while Bauchi (26.14%), Borno (27.34%) and Jigawa (27.63%) recorded the slowest rise in Food inflation on Year-on-Year basis. On a Month-on
-Month basis, however, in November 2023 Food inflation was highest in Cross River (4.37%),
Edo (3.95%) and Rivers (3.91%), while Anambra (0.63%), Oyo (0.91%) and Bauchi (1.00%) recorded the slowest rise in inflation on Month-on-Month basis.”
Over the years, African players have stunned Europe with the skills and qualities they possess. In light of recent research, we have over 500 African players who play their professional football in Europe. David Bolarinwa in this article analyses the influence achievements of notable African players in Europe.
African players have grown into the competition of showing their in-born talents in the spotlight and some have gone into the good records of their clubs or the league in which they played.
The intensity got real when George Weah in 1995 won the biggest individual award, the Ballon D’ Or, becoming the only African player to win the prestigious award, coming close to winning the award again was Senegalese ace, Sadio Mane who was announced second runner-up in 2022.
Didier Drogba came fourth in the 2007 edition while Samuel Eto’o who finished 5th in 2009 was nominated 10 times for the award in his career. Mohammed Salah, the Egyptian prince, came fifth in the 2022 edition of the award.
Some notable Africans in European Major Leagues and their achievements.
Premier League
The Premier League is seen as a Greenland where many African players want to show their skills and hope to have a successful spell. Here are some notable African players who succeeded in the Premier League and Africa.
Mohammed Salah
Topping the chat would have to be no one else than the Egyptian prince himself, recording 137 goals in 218 league games for Liverpool, having three Golden Boots to his name. In 2018 he became the only Liverpool player to win the Puskas award.
The 2017/18 season saw a different turn as Salah became the first player in Premier League history to score 32 goals in a 38-game campaign.
Salah was the fastest player to reach 100 goals in the history of Liverpool joining Fowler, Steven Gerrard, and Michael Owen on the exclusive list
Recounting his successes would not be complete without adding the fact that the 31-year-old won the African Best Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018 and is the leading goal scorer in Egypt recording over
Didier Drogba
Known for his aerial prowess and blistering shot, Dodoer Drogba is one of the most feared forwards in the world for several years.
The Ivorian striker had 164 goals to his name in a Chelsea shirt. Unquestionably one of the greatest African footballers of all time.
Didier Drogba is a living legend in the African football world, winning the African Best Player of the Year twice, in 2006 and 2009 respectively, As an Ivory Coast international between 2002 and 2014, Drogba captained the national team from 2006 until he retired from the Ivory Coast team and is the nation’s all-time top goalscorer with 65 goals from 105 appearances.
Yaya Toure
Starting his elite football career in Barcelona in 2007 where he won La Liga twice and the 2008-09 Champions League, Yaya Toure known for his surging midfield runs made him a big-money target for Manchester City, playing over 230 Premier League games for City, he paid back every penny they spent, with interest.
Stopping Toure wasn’t an easy task because of his ability to run with the ball and confidence to keep the ball and at his peak he rattled in no fewer than 20 league goals from the middle of the field.
Yaya Toure is regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time as was voted African Footballer of the Year for 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, only Samuel Etoo has the same stat in African football.
Nigerian legend who won the FA Cup for Portsmouth in 2008 scoring the game’s only goal in the first half and winning the African Player of the Year twice in 1996 and 1999 respectively.
Sadio Mane
Before leaving Liverpool Mane won six major trophies, the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and UEFA Super Cup with the Reds. He is also an inspiration for his country as they won their maiden Africa Cup of Nations triumph earlier in 2022.
African players in other notable European leagues
Victor Osimhen (Serie A)
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been the headline news in the Serie A since winning the Scudetto for Napoli in the 2022/23 season breaking the jinx of 33 years in a 1-1 draw against Udinese.
Victor Boniface (Bundesliga)
Another Nigerian striker who has turned hot for Bayer Leverkusen this season, winning the Rookie of the Month three times in a row scoring over 10 goals this season in all competitions including the Europa Champions League.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Premier League & Olympique Marseille)
Gabonese striker Aubameyang rattled 68 goals throughout 128 games against the Gunners. His movements, quality in finding space, and fine finishing made him one of the most dangerous forwards in the division for several years in a row.
His best performances came in the 2018/19 season when his 22-goal haul put him in a three-way African tie for the Golden Boot with two of the players still to come.
However, Aubameyang now plays his professional football in Olympique Marseille having 8-goals to his name. He has scored more than 300 goals in his football career.
To cap it all Aubameyang was named African Footballer of the Year in 2016, showing his excellence in the national team as well.
With all of these great African players mentioned, it is surely safe to say Europe has been a good landing stage for African football.
The establishment of Islamic universities in Nigeria aims to provide higher education based on Islamic principles.
These universities offer a blend of quality education and Islamic teachings to students.
The objective is to create an environment where students can learn a variety of subjects while also gaining a deep understanding of Islamic traditions and values.
These universities play a vital role in Nigeria’s education system and provide a great opportunity for those who wish to learn in a way that incorporates Islamic values.
Here are five (5) Islamic universities you should know about in Nigeria
1. Fountain University
The university is owned and operated by the Nasrul-Lahi-Il-Fatih Society (NASFAT), located in Oke Osun State.
It was granted a license to operate as a Private University on May 17, 2007, by the Federal Government, based on the recommendations of the National Universities Commission.
2. Al-Qalam University
Al-Qalam University, formerly known as Katsina University, is located in Dutsinma Road, Katsina State, Nigeria. Established in 2005, it holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first private Islamic institution.
3. Crescent University
Crescent University, Abeokuta was founded in 2005 by a renowned legal expert and former judge of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, His Excellency Justice Bola Ajibola.
The university aims to be a center of academic excellence and uphold moral values. It is one of the leading Islamic universities in Nigeria and was established under the umbrella of the Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA).
Crescent was licensed and established in 2005 after approval by the Federal Government through the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Al-Hikmah University, located in Ilorin, Nigeria, was founded in 2005 by the Abdur-Raheem Oladimeji Islamic Foundation (AROIF).
The university was granted a license to operate as a private university by the Federal Government of Nigeria on January 7th, 2005 (License No. 010).
5. Summit University
Summit University, founded by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) in Offa, provides quality tertiary education to all Nigerians, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, or creed, with an Islamic faith-based approach.
The University obtained its Provisional Licence (No. 59th private University) issued by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on March 5, 2015, and its Permanent Operational Licence on April 1, 2019.
In the corporate world, one might not be able to relate with two colleagues in the same organization getting married to each other. This is because, in most organizations, colleagues are not allowed to be married and remain in the same organization.
This is not the case in Nollywood as several actors who were once on-set together or not have got married to each other.
It is said that love is blind and marriage is a beautiful thing but some people would argue that actors cannot marry each other as they may hit a rough patch and get divorced owing to the line of work they are into amongst other things.
This assumption is not necessarily true, as every couple and every marriage is unique. It would be unfair to generalize the situation of one couple to all actors simply because they share the same line of business.
Below are Nine Nollywood actors who are married to each other as of 2023:
1 Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva
Think of a successful celebrity Nollywood marriage, Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva would not be far off. These veteran actors have been married for over 37 years and are Nollywood’s oldest power couple if you ask me. Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva met in 1981 at the National Theatre in Lagos. In 1989, Joke Silva got married to Olu Jacobs, and the marriage was blessed with three children; Olusoji Jacobs, Olugbenga Jacobs, and Dayo Jacobs – their daughter who died in 1997 at the age of 10.
Joke Silva in November 2021 revealed in an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo that her husband, Olu Jacobs is suffering from Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
2. Banky W and Adesua Etomi-Wellington
Seen as Nigerian sweethearts; in my opinion, Olubankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W and his beautiful actress wife, Adesua Etomi got married in 2017 after appearing in a movie, ‘The Wedding Party’, where they played the role of a newlywed couple.
Nigerian musician and actor Banky W met his wife, Adesua Etomi on social media. Banky W sent Susu (a name he calls her) a Direct Message on Instagram after stalking her for some time on the internet.
Their relationship started in 2015 although both parties did not make it public until Banky W officially announced his engagement to actress Adesua Etomi in February 2017.
The duo got married in November 2017 and both have a son, Hazaiah Olusegun “Champ” Wellington fondly called Zaiah, born in January 2021.
Although his identity was not revealed since birth, his parents, unveiled his identity in September 2022. Adesua on her Instagram account wrote, “#bankywellington and I did a collabo and he is perfect. My happy baby everything we prayed for….and then some… Online aunties and uncles, meet your nephew. He’s hailing you in the 3rd photo ️ Ps it’s not his birthday. His birthday was in January. ️.”
3. Stan Nze and Jessica Blessing Obasi-Nze
Popular Nollywood actor, Stanley Nze, who played the lead role of Ahanna in the 2020 remake of Rattlesnake got married to his wife Jessica Blessing Obasi in September 2021.
In September 2023 while celebrating their second anniversary, the couple announced they were expecting a baby after Stan shared a video and pictures of a photoshoot with his wife on his Instagram account. He wrote, “2 years today; still the best decision of our lives I don’t know what we did right to deserve this kind of love. We are grateful Jesus
Our 3rd year is definitely a unique phase – Our year of nurturing. Please say a prayer for us
Happy 2nd Anniversary to Us “
4. Ibrahim Suleiman and Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman
An example of a couple who met on-set is Nollywood actress and model Linda Ejiofor and her husband, Ibrahim Suleiman who both appeared in the MNet TV Series, Tinsel where they were paired as lovers. Linda and Ibrahim got married on November 11, 2018. Linda once told the media that she and Ibrahim Suleiman had been friends for years before they decided to take the relationship to the next level after sharing a closer relationship on the set of Tinsel. The couple are blessed with a child, Keon, who was born in July 2020.
5. Norbert Young and Gloria Young
Being one of the oldest celebrity couples in Nollywood, Veteran Nollywood actor Norbert Young and his wife Gloria Young met on a movie set. The couple got married in 2002 and celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary in June 2021. The couple have starred as husband and wife in many Nollywood movies with an example being ‘Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story’ where Norbert Young played the role of Ali Mahmood while Gloria Young played the role of Ngozi Maduako. Born Glorie Anozie, Gloria Young shot to the limelight after her performance in the Nollywood blockbuster movie “Glamour Girls” in 1994 where she played a character named Doris. They both have three children together.
6. Iyke Okechukwu and Florence Okechukwu
Paired on-set as a couple where they met and fell in love, Nollywood actress Florence and actor Iyke Okechukwu have been married for over 8 years. Known as Chuks Obi and Ene in Africa’s long-time series, Tinsel, the couple is blessed to have two children. Iyke’s first acting role was in the 2002 Kiddies show called ‘Fun Time’. He is also well known for his appearance in ‘Wetin Dey’ in 2007.
7. Adedimeji Lateef and Adebimpe Oyebade
Another set of actors who are married to each other is Nollywood actress, Adebimpe Oyebade popularly known as Mo Bimpe, and actor Adedimeji Lateef who got married on December 22, 2021. The couple, who initially denied having an affair, came clean about their relationship a few days before their union.
8. Fredrick Leonard and Peggy Ovire
Nollywood actor and actress, Peggy Ovire and Fredrick Leonard got married traditionally in Warri, Delta State in November 2022.
They made their relationship public in October 2022 to the surprise of many of their fans with some who suspected and others who did not.
The couple who made promises to each other confirmed that they were together for seven years.
9. Yul Edochie and Judy Austin
The marriage of actors Yul Edochie and Muoghalu Judith popularly known as Judy Austin has become one that is also always in the news. Yul announced his marriage to Judy in April 2022 as his second wife which was met with a lot of backlash.
Before his marriage with Judy, Yul was married to May for 17 years and had four children together although they lost their first son, Kambilichukwu in March 2023, two months after his 16th birthday.
Yul and Judy also have a son, Star together who was born in 2022.
May Edochie reportedly filed for divorce from Yul Edochie. According to a legal practitioner, Emeka Ugwuonye, from the DPA Family Clinic, a law firm, he said May is demanding “100 million in damages against Judy for adultery with her husband.” while adding that May filed a court order restraining Yul from accessing their former matrimonial home because of “security concerns”.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Friday, December 15, said the inflation rate rose from 27.33% in October 2023 to 28.20% in November 2023.
This was contained in its document tagged: “CPI and Inflation Report November 2023.”
The report said: “In November 2023, the headline inflation rate increased to 28.20% relative to October 2023 headline inflation rate which was 27.33%.”
NBS noted that looking at the movement, the November 2023 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 0.87% points when compared to the October 2023 headline inflation rate. On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 6.73% points higher compared to the rate recorded in November 2022, which was 21.47%.
The Bureau said this shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) increased in November 2023 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., November 2022).
NBS added that on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in November 2023 was 2.09%, which was 0.35% higher than the rate recorded in October 2023 (1.73%).
According to the report, this means that in November 2023, the rate of increase in the average price level is more than the rate of increase in the average price level in October 2023.
️ Ps it’s not his birthday. His birthday was in January. 
“
