The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Newspapers

  • Troops kill seven key commanders of Boko Haram terrorists in Lake Chad

    The Nigerian Army yesterday said seven key commanders of Boko Haram terrorists were killed in the Lake Chad region following their bombardment by troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force and operation Lafiya Dole.

    It gave their names as Abba Mainoik, Bukar Dunokaube, Abu Kololo and Abor Lime, said to be an Arab.

    A statement signed by Army spokesman Col Sagir Musa named the others as Mann Chari, Abu Hamza and Dawoud Abdoulaye.

    The statement reads: “The MNJTF and the Nigerian Armed Forces are in celebrative mood today and have been basking in the successes of their combined efforts of artillery and air bombardments of suspected hideouts of erstwhile Boko Haram/ISWAP at the Tumbus of Lake Chad region that neutralised many including key commanders.

    “However, it was mourning and a monumental setback for the erstwhile Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters hibernating at the triangular area.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: Army assures Maiduguri residents of safety

    “Reliable information coming out from the inner circles of the demented and criminal group’s enclave escaping to Sudan and Central African Republic indicates that no fewer than seven of their key commanders have been wasted by the superior forces of the MNJTF.

    “The neutralised commanders are said to be Abba Mainok, Bukar Dunokaube, Abu kololo, Abor Kime (said to be of Arab origin – likely their ISIS trainer), Mann Chari, Dawoud Abdoulaye (from Mali) and Abu Hamza.

    “All these were said to be commanders of various Tumbus controlling fighters before they were decisively dealt with and sent to the pit of hell by the military bombardment.

    “Although these names may not be real and may likely be nicknames or alias, nonetheless, it is an unprecedented feat in our quest to clear the remnants of these criminals in the area. Consequently, efforts are ongoing to get more information on their true identities.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, had through the Theatre Commander Multinational Joint Task Force and the Commander Operation LAFIYA DOLE commended the troops for this great efforts and enjoined them to do more.”

  • Motorists, commuters stranded in Lagos as fuel tanker falls on Otedola bridge

    A diesel tanker fell on Otedola Bridge, Lagos, last night causing a massive gridlock at the Lagos end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    The brake of the tanker was said to have failed.

    Emergency workers rushed to the scene to prevent a fire outbreak.

    Read Also: Video: Tanker falls, spills fuel on Otedola bridge

    The Lagos State Traffic Management said the tanker was evacuated at 9:40 PM yesterday about   five hours after the incident occurred.

    Thousands of motorists and commuters were stranded on the route for as long as the gridlock caused by the accident lasted.

    Many commuters were seen walking to get to their destination.

  • Oshodi miscreants devise plot to escape police raid

    Suspected miscreants in Oshodi, who escaped police raid by the whiskers may have devised new plan to beat further arrest by law enforcement agents.

    No fewer than 71 suspected miscreants were arrested by personnel of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences on Wednesday.

    When our reporter visited the area on Thursday evening, a number of the boys were sighted loitering around the railway line.

    Sources said the boys now come around in the evening when personnel of the Lagos Task Force are not around to apprehend them.

    Read Also: Task force nabs 71 miscreants in early morning raid at Oshodi

    It was said that a number of them who escaped the recent police raid still sleep in shacks along the railway line.

    ‘’The boys no longer come out in the morning. They would go to other parts of the state and return in the evening from 7 PM when Task Force operative are no longer around.

    ‘’They still come around to smoke Indian hemp and indulge in pick pocketing as usual. Operatives of the Lagos Task Force would need to step up their surveillance in order to discourage the boys from regrouping to further their nefarious activities like snatching people’s bags and valuables here,’’ said a source who asked not to be named.

  • Two dead after falling off moving train

    Two unidentified men died penultimate Friday morning after they fell off a moving train at the PWD area of Ikeja, Lagos.

    The deceased persons according to sources were hanging on the train when they fell down when the train was on top speed.

    Sources said the accident occurred after an excavator parked close to the railway line hit the people who hung on the train, while others were said to have jumped off to avoid being hit by the construction equipment.

    It was said that most of those involved in the accident were among those who usually hang on the train to avoid buying tickets for their journey.

    Read Also: Eight-year-old Italian boy ‘trained to deal in drugs by crime boss’

    The deceased persons were among those who fell down died on the spot while others were injured.

    One of the victims died on the spot while the other person died on the way to a nearby public hospital.

    The incident triggered some youths to protest against the indiscriminate arrangement of equipment along the rail corridor.

    Normalcy was however restored following the intervention of officials of the construction firm and law enforcement agents.

  • Woman arrested for allegedly killing three-day-old stepson

    The Police have arrested a 22-year-old woman for allegedly poisoning her three-day-old stepson with a local insecticide called otapiapia in Shakodna village, Shiroro local government area of Niger state.

    The suspect, Harela Uba, who is the first wife of one Mallam Una Saidu gave the poisonous substance to her seven- year- old daughter to administer on her step-brother.

    The mother of the deceased baby,  Fa’iza Uba had left for bathroom leaving her baby in her room only to return to meet the baby foaming in his mouth, when she returned to the room.

    Read Also: Woman arrested for killing ‘hubby’ over daughter’s birthday party

    Fa’iza raised the alarm and the baby was rushed him to General Hospital, Kuta where he was confirmed dead by a doctor who said the baby was poisoned.

    The incident was reported to the Shiroro Police Division and several people were interrogated regarding the incident.

    Hurela confessed during interrogation that she gave her daughter the insecticide to administer on the baby.

    The suspect, an expectant mother, claimed she did not know what pushed her to kill the baby.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Muhammad, said the case had been charged to court.

  • Woman raises the alarm over son’s safety

    A trader, Mrs Oluyemisi Adeyemi has raised the alarm over alleged harassment of her son by suspected traditionalists.

    She appealed to security operatives to save his son, Adekunle Adeyemi and his family from the clutch of suspected traditionalists.

    According to Oluyemisi, who resides in Bariga area of Lagos, some traditionalists in Omojoda (Odo Ayan) village had continued to threaten her son over his refusal to ascend a chieftaincy stool in the community.

    She said Adekunle, a computer engineer and pastor of a Pentecostal church and his family now lives in palpable fear of further attacks by the traditionalists.

    She noted that the problem started in 2010 after her son was asked to accept the chieftaincy stool, following the unfortunate occurrences that have characterised the reign of the current occupant of the stool.

    Read Also: Confessions of an alleged serial killer

    “When traditionalists in the village consulted their oracles, it was learnt that the bad development in the town was because the current occupant was wrongfully installed as the traditional ruler of the community; hence their search for my son Adekunle whose reign they believed would improve the situation in the village.

    “My son rejected the offer because of his Christian faith that goes against anything that has to do with tradition and the fact that his late father Lawrence Adeyemi had, before his demise in 1989 cautioned his children against the occupation of the chieftaincy stool of Omojoda because of the controversies that trailed the stool in the past, even as he warned of serious consequences against any erring child.

    ”The level of threat to the lives of my son, Adekunle, and members of his family and futile attempt by the suspected traditionalists to kidnap his wife and only daughter in 2018, forced them to relocate from their last residence in Ogun State to an unknown place. My worry is that despite their relocation, strange faces, and movements, continued to be noticeable at their former residence, heightening my fear that some people are still after them.”

    She disclosed that she recently received anonymous telephone calls from people suspected to be kinsmen from Omojoda village, who during their conversations with her, vowed to deal with her son, should he refuse to accept the chieftaincy title.

    She added: “I am appealing to security outfits in the country to come to my son’s aid by warning those who are after his life, to please leave my son alone, as he could not accept the offer given him by his kinsmen.’’

  • Behold medical doctors, engineers in showbiz

    LAST week, we gave you a peep into the professional backgrounds of our celebs whose professions are in the humanities. This week, we will be showcasing celebs whose educational backgrounds are in the other side of the academic divide.

    Of course, it is easy to think that some of our biggest and most successful stars in showbiz have a backgrounds in the arts. Nigerian actors and actresses may not feature regularly in Hollywood movies or feature regularly on top chats, but still they are masters of the game. They are master interpreters of simple and complex roles and crooners of the highest caliber.

    So, you may be forgiven if you thought that your favourite celebs either studied theater arts or went straight to the studio after high school. Wrong! The backgrounds of our celebs are very diverse.

    Some of our biggest stars have science, engineering, medical and technology education and degrees. For example, Banky W studied engineering, while Kiki Omeili,

    Beautiful Nubia and Dr Sid have medical degrees.

    Some like Kate Henshaw and Beautiful Nubia actually practised for some time before dabbling into the world of showbiz. So, here are celebrities who also ditched their first love for showbiz.

    Banky W

    Nigerian artist, actor and politician Olubankole Wellington aka Banky W, the Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) boss popularly known as Banky W is perhaps best known for his role in the film “The Wedding Party” and in the music industry, both of which were incredibly successful.  He studied Industrial Engineering at Rensselaer University in New York. Banky W has a reputation for interpreting his roles well. Besides being a successful musician in his own right, he is also a successful artiste management expert. So, it may surprise you to know that his background is in engineering.

    Okey Bakassi

    The former Senior Special Adviser on Entertainment Matters to the past Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi, is a Nigerian stand-up comedian and actor. He’s a graduate of Agricultural Engineering from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt.

    Kate Henshaw – Medical Microbiology

    Kate Henshaw shot to fame as a model, and has since grown her brand and wealth with television and film roles. After completing her primary and secondary school in Lagos and Calabar, she spent one year at the University of Calabar for remedial studies and then majored in Medical Microbiology at the School of Medical Lab Science, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Henshaw worked for some time at the Bauchi State General Hospital.

    Eldee

    Nigerian rapper, record producer and architect Lanre Dabiri, popularly known by his stage name Eldee, is an architect with a Masters Degree from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

    Kiss Daniels

    Nigerian artist and Woju crooner-Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe aka Kiss Daniels has a degree in Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology (Water Engineering) from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

    Dr Sid

    Popular Nigerian singer and song writer, Sidney Onoriode Esiri, well-known as Dr Sid, completed a Dental Surgery course/degree at the Universit y of Ibadan (UI) before pursuing his passion in entertainment.

    Kiki Omeili

    The next person on our list of celebrities with degrees in the medical field is a graduate of medicine, this time from University of Lagos. Omeili began performing in stage plays all through her primary and secondary school years. This continued when she got into the university as she was a member of the drama club and acted in various productions as well as taking part in several drama competitions. In 2006, she obtained a medical degree from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos.

    Beautiful Nubia

    Nigerian songwriter, music composer and band leader Segun Akinlolu, popularly known as Beautiful Nubia, graduated from the University of Ibadan with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1992 and practised as a veterinary doctor for about eight years. He also holds a Post-Graduate Diploma from the Nigeria Institute of Journalism.

    Tonto Dikeh

    Nigerian actress, singer and humanitarian Tonto Dikeh, known to many as Poko, Tontolet, Mama King and King Tonto. Tonto Dikeh got an early taste of fame when she starred in a movie titled “Dirty Secret”, which generated controversy among Nigerians due to its adult scenes. Dikeh studied Petrochemical Engineering at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology.

    Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha

    Chukwuka’s acting career began with her debut in the movie “The Apple” in 2000 and has since bolstered her fame and wealth with television and film roles. She hails from Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria, but born in Lagos State. She completed her primary education at Onward Nursery and Primary School in Lagos State, and then proceeded to the Federal Government Girls College in Onitsha, Anambra State, for her secondary education. She then headed to Lagos State University, where she studied Banking and Finance.

  • 20 YEARS A KING: 2Baba unveils Tboiz, winners of Next Up talent search

    2BABA continues his week of celebration as he marks his 44th birthday alongside ongoing #20YearsAKing activities. On Wednesday, 2Baba unveiled Tboiz – a 3 member boy band to perform at the 20 Years A King Concerts organised to commemorate 2 decades in the music industry as a performer.

    The members of Tboiz — Okhiria Daabo Ayodele, Oche Peter and Osaentin Joseph Jonathan were announced as victors of the Next Up talent search which ran from 30th August, 2019 to 9th September, 2019. Asides the vocalists, Apatira Taiwo Olaseni was also announced winner of the Next Up video director search.

    Next Up Talent Search was adjudged by 2Baba, songwriter and producer Cobhams Asuquo and video director Unlimited L.A, whilst final winners were selected through an online voting process

    Read Also: 2Baba searches for vocalists and Video Director

    During his speech at the 20 Years A King media day, 2Baba said; “Next Up is a legacy project. This platform will give these four young kings an opportunity to kick start their careers. Today, they will be performing at the Industry night special and soon, we will be recording a song together. The plan here is to make their voices heard and I am indeed proud to be a part of this project.”

    Other activities lined up for the 2Baba week include the Campaign for Peace and Good Governance, a Radio Takeover & Industry Nite Special, as well as the Abuja House Party with Campari, and 2Baba week finale at Rumors Night Club, Festac.

    20 Years A King is a celebration of 20 years since 2Baba scored his first hit single ‘Knock Me Off’ as a member of the now-defunct Plantashun Boiz in 1999. Activities, projects and events for the year include a book, a documentary, an album, merchandise, fete, concerts, and parties.

  • Zee World unveils exciting programs for 2020

    TO expand customers’ satisfaction, popular entertainment channel, Zee World, has announced new programme lineup on its channel, available on DStv and GOtv channels.

    Speaking at an event, held recently in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Zee Africa and Asia Pacific, Harish Goyal revealed upcoming programmes which include the return of popular shows like Gangaa 2 and Married Again Season 2; as well as the launch of new exciting series such as Lady Luck and Amma in November this year.

    “Zee World enjoys a tremendous following in Nigeria and has undoubtedly become an African entertainment success story. We look forward to once again bringing the best that Bollywood has to offer to our Nigerian audience. Viewers can look forward to the premiere of four new shows in early 2020. These are Deception; Jodha & Akbar; Snatched; and Ring of Fire,” he said.

    Read Also: Africa meets India: Zee World casts African actors in series

    According to him, lovers of nouveau drama will revel in the 4 new series, coming in November, with Amma, as it takes viewers on the journey of Zeenat, a strong and bold woman whose mission is to fight for her community’s freedom against the British rule.

    Lady Luck, tells the tale of a bright girl, Bhoomi, who, at the end of her school career, and looking forward to entering the workplace, must contend with the age-old tradition of becoming a stay-at-home wife.

    As for fans’ favourites, Gangaa 2, and Married again Season 2; viewers can now look forward to watching the riveting love stories of the resilient characters in each series unfold. Will Gangaa and Sagar’s relationship stand the test of time? Can Raj and Diyya rekindle an old love with odds against them?

  • UAE prepares for Dubai Expo 2020

    In less than 400 days, the world will unite in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much anticipated the Expo 2020 Dubai. Dubai has already exceeded expectations in preparation for what maybe would be a showpiece for the world.

    According to the organisers, the emirate would, during the expo, have 75 entertainment events every day. 111,000 new jobs will be created by Expo 2020. There will be 173 days in Expo 2020, and nationals from more than 193 countries would be expected to participate.

    With one year to go before the commencement of the expo, the countdown is on – the pavilions are being designed and constructed, tens of thousands of volunteers are signing up to get involved and Dubai is preparing to host what is set to be the biggest event in the history of expos.

    The UAE won the right to host Expo 2020 and became the first country in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia to do so. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai promised that Dubai would “astonish the world”, come 2020. And a year to that date it is already happening.

    With a massive ground area measuring 438 hectares . Dubai Expo 2020 located within the Dubai South district, close to Al Maktoum International Airport and easily reached from Dubai International Airport is undergoing its final stages of preparation.

    Approximately 200 hectares will form the expo gated area, and the remaining 240 hectares will feature supporting amenities and facilities, including the Expo 2020 Village for participants and staff accommodation, warehousing, logistics, transport nodes, hotels, retail and a public park.

    Read Also: ‘Why I’m bringing Dubai Hills Estate to Nigeria’

    The expo has four main entrances and three main sections, divided on its three subthemes (opportunity, mobility and sustainability) with Al Wasl Plaza at the heart. The plaza is said to bring together a physical manifestation of the main theme of the expo which is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.” Significant events such as the opening and closing ceremonies will be held here.

    The expo site is equipped with a metro system (DUBAI metro route 2020) that has the capacity to take 46,000 passengers per hour to and from the expo site in under  16 minutes from Dubai Marina. This location will be the hub to innovative ideas , serial networking, investment strategies from October 20, 2019 to April 10, 2021, including the world government summit- Expo 2020

    The showpiece will kick off with the World Government Summit from November 22 to 25, 2020. It will be the biggest gathering yet since its inception with an expected attendance of over 10,000 high-profile officials, 30 international organizations and 600 experts and scholars.

    The four-day summit aims to cement the event’s status as a global platform dedicated to shaping the future of governments worldwide.

    Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, said: “His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid’s directives aim to join efforts and ideas of over 190 countries to draw a global roadmap for the future at the summit, contributing to the success of the region’s major international event — Expo 2020 Dubai.

    “Set under the slogan, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,’ the summit also aims to provide a platform to share the UAE’s success story as an incubator of tolerance, diversity and coexistence among its residents coming from 190 nationalities.

    The summit will highlight the successful government model of the UAE and share different experiences of world governments to innovate an efficient global government model and strengthen international cooperation to face rising economic challenges of a rapidly changing world.

    The summit foresees the role of future technology advancements in shaping the future of governments and explores solutions to face universal challenges posed by disruptive technologies.

    He said combining both events consolidate the UAE’s position as a melting pot of talents, hopes and aspirations that contributes to advancing the collective performance of world governments.

    Among those who have confirmed they’re involved are 193 different countries, as well as several major businesses and educational institutions. Under the Policy One Nation, One Pavilion, every nation is required to have a pavilion at the expo. Major attendees include the UK which plans to showcase British “innovation, creativity and leadership” at its enormous pavilion.

    Expo 2020 Dubai’s theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, will provide a platform to foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration globally.”