Business / Law / News

Wigwe, Emefiele honoured with Juris Law Award

The Chairman, Body of Bank CEOs and Group Managing Director of Access Bank PLC, Herbert Wigwe, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to Corporate Governance and Rule of Law in Nigeria’s Banking Industry.

Wigwe was presented the Juris Law Award by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad at the 2021 Judges Workshop on Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 which held on Tuesday, 12 October 2021 in Abuja.

Also honored with an award was the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. The Juris Law Award is presented in honor of leaders who are taking significant steps towards promoting economic growth in Nigeria through deepening institutions, corporate governance and Rule of Law.

Accepting the award, Wigwe stated that he was honored to receive the award, adding that “through innovative banking initiatives and our underlying sustainability drive, Access Bank will continue to create shared value for all our stakeholders, striking a balance between competitive advantage and corporate social responsibility.”

Wigwe and Emefiele have partnered in the creation of several positive socio-economic initiatives such as the Creative Industries and Financing Initiative; a loan scheme developed to provide access to long-term and low-interest financing for entrepreneurs in Nigeria. In addition, Wigwe, Emefiele and Aliko Dangote were key parties in the formation of the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) – a vehicle created to spearhead corporate Nigeria’s support for the federal government’s fight against the deadly virus. The successful coalition funded the establishment of response centers,  acquisition of medical equipment, supplies and food palliatives for vulnerable Nigerians.

The 2021 Judges Workshop on Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 focused on reforms and the statutory requirements imposed by CBN on all banks and other financial institutions in Nigeria to adopt policies on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism and cyber security in Nigeria.

Also in attendance of the workshop were the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF); Abubakar Malami (SAN); the Appeal Court President, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensen; the Chief Judge of the Federal …

Agriculture / News / politics

Open Grazing: Obaseki storms Abuja, meets Buhari

The governor made the call when he addressed State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Obaseki said that the people of Edo had resolved that ranching was a private business and should be treated as such.

He said: “Our people say that as far as they are concerned, ranching is a private business just like every other agricultural venture, therefore, those involved should provide the land. “As you already know, it is expensive to run and manage ranches.

“So I came to discuss with the President that since the people of Edo would rather invest privately.

“Then, the National Livestock Transformation Programme, which is now being implemented by the Federal Government, should acknowledge our model.

“It should also be able to help Edo people benefit from the funding that is now being made available for people who want to go into the livestock business and have made investments in ranches and other similar livestock programmes,”.

According to Obaseki, the state government is yet to promulgate a law banning open grazing because it sees the venture as private business.

“As you know, most Southern States have passed laws relating to open grazing but Edo State has not. Because we want to ensure that whatever laws we pass are laws that we can enforce.

“We have had extensive consultations with our people to deal with the issue that yes, we do not want open grazing because it is out modelled and out dated; however, what are the options?

“If we are asking that we should now have ranches and these cows should be constrained to specific areas such as ranches, then who provides the land?,” he queried.

On politics, Obaseki commended the Senate for joining their House of Representatives counterparts in approving the transmission of election results electronically.

He said: “Definitely if not for God and the technology utilized by INEC, I may not be governor today.

“So, I am one of those people who believe that we should not …

Entertainment / Music / News

Hypocrisy is the reason why marijuana is illegal in Nigeria – Burna Boy

Grammy award-winning singer, Burna Boy has said that hypocrisy is the reason why marijuana has not been legalized in Nigeria. Though Marijuana, also known as weed, skunk or Igbo is still illegal in Nigeria, it hasn’t stopped its widespread use.

A 2018 report by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime revealed that marijuana is the most consumed ‘drug’ in Nigeria, being consumed by an estimated 10.8% of the population.

During a conversation in an interview with Home Grown Radio in Los Angeles, Burna Boy said he believes that hypocrisy is the reason it has not been legalized in Nigeria. He said, “It’s not a zero tolerance.

“It’s like everybody does it, but no one wants to be the one that is seen with it.

“It’s just kind of hypocritical out there. “Everybody smokes weed.”

Burna Boy also said that misconception around the drug is another reason why it has not been legalized.

“It’s like some dumb shit, bro. You know those old shit when they talk about it frying your brains.

“They try to make it seem like if you smoke it, you will go mad.” “Right now, everybody is relaxed, everybody does it, and everybody knows that. “It’s just a topic no one wants to talk about. “No one wants to talk about it; everybody is cool. Nobody wants to make it a thing.”

Asked if people get arrested for possession of marijuana in Nigeria, the 30-year-old singer says it depends on who you are.

He said, “If you can please the person that is stopping you at a time.” Burna Boy, in the interview, also said he likes coming to Los Angeles because weed is free in the state and that the best one he has had was in the city.

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Entertainment / News

Fast rising female compere, MC Eve, dies in Lekki auto crash

Fast rising event compere, Evelyn Adewunmi, popularly known as MC Eve, the energy goddess, is dead.

Sources confirmed that MC Eve died shortly after a car crash along Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos on October 12, 2021.

She was rushed to a nearby private hospital, but little or nothing could be done to save her life.

Her boyfriend, who drove the car, was unhurt. The Ekiti State University graduate is a talented MC that has worked with various celebrities such as top Nigerian actress, Mercy Aigbe. Evelyn is also niece to Otunba Mike Adenuga’s close pal, Chief Niyi Adewunmi.

Among MC Eve’s record of high profile event engagement was Toyin Lawani’s wedding in June this year.

She compered the event alongside Kenny Black.

Few people that have heard about the unfortunate passing away of MC Eve are still in shock.

She had a very promising career ahead of her but it is all gone now.

She was even slated for an ambassadorial deal before the car accident.…

Entertainment / Movies / News

Watch the official trailer for Izu Ojukwu’s ‘Amina’

Netflix has premiered the official trailer for Izu Ojukwu’s long anticipated film ‘Amina’ ahead of its November premiere. Starring Lucy Ameh in the lead role alongside Clarion Chukwurah, Ali Nuhu, the feature film follows the coming of age story of the 16th century warrior queen.

The trailer which first debuted in 2017 hints on the plot which takes on Queen Amina’s personal journey through love, failures and triumphs.

News of the Izu Ojukwu directed film finally landing a public release met a warm reaction from film lovers last week. The long-awaited film was due to be released in 2017.

While no reason was given for the delay, the film’s trailer sparked positive reaction online due to its impeccable production design and picture quality.

The film was sponsored by Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BOI) and shot in 2015. Post production was reportedly done in Europe.

Watch the official Netflix trailer:

 

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Entertainment / Law / Movies / News

IG dancer Janemena sues Tonto Dikeh for N500M

Popular Instagram dancer Janemena has sued movie star Tonto Dikeh for N500M. It would be recalled that Dikeh had revealed that her ex-boyfriend, Prince Kpokpogri had Janemena’s sex tapes in his possession.

In a petition filed by the Instagram influencer through her lawyers, Janemena said Dikeh’s claims were damaging and malicious. “These malicious publications and in the context in which it was made, meant and Janemena understood it to mean the following amongst other things: Janemena who is a married woman had and is still having an amorous or sexual relationship with Prince Kpokpogri (referred to in the publications as Joseph Egbri) who is not Jamena’s husband,” part of the petition read. 2. Janemena is cheating on her lawful husband. 3. Janemena has sex tapes. 4. Janemena distributes sex tapes. 5. Janemena’s sex tapes (old and very recent ones) are in possession of PRINCE KPOKPOGRI (Joseph Egbri) with which he will use to blackmail our client any moment from now.”

Janemena demanded an immediate retraction of the said publications by Tonto Dikeh on her social media handles and a publication of the retraction in four national dailies in Nigeria.

She also asked that the actress tenders an unreserved apology to her and pay the sum of N500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Naira) as exemplary damages for the malicious publications.

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Entertainment / Movies / News

Actress Foluke Daramola Salako’s husband denies reports their marriage has crashed

Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola’s husband, Olukayode Salako, has debunked the rumours that their marriage has crashed.

Salako made this known in a lengthy post via his Facebook page on Monday, October 11, 2021.

“Foluke Daramola Salako and I still share the same bedroom. In fact, we woke up on that same bed this morning. Let those silly merchants of beer parlor and pepper soup joint journalism continue to write their rubbish about us. They have been doing it since we got married,” he wrote.

https://www.facebook.com/olukayodes1/posts/4571502122909620

“They have started circulating another false and unfounded silly-gossip information about our marriage this time again. They will continue to write their rubbish and we will continue to bond better and better in it for the celebration of the fantasy of our 10 years anniversary, which is coming in 4 months time.”

“Our 10th anniversary as a couple is loading. We will invite them to come and see how okay we are and how good we shall continue to be together in it.”

“They want it to break by force. They have tried and tried it for the 10 years through so many media blackmail, means and sources, but little do they know that we have decided to continue to be unbreakable. Foluke Daramola Salako and Olukayode Salako are good and are still okay together.”

He went on to shower praises on the movie star while dispelling the rumors about the cracks in their marriage.

“Foluke is a very good and responsible woman. The two of us are still good together and we do not intend to end it any time soon for any reason, because it is a divine project of God that is beyond the two of us,” he added.

“And, that is why it is still possible for us to be running, maintaining and sustaining it until now. She is still Mrs. Foluke Daramola Salako and I am still her proud husband.”

Salako said their marriage is still intact and advised those spreading the rumors to desist from doing so.

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Entertainment / Music / News

Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ cracks top 10 of Billboard Hot 100

On Monday, October 11, 2021, Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Wizkid’s smash hit single, ‘Essence’ hit a new peak of No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Just week ago, the record at at No. 11. The record is also looking good on the Shazam and Urban Radio charts. This comes after ‘Made In Lagos’ hit one billion streams across all streaming platforms.

You can watch thoughts around the song on ‘Facts Only’;

 

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Entertainment / News

A real-life ‘Squid Game’ is reportedly being organized in Abu Dhabi

The Korean cultural center in the United Arab Emirates is reportedly set to launch a reenactment of the games in Netflix’s hit series ‘Squid Game’.

According to multiple reports, the event tagged ‘Squid Game’ will see participants explore games from the show devoid of the murder and bloodshed.

The event set to hold in two sessions on October 12 in Abu Dhabi will see two teams of 30 participants. Games expected to feature at the event include ‘Red Light, Green Light’, ‘Dalgona Candy’, ‘Marbles’ and ‘Ddakji’.

Interestingly, there will be no prize money as the winner is expected to take home a customized green tracksuit.

‘Squid Game’ hit Netflix on September 17 to instant reviews, kicking off multiple online reactions including TikTok trends.

The show follows the story of desperate debtors who discover themselves invited to play a series of Korean children’s games to win a jackpot prize of $38 million or die trying.

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Entertainment / News

Actress Ireti Doyle distances herself from daughter’s business over fraud allegations

Nollywood actress Ireti Doyle has distanced herself from her daughter, Ngozikachi Abimbola Onyeulo popularly known as Kachi’s business after she was accused of scamming people.

The movie star took to her Instagram page on Monday, October 11, 2021, where she blatantly distanced herself from her daughter’s business.

“I reiterate and write to inform all parties concerned and the general public that I am in no way connected to Kachi beauty products. I do no have and never owned a share, been a director, been on the payroll or received any financial benefits from the said business,” part of her statement read.

She said the CEO of Kachi Beauty is “one of my biological offsprings and that is the extent of the relationship.” The movie star asked those affected to reach out directly to her daughter or the appropriate authorities equipped to deal with such issues.

Doyle’s statement came on the heels of the accusation mounted on her as the mother of the businesswoman.

Kachi who deals in beauty products has on several occasions been accused of defrauding unsuspecting customers.

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News / politics

Ohanaeze lambasts Dokpesi over 2023 presidency

Apex Igbo socio-political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has berated the Chairman of Daar Communications Limited, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, for saying the South East cannot win the 2023 presidential election for the Peoples Democratic Party.

The position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was contained in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia.

It said it was disheartening that Dokpesi, one of the leaders of the South South Peoples Assembly, would profile the entire South as electoral liability to the PDP and back the North for the presidency.

It said: “One can easily understand the psychological ambivalence in the Dokpesi persona. On the other hand, there is no reason for the condescension and disdain he handed over to the entire south. According to him, ‘even I dare say there is no candidate from the south that you put in the north today that will be able to win.’ In another development,  Dokpesi recalls his friendship with Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his support for Tinubu’s presidential ambition. For the avoidance of doubt, several educated refined patriotic northerners are allergic to the supremacist born to rule entrepreneurs which has created the current Nigerian dilemma. “All the 17 southern governors in their meetings have resolved on the need for a power shift to the south. The Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi committee on zoning has declared that the national chairmanship of the  PDP should go to the north, while the Presidency should go to the south.

“It is therefore curious, the kind of appraisal parameters or kind of epitaph that the business mogul, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, wishes to be remembered. In one sentence, Dokpesi proclaimed that “If we are the Nigerians, I want us to be, if we believe in the unity of Nigeria and we also believe in equity, justice, and fairness, there is no reason we should not give it to the South East if the slot is given to the south. In another breath, Dokpesi averred that ‘whoever emerges as the president of Nigeria would have to compensate the people of the South East …

News / Security

Kidnap: 90 students, staff of Kebbi College freed after four months

Ninety students and members of staff of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri in Kebbi State, who were kidnapped four months ago, have regained their freedom.

Father of one of the kidnapped students, who pleaded for anonymity, disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday.

According to him, all the kidnapped students and staff were released on Tuesday.

The parent did not disclose whether parents of the abducted students have reunited with them. As at the time of this report, the state government and the police were yet to issue any statement on the development. Nigerian Tribune.…

News / politics

Photo as Fayose visits Tinubu, responds to critics

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has paid a visit to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Fayose, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, visited the APC chieftain in his Ikoyi, Lagos State home.

Fayose said his visit was primarily to wish Tinubu, who had a surgery on his leg, a quick recovery.

He lambasted those reading meanings into his visit. He wrote on social media: “Today, I was at Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos  to wish Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu a quick recovery.

“Health issues know no political party and in this part of the world, we seldom celebrate people when they are alive.

“Rather, we like to sign condolence registers. To me, that is not the best way to live.

“Most importantly, politics should be about love for each other.

“Therefore, like other leaders in Nigeria, I wish Asiwaju sound and robust health.

“And to those negative political analysts, this visit notwithstanding, I remain an unrepentant PDP leader and key stakeholder.”…

Military / News / Security

Movie veteran Chiwetalu Agu reportedly rearrested by DSS

There are reports that Nigerian movie veteran, Chiwetalu Agu has been rearrested by men of the Department of State Service (DSS).

According to one of his colleagues in a post shared via his Facebook page on Friday, October 8, 2021, the actor is now in the custody of the DSS.

“Chiwetalu Agu is still not free. He is with DSS now. Colleagues say they are looking for a top lawyer to bail him,” he wrote.

It would be rehttps://www.facebook.com/Chiagozie.Fred.Nwonwu/posts/10223090818552825called that the movie star was released by the Nigeria Army on Friday afternoon.

The movie veteran was arrested on Thursday, October 7, in Onitsha by men of the Nigerian Army.

The actor was spotted wearing an outfit with the Biafran flag inscribed on it.

The army later released a statement where it revealed that the actor was arrested for inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

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BBNaija / Entertainment / News

Liquorose plans to write books and re-open her salon

Big Brother Naija Shine Ya Eye first runner-up, Roseline Afije, better known as Liquorose says she is ready to bring some of the talents she was unable to display in the house to light.

The popular dancer in an interview on Wazobia FM on Friday, October 8, 2021, said she plans to make movies, write books and restart her beauty salon soon.

She said, “I have done some short films in the past; I have recorded some contents for my dance crew which have yet to be released, but most people only knew about my dancing career before I participated in the Big Brother Naija show.

“I applied to be on the show to unveil my talents because Big Brother Naija is a big platform where one could promote themselves. That was why I showcased some of my other talents which also helped me win so many games in the Big Brother House. I will soon bring to light the other talents that I was unable to display on the show since I’m now out of the house. I write poems and songs, so I’ll unleash my music talent — make movies, and write books. I’ll also restart my salon which I lost sometimes back.”

When asked if she learnt hairdressing from anyone, she said she learnt the skill at the age of six when she used to braid her grandmother’s hair.

“I didn’t learn hairdressing from anyone, I started practicing by braiding my grandmother’s hair when I was about six years old,” she said.

She added that the skill earned her some money when she started braiding her neighbors’ hair.

Liquorose, who braided hair for many housemates during the show, said she mastered the skill for survival.

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BBNaija / Entertainment / News

Whitemoney promises to drop a single before the end of the year

The winner of Big Brother Naija ‘Shine Ya Eye’ Season 6, Hazel Onou better known as Whitemoney has promised to release a single before the end of the year.

He said the single will feature veteran Nigerian singer, Duncan Mighty.

The 29-year-old announced his readiness to go into full-time entertainment and business on a radio show recently.

He said, “I am focusing on doing businesses, and I want to do full-time entertainment too. I will drop a single before the end of the year, and it will feature Duncan Mighty. Although I have not reached out to him about it, however, I am using this medium to make my plans known.”

Speaking about his love life, Whitemoney said he has never has never had a girl friend or any serious relationship since 2015.

He added that it was now tougher to find true love since he won the N90m grand prize.

“My singleness is now worse since I got out of the house because every woman now tells me, ‘Oh Whitemoney, you know I’ve been there for you. So if there’s love in the market, I’ll buy it. I have been single since 2015, and I’ve never had a girlfriend or any serious relationship since then. My time on the Big Brother Naija show helped me learn how to talk to and know women more and better,” he said.

However, the reality TV star said he was flattered by the love Nigerians showered on him while on the show, saying it was my first time he saw them coming together for just one person’s success.

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BBNaija / Entertainment / News

‘My last relationship was a disaster’ – BBNaija Mercy Eke

Mercy Eke the winner of the fourth season of popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, has revealed that her last relationship was a disaster. Mercy Eke the winner of the fourth season of popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, has revealed that her last relationship was a disaster. This came after her former boyfriend and reality TV star, IK granted an interview where he said that his relationship with Mercy Eke “wasn’t it” because many people had an opinion. “I’ve been in a couple of relationships but this one (with Mercy) wasn’t it; having a relationship where people have a million opinions just isn’t it,” he said.

Eke and Ike became an item after their time during the fourth season of Big Brother Naija.

By 2020, it became obvious that there were cracks in the highly publicized relationship.

By November of that year, Eke revealed that she was now married.

She also advised fans to stop asking her about her ex-boyfriend.

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Entertainment / News

Helen Paul shares photo of badly bruised face, says she was involved in a car accident

Nigerian comedian Helen Paul has revealed the reason behind her badly bruised face.

The doctorate degree holder made this known via her Instagram page on Sunday, October 11.

“Sometime ago, I was involved in a car accident in Abuja. I suffered a concussion to my head and had to wear sunglasses for a while. When taking pictures with others, I would leave my sunglasses on and many complained that I didn’t want my face to show in pictures with them,” she wrote.

“Some even assumed I was being proud, being a star 😃 They were totally oblivious of the true situation. Not all things are truly what they appear to be. Many are hiding alot and showing the best side on social media.”

She broke out as a naughty comic character on the radio program Wetin Dey on Radio Continental 102.3FM, Lagos.

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News / politics

Electoral Act: Saraki begs National Assembly on Direct Primaries

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has sent a passionate appeal to members of the National Assembly who are in the process of reconciling the different versions of the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill passed by both chambers to save the country the crisis and trouble that will result from the proposal to make direct primaries compulsory for parties in sourcing candidates for elections.

Saraki spoke in a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Head of his Media Office, and made available on Sunday.

He noted that the decision to include a provision in the proposed Electoral Act, which makes it compulsory for parties to adopt direct primaries, will only create a fresh problem while trying to solve another.

He added that many of the political parties lack the necessary infrastructure to successfully conduct direct primaries at all levels, while the attempt will lead to hundreds of litigations that may jeopardize the general election. He said: “I feel compelled to once again appeal to Distinguished Senators and Honorable Members of the House of Representatives on the proposed Electoral Act because I realize that while the focus of the general public has been on how to get the electronic transmission of results into the proposed law, another potential problem that may clog our electoral process is included in the Electoral Act is this provision on direct primaries.

“The two options on the table are to make direct primaries compulsory for all the parties or to leave it open for parties to decide. We should take the latter option. Let us leave each party to decide how it wants to source its candidates. The experience we have in the past shows that direct primary will lead to a crisis if forced on the parties. We saw how people sent from the national headquarters to conduct primary elections stayed in hotel rooms and conjured up figures which were announced as the result of direct primary elections.

“Even if the big parties have the funds and facilities to organize direct primaries nationwide, how about the …

News / politics / Security

Ribadu speaks on report he blamed government officials for banditry

Nuhu Ribadu, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has blamed most of the country’s challenges on fake news peddled by the social media.

Ribadu spoke on the development in the nation’s capital, Abuja, on Sunday at a news conference he addressed.

He was reacting to reports in the social media that he accused some top government functionaries of sponsoring banditry in the country.

The former EFCC boss said it was time for him to clear the air on the issue, which he said had been on for some time. He said: “July 2019 was the first time I came out to know about it, and I came out with a very strong denial, saying that it was a fabrication and had no basis.

“It was a piece of rubbish with very bad grammar and factual destruction, but indeed very damaging.

“I reacted very strongly after that, it didn’t stop and I was forced again to issue a statement denying it.

“I thought that would have been the end of it, but not long afterwards, it started coming back again and I am worried and concerned.”

Ribadu said globally, people who were worried and concerned and wanted to fact-check had been getting in touch with him, adding that he had continued to respond to the issue every single day.

He said: “I want to again deny in the strongest term and send a message to everybody to disregard the statements, it is not fair, it is not just.

“It is very sinful for you to create something from no where and attribute it to an innocent person who doesn’t know anything about it, I have nothing to do with that message.

“This is my strongest denial, everybody should please disregard the statement: it is not from me, it is not true.”

Ribadu said he had been inundated by messages from friends and associates who wanted to find out if the tweets on the issue were actually from him.

He, however, said he had made a formal complaint …