Famous Nollywood actor, Bolanle Ninalowo has revealed why he supported his daughter to pierce her navel.

The actor made the disclosure while speaking about his bond with his daughter, Aliyah.

Ninalowo in an interview with VJ Adams, said his 18-year-old daughter, Aliyah had asked to pierce her tongue but he felt uneasy about the tongue choice.

In a now-viral video, the actor explained that he allowed her to pierce her navel because he wanted to bond with her. Noting that a navel ring can be taken out at any time.

Demonstrating his support, Ninalowo stated that he personally drove her to get her navel pierced and also paid for the procedure.

[DailyPost]

The Supreme Court on Friday nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted by the National Assembly because it was made in violation of the powers donated by the Constitution to the federal Legislature.

In a unanimous judgment on Friday, a seven-member panel of the apex court held that the National Assembly lacked the powers to legislate on issues relating to lottery and games of chance.

The court held that such powers only reside with the state Houses of Assembly, which possess exclusive jurisdiction over lottery and related issues.

The lead judgment by Justice Mohammed Idris resolved the two issues, identified for determination, against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and one other, listed as defendants.

He granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.

The judgment was on the suit, marked: SC/1/2008 filed by Lagos and some other states.

Justice Idris ordered that the National Lottery Act 2005 should no longer applied in all states, except the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in respect of which the National Assembly is empowered to make laws.

He declared that lottery or games of chance are not one of the items on the Exclusive Legislative List contained in the Constitution in respect of which the National Assembly has the powers to make laws for the whole of the country.

The judge also declared that, having regard to the clear provisions of Section 4(2) & (3) of the Constitution, the National Assembly lacks the powers to make any legislation for the control and regulation of lottery in Nigeria.

He equally declared that, having regard to the provisions of Section 4(4)(a) & (b) and Part 2 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution, matters relating to the lottery are not issues on which the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly have concurrent powers to make laws.

Justice Idris also declared that, having regard to the provisions of section 4(7)(a) & (c) of the First Schedule to the Constitution the House of Assembly of Lagos State and other states have the powers, to the exclusion of the National Assembly, to make laws for the regulation and control of lottery within their states.

He further declared that, having regard to the provisions of sections 4(4)(b), 7(a) and 39, 29(9)(a) of the Constitution, the power of the National Assembly to make laws for the regulation and control of lottery is limited by the Constitution.

The judge also declared that sections 17, 18, 19 20 and 21 of the National Lottery Act 2005 made by the National Assembly are inconsistent with the Constitution, adding that the National Lottery Act is inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

He proceeded to issue an order that was made nullifying the entirety of the National Lottery Act.

Justice Idris also issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the first defendant (AGF), either by himself or his agents or any other agency of the Federal Government from implementing the provisions of the National Lottery Act within the territories of the plaintiff states.

He further issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the first defendant, its agents, or agencies of the federal government from continuing to implement or enforce the provisions of the National Lottery Act within the territories of the plaintiff states

The judge made no orders to cost.

Other members of the panel – Justice Uwani Abba-Aji (who presided), Justices Mohammed Lawal Garba, Emmanuel Agim, Simon Tsammani, Stephen Adah, and Jamilu Tukur agreed with the lead judgment.

[TheNation]

I was in London when Kemi Badenoch, a British politician of Nigerian extraction was running against a white man called Robert Jenrick in a bid to become leader of the British Conservative party.

At the same time and on the other side of the Atlantic, Kamala Harris, an American politician of Indian and Jamaican extraction, was running against a white man called Donald Trump in a bid to become the next President of the United States.

I have always been a great fan of Ms Harris because I like her style (especially her cool trouser suits!) and share most of her convictions.

But I’ve never warmed to Ms Badenoch because even though she sometimes talks sense, I don’t like the way she presents herself and think that some of her views are ridiculous.

However, I prayed that both of these black Amazons would win their contests because I reckon that the black race is uplifted whenever any black person who isn’t a crook, psychopath or moron triumphs, especially in white-dominated countries with racist track records.

In other words, even if I don’t agree with everything a black (or brown for that matter) person says or does, I am glad whenever an ethnic minority individual succeeds in the Western World.

This is why I kinda supported Rishi Sunak, Kemi’s predecessor, why I was happy when Kemi won her race on November 2  and why I shed bitter tears when Kamala failed to trounce Trump a few days later.

But, much to my surprise, while most black folks joined me in fervently cheering Kamala on and shared my profound sadness about her defeat, most black folks in the UK and Nigeria either displayed no interest in Kemi’s victory or expressed regret when she won.

I was so taken aback by this widespread refusal to rejoice for Kemi that I set out to find out why she is receiving such scant support from her brethren. I asked almost every black person I’ve spoken to this month; and the answers I got were pretty straightforward.

Firstly, Kemi is widely regarded as a “coconut” – as someone who may be dark on the outside but is white on the inside.

And this objection to Kemi isn’t just about fellow blacks feeling that she is culturally out of sync with most Nigerians and Diasporan Africans. It’s about a belief that she is a cynical OR self-hating traitor who either genuinely dislikes her race or sucks up to influential whites who do not have our best interests at heart because she wants to gain “house nigger” benefits from them.

And Kemi certainly doesn’t help herself by making ridiculous statements like her recent (and frankly insane!) claim that colonialism and slavery did not contribute to Britain’s prosperity.

How can she possibly justify this statement about a nation that grew rich on the back of free labour coerced from millions of slaves and natural resources stolen from numerous colonies?

Another thing that really annoys her detractors is her refusal to identify with Nigeria. She has said that she fled from Nigeria and wants nothing to do with it; and Nigerian Government officials who have tried to congratulate her have said that she snubbed them.

Well, I can understand her anger about this country. Even though both of Kemi’s parents were professionals when she was growing up, Nigeria rarely displays real respect for honest, hard-working professionals.

This is a place in which it is exceedingly difficult to thrive on a normal salary. This is a place in which security challenges abound, inflation is rampant and basic amenities like electricity are scarce.

So I really don’t blame her if her memories of Nigeria are not positive; and I would urge those who criticise her for not viewing her motherland through rose-tinted spectacles to quit their delusional patriotism and remember that some of us have high standards and do not feel lucky to live in a badly governed country.

Still, Kemi should not throw the baby out with the bathwater and should try to adopt a more gracious attitude towards the land of her ancestors.

Rishi and Kamala also come from deeply flawed developing countries, but have never gone out of their way to speak ill of their origins.

One can only hope that Kemi will eventually see the error of her ways. After all, Nigeria has a good side and whites tend to respect you more, deep down, if you know where you are coming from and refuse to kow-tow to their baser racist instincts!

And wouldn’t it be nice if she could come home and be pleasant and receive a rapturous welcome from Nigerians who are thrilled that their girl has done good?!

TAX RUBBISH

President Tinubu has 

transmitted tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration. Someone sent me this description of it:

The New Tax Bill marks a major reform in Nigeria’s tax system, offering a comprehensive, unified, and modern framework for taxation. By broadening the tax base, simplifying compliance, and recognising emerging sectors such as the digital economy, it positions Nigeria to enhance revenue generation while promoting fairness and equity. As the Bill takes effect from 2025, it is expected to streamline tax administration, support business growth, and encourage compliance, all while fostering a tax system that is responsive to the needs of a rapidly evolving economy.

I have never heard such nonsense in my life!

No Nigerian government has ever adequately accounted for the billions of petrodollars that have flowed from the Niger Delta.

We all know that most of this cash has been looted…and that very little of it has been spent on infrastructure, education, healthcare, etc.

The guys who run the show are feeding fat on oil money and leaving the rest of us to struggle to survive and thrive.

Why on earth should we have to pay tax as well?

The Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, has cleared a female student, Ramota Olahanloye, to graduate following the re-marking of her final-year examination scripts.

Olahanloye had alleged that a lecturer, Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia, demanded sexual favours from her, and when she declined, he deliberately failed her in two final-year courses.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Wole Balogun, the university confirmed that Olahanloye’s allegations were investigated, and her scripts were re-marked.

“The young lady’s scripts were re-marked, and she performed fairly better than the scores initially awarded by Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia,” the statement read.

According to Balogun, the university management approved Olahanloye’s revised results, which qualified her for graduation.

“The university management has given executive approval for her results to be processed. She has since commenced her final clearance from relevant units of the university,” the statement added.

Balogun also disclosed that Agbegbedia had been sanctioned by the institution for his misconduct.

Olahanloye expressed her joy over the resolution of the case, saying, “I am happy that I have gotten justice, and I really appreciate the university Vice-Chancellor for setting up the committee that investigated the matter.

“I was shown my entire results, including the graduation list with my name on it. I have started my clearance as a graduating student of the university, and I am truly happy.”

Her father, Rasaki Olahanloye, also lauded the university for its commitment to justice.

“I can confirm to the world that FUOYE has served justice to my daughter. I was shown her upgraded results after her scripts were re-marked, and it is clear that she passed.

“The university fulfilled its promise to ensure fairness, and I appreciate the VC, Prof. Sunday Fasina, and the committee members for ensuring my daughter gets justice,” he said.

[Punch]

The price of Bitcoin has climbed to around $97,000, officially signaling its intention to hit $100,000. This historic moment not only symbolizes the rise of the crypto economy, but also indicates that the global economic and financial system is undergoing profound changes.

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Here are the basic steps you need to take before getting started.

Step 1: Choose a Cloud Mining Provider

ION  Mining is a powerful cryptocurrency mining platform that allows you to earn Bitcoin passively, with no strings attached, regardless of technical knowledge or financial resources. Once $100 worth of Bitcoins are mined, they can be transferred to your account and traded. Any profits are yours and you can withdraw them to your personal wallet.

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[Vanguard]

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says the federal government’s initiative to sell crude priced in the local currency is faltering, as the plant is still unable to secure adequate supplies.

Edwin Devakumar, the vice-president of Dangote Industries Limited, spoke to Reuters on Friday.

“We need 650,000 barrels per day, (state oil firm NNPC Ltd) agreed to give a minimum of 385,000 bpd but they are not even delivering that,” Devakumar said.

He described the deliveries from Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited under the scheme as “peanuts”.

Also speaking, Mathins Obaze, an acting executive director of the Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN), said only the Dangote refinery, one of eight refineries in operation in Nigeria, has benefited from the naira-denominated crude sales arrangement.

“Members are still unable to access crude in naira and are currently engaging the government for a resolution,” Obaze said.

On October 5, the federal government said Nigeria officially commenced the sale of crude oil and refined petroleum products in naira — with Dangote refinery focusing on local supply.

A few weeks later, the refinery received four cargoes of crude oil from the NNPC under the naira-for-crude sale agreement.

On November 21, the Lekki-based refinery purchased its first shipment of US oil after a three-month break as the firm sought to increase production.

[TheCable]

THE Dr SOWUNMI OLABODE (aka Docky Show)

"... it was about 9:30 pm along the Jebba- Mokwa road. I was going on about 160 KPH when I heard a sound of something that hit my windscreen." I reversed the car and stopped.

When I came out It was pitch dark and all I could hear were cricket sounds. On searching, I discovered it was a bird. I kicked it off the road and got back in the car"

That was a narrative by my dad to some friends over drinks. It reflected his true spirit - He was intrepid and bold.

Born to Justice Olabode Sowunmi and Mrs Victoria Sowunmi-Idowu on Dec 30 1942; my dad had his fair share of challenges but left incredible memories for us. He had dogged determination and a unique legacy of integrity. By example, he showed to all of us that a man never need compromise for money.

It is to his eternal credit that In my life, I have NEVER known my dad to shift a position for money or related pecuniary gains no matter how small the issue. He thought me and my siblings that integrity is being true to what you are convinced is right and not what people consider right.

Like Prof Wole Soyinka (who was an acquaintance of his) said, "The man dies who refuses to stand up to tyranny". My dad believed that the spirit on integrity from standing on a conviction makes a man's destiny to open up in strange ways.

In the 60s he was a footballer who represented Lagos state in the Junior Academicals team. In the 70s he was engaged as manager in training with Unilever (then Lever Brothers) along with Chief Rufus Giwa and Chief Jubril Martins-Kuye. In the 80s he was part of President Shagari's Green Revolution committee. Later on he was consultant to the UN's Food and Agricultural Organisation. In the 1990s he served on the board of Western Livestock (one Oodua group of companies). He also lectured at the United Nations University and the Ogun State University, Ago Iwoye.

Dr Sowunmi was a man of many gifts and many faults. It you focus on his faults, you could not benefit from his gifting. However those who were his friends were incredible for their loyalty. When I met Chief Martins-Kuye for the first time, he had his driver come to the entrance of his estate to lead me as I drove to his house and when I entered, he held me by the hand to his inner living room. "You are Budi Show's child?" ..was his first statement to me. They truly valued their relationship.

Two weeks ago he said he was to visit Europe with his sisters for a cruise. My daughters managed to extract a promise of a visit to the zoo from him. He traveled 4 days ago. He passed on to glory in his hotel room in Venice. When my wife informed the girls that grandpa had gone to be with the Lord, the younger one said. So who is going to take us to the Zoo now? I guess different strokes for different folks. I heard searched only to discover that I had no pictures of my dad on my phone.

Two years ago ago on a Sunday afternoon, our mai guard (security guard) in Kano called his line from nowhere after over 30 years. Why? He was handing over his daughter daughter in marriage in his compound in Sokoto on that day. He wanted my dad to know he was the one the inspired and motivated him to acquire some education. i remembered him faintly as Sumiala.

My dad touched the lives of everyone connected with him. He was a gifted writer and communicator and even in his 70s he was an intellectual. Sir, we salute your legacy. Daddy, rest in the lord till we meet to part no more.

“DR.ODOH BERNARD IFEANYI IS NOT AND HAS NEVER BEEN A STAFF OF THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY GUSAU” – BEING TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE VICE CHANCHELLOR, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY GUSAU, PROFESSOR MU’AZU ABUBAKAR GUSAU ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024

Gentlemen of the Press

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this press Conference.

Introduction

In the last two weeks, both the mainstream and new media in Nigeria have been awash with screaming headlines about the controversy surrounding the appointment of Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi as the Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State by the Governing Council of the University.  Part of the issues that has generated serious attention is the misleading and unfounded claim by Dr. Odoh that he was offered a tenure appointment and confirmed as a Professor by the Federal University, Gusau. 

Arising from the spurious claim, the Federal University Gusau, has been inundated with enquiries about the true status of Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi regarding: (a) his appointment as a tenured Professor in the Department of Geology; (b) grant of leave of absence and, (c) confirmation of appointment as a substantive professor by the Governing Council of the University.

In response to the public enquiry, the University management, after a thorough internal scrutiny, issued a disclaimer to the effect that Dr. Odoh was neither employed by the University nor appointed as a professor. However, despite the disclaimer, Dr. Odoh has been unrelenting, parading documents purportedly issued by the University as proof of his non-existent employment by the institution.  

The widely circulated misinformation by Dr. Odoh has no doubt, raised serious concerns about the credibility and reputation of the Federal University, Gusau. Consequently, the University Management has decided to go public, to tell its own side of the story to stem further misinformation on the issue. 

The University Management, therefore, wishes to clarify as follows:

(a)           That appointment of staff, both academic and non-teaching, by the Federal University Gusau, is done based on laid down guidelines duly approved by the University’s Governing Council;

(b)          That part of the guidelines is that when an individual applies for employment, after vacancies are declared, the University’s registry scrutinizes such application upon which, if found to have met employment requirements, such an applicant, alongside others, is shortlisted and invited for interview;

(c)           That upon successful interview, such an applicant is issued an appointment letter, containing the terms and conditions of his appointment. One of such conditions is a written acceptance of the offer of appointment. Thereafter, the applicant proceeds to document his engagement, upon which he is posted to the relevant unit of the University to assume duty  as a staff;

(d)          In the case of Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi, the University notes as follows:

(i)                     That he did not submit any letter of acceptance of offer of appointment,

(ii)                   That he did not undergo the statutory documentation,

(iii)                  That even though Dr. Odoh was engaged as a Visiting  linkage staff in the Department of Geology of the University, and dubiously enrolled into the institution’s payroll from July 2014 to August 2015,  he neither assumed duty nor taught any course since the inception of the Department in the 2014/2015 academic session. The collection of salary  for job not done, amounts to an illegality and a breach of extant rules;

(iv)                  That he was not at any point in time, appointed as the pioneer Head of Department of Geology of the University, contrary to such unfounded claim, and,

(v)                    That there is no personal file related to the appointment of Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi in the custody of the University.

(e)          Meanwhile, the so-called letters of offer of tenure of appointment as Professor and confirmation of promotion to the post of Professor, dated 30th April 2015 and 12th November 2015, being paraded by Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi and purported to be certified true copies hurriedly endorsed by Ibrahim Bawa Kaura, former Registrar of the Federal University,  dated November 8, 2024, six solid years after the latter left the services of the Federal University Gusau, are products of administrative fraud orchestrated by  Dr. Odoh, working in cahoots with the former Vice Chancellor of the University and the Registrar.

(f)           For the sake of emphasis, assessment of candidates for professorial appointment, just as it is the case with all academic staff promotions, is procedural and begins from the Departmental Appointments and Promotions Committee (DA&PC) through the Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee (FA&PC) to the Senior Staff Establishments Committee (SSEC). It is only after successfully going through these stages that a candidate’s paper are packaged and sent out to three external assessors. In the case of Dr. Odoh, no such procedure was followed as there is no record to that effect in the University. 

Even if for the sake of argument, we concede that Dr. Odoh’s papers were sent out, it is almost near impossible for the three assessors to turn in their reports between April 30th 2015 and November 12th 2015, when he procured the questionable promotion to the rank of professor. As a matter of fact, we have it on good authority that the first Governing Council rejected the former Vice Chancellor’s request for the ratification of Dr. Odoh’s dubious promotion.

 Furthermore, shortly after being allegedly offered appointment, Dr. Odoh proceeded on leave of absence, a privilege that can only be extended to a confirmed staff of the University after the statutory probation period.

(g)           What is apparent from the foregoing, is that everything about Dr. Odoh’s   purported offer of appointment as tenure staff and confirmation of promotion as professor is shady, fraudulent, utterly devoid of due process and smacks of illegality as there is no evidence of official documentation with regards to his controversial employment as a staff of the Federal University Gusau. 

The whole charade was packaged and executed by the former Vice Chancellor and the former Registrar, without recourse to extant rules and due process for reasons not known to law and commonsense.

Further proof of the desperation to perpetuate such illegality is the   impersonation and usurpation of the duties of the current Registrar of the University by the former Registrar, Ibrahim Bawa Kaura, who procured a fake stamp to certify Dr. Odoh’s equally fake documents as true copies on November 8, 2024, six years after his disengagement from the University.  

  Conclusion

In conclusion, the Management of the Federal University Gusau, wishes to state in unequivocal terms that from available records, Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi is not and has never been a tenure staff of the University, let alone being confirmed as a Professor by the institution. Whatever claim to the contrary by Dr. Odoh is nothing but the antics of a drowning man who is hell-bent on using the good name of the Federal University Gusau, to give vent to his desperate ambition to become the Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, through subterfuge. 

Thank you.

In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed a curious shift in the culture of charity. Rather than the wealthy focusing their philanthropic efforts on those in dire need, we increasingly see acts of "generosity" directed at their fellow elites, entertainers, politicians, and other high-profile individuals who are far from destitute. What once might have been considered benevolence now often appears as a calculated performance, a spectacle crafted for attention, and a glaring contradiction to the very essence of charity.  

In its truest sense, charity is an act of giving with the intent to uplift the underprivileged. It seeks to bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots, a gesture of kindness that addresses pressing societal inequalities. However, recent events in Nigeria paint a different picture. 

Consider the viral episodes where celebrities gift luxury cars, expensive watches, or cash to their equally wealthy peers. For instance, a popular Nigerian singer recently surprised another celebrity with a N100 million. Prior to the foregoing case, he was among other celebrities who contributed more than N60 million for a controversial celebrity who was caught in the web of Nigeria’s law, sparking widespread applause on social media. While such gestures might be celebrated within their circles, they raise a fundamental question: How does this help the struggling masses who can barely afford the next meal?  

The political class is not left out. Many governors and public officials have taken to awarding lavish gifts to wealthy individuals during public events. At a time when ordinary Nigerians face skyrocketing inflation, unemployment, and economic despair, these ostentatious displays of "charity" seem tone-deaf.  

The evolution of social media has exacerbated this trend. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter have become stages for the wealthy to showcase their generosity, not to the underprivileged, but to their equally affluent friends. Each gift is carefully documented, shared, and hyped online, with fans applauding the magnanimity of their idols.  

But is it truly charity if it comes with a spectacle? The essence of giving lies in humility and the genuine desire to make a difference. When acts of giving are performed for public applause or to sustain a carefully curated image of affluence and generosity, they lose their authenticity.  

Nigeria is currently grappling with one of its most challenging economic periods. It is no more news that Nigeria in a World Bank report was said to have over 133 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty. Hunger, lack of access to healthcare, poor education, and unemployment are everyday realities for many. Yet, these pressing issues seldom attract the attention of the wealthy when they choose to "give."  

For instance, the billions of naira that could transform lives in rural areas are instead spent on lavish birthday parties, with luxury hampers handed out to fellow elites as party favors. Imagine the impact if just a fraction of those funds were directed toward building schools, funding healthcare, or setting up skill acquisition centers in underserved communities.  

Philanthropy, when done right, has the power to transform societies. A shining example are the works of Aliko Dangote, Theophilus Danjuma, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia and Folorunso Alakija  Also philanthropists like Mike Adenuga, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Emeka Offor, Femi Otedola and Mohammed Indimi have done much in terms of charity to be applauded and recognized in a special way.

Contrast the foregoing with the trend today, where charity is no longer about impact but impression. The wealthy must be reminded that their giving should align with the needs of society. What use is a multimillion-naira car to a celebrity already driving a fleet of luxury vehicles when thousands in their community cannot afford basic transportation?  

The Nigerian public, too, bears some responsibility for perpetuating this trend. By celebrating these ostentatious displays, society inadvertently encourages the wealthy to continue this cycle of misplaced charity. The applause should go to those who build homes for the homeless, sponsor education for the underprivileged, and create opportunities for economic empowerment.  

Public figures like Tony Elumelu and Aliko Dangote, who have established foundations to address critical societal issues, offer examples of meaningful philanthropy. While their efforts may not garner as much social media clout as gifting a Rolex to a celebrity, they leave an indelible mark on society.  

The fixation on public displays of wealth masquerading as charity reveals a deeper issue within Nigeria's elite culture: a disconnect from the realities of the common man. In a nation where the majority struggle to survive, these acts of self-serving "generosity" are not just insensitive; they are a betrayal of the social contract that should bind all Nigerians.  

True charity is not about elevating one's social status or winning applause. It is about uplifting the downtrodden, addressing societal inequities, and building a more inclusive future. Anything short of this is merely an act of showoff, an exercise in vanity masquerading as virtue.  

The solution lies in redefining what it means to give. Nigerian elites must understand that the greatest impact comes from targeting their resources where they are most needed. Initiatives like creating job opportunities, improving access to education, and investing in healthcare infrastructure have a far-reaching and sustainable impact on society.  

Civil society, religious institutions, and media must also play their part in reshaping the narrative. The culture of glorifying empty displays of wealth should be replaced with one that celebrates impactful giving.  

In fact, it is imperative for the government to incentivize genuine philanthropic efforts. Tax breaks for donations to credible charities, public acknowledgment of impactful projects, and collaborations with the private sector can encourage more meaningful contributions.  

As Nigeria grapples with its many challenges, the role of the wealthy in shaping a better future cannot be overstated. However, that future will not be built through spectacles of gifting among the affluent. True charity lies in uplifting the poor, empowering the powerless, and addressing the pressing needs of society. Anything less is not an act of charity but a carefully staged performance, designed to impress, not to impact.  

The question remains: Will Nigeria’s wealthy elite rise to the occasion and redefine their giving culture, or will they continue to squander opportunities to make a real difference? For the sake of the millions living in poverty, one hopes they choose the former.  

 President-elect Donald Trump has tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his choice for U.S. attorney general following Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal of his nomination.

Trump announced late Thursday that he would nominate Bondi to become the nation’s top law-enforcement officer, citing her work as a prosecutor.

“Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on Violent Criminals, and made the streets safe for Florida Families,” he said in a statement. “Then, as Florida’s first female Attorney General, she worked to stop the trafficking of deadly drugs, and reduce the tragedy of Fentanyl Overdose Deaths, which have destroyed many families across our Country.”

Bondi is likely to have an easier time winning Senate confirmation than Gaetz, who faced opposition from some Senate Republicans.

Bondi, 59, is a Trump ally who served as one of his defense attorneys during his first impeachment trial, when he was accused of abusing his power by withholding military aid from Ukraine to pressure Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to announce an investigation into a political rival, then-former Vice President Joe Biden. The Senate acquitted Trump of the charges.

Bondi also served on Trump's Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during his first term and acted as a campaign surrogate during this year's presidential contest. She was among a group of Republicans who attended Trump's hush-money trial in New York earlier this year to show their support for him.

Bondi was Florida's attorney general for eight years, from 2011 to 2019. She was the first woman elected to the position.

The Justice Department has more than 100,000 workers covering a broad range of interests. The department prosecutes federal criminal laws through U.S attorneys offices and through its main headquarters, and brings civil lawsuits to enforce civil rights and antitrust laws. The department oversees agencies such as the FBI; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Prisons.

"For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponized against me and other Republicans - Not anymore," Trump said in his statement. "Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again. I have known Pam for many years — She is smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter, who will do a terrific job as Attorney General!"

Bondi is Trump's second choice for attorney general and the second Floridian has has tapped for the job.

Earlier Thursday, Gaetz, a former Florida congressman, withdrew his nomination amid continuing allegations of sexual misconduct.

The DOJ – which Gaetz would have led if he became attorney general – investigated allegations that he committed statutory rape by paying for sex with a 17-year-old girl and for her to travel with him across state lines. That probe was dropped without charges.

But the House Ethics Committee, a bipartisan panel equally divided between Democrats and Republicans, was also investigating those and other allegations and had planned to vote on whether to release a report on their findings just two days after Gaetz abruptly resigned his House seat last week.

Did Matt Gaetz resign from Congress?What to know after he backs out of Trump's AG role

A lawyer for two witnesses said his clients testified before the Ethics Committee about the allegations. One said she saw Gaetz allegedly under the influence of drugs and sexually abusing the 17-year-old, though she said she did not think Gaetz knew the girl's age.

Gaetz has denied the allegations. But he said he decided to withdraw his nomination because it had become a distraction for Trump's transition team.

[usatoday]