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Babatunde Fashola, former governor of Lagos, has asked Nigerian youths to remain in the country despite economic challenges.
In recent times, there has been a wave of migration by Nigerians who are seeking greener pastures abroad. “Japa” is a popular word used to describe migration in the country.
Speaking on Saturday at the combined 8th and 9th convocation ceremonies of Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo state, Fashola encouraged the youth to strive for positions of influence in the country instead of seeking opportunities abroad.
He said leaders don’t run away even when things are tough.
“Why did Mrs Folorunso Alakija not run away? Why did Chief Tunde Afolabi, who has contributed to Nigeria, not run away? Why are they still here?” Fashola asked.
“Times were equally tough in their younger days. The youths have become leaders in the Nigerian household, and therefore, they must embrace that responsibility.
“Do leaders also run away when it is difficult? There were tough times when Chief Ade-Ojo was at the University of Nigeria (UNN), but Ade-Ojo didn’t leave. If he had left, there would be no Elizade University.”
Michael Ade-Ojo, the founder of Elizade University, expressed satisfaction with the institution’s mission to produce world-class graduates and support the nation’s education system.
Ade-Ojo encouraged the university to prioritise research and entrepreneurship training, noting that it would equip students to make contributions to national development.
“I have been intentionally sacrificial with my investment in the university. It, therefore, gladdens my heart to see the seeds I sowed to humanity already bringing forth useful fruits,” Ade-Ojo said.
“My vision has always been to provide world-class education right here in Nigeria, and while there’s still work to be done, I am pleased with how far we have come.”
Kayode Ijadunola, the university’s vice-chancellor, said the institution is committed to producing graduates with skills to address Nigeria’s economic and technological challenges.
“With new developments, a growing research portfolio, and strong community ties, Elizade University is poised to continue its upward trajectory in Nigerian higher education,” Ijadunola said.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu says she is not involved in organising a national prayer.
Tinubu and Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA), were reportedly billed to lead a national prayer over the challenges plaguing Nigeria.
The 7-day event, titled ‘Seeking the Intervention of God in Nigeria’s Affairs’, is said to be organised in conjunction with Christian and Muslim leaders.
Segun Afolorunikan, director-general of the National Prayer Forum (NPF), who announced the initiative, said Christians would meet at the National Ecumenical Centre for a week-long intercession while Muslims would gather at the National Mosque in Abuja.
But in a statement on Saturday, Busola Kukoyi, senior special assistant on media to the first lady, distanced her principal from the organisation of any prayers.
Kukoyi added that though Tinubu is an advocate of prayer, she “believes that prayer is an act that must be done willingly, conscientiously and correctly”.
“She also believes that praying for Nigeria is the responsibility of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious belief, political affiliation, tribe or tongue,” Kukoyi said.
“This is to clarify and inform the general public that the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON is not organizing a National Prayer.
“The news making rounds in some conventional and social media platforms are unfounded and misleading. Consequently, anyone who might have come across the purported news of the joint National Prayer for Nigeria should disregard it as false.
“Members of the public are advised to verify the authenticity of any news or event involving the First Lady of Nigeria or her Office through Official channels. Kindly be advised accordingly.”
Meanwhile, the first lady was reported as leading, not organising the prayer session.
Kukoyi did not state whether Tinubu would partake in the event and in what capacity.
Chidimma Adetshina, the newly crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has shared her inspiring journey to the Miss Universe 2024 stage.
Last month, Chidimma arrived in Mexico to represent Nigeria at the global competition, with the final showdown scheduled for November 16 at Arena CDMX.
In a recent Instagram post, Chidimma reflected on her seven-year wait to represent Nigeria at the global competition.
The 21-year-old model recounted the challenges she faced, including “tears, pain, and trauma.” She said despite feeling unworthy and doubting herself, she persevered.
“2017, I had this dream of walking the Miss Universe stage with no idea of what it means to be a Queen. 7 years later, in just exactly 8 days I, Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina will be walking the Miss Universe stage,” she wrote.
“Win or not I am so proud of myself and filled with so much joy and fulfilment for I am about to accomplish what once seemed impossible. I envisioned this moment and I’m about to make it a reality.
“This journey hasn’t been easy for me mentally and emotionally. The tears, the pain, the trauma. The days I felt like giving up, the days I felt unworthy and undeserving, however I refuse to let anyone or anything dim my vision.
“This achievement is not just mine but it’s for NIGERIA, it’s for AFRICA. Your support and encouragement has been the fuel to my fire.
“To anyone who has ever doubted themselves, I see you and i believe in you . Your dreams are valid. Dont let fear hold you back.
“Don’t let doubt whisper you can’t because YOU CAN The journev will never be easy.”
At least 15 people have been killed in an attack by Lakurawas, a new terrorist group, on Mera village in Augie LGA of Kebbi state.
In a phone interview with TheCable on Saturday, Nafiu Abubakar, spokesperson for the Kebbi state police command, said the attack occurred around 2 p.m. on Friday.
“The terrorists attacked the village around 2 p.m. on Friday,” Abubakar said, adding that a significant number of cows were also rustled during the assault.
He said Bello Sanni, Kebbi state police commissioner, has mobilised a team of officers to the area “in an attempt to apprehend the perpetrators”.
“Investigations are still ongoing and the findings will be made public,” he added.
The 15 victims were buried on Saturday in a funeral attended by several prominent figures, including Abubakar Tafida, the deputy governor of Kebbi state; Samaila Mera, the Emir of Argungu; and the state’s police commissioner.
Canada Announces Cancellation Of Automatic 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visas For Nigerians, other countries.
AFOLABI
The government of Canada has announced the cancellation of the 10-year multiple-entry visa for Nigerians and citizens of other countries.
The authorities said that the cancellation of 10-year multiple-entry visa is part of the government’s efforts to curb immigration after experiencing a post-COVID population surge.
While the multiple-entry visa previously allowed holders to enter and leave Canada freely, a government update said that the 10-year multiple-entry visa is no longer viewed as the “standard document.”
The update by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) added, “Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered to be the standard document.”
The IRCC further stated that immigration officers now have the discretion to decide between issuing single-entry or multiple-entry visas and to determine their validity periods.
Recall that in October this year, the IRCC announced a revised target for permanent residents, reducing the goal for 2025 from 500,000 to 395,000.
The target for 2026 will drop from 500,000 to 380,000, and in 2027, Canada plans to admit 365,000 permanent residents.
Banky W, the famous Nigerian music executive, has said that Wizkid started his career as a studio rat.
Banky W stated this while reflecting on Wizkid’s early struggles before fame.
In a viral video on social media, Banky W, who was pivotal in launching Wizkid’s career through his record label, Empire Mates Entertainment, EME, disclosed that Wizkid spent hours hanging around various studios because he couldn’t afford studio time.
The music executive who described the afrobeat star as a studio rat, acknowledged the singer’s commitment and skill.
“Wizkid for a long time in his life was not fortunate enough to afford studio time.
“So he was a studio rat as he will go to any studio where they will let him hang out and he will hang out all day waiting, hoping and praying that engineers and producers to just pity him and say oya, come and record for 15 or 30 mins because he could not pay for his session.
“So, all day long, he would be working on hooks and melodies and just coming up with things in case he was given the opportunity to jump on the mic for five minutes.
“He didn’t have time to think about what to write at the moment, so that became his process.
“And now he is one of the fastest songwriters that I have ever encountered in my life, he will just sit, listen, and start freestyling a melody that would become a song that the whole world would want to sing. That is where the name Wiz started from,” he said.
Media
Wife of the sacked Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, ANIF, Baltasar Ebang Engonga, has been caught in extra-marital affairs.
Video footage emerged of Engonga’s wife having an intimacy with another man.
This was disclosed by popular social critic, Martins Ortse aka VeryDarkMan via an Instagram post on Saturday.
Sharing pictures of the Engonga’s wife from the video footage, VeryDarkMan said: “Just when I thought it was all over about this Equatorial Guinea man, the whole thing is getting more interesting. l just saw a video of his wife and another man, if you watch this video; it’s crazy. If you see how another man was na*cking his wife.”
Engonga was recently caught with about 400 sex tapes with several women during an investigation into a fraud case.
The leaked videos have continued to generate controversy via the social media space.
Reacting, First Lady Constancia Mangue Obiang expressed outrage over the scandal during a meeting with Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue.
Mrs Obiang called for immediate government intervention to uphold the dignity of Equatoguinean women and protect their privacy in the digital age.
Following the discovery, Engonga was relieved of his duty and subsequently arrested.
Aliyu Yaro, a 19-year-old boy in Adamawa State has allegedly killed a child born to his girlfriend.
The incident occurred in the northern Adamawa town of Mubi, where the teenage father, Aliyu Yaro, reportedly went to the house of his girlfriend, who had previously expressed frustration with the infant, urging him to take responsibility for the child.
According to police investigations, Aliyu claimed that after receiving repeated calls from his girlfriend to take the baby, he went to her house at night. After sending her on an errand, he took the three-day-old infant from her home.
Aliyu admitted that he brought the baby to his own house, where he fed the infant with sour milk, leading to the baby’s death by the following day.
He said he then buried the baby’s body around 9:00 p.m. in the Girpata area of Mubi.
Aliyu explained that he had impregnated his girlfriend, Safiya, and that after she gave birth, she frequently called him to take responsibility for the child.
He claimed that Safiya had threatened to harm or abandon the baby if he didn’t assume responsibility, which compelled him to go for the child.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Morris Dankombo, has ordered that the case be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation and prosecution of both Aliyu and Safiya.
Chidinma Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative in this year’s Miss Universe contest, will be fulfilling her childhood ambition of featuring in the glamourous global show next weekend in faraway Mexico.
The journey as she noted in a social media video has been tortuous and discouraging but the quest to wear the golden crown has kept firing her on.
“My mind says I’m tired, I can’t do it anymore, but my heart is saying don’t give up.
“This journey hasn’t been easy for me mentally and emotionally. The tears, the pain, the trauma,” she said.
Indeed, the beauty queen had passed through thick and thin to get this far.
Some months back, she was nearly disgraced by the South African government, when her South African identity was queried.
In fact, her problem started when she became a finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant only to face backlash over her eligibility due to her Mozambican and Nigerian heritage.
In her recent video on social media, she opened up about her challenging journey to the upcoming Miss Universe contest in Mexico.
“This journey hasn’t been easy for me mentally and emotionally. The tears, the pain, the trauma.
“The days I felt like giving up, the days I felt unworthy and undeserving. However I refuse to let anyone or anything dim my vision.”
Born to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, Adetshina’s journey to the Miss Universe competition has dominated headlines.
After that, she joined the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant and was crowned the winner, representing Taraba State. She is set to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe event on November 16.
She said she has dreamt of walking the Miss Universe stage since 2017.
“Seven years later, I, Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina will be walking the Miss Universe stage. Win or not I am so proud of myself and filled with so much joy and fulfillment for I am about to accomplish what once seemed impossible. I envisioned this moment and I’m about to make it a reality.
“This achievement is not only mine but it’s for Nigeria, it’s for Africa. Your support and encouragement have been the fuel to my fire.”
As Adetshina prepares to take the stage in Mexico, she’s been sharing updates about her journey on social media, from stunning photos to day-to-day activities leading up to the final
Cross, a former Big Brother Naija contestant, has publicly made an announcement about his spiritual transformation on social media, revealing that he has been arrested by God.
Cross expressed commitment to representing God’s glory and love, citing Joshua 24:15 NKJV: “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
He encouraged others to join him in serving God, emphasising the power of faith and redemption.
He wrote on X: “I have been arrested by GOD, moving forward I belong to JESUS CHRIST who is the Savior of the world. He has called me to do his work and build his Kingdom. A lot of revival is happening right now on earth. And he wants us as his children to join his agenda. All you need to do is call on him and truly believe that he is your Lord and Savior. And he will answer.
“My LIFE and CrossNation will represent him and his glory from today till end of time. For GOD is LOVE and LOVE is GOD (ICSO)
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
“And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15 NKJV.”
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VIDEO: I Was R*ped, Got Pregnant But Lost My Baby 3 Days After Birth – Actress, Aunty Ajara Opens Up
AFOLABI
Aunty Ajara, the popular small-sized Nigerian actress, has opened up how she got pregnant through rape and lost the baby three days after birth.
The Nollywood actress made this known while revealing the most painful circumstances she has ever been.
Speaking in her latest interview with actress Bimpe Akintunde on ‘Wasila Coded’ podcast, Aunty Ajara explained that the rapist was a family friend of her uncle.
In a now trending video on social media, Ajara stated that the guy admitted to rapping her.
“I was raped by a guy who was a friend to my Aunty husband’s brother. I gave birth to the baby through CS, but he died on the third day.”
Watch her speak below:
Andy Boyo, the renowned movie director and patron of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), has shared how he was expelled from school because of the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Fela, the legendary Nigerian artist and political advocate, passed away in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1997 at 58.
Fela is seen as the main creator of Afrobeat, a Nigerian music style that mixes West African rhythms with American funk and jazz.
Boyo, however, is preparing to bring the iconic life of the Afrobeats legend to the silver screen in a much-awaited biographical film.
After three years of planning, Boyo has obtained the rights to the music and is ready to begin filming in Nigeria, the UK, and the US in 2025.
Rumours suggest the high-profile movie will have an extensive cast, including 27 actresses portraying Fela’s wives.
Boyo, recognized for his successful films such as “Untamed” and “Spirit of Assassins,” will also direct, write, and produce the biographical film.
Speaking on his love for Fela and the project he is working on, Boyo said “this project is a labour of love.”
Boyo said: “Fela has always been my passion, I was expelled from Glorious College, Ibadan, for sneaking out to watch him perform at the University of Ibadan’s ‘Havana Night.’ Fela was my mentor; I admired his personality and music. When I returned to the school, I got expelled from school.”
The movie will tell the story of Fela’s existence, battles, and victories as the ruler of Afrobeats. Thanks to Boyo’s skill and commitment, this film is set to revolutionize the world of cinema, challenging the status quo of African film.
The outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has alleged that the All Progressives Congress, APC, is borrowing between N2 billion and N5 billion to finance the inauguration of the new governor.
Obaseki, who disclosed this at the inauguration of 10-man caretaker committee members of the State’s PDP in Benin City on Friday, however, lamented that the outgoing government was not carried along nor invited for the inauguration.
DAILY POST reports that Senator Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the APC, who defeated the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the State would be sworn-in on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
He alleged that the incoming government has started spending the sum of almost N27 billion set aside for the payment for projects and other obligations by his administration.
“In this holiday period, they will want to spend as much money as possible to confuse the people. They are going to struggle to change their perception.
“We have almost N27 billion to pay for projects and obligations, but they have started blowing it, and they have gone to borrow money for the inauguration which is going to cost them N2 to N5 billion. That is the money they will first take from the treasury.
“They are doing an inauguration and the governor is not even invited. It is like they are starting a brand new government and a brand new state”, he said.
Speaking further, Obaseki assured the people that he would not be far away from the party as he would never leave the party but would remain to give advice.
He also assured the party’s chieftains and faithful that the party would reclaim its stolen mandate.
“We will get our stolen mandate back, for the sake of Nigeria because if we allow the APC to go with our stolen mandate, it will mark the end of democracy in Nigeria.
“This fight is not for our candidate but for the people of Nigeria and our nation’s democracy”, he added.
Also speaking, Asue Ighodalo, the party’s candidate at the September 21, 2024 governorship election, however, charged the party to be ready for a tough battle and the journey to reclaim the stolen mandate.
“We expect them to reply to our petition next week. We also have five days to reply to their petition.
“This will take us to about the 19th of November, 2024. We will then start what is called the pre-hearing before the major hearing which may start by the end of November.
“Our lawyers are working and are ready to reply to their petition. Times are hard and we are in difficult times, we should stand firm and be strong as we navigate the journey to reclaim our stolen mandate”, he stated.
Meanwhile, the State chapter of APC, had in a statement issued recently alleged that out of the N24.6 billion deposited into the Edo State Government’s account recently, a staggering N14 billion was siphoned by the outgoing government within one week.
The party also alleged that without due process to fiscal responsibility, Governor Obaseki had sought and received approval for three supplementary budgets since January 2024.
It noted the most recent of the supplementary budgets was the N450 billion allocation passed on the eve of the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election by the State House of Assembly.
“The outgoing administration’s pursuit of multiple supplementary budgets within such a short period raises suspicions about the actual purpose behind these massive allocations.
“The total amount squandered during his tenure has reportedly neared the staggering sum of 2 trillion Naira.
“This astronomical figure demands answers. Edo people have a right to know where these resources have gone and why their future has been mortgaged by an outgoing administration that appears determined to empty the state coffers before leaving office”, the statement stated.
[DailyPost]
The head of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja’s family, Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja, has expressed regret obtaining Nigerian Defence Academic (NDA) form for the deceased.
Pa Tajudeen, the younger brother of the late COAS’s father, stated that he would not have bought the form had he known it would lead to his death.
Some family members also alleged that Lt. General Lagbaja may have been killed through diabolical means due to a land dispute in his hometown.
According to TheNation, In 2023 a dispute arose in Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area in Osun State, when representatives of the Nigerian Army planned to establish a hospital in the community.
Pa Tajudeen told TheNation that he initially obtained the NDA form for the late Lieutenant General.
“Everyone who is born must die. We give glory to God. The year that I obtained NDA form for him, if I had known that he would die before me, I would not have done so. I regret obtaining the form for him. But it is destiny.
“The death that killed Taoreed Lagbaja ought to take me. I took him as one of my children. We are greatly bereaved, we are sad. He constructed a borehole in his father’s compound and other places in the community.
“We can never forget him, his death is so shocking to us. I have accepted the fate, all the promises he made to me have hit a brick wall. He always gave us hope in the family, despite the sorrow, I give thanks to God,” the family head said.
[DailyTrust]