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Catholic Pope Francis has urged Christians to pray with their hearts and not with their lips.
The catholic leader gave the teaching during his general audience, urging everyone to avoid praying like parrots.
Pope Francis, instead, encouraged them to pray from their hearts, calling on the Holy Spirit to help guide their conversations with God.
“Don’t pray like parrots, please! Don’t say ‘blah, blah, blah’. Say, ‘Lord’, but say it without your heart; ‘help me, Lord.’ ‘I love you, Lord’.
“When you pray ‘our father’, pray, ‘father, you are my father’. Pray with your heart and not with your lips. Don’t act like parrots,” the Supreme Pontiff said.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti revealed that his administration in 15 months, paid over N90 billion out of the N191.2 billion debt inherited from the previous administrations.
Also, he disclosed that Abia had recorded $159 million foreign direct investment between June 2023 and June 2024 under his watch.
Governor Otti said these during a media parley Thursday night in Umuahia.
He also declared that his administration had not borrowed money from any institution so far.
Otti explained that he had been judiciously deploying the resources of the state for infrastructural development, payment of salaries and pensions as well as other financial obligations of Government.
Otti said: “I inherited N191.3 billion from my predecessor in May 2023. My predecessor inherited about N35 billion from his predecessor in 2015.
“But today, my administration has paid over N90 billion of the debt we inherited.
“We still pay salaries and pensions every month. And I have not borrowed a Kobo from anybody.
“The achievements you see today are a product of prudent management of scare resources.”
On the foreign direct investment, Governor Otti said that Abia had moved from the 27th position to the 3rd position in the states with highest foreign direct investment.
He explained that the efforts of his administration to put in place the necessary infrastructure and other investment-friendly factors, had made Abia a destination for investors.
According to Otti, “We saw the need to lay the foundations upon which investment drives would stand. And that is why a lot of investors are now coming into the state.”
The governor argued that it does not make sense chasing investors around, submitting that they would naturally come when the needed environment is provided.
“Investors don’t listen to platitudes, they look at actions. Without any campaign, we have had investors coming to set up their investments in Abia.
“Apostle Chibuzor of OPM, the other day, brought a team of investors – one from Italy, another from Turkey and one from the US.
“That’s why we are making sure we make Abia investor-friendly.
“Akaikenga Think Tank also came, and we are discussing on how they would set tech hub in Abia. We want our people to come back and invest at home,” Otti noted.
Governor Otti also said his administration was making spirited efforts towards achieving food security. He equally disclosed that he had approved funds to 300 Abians who were recently sponsored by the state government to under-study modern farming in Nasarawa State.
He further explained that the intention of his administration to establish Greater Ohafia Development Commission, GADO, was to ensure no senatorial district was sidelined in the development agenda of government.
“Since we already have Greater Aba Development Authority, GADA; and Umuahia Capital Development Agency, UCDA, we need to complete the tripod and that’s what we have done to ensure even development in the state,” he added.
On road infrastructure, the governor said his administration had awarded projects for the rehabilitation of more new roads to make all parts of the state easily accessible.
He said the expansion of 5-kilometer Onuimo Bridge-Abia Tower Umuahia road had commenced. He added that contract has equally been awarded for 11.5 Ntigha Road, 11.27 Mbala -Ngodo Isuochi Road, 11.5 kilometer Obehie -Owaza Road in Ukwa, among others.
Otti said he had secured the assurances of Julius Berger handling the reconstruction of the strategic Port Harcourt Road Aba that the project would be delivered on or before February 2025.
He also said that work was progressing on so many other road projects as scheduled, including Umuahia -Uzuakoli -Ohafia Road, Ohafia-Atochukwu road, Ndiokorie Abam -Atochukwu road, and several others.
The governor added that the zero-pothole policy of his administration was ongoing.
Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State, has claimed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is planning to arrest him after his tenure ends on November 14.
Speaking at the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session on Thursday in Abuja, Obaseki revealed he received information about the EFCC’s plan to arrest and detain him over alleged fraud.
He, however, asserted that he is not afraid of any arrest or investigation into his administration, attributing the petitions filed against him to individuals acting out of vendetta.
Obaseki mentioned that he would spend his time in EFCC custody conducting research, stressing that he has nothing to hide.
He said, “I hear that the EFCC will pick me up next week after my tenure. Wherever they keep me, I’ll spend time doing research.
“There are many things we have done that can be described as legacy projects. I believe in Edo State. One of the enduring achievements is our focus on the Edo people and issues that matter to them, implementing necessary reforms.
“Why should I be afraid? I just focused on what I believe in, and today, you can see what has been accomplished. What happens after that is beyond my control. They can continue with their political witch-hunt and do all they can to harm me. That’s their problem.
“I’m not afraid; I’m not worried. They’ve written all sorts of unfounded petitions against me, and that’s part of the challenge. In fact, I can even turn myself in if they call me – I have nothing to hide.”
The governor accused his opponents of being envious of his achievements over the past eight years, stressing that he has left a legacy in the South-South state.
“You know how this country is. It’s filled with bitterness, vendettas, and wickedness. Those who have opposed me in Edo State are cruel, very wicked, and filled with jealousy and envy because they cannot match the accomplishments we’ve made in the past eight years.
“But what’s important is to focus on the people to improve Nigeria, as the suffering is excessive. We are privileged to make a difference, so let’s focus on issues, not vendettas.
“Reforming the bureaucracy is a priority. We focused on the people and the civil servants,” he added.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission had declared the All Progressives Congress candidate, Monday Okpebholo, as the winner of the September 21, 2024, Edo governorship election.
Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who secured 247,274 votes, with Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata trailing with 22,763 votes.
Popular Nigerian actress Iyabo Ojo has declared her unwavering support for the late singer Mohbad’s wife, Omowunmi.
DAILY POST recalls that Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, in a controversial manner.
The circumstances surrounding his sudden death have continued to generate controversies, with many pointing accusing fingers at Omowunmi.
However, speaking amid the ongoing investigation into the singer’s death, Iyabo Ojo revealed that she will keep supporting Omowunmi until proven guilty by the law.
During an Instagram live session, she challenged netizens to present evidence of Wunmi’s involvement to the authorities instead of engaging in social media speculation.
Ojo said: “A lot of people are angry that I’m supporting Wunmi. There is no concrete evidence that she is guilty. Until the law proves her guilty, I will continue to support her.
“If they like, they should drag and curse me. I will not stop being nice to her. Until the judge says otherwise with evidence, proof beyond every reasonable doubt.
“Also, everyone who has said they have evidence should take it to the right authorities. I don’t make social media judgements; there are laws in the country.”
Gov Abba Yusuf of Kano State has presented a proposed 2025 appropriation budget of N549,160,417,663.00 to the state assembly with a 2024 budget performance of 77 percent.
Presenting the budget on Friday at the Chamber of the State Assembly, Governor Yusuf hinted that the capital component of the budget stood at N312,634,912,672.18 billion, while the recurrent expenditure is set at N236,525,504,990.82 billion for the 2025 budget.
He said that when the budget is approved by the State Assembly, it is projected to have a capital-to-recurrent ratio of 57:43 percent, respectively.
He noted that most of the capital spending will be in the social and economic sectors to the tune of N461,447,963,240.86.
Governor Yusuf explained that education will receive N168,350,802,346.19 (31.00%), health will receive N90,600,835,766.48 (16.50%), agriculture will receive N21,038,199,190.76 (3.83%), and infrastructure development will receive N70,682,843,744.15 (12.87%).
The governor said that Manufacturing, Commerce, Industry, and Tourism will receive N3,887,338,871.45 (1.22%), Environment and Sanitation will receive N15,523,154,078.47 (2.83%), adding that governance institutions will receive N98,242,089,019.58 (17.57%).
He added that the 2024 budget of N437.3 billion has a general performance standing at 77 percent, with recurrent revenue and expenditure at 65 percent. He also noted that many leakages were blocked, leading to the achievements recorded.
Governor Yusuf expressed concern that 2024 has been a very difficult year for many citizens, leading to protests by Nigerians due to the Federal Government’s economic reforms, price rises, and the dollar exchange rate problems.
He prayed that the August protests would be the last but acknowledged that it served as a big reminder of the need to be there for the youths.
He emphasised that the uncertainty of the youth’s response could be disastrous, prompting the Kano government to rise to the occasion by developing many youth programmes.
Residents of Ruga, a settlement along Airport Road, Abuja, took to the streets on Friday to protest the demolition of their homes by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Wike had previously ordered a task force, “Operation Sweep,” to demolish Ruga and other communities within the nation’s capital to clear the city of perceived nuisances and criminal activities.
Leading the demonstration, renowned lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, along with Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMark, said the demolition was carried out with malicious intent.
Adeyanju expressed concern, stating that the task force burned many houses and destroyed property worth millions of naira.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to consider the plight of poor people who had been driven from their homes in Borno and other northern states due to insecurity in the region.
Adeyanju said: “There is no justification for this demolition. We are using this medium to appeal to the president to consider the plight of the displaced residents, who are barely surviving.
“Most of the residents here were forced out of their homes in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe due to insecurity.
“Most of them are artisans trying to make a living. These demolitions are excessive, and Mr President needs to act to prevent further harassment of the people.
“We are sounding a warning to those in government that peace is only achievable if the poor are allowed to live peacefully. When the poor cannot sleep, it affects everyone.
“Tinubu should call Wike to order and stop him from demolishing people’s homes and reallocating the land to rich people.
“There is no justification for demolishing these homes and allocating them to the rich. There is no overriding public interest here because the community is far from the main road.”
On his part, Otse stated: “This is strange. The repercussions of this will have a heavy toll on Abuja. This area that has been demolished is not near the main road. These people have been rendered homeless amid the ongoing hardship in the country.
“They are evicting these people without compensating them. It is sad that the elite think the poor are not part of society.”
Famous comedians, AY Makun and Basketmouth, have discussed their 17-year fight.
DAILY POST reports that the comedians have been in the news since 2006 over their lingering rift, with both avoiding each other publicly.
The duo made their first public appearance together after reconciliation in September 2024.
However, reflecting on the impact of their beef during the latest episode of the ‘Glass House‘ podcast, AY noted some damages caused by the long time fight.
Speaking at the reunion, AY said, “I didn’t know when the fight started. I just noticed it started. Every day I wake up thinking boys will be boys and like that, it grows into several years. People were spreading more rumours about it till it lasted that long.
“Our feud caused some damages because in a way we were like providers for people.”
Basketmouth added: “Most times people swear allegiance by default. So when we were not on good terms some people made it their business.
“There was a guy that picked side and came at me. Now that we are cool, he would be confused. It is a collaboration over competition.”
Watch the video below
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested some officers of the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, for extorting the sum of ₦10 million from some youths in the area.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, disclosed on Friday that the erring officers have been detained and subjected to orderly room trial.
The IGP, in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the extorted money has been recovered through the efforts of the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16.
The statement identified the erring officers as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine.
Egbetokun vowed that under his watch, the Police could not condone such behaviours, and stringent punishment would be meted out to corrupt officers.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has condemned alleged extortions by some officers of the force in some areas within the country, most especially the extant case involving the officers of the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters, Yenegoa, identified as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine.
“The officers were alleged of extorting the sum of Ten Million Naira from a group of young Nigerians. The money has been recovered through the efforts of the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16, and the Officers have since been detained and subjected to orderly room trial.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any act of corruption and police misconduct, as the Force takes every allegation of extortion and abuse of power extremely seriously.
“The IGP has however reassured the general public that the force will continue to investigate all allegations levelled against erring officers of the Force thoroughly. In pursuit of restorative justice, the Inspector-General of Police has mandated severe consequences for any officer, no matter how highly ranked, found culpable, acting as a deterrent to those who may seek to compromise the integrity of the Force,” the statement reads.
The Job Creation and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Secretariat, under the Office of the Vice President, has partnered with renowned musician and entrepreneur, Innocent Idibia (Tuface) to rally public support for the MSMEs sector.
The partnership was formalized on Friday in Abuja, with Tuface and Mr. Tola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, signing the agreement.
Adekunle-Johnson emphasized that Tuface’s role as a brand ambassador for job creation and MSMEs would help advance initiatives under the National MSMEs Awards.
He highlighted the initiative’s focus on the Expanded National MSMEs Clinics, the Shared Hubs for MSMEs, and various job creation activities.
The presidential aide expressed confidence that Tuface’s influence and reputation would encourage public engagement in these programs, which aim to foster job opportunities and support small businesses.
“We thought of how best we can sustain the momentum of creating jobs and promoting all the activities of the MSMES, awards, hubs, and the single-digit loan.
“And in trying to consistently promote this, we looked at areas that are of interest to some of our target audience, and you will agree with me it is the entertainment or creative industry.
“Today we are unveiling who I regard as an icon, a legend in the game, he has been consistent with his craft and a very creative man in the person of Mr. Innocent Idibia (Tuface).
“This partnership with Tuface will help galvanise private sector support for public sector initiatives aimed at creating jobs and supporting businesses,” he said.
Responding to the partnership, Tuface thanked President Tinubu’s administration for its focus on youth and small businesses.
He pledged to raise awareness about MSMEs, particularly among young Nigerians, and expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him.
“I appreciate the vote of confidence, I appreciate the kind words, for me I’m excited about this. It is a very good move in a good direction.
“Most of our youths today, there are so many things going that they can easily be deviated from following the right positive trajectory of life.
“But with this, people might even under estimates the power and value that this will bring to both the individuals, their communities and the country as a whole.
“So, for me I really commend this initiative, I commend the show of concern and show of support from the government towards young people, small businesses,” Tuface remarked.
Also, Deputy Director, Office of Trade and International Relations, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs Sarah Ajayi, emphasized the importance of entertainment in engaging youth, noting that Tuface’s influence would be instrumental in reaching the younger demographic.
“Entertainment is what attracts the youth.
“Most of them are given to entertainment, so having Tuface as our brand ambassador is a good one,” Ajayi said.
Trump Presidency: Data shows Nigeria received 5x more dollar inflows from United States under Trump versus Biden
Admin
The recent re-election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, has raised questions about how his policies might shape global investment flows over the coming years.
During Trump’s first term, Nigeria saw a substantial boost in foreign capital inflows, receiving five times more than it has under President Joe Biden’s administration.
According to data, Nigeria attracted a total of $10.5 billion in foreign capital during Trump’s first four years in office, compared to just $2.39 billion so far under Biden.
Analysts suggest that this disparity reflects the interplay of U.S. monetary policies, Nigeria’s interest rate strategy, and currency stability—factors that collectively created a more favourable investment climate during Trump’s tenure.
Comparative Capital Inflows: Trump vs. Biden
A closer look at the data reveals that under Trump’s administration, Nigeria’s capital inflows rose steadily, reflecting a favourable environment for foreign investment. The year-by-year breakdown of capital inflows shows this trend:
- 2016: $950 million
- 2017: $2.47 billion
- 2018: $3.58 billion
- 2019: $4.5 billion
By 2019, total capital inflows to Nigeria had hit a peak of $23 billion, with the United States alone contributing $4.5 billion. In contrast, under Biden, Nigeria has experienced a drastic reduction, attracting just $2.39 billion so far—roughly a quarter of what was achieved under Trump.
Key factors driving capital during Trump’s term
Interest Rate Policies: During Trump’s presidency, the U.S. maintained relatively low interest rates, making emerging markets like Nigeria more attractive to U.S. investors seeking higher returns.
- At the same time, Nigeria offered competitive interest rates, particularly between 2017 and 2018, to draw in foreign portfolio investment.
- Higher yields on Nigerian government securities during this period boosted investor interest and inflows.
Exchange Rate Stability: Another factor that underpinned Nigeria’s capital inflows was the relative stability of the naira.
- Between 2017 and 2019, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) managed to keep the naira at around N360/$1, creating predictability for foreign investors concerned about currency risk.
- A stable currency is a significant consideration for investors, particularly in emerging markets, where currency depreciation can severely impact returns.
In the subsequent Biden years, the story shifted. With the U.S. Federal Reserve raising interest rates to combat inflation, many investors turned back to the U.S. for higher, safer returns.
This policy change, alongside a stronger dollar, led to a reduced appetite for riskier emerging market assets. Additionally, Nigeria faced increasing challenges in maintaining currency stability and faced significant depreciation pressures, which have made the investment environment less predictable.
Implications of Trump’s return to office
As Trump assumes office for a second term, the question arises: will Nigeria again see increased capital inflows?
If Trump reintroduces his prior policy stance of encouraging low interest rates, there may be an uptick in investor interest in emerging markets like Nigeria.
However, Nigeria’s ability to capitalize on this will also depend on its domestic economic policies, especially concerning exchange rate stability, inflation management, and a favourable interest rate regime.
Looking Forward: For Nigeria, Trump’s re-election presents a renewed opportunity to attract foreign capital. However, maximizing this potential requires careful alignment of domestic policies to create an investor-friendly climate.
Policymakers will need to focus on exchange rate stability, competitive interest rates, and continued reforms that enhance Nigeria’s global investment appeal.
[Nairametrics]
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President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant policy shift, granting ministers of state full authority to oversee the agencies and departments under their supervision.
Previously, permanent secretaries would send files related to the departments and agencies under a minister of state’s supervision to senior ministers for final approval.
This system limited the decision-making capabilities of ministers of state, effectively reducing their roles to nominal positions.
According to a source from the office of the head of service of the federation who spoke with The Cable, President Tinubu expressed dissatisfaction with the previous structure, which he believed resulted in the “underutilisation of the expertise and capabilities” of ministers of state.
“The president was not pleased with the prevailing governing framework in which ministers of states were just ministers in name,” the official disclosed.
The new directive enables ministers of state to grant all necessary administrative approvals, allowing them to make decisions and direct actions within their areas of responsibility.
This move is aimed at “unleashing” the potential of all cabinet members, ensuring a more efficient governance process.
Tinubu’s cabinet comprises 48 ministers, of which 16 hold junior positions. The ministries affected by the new directive include agriculture and food security, defence, education, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), foreign affairs, health, petroleum (oil and gas), humanitarian and poverty reduction, and women affairs.
Other ministries impacted are works, regional development, labour and employment, finance, trade and investment, and housing and urban development.
[NaijaNews]
Bridget Jones is back for a fourth installment.
Titled ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy’ the film which is based off Helen Fielding’s novel of same title, will show the protagonist Bridget’s (reprised by Renee Zellweger) experiences trying to raise two children post the death of her husband, and dating.
Actor Hugh Grant has described this fourth film as the ‘best’ and “the one with the most heart”.
64-year-old Grant who will be reprising his role as Bridget’s ex-boss and playboy Daniel Cleaver said, “It is very moving but also very funny,” and has the best script thus far compared to the first three films. He has also had to rewrite the film script, to fit in his character who had no part in the story.
“I loved the script, it made me cry, and I wanted to help with this one. But there’s really no part for Daniel Cleaver in it at all. They wanted him in it, and in the end, they’d done something I wasn’t crazy about.” So, he rolled up his sleeves and went to work on the script to come up with scenes for his character that made the final cut.
“I’m not in a lot – I did a week’s work, that’s it. But when you see the film, you’ll be very moved,” Grant told Vanity Fair last April.
Although his character Mark Darcy hasn’t been mentioned at all – in connection with ‘Mad About The Boy’ – it is safe to say that Colin Firth’s won’t be returning based off the cast list – which include – Emma Thompson (reprising her role as Bridget’s doctor from the third installment), Chinwetalu Ejiofor, Isla Fisher, Josette Simon, Nico Parker, Leila Farzad, and Leo Woodall.
Zellweger, 55, in a 2022 interview with Sirius XM said of her character, “I find her so endearing … her self-deprecating sort of determination. I love her. And I think it’s really rare to get to follow a character through different stages in her life.”
Based off Helen Fielding’s novel, Bridget Jones film series begins with ‘Bridget Jones Diary (2001)’ in which titular character (Zellweger) spends a year juggling her relationships with barrister Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), and her boss Daniel Cleaver (Grant) through the lens of her diary.
The second film, ‘Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason’, followed in 2004 and captures Bridget grappling with her choice of romance and conflicts surrounding that relationship. The third film ‘Bridget Jones’s Baby’, released 16 years later in 2016, tackles Bridget’s sudden prospect as a single mother, and who the father might be.
‘Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy’ will open in Peacock and cinemas on February 14, Valentine’s Day, 2025.
[Leadership]
The management of Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) has disclosed that over 80 transformers within its franchise areas were vandalized and looted during the recent power outage experienced in the north.
The company also stated that huge cables supplying power to communities were stolen during the period, adding that Plateau was the most affected.
Eng. Hamisu Wakili Jigawa, Chief technical officer in charge of operations , disclosed this to Daily Trust at the headquarters of the company on Friday.
According to the technical officer, activities of the vandals affected smooth and efficient supply of power to the affected communities. He said “the vandalism of the transformers and stolen of the cables were quite challenging to us. The level of vandalism is too much. Some lines entirely vandalized.
“Aluminum conductors feeding some communities entirely vandalized. We have about 213 kvs that are completely out of circuits for a number of day. It was yesterday that we were able to fix the last one. We have lost a lot of distribution assets especially distribution transformers and cables. In some cases, the vandals open the transformer, remove the oil, coil and entirely everything. They only live empty tank, “ he added.
Eng. Jigawa however called on various communities to be vigilant and provide adequate security for the electrical assets, emphasizing that vandalizing them will continue to leave people in darkness.
[Dailytrust]
Panel absolves military of forced abortions, indicts soldiers over death of children in north-east
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An independent investigation committee set up by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has cleared the military of an allegation that it conducted forced abortions on thousands of women in the north-east.
However, the panel indicted some soldiers for setting ablaze a woman and three children in Borno state in 2016.
The incident occurred in Marte LGA of the north-eastern state.
The findings of the committee led by Abdu Aboki, a former supreme court justice, was sequel to reporting that the military forced women to have at least 10,000 abortions between 2013 and 2021.
Speaking during a presentation of the report in Abuja on Friday, Hilary Ogbonna, secretary of the panel, said the investigative committee found out that a non-governmental organisation (NGO) conducted abortions of women in north-east during the aforementioned period.
“For the abortion assault, the panel did not find evidence that the Nigerian Armed Forces committed a systematic, secret or policy driven abortions in north-east to the tune of 10,000,” Ogbonna said.
“There was no evidence before the panel to prove that.
“For smother and poison, the panel did not find the military culpable for the massacre of children, but the panel found the military culpable of infabticide and the killing of community members in a village in Marte LGA of Borno on the 16th of June 2016.
“We recieved witness testimonies of that of survivors – you will find all of these in the report.”
The panel’s secretary said they interviewed 199 witnesses to get testimonies to arrive at their findings and conclusion.
[TheCable]