Author: Val Kosi

  • “You are so strong” – Funke Akindele showers love and prayers on Warri Pikin

    “You are so strong” – Funke Akindele showers love and prayers on Warri Pikin

    Veteran Nollywood actress Funke Akindele has showered love and prayers on her younger colleague and comedian, Anita Asuoha, popularly known as Warri Pikin to celebrate her birthday.

    Warri Pikin clocked a new age today the 29th of October 2024.

    Funke Akindele shared her beautiful photo on her Instagram story with a birthday wish. The mother of two admired Warri Pikin’s strength and zeal.

    While encouraging her to keep moving because God is involved, she prayed that God would continue to bless the celebrant.

    “Happy birthday my darling Anita. You are so strong. I love your zeal. Oluwa is always involved.God bless you and yours always.”

    A few hours ago, Warri Pikin had written a letter to her younger self to celebrate her new age. She shared an old photo of herself on her Instagram page, accompanied by a letter addressing the fears of her younger self.

    Anita recognised the anxious tomboy she was and wished she could encourage her that the fears she entertained while growing up were stepping stones.

    She updated her on how she has become a wife, mother, fighter, and superstar and is still growing.

    Warri Pikin noted that her mistakes shaped her into who she is now, and she is in love with the woman you are today and excited about who you are becoming.

    Similarly, Funke Akindele surprised her Falz on his birthday.

    Over the weekend, Falz held his birthday show in London and his fans were thrilled at his exceptional performance.

    Moments into the performance, Funke Akindele walked up the stage and the hall erupted with shouts at the presence of the Nollywood box office queen.

    While on stage, Funke Akindele queried Falz for getting loved up in one of the videos shared on his Instagram page. She hilariously accused him of forsaking his Jenifa love for another lady.

  • “I serve a living God” – Nkechi Blessing receives special recognition from Mayor of Brampton Canada

    “I serve a living God” – Nkechi Blessing receives special recognition from Mayor of Brampton Canada

    Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has received a special recognition from the Mayor of Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

    A few minutes ago, she posted a video of herself and the Mayor, Patrick Brown, who happily issued the recognition certificate.

    Sharing the clip on Instagram, Nkechi Blessing attributed this succe to God with claims that she serves a living God who is so particular about blessing her.

    She is thankful to God for his mercy and for shaming haters who are doubtful of how far she can go.

    “Yesterday I got Recognized by the Mayor of Brampton @patrickbrownont Being recognized and appreciated across the country is the lords doing,and I do not take his love,guidance for granted of a truth I serve a living GOD,a GOD who is so particular about blessing me in front of those who doubts how far I can go in life,my God who never fails,a mighty man in battle,I call him Jehovah over do and on his words he said Nkechi Nwa Sunday **I am not done Blessing you his words are true and evident in my life that even the blind can see Daddy I bow before your throne of mercy and say THANK YO because without you I am Nothing shout out to my brother @iammcmorris for making this possible.”

    A few days ago, Nkechi Blessing knelt to acknowledge her errors to the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners of Nigeria, TAMPAN and its president , Bolaji Amusan popularly known as Mr Latin, publicly.

    She sought the forgiveness of the leaders and pleaded that her ban in the industry be lifted.

    A video that found its way on social media captured the moment Mr Latin hugged Nkechi Blessing to end the over three years beef and ban.

    Since the video emerged online, there have been positive remarks about Nkechi Blessing’s apology which many find humble and courageous.

     

  • “My heart was beating so fast. She knows me” – Bisola Aiyeola shed tears as she meets veteran actress, Liz Benson

    “My heart was beating so fast. She knows me” – Bisola Aiyeola shed tears as she meets veteran actress, Liz Benson

    Nollywood actress and former Big Brother Naija housemate Bisola Aiyeola has been left emotional after meeting veteran actress Liz Benson.

    In a series of posts on her Instagram story, she revealed that she met the Veteran actress and her heart was beating so fast. She expressed shock at how the veteran knew who she was. Bisola disclosed that she cried despite always forming a strong girl.

    Gushing over Liz Benson, Bisola asserted that the veteran was beautiful, and she couldn’t stop stealing glances at her.

    “OMG guysss. I just met the great Liz Benson. My heart is beating so fast.

    And she knows meeee
    My Goddd

    I cried, you guys.
    Hard girl, strong girl. Omo mo fo danu

    She’s so beautiful fam.
    I’m just stealing glances at her”.

    One Intimates By Koko wrote, “Liz Benson is legendary

    One Wnluxhair wrote, “She’s really so pretty. Liz Benson made my childhood movie experience beautiful

    One Official Katty Gold1 wrote, “I’ll be star struck too, that woman’s beauty and acting skills those days was exceptional

    One Aniekemeu Doinyang wrote, “Legend

    One Abuja Sex Toyshop wrote, “Hard work pays, real recognize real”.

    In May of this year, Mercy Johnson and others blessed the internet with a video of them paying respect to Liz Benson. The veteran, who was one of the cast of Mercy Johnson’s movie, A Mother’s Son, had stormed the location for a shoot and was well received by other cast.

    In the video, Mercy Johnson and Georgina Ibeh kneeled to greet her, as Georgina revealed how much of a fan she has been. Actor Mike Godson, who was also present on location, also paid respect to the veteran. In her caption, Johnson expressed gratitude to the veteran for having her again.

    Back in April, Bisola Aiyeola shared how excited she was about meeting Hollywood actor Idris Elba. The reality star noted how dreams do come true as she revealed that she not only met the famous actor but also got to be directed by him in a movie. Bisola appreciated filmmaker and media mogul, Mo Abudu for making it possible.

  • Well wishes flood in as Khloe Abiri celebrates 31st birthday anniversary

    Well wishes flood in as Khloe Abiri celebrates 31st birthday anniversary

    BBNaija’s Khloe Abiri just turned thirty-one, and she took to Instagram to celebrate with gorgeous photos.

    In the photos she posted, Khloe Abiri was wearing a slightly oversized pair of suit, with no shirt underneath and a pair of silver high heels.

    Khloe Abiri’s hair was the actual moment, as it fanned away from her face, while giving her an ethereal appearance.

    The only thing that indicated that it was her birthday was the fact that she briefly wished herself a happy 31st birthday anniversary in the caption.

    Well wishes flooded in masses, as netizens took to the comments to wish her a happy birthday anniversary.

    estherbiade wrote, “Happy birthday beautiful”

    thedorathybachor wrote, “Happy birthday Koko pops Have the best year boo”

    daisybaby_ wrote, “Happy birthday chocolate barbie”

    iam.emerald wrote, “Happy birthday MzKoks! My black Diamond! This is your year, your season! Do you, thrive! You are enough, you are that GIRL! Love you”

    king_sapna wrote, “happy birthday mama keep being the amazing woman you were born to be! this will be the best year yet Ps these pictures are giving Black Excellence”

    gentletee4u wrote, “A very happy birthday to you Queen Kokz! God bless your new age and prosper you Exceedingly! Congratulations”

    triciazino wrote, “Happy birthday most stunning!! More blessings always”

    realsophiehelen wrote, “Happy birthday beautiful”

    manlikeabdul_omw wrote, “Love you heaven and earth sister”

    Reality television may have brought Khloe Abiri into the limelight, but on her own, she became a driving force, especially in the fashion industry, with regards to how well she dresses.

    Another thing that made Khloe Abiri more famous was her bbl surgery, which has been hailed as one of the best among Nigerian celebrities.

    She was quite open about her procedure, and fans cheered her on for being courageous enough to talk about it.

     

  • “Strong women don’t play the victim” – Bobrisky brags amidst fresh jail terms

    “Strong women don’t play the victim” – Bobrisky brags amidst fresh jail terms

    Famous controversial Nigerian cross dresser Idris Okuneye better known as Bobrisky has bragged online as he reportedly faces fresh jail terms.

    Bobrisky shared cute photos of himself on his Instagram page dishing out advice to women on how they should be bold and courageous.

    Bob who claimed to be a strong woman claimed he doesn’t play the victim. He admonished others to face their battles squarely, not look pitiful and point fingers.

    “Strong women don’t play the victim. Don’t make themselves look pitiful and don’t point fingers. They stand and they deal.”

    Reactions trailing the post hailed Bobrisky’s resilience and confidence amdist the issues surrounding him.

    Kobichima wrote, “What doesn’t k!ll you, make you stronger.”

    obaksolo wrote, “ACTOR no dey Diè for Film.”

    Chalzani wrote, “Omoh nothing anybody wan tell me! I admire your resilience, you’re a fighter. I may not agree with certain aspects but I agree sey you strong ajeh”

    rubbin_minds_ wrote, “Bob is not the problem affecting Nigerian economy oo! Leave her alone please.. She is not hurting anyone.. Let her freely express herself however she pleases! Her sexuality is hers! Please let Bob be!!!!”

    passy_collections_ wrote, “Their mummy is back because me I know who born me.’

    Days ago, the Nigeria Immigration Service confirmed the arrest of Bobrisky while trying to flee the country.

    There have also been speculations that Bob may have issued a fresh jail term if found guilty of the fresh charges against him.

    Very Dark Man, via his Instagram page, released an audio of Bobrisky, where he alleged that some unnamed EFCC officers collected N15 million from him to drop money laundering charges against him. The crossdresser alleged that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and his son assured him of getting the charges dropped and keeping him out of Prison.

    Calling out the rapper, Very Dark Man alleged that Falz and his father, Femi Falana, were the ones behind Bobrisky’s ordeal.

    The audio got the crossdresser into trouble as the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale vowed that the commission’s constituted team of investigators will critically look into the allegations.

  • Osun APC suspends Aregbesola over alleged anti-party activities

    Osun APC suspends Aregbesola over alleged anti-party activities

    The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has announced the suspension of former governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, over allegations of anti-party activities.

    The suspension, which takes immediate effect, is pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings initiated by the state’s party leadership.

    The decision followed a request from the Ilesa East Local Government APC Executive Committee, which petitioned the state party chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, to take action against Aregbesola, citing his alleged involvement in actions that undermined the APC.

    The committee, in a letter, accused Aregbesola of promoting factionalism and colluding with opposition parties, among other allegations.

    Responding to the request, the Osun State APC Executive Committee notified the party’s national leadership, represented by APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, of its decision to suspend Aregbesola and to establish a disciplinary panel to investigate the charges.

    The resolution, dated October 22, titled “Resolution Suspending Rauf Aregbesola for Anti-Party Activities and Constituting a Disciplinary Committee,” was signed by Osun APC Chairman Lawal and Secretary Kamar Olabisi.

    The document, obtained on Tuesday in Osogbo, outlined the allegations and Aregbesola’s suspension based on Article 21 of the APC Constitution.

    “Following complaints of anti-party activities leveled against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by the Ilesa East Local Government Executive Committee, the State Executive Committee (SEC), after reviewing the allegations and in accordance with the powers vested in it by Article 21(3)(vi)(c) of the party’s Constitution, hereby suspends Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from the party pending the outcome of an investigation,” the statement partly read.

    The charges against Aregbesola include, factionalizing the APC by forming the Omoluabi Caucus splinter group; allegedly collaborating with opposition parties to destabilize the APC in Osun State; publicly criticizing party leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Osun governor Gboyega Oyetola; refusing to participate in or support APC activities within the state; and refusing to vote for the party since the 2019 general elections.

    The committee will deliver its findings and recommendations to the state executive within 14 days.

    It also issued a formal notice to Aregbesola, inviting him to appear and defend himself against the allegations.

    Reaffirming its commitment to party discipline, the Osun APC urged members to avoid actions that could harm the party’s unity and electoral prospects.

    “The party will not hesitate to enforce disciplinary measures on any member found violating the party’s constitution or engaging in anti-party conduct,” the committee said.

    In a follow-up letter dated October 24 and signed by Osun APC Disciplinary Committee Secretary, Waheed Adediran, the former governor was given 48 hours to respond to the allegations in writing.

    His response, the committee noted, would be essential for its investigation into the six charges levelled against him.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu, Dangote, others hold talks on naira-for-crude policy

    JUST IN: Tinubu, Dangote, others hold talks on naira-for-crude policy

    President Bola Tinubu is currently receiving a briefing from the Implementation Committee on Crude Oil and Refined Products Sales in Local Currency at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, who chairs the committee, is leading the small delegation comprising the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr Mele Kyari.

    Our correspondent spotted the committee members arriving at the Council Chamber at minutes last 02:00 pm.

    In early October, the Federal Government began implementing a policy to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in naira rather than U.S. dollars.

    This followed the Federal Executive Council’s approval which, the FG says, will stabilize fuel prices domestically and strengthen Nigeria’s currency by cutting down on the need for dollars in crude oil transactions.

    The move also allows the NNPC to supply crude oil in local currency, with Dangote’s refinery as the pilot for this strategy.

    By trading in naira, the government aims to improve the availability of petroleum products and decrease import-related costs.

    The Dangote Refinery, which requires significant crude supplies annually, is expected to reciprocate by providing petrol and diesel in naira, simplifying currency transactions and lessening the economic strain of fuel imports.

    The FG said the approach will reduce FOREX demands by up to 40 per cent as key institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and AfreximBank, support the transition.

    However, in September, the NNPCL and the Dangote Refinery were embroiled in pricing disputes.

    The NNPCL claimed it bought petrol from Dangote at a high price of N898 per litre, a rate that Dangote’s representatives called “misleading,” stating that official pricing terms were yet to be finalised.

    At Tuesday’s meeting, President May likely intervene in the simmering dispute between the two companies.

  • Minister invites cybercrime experts to shape Nigeria’s policing policy

    Minister invites cybercrime experts to shape Nigeria’s policing policy

    The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has promised to extend an invitation to two authors, Dr Tombari Sibe and Prof. Christian Kaunert, to join the Federal Government’s Committee on National Policing Policy.

    The duo of Sibe and Kaunert recently launched a book titled ‘Cybercrime, Digital Forensic Readiness, and Financial Crime Investigation in Nigeria’.

    Sibe, who is a lecturer in the Department of Computer Engineering at Rivers State University, is a cybersecurity/digital forensic expert with over two decades of professional experience in Information Technology consulting, while Kaunert is a professor of International Security in the School of Law and Government, Dublin City University, Ireland.

    The minister insisted that experts like Sibe and Kaunert were needed in the committee, which he said was under formation.

    He said the authors would provide inputs on cybersecurity frameworks for the Nigeria Police Force.

    The minister, who was represented by his Senior Technical Adviser on Policy and Strategy, Mike Imafidor, during the book launch, said the ministry was focused on driving police reforms through the integration of advanced technologies.

    The minister said, “Another significant element is the development of a national policing policy, with the committee currently being formed.

    “The aim is to establish a framework for technology integration, avoiding isolated systems that are difficult to connect and ensuring smooth interoperability. The goal is to create a policy that guarantees the sustainability of these technological efforts.”

    Sibe, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and sent to newsmen, confirmed the development, saying the book addressed the country’s unique challenges and presented a comprehensive plan for forensic readiness to fill a gap in the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

    He said, “Most often, we look at human forensic capabilities only from a budgetary perspective—how much do we have in the budget? How much can we plan for building this registry? But we often don’t take a long-term view in terms of building financial readiness, operational readiness, or any other kind of readiness we need.

    “A key outcome of this study is to establish a clear, articulated roadmap for building forensic readiness. Another important contribution is identifying knowledge, skill gaps, and training needs.”

    “We spoke to some of the top cybercrime investigators in this country, and special thanks go to the agencies that contributed. This allowed us to pinpoint the specific gaps that need to be filled.”

    He said that the book further discussed cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and blockchain and highlighted the challenges and opportunities of such technologies.

    Providing more insights on why they authored the book, Sibe added, “Nigeria has witnessed a surge in cybercrime incidents, and this has been quite disturbing.

    “Apart from the financial loss suffered by victims of cybercrime, Nigeria as a nation also suffers from reputational damage.”

  • JUST IN: Protest rocks INEC over demand for Ondo REC redeployment

    JUST IN: Protest rocks INEC over demand for Ondo REC redeployment

    Scores of demonstrators from Ondo stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding the immediate redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, from the state.

    Waving banners and placards with messages such as “Mahmood: Redeploy Babalola Now” and “We Don’t Want a Repeat of Edo Fiasco,” the demonstrators blocked the entrance to the national secretariat, demanding a meeting with INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to voice their concerns.

    The protest comes a week after the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, made a similar request, citing concerns over Babalola’s alleged links to the ruling All Progressives Congress. Speaking at a Peoples Democratic Party campaign rally in Akure, Makinde argued that Babalola’s background in Ondo may compromise the neutrality of the electoral process.

    Supporting the governor’s stance, Ayo Adeyemi, Leader of the demonstrators and Convener of the Ondo Youth League, told journalists that while they had no personal issues with the REC, they could not risk any potential bias in the upcoming election.

    Adeyemi stated, “Redeploying Babalola is in the best interest of our people and INEC to ensure a free and credible election.”

    He added, “We urgently demand that INEC redeploy Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, from the state. We respect her accomplishments, especially as a woman who has risen to such a prominent position. But for a free and fair election in Ondo, we can’t have Babalola overseeing the process. She grew up here, knows nearly everyone in the public sector, and is highly familiar with the state.
    Babalola hasn’t done anything wrong; we simply want her reassigned to another state to avoid any possible conflict of interest.”

    “We’re not here to criticise INEC’s operations; we just want an unbiased REC to oversee the upcoming governorship election.”

    Responding to the protesters, INEC National Commissioner, Major General Modibbo Alkali (retd), commended them for their orderly conduct.

    Alkali assured them that the commission would consider their concerns regarding Babalola’s position.

    “We appreciate seeing you come here well-organised. INEC operates impartially, without alignment to any political party or candidate. We function under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he

    said. “We’ve received your letter, and INEC will consider it thoroughly. Rest assured, your concerns will be analysed and addressed by the commission chairman.”

     

  • Police arrest notorious thug in crackdown on violence in Kano

    Police arrest notorious thug in crackdown on violence in Kano

    The Kano State Police Command on Tuesday made a significant breakthrough in its fight against thuggery, arresting a notorious thug identified as Inuwa Zakari, also known as “Gundura,” alongside 14 others.

    The Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrest via a press statement released to The Punch in Kano.

    Gundura, 24, who was wanted for terrorising the metropolis, was also identified as the assailant who attacked a Vigilance Group Commander, inflicting life-threatening injuries and damaging a police vehicle.

    The arrests were made during clearance operations conducted between 25 and 27 October 2024, following directives from the State Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo Garba, to launch aggressive action against thuggery.

    The police sent a clear and strong message that such violent activities would not be tolerated.

    The suspects are currently undergoing investigation at the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department and, upon completion, will be charged in court to face the full extent of the law.

    The Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation for the public’s continued support and cooperation.
    He stated, “This isn’t the first time the Kano State Police Command has taken decisive action against criminal activity.”

    The Kano Police Command had previously arrested 269 suspects for looting during a protest in August 2024.

    The Police Commissioner urged everyone to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through emergency contact numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, or 09029292926 for prompt action.