Author: Val Kosi

NDDC pledges support to police, other security agencies

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, says the Commission will not relent in providing the needed support to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the region to enable them to function optimally.

Ogbuku stated this when the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bala Mohammed, recently redeployed to Rivers State, paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Seledi Thompson-Wakama and sent to newsmen.

Ogbuku added that despite the commission’s recent donation of operational vehicles and communication gadgets to the Rivers State Police Command, a contract award for supplying Solar – lights to the nine police state command headquarters in the region will soon be concluded.

He assured: “The Niger Delta Development Commission is committed to giving adequate support to the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the region to ensure effective job performance.

“As part of this commitment, we have been able to provide security gadgets and operational vehicles to the police and we are determined to collaborate and link up with other state commissioners of police and sister security agencies in the region to enhance their operations.”

The NDDC boss commended the Rivers State Commissioner of Police for his good track record and achievements, as well as the police command’s successes in fighting crime, thus minimising the number of kidnappings and other criminal activities in the state.

Earlier, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police said he was at the commission headquarters on a familiarisation visit and to seek the support of the NDDC in fighting crime and criminality in the state.

The police boss, who underscored the importance of community policing, observed that the interface with NDDC would promote a healthy synergy in security and intelligence gathering.

He also urged the public not to hesitate to report police misconduct to his office for disciplinary action.

October 29, 2024
Sokoto residents decry delayed sales of subsidised rice

Residents of Sokoto State, especially those within the metropolis, have called on the state government to identify points of sale of its subsidised rice to the people.

Punch reports that the state governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu, flagged off rice sales to the people of the state about two weeks ago at a 55% per cent discount rate at Kware town, Kware Local Government Area of the state.

This move, according to the governor, was part of a measure to make life easy for the people, especially with the current economic situation in the country.

The governor during the flag-off about two weeks ago said, “A bag of 50kg of rice will be sold at the rate of N38,700, while the 25kg will go for N19,350 and 10kg is expected to be sold at the rate of N7,740.

“We have also advised the committee on the sales of the foodstuffs to also consider those who can not afford the aforementioned sizes and to also attend to those who want to buy plates of the items.

“The government is not ready to collect the proceeds of the sales but to open a special account to put the proceeds, which we will use again to buy other foodstuffs to continue the projects.

“The state government expended a sum of 14.488 billion naira on this project with 280 trailers of rice, while the ward in the state is entitled to one truck, which is equivalent to 600 bags of rice.”

Speaking on the current situation, Mallam Usman Bello, a resident of the metropolis, said the long wait is gradually demoralising the people of the state.

He said many people in the state have put so much hope in the sales of the rice. ” We have been waiting for this thing since the announcement of the flagging off was made but unfortunately, nothing seems to be working.

“Life is so difficult with a bag of 50kg foreign parboiled rice in the market now going for between N95,000 and N105,000 depending on where you get it.

“We have moved to most of the wards in the metropolis to find out about the sales of the subsidised rice as promised by the state government.”

Also speaking, a woman, Hajia Asabe Lawal, said her husband has set aside some amount of money to procure the item since it was launched but the reverse seems to be the case as she could not get the rice as expected.

“I had the opportunity to move to about three wards in Sokoto South Local Government but could not get the rice to buy.

“We are appealing to the government to make this rice available to us at the market as promised with a subsidised rate to enable us to have food on our table.”

Responding to the development, the state Commissioner for Information, Sambo Danchadi, said the committee on the sales of rice in the state is busy with transportation of the items to the local government levels.

He said the state government committee led by former deputy governor, Chiso Abdullahi, is currently supplying the items to the local government committee.

“Yes, they have started moving the items to the local government level, starting with the faraway local governments like Isa, Sabon Birni, Kebbe, Gudu, and Tambuwal.

“I believe once they are done with those faraway local governments, those close by will be the next port of call.

“I want to assure our people in the state that the rice is intact and will soon get to everyone in need of it,” he assured.

October 29, 2024
Nigerian film, Mai Martaba, to compete at 2025 Oscars

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee for the Best International Feature Film category of the Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, has selected the epic Hausa film “Mai Martaba” as a contender for the category at the 97th Academy Awards.

This was according to a statement obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday.

The statement noted that the film highlights themes of love, greed, and betrayal in an ancient African kingdom that once experienced a trade boom through the Trans-Saharan trade exchange, which was short-lived due to a fierce internal power struggle among the powerful Agadashawa ruling clan.

The movie was shot on location in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria.

It partly read, “The film, produced by Prince Daniel, was selected for its relevant theme of diverse voices in decision-making and inclusive leadership, as well as its visual and technical appeal.

“During a voting process among the 15-member committee, the film received the highest number of votes.

“The IFF Executive Committee will determine the next stage for the film.”

The 97th Oscars is set to be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, United States. It will broadcast live to over 200 territories worldwide.

October 29, 2024
JUST IN: N750m donated as Tinubu, others unveil Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem

President Bola Tinubu has launched Nigeria’s 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

He pledged to prioritise the welfare of servicemen and women as they secure the country’s territorial integrity and her citizens.

Speaking at the brief ceremony on Tuesday, Tinubu acknowledged the role of Nigeria’s armed forces as the Federal Government’s first line of defence.

He highlighted his administration’s commitment to supporting military personnel and honouring those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Tinubu also noted the pivotal role of security in Nigeria’s economic future, pledging continued allocation of resources to address security challenges across the country.

Tuesday’s ceremony also featured several significant donations as a gesture of support for the armed forces.

On behalf of the FG, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation pledged N500m.

The National Assembly, represented by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, contributed N200m, and the nation’s top security heads, including the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police, collectively committed N50m on behalf of the military and police.

Details shortly…

October 29, 2024
DSS clears ministerial nominees for Senate screening

The Department of State Services (DSS) have cleared the ministerial nominees put forward for President Bola Tinubu.

This means the Senate will now screen the nominees for confirmation.

Meanwhile, Senator Lado in a statement on Monday has confirmed that ministerial nominees have commenced documentation ahead of their screening and confirmation by the Senate, which commences on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

The statement read, “He stated that the nominees were already submitting relevant documents as first in the series of procedures for the screening and confirmation of ministerial nominees.

“The nominees are expected to be screened and confirmed by the Senate in compliance with Section 147 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended).”

Recall that President Tinubu had written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation
of appointments of seven ministerial nominees announced in Abuja on Wednesday.

October 29, 2024
I will make you disappear – Abia Rep, Alex Ikwechegh assaults Uber driver | VIDEO

A member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, has been caught on camera assaulting an e-hailing (Bolt) driver, who went to deliver a package to him.

The video was recorded by the driver whose name is yet unknown in Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.

The video depicted the visibly angered Reps member representing Aba North & South Federal Constituency (APGA) repeatedly slapping and insulting the driver for telling him to come out and get the snail the driver was meant to deliver to him.

In the footage, Ikwechegh insisted that the request was disrespectful given his social status while threatening to make the driver “disappear” without facing any consequences.

“Do you know who I am? I can make this man (driver) disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money.

“I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up, I will do that myself. I will show that I am a big brother to you, tie you up, lie you down and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Because you saw me sitting outside here. Look at this monkey.”

October 29, 2024
I’m truly sorry – Abia lawmaker, Ikwechegh apologises for assaulting Bolt driver

A member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, has apologized publicly for assaulting an e-hailing (Bolt) driver, who went to his house to deliver a package to him.

Ikwechegh, in a statement, admitted that his behaviour did not meet the standards required of a public official.

He said “As a public servant, I recognise the trust placed in me by my constituents and the Nigerian people. My behaviour fell short of the standards expected of me, and for that, I am truly sorry.”

Ikwechegh said he regretted the harm and embarrassment his actions had caused Abuwatseya, his constituents, and the public.

He also confirmed his cooperation with the Nigerian Police, pledging to support their investigation and uphold accountability.

“I, Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, Member of the House of Representatives, wish to address a deeply disturbing incident that occurred at my residence recently. A video has surfaced showing me engaging in unacceptable behaviour towards an Uber driver who came to deliver a waybill for me. I am deeply sorry for my actions and acknowledge that they were unacceptable and unbecoming of a public official.

“As a public servant, I recognize the trust placed in me by my constituents and the Nigerian people. My behaviour fell short of the standards expected of me, and for that, I am truly sorry. I understand that my actions have caused harm and embarrassment to the driver, my constituents, and the nation at large.”

October 29, 2024
“My Pikin don tall reach me ooo” – Mercy Johnson brags about her daughter’s fast growth

Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson Okojie has bragged about her first daughter, Purity Okojie’s rapid growth.

On Instagram, Mercy Johnson shared a video of herself and her daughter while bonding. She captioned the video with funny words bragging about the rate at which her daughter grows.

The mother of four marveled that her daughter is almost the same height as she is. She also made her followers know that her daughter is her best friend.

“My Pikin don tall reach me ooo
A Mom and More……Mummy’s Bestie”

Beautiful reactions trail the video as many gushed on the how beautiful her daughter is growing.

Yvonne Jegede wrote, “Na so ooo. She’s so pure and beautiful.”

Georgina Ibeh wrote, “she’s all grown”

comfort_azoyi_audu_ wrote, “Second mommy of the house.”

uniesbridals wrote, “Beautiful….. you’ll keep enjoying her and all you have laboured for now and always”

vickyjames_official1 wrote, “Not just tall ooh reach you oh, she go tall pass you and fine pass you above all be more successful and impactful in life more than you in Jesus Christ Name Amen this is so beautiful to watch.”

Uche Nancy wrote, “So So happy for you my love.”

Kemi Filani recalls that Mercy Johnson and her children warmly declare their support for her husband, Prince Odi Okojie when he was contesting during the 2023 elections.

Prince Okojie currently represents the Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency of Edo state.

Mercy Johnson captured herself and her children in an online video, campaigning for her husband’s victory.

The mother of four iterated some values that her husband possesses, including being a man of his word, a man of the plan and a man of progress.

October 29, 2024
“If we’re to go talent for talent, I’m the big one” – Tiwa Savage declares as she addresses the big 3 conversation; netizens react (Video)

Award-winning Afrobeat singer Tiwa Savage has declared herself one of the big 3.

The famous singer, in an interview with Beat FM, while speaking on the Big 3 conversation, said if people are to go talent for talent and mic for mic, she is the big one.

“Don’t get me started because if we’re to go talent for talent, mic for mic, I am the big one”.

See some reactions below,

One Omolade Adedoyin wrote, “Aunty Tiwa claiming No1 spot but no female artist has been brought to stardom through her

One Daniel wrote, “She isn’t lying. Looking at the music industry in Nigeria, there isn’t a single female that can go toe to toe with Tiwa

One Stretch wrote, “Facts. Tiwa might not be no.1 but talent for talent, she’s top 4

One Vampz wrote, “Hype yourself

One Mikki wrote, “Tiwa is who she thinks she is

One Moon Ranker wrote, “Simi better pass you

One Samuel wrote, “She’s capping

One Ife wrote, “She ain’t lying

One Ardey Ifed wrote, “She’s not even capping. She’s really 1 of 1

One Shugar wrote, “Tiwa is unbeatable

One Morayo wrote, “Talent to talent, she is in the big 3”.

Tiwa has no doubt come a long way in the industry and is one of the biggest female artists in Africa. Last year, Tiwa Savage broke records and made history as the first African artist to perform at the Coronation of a British Monarch. The Afrobeat singer had performed at King Charles III’s coronation ceremony, and she made Nigerians proud with her spectacular performance.

Speaking on her performance, Tiwa stated that someday she is going to tell her son, Jamil that she was the one who performed at the ceremony.

In April, Tiwa went on a brief Instagram rant, talking about people who claim that she doesn’t support other female artists. Shutting the report down, she questioned which female artists have more female collaborations than her. Tiwa went on to make more posts, sharing clips from songs she has done with other female artists, which include; Waje, Ayra Starr, Amaare, Becca, and most recently, Simi.

October 29, 2024
Davido buys his cousin, Folasade a $45,000 new Hermes bag (Video)

Award-winning music star Davido has given his cousin, Folasade Adeleke a new Hermes bag.

The daughter of Governor Adeleke, via her Instagram story, shared a clip of the luxury bag which is reportedly worth $45,000 (N76,500,000). Fola, who was no doubt delighted over the gift, showed it off to her thousands of fans.

One Official Mife wrote, “Vanity things

One Dr Chido Minica wrote, “See why they all love Chioma. Marry better wife e get why

One Mus_Josey wrote, “She deserves it, this lady loyal to think she worked with Moravey to make that song go viral and always pull up for Davido

One Warri Man Wife wrote, “Davido is just too nice

One I_amfifi wrote, “Sending hate from Oshodi under the bridge.”

Davido and Folasade Adeleke are quite close as they aren’t only cousins but workmates. In December, Davido rewarded her for her efforts towards him and his brand as he gifted her a Diamond watch worth over N200 million for being his best staff member. Fola, who was taken aback by the sweet gesture, kept gushing over the gift as she appreciated her cousin.

When Folasade turned a new age in September, Davido took to Instagram to celebrate her birthday with a short but cute note. He described her as a superwoman, super staff, super mom, and super everything. He noted how a lot of people don’t know how amazing and selfless you are, as he expressed love for her.

Apart from being with Davido on almost every occasion, Folasade Adeleke is also a big supporter of her cousins. One such occasion was during Davido’s custody battle with Sophia Momodu. Folasade Adeleke called Sophia out, accusing her of being unfair towards Davido and then proceeding to shade her while hyping Chioma up.

Folasade isn’t the only one benefiting from being a relative to Davido. This year, Davido gifted his nephew a new Icebox Rolex watch worth millions to celebrate his graduation. The singer and his wife, Chioma stormed his graduation ceremony and later treated him to a graduation party where Davido surprised him with the luxury watch.

October 29, 2024