
AFOLABI
How Lateef Adedimeji Stole My Heart - Actress, Mo Bimpe Opens Up
The popular Nollywood actress, Adebimpe Oyebade, is the young and beautiful wife of famous actor, Abdulateef Adetola Adedimeji.
With a rising career that kicked off in 2016 after she began establishing herself as a model, the native of Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State, Mo Bimpe, as she’s fondly referred to, is the last of her parent’s six children of her parents who grew up in Akure, Ondo state.
Unknown to many, her incursion into the world of films and storytelling is one of the traits she picked up from her father, who is a renowned historian best known for his storytelling.
Despite denying her relationship with Adedimeji for fears of scandals in the industry, this English graduate of the Ekiti State University, the leggy actress cum model walked down the aisle with Adedimeji in a colourful wedding that remains the talk of the town till the end of 2021.
“At first I was like ‘no way’ because I was scared obviously because of the way the industry is. And the way society is. I was so scared. I told him no, we can’t do this,” she told The Nation.
On her journey into being Mrs Adedimeji, she said, “Lateef is a very open person. He made it very easy for me because he told me everything, even the things that would really annoy me. He told me everything, this is me, can and will you accept me like this? So if you want to marry me, know that. This is my past. So, he told me everything. There’s nothing I would hear that I would say what am I hearing because I’ve already heard it from him. So he made the journey easy.”
For her primary and secondary school education, Mo Bimpe attended Asset College and Omelete school in Akure, Ondo State before she proceeded to study English at Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti after which she observed her compulsory National Youth Service Corps service in Benin, Edo state.
Unlike her husband, who just made his mark as a producer with the Netflix feature film, ‘Lisabi,’ Mo Bimpe has made her mark as a producer with over 20 films in her kitty. Some of her films include ‘Entrapped,’ ‘Jade’s Cross,’ and ‘Dear Sister.’
As a supportive wife, Mo Bimpe featured and also co-produced the biopic ‘Lisabi,’ alongside her husband.
On taking criticisms and backlash as a producer, she said, “Okay, the only thing I would say is, as a producer, you have to check. I was telling him (Lateef) that the only reason I’m reading all this thing – comments and criticisms – is to take notes for next time. Some will open your eyes to things that you didn’t even know. Some make sense, but some are just talking. So for me, I would say I picked my pen and paper, writing down some sensible ones, so that’s it. You learn better.”
In a brief chat, Lateef Adedimeji confirmed that Mo Bimpe joined in the casting of the film. She revealed why she chose Ibrahim Chatta and Mr Macaroni for their individual roles.
“Like he (Lateef) said, choosing uncle Ibrahim has been since when we came up with the story because personally, I’m a big fan of uncle Ibrahim and I feel like I’ve never worked with him personally.
"I was like, ah finally, there’s a chance to work with uncle Ibrahim closely. And then the character you can tell you’ve seen the movie can tell he killed it. So we knew that oh, it was either uncle Ibrahim or no nobody else. And for Debo (Mr. Macaroni), he is obviously very close with my husband in real life. They are very close.
"He was his best man for our wedding. So they are very close and we knew that for this role, we needed somebody that is very close with him so that people can relate with the character and with the friendship. And that was why we chose Debo.”
Desmond Elliot Addresses Gay Allegation
Nollywood veteran cum politician, Desmond Elliot has addressed allegations claiming that he is gay.
Naija News recalls that Elliot’s name was among the top Nigerian celebrities alleged to be involved in homosexuality.
The list, which captured the names of many prominent figures in the country, sparked fierce backlash from netizens.
Reacting to the allegation in an interview with TVC, the politician described the allegation as baseless.
He noted that he has more important issues to focus on than responding to malicious gossip.
He said, “Why would I respond to allegations made against me when it did not reduce or increase my life? Secondly, it is an opinion that is being conceived. And I don’t think it is necessary for me to come out and say it’s true or not true; as long as I’m affecting people positively, I’m good. So let me state it very clearly that I am straight.”
A Man Who Is Too Clean Might Be Gay – Daddy Freeze
On-Air-Personality, Daddy Freeze, has claimed that a man who is unnecessarily clean might be gay.
He stated this during a a live session on his Instagram page.
According to him, a guy who cuts his hair twice a week, grooms his beards and his nails might be gay.
Daddy Freeze argued that painted and dreaded hair are not signs that a man is not straight.
He said, ‘’Let me tell you one of the signs to look out for. When a guy is unnecessary clean, cuts hi hair twice a week, grooms his beards, it could be a sign that he is gay, When a man’s nail are too clean, no rough edges around the guy, when a man is squeaky clean, he is tilting towards being a gay man.
“Being gay is no joke. Painted hair and dread hair are not the sign. The sign is a normal guy is way too clean. When a man cuts his hair, draws parting on one side, looks very fresh, that is a problem. They are usually clean. When you see a guy whose armpit is clean, his beard is clean, it is a problem. 80% is that he is gay.”
Family Announces Burial Arrangements For Late Akwa Ibom First Lady, Patience Eno
The family of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, has formally announced the arrangements for her burial.
The funeral is set to take place on November 29, 2024, with a service at her country home in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
Governor Umo Eno, her grieving husband, along with the bereaved family and the State Government, have finalized the arrangements to celebrate her impactful life and lasting legacy.
The official announcement was made on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Enobong Uwah.
He expressed the family’s heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of love and support from all corners of the nation.
“We are deeply thankful for the overwhelming prayers, tributes, and comforting words during this profoundly difficult period,” Uwah stated, encouraging friends and well-wishers to participate in the planned events honouring Pastor Patience Eno’s life.
Naija News previously reported her death on September 26, 2024.
Pastor Patience Eno’s passing has left a significant void, as she was known for her unwavering faith and dedication to community service. Her legacy of compassion and devotion continues to resonate with many across Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
‘Don’t act like parrots, pray with your heart’ – Pope Francis tells christians
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.
Without Borrowing, I've Paid N90bn Of N191bn Debt Inherited - Otti
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.
Naira Appreciates, Exchanges At N1,639/$
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.
Mohbad: I’ll stand by Wunmi until proven guilty by law — Iyabo Ojo
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 Yusuf Presents N549.160bn 2025 Budget To Kano Assembly
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.
Protest rocks Abuja over mass demolitions by FCT Minister Wike
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.”
Our feud caused some damages – AY, Basketmouth discuss 18-year fight
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