AFOLABI
Senate Lauds Security Agencies Over Rescue Of Kuriga Pupils
The Senate Committee on Nigerian Army has applauded the military and other security agencies over the successful rescue of the abducted pupils of LEA School, Kuriga in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, said in a statement on Monday, that the rescue mission was swift and appropriately responsive in line with military rule of engagement, noting that it was a rare operation that stands the military and other security agents in the operation as best among equals.
Yar’adua, who represents Katsina Central in the 10th Senate, said the military, having worked with other security agents and local vigilantes, have nonetheless shown their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the country.
“It is with profound gratitude and admiration that we commend the Nigerian Army and other Security Agencies for their swift and successful rescue operation that led to the safe return of kidnapped students of LEA School Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.
“The heroic efforts of our gallant troops, working in conjunction with local authorities and government agencies, have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our nation.
“It is heartening to note that these rescued individuals have since been conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further care and necessary action, bringing hope and relief to their families and loved ones,” he said.
The lawmaker added that the abducted Almajiri in Gada Local Government Council of Sokoto State in the Northwest Nigeria have also been rescued, stressing that the lofty achievement of the military showed their unalloyed commitment to protecting the sanctity of the nation
“Furthermore, we must also acknowledge the recent rescue operation in Gada LGA of Sokoto State, where 16 pupils (Almajiris) and a woman were freed from captivity and handed over to the Sokoto State Government.
“These combined efforts underscore the unwavering resolve of our armed forces to locate and rescue all hostages, as well as bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.
“While we celebrate these victories, it is crucial to recognize the challenges faced by our military personnel, who are often overstretched in their duty to safeguard our nation. As a gesture of our utmost appreciation and support, we pledge to enhance legislative measures aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of our brave soldiers, as well as streamlining their operations for greater efficiency.
“The relentless dedication and sacrifices of our armed forces in the face of adversity are a testament to their unwavering commitment to our collective security and national well-being,” he said.
Presidential Election: 44-Year-Old Opposition Candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Opens Up Early Lead In Senegal
44-year-old opposition candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye has reportedly taken the lead in the ongoing Senegal Prsidential election.
Provisional results from individual polling stations published by local media and on social networks is showing that Faye has opened a commanding lead over the governing coalition’s candidate and former prime minister, Amadou Ba.
Some other candidates in the election have also started congratulating Faye ahead of official declarations, while the candidate’s supporters have gathered at his campaign headquarters in the capital Dakar late Sunday, singing and dancing to the sound of klaxons and drums.
Young people on motorbikes paraded the streets chanting “to the (presidential) palace”.
At least seven of the presidential contenders congratulated Faye in light of initial indications from the ongoing vote count.
“Congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his unquestionable victory,” the only woman candidate, Anta Babacar Ngom, posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Dethie Fall congratulated Faye “on his fine victory, clearly achieved in view of the very strong trends that are emerging”.
The ruling party is however not sharing the optimism of the opposition candidate and his supporters, saying in the worst case scenario, there would be a second round of voting.
Ba’s campaign management said that according to its experts, it was “certain to be, in the worst case scenario, in a second-round”.
It also accused Faye’s camp of attempted “manipulation”.
“It is not inevitable that Senegal will slide into a populist adventure,” the statement added.
Enthronement process of new Olubadan begins on Tuesday
The enthronement process of the new Olubadan of Ibadan land will commence on Tuesday, March 26.
This was confirmed by the Olubadan Advisory Council.
The revered throne became vacant on March 14, 2024, following the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun, who died aged 81 after ruling the ancient city for two years.
The meeting of the Olubadan Advisory Council, in accordance with tradition, is billed to hold at the residence of the most Senior High Chief, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, former Oyo State governor, at his Bodija residence.
According to a source, the Olubadan Advisory Council will at the meeting nominate the successor to the late monarch, High Chief Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The traditional practice of nomination of a new Olubadan by the Advisory Council, according to the source, is usually done after the eighth-day Islamic prayers for the late monarch, which was held on Friday, March 22, 2024.
The source disclosed that soon after the nomination, a document of affirmation of Olakulehin’s nomination would be sent to Governor Seyi Makinde, through the Office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
Two lines have historically, on a rotational basis, been producing the occupants of the Olubadan stool. They are the Otun Line (Civil Line) and the Balogun Line (Military Line).
The immediate-past Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his ancestors on Thursday, March 14, 2024, after two years on the throne, was produced by the Otun Line.
Kaduna Schoolchildren: It Is Not Important If Ransom Was Paid Or Not - Gov Uba Sani
Gov Uba Sani of Kaduna State said that people who have no business with the release of the abducted Kuriga students are asking if ransom was paid to secure their release.
According to him, such questions are irrelevant because the most important thing is that the children were rescued unhurt and reunited with their loved ones.
Recall that the schoolchildren were abducted from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga, about four weeks ago before they were rescued.
There were rumours that the government paid ransom to the kidnappers for the release of the schoolchildren.
He said, “What is more important today is that our children are back home. Most of those permutations are not necessary. If your child is kidnapped, will you be sitting down and talking about how he was released?
“For me, what is more important is that those children are back home. Their parents are extremely happy and what is important to them is to reunite with their children.
“But some people who have no business with the situation are the ones coming out with some irresponsible permutations about whether ransom is being paid, whether someone had gone into the kinetic or non-kinetic approach. What is important to us in Kaduna is that the children are back home.”
The governor explained that the government handled the Kuriga schoolchildren abduction very discreetly, adding, “We tried as much as possible not to jeopardise the lives of the innocent children. Some people at some point wanted to politicize the whole incident.”
Why I Divorced Kanye West – Kim Kardashian
American reality star Kim Kardashian has finally opened up on the reason for divorcing rapper, Kanye West.
She acknowledged that West was “the best rapper of all time and richest black man in America” but lacks character.
According to Kim, she divorced West because of his personality.
Speaking in a recent episode of the Big Boss show, Kardashian said, “I married the best rapper of all time. Not only that, he is the richest black man in America, a talented legit genius who gave me four incredible kids. So when I divorced him you have to know it came down to just one thing, his personality.”
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West officially finalised their divorce on November 29, 2022. According to documents, the former couple have joint custody of their four children: North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm.
Churches Abandon Politicians When They’re No Longer In Office – Wike
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has urged churches not to abandon politicians when they leave office.
Wike stated this on Sunday, in Port Harcourt at St Mark’s Anglican Church for the birthday celebration of the House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Ogundu Chinda.
He stated that while in office, politicians often contribute to churches but are neglected when their tenure ends.
The minister also charged the clergy to practice what they preach, urging that they should always pray for the political class.
His words: “The church should also remain steadfast; the church should also not abandon people when they’re no longer in office. When most of us were in office, there was no church we weren’t contributing to. But immediately we left office, it was a different story.
“You, as agents of God, must show that you’re practicing what you preach. It’s not only politicians. Always be there for us; pray for us; don’t change.”
Also speaking at the event, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abass, hailed Chinda’s contributions to the lower chamber, describing him as one of the best products in the National Assembly.
“Hon Kingsley Chinda remains one of the best products in the National Assembly, and ever since he stepped into the NASS, he has been giving Rivers State very good representation,” the Speaker said.
Why I Broke Up With My Girlfriend When I Became A Star – Asake
Popular Nigerian Afrobeats star, Ahmed Ololade, aka Asake, has opened up on why he called it quits with his girlfriend after he made it big in the industry.
According to the 'Remember' crooner, upon receiving a substantial paycheck for his music, he was so glad to share the news with her that he told her exactly how much he made and chose to gift her with N2 million.
Asake revealed his surprise at his girlfriend’s refusal of the N2 million, emphasizing that she deemed it too small compared to his substantial earnings from his big paycheck.
The singer expressed concern, noting that he was troubled by the unexpected behaviour, especially considering the lady’s humble background. He stressed that he didn’t anticipate such an attitude from her.
Asake further revealed that he discussed the situation with Olamide, who advised him to break up with the girl and instead suggested giving the money to his mother.
He mentioned that he gave his mother the N2 million, and now she’s independent and does not need to rely on him for money anymore.
Asake said, “When I made my first big paycheck from music, I was so happy that I shared the news with my girlfriend. I gave her full details of how much I made and the next day, I gave her 2 million naira as a gift.
To my surprise, she turned it down saying 2 Million was too small compared to how much I had made. I was a bit worried coz this girl is from a humble background, and I never imagined her to be like that.
I explained the situation to Olamide and he advised me to leave the girl, he also instructed me to send the 2 Million Naira to my mom.
I’m glad I did coz my mom was able to make good use of the money and open a big provision store. My mom doesn’t call me for financial issues anymore coz she’s doing just fine…“
Man Stabbed To Death During Argument With Loan Shark Operators In Ogun
A man simply identified as Remi was reportedly stabbed to death on Saturday, March 23, during an argument with two members of his community in the Ijeun Titun area of Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The Ogun State Police Command has launched investigations into the stabbing that led to the death of the deceased.
Punch reports that some persons identified as Seyi, Ayeke and Bado, suspected to be loan sharks, had come to harass Remi.
An argument ensued which degenerated into a fight resulting in Remi being stabbed in the neck. He is said to have lost a lot of blood leading to his death.
Upon seeing that Remi had given up the ghost, Seyi and Ayeke were said to have fled the scene of the incident while Bado was apprehended by the community members and handed over to the police.
“Seyi is wanted by the people of Ijeun Titun Community in Abeokuta, Ogun state for conniving with two others to stab Remi, a guy who was harassed by loan company this morning over payment of the loan taken online. Seyi and Ayeke held Remi for one Bado to stab him in his neck which led to Remi’s death after the fatal injury and unstoppable bleeding. They both absconded immediately they killed Remi this morning.”a member of the community said anonymously.
Confirming the incident, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, saidan investigation has commenced.
“A case of suspected murder was reported at one of the divisional police stations in Abeokuta. One Remilekun Omotayo was stabbed in the neck by one Owoyemi Idowu over a minor argument on a loan. Investigation has commenced into the matter to ensure justice is served. Anyone found guilty will be punished according to the law” Odutola said.
Actress Ruth Kadiri Celebrates 36 Birthday
Popular actress Ruth Kadiri has taken to Instagram to celebrate her 36th birthday.
She thanked God for how far she has come in life, while also stating that God has provided everything she has ever wished for and more.
The actress uploaded stunning photographs with this caption: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME:
Thank you lord for how far you have brought me!
Everything I have ever wished for you have provided and MORE”
View this post on Instagram
Asking Your Wife For DNA Test Should Be A Criminal Offense – BBNaija's Rachel
Ex-BBNaija housemate and actress, Rachel Edwards has given her opinion on the controversial issue of DNA tests.
According to her, it is a criminal offense for a man to ask his wife for a DNA test.
This happened after an Internet user, Abazz, posted a query on the microblogging site X, asking users what they thought of DNA testing.
The reality TV star reacted by saying that it ought to be illegal for a man to ask his wife for a DNA test.
She went on to question why a man should marry a woman he doesn’t trust in the first place.
She said: “Asking your wife for DNA Test, should be a criminal offense, if you don’t trust her, why marry her in the first place.”
See reactions to her comment below:
Abazz replied: “9 months wey your mama suppose use go do another Bsc or PhD,she use am carry you for belle only to give birth to you wey no get s3nse”
Ten Man said: “BBN girls no de ever get sense, not surprised”
Deyvxxd_ wrote: “If person tap your head e go echo, nothing Dey inside”
itohan noted: “It’s as simple as that, the moment he starts asking for DNA then there’s no trust”