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Kunle Afod, a renowned actor and director with 38 years of experience in the Nigerian entertainment industry, has shared a profound lesson he has learned throughout his career.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Afod emphasized that “there is no friend or foe anywhere” in life.
Afod cautioned that individuals should not perceive others as permanent friends or enemies, as circumstances can change unexpectedly.
He noted that a person considered a friend can become a traitor, while someone viewed as an enemy may ultimately contribute to one’s success. In 51-year-old actor’s words:
“Someone believed as a friend can turn to be a traitor and another fellow perceived as an enemy may become instrumental to one’s success.
“I have been able to learn these two phases of life which everyone should beware of.
“I started acting since 1986 and I have learnt that there are no friends nor foes anywhere. I think it is better for people to be liberal.
“The person you see as your friend might come to stab you and that fellow you see as your enemy might be the person that will help you.”
In addition to sharing his life lessons, Afod revealed plans to produce a big-screen project in 2025.
He also announced the upcoming release of new series of the Proverbs Challenge, which aligns with his passion for creating competitive content. He added:
“This year, I am looking toward the big screen. I will also be coming up with new series of the proverbs challenge this year. I like creating contents that are competitive.”
Advising up-and-coming actors and directors, Afod said they should work toward improving on their knowledge. His words:
“Directors should also be willing to carry out lots of research to improve on their work, upgrade their knowledge from time to time.”
One of the contestants to the throne of Alaafin of Oyo, Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, has approached a court of law to challenge the appointment and presentation of the staff of office to Prince Akeem Owoade as the new and 46th Alaafin of Oyo by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Gbadegesin, who the majority of Oyo’s Kingmakers (Oyomesi) designated as the next Alaafin, is appealing that the court set aside the appointment, approval of appointment and presentation of staff of office to Oba Owoade carried out by the Oyo State governor.
In a pre-action notice, signed by his legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju, SAN, a copy of which was addressed to the governor, he insisted that the Governor Makinde’s actions run foul of the Oyo State Chiefs’ Law 2000.
“By announcing a different candidate, the Governor has usurped the powers of the Oyomesi, violating the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, which makes the Oyomesi the sole authority for the selection of the Alaafin.
“The Governor’s alleged reliance on Ifa consultation contradicts the judgement of the Oyo State High Court of 19th December 2022, which declared Ifa consultation in the selection process unlawful, as It Is not provided for in the Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, and the allegations of bribery by two Oyomesi members, raised over a year after the selection, lack credibility and were not formally communicated to the Governor or investigated,” the letter read.
The lawyer noted that Gbadegesin was seeking “an order setting aside the purported appointment, approval of appointment and presentation of staff of office to Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin of Oyo as it was done in violation of the provisions of the Chief’s Law of Oyo State, 2000, the Registered Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961, unlawful, unconstitutional, invalid, null and void” and a declaration that he “was validly selected and or appointed by the Kingmakers of Alaafin of Oyo as the candidate to fill the vacant stool of the Alaafin of Oyo in accordance with Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000 and the Registered Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961 and therefore his appointment is valid, lawful and proper.”
Nigerian music sensation, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly called Wizkid, has become Africa’s biggest earner on Spotify.
Music statistics monitoring platform Chart Masters recently revealed artists’ monthly earnings on Spotify around the world with Wizkid emerging as Africa’s biggest earner with $1 million.
While Canadian rapper Drake and American singer, Taylor Swift, are the world’s biggest earners on Spotify with $7,717,904 and $7,713,106, respectively, the list of Africa’s top 10 earners is dominated by Nigerians, except for South Africa’s Tyla.
Hereunder is the list of the top 10 African earners on Spotify:
1. Wizkid – $1 million
2. Burna Boy – $782,148
3. Tems – $660,210
4. Tyla – $607,804
5. Davido – $458,615
6. Asake – $451,553
7. Omah Lay – $421,123
8. Ayra Starr – $400,972
9. Rema – $367,973
Bandits have attacked the General Hospital in Kankara local government area of Katsina State, shooting a medical doctor and kidnapping an unknown number of hospital staff.
The attack occurred around 7:00pm on Tuesday night, during which Dr. Murtala Sale Dandashire was shot.
According to a resident of the area, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the bandits invaded the hospital premises in a coordinated attack, creating panic among staff and patients and shot sporadically.
The resident confirmed that the injured doctor, who was shot in the leg, is currently alive and receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.
Dr. Dandashire, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria in Kaduna State, who garnered 13 awards including ‘overall best graduating student’ in the Class of 2019, was shot at the General Hospital while attending to patients who came to seek medical intervention.
Katsina State Police Command has confirmed that two people were injured, while three others were kidnapped during a bandit attack that occurred on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at the Kankara General Hospital in the state.
A statement issued by the police spokesman, DSP Sadiq Aliyu, said the attack occurred at approximately 8:20pm when armed bandits, wielding AK-47 rifles stormed the hospital, opening fire and causing panic among staff and patients.
The assailants targeted the hospital, shooting sporadically before security forces from the Kankara Divisional Police Headquarters arrived.
The ensuing gunfight between the assailants and police disrupted the attack and forcing the bandits to flee.
However, two individuals including 30-year-old Dr. Murtala Saleh who was shot in the right thigh, and Kamala Suleiman, 20, sustained a gunshot wound to his knee during the incident.
Both victims were promptly taken to a medical facility and are reported to be in stable condition.
However, amidst the chaos, the bandits abducted three people whose identities are being withheld by authorities for security reasons.
Commissioner of Police of the Command, CP Aliyu Musa, has condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless assault on healthcare workers and facilities.
CP Musa has ordered an intensified manhunt for the perpetrators and deployed additional police units to the area to enhance security and aid in the search and rescue efforts.
“Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped victims and the arrest of the assailants,” said DSP Aliyu.
The police urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activity that could aid in apprehending the attackers.
Police said further updates on the investigation and rescue operations will be provided as developments occur.
Doctor gives ex-girlfriend two goats as compensation for dumping her
Bindura District Medical Officer Dr Tonderai Chiwawa has become the centre of social media discussions after reportedly offering two goats as compensation to his pregnant girlfriend, Karen Tandanguni, following their breakup.
The controversy has escalated, with Karen, 25, dragging the married doctor to a traditional court over the matter.
Karen claims their relationship began in November 2022, during which Dr Chiwawa allegedly promised to marry her and even introduced her to some of his relatives. However, she revealed that some of his family members warned her about his history of three marriages and multiple children. After their breakup, Karen stated that the doctor offered her two goats as compensation, which she rejected, considering it an insult.
The situation has taken a more serious turn with Karen accusing Dr. Chiwawa of pressuring her to terminate the pregnancy and allegedly threatening her when she refused. "I also fear for my life because he said he is prepared to harm me if I keep the child," she stated.
Karen has since reported the matter to the Bindura Police Station, including a theft complaint after her phone, which contained incriminating messages, was stolen. The case is now set to be heard before Chief Masembura on January 19 for resolution.
Dr Chiwawa, however, has denied the allegations, claiming he only knows Karen from the neighbourhood and dismissing her accusations as an attempt to tarnish his image. "I know the girl from around, and I don't care whatever she says. You can write all the information she tells you. She just wants to tarnish my image," he stated.
Meta has announced plans to lay off approximately five percent of its workforce.
The move, outlined in a memo obtained by Bloomberg, is part of a broader strategy to raise performance standards as the company gears up for what Mark Zuckerberg, owner of Meta, described as an “intense year”.
In the memo, Zuckerberg highlighted Meta’s dedication to developing transformative technologies and shared the company’s goal of building teams with the brightest talent.
He added that the company’s updated performance management approach will accelerate the process of addressing low performance.
“Meta is working on building some of the most important technologies of the world. AI, glasses as the next computing platform and the future of social media. This is going to be an intense year, and I want to make sure we have the best people on our teams,” the memo reads.
“We typically manage out people who aren’t meeting expectations over the course of a year, but now we’re going to do more extensive performance-based cuts during this cycle, with the intention of back filling these roles in 2025.”
Meta has more than 72,000 employees, according to its most recent quarterly report.
In a report by CNBC, an unnamed director at the company confirmed that the latest reduction expected to be completed by February 10, 2025, will affect about 3,600 employees.
The decision also comes amid significant operational shifts at Meta.
On January 7, Zuckerberg announced plans to replace third-party fact-checkers with a community notes system, similar to Elon Musk’s X platform, and to reinstate more political content on the platform.
The tech mogul had also revealed plans for artificial intelligence (AI) to take over the roles of mid-level software engineers at Meta.
Legendary Nigerian singer Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia has melted hearts on social media after going all out to celebrate his son, Nino Idibia, on his 19th birthday.
The proud father marked the milestone with a grand gesture by gifting Nino a brand-new car, a Mikano vehicle. The moment, which was captured in a viral video, has left fans buzzing with excitement.
The video, now trending online, shows Nino’s priceless reaction as he sees the luxurious car for the first time.
In a heartfelt moment, Nino, overwhelmed with joy, hugged his father tightly, expressing gratitude for the surprise.
In the clip, Nino is later seen test-driving the sleek ride, grinning from ear to ear as friends and family cheered him on.
The video has drawn an outpouring of reactions on social media. Fans showered Nino with congratulatory messages. Many praised 2Baba for his love and dedication to his children, calling him a role model for other fathers.
Watch the video below:
Media
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, says 90 percent of expatriates doing jobs meant for Nigerians lack proper work permits.
Tunji-Ojo said this on Wednesday when he appeared before the joint national assembly joint committees on interior to defend the budget of the interior ministry.
Adams Oshiomhole, chairman of the senate committee on interior, had said the ministry is allowing a lot of expatriates to come into the country to do the jobs meant for Nigerians.
“No country in the world allows all manner of people to come under all kinds of guises and they are given visas and whatever it is to reside in the country,” Oshiomhole said.
“Visit the commercial centres, you will find expatriates selling tables, chairs, bread – but they are clearly jobs that Nigerians can do.”
In response, the minister said Nigeria needs to solve the problem of “migration management”, adding that there are issues he is not at liberty to discuss in public, but in a closed session.
“We try to solve compound problems by solving them in silos… 90 percent of the people that you spoke about do not have permits and that is the essence of the automation process that we are doing,” Tunji-Ojo said.
“When you go to any country in the world, effective border management is the basis of your home migration management.”
Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserve dropped by $435.40 million in one week.
According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the FX reserve fell from $40.92 billion on January 6 to $40.48 billion on January 14.
The record showed that the country’s foreign reserves declined from $40.92 billion on January 6, to $40.91 billion on January 7, $40.85 billion on January 8, and $40.80 billion on January 9.
Further analysis showed that on January 10, the reserves fell further to $40.75 billion, with the downward trajectory extending to $40.56 billion on January 13, and $40.48 billion on January 14.
Within seven days, the reserves declined by $435.40 billion amid efforts by the CBN to increase liquidity in the FX market and stabilise the naira.
Speaking to Charles Abuede, research lead at Cowry Asset Management Limited, said the gradual depletion in Nigeria’s FX reserves could be a result of a halt in FX inflows into Nigeria.
“This could also be an effort of the CBN to defend the naira at the market in a bid to shore up its value,” Abuede said.
“The Nigerian government’s revenues continue to stay weak over the years while expenditure continues its rise, thus, keeping us in a negative position in our fiscal balance.
“To bring about a rise in the reserves levels, Nigeria needs to improve and sustain crude oil production and sales for more earnings.
“Incentives to spur diaspora remittance inflows, coherent FX policy reforms aimed at creating balance in the FX market and to drive FDI inflows.”
The analyst also said CBN’s intensified efforts “could bring some level of calm on the naira and we will see upward movement in the reserves”.
On December 18, 2024, the CBN said it had granted eligible bureau de change (BDC) operators temporary access to the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) to purchase $25,000 weekly from December 19 to January 30.
The apex bank said BDCs will purchase foreign exchange (FX) from authorised dealers to meet retail market demand.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has expressed delight with the international recognition accorded to six Nigerians for distinguishing themselves in their careers.
Naija News reports six Diaspora Nigerians were named by President Joe Biden among the 400 recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in the United States.
The prestigious recognition, established by former President Bill Clinton in 1996, is the highest honour bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers.
The Nigerian honorees include Azeez Butali, Gilbert Lilly Endowed Professor of Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa; Ijeoma Opara, Associate Professor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences), Yale School of Public Health, Yale University; and Oluwatomi Akindele, Postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Others are Eno Ebong, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Biology at Northeastern University; Oluwasanmi Koyejo, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University; and Abidemi Ajiboye, Executive Vice Chair of the Case School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University.
This year’s awardees, announced by President Joe Biden on January 14, 2025, are employed or funded by 14 participating United States government agencies.
Reacting to the achievement of the various Nigerians, President Tinubu, in a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, congratulated the Nigerian scientists and engineers for making President Biden’s honours list.
President Tinubu in the statement, commended these trailblazing Nigerians for their remarkable achievements in science, technology and engineering.
The Nigerian leader noted that recognising these exceptional talents underscores Nigerians’ vast potential to excel both at home and on the global stage.
He also submitted that he looks forward to the honorees sharing their multidisciplinary expertise to benefit Nigeria’s development efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
[DailyTrust]
More...
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has announced the appointment of Felicia Obozuwa as Executive Director, Corporate Services and Service Management, following approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Felicia brings nearly three decades of experience and a proven track record of excellence to her new position. Her expertise and leadership will be invaluable assets to FCMB as it continues to drive strategic growth and innovation.
Felicia is a seasoned banking professional with deep consumer, corporate, and commercial banking expertise. In her current role, she oversees the Bank’s Operations, Service Management, Human Resources, Training, Administration, Property Development, and Project Management.
She holds a law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and an MBA from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom.
Shehu Sani to Lamido: Look beyond politics on security issues
“We are thrilled to welcome Felicia to our Board. Her passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence make her an ideal fit for this position.”
[DailyTrust]
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in the last Edo governorship election, Asue Ighodalo condemned what he called “deliberate acts of violence and harassment meant to make us take our eyes off the ball.”
He, however, expressed gratitude to the people of Edo State and reiterated his confidence in the judiciary as the tribunal proceedings over the disputed September 2024 governorship election intensified.
The guber candidate spoke to reporters outside the courthouse on Wednesday, where he addressed supporters’ concerns and condemned acts of intimidation aimed at disrupting the legal process.
DAILY POST reports that an armed man was seen in a viral video demanding justice from the tribunal.https://dailypost.ng/2025/01/15/edo-apc-pdp-bickers-over-shooting-at-election-petition-tribunal/
Addressing reporters, Ighodalo said, “We strongly believe that the judiciary will do the right thing, and we’re looking forward to the outcome of the tribunal.
“Our focus remains reclaiming our mandate and working positively for the good people of Edo State. We will take poverty out of our land, eliminate fear and intimidation, and unlock the great potential of this state.
“I want to thank the good people of Edo State for coming out in massive numbers to vote for us on September 21 and for keeping faith through the difficulties.
“They’ve stayed calm in the face of intimidation and harassment, living on the strong hope that our efforts to reclaim our mandate will be successful.”
On the series of alarming incidents that have marred the tribunal proceedings, including an attack by a masked gunman outside the courthouse, he noted that “These acts of violence and harassment are deliberate distractions meant to make us take our eyes off the ball.”
He further stated that “the incidents underscore the importance of staying focused.
“There are many distractions being thrown our way, but we will not be deterred.
“Our goal remains ensuring that we go through this tribunal process and hopefully emerge with the mandate the people of Edo State gave my deputy Osarodion Ogie and myself.”
It could be recalled that earlier on Tuesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, raided a popular Benin hotel where PDP witnesses were reportedly being kept, an incident that further raised tensions.
Party officials have accused the APC of deploying state resources to intimidate witnesses and derail the tribunal process.
The EFCC has released a statement confirming the raid but denying that it was politically motivated.
Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP’s Edo Caretaker Committee, condemned the incidents, linking them to a broader APC strategy of intimidation.
“The APC is deploying thugs disguised in PDP attire and using state agencies like the EFCC to disrupt our case at the tribunal. This level of desperation is unacceptable,” he claimed.
[DailyPost]
In a move to strengthen bilateral relations and economic cooperation, United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has accepted an invitation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to visit Nigeria later this year.
According to a statement on Thursday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the invitation was extended during bilateral talks on Wednesday night at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025.
Tinubu, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday as a guest of the UAE President, actively participated in the forum, which focuses on global sustainable development and climate action.
On Wednesday, he delivered Nigeria’s position on key issues, including climate change, water security, and energy transition, while commending the UAE for hosting a successful event.
During their discussions, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s visit and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to enhancing economic ties with Nigeria.
Both leaders explored avenues for increased investment in Nigeria, with the Nigerian leader highlighting the progress of his administration’s economic reforms.
“Our economic reforms are stabilizing and growing the economy. We have seen renewed confidence from foreign investors and international oil companies, who are announcing billion-dollar investments. Nigeria is open and ready for more partnerships with the UAE”, President Tinubu stated.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the UAE’s determination to strengthen cooperation across various sectors.
Accompanying President Tinubu were key Nigerian officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; and National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
The UAE delegation included Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; and H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Other UAE officials at the meeting were: Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Salem Saeed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nigeria.
President Tinubu also took the opportunity to thank the UAE leader for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their stay.
[TheNation]
The Senior Pastor of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has attributed current economic hardship to poor decisions made during the 2023 elections.
Suleman made this assertion during Tuesday and Wednesday’s two-day “Recovery Conference 2025” in Bauchi State, the Daily Post reports Thursday.
Ahead of the event, he paid a courtesy visit to the Government House, where he met with Governor Bala Mohammed.
While commending Mohammed for his leadership and hospitality, Suleman described him as “a man of honour” and pledged his continued prayers for the state’s progress. Senior pastors, including Dr. Kingsley Aigbe, accompanied him.
However, speaking with journalists at the Government House, Suleman didn’t mince words about the nation’s state, blaming Nigerians for their electoral choices.
“What Nigerians are going through is partly what they deserve. Before the election, we cried out, we screamed, we yelled. The man (President Bola Tinubu) who came into leadership had no manifesto—just a sense of entitlement with his ‘it’s my turn’ mantra,” Suleman declared.
He criticised Tinubu’s administration for poor policy decisions and the mismanagement of the country’s oil sector.
“The oil sector has been plundered. In the next 10 to 15 years, I don’t think Nigerians will recover from the damage. Now, all we can do is pray,” he lamented.
Suleman urged Nigerians to reflect on their voting decisions ahead of the 2027 elections, cautioning, “If they’ve suffered enough by then, perhaps they’ll make better decisions.”
Echoing Suleman’s concerns, Mohammed, also took a swipe at Tinubu’s policies, warning of their potential to harm the nation irreparably.
“Tinubu’s policies don’t have a clear vision and are taking us to the road to perdition and destruction. That is why when I talk about tax reforms, it is not because I don’t want reform, but because I want reform that will have a national impact. I don’t have anything against the president but respect,” Mohammed said.
The governor vowed to continue criticising Federal Government policies as long as they “shortchange Nigerians.”
“Nigerians deserve better, and I will not shy away from pointing out these shortcomings,” the governor maintained.
[Punch]