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Ibadan stampede: Court grants N10m bail each to Naomi Silekunola, Oriyomi Hamzat, School Principal
AFOLABI
The Oyo state high court has granted bail to Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; and Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM.
The duo, alongside the principal of the Islamic High School, were each granted bail in the sum of N10 million and two sureties in like sum.
The trio are standing trial over their alleged roles in a stampede at a funfair in December, which claimed the lives of over 30 people, most of them children.
The defendants were remanded at Agodi correctional centre on December 24 after being charged with four counts bordering on conspiracy, negligence causing harm, and failing to provide adequate security and medical facilities.
MAGISTRATE COURT HEARING
At the resumed hearing of the case at the magistrate court, Iyaganku Sikiru Opaleye, the prosecutor, told Olabisi Ogunkanmi, the chief magistrate, that the state department of public prosecution (DPP) has found the defendants guilty and that they have a case to answer.
The court ruled that an appeal be filed and taken formally at the high court since the magistrate court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case.
Ogunkanmi explained that if the appeal is heard at the high court, the defendants will appear to have the case struck out at the magistrate court.
She subsequently adjourned the case to January 27 at the behest of Abdulfatai Oyedeji, counsel to Abdullahi (third defendant) for mention.
Oyedeji said at the next hearing, “the three defendants will appear, their appeals will be taken and from there, the battleground will shift to the high court”.
He said if the defendants had been present in court, their appeals may have been taken today.
“They have to be here physically to take their appeal whether guilty or not guilty before we move to the second phase of the battle,” he said.
Nigeria’s entertainment industry has become one of the nation’s largest skill exports globally, thanks to its thriving music, film, and fashion sectors.
The entertainment industry comprises Nollywood, the Afrobeat sector, broadcast shows, comedy, digital productions, fashion, and beauty.
These industries have not only captured the attention of international audiences but also established Nigeria as a cultural powerhouse, influencing trends, styles, and sounds worldwide.
Despite challenges like inflation and naira devaluation, the industry remains resilient and has grown to be valued at over $10 billion according to Ben Bruce, Founder of SilverBird Group.
The Nollywood film industry alone is estimated at $6.4 billion, while the music sector generates over $2 billion annually, fueled by the global rise of Afrobeats. The fashion industry also contributes about $1 billion annually, according to Business of Fashion.
Over the years, it has secured major deals with international brands such as Netflix, Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Universal Music Group. Additionally, international lifestyle brands have tapped into the market through ambassadorial deals to connect with and expand their target audience.
However, despite its impressive growth, the industry faces challenges, including piracy, intellectual property theft, poor contract enforcement, and weak regulatory frameworks. These gaps leave stakeholders like actors, musicians, and record labels vulnerable to exploitation.
Amid these challenges, skilled entertainment lawyers have emerged over the years to safeguard and support the rights, assets, and interests of key players in the industry. This piece highlights seven powerful female entertainment lawyers who have played pivotal roles in shaping and securing Nigeria’s entertainment landscape, ensuring its continued growth and global relevance.
Isioma Idigbe
Isioma heads the Media & Entertainment Practice Group. She holds a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) from the University of Kent, Canterbury, and graduated from the Nigerian Law School in 2015. She also completed a Certificate Course in Entertainment Law from Osgoode Law School, University of York, Toronto.
- Isioma is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Association of Entertainment Lawyers (IAEL). She is the founder and first president of the University of Kent Nigerian Law Society and a student mentor in the Kent Law School Professional Mentoring Scheme.
- She serves as the Secretary of the Music Publishers Association of Nigeria (MPAN) and is the Managing Director of Verif Content, a company specializing in due diligence checks on Intellectual Property in Nigeria.
In 2018, she received the Rising Star Award at the Law Digest Awards for her contributions to the Nigerian Media and Entertainment Industry.
Omotayo Queen Inakoju
Omotayo Queen Inakoju has extensive work experience in the legal field. Omotayo Queen currently serves as the Head of Legal at EbonyLife Media, where they negotiate and seal multinational film deals, draft and review complex film agreements, and advise on intellectual property strategy.
- Prior to her current role, she worked at Silverbird Group Ng as a Legal Executive, providing legal advice to the board members and handling film exhibition and distribution contracts. Omotayo Queen also served as a Legal Officer/Assistant Legal Manager, where they negotiated, drafted, and reviewed commercial contracts and ensured legal compliance.
- Omotayo Queen Inakoju received a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in Law from Adekunle Ajasin University in Nigeria, graduating in 2012. In 2014, they completed their legal education by obtaining a Certificate of Call to Bar from the Nigerian Law School and was awarded a BL (Bachelor of Law) degree from the Nigerian Council of Legal Education.
Omotayo Queen has also obtained additional certifications, including being an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) and a Graduate Member of ICSAN. In 2018, they became an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
Folake Falana
Folake Falana is a highly accomplished international lawyer and educator, renowned for her extensive experience in contracts, commercial law, entertainment law, and more. After earning her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Buckingham, UK, in 2009, she moved to Nigeria, where she qualified as a barrister and solicitor.
- Throughout her career, Folake has gained invaluable expertise in various legal fields, initially working as a legal advisor at multiple companies before advancing to one of Nigeria’s premier law firms. In 2017, she shifted her focus to entertainment law, founding Folke Consulting and becoming the founding partner at F and F Legal Consulting.
- She is also the head of entertainment law at Falana & Falana Chambers. Her boutique legal consulting firm specializes in representing clients in the music, film, and entertainment industries, as well as supporting entrepreneurs and startups.
- Under her guidance, many clients have achieved tremendous success, gaining millions of streams and views on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon.
Beyond her legal practice, Folake is a sought-after consultant and expert in entertainment law, regularly appearing on panels, radio shows, and television, including the MTV BASE MUSICOLOGY show. She also dedicates significant time to educating entertainers through her podcast, The Showbiz Compass Podcast, and various training events hosted by her company.
Amanda Uzoagba
Amanda Uzoagba is an entertainment law professional who has been practicing for over 10 years, particularly in music licensing and intellectual property law.
Currently the Head of Licensing for West Africa at Mdundo.com, she has managed music licensing deals, distribution agreements, and ensured compliance with regional legal and commercial standards. Her leadership was important in securing music rights from various stakeholders, largely contributing to Mdundo’s growth and sustainability in the West African market.
- Prior to this, as Lead Consultant at GoldWhisk Consult, Uzoagba negotiated and drafted complex contracts in the media and entertainment sector, focusing on high-value music deals, international distribution, and publishing agreements. Her strategic insights helped clients maximize their revenue potential, securing multimillion-dollar deals that expanded the global reach of African artists.
- During her time at EbonyLife Group, she was a Senior Legal Executive, supported her role in managing the company’s legal affairs, contributing her quota to its global expansion strategy, and overseeing licensing renewals. Her expertise helped EbonyLife navigate regulatory challenges and solidify its global presence.
Throughout her career, Amanda also held leadership roles at Zinarts Agency Limited, Kudibar, and The ColorCode Media Group, advising on licensing, trademark protection, and contract negotiations, establishing herself as a key player in entertainment law.
Yemisi Falaye
Oluyemisi Falaye is a distinguished entertainment lawyer and the Team Lead for Legal, Business Development, and Talent Affairs at The Temple Company Limited, where she provides expert legal advice and representation to some of the biggest names in African entertainment. With a wealth of experience, Oluyemisi has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost entertainment lawyers, specializing in various facets of law, including intellectual property, immigration, and corporate commercial law.
- Her expertise extends to advising and negotiating deals for creatives, such as musicians, actors, filmmakers, and fashion influencers.
- Falaye who describes herself as “providing Legal advice and representation to the biggest names in African Entertainment”- has worked with high-profile clients like Davido, Zlatan Ibile, Toke Makinwa, Sola Sobowale, Adekunle Gold, and Cuppy (Florence Otedola). She was instrumental in leading the legal team handling contract negotiations and agreements for major projects, including the Afro Pop Vol. 1 album and The Wedding Party 2 movie.
With nearly two decades of experience, Oluyemisi has also held a long tenure as Senior Legal Counsel at Adepetun Caxton-Martins Agbor & Segun (ACAS-LAW), where she gained extensive experience in media, entertainment law, and corporate commercial matters.
Abidemi Opeyemi
Abidemi is the Managing Associate at Pentagon Partners Legal Practitioners, where she plays a pivotal role in leading the Governance, Risk, and Compliance Group, as well as the Transaction Advisory Group.
With over a decade of corporate and transactional experience, her expertise spans corporate restructuring, intellectual property, media and entertainment, compliance, regulatory licensing, antitrust, privacy, executive compensation, and more.
- The Pentagon Partners Legal Practitioners, where Abidemi is managing partner, represented Nigerian actress, Ini Edo in a high-profile intellectual property rights dispute with Netflix over the series- Shanty Town.
- In addition to her work in media and entertainment, she played a key role in formulating the legal structure for the introduction, branding, and marketing of Moet Hennessy in Nigeria.
- Abidemi was also integral in advising on the external restructuring between DSTV (Multichoice Nigeria) and two subsidiaries, where she drafted transaction documentation and ensured compliance across multiple legal areas.
- Her other achievements include acting as Legal Adviser for Venator Media Partners, overseeing media partnerships and due diligence for the acquisition by Trace S.A., and advising Vesta Healthcare Partners on healthcare financing projects.
She also led negotiations for the distribution license of a customized African edition of a popular board game for Bestman Games, managing intellectual property protection and drafting agreements for sponsors, agents, and marketers.
Oyinkansola Fawehinmi
Oyinkansola Fawehinmi is an accomplished entertainment lawyer with over a decade of expertise in intellectual property, talent management, and rights clearance. She is the Founder and Lead Consultant at Zaeda Oracle Limited, established in 2023, which provides tailored legal and business management services for professionals in music, film, fashion, and other creative industries.
- Her career highlights include handling rights clearance for major Nollywood films such as The Black Book, Brotherhood, and Gangs of Lagos, as well as the Bud Remix Project.
- As the President of Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Ltd (2019-2023), she closed multi-million-dollar licensing deals with leading Digital Service Providers and secured high-profile sync licenses with industry giants like Netflix, NFL, and Coldplay.
- Oyinkansola has also elevated African music by discovering and mentoring renowned producers such as P.Priime and Tempoe.
- She spearheaded the groundbreaking Wawomi Tour, boosting her clients’ visibility by 400%- with audiences spanning 10+ countries.
- She also preserved the legacies of late music icons such as Dagrin and Haruna Ishola, increasing their recurring revenue through strategic catalog administration.
Oyinkansola obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Babcock University in 2013, specializing in entertainment and intellectual property law. She earned her Barrister-at-Law (BL) from the Nigerian Law School in 2014 and later pursued an MBA at the Quantic School of Business and Technology (2022–2023).
[Nairametrics]
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is planning to rebase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
There are expectations that the economy will be bigger while inflation will be lower.
This was the situation in 2014 when Nigeria became Africa’s largest economy, with its GDP surging by 89 percent to $510 billion and inflation averaging 8.05 percent compared to 8.50 percent in the previous year.
But the NBS at the rebasing sensitisation workshop it organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group in Lagos, last Thursday, emphasised that the exercise does not necessarily mean that the GDP will become more robust or shrink, rather it would give an accurate assessment of the economy.
“Rebasing is a very vital exercise that ensures our economic indicators are accurate, reflecting the updated structure of our economy,” Adeyemi Adeniran, the statistician general and CEO of the NBS, said.
“It’s done to absorb the new ministries that the new government just created, upgrade the CPI basket and change the methodology of CPI and GDP,” he added.
Why does rebasing the economy matter?
Most governments overhaul GDP calculations every three to five years to reflect changes in output and consumption. Prior to 2014, Nigeria had not done so since 1990.
According to the NBS, rebasing is a process of updating an old base year with a recent one to reflect changes in the prices of goods and services produced within the economy. The agency explained that constant price estimates are recalculated using the new base year’s prices.
It stated that the rebasing will cover new areas of the economy, including digital economy, modular refineries, pension fund administration, national health insurance scheme, mining, among others.
Beyond potentially increasing the size of the economy, tax-to-GDP and debt-to-GDP ratios are expected to decline, allowing for more fiscal balance. Similarly, per capita income, which is about $877, will rise.
Will Nigeria become the largest economy once again?
Nigeria became Africa’s biggest economy following the 2014’s rebasing, but analysts point that while the country’s GDP would rise in dollar terms, the results might not be as impressive as what was obtainable over 10 years ago.
Amaka Anku, Africa director at Eurasia Group, said the rebasing will likely increase the size of Nigeria’s economy in dollar terms despite its entry to a second recession in five years and a weakened naira.
“They will be adding new components to the GDP, so it would likely result in a larger economy but, definitely, not as big a bump as in 2010,” Anku said.
Similarly, CardinalStone analysts said that the proposed rebasing will drive improved capturing of economic activities and support planning initiatives. However, it is likely to shrink the size of the informal economy.
It further explained that the rebasing is also likely to result in a significant increase in the reported size of the economy.
How does it affect rising prices?
The NBS said the rebasing exercise may not directly lead to a reduction or upward trajectory of consumer prices, rather it aims to capture price changes over time
However, Ayo Andrew, head of price statistics at the NBS, revealed that four ‘special indexes’ will be added to the CPI computation as part of the rebasing exercise.
“Services index, both national and states; energy index, both national and states; farm produce index, both national and states; and goods index, both national and states, will be added,” Andrew said.
This update will, no doubt, result in more accurate inflation data, potentially altering Nigeria’s inflation outlook compared to previous measures. It is expected to provide better information on business strategies, moving forward.
Structural changes between old, new numbers
The NBS revealed that the base year adopted for the GDP was 2019 while 2024 was used for the CPI.
For the CPI, the year was proposed to capture the structural changes that have taken place over time. It is driven by the removal of subsidies on foreign exchange and petrol.
For the GDP, 2019 was chosen as a preferred base year because economic activities were relatively stable within the period, compared to subsequent years disrupted by the impact of COVID-19 and policy shifts.
The constituents of the inflation basket are expected to expand from 740 to 960.
The contributions of items on the divisional level to the headline index has been increased to 13 from 12, with the addition of insurance and financial services.
Likewise, there will be adjustments to weightings of the previous 12 division level weights.
However, analysts at CardinalStone, in a report last week, said that the re-weighting of the CPI basket may result in a reduction in the impact of food and non-alcoholic beverage price changes on the overall headline inflation reading.
It said that housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels are likely to have a lesser impact on future core inflation readings due to the re-weightings.
“The likes of transport and restaurants & accommodation services are likely to have a more pronounced impact on future inflation readings due to the re-weightings,” it said.
While the rebasing exercise will no doubt raise Nigeria’s economic profile, with over 129 million Nigerians living below the national poverty line, analysts hold the view that the effects would be felt more in statistics than in everyday life.
As the race for 2027 elections begins to shape up, strong rumours of defection are swirling around no fewer than five first term opposition governors, LEADERSHIP checks have revealed.
Investigations by LEADERSHIP showed that governors of Abia (Alex Otti) Enugu (Peter Mbah), Delta (Sheriff Oborevwori), Rivers (Siminalayi Fubara) and Akwa Ibom (Umoh Eno) have had to address concerns surrounding talks about their plans to dump their parties for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While Mbah, Fubara, Eno, Oborevwori belong to the major opposition PDP, Otti belongs to the Labour Party. Interestingly, both parties have been locked in post-2023 election crises which seems to have defied interventions so far.
While some sources confided in LEADERSHIP that some of the governors are being subtly pressured to join the ruling APC, others noted that others, mindful of the instability in their party, are open to joining a platform that would enhance their chances of securing a second term.
Since the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999, over 20 sitting governors have dumped their political parties for another. The top states with the highest number of sitting governors jumping ship are Sokoto, Imo, Abia and Adamawa.
In Sokoto, three governors have dumped their parties for another, while two sitting governors in Imo, Abia, Zamfara and Adamawa have done the same.
While some first term governors were able to win a second term, others were not so lucky.
In Abia State, concerns about Governor Otti’s loyalty to his party arose when he resorted to the Zenith Labour Party as a special purpose vehicle for the local government election in the state last year.
However, talks about dumping his party heightened when after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Abia airport, the minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, declared that the Abia governor would return to the APC.
Also, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, had mounted pressure on Otti to join the APC.
LEADERSHIP Friday reports that no fewer than five Labour Party House of Representatives members have joined APC so far.
In Rivers State, Governor Fubara’s use of APP for the local government election, following his inability to wrest the PDP structure from the minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has sustained talks that he may dump the PDP ahead of the 2027 election.
The closeness of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Eno, to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, one of the national leaders of APC, has sustained suspicions that he might join the party at the centre.
In Enugu, there are insinuations that the disruptive politics within the PDP at the national level might make the governor, who isn’t disposed to be distracted by party intrigues, seek another platform.
PDP leaders in Delta, under the aegis of Concerned Leaders of PDP, blew the whistle about Oborevwori’s romance with APC leaders. The party leaders, namely Mr Theophilus Ekiyor; Mr. Ochuko Oghenekome, and Mr. Ezekiel Chukwudi, in an open letter accused the governor of secretly romancing President Bola Tinubu’s chief of staff, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in order to secure a second term as Delta governor.
Recall that Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, a federal lawmaker and daughter of former Delta State governor, James Ibori, had dumped PDP for APC last year. Ibori is a Tinubu contemporary as governor in 1999 and a close ally.
But the governors have pushed back on the rumours, declaring, albeit through their aides, that they will not dump their parties for the ruling APC.
Also their parties have declared such claims as the handiwork of the ruling party, seeking to sow confusion within their parties and suspicion against the governors.
Mbah has no plan of leaving us – PDP
The spokesman of Enugu State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uchenna Obute Udi has described as falsehood allegations that many members of the party are planning to defect to APC.
He dismissed the allegations in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP Friday in Enugu.
He described Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, as the leader of the PDP in Enugu State and the Southeast and wondered why such allegations would be made against the PDP members including the governor.
The PDP spokesman stated that in less than two years in office, the governor has transformed the state through massive infrastructural development.
He noted that the governor has endeared himself to the people of the state irrespective of their party affiliations through his numerous projects.
On the recent visit of President Almed Bola Tinubu to the state, Udi stated that he came to Enugu State as president of the country and not for party politics.
He noted that the president knew Mbah before the latter became governor, and that the governor was a key actor in the private sector.
Udi added that the speech of the President during his visit clearly showed that he came to see what the governor had been doing irrespective of his party affiliation.
Otti not under pressure to dump LP
As at press time, efforts to get clarification on the report from either his adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, or the chief press secretary, Ukoha Njoku on their mobile phones failed.
However, a top member of the administration, who pleaded anonymity said he was not aware of such pressure even as he argued that by his performance in office, Otti had become a brand.
“Like a beautiful bride, it is possible that some opposition parties might be wooing him to join them. Such moves are not out of place in our clime,” he asserted.
But the story is different in the Labour Party where most of the members feel the governor sidelined them “in all ramifications after climbing on our back to victory”.
According to a reliable source in the party, securing the party’s ticket for 2027 might be an uphill task for Otti “so, the earlier he starts looking elsewhere perhaps the better for him.”
“I’m not aware whether he has indicated interest to participate in the ongoing membership revalidation in the party,” the source added.
Oborevwori’s defection rumours sponsored by opposition
The chief press secretary to the Delta Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, said there is no iota of truth in the claim by PDP leaders in the state that Oborevwori’s plans to defect to the ruling APC.
“It’s a lie being pushed by opposition elements” he told LEADERSHIP Friday.
Similarly the PDP in the state has dismissed rumours as mischievous and unfounded.
In a statement issued by the party’s chairman in the state, Chief Solomon Arenyenka, the PDP described the reports as the work of unemployed political hirelings and their unscrupulous sponsors, who are failed agents of destabilisation and betrayal.
The statement read in part: “We assert unequivocally that the faceless group of individuals spreading these rumours and presenting themselves as concerned leaders of the PDP are impostors and not members of our esteemed party.
“We strongly condemn, in the strongest terms, the vile and malicious propaganda of these depraved perpetrators, particularly the key peddler—a notorious serial blackmailer and dishonest individual who will be remembered infamously for concocting lies as a means of survival.”
Why Gov Eno Won’t Defect To APC – PDP
PDP in Akwa Ibom has also dismissed the claim about Eno’s surreptitious moves to join APC, calling it a ruse.
The party hierarchy in the state led by Elder Aniekan Akpan had at various fora dismissed such report as mere speculations within the imaginations of the purveyors.”
Akpan, noted that “PDP is like a religion in Akwa Ibom,” stressing that, “PDP is Akwa Ibom and Akwa Ibom is PDP.”
In the vein, the PDP publicity secretary, Mr. Edwin Ebiese, urged the people of the state not to believe in rumour as propagated by some opposition forces in the media,
However, a PDP leader in the state, who pleaded anonymity, admitted that the rumour shouldn’t be dismissed wholly.
He said, “Tinubu is not like Buhari, who appeared apolitical throughout his presidential stint.
“Tinubu is an ardent, suave and alluring politician with massive Machevellian attributes of the end justifying the means. So he will not spare anything to capture Akwa Ibom.
“Surviving to emerge the winner of the 2023 presidential election against all odds, the President would want to dismantle all perceived obstacles by wooing some of the remaining opposition states, especially Akwa Ibom, that they had over the years longed for, into the APC.
“They had done it in Edo and Ondo states, so the complimentary dispositions by Governor Umo Eno, and the Senate President could be a pointer to the likely defection of the governor to crumble and further weaken the opposition structure in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections”, the PDP stalwart in Uyo told LEADERSHIP Friday.
Fubara Has No Plan To Leave
PDP – Rivers Information Commissioner
The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, has said Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no plans to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for any other political party.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP Friday in Port Harcourt, Johnson said: “Rumour is rumour and will remain in the realms of rumour. I am not aware of such a move.”
[Leadership]
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has explained why he reversed his stance on the controversial tax reforms bill, stating that his concerns regarding the bill have been addressed.
Governor Sule, who was one of the vocal northern political leaders initially opposed to the bill, made this disclosure during an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme.
He highlighted that the opposition was not to the idea of tax reforms but to the bill’s contents in its original form. According to him, the key objective was to ensure that the bill was thoroughly discussed before any decision was made.
“We have achieved our goal, and that is the reason today I talk differently. I talk differently because the goal we wanted to achieve has been achieved.
“We wanted the bill to be further discussed and not passed in its original form. Now, there are opportunities for further review, and I commend the House of Representatives, particularly the speaker, for the way they have handled the issue,” Sule stated.
The governor also expressed satisfaction with the current handling of the bill by the lawmakers, especially the House of Representatives and its speaker, adding that the concerns raised by him and others had led to a more thorough scrutiny of the bill.
[DailyTrust]
- AG-F to begin direct disbursement
- Committee begins two-day meeting
- Edun to brief President
The Federal Government is taking a step forward today in the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy.
An Inter-Ministerial Committee set up to enforce the verdict would begin a two-day meeting in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Members of the panel will be discussing the modalities for the enforcement of the apex court verdict that mandates direct disbursements of funds to the 774 local government areas from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has as members Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AG-F).
Others are: Central Bank of Nigeria (NGF) Governor Yemi Cardoso; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance; Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC); representative of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and representative of the local governments.
The AG-F has concluded plans for the disbursement of funds to democratically elected councils this week, a government source told The Nation.
A member of the committee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the panel’s focus is to finalise measures for achieving financial and administrative independence for the 774 councils, despite resistance by governors.
He said the committee is expected to evolve counter-actions against some governors seeking to undermine the autonomy by maintaining direct access to funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The source also disclosed that the panel would proceed with the assignment after receiving “guidelines and guidance” from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice.
He acknowledged the need for specific clarifications on how best to handle resistance by some state governments ahead of the commencement of direct payments to local governments this week.
“We are waiting for the pronouncement of the Attorney-General first. We will take a position before Wednesday,” the source said.
The two-day meeting is expected to evaluate the Committee’s progress and finalise operational frameworks for direct payments.
According to the source, the meetings aim to address the moves by some governors to coerce elected local government leaders into truncating the objectives of the autonony.
“The meetings will address the actions of governors attempting to undermine the autonomy of democratically elected LGA chairmen, deputies, and councilors, ensuring they are not coerced into serving state interests,” he added.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, some governors are maneuvering to maintain their hold on council funds by influencing Houses of Assembly to pass laws empowering state governments to have access and retain oversight on the FAAC allocations.
Shedding light on the challenges before the committee, he said: “There are a lot of discussions going on, but for now, honestly, we are waiting to see. While all the states have conducted local government elections, some governors are determined to maintain financial control over local government areas.”
In preparation for the Supreme Court judgment’s implementation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) confirmed its readiness to commence direct FAAC disbursements to councils.
A senior OAGF official disclosed that structures are already in place to ensure a seamless transition.
The official said: “It won’t be a challenge to carry out the approval from the minister to start making the disbursements to the LGAs. The structure has been on the ground.”
He pointed out that a dedicated department within the OAGF would oversees the processes, assuring that the transition will proceed smoothly.
“A whole department is in charge of it. So, it’s not going to be a challenge. I can confirm that,” he stressed.
The source hinted that Finance minister might consult with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu upon his return to the country this week to finalise strategies for dealing with governors.
“The minister of Finance might have discussions with President Bola Tinubu and others on how to address the issue of governors. But we are paying local government areas directly.
“We don’t want to presume anything. Everyone knows the judgment has been made, and we are waiting for the government to start implementing.”
The enforcement of direct FAAC allocations to local governments marks a significant shift in local government administration. It is aimed at curbing undue interference by governors.
Historically, funds meant for grassroots development were disbursed through joint accounts controlled by governors, often leading to delays and diversions.
[TheNation]
Around 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed and 2,700 wounded while fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine, a South Korean lawmaker said Monday, citing information from Seoul’s spy agency.
Seoul has previously claimed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sent more than 10,000 soldiers as “cannon fodder” to help Moscow fight Kyiv, in return for Russian technical assistance for Pyongyang’s heavily sanctioned weapons and satellite programmes.
Over the weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv had captured two North Korean soldiers, releasing video of the injured combatants being interrogated and raising the possibility of a prisoner swap for captured Ukrainian troops.
“The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia has reportedly expanded to include the Kursk region, with estimates suggesting that casualties among North Korean forces have surpassed 3,000,” lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun told reporters after a briefing from the spy agency.
This includes “approximately 300 deaths and 2,700 injuries,” Lee said, after a briefing from Seoul’s National Intelligence Service.
The soldiers, reportedly from North Korea’s elite Storm Corps, have been ordered to kill themselves rather than be taken prisoner, Lee said.
“Notably, memos found on deceased soldiers indicate that the North Korean authorities pressured them to commit suicide or self-detonate before capture,” he said.
He added that some of the soldiers had been granted “amnesty” or wanted to join North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, hoping to improve their lot by fighting.
One North Korean soldier who was about to be captured shouted “General Kim Jong Un” and attempted to detonate a grenade, Lee said, adding that he was shot and killed.
The NIS analysis also revealed that the North Korean soldiers have “a lack of understanding of modern warfare,” and are being used by Russia in a manner leading to “the high number of casualties,” the lawmaker said.
– Soldiers captured –
Lee — speaking for South Korea’s intelligence committee in parliament — said in the coming year US president-elect Donald Trump, who has previously tried to woo North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, “may push for dialogue… once again”.
He also said Kim may “weigh the possibility of a visit to Russia in the first half of this year” after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in late 2023.
In a post on social media platform X Sunday, Zelensky said: “Ukraine is ready to hand over Kim Jong Un’s soldiers to him if he can organize their exchange for our warriors who are being held captive in Russia.”
There would “undoubtedly be more” North Korean soldiers captured by Kyiv, he added.
“For those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, there may be other options available,” said Zelensky.
Ukraine, the United States and South Korea have accused nuclear-armed North Korea of sending more than 10,000 soldiers to help bolster Russian forces.
Neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has acknowledged that North Koreans have been deployed to fight against Ukraine.
The two countries have boosted their military cooperation since Russia launched its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
On a visit to Seoul this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington believed Russia was expanding space cooperation with North Korea in exchange for its troop contribution in fighting Ukraine.
Washington’s top diplomat said the United States also believed Russia “may be close” to formally accepting North Korea’s status as a nuclear power.
The video posted by Zelensky of the interrogation of the two North Korean prisoners of war shows one lying in a bunk bed and the other sitting up with a bandage around his jaw.
One man can be heard speaking to a Ukrainian official through an interpreter, saying that he did not know he was going to fight in a war with Ukraine and that his commanders “told him it was just training”.
In translated comments, one of the men says he wants to return to North Korea.
The other says he will do what he is told but, if given the chance, wants to live in Ukraine.
AFP
The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a new trend of kidnapping, dubbed ‘Constructive Kidnapping’, where unsuspecting ladies are lured by kidnappers posing as internet friends and lovers.
This sinister scheme has already ensnared 16 ladies from various parts of the state, who were fortunate to be rescued by the police command, the command revealed.
In another shocking case, a 15-year-old girl was rescued after allegedly conspiring with her boyfriend to demand ransom from her parents, pretending that she had been kidnapped.
For the ‘Constructive kidnapping, the kidnappers’ modus oparandi according to the Commissioner of Police Lagos State Police Command, CP Olawale Ishola, who briefed journalists weekend, on the command’s breakthrough between September 2024 and January 2025, was as cunning as it was ruthless.
The kidnappers as gathered, begin by tagging their potential victims as friends on social media platforms, establishing a false sense of acquaintance. Once the victim’s guard is lowered, the kidnappers invite them to Lagos, often under the guise of a romantic rendezvous.
These kidnappers according to the command would send substantial amounts of money, up to N500,000, to their victims, as well as cover their flight expenses to Lagos.
Upon arrival, the unsuspecting victims are taken to five-star hotels, where their phones are seized, and money transferred out. The kidnappers then contact the victim’s relatives, demanding ransom and threatening to them if their demands are not met.
According to the CP, ” It is Constructive kidnapping because you have a scenario where a lady is lured from her safe space to Lagos by a group of boys or a single individual. They make it enticing by sending a business-class flight ticket, N500,000, and booking a luxurious five-star hotel. The victim feels like they’ve ‘arrived,’ unaware that it’s all a ruse.
” I’ve rescued at least 16 ladies from this trap. As soon as they arrive, the kidnappers mess the ladies up, seize their phones, transfer their money, and contact their relatives to demand more ransom, threatening to kill the victim if their demands aren’t met. It’s termed ‘constructive’ because the victims unwittingly walk into the trap set for them. However, we’re always one step ahead.”
He, therefore, warned members of the public, especially ladies to be cautious when interacting with strangers online, advising members of the public to say something when they see something.
Similarly, the command boss also explained how a 14-year-old girl with an undisclosed identity who was reported to have been kidnapped, was traced to her boyfriend’s abode, with a baby.
According to CP Ishola, ” On January 8, 2025, a complainant reported that her daughter Anuoluwapo Victoria, 15 years left home to an unknown destination, that on January 9, 2025, she received a phone call and an account was sent for her to pay ransom for the released of her daughter.
“They have been sending money to the account until we were able to apprehend her and her boyfriend on Friday night. She was with a baby”.
[Vanguard]
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said Jimmy Carter was the only leader outside Africa who visited Sani Abacha, the late military dictator, solely to plead for his release from prison.
Obasanjo stated this in a tribute to Carter, the late American president, who passed on December 29, 2024, aged 100.
The tribute, titled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan”, was read during a memorial service held on Sunday at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun state.
Obasanjo was arrested, tried, and sentenced to prison by the Abacha junta in 1995 over alleged involvement in a failed military coup.
Obasanjo narrated how Carter visited Nigeria and got Abacha to release him (Obasanjo) from prison, and he was placed on house arrest.
He said that although many others intervened to seek his release, Carter was the only one who had visited Nigeria solely for that purpose.
“President Carter was one of my foreign friends who stuck their necks out to save my life and to seek my release from prison. On President Carter’s visit to Nigeria, he got Abacha to agree to take me from detention to house arrest on my farm. But that did not last for too long,” Obasanjo said.
“Many other friends and leaders intervened, but President Carter was the only non-African leader, according to my information, that paid a visit to Abacha solely to plead for my release.
“I would remain ever grateful to all who worked for my release from Abacha’s gulag. Abacha ensured that I would not be released. Within a week of his death, though, I was released by his successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who also facilitated my going around Africa and the rest of the world to thank all those who worked for my release.”
Obasanjo further said he was surprised when Carter told him that Ted Turner, CNN founder, had offered to take care of him and his family upon his release.
“I was touched and moved to tears. I immediately went to Ted, who expressed to me the same sentiment that President Carter expressed,” Obasanjo said.
The elder statesman said he and Carter shared some similarities, including their military backgrounds and being born into farming families that instilled discipline in them.
“He beat me though in one respect; there was a road to his settlement, and there was no road to my village. We walked to every place or, at best, we were carried on bicycles,” he said.
Obasanjo said he would miss Carter, “a great and true friend but I know we shall meet again in paradise”.
Speaking during an interactive session with young African leaders at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library OOPL during the weekend, Obasanjo said his refusal to keep quiet on national and international issues landed him in detention during Abacha’s tenure.
[TheCable]
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has taken to social media to celebrate her mother, Rita Daniels’, birthday.
In a heartfelt post, Regina expressed her gratitude and appreciation for her mother’s presence in her life.
She shared a series of photos and videos of her mother on Instagram, accompanied by a touching message.
She described her mother as her “woman king,” guide, and best friend, highlighting the significant impact she has had on her life.
In her post, Regina acknowledged the challenges they have faced together and expressed her desire to continue being her mother’s daughter.
She also prayed for her mother’s good health, strength, and long life, asking God to protect her from harm.
“MY GOD ON EARTH
Happy birthday, my WOMAN KING
My earthly guardian and protector
My one true best friend, adviser, mother, cry buddy, and ride or die.
I will continue to bless your very existence on earth and worship the very ground you walk on. You are everything and more in a mother and I’m grateful to God for the gift of you. I will choose to be your daughter over and over again so you can keep guiding me right. We’ve been through so much together and we will still go through more. I pray God gives you the strength, good health and long life to overcome every trial that comes our way. May God never let me do anything to hurt or break your heart. I love you my treasure @rita.daniels06″.
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Nigerian gospel singer and pastor, Nathaniel Bassey, recently went viral after sharing the remarkable story of his invitation to the upcoming US Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast.
During his ministration at Pastor Poju Oyemade’s World Faith Believers Convention (WOFBEC), Bassey spoke candidly about the phone call that led to his invitation.
The renowned gospel singer revealed that the invitation came from Reverend Merrie Turner, who shared how she had been in prayer when God directed her to call on Bassey to release His glory upon the United States.
According to Nathaniel Bassey, Reverend Turner said;
“I was in prayer, and the Lord says to me to send for you to come release the glory of God upon our Nation.”
Nathaniel Bassey will minister at a non-political, non-governmental event ahead of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.
The event, set to take place on January 20, 2025, will be hosted by Reverend Turner in Washington, D.C.
The news of Bassey’s invitation to the prestigious event has sparked widespread celebration, particularly within the Christian community in Nigeria.
His testimony, which he shared with a deeply moved audience at WOFBEC, was met with awe and appreciation, as many saw it as a powerful sign of divine favor.
Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has caused a stir on social media after revealing a shocking new look in a viral video.
Over the weekend, Asake posted footage of himself in the studio, teasing his eagerly awaited new project. However, it wasn’t just the music that grabbed attention; it was his drastically different hairstyle.
The Afrobeat star, who had become synonymous with his signature long dreadlocks, now sported a much shorter and unexpected cut.
Asake’s transformation sent fans into a frenzy, as the dreadlocks had become a central part of his identity, perfectly complementing his unique sound and style.
His sudden change in appearance has sparked waves of speculation on what prompted this drastic shift.
Concerned fans are left questioning whether this new look marks a personal evolution, a reinvention of his image, state of his mental health or a bold statement about his artistic direction.
SEE REACTIONS BELOW
Asake and his label boss Olamide have found themselves at the heart of a growing controversy, as rumors of a widening rift between the two dominate both online and offline discussions.
The tension reached a fever pitch on Monday, December 23, 2024, during Olamide’s highly anticipated Olamide Live In Concert (OLIC) at the luxurious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event, a celebration of Olamide’s legacy, brought together a star-studded lineup of music royalty, including Phyno, Wizkid, Young John, and several YBNL stars, all of whom shared the stage to honor the iconic hitmaker.
Asake, whose meteoric rise to fame has been intricately tied to Olamide’s YBNL label, was conspicuously missing from the event, sparking a firestorm of speculation.
SEE HIS VIDEO POST BELOW
Veteran Nollywood actor Segun Arinze has opened up about his past experiences in the music industry.
In a recent episode of ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask’ hosted by Bae U Barbie, Segun Arinze revealed that he didn’t leave music because he failed, but rather to focus on his acting career.
Segun Arinze, who studied theatre arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, explained that he deliberately chose to put his music career on hold to concentrate on acting.
“I didn’t fail as a musical artist. I left music on my own volition. If I wanted to do music, I would have continued.
“I read theatre art at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife. I left school, I did well. I went into my music on my own volition. When I decided to concentrate on my acting career, I concentrated on my acting,” he explained.
The actor, who has two music albums under his belt, hinted that he will be making a comeback in the music industry, but this time, it won’t be for commercial purposes, but for passion.
“I can always go back to music. I didn’t fail. I’ve two albums. I suspended it [my music career]. When I feel it’s time, I will go back. I still sing. The voice is still there.
“I will be going back to music but I won’t be coming into it for commercial reasons. I will return to music just because I want to sing, not because I want to make money,” he added.
Segun had earlier opened up on why he stopped acting.
Reflecting on his journey in the entertainment industry, Arinze disclosed that he decided to stop his acting endeavors due to the detrimental impact of being typecast into roles portraying “bad boys.”
He expressed how this repetitive casting began to take a toll on his mental well-being, leading him to prioritize his mental health and step back from the limelight.
Nigerian singer Blackface has addressed the long-standing notion that he frequently accuses his colleagues of stealing his intellectual property without credit.
In a recent interview with TVC, Blackface clarified his stance, emphasizing that none of the artists he has accused have denied the allegations.
Blackface explained that many of his colleagues have been inspired by his work and have incorporated elements of his songs into their own music.
However, he stressed that the issue lies in the lack of credit and proper acknowledgment.
Blackface argued that the fact that none of the accused artists have denied the allegations suggests that there may be some truth to his claims.
He said:
“People jack my vibes. They love them. It’s not their fault. If I was not me, I would be jacking me too.
“All my songs are being jacked because when you release a song it becomes a published work. The songs are all registered. There’s no song that’s released that’s not registered. Once it is in the public domain, it’s a published work. Was it published before your work?
“It’s not about whether I’ve viable proofs or not. The truth is that the action is wrong. So many Nigerian artists have jacked my songs. And these people that I’ve complained about, they have never for once denied it. So you people would have seen that and say there’s an iota of truth in what Blackface is saying.”