In a bold move during his inaugural address at Eagle Square, Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubudeclared, “Subsidy is gone,” a statement that triggered an immediate surge in fuel prices from ₦198 per litre to ₦540.

During his speech, Tinubu emphasized that the fuel subsidy had become a significant impediment to Nigeria’s progress, arguing that it was fueling corruption and inefficiency within the economy.

Tinubu had told some monarchs who visited him at Aso Rock a month after subsidy removal, “You have paid attention to the subsidy removal. Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not every day is Christmas? The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy.

“A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have potential to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing.”

Interestingly, Tinubu, as the national leader of the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), condemned the removal of petrol subsidy by the administration of Goodluck Jonathan in January 2012.

He called it “Jonathan tax” and accused the then president of breaching his social contract with the people.

In a piece titled, ‘Removal of oil subsidy: President Jonathan breaks social contract with the people’, he noted that with the subsidy removal, the people would become “enslaved to greater misery.”

The piece reads, “By taking this step, the government has tossed the people into the depths of the midnight sea. Government demands the people swim to safety under their own power, claiming the attendant hardship will build character and add efficiency to the national economy.

“It is easy to make these claims when one is dry and on shore. Government would have us believe that every hardship it manufactures for the people to endure is a good thing. This is a lie. The hardships they thrust upon the poor often bear no other purpose than to keep them poor. This is such a time.

“I am not calling President Jonathan an evil man. I do not believe he is perverse. However, the economic ideas controlling him are so misguided that they have a perverse impact. Because he is slave to wrong-headed economics, the people will become enslaved to greater misery. This crisis will bear his name and will be his legacy.

“The people now pay a steep tax for voting him into office. The removal of the subsidy is the ‘Jonathan tax.’ This situation shows that ideas count more than personalities. People may occupy office but how that person performs depends on the ideas that occupy his mind.”

Gospel artiste Tope Alabi has celebrated her daughter Deborah Alabi who recently graduated from Covenant University with impressive grades.

On Saturday, Tope shared photos on Instagram of Deborah alongside herself and her husband Soji Alabi as they expressed their gratitude to God for Deborah’s academic success.

Tope Alabi wrote:

“Our hearts are filled with so much joy, seeing my little daughter from yesterday all grown up and graduating from Covenant University with good grades today. Thank you, Jesus, for blessing us with such a brilliant and godly Deborah.”

She continued with prayers:

“I pray that your paths are straightened for greatness, that you find favor in all your endeavors, and that God continues to guide you toward success and happiness.

“May you always be surrounded by love and support, and may your future be filled with endless opportunities. It’s from here to amazing things with God. Amen!”

Fans and celebrities quickly joined in the celebration. See their comments and more photos below:

Fellow gospel singer Rejoice Iwueze commented, “Massive congratulations dear.”

Actress Funke Akindele added, “Oluwaseun. Congratulations ma.”

Another actress Biola Adebayo wrote, “Congratulations to my darling prophetess Deborah… Oluwaseun.

“Congratulations mummy and daddy. Aku orire o.”

Gospel singer Sinach also congratulated the family, commenting, “Congratulations.”

This isn’t the first time the Alabi family is celebrating such a milestone.

In 2020, Tope’s first daughter Ayomiku Alabi graduated with a second-class upper degree in music from Bowen University.

Tope had also shared the good news with her followers, expressing pride and joy.

Tope Alabi who is married to Soji Alabi is blessed with three children.

Big Brother Naija “No Loose Guard” winner Kellyrae Sule recently shared the heartwarming story of how he met his wife, Kassia. The couple, who entered the BBNaija house as a team, faced numerous challenges but ultimately emerged victorious.

During an interview with Arise TV, Kellyrae explained that his initial connection to Kassia came through her elder sister, who was his colleague during their movie production days. One of the film projects they worked on used Kassia’s house as a shooting location.

It was there that Kellyrae first met Kassia and immediately felt attracted to her. He recalled asking for her number, and what began as a casual friendship gradually blossomed into a romantic relationship about a year later.

Reflecting on their journey, Kellyrae noted that their relationship wasn’t always smooth. They experienced ups and downs and even spent months apart at times. Despite the challenges, they always found their way back to each other, solidifying their bond.

When discussing their marriage, which took place earlier this year, Kellyrae humorously described their time in the Big Brother house as their “first honeymoon.” Now that he is in a better financial position, he shared his plans to take Kassia on another honeymoon, celebrating their love in a more traditional setting.

Meanwhile, Nigerians were shocked to see a video of Kellyrae being interviewed on how his prize money would be spent and the percentage that goes to his wife, Kassia.

Recall that Ebuka asked Kellyrae what he would do following his win; he noted that he would love to focus his energy on his music and break the jink of BBN stars being unsuccessful in music.

In a fresh development, Kelly was asked how much money would be given to his wife, and his response took many aback. He says all the money will go to his wife, Kassia as she manages the funds in their home.

He explained that he is not a prudent spender and that it would not be wise for him to be in charge of all that money.

Nigerian actress Iniobong Edo has reacted to the rumours about her getting married soon.

In September, Ini Edo ignited excitement and speculations online by sharing what appeared to be a wedding announcement. 

Many people quickly assumed she was engaged and preparing for her wedding because she was dressed in a traditional Efik bridal gown in the photo.

Ini Edo further fueled the speculation with her caption, which bothered on love and advising her fans not to give up hope in finding happiness.

Although it was later discovered that it was all a ruse to promote her upcoming 4-part movie.

The Nollywood star got married to a Nigerian-American businessman, Philip Ehiagwina, on November 29, 2008, in the United States, but they divorced in 2014.

In a recent interview with Premium Times, Ini Edo said that marriage is no longer a priority in her prayers or expectations. She however noted that the public stunt was a promotion for her upcoming four-part series, My Fairytale Wedding.

When asked if she is looking forward to a true fairytale wedding in the future, Ini Edo’s stated:

“I’m not crazy about marriage; I’m crazy about having a solid relationship. I’m not hoping, and it’s not any of my prayer points.”