FEATURES
Controversial comedian, Oluwaseyitan Aletile, also known as Seyi Law, has mocked Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, after skit maker Mr Macaroni vowed to continue snubbing him.
DAILY POST reports that Mr Macaroni recently sparked mixed reactions after declaring that he would continue to snub Sanwo-Olu while responding to an X user who called him out for snubbing the governor.
Reacting, Seyilaw stated that Mr Macaroni is not to blame, emphasising that Sanwo-Olu pretends not to recognize him whenever they meet, yet he requests handshake from Mr Macaroni.
On his X handle, he wrote, “Nobody should blame Macaroni for the way he speaks to Gov. @jidesanwoolu. Gov. BOS will see me and act like he doesn’t know me, but he will be begging Macaroni for a handshake. Everybody get out.”
Beninese-American actor Djimon Hounsou has admitted that he is still struggling financially despite being in the film industry for over two decades.
Appearing on African Voices Changemakers, the popular CNN magazine program, the ‘Gladiator’ actor said he’s underpaid.
“I’m still struggling to make a living. I’ve been in the filmmaking business for over two decades with two Oscar nominations and many blockbuster films, and yet, I’m still struggling financially. I’m definitely underpaid,” he said.
On racism in Hollywood, Hounsou said, “I was nominated for the Golden Globe, but they ignored me for the Oscars because they thought that I had just come off the boat and the streets. Even though I successfully did that, they just didn’t feel like I was an actor to whom they should pay any respect.
“So, this conceptual idea of diversity still has a long way to go. Systemic racism won’t change like that anytime soon.”
Nigerian Afrobeat superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is set to release his highly anticipated fifth studio album titled “5ive” in March.
The music star, who took to his social media platforms to announce the dropping of the album in March to his fans and music lovers, also hinted at the album’s thematic richness and creative depth.
The singer promised his fans that he would continue the artist’s legacy of producing chart-topping hits while exploring fresh musical directions.
“Afrobeats can’t be brought up without my name. Impossible,” he said.
The genre-defying pioneer has brought his sound to the attention of millions, and with his new album ‘5ive’ coming in March, he truly has the world at his feet,” he wrote.
According to the singer, afrobeat cannot be brought with his name, as he expressed his excitement over the project.
“This album is a reflection of my journey—where I have been and where I am going. ‘Funds’ is just the beginning of what I believe will be a special project for my fans and African music”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 5ive marks Davido’s return after the immense success of his previous albums ‘A Better Time’ released in 2020 and ‘Timeless’ released in 2023.
Both songs solidified his position as a global ambassador of Afrobeats and it is poised to dominate charts and streaming platforms upon release of the ‘5ive’.
The singer has continued to prove that his influence in shaping the global afro beats narrative is unmatched
Former Commissioner for Rural and Community Development in Kano State, Abbas Sani Abbas, has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), adding to the increasing number of defectors from the party.
Abbas announced his defection from the NNPP during a visit to the Kano residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Friday night.
In the past six months, hundreds of leaders of the NNPP from across the 44 local government areas of Kano State have dumped NNPP and the Kwankwsiyya movement together with thousands of their supporters.
Tagged the ‘Barau Tsunami’, the defection galore saw thousands of NNPP members thrashing their red caps, the symbol of the Kwankwsiyya movement in Kano State and embracing the APC.
Following the calls by some NNPP leaders that the Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf should take charge of governance firmly in the state, the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Bichi, and five commissioners including Abbas were sacked last month.
During his visit to the Kano residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Abbas announced his defection, pledging to work towards the success of the APC across Kano State and beyond.
Senator Barau, who is the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, received Abbas together with the APC Chairman in Kano State, Prince Abdullahi Abbas (Ɗan Sarki, Jikan Sarki) and other party leaders.
Barau assured Abbas, a dedicated grassroots mobiliser, of the APC’s unwavering commitment to building a better future for the people of Kano State and all Nigerians.
While stressing that APC is big enough to accommodate all lovers of the country, he said they would continue to promote the values of good governance, inclusivity, and service to humanity.
Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has debunked rumour of his death, describing it as a means of derailing the self-determination struggle.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Olayomi Koiki, the activist reassured his supporters that he is alive and in good health.
Sunday Igboho noted that the false reports originated from the Seyi Tinubu Youth Battalion Facebook page.
The statement issued on Friday read, “We want to assure the general public and supporters of the Yoruba Nation movement that Dr. Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho is alive, well, and in high spirits.
“There is no truth to the rumors being spread by certain individuals and groups trying to mislead the public. This is a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image and derail the ongoing self-determination struggle.
“Let it be known that our mission for the self-determination of the Yoruba people remains strong and unshaken. We call on our supporters to remain vigilant and focused on our collective goal.”
Sunday Igboho recently said corruption and insecurity were some of the reasons why many Nigerians no longer take pride in their citizenship.
He added that Yoruba youth, enriched by global exposure, are eager to transform the Yoruba nation into a modern, prosperous society like those in Europe.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, has declared his intention to run for the state’s governorship.
Fayose disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday.
He stated that his decision to join the race was driven by his commitment to revitalising Ekiti State and steering it back towards growth and development.
His words: “I am in the race to dislodge the Oyebanji-led government, and eventually, if I win, I will run an inclusive government that would steer Ekiti in the right direction.”
The PDP governorship aspirant reaffirmed his ambition following a recent meeting between ex-Governor Ayodele Fayose and President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.
At the meeting, the former governor reportedly pledged support for the incumbent’s reelection, a move party members in Ekiti have criticized as anti-party.
Reacting to the development, the aspirant stated that the Lagos meeting would not affect his ambition.
He said, “I read about the meeting in the newspapers like any other person and I wish to state that the meeting has nothing to do with my aspiration.
“The meeting will not in any way impact my aspiration because the former governor, being my elder brother, is only exercising his Democratic rights of freedom of choice.
“His choice and preferences will not and cannot in any way impact negatively on my bid as we are separate entities pursuing different goals.”
Fayose also urged his supporters in the state to remain steadfast and resolute in their quest for positive change in Ekiti.
“So my brother is on his own and it’s left for the leadership of our great party to ascertain his political allegiance either to our PDP or APC.
“I am, however, using the opportunity provided by this platform to urge our teeming supporters to remain firm and resolute and not to be distracted in any way to cause the needed change in our state.”
The Italian Catholic Church has opened its seminaries to homosexual men, provided they do not promote or align themselves with what it terms “gay culture,” according to new guidelines endorsed by the Vatican.
The guidelines, released by the Italian Bishops’ Conference and published online on Thursday, maintain the Church’s emphasis on celibacy while allowing gay men to enter priestly training under certain conditions.
A specific section of the 68-page document addresses individuals with “homosexual tendencies” who either seek admission to seminaries or discover their orientation during training.
“The Church, while profoundly respecting the persons in question, cannot admit to the seminary and to Holy Orders those who practise homosexuality, present deeply rooted homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture,” the guidelines state.
However, the document urges consideration of a candidate’s overall personality, advising the Church to assess homosexual tendencies in the context of the individual’s character and emotional maturity.
The goal remains to nurture priests who can embrace chastity and celibacy as a vocation.
The Vatican-approved guidelines reflect Pope Francis’ broader effort to foster inclusivity within the Roman Catholic Church, even as official doctrine continues to describe same-sex acts as “intrinsically disordered.”
Since his papacy began in 2013, Pope Francis has taken a more conciliatory tone on LGBTQ issues, famously stating, “If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?” However, his position has not been without controversy.
In June, during a private meeting with Italian bishops, the Pope reportedly expressed disapproval of gay men in seminaries, using a derogatory term to criticize what he described as excessive homosexual behaviour within priestly training schools.
The new guidelines have sparked mixed reactions. The head of New Ways Ministry, a U.S.-based Catholic LGBTQ outreach group, Francis DeBernardo, hailed them as a “big step forward,” citing their efforts to dispel ambiguities that had previously fueled discrimination and fear.
“It clarifies previous ambiguous statements about gay seminary candidates, which viewed them with suspicion. This ambiguity caused lots of fear and discrimination in the church,” said the ministry’s Francis DeBernardo.
Jesuit priest and LGBTQ advocate James Martin viewed the changes as a recognition that homosexuality alone should not disqualify someone from priestly formation.
“If a gay man is able to lead a healthy, chaste, and celibate life, he may be considered,” Martin told AFP.
More than 10, 000 homes, including many businesses are said to have been destroyed in the Los Angeles fire.
So far, at least 11 lives have been reported lost in the incident.
For some, it was a first look at the staggering reality of what was lost as the region of 13 million people grapples with the gargantuan challenge of overcoming the disaster and rebuilding.
A new flare-up in Southern California has led to more mandatory evacuation orders as the Palisades Fire moved northeast, according to reports.
Fox News reports that the latest order is in effect from Sunset Boulevard north to Encino Reservoir and from the 405 Freeway west to Mandeville Canyon. Brentwood has also been threatened.
The Getty Center Dr. and Skirball Center Dr. off-ramps are now closed on both I-405 northbound and I-405 southbound.
“The Palisades Fire has got a new significant flare-up on the eastern portion and continues to move northeast,” Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott told KTLA.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office said a curfew is now in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all mandatory evacuation areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. The sheriff’s office urged residents to avoid these areas for their own protection and to allow first responders to work effectively.
The curfew will be strictly enforced and violators may face serious consequences, including fines of up to $1,000 or possible imprisonment, the sheriff’s office said.
Newsom Invites Trump To California To Tour Wildfire Devastation
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday invited President-elect Trump to tour the wildfire devastation in California as he prepares to take office once again.
Newsom wrote in a letter addressed to Trump at Mar-a-Lago that his office is grateful that President Biden “swiftly approved our major disaster declaration – a strong indication of the partnership California needs and appreciates with any federal administration.”
But, he added the “threat to lives and property remains acute,” and invited Trump to come to the state as he prepares to take office in two weeks to “meet with the Americans affected by these fires, see the devastation firsthand, and join me and others in thanking the heroic firefighters and first responders who are putting their lives on the line.”
He reminded Trump of his past visit to California during his first term when he toured the wildfire destruction from the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, – the deadliest in the state’s history – and from the Woolsey Fire near Malibu.
“In the spirit of this great country, we must not politicize human tragedy or spread disinformation from the sidelines. Hundreds of thousands of Americans – displaced from the their homes and fearful for the future – deserve to see all of us working in their best interests to ensure a fast recovery and rebuild,” he wrote.
Trump has placed blame for the fire’s destruction on Newsom and other California Democrats.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Visit Southern California To Support Wildfire Victims
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are working to support Southern California wildfire victims and relief efforts, as the wildfires continue to sweep through the region.
The couple made their second visit to Pasadena on Friday, when they met with Mayor Victor Gordo about ongoing recovery efforts, Fox 11 reported.
Earlier this week, the pair anonymously delivered food to families displaced by the fires, according to the outlet.
“In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life. A state of emergency has been issued,” the pair wrote on their website Thursday, describing the situation in Southern California.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also provided a list of organizations actively helping wildfire victims.
All LAUSD Schools Remain Closed
Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said that the L.A. County school district will remain closed and officials will make a decision on reopening plans on Sunday.
“We appreciate your patience as we respond to the air quality and fire concerns that have impacted our campuses across the region,” he said in a Friday evening update. “Although air quality and fire containment have improved, fire and wind conditions have remained dynamic and unstable.”
“Because the safety and well-being of our students and employees are our primary concern, we will continue assessing conditions and provide a preliminary update on Saturday regarding air quality levels and prevailing conditions,” he said. “A final decision will be made Sunday.”
Evacuation Orders Issued
New evacuation orders were issued near Encino Reservoir as the Palisades Fire spread and strengthened on Friday evening.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAFD) issued the new set of evacuation orders at 7 p.m. local time, warning residents to seek shelter.
“Evacuate now from the area of Sunset to Mandeville to Encino Reservoir to the 405 freeway,” the LAFD said. “Those not in the evacuation area should shelter in place.”
Fast Facts:
- The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Kenneth Fire, Hurst Fire and Lidia Fire have burned more than 27,000 acres in the Los Angeles area, officials say.
- The Eaton and Palisades fires have claimed at least 11 lives, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Growth of that fire “has been significantly stopped,” LA County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone announced Friday.
- L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said Thursday that 20 people have been arrested so far for looting during the southern California wildfires.
- As of Friday morning, the fires have destroyed more than 10,000 homes and buildings, according to local officials, while 153,000 people are under evacuation.
Actor and filmmaker Lateef Adedimeji has opened up about his journey to success and marital life in an interview with Chude Jideonwo.
Lateef recalled how a mentor in the Yoruba movie industry doubted his potential, predicting he would fail within a year.
However, Lateef confidently asked for two years to prove himself.
He also shared the romantic story of how he proposed to his wife, Bimpe over the phone and how she has been a rock for him despite facing online trolls and hurtful comments, including being called barren.
Lateef expressed gratitude for his wife’s support, particularly during the challenging time when he was working on his project, Lisabi.
He said despite facing disappointment from those who promised to support him, his wife’s encouragement helped boost his confidence.
“Someone once told me in the Yoruba movie industry that he gave me one year to see what I would become. I told him to give me two years and he will see what I will become.
“My wife and I have received a lot of trolls. Recently, someone called her barren on social media. She would always show it to me and would say they would be all right.
“I just called her one morning and asked if she would marry me and she said Yes.
“When I wanted to do my first big screen job, Lisabi, I realiyzed that everybody that I felt would stand by me was not there; there was nobody,” he said.
[TheNation]
Actor Yul Edochie and his second wife, Judy Austin continue to face criticism, but their love for each other remains strong. Despite the backlash, they have remained inseparable. The couple’s chemistry and commitment to each other have been evident in their public displays of affection and heartfelt messages.
Recently, Judy Austin paid a touching tribute to Yul Edochie on his birthday, praising him as her “king” and “soulmate.” The actor marked his birthday on January 7, while Austin’s birthday comes a week after her husband’s special day.
Edochie had earlier expressed his love and gratitude for Judy Austin in a post on Instagram.
Paying tribute to her husband, Austin said “Our compatibility is out of this world and that’s our biggest strength.” According to her, it’s not a coincidence that their birthdays are exactly one week apart.
She emphasized in her heartfelt message their distinctive connection, love, and mutual respect, thanking her husband for making her a better version of herself.
“You’re dependable,.You’re the strongest man I know. You’re fearless. One man squad. Your destiny will shock the world. Your greatness will be studied in generations to come!!! You’re a rare diamond that can never be replaced. I’m the luckiest woman alive to have you as my King.”
Meanwhile, fans continue to criticize Judy Austin, labeling her a “husband snatcher” and accusing her of ruining Yul Edochie’s destiny. The couple’s love has been met with intense scrutiny and criticism, since last April after the actor announced Judy Austin as his second wife. But despite the odds, they remain committed to each other.
[Vanguard]
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited Subomi and Wahab, the sons of Razaq Okoya, the billionaire industrialist, for interrogation over alleged abuse of the naira.
In the invite signed by Michael Wetkas, acting director of the Lagos directorate of the EFCC, the anti-graft agency directed the duo to report to the head, special operations team at the 15A Awolowo Road office of the commission by 10am on Monday, January 13, 2025.
The Okoya brothers have been in the news for “abusing the naira” in a promotional video for a new song.
The video — which featured a police officer holding wads of N1,000 notes as the boys encircled to a tune — had elicited outrage on social media.
On January 10, Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), announced that the officer seen in the video had been arrested and detained.
He said the officer’s actions were unethical, adding that he would face disciplinary action.
“The policeman captured in the recent viral video shared by the sons of the Lagos businessman, Chief Okoya, where they were abusing the naira, has been identified and detained for disciplinary action,” Adejobi wrote on X.
“The involvement of the policeman has been condemned, as it’s unethical. We will always strive hard to uphold the sanctity, credibility, and core values of the police.”
In 2024, the EFCC ramped up its enforcement of naira abuse by celebritries, citing Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act.
On April 4, Bobrisky, the social media celebrity, was arrested by the commission in Lagos for defacing naira notes.
The crossdresser was arraigned on a six-count charge by the EFCC.
On April 16, the EFCC filed a three-count charge against Cubana Chief Priest, the socialite and social media influencer, over alleged naira abuse.
[TheCable]
Vehicle Owners Risk Imprisonment As Police Begin Enforcement Of Third-party Insurance February 1
AFOLABI
The inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced February 1, 2025, as the commencement date of enforcement of vehicle third-party insurance.
The IGP stated this on Friday when the Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, and team visited him at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
In his remarks, the IGP affirmed the importance of third-party insurance and announced February 1, 2025, as the commencement date for the enforcement of the relevant laws.
The IGP further stated that Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Section 312 of the 1945 Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act mandate that all vehicle owners possess third-party insurance before operating their vehicles on public roads.
He urged Nigerians to comply with the laws, as violations are punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both.
Speaking earlier, the NAICOM commissioner congratulated the IGP on his significant achievements, particularly the establishment of the Police Insurance Company Limited.
He emphasised the need for the police’s assistance in ensuring public compliance with insurance laws.
He also requested the Nigeria Police Force’s support in the nationwide enforcement of compulsory third-party motor vehicle insurance, which provides substantial benefits to all road users.
The Joe Biden administration, on Friday, extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Venezuela, Ukraine, Sudan, and other countries, granting them an additional 18 months of deportation protection and work authorisation.
The sweeping decision will complicate efforts by President-elect Donald J. Trump, who vowed to roll back immigration programmes, to immediately strip the protections when he takes office this January.
“These designations are rooted in careful review and interagency collaboration to ensure those affected by environmental disasters and instability are given the protections they need while continuing to contribute meaningfully to our communities,” said the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas.
TPS, first signed into law in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, allows individuals from countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other upheavals to remain in the US temporarily. Democratic and Republican administrations alike have used it to provide relief, but its future application has faced heightened scrutiny in recent years.
Under the extension, 600,000 Venezuelans can now renew their TPS status until October 2026, while 100,000 Ukrainians are protected until August 2026. Similarly, about 232,000 Salvadorans and 1,900 Sudanese nationals are covered until early 2026.
During his first term in office, Trump attempted to terminate TPS for approximately 400,000 people from countries like El Salvador, but his efforts were stymied by legal challenges. On the campaign trail, his running mate and Vice President-elect, JD Vance, called TPS “illegal,” criticising its repeated extensions as a “de facto means to enable people to stay in the country indefinitely.”
“We’re going to stop doing mass grants of Temporary Protected Status,” Vance said in October, while also criticising Haitian migrants, many of whom fled political turmoil and gang violence.
More than 200,000 Haitians currently benefit from TPS, allowing them to stay in the US until 2026. Immigrants from countries like Ethiopia, Lebanon, and Syria were also added to the programme in recent years, reflecting the growing global crises impacting migration patterns.
While supporters argued that TPS was a humanitarian lifeline for people escaping unsafe conditions, critics contended that its frequent renewals made it a permanent solution rather than the temporary relief it was originally intended to provide.
“Because President Biden has extended protection for the nationals of all these countries, President Trump will be unable to deport these individuals any time soon,” said Steve Yale-Loehr, an immigration scholar at Cornell Law School. He noted that the legal framework for TPS, enacted in 1990, binded Trump to the program’s regulations until these new extensions expire.
Gonzalo Roa, a 43-year-old Venezuelan immigrant living in Columbus, Ohio, expressed relief at the news. A TPS beneficiary, Roa worked at a car dealership and co-owned a small restaurant with his wife.
“It is great news that it’s being renewed,” he said. “Without the temporary status, I would lose my job at the dealership, and my two Venezuelan-born children wouldn’t qualify for college scholarships or other benefits requiring legal status.”
The TPS programme now protects over a million immigrants from countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East. However, its expansion also highlighted broader issues with the US immigration system.
“TPS is a lifeline for many, but it also underscores the need for Congress to reform our immigration laws to address the realities of global migration,” said an advocate.
Ireland is making it easier for international workers to access its labour market in 2025 through various visa options.
The Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) offers skilled professionals in sectors with shortages a route to permanent residency.
Ireland said the revised work visa policies were aimed at meeting evolving workforce needs, with new programmes that include expanding the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and introducing quota-based work permits to tackle skill shortages in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.
According to DAAD Scholarship, high demand for talent exists in technology, engineering, healthcare, and green energy sectors, with major companies like Google, Apple, and growing biopharmaceutical firms actively hiring.
Among the visa types for Ireland work visas available in 2025 include Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP) which targets highly skilled professionals in sectors with significant talent shortages.
Changes to the programme include a reduced waiting period for employer switching and the addition of roles like sustainability specialists to the CSOL.
After just two years, CSEP holders can apply for permanent residency, creating a long-term pathway for workers looking to settle in Ireland.
Also, the General Employment Permit which applies to skilled workers outside critical occupations. The programme has simplified documentation requirements and adjusted quotas for certain professions like automotive technicians. A job offer and a salary of at least €30,000 annually are necessary to qualify.
The Dependent/Partner/Spouse Employment Permit is also visa that now allows family members of CSEP holders to work in Ireland without the need for a separate job offer. This change provides more flexibility for those looking to settle in Ireland as a family.
Intra-Company Transfer Employment Permit is another that applies to employees of multinational companies transferring to an Irish branch. It includes a salary requirement of €30,000 annually and a permit duration of up to five years.
The process for applying for a work visa in Ireland include choosing the right visa. Applicants are required to apply for the visa that aligns with their qualifications and career goals. The Critical Skills Employment Permit is recommended for professionals in sectors facing shortages.
Applicants then proceed to check eligibility by verifying if their occupation is included on the Critical Skills Occupations List or if they meet the general requirements for other visa types.
The next phase preparation of documents by gathering essential paperwork such as your passport, job offer, proof of qualifications, and financial evidence.
Applicants can then proceed to submit their applications online through the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS).
Payment of the application fee is the next step which is €1,000 for CSEP application.
Applicants will then prepare to attend an interview. If required, attend an interview to discuss your application and wait for the decision by monitoring application status through the EPOS system.
Once the applicant scales through, collection of the visa from local Irish consulate or embassy complete the process if approved.