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Resign Now, Hardship Caused By Your Government Responsible For Stampedes – Kenneth Okonkwo Tells President Tinubu
AFOLABI
Former Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called for the resignation of the current crop of leaders in Nigeria to make way for a new generation of leaders.
This is as he blamed the hardship and hunger caused by the reforms introduced by the government of President Bola Tinubu for the recent stampedes which occurred in Ibadan, Maitama, and Okija communities of Oyo, Abuja, and Anambra States in quick succession.
Okonkwo, in a statement released on Saturday via his X account, said the Tinubu government has reduced the worth of Nigerian lives to ₦5,000 and grains of rice.
According to him, the struggle of the people to get rice to satisfy their hunger follows the hardship they’ve been subjected to by the harsh policies of the Tinubu government, which has destroyed their human dignity.
While praying for the souls of the dead victims to rest in peace and for quick recovery for those injured, Okonkwo said the patience of Nigerians is running out, saying Nigeria needs a new crop of leaders.
“The deaths of innocent children and Nigerians in Ibadan, Maitama, and Okija communities of Oyo, Abuja, and Anambra States respectively from stampede resulting from struggles for N5,000.00 and rice is a manifestation that hunger and hardship in Nigeria under Tinubu are becoming unbearable.
“The reforms are excruciating and destructive to the dignity of the human person in Nigeria. Nothing is working. It’s obvious that in Nigeria today, the worth of a Nigerian life is reduced to N5k and grains of rice.
“If these incompetent and corrupt leaders have any sense of shame, they will collectively resign and make way for a new generation of leaders that have a conscience to pilot the affairs of Nigeria.
“The patience of Nigerians is wearing out, and this regime should sit up before the people compel it to sit up. God will not forsake Nigeria. The day of reckoning will come one day.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may God punish and torture the souls of our demented leaders,” he submitted.
Nine victims of the stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, have been discharged from Maitama District Hospital following Saturday’s tragic incident, News360 Nigeria reports.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, ordered free medical treatment for all those injured during the church’s annual food outreach program. The stampede resulted in 10 fatalities, including four children, and left 10 others injured.
A statement by Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, disclosed thatgovernment hospitals have been instructed to provide free treatment to the victims. Wike also directed that police approval must be obtained for future public palliative distributions to prevent similar tragedies.
Expressing condolences, Wike prayed for the repose of the souls lost and pledged that the government would ensure proper care for the injured. He praised the swift response of security agencies, which he said helped manage the situation effectively.
Meanwhile, the Acting Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, also extended his condolences to the church and the victims’ families. He confirmed that nine of the injured had been discharged, while urging organizations conducting similar activities to involve security agencies and use organized distribution methods, such as coupons and group divisions, to avoid overcrowding.
Engr. Mohammed further encouraged residents to utilize the 112 toll-free emergency line for prompt assistance in case of disasters.
The chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, has commended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, saying, it’s a difficult step taken in the right direction. Mr Rabiu made this point on Friday when he visited the president in Lagos.
Nigeria is witnessing its worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, caused by the removal of petrol subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.
Mr Tinubu, who came to power about 18 months ago, removed a decades-old petrol subsidy and devalued the currency, sending inflation soaring to 34.60 per cent in November.
Mr Rabiu acknowledged that the reforms are painful but said they were necessary.
“Although we all know that some of the reforms undertaken by His Excellency are still biting, and these reforms, as far as the business community is concerned, were necessary.
“It’s true that some of them are quite painful, but we needed these reforms, especially the foreign exchange unification.”
Aside from the subsidy removal, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) implemented the unification of all segments of the forex exchange (FX) market as part of efforts to engender transparency in the markets and boost investors’ confidence.
Although the policy has been widely applauded as well-intentioned and necessary, it has put additional pressure on the local currency and manufacturers, with ripple effects on prices.
Mr Rabiu also commended the unification of the forex exchange.
“You will remember that the exchange rate at N500 and then outside it was N800. That was not acceptable. So that has actually been unified and initially it was quite difficult, we saw the exchange rate at a point hit maybe almost N2000, now it’s finding its balance, we are at about N1,500 – N1,550 naira and I’m sure we’ll see the rate come down even further.”
“So I believe that some of these reforms… yes, initially, they were a bit of a challenge, but things are getting much better now, and I’m quite confident and optimistic that things will definitely get better in Nigeria. Mr President is doing a lot, the government is really doing so much to ensure that there is stability within the economy and other sectors of the economy,” Mr Rabiu said.
Like Mr Rabiu, recently, the International Monetary Fund welcomed reforms that are being implemented by Mr Tinubu’s government, and it forecast faster economic growth in the West African nation and other key economies on the continent.
Mr Rabiu also commended the infrastructural reforms undertaken by the Tinubu Administration.
“We can see what is going on as regards our infrastructure, a lot roads works are going on and I believe, given a bit of time, things will definitely get better. We need to be a bit patient, these reforms do take time.
“This government has only been in power for 18 months and they have another 24 months or so, I think we need to give them time and I’m sure things will definitely get better.”
Security agents have arrested popular Nigerian TikToker, Seaking, hours after hurling insults at President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Seaking released a video on Saturday, December 20, abusing Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, and Egbetokun.
The Tiktoker references a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, that the security agency will begin arresting anyone who insults government officials.
Seaking expressed his anger at the news and wondered why the police would attempt to go after anyone who insults them and not after criminal minds.
In a video making the rounds on social media, the Tiktoker looked all sombre as some security agents were seen interrogating him.
Meanwhile, Human Rights lawyer, Effiong Inibehe, has said the Force Headquarters Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, misinformed citizens by stating that curse is cyberbullying.
Adejobi, on his X handle, on Thursday warned citizens to desist from cursing other citizens. He stated that curse as cyberbullying is a criminal offence.
“Raining direct curses on someone online is cyber bullying, not expression of freedom or criticism. And cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offence and punishable. Be guided,” Adejobi said.
In reaction, Inibehe challenged the Nigeria Police spokesman to back his claim with a constitutional provision.
“This is ignorance of the law. The fact that this very ridiculous opinion is from the spokesperson of the primary law enforcement agency in Nigeria says a lot about the decadence of our institutions.
“To be clear, raining curses on someone is not a criminal offence, and I challenge the Force PRO to cite any law that supports his statement.
“By virtue of Section 36 (12) of the Nigerian Constitution, for an act or omission of be termed a crime, it must be expressly and specifically defined as such under a written law,” he stated.
While emphasizing civility, Inibehe called on Nigerians to ignore the misleading statement from Adejobi.
Christmas: ‘Please Stop’ – Frank Edoho Knocks Reno Omokri For Hailing Tinubu’s Govt Over Lack Of Fuel Queues
AFOLABI
Nigerian media personality, Frank Edoho, has berated former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, for commending President Bola Tinubu‘s administration for the absence of fuel queues this yuletide season.
Naija News reports that Reno, in a post via X alongside the photo of Tinubu, said this year is the first yuletide season in Nigeria’s history without fuel queues or petrol scarcity.
Reno said food is very much available, and Nigerians have enough reasons to smile this season, even though the country is not in the position many envisaged.
He wrote: “This is the first Yuletide season in the history of Nigeria where the following things are co-occurring:
“Fuel price has reduced and there are no fuel queues or petrol scarcity, and for the first time, Nigeria is exporting refined petroleum products to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“Food is costly but very much available. The Federal Government owned inter state public transport has been made free of charge for the duration of the holidays.
“The new Minimum Wage is being paid to federal workers. And there have been no incidents of terrorism or insecurity outside the theatres of operation, which in itself is reducing in territory, even as both Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa, who have been behind much of the instability in the Southeast of Nigeria, are behind bars.
“We may not be where we want to be as a nation, but things are gradually getting better in Nigeria in many ways. As a Nigerian, you have enough reasons to smile this period.”
Reacting to the post, Frank Edoho wrote, “We are so third world that the absence of fuel queues and fuel scarcity in a so-called oil-producing country is regarded as a sign that things are getting better. Reno, please stop.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has earmarked a total of ₦6,364,181,224 billion for the refurbishment and rehabilitation of the residential accommodations for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and several of their aides in the proposed 2025 budget.
The proposed funding was highlighted in the 2025 Appropriation Bill submitted to the National Assembly, which indicates that the annual upkeep of the Presidential Villa is projected to cost ₦5.49 billion.
The proposed budget allocates ₦765 million for renovating the Vice President’s residence and guest house.
The refurbishment of the President’s quarters at the State House is estimated to cost ₦6.39 million, while the renovation of security quarters, the auditorium, the gymnasium, and quarters for presidential aides will amount to N49 million.
Additionally, the renovation of Prescott Barracks, the officers’ mess building, and the signal office in Asokoro, Abuja, is projected to cost ₦51 million.
Further examination of the budget indicates that President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima are anticipated to receive ₦87 million for honorarium and sitting allowances, while ₦127 million has been allocated for the acquisition of SUVs.
Moreover, ₦3.66 billion has been budgeted for the procurement of operational vehicles for the State House, and ₦1.09 billion will be allocated for the replacement of SUV vehicles at the State House.
The budget for the State House Lagos Liaison Office includes an allocation of ₦14.72 million designated for the routine maintenance of various facilities, including Dodan Barracks and the Vice President’s guest houses located in Ikoyi, among others.
Additionally, a sum of ₦140.10 million has been earmarked for the completion of renovations and furnishing of the State House annexe at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.
In a related development, the Federal Government intends to invest ₦1.83 billion in converting properties forfeited to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into quarters for the State House.
This initiative coincides with the EFCC’s announcement regarding the recovery of a substantial estate in the Lokogoma District of Abuja, which spans 150,500 square meters and comprises 753 duplexes and other residential units.
The commission characterized this recovery as its “largest asset recovery” since its establishment in 2003.
The estate is situated on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09 of the district, and was forfeited on December 2, 2024, following a ruling by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.
Three Nigerians—Adebayo Ogunlesi ($1.7 billion), Tope Awotona ($1.4 billion), and Wemimo Abbey ($1 billion) stand tall among the honorees of the 2024 Forbes BLK 50 list.
Wemimo Abbey
From the bustling streets of Lagos to the financial hubs of New York, Wemimo Abbey’s journey is a masterclass in redefining possibility. As the co-founder and co-CEO of Esusu, a fintech powerhouse, Abbey has revolutionized the concept of credit access for millions. Esusu’s groundbreaking model reports rent payments to credit bureaus, helping tenants improve their credit histories—an innovation that now spans over 20,000 residences and impacts 1.8 million Americans.
Tope Awotona
Tope Awotona’s rise to prominence is a tale of grit, persistence, and an unyielding desire to simplify the complexities of modern life. Born in Lagos and uprooted to Atlanta at the age of fifteen, Awotona’s path was far from conventional. A tech enthusiast who studied computer technology at the University of Georgia before pivoting to business and management information, his journey was marked by failures before triumph.
After a series of unsuccessful startups, Awotona found himself frustrated by the inefficiency of scheduling meetings—a simple yet universal pain point. In 2013, he took a bold leap, cashing in his 401(k) to launch Calendly, a scheduling software that would disrupt the industry. What began as a personal frustration became a global phenomenon. By 2021, private investors valued Calendly at an astounding $3 billion, and Awotona raised $350 million to expand the business further.
Adebayo Ogunlesi
If leadership could be personified, it would wear the name Adebayo Ogunlesi. A scholar, strategist, and business titan, Ogunlesi’s ascent to global prominence is a testament to brilliance honed by experience. Born in Nigeria and armed with degrees from Oxford (Bachelor of Arts), Harvard Law School (Juris Doctor), and Harvard Business School (MBA), Ogunlesi’s academic pedigree set the stage for a storied career.
His professional journey began in the chambers of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, where he clerked in the early 1980s. From there, Ogunlesi transitioned to Cravath, Swaine & Moore as an attorney before spending over two decades at Credit Suisse, mastering the art of investment banking.
But his defining legacy would come in 2006 when he co-founded Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a private equity firm specializing in infrastructure investments.
“I Was Rejected By My Parents“ - Jumoke George opens up on difficult childhood, failed marriage
AFOLABI
Thank God we don’t look like what we’ve been through.
Nigerian actress Jumoke George did not mince words about her harsh childhood experiences, hot-headed father who disowned her, diabolical step-mum who sent her to the herbalist, her biological mum who rejected her and a husband who beat her to stupor on a regular basis.
In an interview with Biola Bayo on the Talk to B show, Jumoke George recounted how her fetish stepmother maltreated and sent her to herbalists to get charms used to control her father. She said she was being treated like a slave and made to do despicable things like preparing food the charm would be added to. In her words:
“My stepmother was even worse. From a tender age, I was sent to a herbalist’s house. It’s a pity and it saddens my heart that I am even the one that will prepare the food that the charm will be added to for my dad. You can’t even handle a slave the way they handled me. Today, I just put an end to that kind of job I am always sent”.
The actress revealed how her plan to stop the fetish step-mum became the genesis of her doom because when she finally opened up to her father about it, he refused to believe and sent her packing. Jumoke George explained:
“When I pleaded with him to allow me to talk, he said, ‘From henceforth, I disowned you,’ and he went into his room, and the next thing I saw is that he came out with his gun.
It was from that moment I entered into a problem. The big mistake I made in my whole life was crying that I wanted to go with my dad when he got transferred”.
The dark-skinned actress revealed that her decision to stay with her father over her mother led to her fallout with her mother, who refused to take her in when she became homeless. However, they have been able to resolve their differences a few years ago. She continued:
“It wasn’t until four or five years ago that I knew what I did to offend my mother. But then, she pleaded with me that I should forgive her, that she didn’t have Christ, and it was a time of ignorance, and she was feeling hurt then.
I was sleeping around; I even slept on the table they used for selling goods by the roadside. If I see abandoned vehicle, I will sleep inside. Then, I used a safety pin to hold my bras. I used twine ropes to hold my pants”.
Sharing what led to her failed marriage, the veteran actress recounted how her ex-husband maltreated her by being physically abusive, especially when she got pregnant. Jumoke George added:
“When pregnancy came in, my journey with him was like going from frying pan to fire; he will always beat me. It got to a stage; he would come and meet me at movie rehearsal to beat me so that we would both roll down from the upstairs”.
Jumoke isn’t the only celebrity who has been abandoned by their parent. Last year, actor Charles Inojie revealed that his mother abandoned him when he was a-year-old after she parted ways with his father, which left his grandmother no choice but to raise him.
To worsen things, his father remarried and prioritized his step-mum over him, leading to maltreatment.
Similarly, Bimbo Ademoye disclosed in an interview,
how her mother abandoned her when she was two. She stated that she has, however, tried building a relationship with her years after.
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has celebrated her 47th birthday in style, marking the special occasion with an outpouring of love and admiration from fans and well-wishers.
On December 21, 2024, the veteran actress took to social media to express her excitement and gratitude as she embraced another milestone year.
In her heartfelt birthday post, Iyabo Ojo wrote:
“Happy birthday, 2 me. Long live Queen Mother…”
The post quickly caught the attention of her fans, who flooded the comments section with well-wishes, admiration, and birthday greetings.
This birthday celebration comes just days after Iyabo Ojo proudly supported her daughter, Priscilla, at the Eloy Awards, where Priscilla was honored for her achievements.
The proud mother shared a video of Priscilla walking on stage to accept her award, expressing immense pride in her daughter’s accomplishments.
Earlier this year, Iyabo also shared a touching moment with Priscilla, referring to herself as the “Queen Mother” in the lead-up to her daughter’s upcoming wedding.
The actress explained that the title stemmed from her daughter being a “queen,” and her own proud role as the mother.
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Lawyer and model Doris Esiokhayamhe Ogah from the south-south region, on Thursday night, December 19, 2024, won the 45th Miss Nigeria pageant.
The event, which took place at the Royal Box Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, featured 20 semi-finalists who were unveiled on Tuesday.
The contestants went through various stages, showcasing their cultural heritage.
Ogah defeated four other finalists — Ann Eneanya, Divine Nelson, Bukunmi Ogunsanya, and Diane Paul — to secure the prestigious award.
Shatu Garko, the 44th Miss Nigeria, thereafter crowned Ogah as her successor.
Speaking after the feat, Ogah described her participation in the pageant as “an honour”. She also expressed gratitude to the organisers for turning her dream into reality. The 26 year old 45th Miss Nigeria wrote in an earlier Instagram post:
“My name is Doris Esiokhayamhe Ogah, and I am honored to proudly represent the South-South Geopolitical Zone in this year’s Miss Nigeria pageant.”
“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to be given the opportunity to serve as an example to inspire and empower countless women and girls around the world,”.
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President Bola Tinubu has cancelled all his official events in Lagos today in honour of the stampede victims in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Anambra state.
Naija News reported that 10 people, including children, died in a stampede that occurred at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, while no fewer than 20 residents of the Okija community in Anambra lost their lives in a stampede during an event for the distribution of rice on Saturday morning.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Saturday, said Tinubu cancelled his scheduled events despite the presence of dignitaries and top officials already at the venue of the event.
While commiserating with the victims of the unfortunate incidents in Anambra and the FCT, Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.
The statement added, “President Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen’s Drive residence in Ikoyi.
“Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the State, were already seated when the President cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.
“He noted that it was very disturbing that the events at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community Centre in Okija, Anambra State, bore a distressing resemblance to the recent incident in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“He said local and state authorities should no longer tolerate operational lapses by organisations and corporate bodies involved in charitable and humanitarian activities.
“While praying for the peaceful repose of innocent Nigerians who died in the stampede, President Tinubu wished a quick recovery to the injured.
“He reiterated that these mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety.
”In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones. Our prayers of divine comfort and healing are with them.
“The President wished the Lagos State government, organisers of the Boat Regatta, themed ”Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,” a successful and hitch-free festival.”
he All Progressives Congress, APC, National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, has slammed the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, over his comment on the Oyo, Anambra States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Stampedes.
Recalls that tragedy struck at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday during a funfair organized by the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Shikemi.
On Thursday, the Oyo State Police Command confirmed 35 persons dead while six others were still in critical condition.
However, reports emerged on Friday indicating that the death toll had hit 40 while many are still hospitalized.
A similar incident also happened in Anambra and FCT during the sharing of Christmas palliative.
Reacting via a post on X, Peter Obi described the tragic death of the children as evidence of a systemic failure in Nigeria.
Obi said the fatal outcome of the event exposed the harsh realities in Nigeria where children out of inequalities are exposed to such danger scrambling for mere Christmas gifts.
Faulting the remark, Bashiru accused Peter Obi of playing politics with the tragic incidents.
He wrote, “@PeterObi is consistently inconsistent. I would have been disappointed if he did not try to play politics with the tragic incident.”
Former U.S. President, Barack Obama has unveiled his annual music playlist, and two Nigerian artists—Rema and Asake—made the list.
In a post via his X page (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, the playlist features 24 songs from various genres.
Rema’s “Yayo” and Asake’s “Active” featuring Travis Scott are the only Nigerian songs on the list this year.
“Yayo” was also featured on Obama’s 2024 summer playlist.
In his post, Obama encouraged his followers to dive into the curated tracks and share their own recommendations.
“Here are my favourite songs from this year! Check them out if you’re looking to shake up your playlist – and let me know if there’s a song or artist I should make sure to listen to,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, the list includes Tyla’s “Jump”, Leon Bridges’ “Peaceful Place”, Bi’s “Lunch”, Bae Kalil’s “Is It Worth It”, and The Red Clay Strays’ “Rablin”.
In 2019, Burna Boy and Rema were included in Obama’s year-end playlist.
Wizkid and Tems’ hit collaboration “Essence” made the 2020 list. In 2022, Burna Boy’s “Last Last” and Rema’s “Calm Down” also earned spots.
Last year, songs by Davido, Tems, Burna Boy, and Asake were featured prominently.
Obama started the tradition of curating annual playlists during his presidency, when he partnered with Spotify to share his musical picks with the world.
Media
Here are my favorite songs from this year! Check them out if you’re looking to shake up your playlist – and let me know if there’s a song or artist I should make sure to listen to. pic.twitter.com/MK51Z77uEb
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 21, 2024
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed that the 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity Port Harcourt Refinery remains fully operational, despite circulating media reports suggesting otherwise.
The refinery, which resumed operations in November 2024 after an extensive rehabilitation, is contributing significantly to enhancing domestic supply.
However, according to an earlier report by The PUNCH, the cessation of petrol lifting particularly occurred on Friday, December 13, as the 18-arm loading bay of the new Port Harcourt refinery was found to be vacant.
While approximately 18 trucks were observed along the busy road leading to the refinery, journalists who visited the refinery noted that nine trucks were parked within the yard, and the loading bay remained empty.
Meanwhile, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi O. Soneye, has dismissed these claims, stating that the refinery is indeed fully operational and loading operations are proceeding as scheduled.
Soneye clarified, “The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has been drawn to reports in a section of the media alleging that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery which was re-streamed two months ago has been shut down.
“We wish to clarify that such reports are totally false as the refinery is fully operational as verified a few days ago by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC. Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing.”