FEATURES
Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, has condemned the invasion of the Oyo state secretariat.
On Saturday, security officers arrested 16 gunmen suspected to be members of a group identified as Oodua nation agitators for invading the state secretariat at Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo.
The gunmen, who were dressed in military camouflage, were subdued with the arrival of security personnel.
The security personnel were able to arrest some of the gunmen while others took to their heels and were pursued into the nearby bushes and forest.
They were also said to have removed the Nigerian national flag in the secretariat and replaced it with their “Oodua nation flag”, before the intervention of the security personnel.
Reacting, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere spokesperson, in a statement, said those behind the incident did not act in the interest of Yoruba whom they claim to be representing.
Ajayi said President Bola Tinubu is taking steps to address the challenges facing the country.
“Yoruba is an important component of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And as is well-known, there cannot be a sovereign republic within an extant sovereign republic,” he said.
“But solutions to the shortcomings do not lie in violent divisions. Rather, what we should strive for is how the perceived wrongs in the country can be righted.
“Afenifere is of the strong view that President Bola Tinubu administration is taking steps to rejig Nigeria in a manner that would make the country become one that every citizen would be proud of soonest. Restructuring the country is a sure way of accelerating this.”
The group said when restructuring is effected and constituent entities are allowed to be in control of their own affairs, Nigeria will become beneficial to everyone.
“This is why we are relentless in our agitation for restructuring,” Ajayi added.
“How can a person or group of persons think that invading a State House of Assembly is tantamount to the creation of a Federal Republic? Genuine Yorubas normally think things through before they take actions, especially a fundamental action such as forming or declaring a nation. Yorubas don’t act that way.
“Rather, they apply wisdom and intellectualism in major steps they want to take. They apply tact. They demonstrate finesse and shun violence as much as possible. Examples of this attitude abound – going by their reactions to some major issues that occurred in the country in recent times.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse.
The anti-graft commission, in a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said it is aware of several old videos being uploaded on social media by citizens in the wake of the arrest, prosecution and sentencing of Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, over naira abuse.
It added that the EFCC would always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira, and going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.
The EFCC added that at the moment, the commission is investigating several celebrities involved in naira abuse, and there would be no sacred cows.
The EFCC disclosed that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy which commenced investigations in February 2024 is fully active.
“On the issue of the works of the Commission against Naira abuse, dollarization of the economy and the enforcement of all extant laws relating to them, the EFCC appreciates the avalanche of public awakening, support and involvement demonstrated so far. Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the Commission to video recording of abuse of the Naira by Nigerians from all walks of life. These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.
“To this end, the Commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the Naira. Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the Commission are noted as the Commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarization of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024. However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.
“At the moment, the Commission is investigating several celebrities involved in Naira abuse. Many of them have made useful statements to the Commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter. The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime,” the statement read.
Exactly ten years ago, terror struck a school in northern Nigeria when heavily armed men, famous for killing, abduction and displacement of citizens, whisked away about 276 girls from their dormitories in Chibok area of Borno state.
Since that dreadful day on April 14, 2014, many schools across the country have been attacked and hundreds of students have been abducted, some held captive for a lengthy period of time.
It has been a decade since the Chibok abduction and at least 93 of the schoolgirls are still in captivity as of early 2023, according to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).
While some of the girls escaped from their Boko Haram captors, a reasonable number of the girls who are still held as hostages have now been married off to their captors, and some have become mothers who were, over time, forced to adapt to life in the forest.
In the case of Yana Pogu, one of the Chibok girls rescued eight years after abduction, she was welcomed home with four children, including a set of twins.
In April 2023, Hauwa Maltha, one of the Chibok girls, was also rescued with pregnancy and a three-year-old child.
Education was not the only thing the Boko Haram insurgents snatched from the girls; their youthful exuberance was also taken away.
MORE THAN A DECADE OF ATTACKS BY BOKO HARAM
Abubakar Shekau, the man who led the Boko Haram insurgency in the north-east
Boko Haram started as an element of disdain for Western education and continued advocacy for its abolition in the north-east part of Nigeria in 2009.
The Boko Haram ideology grew in magnitude as more people joined the course and over time, it transformed into a group fixated on completely aborting western learning system.
The movement turned violent when the group started targeting men and women in different ways. While the men were the majority who died from the attacks and also got recruited into the terrorist group, women and children were abducted and also made up 80 percent of the displaced population.
The year 2014 and 2015 were regarded the deadliest years of violence by the insurgent group in Nigeria.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), nearly 8,000 fatalities were recorded in 2014 and 9,000 in 2015. It was also the year the Chibok girls were kidnapped and 29 boys massacred in Federal Government College, Buni Yadi in Yobe state.
Boko Haram was declared the deadliest terror group worldwide and the government declared a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe – the three worst affected states in 2014.
According to UNDP, Boko Haram has caused over 34,000 deaths in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states from 2009 till 2020.
ABDUCTED GIRLS WHO BECAME SEXUAL PREYS
A screenshot from a video released by Boko Haram showing abducted Chibok girls in 2014
Since 2014, more than 15 schools have been attacked by Boko Haram terrorists and bandits across the country.
After the abduction in Chibok, more girls-only schools have been targeted, while more girls have also been abducted in mixed schools.
In February 2018, terrorists stormed Government Girls’ Science and Technical College (GGSTC) Dapchi in Yobe state and kidnapped 110 schoolgirls.
Two years later, the terrorists group reconvened at the Government Girls Science Secondary School in Jangebe, Zamfara state and took away 317 students. The majority of them were girls.
The following year did not give the students of Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Igabi LGA of Kaduna state, the full privileges of learning in their school. Gunmen invaded the institution in large numbers and took 23 girls and 16 schoolboys hostage for 58 days.
In May 2021, the trend crept into Tegina town as bandits whisked away over 150 pupils of Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School in Rafi LGA of Niger state.
Photos of the released students showed there were more girls among the abducted pupils. In April 2021, about 20 students – both male and female were kidnapped from Greenfield University in Kasarami village, Chikun LGA of Kaduna state.
In an attack on Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri, Kebbi state, over 100 students were abducted. When some of the students were released, the terrorists kept 11 girls in their camp as “wives”. Some of them also had children for their abductors whom they were forced to marry.
Another abduction that shook the country occurred recently on March 7, 2024. At least 137 students of Government Secondary School Kuriga in Chikun LGA of Kaduna were kidnapped by bandits who invaded the school.
The students, who were later rescued, comprised 78 females and 61 males. Although the Kaduna government said the students were 280 in total, Edward Buba, director of defence operations, argued that the figure of the kidnapped children was 137.
According to the 2020 UNDP assessment on the impact of conflict in the country, both boys and girls are targeted during attacks by terrorists, but majority of schoolgirls survive as they are targeted for abduction, while the boys are often killed.
While there are more abduction of schoolchildren across the country and about 1,119 abducted from 2014 to 2021 in the north, the abductions highlighted above indicate that more than 500 schoolgirls have been abducted in the past ten years.
Meanwhile, Save the Children International, in its 2022 report, said more than 1,680 schoolchildren have been kidnapped in Nigeria since 2014.
Some non-governmental organisations have reported that insecurity has caused a large percentage of schoolgirls in Nigeria to feel unsafe while going to school.
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) said out of the over 18 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, 10 million are girls.
IMPACT OF ABDUCTION ON SCHOOL GIRLS
Released Jangebe school girls in Zamfara
According to a 2022 report by the Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL), a programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the UK, 70 percent of girls in Jigawa feel unsafe in their commute to school.
The report listed insecurity as one of the major causes of girls dropping out of school in Kaduna and Jigawa states.
An estimated 1.8 million women and girls have been displaced across camps in Nigeria. According to Osai Ojigho, director of Amnesty International Nigeria, insurgency has caused many women to suffer sexual abuses and human rights violations.
“As Boko Haram continue their relentless cycle of killings, abductions and looting, they are also subjecting women and girls to rape and other sexual violence during their attacks. These atrocities are war crimes,” Ojigho said.
2014 SAFE SCHOOL GOVERNMENT POLICY
liya, national coordinator, financing of safe school initiative, said funding has been made available for the implementation of the programme.
In May 2014, the federal government launched the Safe Safe Initiative in joint efforts with the United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education .
The initiative was inaugurated after the Chibok girl’s abduction to provide safety in Nigerian schools.
In December 2019, former President Muhammad Buhari signed the safe school declaration ratification document with N144.8 billion safe school financing plan allocated in December 2022.
Implementation of the initiative stalled as only 528 schools have enrolled with the centre across the country.
Speaking during an interview recently, Halima Iliya, national coordinator, financing of safe school initiative, said funding has been made available for the implementation of the programme.
“We can not say there is no allocation at all for safe school; implementation started late last year. We have fundings available that are yet to be utilised,” Iliya said.
“It is ongoing and this agencies have resources for last year that they are still holding unto.
“Resources were not released timely at the point of the flag-off; that is why you may not feel the impact. The implementation commenced fully at the end of 2023.
“The government has provided the resources. N15 billion has been released to these implementing agencies. The implantation is ongoing.”
[TheCable]
The 15-year marriage between comedian Ayo Makun and his estranged wife Mabel has finally come to an irreversible end after years of trying to patch and thread it together. Both sides have declared in separate declarations that their marriage is finished.
Even while the messy marriage may have garnered attention on social media in the past and caused some controversy, other celebrities who have separated amicably and with great animosity and even open conflict can teach us something.
By making their declarations, Ay and Mabel have demonstrated that marriage is not a “do or die” situation with unintended consequences for the couple, their friends, and family.
While acknowledging their shortcomings in preserving the relationship, both parties refrained from assigning blame or changing their dirty laundry in front of the public. They said that it was in the best interests of their two beautiful girls that they chose peace over violence.
If there’s one thing that life has taught us, it’s that the promise of “forever together” is a fabrication. Mabel and Ay comprehended this memo thoroughly. There won’t be a protracted divorce mess, no backbiting, and maybe even no custody disputes.
Recall that AY acknowledged his marriage was about to fail in an Instagram post last Sunday.
Yes, he continued, “I have found myself doing things I am not proud of today without compromising my family.”
It is one thing to watch my 20-year relationship and marriage fall apart, but it is quite another for the people involved to know how to assign blame in an environment where most women are expected to constantly play the victim and come out on top.
“I can tell you for free that no one is completely innocent enough to cast stones. I love how lies about me in all these blogs travel faster than the truth. But my painful truth will eventually beat away all the lies.”
He claimed that his character and skills support the idea that he is past the point where he can entertain the public while dealing with intensely private family matters.
“They just might be too much concerning the individuals involved, not even when I have a grown-up daughter with access to social media. Her mental health needs to be protected from seeing things she can not be proud of online.
And the ex wife seems to have towed the same line of choosing peace over drama and even wishing her ex husband well.
Hear her: “I want to express my sincere gratitude for the supportive messages that I have received from everyone.
However, my silence should not be misunderstood and also the father of my children whom I have been with for some years deserves a certain level of respect and privacy from me and all the concerned parties. Most importantly because of our children whose mental health and general well being should be prioritized.
Many lies have been peddled against me and attacks orchestrated on the social media space but I will honour my kids with my silence and not address any of these lies.
Although my dreams of a lifelong marriage have taken a different direction now, I’m committed to moving forward with grace and resilience. I have faith in a brighter future for both myself and the children. Despite the rumors or opinions, I find comfort in the belief that all will be well.
While it’s unexpected for things to end this way, I quietly ask for guidance from my faith as I step into this new chapter of life. Also as we navigate this change,I ask for your help in creating an atmosphere of respect and understanding. This is a challenging period, and I ask for privacy and consideration as we (my ex-husband and I) find our own path forward.”
[OpinionNigeria]
The Lagos State Police Command said a 25-year-old suspected cultist has died from cult clashes in the Ajegunle part of Lagos.
The command’s spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed this to newsmen on Saturday, adding that police had arrested two suspects in connection with the clashes.
Hundeyin explained that police received a distress call on Friday that suspected cultists of Nasamu and Iyalode Streets at Ajegunle were engaging themselves in a free-for-all.
According to him, the suspected cultists damaged six commercial vehicles at Boundary Roundabout, Ajegunle during the clashes.
“Based on the report, teams of policemen mobilised to the scene and dislodged the suspects, many of whom fled the scene.
“Police operatives, however, combed the area and arrested two of the hoodlums in their hideouts.
“One other suspect, a 25-year-old, who was seriously injured during the clash, was rescued and rushed to the hospital where he later died,’’ Hundeyin said.
He assured that normalcy had been restored to the affected areas while foot and vehicular patrols had been deployed to forestall any further threat to law and order.
Hundeyin said investigation was ongoing while efforts were on to arrest the fleeing cultists.
Two people have died while 13 others sustained various degrees of injuries in an accident at Ajede, after J4, on the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode expressway on Saturday.
The Spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in Ogun, Mrs Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Abeokuta.
Okpe explained that the accident occurred at about 12:10 pm and it involved a Toyota Hiace bus marked GUE 59 ZY and a truck with registration number BGT 94 LG.
According to her, the accident was caused by excessive speeding which caused the bus driver to ram into a stationary truck parked by the roadside.
“Fifteen people were involved in the crash – 10 men and five women and a total of 13 people sustained injuries while two persons died,” she said.
Okpe further stated that the injured victims were taken to Hope Hospital at J4 while the deceased were deposited at the Ijebu-Ode General Hospital Morgue.
Meanwhile, the Sector Commander, Anthony Uga cautioned motorists against wrong parking of vehicles on the highway.
Uga further warned motorists against overspeeding and advised them to always drive carefully.
Adanma Luke, the producer of the upcoming movie in which the late actor Junior Pope was supposed to be featured, has broken her silence on the recent boat mishap.
Pope, the actor, died on Wednesday after he fell into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state on his way to a movie location.
The film star was in the company of some other actors and crew members when the incident occurred.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) earlier suspended all movies involving riverine locations.
Emeka Rollas, the president of the AGN, also warned filmmakers not to work with Luke “until further notice”.
On Friday, Adanma surrendered herself to the police for questioning over the circumstances that led to Pope’s death.
In a series of videos via Instagram on Saturday, Luke broke down in tears as she explained her side of the story.
She described the incidents of the past few days “as a dream” she wished she could wake up from.
“On April 10, we lost five actors who were on their way to a location. Through the means of boat transportation, they had an accident. I have been so traumatised, I have been so cold. This whole thing still feels like a dream to me, I wish I could still wake up from this dream,” she said.
“I have not been able to make any statement since because we have been trying to recover the bodies. I have been providing money to those looking for bodies, providing caskets to enable the bodies are transported to their villages; and to the families that wanted it to be done. I have not been quiet, I have been doing things just so these people can rest. It is so sad that this had to happen on my set.
“I blame myself that I would have been in Lagos, doing my thing in Lagos. I blame myself for coming down to Asaba. I was supposed to be on that boat. My production manager was calling me to bring the memory card so they could start filming and I told him to come and collect it and he was like you know this place is far, please bring it for us. I said okay why have you people not crossed? Why have you not gone to work?
“He said they were waiting for Junior Pope to arrive. Before now on the 9th, they went there on their own and when Junior Pope came, he came on his own, he came alone. So on 10th, when I was preparing to go and drop the card, I was accompanied by my brother’s children. Two kids that were supposed to go with me, were supposed to be on that boat together. Getting there, I saw Emeka. Emeka was my DOP, he was just sitting and I did not see the others.
“I asked Emeka what is it and people surrounded him. Emeka was quiet and I was like, Emeka talk to me, what is it? What is the problem? Why have you not crossed? Where is Ogolo? Where is everybody? Has JP come? He was still quiet. I started shouting what was happening, can somebody please talk to me? Emeka now said JP is dead, Abigail is dead, Friday is dead, Precious is dead.
“He said ‘dem dey inside water’. I said let me go inside, let me be sure that the divers are looking for them. He said ‘there are over 15 divers looking for them inside the water’. I still cannot believe this because these crew members were my family. They have been working with me, if I was shooting in Lagos, they would transport from Asaba to Lagos to come and work with me. All through last year, we stayed together in Lagos, we filmed, worked together.
“… on that said day, I saw my director and Emeka outside. My director told me he did not know what happened. He was in a life jacket, and Emeka too was in a life jacket. There was still one life jacket available, I do not know who took it. My PM told me that they saw live jackets hanging when they got there and he asked the late Friday to even send one to Junior Pope but Junior Pope said it was dirty or so, so he did not take it. Those with life jackets survived. They even told me that when they were in the water, Junior Pope was also there asking if everybody was okay. How everybody is fine?
“That they even threw a gallon to him to use and hold himself, which he was holding that all of a sudden, they did not see him again. It was when they came out that they noticed that he was no longer there because they said divers had come and rescued some of them while other divers were still there trying to rescue others. I asked what could have caused this? He said he did not know but that TC was standing on the speedboat and ringing a bell.”
Popular nigerian pastor and a major critic of the nigerian government has blasted nigerians that are not happy as the dollar begin to appreciate. He was furious that despite being an obidient, he has moved on, but some people always want to see anything bad about their country especially since their candidate lost, and always want bad things to be happening so that they can say, Shey we warned you.
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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Nollywood makeup artist, Abigail Edith Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement by Ekerete Udoh, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Pastor Eno, on arrival from an official engagement in Abuja, went straight to the deceased family’s compound to console them.
The statement noted that the governor thereafter gave automatic employment in the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service to the surviving elder sister of the deceased, and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo, to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standards.
The governor also gave assurance of government’s assistance to the two sisters of the deceased, who are undergraduates at the University of Uyo and whose education was being sponsored by the late Nollywood makeup artist.
The governor, in his remark, said: “This is deeply unfortunate for a young girl, 24 years old, who finished her youth service just last year and decided to pursue her passion. This is a reflection of our Arise spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions.
“It is unfortunate that her life ended the way it did. Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of the government to console and encourage the family. You are not just the governor when people are celebrating; in times and moments like this, you become the mourner-in-chief and give them hope.
“I trust the Holy Spirit will perfect the hope in their lives. Coming here means we care. You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans. We don’t leave each other behind. Government will be with the family and support them.”
Veteran journalist and development data expert, Rotimi Sankore, is dead.
Kadaria Ahmed, chief executive officer of RadioNow 95.3FM, revealed this in a post via Facebook on Saturday.
Ahmed described the deceased as one of Nigeria’s finest journalists and excellent all round human beings.
The cause of his death was however not stated.
“It is with deep sorrow that I announce we have lost one of Nigeria’s finest journalists and excellent all round human beings, Rotimi Sankore. Rotimi loved Nigeria with a passion that allowed him to be honest about her problems and what needs to be done to solve them.
“He was an expert data journalist, the best at what he does. He could analyse data like no one else I knew using it to understand events but also project trajectories, especially avoidable ones.
“Over the years Rotimi spent time and energy trying to make sure those in government, policy makers and ordinary Nigerians understand what the numbers show, how they came about , what they mean and how they can help us understand what needs to be done.
“His work was insightful and was significant and it is his legacy. His death is a big loss . We will miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his daughter and his family,” the post read.
Sankore was a Development and Policy Expert; Journalist/Journalism Trainer; and Human Rights Advocate.
He was the ED/Editor-in-Chief of the Africa Centre for Development Journalism, a centre which offers strategic communication support to organisations whose goals are to effect social, political and economic change in Africa.
He worked as a Journalist across Africa and internationally, and until recently was Editorial Board Chair of Nigeria Info Radio Group / Part of AIM Media Group with 13 Stations in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Onitsha (Incorporating Nigeria Info, WaZoBia, Cool FM & Arewa Radio Stations).
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A police inspector (name withheld) has reportedly committed suicide in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
The late officer was attached to Gwange Divisional of Borno Police Command.
According to community sources, he was looking healthy when he was last seen three days ago.
It is unclear why the policeman took the action. His neighbors at Layin Bayan, Wulari Jerusalem area of Maiduguri raised the alarm on Saturday morning when they noticed his door was locked from behind and a strange oduor was emanating from there.
The matter was immediately reported to metro Division of Borno Police Command and some officers were deployed to the scene.
“It was early this morning that people in the compound observed strange odor emanating from his apartment; his door was shut from behind.
“The men of police from Metro and Gwange Divisions respectively came to break the door and his lifeless body was found on the floor of his bedroom. They are currently in the compound.” the source said.
As of the time of filing this report police authorities have not issued any statement on the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer in Borno, ASP Kenneth Daso, did not answer calls when Daily Trust attempted to reach him. The telephone line rang out repeatedly.
Exploring the highs and lows of fame, we delve into the turbulent world of Nigerian celebrities whose marriages have succumbed to the pressures of public scrutiny.
From dazzling weddings to heartbreaking splits, these stars navigate the complexities of love in the spotlight, shedding light on the challenges faced by those living under the glare of fame.
In this article, LEADERSHIP Weekend highlights celebrities whose marriages have crashed.
AY
Last week,social media was awash with news of the separation of popular Nigerian comedian, Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, and his wife, Mabel.
The comedian confirmed the development in a post on his Instagram page last Sunday.
He said he had reached a stage where he could no longer entertain the public with “deep personal family issues.”
Also, in a post on her Instagram page Mabel Makun confirmed that her marriage to comedian Ayo Makun, aka AY, has ended.
A post shared on her instagram page read,
”Although my dreams of a lifelong marriage has taken a different direction now, I’m committed to moving forward with grace and resilience. I have faith in a brighter future for both myself and the children”
”Despite the rumors or opinions, I find comfort in the belief that all will be well” she said.
Ayo and Mabel got married in November 2008, and they are blessed with two children.
Bolanle Ninalowo
Many fans were left speechless when Ninalowo, in a post via Instagram in September, announced that his 17-year-old marriage to his wife, Bunmi, had ended and the split was for the best of everyone involved.
Yomi Gold
Yoruba Nollywood actor cum producer producer, Yomi Alore, popularly known as Yomi Gold, announced the end of his second marriage to his wife, Meenah, in January 2023.
The movie star took responsibility for the marriage crash, describing his wife as a good person while announcing the split.
BRed:
The marriage of Nigerian singer, Adebayo Adeleke, also known as BRed, to his wife, Faith Johnson, crashed in June amidst allegations of domestic violence and infidelity.
Wunmi Toriola
In January, the movie star, in a post via Instagram, announced that her marriage had crashed and debunked allegations of being violent while the union lasted.
In a recent interview with New Telegraph, Wunmi said her marriage ended because her ex-husband always rubbed her fame to her face during arguments.
Isreal DMW
Davido’s Logistics Manager, Israel Afeare, popularly known as Isreal DMW, in a post via Instagram last month (November), announced the end of his marriage to his wife, Sheila Courage.
Israel DMW revealed that Sheila left their home on August 8, 2023, despite his substantial support and acts of generosity since their marriage.
He also claimed that his wife accused him of being a ‘slave’ to his boss, Davido.
Stella Damasus
Veteran Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus, confirmed the crash of her third marriage to movie producer, Daniel Ademinokan in October. Stella said she found out about the end of the union on YouTube, adding that Ademinokan has moved on with another lady.
The news of their crashed marriage caught many fans by surprise, considering when the going was good, the couple often engaged in public displays of affection.
Faridah Sobowale
Popular Lagos socialite, Farida, made headlines when news of her attempted suicide surfaced online in August. The Lagos socialite tried to commit suicide at the third mainland bridge following the crash of her two-month-old marriage to Demola Odulaja over infidelity.
However, Odulaja, in an interview with Yoruba social commentator ArewaTopeFamous, claimed Sobowale’s promiscuous way was the reason the marriage ended.
Damola Olatunji
Popular Yoruba Nollywood actress, Bukola Awoyemi, popularly called Arugba, separated from her ‘husband’ and colleague, Damola Olatunji, over alleged infidelity, but the latter denied the allegation.
Announcing their separation via her Instagram page, Bukola claimed she was never married to Damola, but they only had kids together.
Many fans were left speechless when Ninalowo, in a post via Instagram in September, announced that his 17-year-old marriage to his wife, Bunmi, had ended and the split was for the best of everyone involved.
[Leadership]
Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, says he will attempt to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon without losing a game.
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The chess guru announced his intention on Friday via a post on his X page.
Onakoya said he would attempt to play several chess games for 58 hours without losing a single game.
He added that he hopes to empower illiterate children across Africa through the feat which will take place at Times Square, New York City, on April 17.
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“On the 17th of April 2024, I will attempt to break the Guinness World record for the longest Chess marathon in the heart of Times Square New York City for 58 hours without losing a game,” he wrote.
“Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education. You guys have been rock solid for me through the years.
“So I need all of us to come together now more than ever to show the world that the Nigerian spirit is unwavering and we can do great things from a small place against all odds.”
The Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon stands at 56 hr 09 min 37 sec.
It was achieved by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, two Norwegians, on November 11, 2018.
Following the recent boat mishap that led to the death of Junior Pope, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has set up a committee to improve the safety of its members.
Pope, the actor, died on Wednesday after he fell into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state on his way to a movie location.
The film star was on the trip with other actors and crew members.
AGN suspended all movies involving riverine locations on Thursday.
On Saturday, Emeka Rollas, the AGN president, in a statement by Kate Henshaw, the guild spokesperson, said the 13-member committee will “fine-tune the existing bye-laws to include members welfare, standard safety guidelines”.
The AGN boss also said the committee will work with other guilds and associations to”draft a bye-law” and recommend disciplinary measures against defaulters.
Rollas added that the committee will recommend a “royalty collecting body for performers in Nollywood”.
The committee will be headed by Emeka Ike while Jude Orhorha will serve as secretary.
Other members include Joke Silva, Femi Branch, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, and Patience Ozokwor.
“Following the recent fatal boat mishap on river Niger which claimed the lives of five film practitioners including renowned actor, John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope in Asaba, Delta State, the National President, of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, has set up a special committee with the following terms of reference,” the statement reads in part.
“Fine tune the existing bye laws to include members welfare, standard safety guidelines, and set protocols.
“Engage all relevant Guilds and Associations for the full implementation.
“Also Recommend disciplinary measures against erring members, producers and production companies.
“Seek further engagement with other Guilds/Associations and relevant stakeholders on drafting a general bye law for the industry.
“Recommend possible requirements in setting up a royalty collecting body or rights collecting society for performers in Nollywood.”
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