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Gospel singer Dele Agbeyo, famously known as Dele Gold, was finally laid to rest at his Abule Egba residence in Lagos, following an emotional funeral that saw family, friends, fans, and a parade of celebrities gathering to honor the legacy of the Miliki music legend.
His passing on September 11 after a brief illness sent shockwaves through the gospel community, but the funeral was more than just a farewell—it was a heartfelt tribute to his immense talent, generosity, and impact.
The day began with the arrival of Dele Gold’s white coffin, escorted by his heartbroken wife, children, and close family members for the laying-in-state.
As the ceremony unfolded, the atmosphere thickened with sorrow and tributes poured in, both in person and in viral videos, lauding his kindness, selflessness, and unwavering devotion to his craft.
Prayers echoed through the solemn crowd, with the cleric urging the bereaved family to lean on their faith in these dark times.
Emotions flowed freely as Dele Gold’s eldest son delivered a heart-wrenching tribute to his late father.
As the final moments approached, family and friends gathered around the freshly dug grave at his residence, offering their last goodbyes to the man whose music had touched so many lives.
Notable faces in the crowd included veteran actor Saidi Balogun, gospel sensation Genesis, and fellow musicians Wale Dada and Femi Solar, all paying their respects to the icon who had left an indelible mark on gospel music.
Born in Usi, Ekiti State, and raised in Faforiji, Osun State, Dele Gold’s journey through life was as remarkable as his music, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.
A former House of Representatives candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Anambra State, Prince Hez Okonkwo has said there will be no LP without Peter Obi.
This is as he stated that he remains a member of the party and staunch supporter of Mr. Peter Obi.
The party chieftain made the declaration on Thursday through a statement he personally signed.
He was the LP candidate for Ihiala Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections.
Reacting to rumours on social media that he was part of a press conference called by the embattled national chairman of the LP, Mr Julius Abure where he announced that the party’s automatic ticket for Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State had been withdrawn, Okonkwo noted that the rumour was a mere “falsehood” being propagated by “faceless individuals.”
He said, “My attention has been drawn to a malicious propaganda and campaign of calumny targeted at my person by certain political interests in Anambra State.
“In their latest effort to paint me black and create a bogus image for my person, a screenshot of Channels Television news aired on Monday September 9, 2024 where the former Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Julius Abure addressed a press conference in Abuja, is being circulated mainly on WhatsApp platforms, purporting that I was in the press conference.
“Ordinarily I would ignore the shenanigans of detractors, but for the record, it is important that I make it clear here and now that I, Prince Sir Hez Okonkwo, Ochiagha Lilu, has nothing to do with the said press conference.
“I was neither invited nor took part in such frivolity. I am sure that the organisers of the press conference have the record of those they invited.”
He added that he was in Kaduna State attending to his private business on Monday 9, 2024 when the said press conference was held in Abuja.
Speaking on his relationship with Peter Obi, Okonkwo said that he had been friends with Obi long before the 2023 elections.
He noted that Peter Obi remained the face of the Labour Party in Nigeria.
He said, “I am not oblivious of the fact that some persons created this falsehood to create a doubt between me and my dear brother and friend, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections.
“It is, However, important that these faceless individuals realise that my friendship with Peter Obi predates the Labour Party.
“It should be noted without any fear of contradiction that, aside being my brother and friend, Peter Obi is someone I totally align with politically, and that is why I joined other patriotic Anambrarians to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the Labour Party in the buildup to the 2023 general elections.
“Also, let me make it clear that it is illogical for anyone to insinuate that I would join anyone or group to fight Peter Obi in the Labour Party- what is Labour Party without Okute Ndigbo?”
Ghanaian actress Efia Odo has shared her thoughts on her shifting life goals, expressing a growing desire to establish a family of her own.
In a recent interview, she acknowledged that time seems to be passing quickly, prompting her to envision a future marked by marriage and children.
Efia opened up about the challenges she faces as a woman in the entertainment sector. She noted that often, any male associate in her life is unfairly linked to romantic involvement, complicating her public image and personal relationships.
In discussing her long-standing friendship with musician King Promise, she highlighted how this relationship has led to misunderstandings in her current partnership.
She pondered the difficult choices ahead, questioning whether she might have to step back from her career and her collaborative ventures to focus on her future goals.
“I’m getting older, and I want to settle down, have kids. What do I do in this situation? Do I remove myself from the business and my business partner and focus on my future?” she said.
In another story, Efia Odo opens up on past relationship with singer Shatta Wale and how he broke up with her 2 weeks after she tattooed his name.
on the ‘Rant, Bants and Confessions‘ podcast, she revealed that their relationship ended two weeks after she got a tattoo of his name.
Sharing details about her relationship with the artiste, Efia Odo talked about how she cooked for Shatta Wale and his group of friends, as well as supporting his family financially.
She reflected on the efforts she had put into the relationship, stating that she is someone who loves deeply and passionately.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has not reinstated the cybersecurity levy that was previously suspended.
The CBN had suspended the enactment of the cybersecurity levy following a decision by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
In a notice in May, the CBN mandated all banks in Nigeria to collect and remit a 0.5 percent cybersecurity levy to the office of the National Security Adviser.
However, the Nigerian government ordered the suspension of the levy amid outrage from citizens.
Despite the suspension, there have been reports of the apex bank reintroducing the levy.
However, the apex bank has denied reintroducing the levy amid outrage from Nigerians.
The denial was contained in its Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange Policy Guidelines for Fiscal Years 2024-2025 circular.
The circular, released on September 17, reads in part:
“The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to certain instances of misinterpretation or misrepresentation of its biennial publication on Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange Policy Guidelines, published on September 17, 2024.
“In response, the CBN has temporarily withdrawn the document to minimize the risk of any further misrepresentation.
“As stated explicitly in the document to guide stakeholders, the CBN reiterates that the publication is a compilation of previously issued policies and guidelines by the Bank up to a cut-off date, typically December 31 of the relevant year.
“Some recent media publications referencing aspects of the Guidelines refer to policy positions of the Bank issued prior to December 31, 2023, which have changed in light of revisions and updates in 2024.
“One example is the cybersecurity levy, which was suspended in May 2024, superseding the circular reported in the Guidelines.
“Certain technical aspects of the Guidelines have been widely misreported and misrepresented. For example, reports have mistakenly sought to link the fuel subsidy removal to external reserves. Such reports essentially missed the analytical basis for the original statement, which was intended to observe a potential risk that was to be mitigated by policy.
“More recently, policies of the Bank around the naira exchange rate and those of the fiscal authorities have positively altered the outlook of the subject in question.
“In summary, the Guidelines must primarily be viewed as a record of policies, circulars, and directives issued by the Bank up to the end of 2023. They are not new directives and should not be reported as such.
“The Bank will continue to provide clear monetary policy direction and advice for the overall good of the economy. We urge all stakeholders to seek clarification of information about the Bank before publishing.”
All the corrections made were grammatical, including the addition of proper capitalization and punctuation.
[DailyPost]
General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has stressed the importance of maintaining romance in marriage, even amid spiritual obligations.
In a message on his Facebook page, Adeboye revealed that he and his wife, Foluke, still use affectionate pet names when they are alone, highlighting that “anointing does not reduce romance.”
Through this heartfelt advice, Adeboye urged married couples to prioritize intimacy and romance to keep their marriages vibrant and joyful.
He explained that some pastors avoid romantic activities, believing it distracts from their spiritual focus.
Adeboye emphasised that being anointed should not negate the need for romance, drawing an example from the Bible.
He wrote, “The fact that you are a Christian does not in any way take romance out of your marriage. Marriage is the only institution where romance and intimacy are allowed between a man and a woman.
“Some pastors hardly go on dates with their spouses because they consider such a romantic activity as a distraction from their focus on spiritual matters. Some of them don’t even play with their spouses anymore. Beloved, the anointing does not reduce the need for romance in marriage.
“Isaac was an anointed man of God and a successful businessman, yet in Genesis 26:8, the Bible says he was being romantic with his wife.
“And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife. Don’t become too rigid in your marriage; don’t have more fun elsewhere without your spouse. Make the times that you and your spouse spend together so much fun that you are always looking forward to seeing each other again. If you are married, remember how you used to talk for long hours with your spouse before you got married and had children; revive that relationship again. Your spouse is still the same fellow you were very fond of, and the things you loved in him or her are still there. Don’t let all the cares of this life distract you from the gems in your spouse.
Adeboye suggested simple acts like writing notes, using pet names, and surprising each other to keep the romance alive.
“Once in a while, compose a poem for your spouse and read it to him or her in a romantic setting. Spice things up with pleasant surprises every now and then. Write a note and put it in his or her bag so that when they get to the office and open their bag, they will see the note and smile. Have a pet name that you call each other behind closed doors.
“Up until today, there is a pet name my wife calls me when we are alone. I equally have a pet name that I call her, and every time I call her by that name, she cannot but smile at me lovingly. When we are alone, we are lovers, not Daddy G.O and Mummy G.O. Your marriage can be like heaven on earth if you and your spouse are deliberate about remaining the lovebirds that you were when you first got married.
“Don’t let the romance die.” he added.
The Yobe State Police Command has arrested a 24-year- old man, Yunusa Isa who killed his business partner, Lawan Adamu to avoid paying back the N500,000 the deceased lent him.
LIB reported that 28-Year-Old Lawan was brutally murdered at the outskirts of Nayi Nawa bypass in Damaturu on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
The corpse was found with deep throat cuts and multiple stab wounds while a blood-stained knife was recovered at the scene.
The Spokesperson of the command, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, who confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, said the suspect initially denied involvement in the murder.
However, following intense interrogation by State CID Detectives, he confessed to the crime.
“Recall that, On September 16, 2024, the 'A' Divisional Police Headquarters apprehended Yunus Isa, 24, of Shago Tara, Nayi Nawa Ward, for allegedly killing Lawan Adamu,” the statement read.
Initially, the suspect denied involvement despite overwhelming circumstantial evidence. However, following intense interrogation by State CID detectives, Yunus Isa confessed to the crime.
"Investigation revealed that Lawan Adamu was his employer and business partner in the engine oil trade.
"He borrowed N500,000 from Adamu last year with a profit-sharing agreement.
"However, when he failed to meet the agreement terms, Adamu demanded repayment.
"Isa callously murdered Lawan Adamu to avoid repaying the debt, killing him in cold blood.
“The swift resolution of this case demonstrates our commitment to justice and public safety."
A young woman identified as Olivia was reportedly kidnapped and held captive at Top View Hotel in Wuse, Abuja, by a suspected internet fraudster, also known as a ‘Yahoo Boy,’ for money ritual purposes.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested the suspect and has taken him into custody, pending handover to the police for further investigation.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the incident and is awaiting the NSCDC’s handover to commence a thorough and discreet investigation.
According to FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, “The FCT Police Command is aware of the video footage circulating about a lady who was criminally confined in Top View Hotel, Wuse, Abuja on 17th September 2024, by an alleged internet fraudster for money ritual purposes.
“Findings revealed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken the suspect into custody and has yet to hand him over to the police for a diligent investigation.
“The FCT Police Command is prepared to commence a thorough and discreet investigation once the NSCDC hands over all parties involved.
“Further developments will be communicated in due course.”
Adeh assured the public of a comprehensive investigation amid growing calls for swift action against the alleged perpetrator of such crime.
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has reaffirmed his assertion that Saturday’s governorship election is a “do or die affair,” despite facing backlash from opposition members and critics.
In an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Obaseki clarified his controversial statement, arguing that the stakes are high for the people of Edo State if the All Progressives Congress (APC) were to regain control.
“It’s a do or die affair because if they do, we die,” he emphasized. “The level of impunity, the level of recklessness we see in the opposition party—if they take over Edo State, that is the end.”
The governor alleged that the APC had devised plans to rig the upcoming election but expressed confidence that the people of Edo would resist such efforts.
He underscored the importance of protecting the electoral process, warning of dire consequences should the opposition prevail.
Obaseki also voiced concerns regarding the impartiality of the police in the lead-up to the election, accusing law enforcement of bias.
“If you see the evidence of what they have done, the blatant way they have gone about it, it is like they forget that the police are being funded by taxpayers’ money. They should be more professional and unbiased,” he stated.
Additionally, Governor Obaseki echoed concerns over the opposition’s tactics, stating that the APC is resorting to intimidation tactics out of fear of an impending defeat.
Livestock committee submits report, proposes open grazing, ranching to end farmers-herders crisis
AFOLABI
The presidential committee on livestock reforms has submitted its report to President Bola Tinubu, recommending “integrated solutions” to the country’s pastoral issues.
In September 2023, Tinubu set up the livestock reform committee to proffer solutions to the recurring clashes between farmers and herders.
Tinubu inaugurated the committee after receiving a report from the national conference on livestock reforms and mitigation of associated conflicts in Nigeria.
The conference gave the president 21 recommendations, including creating a ministry of livestock resources.
In the past years, the clashes between herders and farmers have led to the death of many people, destruction of properties, and displacement of many people.
President Tinubu is the chairman of the committee, while Attahiru Jega, a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), serves as the co-chairman.
INTEGRATING OPEN GRAZING AND RANCHING
Speaking with the State House correspondents in Abuja on Thursday after submitting the report, Jega said the committee proposed “integrated solutions” to the pastoral issues in the country.
The former INEC chairman said Nigeria must combine open grazing and ranching to solve the challenge of farmers and herders’ crises in the country.
Jega said policy frameworks should accommodate both ranching and open grazing for a period of time, while increasing awareness against the extensive nature of pastoralism should be encouraged.
“You cannot wake up tomorrow, and all you have is ranching because you have already had quite a large chunk of the population in traditional pastoral activities,” Jega said.
“What do you do with them? Any solution that has to be developed now has to be a combination of both.
“Why we are promoting a long-term objective is that we now have livestock production. You have to develop policies and frameworks that can accommodate both for a period of time.
“The objective is to have intensive livestock production and not to have extensive in the nature of pastoralism that we have now.”
The former INEC chairman said the committee made recommendations on the creation of the federal ministry of livestock development.
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello reportedly evaded arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, with the assistance of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.
The EFCC had laid siege to the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja in an attempt to apprehend Bello, who is wanted over an alleged N80.2bn fraud case.
Despite the operation, Ododo allegedly helped Bello avoid arrest, leveraging the immunity he enjoys as a sitting governor.
The incident follows a similar attempt in April, where Ododo reportedly facilitated Bello’s escape from EFCC operatives during another raid in Abuja.
On Wednesday, after a visit by Bello and Ododo to the EFCC headquarters, the commission denied having Bello in custody.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale stated that Bello was not detained, despite claims by Bello’s media team that he had visited the agency.
EFCC officials indicated that Ododo’s actions prevented them from arresting Bello, stating that his governorship immunity hindered the operatives from taking further action.
Speaking on what transpired on Wednesday, EFCC officials said Ododo helped Bello to escape again just like in April.
One of the officials said, “Yahaya Bello has not been arrested. The Kogi State governor prevented operatives from doing their work yesterday just like he did the other time. He took him away and our men could not do anything because of the immunity he (Ododo) is enjoying.”
Efforts to get the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, proved abortive as calls and message to him on the matter were not answered.
Also, the Director of Bello’s media team, Ohaire Michael’s number, was switched off and he had yet to respond to the message sent to him on the matter as of press time.
More...
Less than 24 hours before the conduct of the governorship election in Edo state, residents have expressed fears and hopes ahead of the poll.
Data released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shows that 2,249,780 registered voters have collected their permanent voter cards (PVC) and are expected to attend the poll on Saturday to elect a new governor for Edo state.
Despite assurances by INEC of a fair and credible poll, Hope, a trader in Benin, the state capital, said she would not go out to the poll because she does not believe that her vote will count.
“I don’t want to vote, and I will not vote because no matter what, it will not count. They will still make whoever they want governor,” she said.
“I voted in the time of Oshiomhole because he did the right thing and really tried for us. But now I’m not going to.
“The suffering is too much, and I don’t know any of the candidates who can do the right thing. So, this time I won’t vote.”
On the other hand, James Ogunshola, an entrepreneur, expressed optimism that the election process would be free and fair.
“I hope and expect that this election will be free and fair. I really want to believe that Edo people are not violent. So, the election will be peaceful,” Ogunshola said.
“I pray INEC will conduct the election fairly so that the right person will come into power. I have my voter’s card, and I will vote for the right person, not a party.”
Also, John, one of the many youths who gathered to watch the distribution of election materials at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the capital city, encouraged residents to come out and vote.
John expressed optimism that the conduct of the election would be peaceful.
“I believe, by the grace of God, PDP will win. The hardship in this country is too much, and we cannot see the suffering and go and vote for the same people,” he said.
“I believe Asue Ighodalo Will continue from where Obaseki stopped since they are the same party. If another person gets into power, he will not continue from where Obaseki stopped, and we don’t want that.
“We are here watching the distribution of election materials, and everything is currently peaceful. I’m sure it will be that way on election day. So everyone needs to come out and vote.”
On Wednesday, Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), said operatives of the local security networks and vigilantes should steer clear of election duties during the Edo governorship poll.
The CDS also warned that anyone who disrupts the poll would bear the consequences, adding that the military has the presidential mandate to ensure a free, fair, and credible election in Edo.
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has expressed confidence that his political fallout with Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike will not hinder the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming governorship election on Saturday.
Wike, a key figure in Obaseki’s previous campaign against All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the 2020 election, has since distanced himself from Obaseki and announced that he will not support the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in this election.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Obaseki addressed concerns about Wike’s position, asserting that the people of Edo are wise enough to make their own electoral decisions.
Obaseki stated, “He (Wike) came to get Edo people to vote for me, right? Wow! Edo people are not that dumb; they know who to vote for.
“They don’t require the services of an outsider to make their decisions. Edo people will make their decisions this time because they know what they want.”
The governor also reflected on his political journey, emphasizing that he does not regret falling out with political associates, including Oshiomhole and his deputy, Philip Shaibu.
He suggested that some politicians may be dissatisfied with his governance approach, which prioritizes using state resources to address the needs of the people.
As the election approaches, Obaseki remains resolute in his belief that the PDP will secure victory, bolstered by the support of Edo residents who, he asserts, understand the issues at stake.
The Edo government has declared September 20 as a work-free day to enable workers and residents to travel to their voting areas ahead of the state’s governorship election.
The election is scheduled for September 21 across 18 LGAs in the state.
In a statement on Thursday, Joseph Eboigbe, secretary to the state government (SSG), assured that adequate security arrangements are in place for the conduct of the election.
“This is to enable workers and other electorates to travel to their voting areas ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state,” the statement reads.
“The government wishes everyone journey mercies and reassures that security measures have been provided to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.”
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially released the results of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) internal exams.
Candidates can now access their results online, as confirmed by Naija News.
NECO announced the results of the June/July 2024 SSCE, revealing that 60.55% of candidates earned five credits or more in English Language and Mathematics.
This announcement was made by NECO Registrar, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, during a press briefing at NECO headquarters in Minna, Niger State.
According to a message on the NECO website, a token is required to check the results, which can be used up to five times.
The message states, “This is to inform the general public that henceforth our result checker token will be used to check a candidate’s result once (up to five times); i.e., you cannot use another token to check the same result again. Any further checks (of the same result) would require the use of the NECO E-Verify result verification portal to verify/confirm such results.”
This new system provides a convenient online method for checking NECO results, including SSCE, BECE, and NCEE results.
Tokens can be shared with candidates, parents, schools, and organizations interested in viewing the results.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check your 2024 NECO SSCE results:
Before You Begin:
Ensure you have the following:
– Your NECO Examination Number
– The Examination Year (e.g., 2024)
– A valid email address
– A NECO Result Checking Token (details on how to purchase this are provided below)
Step 1: Purchase Your NECO Result Checking Token
Before accessing your results, you must purchase a NECO Result Checking Token. This replaces the old scratch card system.
To buy the token:
1. Visit the NECO Results website: [https://result.neco.gov.ng]
2. Click on ‘Purchase Token’.
3. If you already have an account, log in with your email and password. If not, create an account by clicking on ‘Register’ and entering your details.
4. Once logged in, click on ‘Purchase Token’ again and follow the instructions to make your payment.
5. Payment can be made using a debit card. After successful payment, the token will appear in your account under ‘My Tokens’.
Step 2: Access the NECO Result Checking Portal
Once you have your token, proceed to check your results:
1. Visit the NECO Result Checking Portal at [https://result.neco.gov.ng]
2. You will see a form on the homepage that needs to be filled out with your exam details.
Step 3: Enter Your Exam Details
Carefully fill in the form with the following details:
– Exam Year: Select 2024 (or the relevant year).
– Exam Type: Choose the correct exam type, e.g., SSCE Internal (JUN/JUL) or SSCE External (NOV/DEC).
– Token Number: Enter the token number you purchased in Step 1.
– Examination/Registration Number: Input your NECO examination number.
Finally, click on the “Check My Result” button to view your results.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to check your 2024 NECO results easily. Remember, tokens can only be used up to five times for the same result, and further verification will require the NECO E-Verify portal.