FEATURES
The first Miss Nigeria beauty pageant winner, Grace Oyelude, was honored on her 93rd birthday, as announced by the Miss Nigeria Organisation in an Instagram post on Thursday, November 16th.
The caption read, “We are immensely delighted to celebrate the evergreen beauty and brave leader, Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude, on her 93rd birthday.
“Her courage, resolve, and great strength of character are excellent qualities that have endeared her to us and many others.
“Happy birthday, once again, to the first Miss Nigeria, Chief Grace Atinuke Oyelude.
“Thank you for paving the way and setting the standards that all Miss Nigeria Queens walkthrough, as well as your priceless contributions towards women’s empowerment.”
There is no respite yet for the nation’s currency as the naira recorded the biggest fall in recent times exchanging for N1,105 at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) approved official market.
The currency depreciated by over N200 within hours after it opened earlier in the day at N830. However, the fall would not last as the currency bounced back, closing at 841.14 yesterday.
According to Reuters, the sharp depreciation of the currency yesterday brought “The official exchange rate within touching distance of the parallel market rate.”
At the parallel market, Daily Trust reports that dollars opened at N1,135 and closed at N1,150 to N1,200.
One of the Bureau De Change (BDC) operators at a popular market in Lagos, Alhaji Hassan Sabo said, “Today we are buying at N1,100 and selling at N1,150.”
Asked on the prospect of the rate dropping, he said, “It cannot come down like that because the dollar is not available, some are not even selling at the rates I just gave you. It might even go up tomorrow.”
A capital market analyst, Samuel Showunmi said the government should return to multiple exchange rates to push the dollars into the market through the BDC.
“What we are seeing now with the banks is currency racketeering within the banking sector as well,” he said.
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested four suspected armed robbers and cultists in Aniocha South and Ika South Local Government Areas of the state.
Spokesperson of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, November 16, 2023, said three locally-made cut to size guns, one AK-47 magazine, five rounds of ammunition and substances suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from the suspects.
“On 12/11/2023 at about 0500hrs, operatives of Agbor Area Command while acting on credible intelligence, stormed Kelubia Street Agbor-Obi where they apprehended four suspects: Ogbolu Peter ‘m’, Justice Nmor ‘m’, Precious Odilu ‘m’, Queen Mba ‘f’, all of Agbor Community, and aged 35, 28, 26, and 27 years respectively,” the statement read.
"Preliminary investigation led to the search of their premises during which two (2) locally made cut-to-size guns, one AK-47 magazine loaded with five (5) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, three (3) rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, two (2) live cartridges, two (2) Vikings secret cult berets, and ten (10) wraps of weed suspected to be Indian Hemp were recovered.
“The suspects and exhibits are in custody, and investigation has commenced as efforts are being made to arrest other members of the criminal gang.”
In another development, members of Crack Squad received information about a cult activity at Ogwashi-Uku, Ubulu-Uku Road.
Upon arrival, the members of Crack Squad cordoned off the premises and arrested one Chigozie John 'm' aged 36 years, and recovered one locally made cut-to-size gun with one live cartridge.
The suspect admitted being a member of Aro Bagger Confraternity. Meanwhile, further investigation is in process, as efforts are being made to arrest other cult members operating within the state.
Reacting to the arrest, CP Wale Abass hailed the successes achieved as well as the tenacity of the operatives in the execution of their duties.
He further called on the assistance of the public in the speedy eradication of firearms and ammunition, stating that the opportunity given by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun Ph.D., NPM for persons in possession of firearms to return to the nearest police station is still open, noting that criminal activities will not be tolerated in the state.
The police boss issued a warning to residents, particularly the youths in the State to shun cultism and other related vices, stating that the Command will not relent in identifying, arresting, and bringing them to justice.
Real life “miracle” witnessed as statue of Virgin Mary is filmed “crying” with eyes turning “red”
AdminChurchgoers are claiming they witnessed a miracle after a small statue of the Virgin Mary appeared to shed tears in a church.
The “crying” figure in El Chanal, Mexico, has attracted believers and sceptics, with hundreds reportedly visiting the church to witness the weeping Virgin.
Videos on social media show water droplets seemingly coming out of the statue's eyes and running down its face.
Local resident Victor Ramos said: "Similarly, when we cry, and our eyes become red, the same happens to the image. So a couple of tears started flowing. This is the event, the phenomenon that is happening here in the church."
Many associate the tears with the prevailing insecurity in the state of Colima, currently immersed in a wave of violence.
Victor added: "We can associate it with... the violence rates that are being experienced here in the state of Colima, also here in the community."
Real life ?miracle? witnessed as statue of Virgin Mary is filmed ?crying? with eyes turning ?red?
As of October this year, 702 confirmed intentional homicides had been recorded by the Colima Prosecutor's Office.
Visitor Maria Mercedes Hernandez said: "Peace, may she give us peace in Colima and throughout the world, that we may return to the Colima of before."
Sceptics have said there could be a scientific reason behind the crying statue.
Professor Luigi Garlaschelli pointed out that certain statues can soak up water due to the porous materials they're made from.
Garlaschelli explained: "You need a hollow statue made of plaster or ceramic, which must be covered on the outside with a waterproof layer.
"By filling the statue with water through an imperceptible hole at the top, the porous material will absorb it, but the outer layer will prevent it from coming out.
“However, if a slight scratch is made in the protective glaze in the tear duct area, the absorbed water will come out through it as if it were tears.”
Malawi's President, Lazarus Chakwera has suspended with immediate effect all international travel for himself and his government in a bid to save money.
The president disclosed this during a televised address on Thursday, November 16.
The measure follows a huge devaluation of the currency as Malawi secures a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to boost its ailing economy.
Mr Chakwera has also ordered all ministers currently abroad to return home.
Fuel allowances for senior government officials have been cut by 50%.
Malawi's economy has been undergoing turbulent times, characterised by an acute shortage of petrol and diesel, as well as high inflation.
Mr Chakwera said the measures would remain in place until the end of the financial year in March 2024.
As part of moves to ease the cost-of-living crisis, the president has asked the finance minister to make provisions for a reasonable wage increase for all civil servants in the next budget review.
He has also ordered a lowering of income tax on individuals in the upcoming budget, to help workers whose incomes have lost value.
Gunmen who kidnapped Mr. Isaac Bature Gbaja, an Assistant Manager with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Lafia, Nasarawa State branch, have demanded N10m ransom.
Gbaja was kidnapped alongside two other persons on Monday night, November 13, 2023.
A close associate to the CBN staff who pleaded for anonymity told Daily Trust that Mr. Gbaja was abducted alongside the other victims around 8pm at his wife’s joint near MACFES Royal Suites, along Kwandere Road, Tudun Gwandara, Lafia, Nasarawa State.
“Three Fulani guys, wearing face masks came from nowhere and leaned on the CBN staff’s car, then asked those at the joint who owned this car, they answered that they don’t know the owner. So the kidnappers said since they don’t know the owner of the car all of them (customers), including the shop owner should stand up and let them go. That’s how they were taken away,” the source said.
According to him, the woman told them that the kidnappers were about ten in number, three came and effected the kidnap, then others joined them, as they took their victims on bush parts.
He disclosed that two hours after the incident, the Gbaja's wife was released by the kidnappers to go and source for 10 million naira to secure the release of her husband.
The source said a total of five persons were kidnapped, one escaped, the woman was released, while they went away with the CBN staff and two others.
I was legitimately married, welcomed by my husband's family - Actress Rita Edochie throws shade at 'back door' wife
AdminActress Rita Edochie has taken to her Instagram page to throw shade.
She shared a picture of herself and her husband Comr Tony Edochie on their wedding day 33 years ago, and stated that she was welcomed by all and sundry in her husband's family, "unlike some persons who thought they could come through the back door," as a wife.
She wrote;
‘’EVERYWHERE DEY QUITE
WETIN DEY HAPPEN NOW ?
LEGITIMATELY MARRIED AT AGE 22 IN 1990
(WEDDING)
WAS WELCOMED AND ACCEPTED BY ALL AND SUNDRY RIGHT IN MY GREAT HUSBAND'S FAMILY
COMR. TONY EDOCHIE
(BOTH NUCLEAR AND EXTENDED)
UNLIKE SOME PERSONS WHO THOUGHT THEY COULD COME IN THROUGH THE BACK DOOR.... JUST DEY PLAY.....''
A pastor with the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), David Musa, has been killed by his abductors after payment of N1,000,000 ransom in Kogi State.
It was gathered that the cleric was abducted from his farm on Saturday, November 11, 2023, in Obajana, Lokoja Local Government Area of the state.
A member of the church identified as Mary said the pastor was killed shortly after the ransom was delivered on Tuesday night, November 14.
“The pastor went to his farm that ugly day. So, his wife was waiting for him to return home, but she didn’t see her husband. When night fell, the wife raised an alarm, and the church people, including residents of the community, went to his farm to search for him,” she explained.
“It was then that they discovered that the pastor had been kidnapped. The abductors got in touch with the family, demanding N20,000,000. Since the church and the family could not raise such an amount of money, they pleaded with the kidnappers, and they reduced the ransom to N1,000,000.
"The kidnappers insisted that, when they are bringing the money, they should come along with recharge cards, chicken, and many alcoholic drinks for their consumption. Two of the church members were sent to deliver the money and the items requested by the kidnappers.
"When they went to the kidnappers’ den, they saw our pastor alive. They now instructed our pastor and the two other church members who brought the money to start going home.
"Unfortunately, they later called the pastor to come back, and he did as instructed because he knew that there was no way he could run from their place since his abductors were holding sophisticated weapons.
“When he was coming back to them, they immediately shot at him, and he died. That was how they later brought his lifeless body back to Obajana. This incident has thrown the entire church and the community into mourning.”
A message posted on social media platform of the church on Wednesday morning reads: “It is with a heavy heart, but in total submission to the will of God, that I write to inform you that the abductors of our brother, Pastor Musa David, have killed him after collecting a ransom of one million naira last night. Let our prayers be with the family, the church, and the DCC in this trying moment.”
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP William Ayah, who confirmed the incident on Thursday, November 16, said those behind the killing will be arrested and prosecuted.
The PPRO added that the command has begun an investigation into the incident.
Defamation: "I didn't know burning Qur'an is offense" - Tani Olorun Seeks Forgiveness from Muslim Community
AdminA Kwara State Chief Magistrates Court in Ilorin, on Thursday, finally granted bail to the embattled Isese adherent, Abdulazeez Adegbola, alias Tani Olohun, who is facing defamation charges brought against him by some Muslim faithful.
Tani Olorun, who had been in custody for 91 days, during Thursday’s court appearance, sought the permission of the magistrate to speak in the open court.
When given the floor, the traditionalist pleaded for the forgiveness of the Islamic scholars whom he had allegedly defamed and from all Muslims all over saying they should forgive him and promising never to repeat such act of posting negative videos on his social media handles again.
Speaking in Yoruba language, he said, “I want to seek forgiveness from the Islamic scholars and the entire Muslims worldwide. I didn’t mean to hurt them or debase the Islamic religion.
‘’I didn’t know what I was doing was wrong when I was doing it. I want them to forgive me. I promise not to do such a thing again.”
Following a bail application by his lawyer,Ademola Bank, the court admitted him to bail in the sum of N2m and three sureties in the like sum.
The magistrate said one of the sureties must be a community leader while the second must own landed property within the jurisdiction of the court or in Oyo State where he (Tani Olorun) claimed to be a resident.
Earlier while moving the bail application, Bank said his client had begged for the forgiveness of Islamic scholars and urged the magistrate to grant him bail in liberal terms.
Counsel for the two complainants, Labeeb Lagbaji and Modirasatu Mohammed Islamic group; Taofeeq Olateju and Y.Y Ajibade, respectively did not oppose the bail application moved.
Tani Olorun’s lawyer, after the court proceedings, told The PUNCH, “We will struggle to meet all the conditions of the bail as spelt out in the ruling of the court.”
American rapper and actor, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, popularly known as Snoop Dogg, has announced his decision to quit smoking.
The rapper, who disclosed on an exclusive preview of Martha Stewart’s iHeartRadio podcast in 2022 that he started smoking at the age of 18, stated thoughtful consideration and discussions with his family as reasons for this decision.
American rapper and actor, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, popularly known as Snoop Dogg, has announced his decision to quit smoking.
Making the announcement on his X account on Thursday, the 52-year-old artist emphasised the importance of respecting his privacy during this time.
In the post, he said, “After much consideration and conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke. Please respect my privacy at this time.”
Snoop Dogg rose to fame in 1992 with his feature on Dr. Dre’s debut solo single, “Deep Cover,” followed by his contributions to Dre’s debut solo album, ‘The Chronic.;
Since his emergence on the music scene, Snopp has sold over 23 million albums in the United States and 35 million worldwide.
His achievements include an American Music Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and 17 Grammy Award nominations.
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A trending video captured the daring feat, featuring Mr Roose navigating the bridge and train tracks at the CMS bus stop in Lagos.
Red Bull, the driving force behind the project, enlisted Mr Roose known for his jaw-dropping tricks and unique performances.
Gboyega Akosile, Chief Press Secretary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, shared the vision behind the initiative on Instagram.
He said: “Red Bull is aiming for the Perfect Lagos Selfie with Jaan Roose, showcasing the beauty of Lagos State in collaboration with the Lagos Safety Commission. Stay tuned for the Perfect Lagos Selfie.”
“Jaan Roose is an Estonian slackliner and Guinness World Record holder. Slacklining is a sport that can be a balance training, recreation and moving meditation.
“This project is to showcase the beauty of Lagos State and the Red Bull team is working together with the Lagos State Government through the Lagos Safety Commission. Stay Tuned for the Perfect Lagos Selfie.”
Jaan Roose
The 31-year-old Estonian dynamo has turned slacklining into a heart-stopping spectacle around the globe.
From setting world records to performing as a Hollywood stuntman, Roose’s journey is as breathtaking as the high lines he conquers.
When he embarked on his slacklining odyssey at 18, little did he know it would catapult him into the limelight, captivating audiences with mind-bending tricks.
As the first and only athlete to execute a double backflip on a slackline, he has become a three-time world champion, holding a treasure trove of world records and pioneering feats in the sport.
His prowess extends beyond the realm of competitive slacklining. Hollywood beckoned, and he answered, performing daring stunts in films like Assassin’s Creed. He even shared the stage with pop icon Madonna during her MDNA World Tour.
For Jaan, the thrill of showcasing his extraordinary talent goes beyond competition. His globetrotting adventures include a 100m-high acrobatic performance in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2021 and a daring 500m-long slackline traverse between two mountains in Kazakhstan the following year.
In 2023 saw him redefine heights once again, completing a mesmerizing 150-metre walk on a slackline across two points of a single building in Doha, Qatar.
Global investment bank Morgan Stanley has disclosed that the interventionist policies of former President Muhammadu Buhari triggered economic bottlenecks and hindered the private sector’s ability to grow.
Some of the interventionist policies according to Steven Quattry, an analyst at Morgan Stanley included multiple foreign exchange windows and fuel subsidies regime.
Quattry, in the report titled ‘Market Outlook: Nigeria’s New Dawn’ which was published on the bank’s website on Wednesday, disclosed that the last eight years have been difficult for Nigerians.
“Yet for the average Nigerian, the last eight years were incredibly difficult. The interventionist policies of former president Muhammadu Buhari namely, multiple foreign exchange rates and fuel subsidies—led to economic bottlenecks and hindered the private sector’s ability to grow.
“The country was one of the fastest-growing economies in the world from 2001 to 2014, but during Buhari’s term grew only 1.4% on average a poor showing, considering the 2.8% growth in the working-age population.
“Over that same period, the average Nigerian saw their annual income shrink by nearly a third, from $3,222 U.S. dollars to $2,200. By contrast, Kenyans saw their incomes rise by more than 40%.”
The report sees an opportunity for growth in the country’s economy in the next few years once the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu begin to bear fruit.
“In the next two to three years, once the current administration has succeeded in reversing the harmful policies and economic malaise of the past eight years, Nigeria could witness a sharp upturn in economic growth.
This is likely to present investors with opportunities in local equity markets, especially in the telecom, consumer goods and durables sectors”.
[Ripples Nigeria]
Reality TV Star, Bella Okagbue, has revealed that she would simply “move on” if her boyfriend, Sheggz doesn’t marry her.
She reiterated that it wouldn’t be a big deal for her, stressing that Sheggz doesn’t have one of her kidneys.
She revealed this while answering questions from fans during a question-and-answer session on Instagram recently.
A fan asked: “Bella, what if Sheggz no marry you, hope you won’t feel bad after everything o?” to which Bella replied, “Everything? Does he have one of my kidneys?
“I will move on like you all move on. That’s why we all have exs.”
Recall that the duo fell in love during the Big Brother Naija Level Up Season, in 2022. They celebrated their relationship anniversary, earlier this year.
[pNigerian Tribune]
The Chairman of De Wayles Group of Companies, Chief Emonena Wayles Egukawhore, has congratulated Senator Douye Diri over his re-election as the governor of Bayelsa State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had last Monday announced the results of the election which he held last Saturday and declared Diri as the winner.
Diri, who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defeated his All Progressives Congress (APC) opponent and others in the election which was adjudged as peaceful.
Egukawhore in a statement issued yesterday affirmed that Diri’s victory did not come as a surprise but as a clear attestation of the faith, trust and confidence the people of Bayelsa State reposed on him.
According to him, “On behalf of myself and my family, I join the Grassroots Movement for Good Governance to congratulate Senator Diri on his re-election as the governor of Bayelsa State.
“Your victory at the polls did not come as a surprise, and it is a clear attestation of the faith, trust and confidence the people of Bayelsa State repose on you on account of your accomplishments in the last four years.
“Little wonder that you garnered wide acceptance and support across ethnic and political divides as the preferred anointed choice to continue to spearhead the prosperity agenda for the people of Bayelsa State, the Ijaw nation and Nigeria in general.”
[ThisDay]