The Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has lamented the leadership situation in Nigeria, submitting that the country is being led by “kakistocrats” – a government run by the worst, least qualified, or most unscrupulous citizens and “kleptocrats” – government by people who use their power to steal their country’s resources.
Ndume added that though President Bola Tinubu himself may have good intentions, those around him do not mean well.
The Borno federal lawmaker made the submission during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday.
He said: “The government is also populated by kleptocrats, but unfortunately that is not what the president is up to; he really meant renewed hope, but you can only do that when you have people around you that are on the same type of thinking.”
Ndume expressed concerns that the citizens are faced with the challenges of hunger, poverty and rising inflation, with the country facing a dangerous trend.
Speaking about the recent government policies, such as the cybercrime levy, which faced public opposition, the lawmaker said, “When the president realised that he had not heard about it, he quickly suspended it.”
He highlighted the significant challenge of hunger and food scarcity, mentioning that inflation has risen to 40%.
“In some places, even with your money, you won’t find the food items you want to buy, which is very dangerous.”
He noted that the growing challenges of food crises and food insecurity, which have made the United Nations (UN), and World Food Programme rank Nigeria as a hotspot, is a thing of concern.
“For people like me, I have to be scared because I’m 64 years old with 10 children, 20 grandchildren, and I don’t have a passport or visa to anywhere,” he said.
Ndume also criticised the limited access to the president, stating that even some ministers and ranking lawmakers have no access to Tinubu. He contrasted this with former President Obasanjo’s administration, where any senator could see the president within 24 hours.
“I’m the chief whip, and if the chief whip can’t have access to the president, the new senators won’t have access either,” he said.
He expressed concern that the president is “caged in” whereas, “The president needs people who will realise his dream and tell him when something is wrong.”
The Senate Chief Whip, who expressed support for the fuel subsidy removal of the Tinubu government, however expressed concerns about its implementation. He recounted sending messages to people in the presidential villa about public anger, only to receive responses blaming the opposition.
“When people in power start responding like that, then I’m worried for the president and myself; there’s a problem out there,” he concluded.
Eddie Murphy and Paige Butcher are officially married.
The Oscar nominee, 63, and the Australian model, 44, tied the knot after first getting engaged in September 2018. The two also share an 8-year-old daughter, Izzy Oona, and a 5-year-old son, Max Charles.
Murphy and Butcher got married on Tuesday, July 9 in Anguilla during a small private ceremony in front of family and close friends. Butcher wore a corseted gown adorned with lace designed by Mira Zwillinger, while the groom wore a white Brioni suit.
This marks the second marriage for Murphy and the first for Butcher.
The news of their nuptials comes less than a month after Murphy and Butcher stepped out together during the Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F premiere in Los Angeles on June 20. At the Netflix event, the two were joined on the red carpet by his daughters, Bria, 34, Shayne Audra, 29, and Bella Zahra, 22 — whom he shares with ex-wife Nicole, 56.
Murphy’s Beverly Hills Cop costar, Judge Reinhold, recently told PEOPLE, “He’s crazy about his kids and his family. He’s a family guy at heart. Truly is. He really is.”
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In 2012, Murphy and Butcher began dating. The pair welcomed their first child together, Izzy, on May 3, 2016. The couple then welcomed their second child, Max, on Nov. 30, 2018, two months after getting engaged.
While Butcher doesn’t often do interviews, she spoke about her then-fiancé on the red carpet at the 2020 Golden Globes.
When asked what he whispered to her on the red carpet, Murphy told Extra, “I told her how wonderful she looks.” Butcher then chimed in, saying, “He actually says that kind of stuff all the time. He’s very, very sweet and romantic.”
Three years later, Murphy thanked Butcher, along with his children for their “love and support,” when he was given the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the same award event.
Murphy, who is a father of 10, is also a parent to Eric, 34, Christian, 33, Myles Mitchell, 31, Zola Ivy, 24, and Angel Iris, 17.
The World Bank Group young professionals programme (YPP) has opened for application.
The group announced the opening in a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, the application will open on September 1, 2024, and remain open until 11:59 pm on September 30.
The World Bank said the programme is aimed at recruiting young professionals from around the world with various academic and professional backgrounds relevant to its operations and those of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
The WBG YPP is a two-year leadership development programme at the beginning of a five-year employment contract with either the World Bank, IFC or MIGA.
The selected professionals would start the program in Washington DC, where they would engage in intensive training — on the job and in the classroom — learning the fundamentals of leadership and development operations across institutions.
“YPs are full-time employees, making significant contributions to their respective unit’s work program, while building networks and knowledge across the Bank Group through the YPP,” the organisers said.
“They often join field missions, where they work on the frontlines of WBG operations, learning key aspects of our work and directly engaging with our clients.
“Through the WBG YPP curriculum, YPs develop the foundational knowledge to contribute to our business and the competencies to lead. Activities range from leadership and professional development workshops to networking, mentorship and conversations with WBG leadership.
“YPs engage in intensive training on the policies, products and operations of the World Bank, IFC and MIGA. This aspect of the WBG YPP curriculum ensures that YPs know how to operationalize joint WBG solutions to development challenges, and how to retain and apply this knowledge for years to come.”
Are you interested in the World Bank Group young professionals programme? Click here to apply
Actress and producer, Chief Ejiro Okurame has formally declared interest to vie for the seat of the chairman as the election for the chairmanship of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter draws nearer.
Okurame made her intentions known at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos in the presence of her supporters.
Speaking on what informed her decision to run, Okurame said: “It is the desire and the fact that for a long time AGN Lagos Chapter has been held backward and nothing positive has been seen in the eye of the public even in the diaspora. AGN started in Lagos and it is so funny that it has been forgotten, nothing to write home about. A lot of us have gone out of state, out of the country and we have forgotten to give back. I am here to contribute my own quota positively to the development and growth of the guild and also to empower the younger ones because at the end of the day, we look back and say we were once like these people,” she said.
Continuing, she said, “If you are coming out for them to vote you into power, there have to be a lot of sacrifices and this is one of such. Before I came on board, I consulted with my family, spoke to my pastors, spoke with some elders in the industry, I had a lot of consultations and I was given the go-ahead. And I have taken it upon myself to do this to the end. I want a situation when we mention AGN, Lagos Chapter, it would be a thing of pride. We are also going to look into how we are going to be united. There is so much hate in the industry. Let us bring back the good old days.”
Other candidates on her team include Prince Eletu (vice-chairman); Jude Orhora (Secretary); Mark Chukwu (PRO;, Cyndi Marcus (Financial secretary); Chidimma Dikeocha (Treasurer); Emmanuel Onyeka (DGS); Vivian Okoro (Assistant Secretary); and MC Richard (Chief Whip).
Four female students from Jacob’s Well High School International, a Port Harcourt based private school who developed an android application named AgriConnect, are to attend this year’s World Technovation Girls Challenge at the Silicon Valley, California, United States of America.
Their winning android application was developed to deal with hunger issues in the country.
They will be joined by other phenomenal young female developers from other parts of the world between October 15 and 19 this year.
The young students-Oghenemaro Tejiri,12, Salome Akhabhau,11, Excel Barile-Nwika,11 and Goodness Nwonanne-Chima,12- are students of Jacob’s Well High School, Port Harcourt had developed the android application to combat hunger in Nigeria.
The girls were under the tutelage of Code Ambassadors, the consultants engaged to groom students in the school to become shining stars in the evolving tech world.
The AgriConnect was among the 3,200 android applications developed by about 11,000 girls from 69 countries, including the USA, UK, Japan, China, Canada, and Spain.
The four girls who call themselves the Smart Elite, fell into the beginners division of the contest, whose age bracket falls between eight and 12 years; the other categories being the junior division (ages 13-17) and Senior Division (ages 18 and above).
After a series of assessments by several judges drawn from various disciplines, 15 android applications were selected as finalists (five android applications for each division), while three android applications were selected for special awards, which virtual ceremony took place on July 9.
For their outstanding app, the young Nigerian female developers who were given special recognition, are being invited to the all expenses paid technovation summit where the grand awardees would be selected.
Speaking on the development, coordinator and proprietor of the school, Egondu Jacob, told journalists that it was not surprising that her students were putting Rivers State, the Niger Delta and Nigeria on the list of nations of the world whose students are outstanding in app developments at a very young age.
She said “the news of the exceptional performance of our girls and the special award for combating hunger was received with lots of excitement by the board chairman, Engr. Unwana Jacob, and the entire school.
“This achievement is a dream fulfilled because having seen our biological children – Miss Ukemeabasi Unwana Jacob (with 8A1s and 1B2 result in the 2023 WASSCE) and Master Uwakmfon Unwana Jacob (a young maths Icon with over 40 national and international medals in mathematics)-receiving national and international accolades in their secondary school education, we had challenged ourselves that under God, children from other families should equally be trained to stand out and be recognized nationally and globally through the facilities and programmes of the Jacob’s Well Schools International.
“We are grateful to God for the enormous support received from our consultant, Mr. Somkenechukwu Mamah, the founder of Code Ambassadors (an organization dedicated to training kids & teens in technology, problems solving and entrepreneurship), amazing staff and also from parents in the school. We are optimistic that greater achievements are on the way and Nigeria and Africa would be made proud through the achievements of our students.
“It is interesting to note that AgriConnect was the only android application from Nigeria that made it to the final round as well as the only android application in Africa that got a special award out of the three mobile applications recognized for a special award, globally.”
She added that in today’s world that was being driven by technology, it was important for Nigerian leaders to invest in and encourage children to grow in their knowledge of technology, adding that it was for that reason that Jacob’s Well Schools decided to introduce coding and robotics and ICT to pupils from primary one.
“As at date, students and pupils in the school have created over 12 android applications to solve societal problems and some of these apps have received international recognitions.
“Five android applications created by the five teams of female students in the school were registered for the 2024 Technovation Global Competition, an annual event where girls from various countries in the world register in teams in order to showcase their tech-based solutions to community problems created by their teams in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.
Also speaking, the school’s tech consultant expressed the hope that the female quartet app developers would stand out “as the youngest startup co-founders who leverage technology to solve more problems, especially in the agricultural sector.
“In the next five years, they should have gained experience building business models around their solution, gaining more traction, attracting funding, and inspiring more young minds to start their tech journey early enough.
“I hope the country supports them by providing all the resources and access they need to get their solution into the hands of Nigerians.”
[EagleOnline]
Pavlo Denysiuk, the CEO of Lunu has stated that the number of crypto holders globally is set to cross the much-awaited one billion mark as early as 2026.
Pavlo who heads Lunu, a crypto payment firm stated that moving by current user growth in the industry, the number of global crypto holders is set to triple by 2026.
Pavlo stated this during a panel discussion on NFT Fest 2024.
“Within two years there will be at least two times or three times more crypto holders worldwide. This is where we get more adoption everywhere and in terms of payments as well.” Pavlo said
An earlier report by Triple-A on cryptocurrency ownership pegged the number of global crypto holders at 560 million. This means that about 6.8% of the world currently owns crypto. Pavlo believes this number is set to triple by 2026 if the user growth rate of the crypto industry remains the same.
Mr. Denysiuk went ahead to explain the correlation between the growing number of global crypto holders to the mainstream adoption of crypto payments.
He argued that the mainstream adoption of crypto payments will take root when adequate infrastructure is put in place.
“Crypto payment adoption] is not something that you need to convince someone of. Whenever the infrastructure is there, whenever you come to your Starbucks shop or somewhere else and there is a sticker saying, ‘we accept crypto’. Denysiuk added.
Denysiuk maintained that crypto payments are just like other kinds of payments and there isn’t much difference between accepting payments in crypto and using credit cards and bank-approved digital payments.
Mr. Denysiuk whose Lunu company is spearheading a stablecoin-powered payment ecosystem drew parallels in the proposed growth of global crypto adoption and the role of stablecoins in making that happen.
He explained that the stablecoin sector is a source of major onboarding of new users to the crypto industry and would be instrumental in seeing global crypto adoption cross the 1 billion mark.
“Stablecoins are very important for adoption. In our case, we rarely see people paying in Bitcoin, even though Bitcoin was invented as a digital currency.” Denysiuk said.
According to CoinMarketCap data, the stablecoin market is currently worth over $163 billion which represents 7.7% of the entire crypto market capitalization worth $2.11 trillion.
What to Know
- Pavlo Denysiuk is the CEO of Berlin-based Lunu which focuses on building a stablecoin-powered crypto payment ecosystem.
- Popular Payment Company PayPal is also in the stablecoin market with the launch of PayPal USD (PYUSD). PYUSD is PayPal’s stablecoin and can be bought on PayPal for 1 USD.
[Nairametrics]
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on his coronation today, July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan.
The President in a State House press release on Friday, signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, wished the new monarch a peaceful and successful reign.
He promised to support the new Olubadan as he works to promote and preserve the culture and traditions of the ancient city.
The President charged the new Olubadan to bring to bear his wealth of experience and character to ensure the development of Ibadan land.
The full statement reads:
“President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on his coronation today, July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of the ancient city of Ibadan.
“President Tinubu joins the family of the new Olubadan, Ibadan citizens, the Oyo State Council of Obas, and the Oyo State Government to celebrate Oba Olakulehin on his ascension to the revered throne of his forebears.
“The President affirms that Oba Olakulehin brings to the throne immense wisdom, experience, character, and strength, and urges the monarch to use the highly esteemed stool of Ibadan to advance the peace, security, and development of the area.
“President Tinubu assures the new Olubadan of his support and wishes him success as he works to promote and preserve the culture and traditions of the ancient city.
“The President also congratulates Ibadan indigenes on the peaceful succession process and prays that the peace, beauty, and renown of Ibadan will abide always.”
Recall Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin was earlier on Friday, officially declared the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Naija News reports that the coronation ceremony took place on Friday at the Labosinde compound, the family with the authority to crown any Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He subsequently received the staff of office and other official regalia from the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
[NaijaNews]
Popular Afrobeats singer Davido has launched his own social media platform called “Chatter.”
Taking to his official X handle on Friday, Davido revealed that he co-owns the new social media app with his close friend, Sir Banko.
“Chatter is a social audiovisual utility platform designed to connect content creators with a lively community and amplify their voices,” Davido explained.
LEADERSHIP reports that Davido had in May, 2024 introduced a cryptocurrency named $DAVIDO meme coin. Despite its initial popularity, the coin crashed shortly after its launch, drawing criticism and accusations of being a scam from cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
Chatter App aims to provide a platform for content creators to share their work and engage with their audience. Davido’s foray into the tech world continues to showcase his versatility and ambition beyond the world of music.
[Leadership]
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) as part of its efforts to tackle the prevailing hardship in the land.
While inaugurating the unit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Friday, Vice President Kashim Shettima said it was part of the present administration’s ongoing plan to tackle hunger.
The presidency has also engaged the states, development partners and other critical stakeholders in the efforts to address the soaring prices of commodities and general food insecurity in the country.
Addressing members comprising governors, cabinet ministers and representatives of development partners, Shettima said, “The nation is facing a rare food security crisis and the sooner we come to terms with the reality, the better.
“Food insecurity endangers the very basis of our democratic experiment and this is why all hands have to be on deck. We are in a food security crisis but it also provides us the opportunity to re-engineer and reposition the nation on a firmer footing”.
Outlining the mandate of the PFSCU, the Vice President said the unit was not created to usurp the functions of the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that the urgency and seriousness of the matter at hand requires the ideas and resources of all stakeholders.
Shettima also made reference to the Green Imperative Programme, a government-catalyzed, private sector-driven, agricultural industrialization programme, as one initiative which the PFSCU must work assiduously to activate and operationalize.
He stated that with improved farming practices, improved seeds, use of fertilizers, Nigeria’s agricultural productivity could be turned around for the better.
Speaking earlier, governors on the committee outlined plans to modernise farming practices, increase crop yields, and transform Nigeria into a self-sufficient food producer.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River said his state is looking to feed the country, adding that his government must modernize agriculture to feed the population.
“We are an agrarian state, and we have stepped up our game,” Governor Otu noted.
On his part, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, emphasised the need for a coordinated approach, citing low productivity and population growth as a major challenge to the nation’s food security drive.
He called for investment in commercial agriculture, improved funding, and enhanced security for farmers.
Also, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, highlighted the state’s potential to achieve food security.
“All that is needed is the political will to drive the process. Our lands are very fertile. In Jigawa, there are places where we are yielding ten tonnes per hectare of rice. There are so many places like that. As of today, our average in Jigawa State is about 12.56 per hectare. We are on the right course. What we need is sustained political will,” the governor explained.
On his part, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, proposed his state as a pilot for the President’s food security initiative.
He claimed that Niger has invested over N100 billion in agricultural mechanization, with 5,000 tractors and twenty pilot irrigation systems available.
[DailyTrust]
More...
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, and Governor of Kwara, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman has reacted to the Supreme Court judgement granting full autonomy to Local Government Areas, saying the development is a huge relief on governors.
But the NGF chairman also said the governors will meet next week to consider the judgement, and come out with a resolution.
AbdulRahman, who met with President Bola Tinubu in the Presidential Villa on Friday, said many people are oblivious of the burden the state governors carry, especially in terms of bailing LGs out.
“We welcome the ruling of the Supreme Court. Compliance is a given and our Attorney Generals have applied for the enrollment order, which we’ll study carefully.
“But by and large governors are happy with the devolution of power in respect to local government autonomy. It relieves the burden on governors. Our people really don’t know how much states expend in bailing out local governments, and that’s the issue there,” the NGF Chairman told State House Correspondents.
Reacting to how the judgement would affect his state, Kwara, the governor said the implication is that the various LGs would have to manage themselves, especially on the payment of salaries to workers and traditional rulers.
He said, “It’s not going to affect Kwara State. We’ve never tampered with local government funds. So it’s going to continue. What the local governments have to do is to manage themselves, especially with the oncoming minimum wage, to manage their affairs and make sure salaries are paid, traditional rulers get their 5% and those are the main issues.
“Like I said, we haven’t seen the enrollment of the court order and so we really don’t know what is in there.
“The Forum will meet next Wednesday, to look at the issue wholly and then come up with a resolution on that.”
[DailyPost]
President Bola Tinubu has named the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, after Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.
Tinubu announced this in a letter he wrote to celebrate the iconic figure in commemoration of his 90th birthday.
In the tribute personally signed by the President and made available to the media on Friday, he noted that the literary giant, the first African to win the Nobel Literature Prize in 1986, deserves all the accolades in this milestone “Having beaten prostate cancer, this milestone is a fitting testament to his ruggedness as a person and the significance of his work.”
Details shortly…
[TheNation]
Afrobeats star, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema performed his hit song “Calm Down” at the high-profile wedding of Anant Ambani, son of Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of pharma tycoons Viren and Shaila Merchant.
His record label, MAVIN on X.com shared the video on Friday.
According to Hindustan Times, Rema charged $3 million to perform his global hit song ‘Calm Down’ at the event.
The event, which took place on July 12 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, featured performances by global stars like Justin Bieber, who reportedly received $10 million for his performance, and Rihanna, whose fee was not disclosed.
The four-day wedding extravaganza in Mumbai City is the final stop in a string of lavish parties the family has hosted since March.
The wedding was attended by numerous celebrities and dignitaries, including Kim Kardashian, former UK Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Tony Blair, and former US Secretary of State John Kerry, among others.
Watch video Below:
https://x.com/i/status/1811805479959437330
[Punch]
In a major move to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta region, the Federal Government has approved a $21 million contract for the installation of meters in 187 flow stations.
The Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri who disclosed this to journalists in Abuja on Friday said the move is expected to improve oil production and boost revenue to the Federal Account.
Senator Lokpobiri also disclosed that another contract has also been approved to allow the government to monitor advanced cargoes to be able to track the movements of Nigeria’s crude oil.
He said the contracts which were approved by the Federal Executive Council have 180 days (six months) completion period.
“One of the key decisions of the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday has to do with the awarding of the contract for metering of our 187 flow stations across the Niger Delta region of Nigeria by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC.
“As part of the reforms to ensure that we have proper accountability, the Federal Executive Council approved the metering of all our production and we have 187 flow stations in the country, littered across the Niger Delta area so that we would be able to properly account for what we produce and what we export. It’s a major, major development that will happen in this country.
“This project is meant to be completed within six months, within 180 days. And it’s important that Nigerians know some of the key steps that this government is taking to ensure that we maximize the opportunities that other countries are getting by the availability of oil and gas”.
“As part of the steps towards ensuring that we account for what we produce and then Nigerians get the maximum value for what we produce, the second memo that was approved by the Council has to do with what we call advance cargo. Which means we’re awarding a contract to a company that will provide the technology within the 180 days, the same period, to enable us, you know, know from the point of loading of every cargo of crude oil that’s loaded in Nigeria up to the point of destination.
“So if, from Forcados terminal crude oil is loaded, I can stay in my office and know when it’s taken off from Nigeria up to the final destination. You will agree with me that most of the times we talk about the issue of oil thefts, major steps have to be taken. But this is the time for us to take very, very major steps so that we know from the beginning what we produce to the point of loading from our terminals up to the point of destination”.
He explained that the main objective from the contracts “is for us to ramp up production and improve the federation revenue.
Remember that oil is still the fastest way we can raise the funding we need to be able to address our economic and social problems”.
Senator Lokpobiri said the move would provide a database on the movement of Nigeria’s crude and a tracking centre for crude oil export.
He noted that reforms put in place by the administration have increased investors’ confidence in the Nigerian environment adding that in the coming months, the government expects major investment decisions that would “amount tens of billions of dollars”.
The Oil Minister also said the ongoing move by International Oil Companies, IOCs, to divest their onshore assets was going on smoothly, assuring that it was not unusual in any sector.