Former Nigerian female footballer, Iyabo Abade now living as a man - seeks N69m to become father
AFOLABI
Former Super Falcons player Iyabo Abade, now a man and renamed James Johnson, has begged the Nigeria Football Federation to assist him with the payment of N69.7m to facilitate a corrective surgery that will enable him bear children.
Johnson, a confirmed hermaphrodite, was a member of the Falcons from 1997 to 2000 and successfully underwent a sex change operation in the United States in 2004 courtesy of then Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
This came after a series of failed attempts to correct the abnormality that led to his being dropped from the women’s national team.
A hermaphrodite is a person or animal with both male and female organs. While it is common with animals, it is rare in human beings.
Johnson told our correspondent he wrote to the NFF for financial assistance last year to undergo the surgery but hasn’t heard from the football body.
The 40-year-old said he would be a fulfilled man if he could conclude the final stages of the surgery and bear children.
“Anytime I think that I can’t father a child’ yet, I feel broken, that’s why I wrote to the federation for financial assistance. The NFF president Ibrahim Gusau is a man with a listening ear and hopefully, through him, the federation can help me achieve my dream,” Johnson told our correspondent.
In the letter titled ‘Appeal for financial assistance to enable me finalise my surgery of transforming from an inter sex person (male and female organs – hermaphrodite) to full fledged man so that I can father a child’, and addressed to the NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau, Johnson said he needed the money to undergo the final two phases of surgery that would make him a full man.
The letter dated April 4, 2023, read, “My President, I am using this medium to passionately appeal to you for God and humanity sake, to use your good office to assist me financially to enable me travel to the United State of America where I did the 1 & 2 phase of surgery (Midway Hospital Medical Centre, Los Angeles) for the surgery and treatment of the 3rd and 4th phase of my transformation to a full fledge man so that I can father children.
“The total cost of the surgery and treatment is one hundred and sixty thousand dollar ($160,000) equivalent to sixty nine million seven hundred and fifty thousand naira (N69,750,000:00).”
The letter to Gusau added, “I was born hermaphrodite i.e both female and male organs and was brought up as a female. I love football and played very well, that led to my selection to play for the Super Falcons in 1997. During my days of playing, an issue ensued that led to a test, which confirmed that I am a hermaphrodite, 70% male and 30% female. This led to terminating my appointment as a female player.
“The NFA (Nigeria Football Association) instructed that I should go for sex corrective surgery. The then Minister of Federal Capital Territory Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in 2004 sponsored my trip to the United State of America to undergo the sex corrective surgery.
“I was told that I’m going to undergo four phases of surgery. The first and second phase was done and I was invited to join the Flying Eagles in camp in 2005. I was coached by Samson Siasia, but I was dropped due to overage.
“I was able to sign up with NEPA Football Club of Abuja, from there I signed for Plateau United of Jos. I later went on to sign up with Crown Football Club of Ogbomoso in Oyo State, where I was discriminated against and humiliated.”
Real Madrid claimed a record-extending 15th European Cup after goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior earned a hard-fought 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium.
Der BVB landed the first jab in this heavyweight clash, as Julian Brandt fired wide from Niclas Füllkrug’s intelligent pass.
Karim Adeyemi was then left to rue a golden missed opportunity after arching his run beautifully to meet a Mats Hummels pass, but could not find a way past Thibaut Courtois.
Füllkrug then slid into the box and agonisingly saw his effort hit the post, in another huge warning for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Courtois was called into action again to deny the lively Adeyemi, before comfortably dealing with Füllkrug’s follow-up header.
The Belgian was by far the busier of the two shot-stoppers, and pushed away Marcel Sabitzer’s strike, leaving Edin Terzić’s men wondering how they had not managed to draw first blood before halftime.
Toni Kroos was making the final appearance of his illustrious club career, and almost answered his team’s call for a moment of magic when the German’s free-kick was pushed behind by Gregor Kobel in the Swiss goalkeeper’s first save of the match, just past the restart.
However, there was a growing sense of inevitability that despite Dortmund’s overall superiority, it was only a matter of time before Real struck first.
Kroos was the provider with a sublime corner into the path of Carvajal, who executed a superb glancing header past Kobel in the 74th minute, and a club synonymous with this competition had struck first.
Vinícius scored the killer second goal with a scuffed angled finish from Bellingham’s pass, and Dortmund’s brave fight had come to nothing.
This was another far-from-vintage Los Blancos performance, but incredibly, it was enough to get the job done and secure what was surprisingly only a fourth LaLiga and European Cup double. It was also a fitting way for Kroos to end his club career before making his final playing sojourn at UEFA Euro 2024, winning a joint-record sixth European Cup/UCL title, matching club legend Paco Gento’s record.
The Federal Government has reacted to the proposed strike by organised labour, set to take off on Monday, saying it would compound the economic woes of citizens.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejoecha, who reacted on behalf of the government, cautioned that any new minimum wage must not lead to widespread job losses, particularly in the Organised Private Sector, which employs the bulk of the nation’s workforce.
She warned that the strike is not in the best interests of the country and its people, especially when negotiations are ongoing.
Recall that owing to failure of parties in the tripartite committee to reach a compromise on a new national minimum wage, the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, decided to embark on strike on June 3.
“Going on strike in the middle of ongoing negotiations would not only compound the economic woes but also exacerbate the suffering of millions of Nigerians who are already struggling to eke out a living from their daily endeavors,” Onyejeocha said through her media aide, Emameh Gabriel.
She noted that the “government has consistently demonstrated commitment and goodwill throughout the negotiations with organised labour”.
According to the Labour Minister, the government’s proposals were carefully crafted, taking into account the country’s economic realities and incorporating innovative solutions.
She listed these proposals to include a comprehensive package featuring a wage increase to N60,000 for federal workers, the introduction of CNG-fueled buses, and enhanced financial access for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Additionally, according to her, the government has pledged investments in strategic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare and many others that are already in the pipeline.
“This sector is crucial to the country’s economic growth and stability. The government’s stance is rooted in a deep understanding of the negotiations, demonstrating its dedication to finding a balance between the needs of workers and the economic realities of the country. The goal is to establish a minimum wage that is not only realistic but also sustainable, avoiding any potentially detrimental consequences for the economy.
“By adopting this approach, the government aims to safeguard the interests of both workers and employers, ensuring that any agreement reached is mutually beneficial and does not jeopardise the country’s economic progress. This balanced stance is crucial for maintaining harmony in the workforce and driving national growth”, she explained.
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has directed its members to comply with the indefinite nationwide strike ordered by Organised Labour.
The strike is slated to commence on Monday.
NUPENG General Secretary, Mr Afolabi Olawale, in a statement on Saturday, said the union was committed to ensuring total compliance with the directive.
DAILY POST recalls that the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, declared an indefinite nationwide strike to begin on Monday.
The strike is to express Nigerian workers’ anger at the refusal of the Federal Government to adopt the proposed new minimum wage.
Afolabi said the union was concerned and disturbed with the insensitive attitude of the Federal Government “to the very critical issue of negotiating a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers”.
“This is in view of the various socio- economic policies of this administration that have impoverished the working people of this country.
“Leaders of our great union at all levels, from the units, zones and branches, should immediately put all processes in place to ensure total compliance with this directive,” he added.
Fulham and Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi has said he has no regret in choosing Nigeria over England.
Speaking in an interview with Kiss Fresh, London, Iwobi stated he respects England but feels more at home in Nigeria.
He added that football in Nigeria is like a festival, stressing that the entertaining atmosphere in Nigerian stadia gives him a sense of belonging.
“I actually felt more at home in Nigeria. Football out there is like a festival, it’s like a party. You go into the game, you see people blowing trumpets, and drums, it doesn’t even feel like a proper match. I was like, ‘Yeah, this is where I belong.’
“Of course, I have respect for England but I have no regret in choosing Nigeria.”
Iwobi represented England up to under-18 level. He made his senior international debut for Nigeria in October 2015.
Nigerians woke up to the sad news of the passing of popular Islamic scholar and motivational speaker, Abdullateef Aliyu Maiyaki, on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
The 20-year-old, known as Mufti Yaks, reportedly died after a brief illness at the National Hospital in Abuja.
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami who confirmed the unfortunate news on his Facebook page expressed his sadness over the demise of the cleric, who he described as his son.
He said: “Inna lil Laahi wa inna ilaiHi Raajiun! Just heard that our beloved son, Abdullateef Aliyu Maitaki, popularly known as MUFTI YAKS passed away. What a great loss! Janaza by 10 am at Justice Maiyaki’s residence Dutsen Kura Gwari, Minnah. May the Almighty Allah admit him into Jannatul Firdaus.”
Prominent Islamic scholar Mufti Menk also offered his condolences.
“I’m saddened by the news of the death of the young Abdul Latif Miyaki Mufti Yaks this morning. He was a very talented young lad trying to spread goodness. May Allah Almighty forgive him, accept his good deeds, and grant him the highest ranks of Paradise. Aameen,” he said.
The cause of Maiyaki’s illness has not yet been disclosed.
I have been in hibernation for two weeks, high up in the hills of Wasimi in Ogun State buried in work. As a result, I failed to catch up with some major sports news. I missed Raphael Nadal’s loss in the first round at Roland Garros. I missed Manchester United’s surprise defeat of my favourite team in the English Premier League, Manchester City FC in the FA Cup final. I also missed Nigeria’s matches at the CAF Under-17 AFCON where I am told that, for the second time in a row, the national team failed to win and to qualify for the FIFA World Under-17 Championship.
I asked what the reactions to not qualifying out of Africa to the FIFA championship where Nigeria holds the best records in the world with 5 World Cup victories. I had to ask because, contrary to my expectations should Nigeria fail a second time in a row, the world did not end!
Instead, (as I was told) the country’s football officials are actually toying with the idea of promoting the ‘failed’ coach of the team to a higher age-grade level!
Nigerian football did not shake to its roots? Nobody was fired? Nothing happened? The country and its football have just moved on, unperturbed and undisturbed, when my own blood pressure had shot up in worry and uncommon concern? What is happening? Where has Nigeria’s passion for grassroots football gone to? What is happening at the grassroots level of Nigerian football? Why would the country’s national teams suddenly become cannon fodder for other African teams? Why would the production room of great Nigerian players and squads in the past suddenly become impotent and unproductive?
Yet, even from my humble observatory in the hills of Wasimi, I see global interest for young, strong, athletic Nigerian football players by foreign clubs, exploding.
It must never be true that the head coach of the U-17 is being touted for promotion to a higher age-grade level after failing to take the team beyond Africa. There are too many questions begging for answers.
Let me step back a little and examine the foundations of the grassroots again.
There is a global football competition for Under-17s. Nigeria has won it 5 times.
That means that participants from Nigeria must have come from the millions of boys in secondary schools, with most under the age of 17.
In Nigeria, in particular, for that age group, at around 16 years of age, the secondary school offers the best option for the discovery, development, assembly and authentication of the young, gifted football players that will represent the country. Beyond that, the schools also offer the best opportunity to reduce the incidences of cheating that have smeared the country’s reputation, and slightly affected the integrity of their past U-17 victories.
Using the schools offers the best opportunity to reduce the tendency to cheat. The schools have the numbers, trained and qualified teachers in Physical and Health Education, and some level of basic facilities within them to kick-start ‘something’ in the process of player-development.
There was a time (not too long ago) that a national football competition between secondary schools around the country existed.
It was founded and funded by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd, SPDC. For 19 years, the competition, even with its foibles, provided a platform that fed the selection process of players for the Under-17 teams in the various States and at the national level. In a particular year, 11 players were invited from the Shell Cup competition for the national Under-17 team.
The space left by Shell Cup has not been filled since then, even though there are a few emerging football competitions with their sponsors for schools in some States. Unfortunately, these do not enjoy national coordination and so, lose their power to fully harvest the best crop of emerging young talented footballers in the country. Many of the best players may not be caught in the net that the most authentic under-17 players should go through.
Football academies mushrooming all over the country now provide the feed for the national team. Their numbers are limited despite their rapid expansion, and most will not pass the age integrity test with most of their players being out of the school system. Under this arrangement, the vast number of the most gifted and authentic talents remain undiscovered.
The issue of school sports, generally, needs to be looked at microscopically and practically again by both the Federal Ministries of Education and of Youth and Sports. Their partnership is key and critical. A good working relationship between them will make the school the epicentre for the discovery, nurture and development of grassroots athletes for the country’s Under-17 national teams. Essentially, the matter must go beyond irrelevant and endless ‘talk talk’ without action. Some affirmative action is needed. The effort to make sports development at secondary schools level authentic should never fall victim to short-cuts, desperation or frustration.
School sports should be revived, made authentic and promoted as the bedrock of all grassroots sports development.
Even SPDC should be reminded of its contributions in the past, and can still be encouraged to revive that invaluable All-Nigerian Secondary Schools Football Championship for the NNPC/Shell Cup that involved some 60,000 new student footballers every year.
Specialisation of coaches!
Meanwhile, back to the issue of Nigerian coaches at age-grade levels.
Nigeria should have coaches specializing to handle specific levels of football development. The practice of ‘promoting’ coaches from one age-group level to the next can be counter productive.
The requirement for training of players at different age groups varies.
There are coaches that have the ‘eye’ to spot exceptionally talented players from an ‘army’ of children. These are the best scouts for fresh talent. They recommend players to schools, clubs, and even the national teams.
There are coaches that know how to take raw talents, hone and transform them into technically skillfull players with confidence to play freely and the ability to tame the ball and make it do his bidding. They know how to teach players basic skills, to head, to pass, to shoot, to control the ball with different parts of the foot, to dribble, to tackle and so on. These are the essential requirements for mostly Under-17 players.
Above that, some coaches are good at training players to understand team tactics, strategies, formations, discipline and organization whilst developing their physique, strength, flexibility and speed.
At the very highest level, special training skills and knowledge from experience, are needed to blend all the above with player management, psychology and comfortability against the highest levels of opposition.
It follows that coaches should remain within their areas of specialization and experience in order to flourish best, and add the highest value to developing players. Promotion up the rung of age groups may be a ‘wrong’ prescription for coaches.
So, Nigeria’s absence from the net FIFA Under-17 Championship is a great shock. It should be of great concern to football administrators and the people. It is surprising that the failure came and went, and nothing has happened. It is almost like it did not happen at all. Whereas, it is a catastrophe considering where the country’s football was in the world some time ago, and could be now.
The wife of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle has written the Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, HIM Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, for his hospitality and warm reception during their 3-day working visit to Nigeria last month.
The correspondence further acknowledged the Yoruba name "Adetokunbo" given to her by His Majesty during their sojourn in Nigeria.
It could be recalled that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, visited Nigeria last month. And Oluwo was invited as the only Yoruba Oba to give him a royal reception at Delborough Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos. Therein, Oba Akanbi bestwoed on him a Yoruba name, presented gifts of Ofi and Royal beads
Her personal correspondence sent to Oluwo reads " Thank you for your warm welcome to Nigeria. I'm deeply humbled by your blessing of the traditional Yoruba name, Adetokunbo. I treasure the name and appreciate your trust in me to carry it with grace and dignity"
"Our visit to Nigeria was important for many reasons, but not least because it gave us an opportunity to explore and understand my heritage, which extends to our children. We look forward to coming back home one day soon"
The recent news of South Korean billionaire Chey Tae-won’s divorce settlement, totaling $1 billion, has caused a stir online.
PUNCH Online reports that Chey, chairman of the SK Group conglomerate, has been ordered to pay his ex-wife a divorce settlement of 1.38 trillion won (approximately $1bn), marking the largest divorce settlement in South Korean history.
Nigerians reacted in shock, with many commenting that marriage now appears to be a business arrangement rather than a romantic commitment.
However this is far from the largest divorce settlement in history.
In this report, PUNCH highlights some of the most expensive divorce cases.
- Jeff Bezos and Mackenzie Scott
In 2019, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the world’s wealthiest individual with a net worth of $197 billion, ended his 26-year marriage to MacKenzie Scott, finalising their divorce with a settlement of $38 billion.
- Bill Gates and Melinda Gates
The divorce settlement between Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates remained private, with no public disclosure of financial details. While the couple’s combined net worth was estimated at $130 billion, it is reported that Melinda French Gates received over $6 billion in stock shares, but the exact asset division remains undisclosed.
- Alec and Jocelyn Wildenstein
In 1999, French-American businessman and art dealer Alec Wildenstein ended his 21-year marriage to Jocelyn Wildenstein, resulting in a divorce settlement worth $3.8 billion, with Jocelyn receiving an initial $2.5 billion and an additional $100 million annually for 13 years.
- Rupert Murdoch and Anna Torv Mann
Rupert Murdoch and Anna Torv Mann, married for over three decades and parents of three, separated in 1999. Their divorce settlement was valued between $1.2 and $1.7 billion, equivalent to approximately $40-56 million per year of marriage.
- Bernie Ecclestone and Slavica Radic
Bernie Ecclestone, former chief executive of Formula One group, ended his 25-year marriage to model Slavica Radic in 2009, with a reported divorce settlement of $1.2 billion.
- Steve and Elaine Wynn
Steve and Elaine Wynn, Las Vegas casino moguls, had two marriages spanning 1963-1986 and 1991-2010. Their second divorce in 2010 resulted in a settlement worth $1 billion to Elaine, including $741 million in Wynn Resorts stock, the company they co-founded.
- Harold Hamm and Sue Ann Arnall
In 2014, oil tycoon Harold Hamm finalised his divorce from Sue Ann Arnall, paying her $974.8 million in a single settlement payment.
- Adnan and Soraya Khashoggi
According to Forbes, the late Saudi billionaire Adnan Khashoggi paid his ex-wife Soraya Khashoggi a divorce settlement of $874 million in 1982, equivalent to $42 million per year of their 21-year marriage, in an out-of-court agreement.
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum & Princess Haya bint al-Hussein
In December 2021, the Dubai ruler was court-ordered to pay a $728 million to his ex-wife, Princess Haya, ending a prolonged divorce battle marked by allegations of infidelity and threats. The settlement will cover Princess Haya’s lifelong security expenses and ongoing costs for their two children, Al Jalila and Sheikh Zayed, according to CNN.
- Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren finalised their divorce in August 2010, after five years of marriage, with Elin receiving a reported $100 million settlement, equivalent to $20 million per year of marriage.
- Stephen Spielberg and Amy Irving
Film director Steven Spielberg’s 1989 divorce from Amy Irving, his wife of four years, resulted in a settlement worth $100 million, equivalent to half his wealth at the time, or $25 million per year of marriage.
- Paul McCartney and Heather Mills
Paul McCartney’s ex-wife, Heather Mills, received a divorce settlement of $50 million, translating to $12.5 million per year for their four-year marriage.
- Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison
The Indiana Jones actor Harrison Ford’s 1994 divorce from Melissa Mathison, his wife of 18 years and mother of two of his children, resulted in a settlement of $90 million, equivalent to $5 million per year of marriage.
- Michael Douglas and Diandra Douglas
Two-time Academy Award winner Michael Douglas’s 23-year marriage to Diandra Douglas ended in a divorce settlement of $45 million, which translates to approximately $2 million per year of their marriage.
- Madonna and Guy Ritchie
Madonna’s divorce from film director Guy Ritchie in 2008 reportedly resulted in a settlement of $76 – $92 million, paid to the British film director and her ex-husband of eight years. The specifics of their agreement remain private, so the exact reasons for the payment amount aren’t publicly disclosed.
![[PHOTOS] Suspended Police Chief, Abba Kyari Reunites With Family After Release From Prison](/media/k2/items/cache/62217eaecd5cc998ded79d66f9d9787a_S.jpg)
Suspended police chief, Abba Kyari, received a warm welcome from his family members after being released from detention.
Photos that emerged online captured Kyari in the company of his family members, with a design on the wall that reads, “Welcome back.”
See the photos below:
More...
Top Nigerian celebrities have condoled with award-winning Nollywood actor, Wale Ojo over the demise of his mother.
This comes after Mr Ojo, via his verified Instagram page on Saturday announced the demise of his mother with a photo of himself and mother, saying his world had crashed.
Expressing his grief, the British Nigerian star said he would miss his mother terribly.
“My world has crashed all around me. Mama is gone. Goodnight Mum. I will miss you terribly, terribly,” he wrote.
Reacting, celebrities stormed the comment section of the post to console with award winning actor.
Actor Chidi Mokeme wrote: “My condolences brother. So sorry to hear this. May mama’s soul rest in perfect peace.”
Actor, a_yinna wrote: ”My condolences to you and the family.”
Ace Nollywood actor, Kingsley Ogbonna, aka Dauda, who took comedy to another level, has revealed why he dumped law to transition into skit- making.
Following his unexpected exit from the entertainment industry, Dauda delved into politics, serving as a Special Adviser to former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, before embarking on academic journey to study law.
Now, he has rekindled his love for acting, this time dedicating himself to content creation, particularly skit-making.
Speaking with The NATION in an interview, Dauda shared insights into his decision to relinquish the legal profession, along with addressing other relevant topics.
Responding to questions about his absence from the spotlight since leaving government, Dauda clarified whether he had forsaken acting for a career in law.
He said, “The truth of the matter is that law is a good profession. It was to add to my profile but you also know that my first love is the entertainment industry with a bias for Nollywood and comedy if you like.
“With what is happening in the industry now, Law is good but it is usually very hard for you to start practicing when you are 50 and above as a new wig. The least is 10 years before finding your bearing.
“The best thing is to go back to what you know how to do best, what the world knows you for, which is entertainment, and going by the trend of events as the industry has left the normal Nollywood television.
“Though those come sparingly, the real thing now is the skit, the online entertainment. I am talking about content creation and people will like it. My first course was marketing. There is this definition of marketing, it is a management process responsible for identifying, satisfying, and anticipating consumer wants efficiently and profitably.
“That profit is very important. Whatever thing you are doing and it is not profiting, leave it. I’m not saying that Law won’t profit, but I am looking at the age bracket and what the Nigerian legal system is all about right now.
“I am not seeing Law as something I will rely on, I will keep the wig and gown aside. It wasn’t easy after 7, 8 years, going to Law School, and coming out, but I liked it. It has exposed me to many things. It has opened my eyes. I see myself as educated, learned.
“I can handle any organisation anywhere. I can fit into any organization. I know how to make money right now. I know what company, establishment means through Corporate Law I learnt in school. I can fit in anywhere.
“But that is not the thing. The thing is that whatever thing you do at this age, it must be profitable because you have kids growing. They are all in school and you want to achieve a lot before you get to a particular point in life where you will not be able to do anything again.”
Dauda emphasized that at 50 years old, having just completed law school last year, he felt the weight of responsibilities at home, including caring for his parents and younger siblings.
He expressed the belief that law was more suited for individuals with established profiles, and at his age, he preferred to focus on entertainment, particularly content creation, which he had already begun.
When asked about his return to entertainment and whether it was due to the favorable social media landscape for content creation rather than passion, Dauda remarked, “I am very blunt when I say this. What people like to paint, I don’t paint it.
“The Igbo man says, ‘I am not dancing now to be seen but to get something from it.’ If it is being popular or being a celebrity, we have tasted that, we have tasted stardom. We are talking about the end result, we need to make money.
“Yes, it is a passion but the passion that is not yielding anything is useless. Do I need to die because it is a passion? And I can tell you that, that is what ridiculed a good number of people in this industry.
“Those who said they are directors, scriptwriters, especially the directors, have the passion to do this job without looking at the business side of it. This is showbiz. I don show finish, na business I want do now.
“A lot of people are falling by the roadside. Some are suffering, some do not even have accommodation right now. I don’t want to mention names.
“Those who started in the 90s, into 2000 actors, and directors who so much love this business and would want to get it right at all times have still not found their feet because of the influx of the Idumota unto Alaba people who saw it as business and not what you are doing that you love. They are talking about doing it and making money and they are making money. That is the business in it.”
Dauda emphasized his lifelong passion for entertainment, which began in kindergarten, where he danced for his school and impressed the school proprietor, leading to his education being sponsored.
He also recalled his involvement in various entertainment activities, including dancing on NTA Channel 6 and serving as a junior choirmaster at a local church.
“The world knows me, but the problem we are talking about now is not only about knowing you but what you got out of it for tomorrow and legacy’s sake. I have a legacy in the entertainment business. I had love for it and I got into it.
“Thanks to the internet. When we started, the kind of money in entertainment now wasn’t there then. And I know I am funny. I now thought to myself, why not go into the internet world for the younger generations who perhaps don’t know me?” He added.
Dauda expressed his desire to return to the entertainment industry to establish a lasting legacy for the upcoming generation, acknowledging that there will come a time when he may no longer want to appear on television or engage in extensive comedy.
Drawing parallels with veteran comedian Ali Baba, he noted that legends evolve their craft over time, eventually stepping back to make way for younger talent.
Dauda anticipated a future where he too would retire from entertainment, possibly within the next decade.
NECO Registrar Blames Economic Hardship For Low Enrollment As Registration For 2024 Unity College Exam Drops
AFOLABI
…Bayelsa, Borno, Gombe Record Low Enrollment As 70,603 Candidates Compete For Admission Slots
…Sponsor Exams Of Students In Your Constituencies, Senate Committee Chairman Urges Lawmakers
A total of 70,603 candidates on Saturday, sat for the 2024 National Common Entrance Examination, NCEE, conducted by the National Examinations Council, into the 110 Unity Colleges nationwide.
Registrar of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, disclosed this while monitoring the exercise on Saturday, at Model Secondary School, Maitama and Government Day Secondary School, Wuse 2 Abuja.
He added that the examination was conducted in 599 centres across the country.
While giving a breakdown of candidates’ participation by gender, Wushishi said 33,335 males registered for the 2024 NCEE, while 37,268 females registered for the exercise totalling 70,603.
He lamented that the 2024 registration was lower than that of 2023 which had 34,064 males and 38,801 females, totalling 72,865.
Data released by the council showed that Lagos came top with the highest number of candidates, totalling 17,751, while FCT came second with 10,209 candidates and Anambra in third place with 4,972 candidates.
Bayelsa, Borno and Gombe had the least number of candidates participating in the exercise, after registering only 133, 138 and 174 candidates respectively.
The NECO boss attributed the low registration in 2024 to economic factors as the exam body had slightly raised the registration fee and parents, who are grappling the effect of the economy, were responsible for sponsoring candidates at this level.
“For the males and females, last year’s registration was higher than this year’s registration this could be attributed to so may factors; economic factor is the most prevalent factor that maybe could hinder this large registration,” he said.
Wushishi also refuted claims of NECO registering underage children for the National Common Entrance Examination, clarifying that students participating in the examination were either 10 years old or left with a month or two to be 10.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, who gave a general assessment of the conduct of the exercise, expressed satisfaction with what NECO has put in place to ensure a smooth and seamless exercise.
Walson-Jack disclosed that there were 55 centres writing the NCE in the FCT, stating that everything went on smoothly and students were placed in conducive examination halls to sit for the exercise.
Also speaking, the Chairman Senate Committee on Education, Basic and Secondary, Sen. Lawal Adamu, said he rolled out NECO and JAMB sponsorship in the state and contributed over N250 million for parents to be able to pay for NECO and JAMB examinations.
Adamu, who also called on National Assembly members to provide an educational foundation for every child in their constituencies, lauded NECO for the smooth conduct of the exercise.
The Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, has said that 107,646 produced passports remained uncollected nationwide.
The Service Public Relations Service (SPRO), Mr Kenneth Udo, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
The CG appealed to applicants whose passports have been produced to go for pick-up at the various Passports Issuing Centres across the country.
Nandap lamented that efforts being made at reaching out to the owners had proved abortive.
“Applicants are therefore strongly advised to always provide verifiable addresses and phone numbers when filling their online passport application forms for easy contact, “she said.
This, she said would enable officials attend to applicants coming for the collection of their produced passports only.
“Therefore, those concerned are hereby informed to take advantage of this opportunity.
“For further enquiries, complaints or feedbacks, the Service can be reached through the following channels:
“Twitter: @nigimmigration, Instagram: @nigimmigration, Official Website: http://www.immigration.gov.ng, Contact centre: 09121900655;09121556359;09121477092, “she said.