Renowned and highly-respected Nigerian actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, celebrated another year of life on February 7th, 2024, and she did so in the epitome of elegance and sophistication.
The thespian curated a private 46th birthday affair, gathering a select few close colleagues, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate in intimate splendor.
Comedian Warri Pikin, among the illustrious guests invited to the birthday bash, couldn’t contain her excitement as he spilled all the juicy details and vibrant scenes from the epic party in a thrilling video narration, via her social media pages.
The clip vividly captured moment Warri Pikin, actress Osas Ighodaro, and others arrive at Omotola Jalade’s residence. They dished out lively greetings outside before diving into the heart of the party to revel in the festivities.
Prior to Omotola Jalade’s appearance to extend her welcome, Bolanle Ninalowo was already seated beside Warri Pikin, Osas, and others. Warri Pikin shared how Ninalowo’s acknowledgment of her as an inspirational figure stirred intense emotions within her.
The birthday celebrant arrived in grand style, setting the stage for a lively celebration. Omotola graciously greeted everyone, singling out Ruth Kadiri for special praise as she joined the festivities. With her pastor’s blessings ushering in her new chapter, they all joined in exuberant praise and worship.
Group selfies were snapped as Jalade ceremoniously sliced into her birthday cake. The celebrant and guests gleefully danced the night away, caught up in the infectious joy of the birthday bash.
The video wrapped up with Warri Pikin orchestrating a heartwarming moment by connecting her gospel singer pal, Moses Bliss, with Omotola, a beloved figure whom the actress deeply admires, to personally convey his birthday wishes
SEE VIDEO BELOW
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The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended three individuals in connection with suspected currency racketeering.
The EFCC established a Special Task Force across its Zonal Commands to combat the challenges posed by the dollarisation of the economy.
In a Wednesday statement, the anti-graft agency revealed it had summoned proprietors of private universities and other higher learning institutions in Nigeria that charge fees in dollars.
The Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, clarified that the task force aims to enforce existing laws against currency mutilation and the dollarisation of the economy, as stated by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede during the inauguration of the task force in Abuja.
According to the statement, the EFCC has already arrested some persons allegedly engaging in issuing invoices in dollars and mutilating the Naira in Lagos and Port Harcourt, although no number was mentioned.
Oyewale, in a statement on Wednesday, said some persons were arrested in connection with suspected currency racketeering.
He said the suspects – Musa Gideon, Abdul Seidu Adamu and Justine Musa – were arrested along Yakubu Gowon Way, Kaduna on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, “while trying to sell new naira notes to an EFCC’s undercover operative”.
He said, “The operative, a member of the Special Task Force set up for the enforcement of extant laws against currency mutilation and dollarization of the economy by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, functioned in a sting operation carried out by the Team.
“The operation yielded the arrest of the three suspects selling new and old naira notes to the tune of N1,307,400 (One Million Three Hundred and Seven Thousand, Four Hundred Naira) and many Automated Teller Machine, ATM cards.
“The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”
The Deputy Bursar of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malate, Ayuba Abdullahi, has been confirmed dead.
According to reports, the university official died on Wednesday night after watching the semi-final clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the ongoing AFCON tournament.
Abdullahi was said to have watched the match at a viewing center in the Sango area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital but then complained of feeling dizzy just as the game headed for penalty kicks after the 1-1 regulation time draw and extra time.
Ayuba Abdullahi
One of the sources quoted by Punch on the development said, “The Deputy Bursar watched the Nigeria/South Africa match from the beginning till the end of the extra time, till it was time for a penalty kick.
“He complained that he was feeling dizzy, so he said he needed to go back home and rest not knowing that his BP had gone up.
“On getting home, he collapsed and was rushed to a private hospital in Sango and he was referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and before he could be attended to, he died.
“He was buried on Thursday morning according to Islamic rites.”
The KWASU Director of Information, Dr Saedat Aliyu, confirmed Abdullahi’s death but added that the institution was yet to confirm the cause of his death.
“Yes, he died last night. He was hale and hearty and was full of life on Wednesday at his office. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljanah Firdaus” she said
Also, a statement by the university said, “This is to announce the death of Mr. Ayuba Olaitan Abdullahi of the Bursary Department.
“Janazah will be held this morning, and his remains will be interred at the Hausa Muslim cemetery, Apata Yakuba, Oyun area, Ilorin, at 9 am.”
Kelechi Iheanacho Reveals How He Felt Before Taking Match-winning Penalty Against South Africa
AdminSuper Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho has described the moment he had to score the match-winning penalty against South Africa on Wednesday, February 7, as a “make or break” moment.
Kelechi Iheanacho, who was one of the last players to link up with the Super Eagles in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, ahead of the 2023 AFCON, hasn’t started a game in the tournament so far.
The Leicester City forward had not played any minute in the tournament before the South Africa vs Nigeria clash on Wednesday.
During Wednesday’s game, coach Jose Peseiro who is reportedly at loggerhead with the player before the tournament, introduced him into the game in extra time.
He couldn’t help the Super Eagles win the game within the extra period as the match ended in a 1-1 draw and was decided by a penalty shootout.
Fortunately for Kelechi Iheanacho, he was the last among the five players selected to take Super Eagles’ spot-kicks and successfully converted it to seal a 4-2 shootout win.
After the win, Iheanacho told reporters that he felt like the entire country was on his shoulder at the point of taking his spot-kick.
“I felt at that moment, I was carrying the hope of the nation on my shoulder. The penalty was either make or break but I thank God who made it possible for us to go through to the final,” Iheanacho said.
It will be interesting to see whether coach Jose Peseiro will give Kelechi Iheanacho any minute in the 2023 AFCON final against Ivory Coast at 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 11.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday expressed hope that the Super Eagles of Nigeria will lift the 2023 All African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Ivory Coast.
Tinubu expressed hope that it’s Nigeria’s turn to lift the trophy, saying, “Awa Lokan.”
The president spoke at an event in Abuja while congratulating Nigerians over the Super Eagles victory against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
According to Tinubu: “Congratulations once again on the attainment of victory just last night. It was a moment of joy for every one of us united as a nation and very hopeful that it’s our turn for the trophy, Awa Lokan.”
On Wednesday evening, the Super Eagles of Nigeria had defeated their South African counterpart 4-2 to qualify for the AFCON finals.
The match had ended 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes after which the game went into a penalty shoot-out.
With this victory, the Super Eagles will be facing their Ivorian counterpart in the AFCON finals on Sunday.
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Reports have emerged that some South Africans have threatened Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, not to return to his club following his heroics against the country as the Nigerian team progressed to the AFCON 2023 final at the expense of the Bafana Bafana team.
It is said that some South Africans are not pleased that the goalkeeper prevented their team from making it to the finals.
Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United in the South African Premier League, has been solid between the goalposts for Nigeria in the 2023 AFCON tournament ongoing in Ivory Coast.
Nwabali gave a superb performance against the Bafana Bafana in the semi-final clash on Wednesday, February 7.
During the clash, Nwabali showed the best of himself as he stopped multiple attempts by South African players. He followed that up in the penalty shootout as he saved two spot-kicks.
Nwabali’s saves were enough for the Super Eagles to knockout South Africa 4-2 on penalties which qualified Nigeria to take on Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON final on February 11.
Speaking on Nwabali’s heroics so far in the tournament, former Nigerian keeper, Idah Peterside, said some fans have already told the Super Eagles shot-stopper not to return to Chippa United after the tournament.
He said, however, that there have only been threats, and no violence has been recorded.
See the video.
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The vice-president of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Shehu Dikko, has hailed head coach of the national team, Jose Peseiro, for his bold decision-making against South Africa.
The Super Eagles needed a penalty shoot-out to see off Bafana Bafana in the semi-final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday night.
Dikko, writing on his verified X page, said Peseiro trusted other players in his squad as the game went into its crucial phases.
He wrote: “Congratulations @JosePeseiro… Fantastic job and huge respect ✊….
“Only a fearless, deliberate, competent and confident coach will be bold to replaced his entire top three strikers and two central midfielders in Osimhen, Simon, Lookman, Iwobi, and Onyeka in a Semi-final do or die match ….. and even had the trust to send on his alternate central defender as the 6th substitute to go in for the Penalty kicks …. and all perfectly worked out very well and the positive results achieved…… WE BELIEVE.”
Abductors Of Abuja Teenage Sisters Reduce Ransom From N30Million To N5Million As Parents Beg FG For Help
AdminThe sisters, aged 14 and 16, have spent 12 days in captivity. They were forcibly taken away from their home by unknown gunmen at about 1 am on January 28, 2024.
The abductors of two teenage sisters who were kidnapped by bandits at Guita community in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have reduced the ransom demanded for the victims from N30 million to N5 million.
The father of the victims, Adeola Sunday, disclosed this to SaharaReporters during an interview in Abuja.
The sisters, aged 14 and 16, have spent 12 days in captivity. They were forcibly taken away from their home by unknown gunmen at about 1 am on January 28, 2024.
The kidnappers initially seized three people including their brother but later released the boy to return home to arrange for the ransom.
Adeola said the kidnappers agreed to collect the sum of N5 million in exchange for her daughters during the last telephone conversation he had with them.
He said they also threatened him and insisted that they would not accept anything less than N5 million as ransom.
Adeola said, “Since the incident happened on Sunday, January 28, I have been discussing with them. They initially demanded a ransom of N30 million. I have been appealing to them that I am not a rich man, I am a poor person. I am a civil servant, a messenger in the office and I don't have that N30 million.
"The final one they said was N5 million. They said they would not remove ‘shishi’ (anything) from that N5 million. They even mentioned it - ‘shishi’. They said that anything less than that, they would only release one of my daughters to me and go away with the second one.
"The Commissioner of Police was even in my house on Thursday.”
Adeola, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu’s government and Nigerians to come to his aid to secure the release of his daughters.
The community was thrown into confusion on January 28, 2024, when six gunmen kidnapped the girls and took them to the forest and the hilly part of the area.
The community last week staged a protest at the office of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over the bad state of the roads in their area, which they identified as one of the factors responsible for insecurity in the area.
They also called on the minister to construct an overhead bridge on the railway track in the area, saying it had become a death trap for the residents
The Renewed Hope Vanguard in the petition signed by the coordinator, Mr. Dickson Ojema, said the CBN boss, Cardoso, had misled the government to “endorse very unrealistic and unattainable policies especially the floating of forex.”
Some Nigerians in diaspora under the Renewed Hope Vanguard based in the United Kingdom have condemned the hardship in the country and petitioned President Bola Tinubu to remove the Central Bank governor, Yemi Cardoso over the foreign exchange crisis.
The UK group in a release sent to SaharaReporters on Wednesday noted that it was embarrassing for the Nigerian government that the naira continued to fall against other currencies especially the dollar, worsening the plight of Nigerians.
The group said it had slated a protest for Nigerians living in the UK on Wednesday, “the 14th of February 2024 to press forward with their demands and submit a letter to the UK Parliament, seeking their intervention to save Nigeria from hunger, starvation and hardship.”
The Renewed Hope Vanguard in the petition signed by the coordinator, Mr. Dickson Ojema, said the CBN boss, Cardoso, had misled the government to “endorse very unrealistic and unattainable policies especially the floating of forex.”
The group said, “As concerned Nigerians in the diaspora, we are saddened by the worsening economic situation in our dear country and the excruciating pain Nigerians have been enduring due to the unpopular, kindergarten and infantile financial policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of Yemi Michael Cardoso.
'It is embarrassing that the naira has continued to fall against other currencies especially the dollar, worsening the plight of Nigerians. Yemi Cardoso misled Mr. President to endorse very unrealistic and unattainable policies especially the floating of forex. Nigerians are heavily paying the price for this ineptitude with the naira exchanging for as high as ₦1500 for $1 on the official and parallel market. The only way out of this quagmire is to sack Yemi Cardoso and replace him with a competent hand.”
It added, “The total destruction of the naira and his stark inability to manage inflation has resulted into a very high standard of living all over Nigeria. A bag of rice that sold for ₦7000 in 2014 has now become ₦70,000 or more. Nigerians are buying a bag of maize now at ₦60,000 while a bag of beans is ₦110,000. People's salaries can no longer feed them. Hunger has become widespread and unchecked. If Yemi Cardoso remains as the CBN Governor, our economy will collapse.”
The group said it shared the pains as well as frustration of Nigerians who are living in the homeland and issued a two-week ultimatum for the immediate sack of Yemi Cardoso, else, they would lock down all CBN branches and international airports in a “mother-of-all protests.”
According to the letter, "majority of Nigerians who can no longer afford basic needs are visibly angry and disappointed with the lackadaisical handling of the economy especially the anti-human policies of the CBN. We share in their anger and frustration because we had confidence in this administration. The best way to stabilise the economy and end this hardship and uncertainty which is at the heart of rising insecurity in the country is to sack Yemi Cardoso and appoint a financial technocrat.”
Armed bandits, who abducted women accompanying a newly-wed bride to her matrimonial home at Damari, Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, have issued threats to remarry the bride and sell off the other women.
Recall that the audacious bandits carried out the abduction last Thursday, targeting the bride and her companions while travelling in an open van in the Sabuwa area.
During the unfortunate attack, the gunmen killed at least four members of a vigilante group.
Villagers report that at least 55 wedding guests were abducted during the attack, and they have been held hostage since then.
In a video circulating on social media, the bandits were seen threatening to marry the bride and sell the other captives if the ransom was not paid promptly.
Naija News gathered that the assailants had reached out to the families of the victims, demanding N100 million as the sole condition for the release of the captives.
In the video clip, a gang leader, dressed in police uniform, took responsibility for the abduction, asserting that nobody could rescue the women.
“I am the one who abducted them, and I will never release them until ransom is paid. And if there is anyone who thinks they could rescue them, they should try it,” he said.
Media
The Katsina bandits, who abducted 63 women on Friday during the escort of a new bride, have released a video featuring their captives. In the video, they declare, "We are going to marry off the bride again.
— Sarki. (@Waspapping_) February 6, 2024
It's profoundly saddening, truly. pic.twitter.com/ugcHwIEwUD
More...
The talented goalkeeper for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Stanley Nwabali, has emerged on the radar for some clubs in Saudi Arabia and France, as well as Kaizer Chiefs, a team in South Africa.
Naija News reports that Nwabali is currently the first-choice goalkeeper for South African club Chippa United, which plays in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
However, the 27-year-old player has become highly sought after due to his exceptional performances at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
According to reports, there is strong interest from Kaizer Chiefs to secure Nwabali’s services, as he has proven to be a valuable asset.
This demonstrates the Nigerian’s skill and reliability in the competitive league.
Naija News reports that Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, recognized Nwabali’s abilities and selected him as the number one goalkeeper for the AFCON tournament, surpassing Francis Uzoho.
This decision has paid off, as Nwabali has only conceded two goals in six matches, against Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.
Nwabali’s outstanding performances have given the Super Eagles a fighting chance in the continental competition, which they last triumphed in 2013.
Speaking on the latest interest, Nwabali’s agent, Mohammed Lawal, has now hinted at a big move for the player.
“There is interest in France and Saudi Arabia. There is no surprise because of his performance during the Afcon tournament in Ivory Coast,” SNL24 quoted Lawal saying.
“I have only seen [Kaizer Chiefs links] in newspapers. I cannot comment on anything regarding local interest, please speak to the chairman of the club.”
A trader who was paraded alongside 16 other persons in Ebonyi State, Njoku Michael, has narrated how a Fulani herdsman lured him into the kidnapping of some returnees from the United States of America for the last Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The trader made the revelation when he was paraded by the spokesman of the Ebonyi State Police Command, Joshua Akandu, at the state headquarters in Abakaliki, the state capital.
He confirmed that they received N40 million ransom in both naira and dollar for the kidnap.
Michael, who is from Abia State, said: “We were four persons who carried out the kidnap but it was only two of us who were captured by the police and we don’t know where the others are. We didn’t kill anybody, the lady who died was out of fear, we didn’t shoot anybody.
“The man who involved me is a Fulani man, he is my customer. He buys things from me in my shop where I sell provisions. The man came to my shop on December 13, 2023, with his cattle. I told him: ‘Alhaji, you have many cows now o.’
“But he told me: ‘Yes, the cows are mine.’ I pleaded with him to borrow me N50,000 and promised to pay him back in February. He told me that he had no money and promised to get back to me.
“Five days later, the man came back to me. He didn’t come back with his cattle this time around. He told me that he wanted to carry me to work in Afikpo, Ebonyi State and I had never been to Afikpo before.
“I asked him the type of work he wanted to carry me and he told me it was manure work, that he wanted me to bag it and if I worked hard, I would earn N30,000 or N40,000 in four days.
“I said okay and called my brother to take care of my shop so that I would follow the Alhaji and go for that work. I followed the man to Afikpo and we got to Afikpo on that New Year in the evening.
“He bought me food and lodged me in one hotel. With the money, he stopped a bike and told me to join him on the bike and he took me to a thick forest and told me he was coming back.
“He went and brought two of his brothers and kept them with me. He didn’t tell me what he wanted me to do and it was evening period. He left us and came back with a bag. When he turned it on the ground, it was a gun and a cloth.
“I asked him what we were going to do with a gun, he asked me: ‘I think you said you were looking for money? This is the time we are going to look for the money.’
Senate Gives Tinubu’s Minister Seven Days Ultimatum To Explain How Over N100 Billion Gas Project Fund Was Disbursed
AdminThe Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun has being given seven days to give details of the award and disbursement of over N100 billion to companies engaged in the handling of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (PCNG) projects allegedly done in breach of the Public Procurement Act 2017.
The Senate asked the Minister to provide comprehensive records of the award and disbursement of over N100 billion and list of companies engaged in the handling of the project.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas Resources, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, (PDP) Cross River North, stated this via a letter.
The request for the details is coming on the heels of fresh plan by the PCNG to release another N130 billion to unspecified number of companies.
The letter asking the finance minister to furnish the committee with details of the award and disbursement of over N100 billion was sequel to a fresh petition by a group, known as Good Governance and Transparency Front, which accused chairman of the steering committee of presidential CNG initiative of approving the disbursement of the funds to cronies without following the due process and the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
The Committee letter reads, ”I am writing to request for comprehensive brief regarding the utilization of the sum of N100 billion allocated by the federal government for the development of gas infrastructure aimed at providing Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, to Nigerians as an alternative to fossil fuels.
“The committee is seeking detailed information on the process followed in the award and disbursement of funds to the companies benefiting from the allocation.
”I would appreciate insight into the compliance of these processes with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007.
”Specifically, the committee is interested in understanding the steps taken in the opening of bids, the qualification criteria applied, and the subsequent award of contracts to the selected companies.
”Transparency and adherence to due process are crucial aspects in ensuring public trust and accountability in such initiatives.
“Kindly provide documentation and details regarding the companies that received funding, outlining the specific projects or initiatives they are undertaking to promote the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the country.
“I believe this information will be invaluable for our committee’s oversight responsibilities and contribute to ensuring the success and effectiveness of government ‘s efforts in promoting alternative energy sources.
“I appreciate your attention on this matter and look forward to receiving the requested information in seven days from the date of receipt.
“The requested information should please be submitted in soft copy and 30 sets of hard copy to the clerk of the committee.”
In Lagos State, the Pastor of Kingdom Power International Christian Praying Centee Ishashi, Lagos, Azuka Ohez, has been remanded in a correctional facility over fraudulent activities.
He was was remanded alongside his wife, Mary Ohez, by a Sabo-Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The duo are standing trial over their alleged involvement in defrauding a lubricant company of N33.8 million.
The defendants are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and fraud.
The couple, whose addresses were not divulged, were arraigned in the chamber of the magistrate.
The Chief Magistrate, Adeola Olatubosun, ordered that the couple be remanded in Ikoyi Correctional Centre until the perfection of their bails.
Olatubosun granted them bail in the sum of N10 million each, with two responsible sureties each in like sum.
She, however, adjourned the case until May 13 for a substantive trial.
The prosecutor, ASP Rita Momah, had told the court that the duo and some others still at large committed the offences on July 13, 2023, at Oba Ayoka St, Lagos.
Momah alleged that the couple and one Chijioke Ezekirian conspired to steal and receive proceeds of sales from Climax Lubricants Industries in Lagos.
She averred that the couple knowingly received the total sum of N33.8 million through Fidelity Bank KPICPC account numbers 2033723459 and 5600923549 from Chijioke Ezekirian.
Momah said the offences contravene Sections 328 (1) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015