President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he wished more Nigerian youths should follow Chef Hilda Bassey Effiong, aka Hilda Baci’s footsteps.
Buhari stated this in his congratulatory message to Hilda, who broke the world record of longest hours of cooking, finding her way into the Guinness Book of Records, and placing Nigeria on the global spotlight.
He lauded the 27-year-old Chef, for turning her talent and passion into a career, with a rippling effect on the economy as she runs a restaurant in Lagos, and trains other talents on entrepreneurship, and now leads the world in resilience, perseverance, and consistency in cooking.
Femi Adesina who signed the statement noted that: “The President notes the antecedents of the restaurateur, who dazzled at the Jollof Face-off Competition, 2021, preparing mouth-watering dishes that won the choice prize, and settled an age-long rivalry with Ghana on which African country should own the trademark for cooking better jollof- rice.
“President Buhari believes Hilda Baci’s drive and ambition have brought more interest and insight into the uniqueness of Nigerian food, as another cultural icon, with huge tourism benefits, hoping more young people will follow in her footsteps.
“The President thanks the sponsors of Hilda Baci Cook-a-thon, government officials, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, celebrities from the bubbling music and movie industry, and fans of the chef for all the support that has brought glory to the country. President Buhari wishes Hilda Baci more grace for a prosperous career.”
[Vanguard]
A woman identified as Zainab Ibrahim, at the Kpaduma ll area of Asokoro in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on Saturday, died while separating a fight that ensued between her two sons, Inusa and Usman.
DAILY POST gathered that one of her sons, Inuwa, mistakenly macheted their mother on her left hand.
The source explained, “Zainab was rushed to a private hospital where she died.”
He said Inusa had attempted to use the cutlass on his brother, but mistakenly cut his mother on her left hand.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the FCT command, Josephine Adeh, explained that Inusa was at large and that investigation was ongoing.
She said that the Command received a distress call and rushed to the scene, stressing that the mother was taken to the hospital where she was confirmed dead.
She explained that Usman is in custody, while Inusa is at large.
Following the disturbing news on the death of popular Nollywood actors, Saint Obi and Murphy Afolabi, another actor, Chikezie Uwazie is dead.
The actor, reportedly died in the United States of America few days ago after a second brain surgery.
One of the leading stars of the early 2000s, Chikezie Uwazie left Nigeria for the United States over seven years ago.
Before he relocated, he featured in several Nollywood flicks including the movie, “Musical Whispers”, a film on Autism, produced by Ebele Okaro and directed by Bond Emeruwa. He was also in, “Village Destroyer” alongside Osita Iheme, Ugo Ugbor, and “Last Kiss”, where he acted alongside Emeka Ike, Ini Edo, Ejike Asiegbu and Mercy Johnson Okojie, among several other movies.
His colleague, Obey Etok Chima posted the news of his passage on her Facebook on Sunday. She wrote, “I can’t imagine am posting this. Chikezie Uwazie goneeeee. After a 2nd brain surgery. Gini na emezi. Am so shocked to get this news this evening. Just got this from our IMSU alumni platform. I thought you told me you were going to the states for greener pastures. You promised to come back some years back but I didn’t see you. Can’t believe you are gone but God knows best. Rest on Chyko”.
Uwazie’s death is the third in Nollywood within the last three days after St. Obi and Murphy Afolabi.
Discover the incredible story of Hilda Baci and her record-breaking marathon cooking feat with these fascinating facts.
Introducing the one and only Hilda Bassey Effiong - her true name. Introducing a talented young chef hailing from the vibrant region of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria. Introducing "My Food by Hilda" - the delectable food brand owned by Hilda, based in the bustling city of Lagos.
Get ready for four days of nonstop cooking!
Experience the joy of cooking while standing with our kitchen rules. Our policy requires all chefs to stand while cooking, ensuring the highest quality dishes for our customers.
Experience the true essence of cooking by relying on your natural energy and strength. Avoid the temptation of coffee, stimulants, or energy drinks.
Indulge in a delectable meal, quench your thirst with refreshing water or fruit juice, and replenish your energy with glucose - all within the permissible limits.
Experience the art of culinary excellence at Amore Gardens, located in the heart of Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Indulge in the culinary delights of a tireless chef who never sleeps. From the early hours of the morning to the late hours of the night, she tirelessly prepares mouth-watering dishes that will leave you craving for more. Experience four sleepless nights like never before.
Experience a relentless work schedule with just 5 minutes of rest per hour. That's right, for every 60 minutes of hard work, she is only granted a mere 5 minutes of well-deserved break time. That's equivalent to a single hour-long break in every 12 hours of non-stop productivity.
Discover what other sources are saying.
Take a break from your busy schedule and recharge in our state-of-the-art medical van, conveniently located just a stone's throw away. With a 30-minute window every 6 hours, you can catch up on some much-needed rest, freshen up in our clean and comfortable loo, and even receive a thorough medical assessment from our expert team on site. Don't let your health take a backseat - prioritise it with our top-notch facilities.
Indulge in the delectable dishes prepared by her, as she generously shares her culinary creations with the patrons at the venue, free of charge. The food is not available for purchase at this time.
Experience the convenience of having multiple dishes cooked at the same time with her simultaneous cooking skills. Indulge in the freedom to whip up any culinary creation that strikes your fancy. The possibilities are endless for her, with no limitations or restrictions in sight. Indulge in the freedom of cooking any meal that suits your fancy. Unleash your culinary creativity with no limits or boundaries. It's not about the dish itself, but rather the art of cooking within a set time frame that earns one the coveted World Record title. Stay on track with every meal she cooks.
Experience the meticulous attention to detail in our kitchen. Every meal is expertly prepared and every plate is served with precision. Plus, we keep a record of every dish to ensure consistency and quality. Indulge in the delectable creations of a culinary mastermind who has already whipped up over 115 mouth-watering meals, serving up nearly 3,000 portions (and counting!).
Get ready to savour a delicious meal! Our talented chef began crafting this culinary masterpiece on Thursday and is on track to finish within the designated time frame by the evening of Monday, May 15, 2023.
Meet Lata Tandon, the reigning champion of the culinary world. In 2019, she made history by cooking non-stop for a whopping 87 hours and 45 minutes, earning her a coveted Guinness World Record. But now, a new challenger has emerged. Hilda is determined to break Lata's record and claim the title for herself. Will she succeed? Only time will tell.
Watch as Hilda Baci takes on the ultimate culinary challenge! With a goal of breaking the world record, she's embarking on a 96-hour cooking marathon. But that's not all - she's pushing the limits and aiming to become the first human on earth to spend such an incredible amount of time cooking non-stop. Stay tuned as Hilda sets her sights on culinary history!
With a stroke of creativity, she aptly labelled her cooking endeavour as "Cook-a-thon," cleverly derived from the term "marathon."
Despite her exhaustion, the unwavering support of those around her is providing the much-needed boost to keep her going. Experience the convenience of having her by your side as you cook, day and night. Our products are always available to make your cooking experience seamless.
Her sponsors generously provided the majority of the food items, ingredients, and utensils utilised for this project. Discover how Hilda's food brand is contributing to this project, with funds that go beyond 100% of her own investment.
Join us in cheering her up at the venue with a 40% discounted ride from Uber, one of our esteemed partners. Don't miss out on this incredible offer!
Indulge in the culinary delights of Hilda's household, where her mother is a skilled chef. Introducing the delectable world of "Calabar Pot," the food brand owned by none other than our esteemed client.
At the age of 27, she is a vibrant and youthful individual.
Nigerian filmmaker and actor Murphy Afolabi, on Sunday, passed away in what was a shock to his fans and the entertainment industry.
The thespian, who acted in Yoruba movies, was said to have fallen down in the bathroom at his house in Ikorodu, Lagos, on Sunday morning, May 14, 2023.
Here are five things you possibly don’t know about late Murphy Afolabi:
Born on May 5, 1974, Afolabi got into the movie industry in 2001.
The graduate of Ire Polytechnic, Osun State,
appeared in over 60 movies before his death.
His film credits include ‘Ifa Olokun’, ‘Omowunmi’, ‘Jimi Bendel’, ‘Wasila Coded’, ‘Olokiki Oru’, and ‘Idera Besides being fond of writing scripts and producing films in the Yoruba language, the late veteran actor enjoys an exciting life full of entertainment, happy and sometimes scary moments.
During his lifetime, he was the CEO of Fatuns Films Production.
NIGERIAN singer Kechi Okwuchi has bagged MBA degree from University of St. Thomas, Houston Texas USA.
Okwuchi, is one of the two survivors in the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash on Dec. 10, 2005, that claimed 107 lives, 60 of which were her schoolmates from Loyola Jesuit College.
The singer took to her Instagram page to post pictures and videos from the graduation ceremony.
She captioned, “Kechi Okwuchi, MBA officially.”
Kechi took part in the twelfth season of the famous America’s Got Talent hunt show in 2017, finishing off as a finalist.
View this post on Instagram
Yoruba actor and movie producer, Murphy Afolabi has passed away at the age of 49.
Though details of his death are yet to be confirmed, it was gathered that he died from injuries sustained when he fell in the bathroom.
The actor whose death was confirmed this morning has thrown movie industry into mourning as many of his colleagues expressed shock at his suden death.
Those who saw him days back at public events said it was unbelievable to hear that he has passed on at a young age.
The deceased celebrated his birthday just over a week ago, precisely Friday, May 5.
Murphy, who started his career with a movie titled ‘Ifa Olokun’ under Dagunro’s guidance, featured in and produced scores of others.
A Nigerian chef, Hilda Baci, is on her way to break the Guinness World Record for ‘longest cooking time’ by an individual.
The Akwa Ibom state-born chef started cooking on the 11th of May, and she is on her way to breaking the Guinness Book of Records for the longest cooking time.
So far, the 27-year-old has cooked for 69 hours and counting. She tagged the cooking project “Cook-a-thon”, a phrase literally coined from the word “marathon”
The current holder of the title Hilda seeks to break is an Indian chef Lata Tandon, who set a Guinness World Record for cooking for 87 hours and 45 minutes non-stop in 2019.
Hilda is set to cook for 96 hours with just 6 hours of rest time and has about 18 hours left to break the Guinness World Record.
Many Nigerians have shown support for the chef including celebrities like actress Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, Comedian Macaroni, actor Ike Ogbonna, and Tobi Bakre amongst others.
Media
As elected members of the National Assembly struggle the chart a separate and distinct path from the executive arm of government by electing their own leaders, similar, but less assertive scenarios are playing out at the state levels with governors increasingly tightening their grip on state assemblies.
This has led lawyers and members of the academia to question the independence of the legislative arm of government and the adherence to the concept of separation of powers where each of three arms of government serve as checks on the other two and no arm of government dominates the others.
At the federal level, the incoming APC government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been reported to have endorsed Sen. Godswill Akpabio as its preferred candidate to be Senate President and Hon. Tajudeen Abbas as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Even hough some lawmakers are resisting and putting up a fight against what they see as establishment candidates, recent history of how principle officers in the National Assembly are selected suggest they are putting up a losing battle.
Chairman Voter Awareness Initiative, and Lagos-based lawyer, Wale Ogunade said, “The truth is that it will amount to self-deceit to think that the executive arm, as represented by the President-elect, would not interfere in the appointment of the leadership of the National Assembly. It has never happened before, and I do not believe it will start now.
“The law is evident on how the leadership should be elected, but politicians being what they are, would always seek to protect their interest.”
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) on his part said,
“The three arms of government are expected to operate independently and complimentarily, not dependent upon or patronising, in the manner that the 9th Assembly has carried on.
“No doubt, it is good to have a responsible legislature for harmonisation and development. Still, when it gets to the level where the executive is always right, then such a level of dubious cooperation should worry all lovers of true democracy.
“A legislature that cannot supervise and check the excesses of the executive is not worth its name at all. The truth is, such an assembly of persons cannot claim to represent anyone when the chips are down.
“As elected representatives of the people, the National Assembly is expected to assert the will of the people by invoking the relevant provisions of the Constitution in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities of lawmaking, supervising the executive arm and preventing waste and corruption.
“In choosing the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, therefore, the most important criteria should be competence, which can also include experience, qualification and, indeed, reputation.
“As the saying goes, the fish gets rotten from the head, so the kind of leaders to be entrusted with the management of the legislatures is vital to our national development. Of course, we need to be sensitive to gender parity, faith and, indeed, zoning, all of which could be accommodated in the primary consideration of merit as indeed, the right candidate can possess all these features simultaneously.
“Although the tradition is for the ranking members-elect of the political party with the highest number to produce the leadership of the legislature , it does not have to be along party lines, given that the laws governing the choice of leadership are internal to the legislature”, he said.
Reports from the politics across the states on who will likely emerge as speakers of the state assemblies paint an even more pathetic picture. Apart from factors like zoning and ranking of elected members, the most crucial selling point of candidates vying for the position of state assembly speaker is the endorsement of the state governor or sometimes, a political godfather.
In Kano for instance, all eyes are on Sen. Rabiu Kwakwanso, who many believe, calls the shots in the New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP), which is set to form the next government.
The NNPP won 26 out of 40 seats of the Kano State House of Assembly contest and there are no indications on who will lead the incoming state assembly as speaker and from which local government area. This and many more are the posers are on the lips of most of the political pundits in the state.
The closest rival, of the NNPP is the Ganduje led All Progressive Congress, (APC) in the state after the contest the party became second with 14 State houses of Assembly seats to her credit a development forcing her to take the minority seat in the house after Eight years of leading the majority.
This development followed the announcement of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) and the subsequent issuance of a Certificate of Return (COR) to each of the members-elect in the state.
On contact with Leadership on behalf of his principal, mouth piece of the governor-elect, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa said Engineer Abba K. Yusuf is yet to settled on any of the 26 members for the Speakership position despite the series of meetings held to that effect.
However, reports indicated that there is every likelihood that the next speaker might be coming from one of the Eight renowned Metropolitan local governments areas of Fagge, Tarauni, Nassarawa, Kumbotso, Ungoggo, Gwale, Municipal and Dala local government areas these are slated for the highest-ranking legislative job in the state if all things went according to plan.
The NNPP stalwart attributed this to the dominant role played by the rural local governments in occupying the plumb job for years.
For instance Honourable Abdul Azeez Garba Gafasa who held from Ajingi local government served as speaker, Honourable Kabiru Alhassan Rurum Rurum, from Rano local government served as Speaker before his subsequent elevation as member representing Rano Bunkure, Kibiya federal Constuency and the outgoing Speaker who came from Makoda local government Honourable Hamisu Ibrahim Chidari who has contested and won House of Representatives member elect on the platform of his party the APC all the three came from outside Kano Metropolitan local governments.
And in spite of the politic dynamics that go into how a speaker is selected, experts have asserted that the principle of separation of powers between the three arms of government is not working in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday, the experts opined that the implementation of the doctrine does not seem satisfactory as carried out by successive governments.
A professor at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Salihu Adamu Dadari said the three arms of government are not doing what is supposed to be done. Dadari also said that the Senate or House of representatives should be abolished in order to pave way for development.
“The separation of power is not working in Nigeria. Nigeria is a country which is supposed to develop but unfortunately, our leadership is in a state of quagmire. They are not doing what is supposed to be done.
“In Nigeria we are not following law and order. The implementation is zero. Our legislatures are not even doing what is supposed to be done because of the corrupt system. You have to lobby for the legislature to give approval. No country will stand on corruption. Nigeria is a super corrupt country. Our judiciary is not working, it is malfunctioning. If now I’m found wanting and guilty, I’m taken to the court, if I have money I will be freed,” the professor added.
Normally, the contest for who emerges as speaker of a state assembly should be between lawmakers, but in Delta, it is turning into a proxy contest between the outgoing governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa and a self-styled godfather, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly called Tompolo.
The PDP has majority of the lawmakers in the state and is expected to produce the speaker. Another step is that the position of the speaker for the 8th Assembly must come from the Delta south senatorial district. The governor-elect is from Delta central while the deputy governor-elect is from Delta North.
Just as May 29, 2023, the inauguration date for the lawmakers is close especially when transition committee is already working. As it stands now, competence, experience, comportment and issue of high ranking may be jettisoned. However, if they are to be considered, the obvious candidate would have been Hon. Oboro Preyor, who has all the qualities.
Preyor is of Ijaw ethnic extraction, representing Bomadi constituency in Delta south. He is a four-term lawmaker. Presently, he is the deputy majority leader who once acted for long as Majority Leader.
The obstacle against him may be his closeness to Senator James Manager. He may be seen as a threat given the fact that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the governor-elect once fell apart with Manager after the Governorship primary in the state where Manager lost to Sheriff.
Hon. Fagurson Onwo is another contender. An Isoko man, representing Isoko South 2 constituency in Delta south. He is presently the Majority Leader. He has not hidden his interest for the job and has been lobbying. He has mobilized his people to work for his emergence. As a second term member, he has been working hard since he got the position of the majority leader accidentally to prove he is competent.
Another strong contender is Hon Emomotimi Guwor from Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West constituency, the Ijaw community where the present deputy governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro and Tompolo are from. In fact, he was a Personal Assistant to the deputy governor until he was elected a lawmaker. Guwor is a relative to Tompolo. It is even in the public domain that Tompolo is interested in his emergence as he was for the deputy governorship slot in 2015 as that is the only condition that can guarantee peace on the waterways.
The other two from Ishekiri nation, Delta south too are said to be working underground. They are ranking members from Warri North and Warri South Constituency 1. While Hon Fred Martins presently Deputy Majority Whip, from Warri North is handling the matter quietly, Hon Austin Uroye from Warri South 1, is said to have indicated interest.
With the struggle by strong stakeholders, the incumbent Governor and Governor Elect may not have their way to produce the next Speaker except through a consensus which is being considered.
Tight Race For Nasarawa Assembly Speaker
The race for the speakership of the 7th Nasarawa Assembly will no doubt be a tough one.
Analysts had predicted that the process would be crisis-ridden due to contending interests which they said, are also diverse.
They argued that unlike in the past when the assembly was made up of members of the ruling party only, the lawmakers that would be inaugurated in June belong to different political parties. Such situation, they posited, could alter the scale against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
LEADERSHIP Sunday reports that the ruling party had a smooth run in its 2019 outing owing to the fact that among the 24 members that made up the 6th Assembly, it produced 20 against the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s three and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)’s one.
However, the outcome of the 2023 governorship and State Assembly poll put it in a serious disadvantage.
In the said election, the APC won 11 seats against PDP’s eight, while other minority parties like the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have three and two respectively.
The votes tally show that the opposition parties collectively have 13 against the ruling party’s 11.
Analysts said unless the ruling party align with the smaller parties, its aspiration of retaining the speaker of the 7th Assembly would be a tall dream.
So far, three returning members have indicated interest for the position. They include Mr Daniel Ogah Ogazi representing Kokona East; Danladi Jatau, representing Kokona West and the incumbent speaker, Ibrahim Abdullahi Balarabe, who is from Umaisha /Ugya.
Soludo Stays Out Of Speaker’s Selection Process
The governor of Anambra state, Professor Chukwuma Soludo may not bring his influence to bear on the members of the state Assembly as it concerns their choice of the leadership of the coming 8th state assembly.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Political Matters, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu made it clear in an interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday that the governor will not meddle in the scheming of the members of the state assembly as it concerns their decision on who amongst them and the Senatorial zone that would produce the speaker or any other leadership of the state assembly.
He, however, emphasised that Prof. Soludo, like “any other patriotic Anambra citizen will wish that someone who is competent and able to lead his colleagues to work harmoniously with the executive arm of the government and help achieve the objectives of the All Progressives Grand Alliance -led administration in the state. That is to transform Anambra into an industrial, technological and leisure state will be chosen as the speaker of the state Assembly.
Obiogbolu emphasised further that as a democrat, Soludo will not dictate to the lawmakers concerning their choice of the leadership of the legislature when he (Soludo) belongs to the executive branch of the government.
Meanwhile, LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that zoning might not play strong influence in the choice of state assembly leadership because even though the South and Central Senatorial zones of the state produced the incumbent governor and deputy governor respectively, the front-runners for the Speakership of the state Assembly are from the two zones.
Sources close to the state Assembly hinted that the front-runners for the Speakership are Hon Okechukwu Ejike (Anaocha 11) and Hon. Chukwuemeka Okoye ( Awka-south 11) both from Anambra Central Senatorial zone of the deputy governor, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, and, Hon. Emma Nwafor (Orumba-South state constituency) in Governor Soludo’s Anambra South senatorial zone.
Hon. Patrick Udeoba (Anambra west state constituency) from Anambra North is also filing out for the state Assembly Speakership contest, a source said that though he is a ranking member like his other co-contestants from both the Anambra Central and Anambra South, he does not have the needed leadership charisma required for the Speakership.
Two Lawmakers Are Frontrunners In Sokoto
Two Sokoto state lawmakers are being considered for the office of Speakership at the state House of Assembly. The duo are two term lawmakers and in the consideration of power equation, are from the Southern senatorial district of the state.
First is Abubakar Shamaki Yabo, representing Yabo local government. He his former Sokoto state NLC chairman and former chairman of Yabo local government. The other lawmaker being considered by the party bigwigs is Tukur Bala Bodinga, representing Bodinga local government area.
The odd are against Honourable Abubakar Shamaki despite his level of maturity and exposure because his posture suggests he might not be a stooge to the whims and caprices of the powers that be in the party. He is also alleged to be too close to a former APC governorship aspirant, Ambassador Faruk Yabo, who recently defected to the PDP.
Honourable Tukur Bodinga, a two term lawmaker, in his early forties, is believed to lack the required exposure and experience to lead the calibre of the composition of the thirty-man, state assembly.
An Obvious Candidate In Osun
37-year-old Adewale Egbedun is the obvious preferred candidate of the governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke for the post of Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly in the 8th Assembly.
Egbedun representing Odo Otin state constituency, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if elected is expected to preside over a 26-member House made up of 25 PDP members and one APC member.
Though a first timer, Egbedun may benefit from the age-long zonal arrangement of Governor, Deputy Governor and Speaker emerging from different senatorial seat since the two returning PDP lawmakers-elect, Hon. Adewunmi Babajide Kofoworola comes from the Governor’s district and Adewumi Adeyemi from the Deputy Governor’s Senatorial District.
Amaewhule, Likely Speaker of Rivers 10th Assembly
The majority leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Chike Amaewhule, is likely to emerge as the Speaker of the 10th Assembly.
Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor Constituency 1, has been in the House since 2011.
A close ally of Governor Nyesom Wike, the lawmaker is the longest serving member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, having been re-elected o March 18, 2023.
He enjoys the support of majority of state lawmakers, including new members-elect.
Mixed reactions have trailed the rumoured death of veteran Nollywood actor, Obinna Nwafor, popularly known as Saint Obi.
Unconfirmed reports in some sections of the media said Obi, a film producer and director, died last Sunday at the age of 58 after a protracted illness.
But a Twitter user (@mazi_duce) who claims to be related to Obi described the reports as fake news, adding that the actor is ‘well and healthy’.
The tweet reads, “Please Debunk this fake news, Saint Obi is not dead, he is well and Healthy. Saint Obi is well and Healthy. Please take this down. He’s my relative and family. He’s not dead.”
President of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, could not confirm Obi’s death when contacted by THE WHISTLER but condolences are already pouring in on social media.
Advertisement
Checks on the actor’s Instagram page showed that the he last posted on January 1st, 2023, where he wished his fans and loved ones a happy new year.
Obi rose to stardom after his role in Zeb Ejiro’s Sakobi. He also starred in Candle Light, Sakobi, Goodbye Tomorrow, Heart of Gold, Festival of Fire, Executive Crime, and Last Party. He featured in over 100 movies.
Meanwhile, the conflicting reports surrounding the actor’s death are generating reactions from Nigerians on social media. Below are some of the reactions.
@LuxxyShocker wrote “Saint Obi is not DEAD!!. Fake News.”
Another Twitter user @Freedom_for_Nig said, “Saint Obi is not dead. Guy is a relative of saint obi. RIP Adamu because Saint Obi is not dead. Make una nor dey spread fake news.”
“Saint Obi is not dead! Disregard the fake news,” @AimThaMachine said.
Also commenting @omonaija077 said, “Please try to debunk it for wider reach, it’s spreading like wildfire, and people are picking false narratives.”
More...
…As Adeboye performs the dedication of ‘Jesus House’ building in Abuja
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has dedicated a new church building in Abuja, named ‘Jesus House’, in a ceremony presided over by the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
The dedication ceremony, which took place on Saturday, was a grand affair attended by thousands of RCCG members and dignitaries from across the country.
The newly completed church building, located in the Durumi area of Abuja, is a magnificent 5-storey facility that can accommodate up to 3,000 worshippers at once.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony, the Pastor-in-Charge of the ‘Jesus House’ parish in Abuja, Major-Gen. Pat Akem-Vingir (rtd), highlighted the importance of the church in Nigeria’s social and economic fabric.
“If you remove the church from Nigeria, the country will collapse. People may deny it, but I am saying it unapologetically.
“If the church were not in Nigeria doing what it is doing; serving as the light of the world and as the salt of the earth, the degradation would have been more than we can imagine.
“70% of the country is youthful. You can’t allow that kind of generation to be wasted. The church is a place where they can find hope, direction and purpose,” he said.
In a brief speech during the dedication ceremony, Pastor Adeboye, who was flanked on both sides by his wife, Pastor Mrs Foluke Adeboye, and the RCCG Continental Overseer, Pastor Ezekiel Odeyemi, expressed his gratitude to God for the completion of the project.
“We thank God for this great day, and for the successful completion of this wonderful edifice. We pray that this building will be a beacon of hope for the afflicted and a place of worship for generations to come,” he said.
The dedication ceremony featured a series of performances by RCCG’s choir, as well as speeches by Mrs Adeboye, senior officials of the church, and other dignitaries.
Among those in attendance were the former Lagos state Commissioner of Police and Deputy Inspector-General of Police (rtd), Pastor Marvel Akpoyibo, who said this new church building is a testament to RCCG’s commitment to the spiritual and physical well-being of the people.
The dedication ceremony culminated in a prayer by Pastor Adeboye, who prayed for the continued growth and prosperity of RCCG, its members and the nation at large.
“We pray that this church building will be a source of blessing to all who enter it and that it will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for the afflicted and a place of worship for generations to come,” he said
The question that arises on my husband’s birthday is always the same: ‘What do you get for the man who has everything?’ He isn’t a shopper. He once declared he has enough trousers to last the rest of his life.
So for his 40th, I decide to buy him a vintage watch. It would declare to the world that — despite his tattered sweaters — he’s an employed adult. But when I mention the watch, he says that what he really wants isn’t a good, but a service: a threesome with me and another woman.
mentioned this fantasy before, as had practically every man I’d ever dated. I’d always brushed it off with an eye roll and an ‘in your dreams’. The idea wasn’t unappealing, but it seemed logistically and emotionally complicated.
This time, however, I spontaneously say yes. As a journalist, I have trouble resisting a deadline. I’m also daunted by the price tag on a Rolex. And I pity him heading into his 40s consigned to sleeping with the same woman (me) for the rest of his life. I like what the threesome signifies: that we aren’t sliding quietly into middle age.
We agree on it in principle, but the idea is so exotic that for a few weeks it just sits there. Occasionally, I mention the name of a female friend.
“Would she be acceptable?’ I ask my husband.
Related News
Women protest detention of Bauchi monarch
WPFD 2023: Protect Women Journalists in Nigeria -Ogunleye-Bello
PHOTOS: ‘Freaky 30’, Mr Macaroni says as he marks 30th birthday in style
‘Absolutely,’ he says each time.
It turns out that practically every woman we know would make the cut. But although I’m a novice, I’m pretty sure that recruiting a friend would be a mistake. There’s the enormous potential for awkwardness. And I don’t want someone creating a wedge in our cosy twosome. I’m envisioning this as a one-off.
Anyway, I wouldn’t know which one to ask. Straight women don’t tend to compare same-sex fantasies. I’m not sure who’d be tempted and who’d be appalled.
Finally, over brunch, we summon the courage to discuss our plans with friends of my husband. One of them, a single banker who’s nearing 40 herself, grimaces and then goes silent.
‘You look horrified,’ I say.
‘Yes, I mean, I just think it’s extraordinary!’ she says, blushing.
We rule out advertising for a third party online, since that seems like an open call for an STD. I decide the ideal woman would be a sexy acquaintance.
She’d be vetted (after all, everyone knows your acquaintances don’t have herpes), but easy enough to avoid afterwards.
A candidate soon emerges. She’s a friend of a friend whom I’ve met a few times at dinner parties. By chance, she’s seated behind us at a concert, with a man who appears to be her date.
For the first time, I notice that she’s quite attractive: tall and thin, with a little ballerina’s waist.
‘How about her?’ I whisper to my husband as the music starts.
‘Yes!’ he says, too loudly.
After the concert, the four of us chat. I make strong eye contact with the woman, work out that her name is Emma and ask for her views on the performance. She seems flattered when I suggest that she and I have lunch.
Over brunch, we summon the courage to discuss our plans with friends of my husband. One of them, a single banker who’s nearing 40 herself, grimaces and then goes silent.
A few days later, I get gussied up to meet her for Thai food. I’m pleased to see, when I arrive, that she has dressed up, too. Does she know she’s on a date?
I’m usually so concerned about what other people think of me that my lunch companion could be bleeding to death and I wouldn’t notice. But the threesome planning has made me more attentive.
Over soup, I listen carefully to Emma and quickly understand something that once would have taken me years to realise: under a pond of sassiness is, in fact, a lagoon of insecurity.
The common theme of her stories is that she clings to boyfriends who mistreat her. I’d mistaken tall for self-possessed.
She’s probably too emotionally fragile for a threesome, but I broach the topic to get some practice. I do this under the guise of exchanging girly confidences, saying: ‘You won’t believe what my husband wants for his birthday.’
I explain that I’ve agreed to this in principle, but that I haven’t yet found the third party.
I think she understands I’m propositioning her. But instead of taking the bait, she morphs into the Cassandra of threesomes.
She describes the ex-boyfriend who pressured her to go to bed with him and his other lover, and the couple who swapped partners for a night, then never swapped back.
She warns me I’ll be scarred by images of my husband doing unspeakable things to another woman. ‘And what if it’s someone who’s incredibly hot? How could you possibly handle that?’ (This seems overly alarmist; I doubt we’ll recruit a supermodel). Not only is Emma out of the running, she talks of future lunch dates. To my horror, she wants to become my friend.
I’m suddenly sympathetic to male friends who disappeared the moment I got engaged.
That night I tell my husband about my ‘date’, which cost me £40 and consumed half my workday.
‘Thanks for taking care of that,’ he says, without looking up from his computer.
It’s what he says when I’ve waited in all morning for the plumber. Planning the threesome has become another of the administrative tasks I do in our marriage.
Nevertheless, my new man’s-eye-view of the world is thrilling. I now notice women everywhere: browsing in shoe stores; in queues at the supermarket. I even scan my book group — middle-aged women who like to read about the Holocaust — for candidates.
Though I’ve managed only one failed seduction, my posture toward the world has changed. Instead of waiting to see who notices me, I decide who I want and go after them.
And it’s energising to put this once-furtive fantasy on the table. Threesomes suddenly seem to be everywhere, although the message about them is paradoxical; every straight man supposedly wants to have one, but no one seems to have had a good one.
A friend tells me he bedded two women on the night of September 11, 2001, as they all watched the news together. But one developed a serious, unreciprocated crush on him. ‘Inside every threesome is a twosome and a onesome,’ a character on a TV show warns. I’m undeterred but still no closer to finding the other woman, so I peruse some websites.
I quickly see we have competition. At least a dozen couples — all of them claiming to be gorgeous and under 30 — are seeking a woman for a threesome, too.
Since I can’t compete on looks or age, I decide to distinguish myself by sounding desperate. ‘I’d like to give my partner his best birthday present ever: an experience with me and another woman,’ my post reads. ‘Will you help me?’
Fifteen minutes later, I get a reply that’s literate and nice. ‘Hi, I have a boyfriend with the same fantasy (not very original, I know, but boys will be boys!!). Maybe we could end up doing a deal (though not necessarily). If we like each other, I’d be happy to help out. What kind of scenario did you have in mind?’ She signs it ‘N’.
It’s probably imprudent to pledge loyalty to a woman who scans ‘no-strings’ websites, but I decide on the spot that I won’t respond to anyone else. I like her sisterly tone and her perfect spelling. I’m not sure about the exchange deal, but that doesn’t seem to be mission-critical for her. (Though when I read her message to my husband, he immediately says: ‘I’ll swap you.’)
We exchange several more emails. N claims to be a straight, divorced mum in her late 40s. She says she responded to my ad out of a kind of sexual altruism, and she quotes the French expression ‘One need not die an idiot’.
As I’m putting on a dress to go to meet her for coffee, I’m suddenly nervous about what I’m about to do: try to convince a stranger to sleep with me and my husband. I’ve only ever been on the receiving end of seduction attempts. How do I convince a woman to take off her clothes?
My husband, who devoted years of his life to exactly this question, gives me a little pep talk.
‘With women, you have to listen to all the stuff they say. They have these complex emotional issues, and you have to try to figure out what they are. Just keep asking questions. Be pleasant and reassuring but also slightly mysterious.’
I’m already sitting down when N walks into the cafe. She’s a pretty, slim brunette with a friendly face. Her make-up is fresh; she’s eager to make a good impression, too.
I try to seem riveted as she describes her boyfriend woes, her life as a single mother and the health issues of her elderly father. Despite the peculiar circumstances, she’s clinging to the conventions of female bonding.
I steer the conversation toward sex. She says she’s never been with another woman and isn’t sure how she’ll feel about that.
I’m not sure either. When I show her a picture of my husband, she just glances at it. For her, this is more about the two of us.
We part warmly with a chaste double-cheeked kiss. I wait several days before sending her a note explaining that she’s been in my thoughts, and that I found her charming ‘in every way’.
She replies immediately, saying that she’s game for our adventure, but that she’d like to meet again to discuss our plans in more detail.
Plans? I’d imagined the threesome unfolding spontaneously. But now I’m goal-oriented. If that’s what she needs, I’ll do it.
At our second meeting, her insecurities surface: Do I think this counts as cheating on her boyfriend? (‘Of course not!’) What kind of women does my husband like? (‘Brunettes!’)
We lay down ground rules for the threesome. To avoid it becoming too porn-like, the two of us will be in charge. My husband won’t make a move unless we allow it.
Everything seems to be settled, but again we part without fixing a date. I send the usual lovely-to-see-you follow-up.
She replies that she enjoyed it, too, but that she’d like to meet for another drink.
I’m beginning to doubt whether she intends to go through with it. But when I complain to my husband, he assures me that this is the normal pace of seduction.
‘Obviously she’s not ready yet,’ he says. ‘She has some sort of hesitation. You need to work out what it is and help her through it.’
On the way to my third meeting with N, I decide to loosen up and become less calculating. I tease her about all the planning we’re doing, and joke that I’m going make storyboards and cue cards.
I confess that this is a big deal for me; she says the same. We coquettishly call each other N and P.
This new playful mood seems to be what was missing for her. After about an hour, she takes out her diary. We schedule the threesome for a week later, at lunchtime, at the small apartment my husband uses as an office.
When the day arrives, I’m nervous and giddy — and surprised that I’ve actually managed to arrange this. ‘I have a threesome in two hours,’ I keep telling myself. ‘I’m not going to die an idiot.’
I meet N at a cafe for a quick coffee, then we head to meet my husband nearby. On the way, I insist that we stop at a little food stand to buy supplies, in case we work up an appetite later. Clearly, I’m shopping to calm myself.
When we arrive, it’s N who’s nervous. ‘You’re in charge, OK?’ she tells me.
We’re both relieved when my husband arrives. They introduce themselves, and he’s immediately very physical with her, which breaks the ice.
We have a sort of group hug, and then we agree that he can take off both of our dresses.
My first surprise is that women are allowed to wear jewellery in bed. N even keeps on her large hoop earrings.
My second is that a threesome is so, well, sexual. I’d focused so much on the organisation and the catering, I had almost forgotten that we were going to be naked.
My third surprise is that when you’re detail-oriented like me, threesomes are confusing.
You quickly lose track of who’s at which stage. There’s a lot of ambiguous moaning.
My husband tells me afterwards that he got a little lost, too.
It’s a polite threesome. I get the sense that we’re all trying to divide our attention equitably.
Occasionally, N and I ask each other ‘How are you doing?’ like concerned friends.
After about 40 minutes, I’ve had enough. I wonder whether I might check my email. N is quite beautiful, but seeing versions of my own lady parts on her feels too familiar. I realise that part of what appeals to me about men is that their bodies are different.
I try to stay involved — it’s a birthday present, after all. When I glance at the clock again, an hour has passed. I had no idea that sex could last so long.
Finally, they tire themselves out. There’s a sweet moment at the end when the three of us lie together under the covers, with the birthday boy in the middle. He’s beaming. I’ll later get a series of heartfelt thank-you notes, saying it was as good as he’d hoped.
N seems pleased, too. As we walk home together, she says she’s surprised by how erotic she found the whole experience, especially being with me.
She hints that she’d like a repeat performance. I’m flattered, but I’m not planning on it.
My own birthday is coming up, and I think I’d like a watch. —- Daily Mail UK
Nollywood actor, Obinna Nwafor, otherwise known in the movie industry as Saint Obi, has passed away.
Information gathered by TRIBUNE ONLINE revealed that the ailing actor died about a week ago but the family chose not to announce his death for reasons yet to be ascertained.
The actor, TRIBUNE ONLINE gathered had battled an undisclosed ailment for sometime and was reported to have relocated to Jos, the Plateau State capital for further treatment of the ailment that had kept him in and out of the hospital for over two years.
Our reporter placed a call to his phone on Friday evening but it was not reachable and same was also done on Saturday afternoon but also couldn’t be reached.
It could not be confirmed why some of his colleagues as well have refused to speak about Obi’s death but it was gathered that decision to keep sealed lips was informed by the family’s decision to keep his death away from the public for now.
It was also gathered that Obi, before his death was spotted being transported to the hospital.
His body has been deposited at the morgue at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), TRIBUNE ONLINE further gathered.
Saint Obi was the favourite of many home video lovers in late 90s and early 2000 before he suddenly stopped appearing in movies. He had featured in over 100 movies before his demise.
The Anambra State Government and the police, have arrested one Chinyere Ifesinachi, for allegedly causing harm to her five-year-old house help, in the Nnewi area of the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, told journalists in Awka on Saturday, that the 25-year-old Ifesinachi was arrested following a tip-off.
Obinabo said that the suspect, a native of Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, used cane and pestle to beat the girl to a pulp because she threw her child on the ground.
She said that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal and Investigation Department of the Police Command in Anambra, where the suspect would be charged to court.
“Immediately the incident was brought to my attention, I sent our response teams and some Non-Governmental Organisations in company of the Police, to arrest the perpetrator
“The little girl was taken to the hospital where she is still undergoing medical examinations and treatments to ascertain the extent of her injuries. She is safe now and will not be returning to her guardian’s house again.
“We appreciate those who reported the case and the Police Command, for making sure that such cases are handled professional and in record time,” she said.
The Commissioner cautioned families and guardians against child abuse and maltreatment of their children and house helps in the state.
According to her, anyone caught abusing any child in Anambra will face the full wrath of the law.
Ifesinachi, while pleading for mercy, admitted that she flogged and inflicted injuries on the body of the girl.
She blamed the devil for her actions.
Earlier, the parents of the child, whose identities were not given, said that their little daughter was sent to live with the woman and help her after she gave birth to twins in March.