American singer, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, has selected a popular Nigerian-owned restaurant in North London, as one of ten winners to receive a grant.
According to ITV news on Tuesday, the Black Parade Small Business Impact Luncheon was created by Beyoncé’s BeyGood Foundation, to “celebrate people, communities, and small businesses impacted by economic inequities worldwide”, with Beyoncé committing £806,400 to support businesses.
The restaurant, Chuku’s, which is located in Tottenham, was selected to receive £8,000 by Beyoncé’s foundation.
Emeka Frederick, co-founder of Chuku’s, expressing his happiness said, “This grant couldn’t be more welcome. Chuku’s, like other restaurants that don’t have a financial reserve, has been battered by lockdowns and the cost of living crisis.
“Every day, we’re fighting to stay open to make it to our fourth birthday. This money will make that fight a little easier and allow us to continue celebrating Nigerian culture on Tottenham’s High Road for the time being.”
The luncheon was held at the Four Seasons in Tower Hill where over 100 entrepreneurs gathered at the event with the chance to win £806,000 in prizes.
[TheWill]
Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has replied to her Ghanaian counterpart Yvonne Nelson who claimed that her ex-boyfriend Iyanya was sleeping with her (Tonto) while they were still dating.
Recall that Yvonne Nelson made the allegation in her book ‘I Am Not Yvonne Nelson’ stating that each time she left Iyanya after visiting him in Nigeria, Tonto Dikeh would visit and sometimes sleep over with him.
She also said that she believed that Iyanya’s escapades with Tonto Dikeh was not an isolated incident as she also got wind of his romps with his female crew members.
The claim made by Yvonne Nelson was refuted by controversial blogger Stella Dimoko Korkus who said in a post on Instagram that her book is a lie from the pit of hell.
Stella wrote thus on Instagram; “Dear Yvonne…
Your book is a lie from the pit of hell!
There was never a time that TONTO dated Iyanya like you claimed in that figment of imagination you call a book.
‘‘It’s been a long time and it’s a pity you targeted Naija celebs in your book but hey we all know doing what you have done is the fastest way to relaunch a sleeping career.
’’TONTO nah drama queen so u r banking on her response so that your book go sell out? I pray she ignores u totally and I pity those buying that compilation of fabricated lies.
’’Since you decided to go down memory lane, I hope say u include for the book say nah your ex friend husband u pass back go born pikin for? I hope say u add am and explain for the book why you thief the man even though say Una don scatter..
‘‘You Dey talk about cheating but forget say u sef cheat on the guy..
”Once again I say it with my full chest that TONTO and Iyanya were just friendly and did not date but if you insist make u show us photo of dem two for bed Dey nack cos u must hold evidence for hand before u go print nonsense Dey sell….
‘‘I did my investigation years back after the twitter brouhaha and I am doing this to set the records correctly. Abeg, Don’t export your lies from Ghana into naija please!
’’Iyanya please don’t bother with another response na traffic to sell book she Dey find!
‘‘God abeg!.” The blogger added.
However, Tonto Dikeh, who has maintained an unusually quiet stance despite the weight of the allegation against her, simply liked the post shared by Stella Dimoko Korkus in reply to Yvonne Nelson.
[RipplesNigeria]
Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson has opened up about how her once celebrated romantic relationship with Nigerian music star, Iyanya ended over infidelity on the part of the singer.
Nelson and Iyanya were an item some years back and they made some of their colleagues green with envy over their relationship.
But after some years, news came to town that Iyanya and his girlfriend had parted ways with no one privy to what could have gone with their love.
Nelson in her new memoir has revealed how the relationship ended, saying their relationship came to an end due to Iyanya’s infidelity with Nigerian actress, Tonto Dikeh.
Yvonne described her relationship with the singer as a dreamy relationship with breakfast in bed and all the niceties and that she had assurance that her love with him was forever when he tattooed her initials YN on his wrist.
“We had a decent relationship. breakfast in bed and all the niceties of a dream relationship one could think of. I had the assurance that he was someone I could be with forever. He tattooed my initials, YN, on his wrist, and I thought that was a big deal. If he wasn’t serious about it he wouldn’t do that. In his hit song, “Ur Waist”, he mentioned how he lusted over me”.
However, their relationship took a turn for the worse when Yvonne Nelson started receiving calls from an unknown person each time she left Iyanya’s place, informing her that another actress would visit and sometimes even spend the night.
In her memoir, she revealed that the actress in question turned out to be Tonto Dikeh, who was mentioned in Iyanya’s song “Ur Waist.”
“One can therefore imagine my shock when I returned to Ghana after one of my visits to Nigeria and someone called me from his house.
The caller said anytime I left Iyanya’s place, another actress came over to him and sometimes slept over. The person felt strongly that there was something going on between them and thought I should know. That actress turned out to be Tonto Dikeh of Nigeria, one of the female celebrities Iyanya named in his “Ur Waist” song”
After Yvonne Nelson took to Twitter to express her frustrations and disappointment with the failed relationship, Tonto Dikeh responded on the platform, suggesting that people change, including their feelings, and advised Yvonne to move on.
[Tribune]
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has revealed why popular skit maker, Trinity Guy, should be arrested.
Adejobi, who had previously warned skit makers who use pranks for a living to regulate them because they endanger Nigerian lives, posted the video on his Instagram account on Monday.
The Police spokesperson, who strongly condemned the video, urged people that have been affected by the skitmakers’ pranks to report him to the authorities.
He said, “This doesn’t make any sense. I think the guy should have been arrested.
“Those individuals who feel the heat and fear of the pranks should be reporting the pranksters as many of their pranks are criminals, immoral, and evil. These women have a good case against him.”
President Bola Tinubu on Monday night, June 19, appointed his former Chief Security Officer (CSO), DIG Egbetokun Olukayode as the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP). This is coming barely three months after the Police Service Commission (PSC) approved the appointment of Egbetokun as a Deputy-Inspector General of Police who will be representing the South-West geopolitical zone of the country, The Punch reported.
DIG Egbetokun replaced DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo who retired from the Service on March 15 this year, PM News report added. His appointment as IG was made known in a statement by the director, information, office of the Secretary-General to the Federation (SGF), Willie Bassey.
Interesting facts about the new police boss, DIG Egbetokun Olukayode Meanwhile, here are the six things to know about the newly appointed acting IGP 1. Egbetokun was the former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State.
2. He will be replacing Usman Baba.
3. In 1999, he was appointed Chief Security Officer to President Tinubu when he was Lagos State governor.
4. He served as the Commander, Rapid Response Squad, Lagos, Squadron Commander, Mopol 5, Benin, Benin City, Officer-in-Charge, Anti-Fraud Unit, FCT Command, Abuja; Chief Superintendent of Police, Administration, Lagos State Command Head Quarters, Ikeja; Area Commander, Osogbo, Osun State Command; and Area Commander, Gusau, Zamfara State Command, among others.
5. Egbetokun was a mathematician. He is not the regular police officer. He graduated from the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in June 1987; and lectured Mathematics briefly at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, before his enlistment into the Police Force.
6. He also holds MSc in Engineering Analysis from UNILAG, Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Economics from Delta State University, Abraka, and MBA from Lagos State University, Ojo.
7. Until his latest appointment, he was DIG representing South West zone in the police management team.
[Legit]
Veteran Nigerian singer, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2baba, has opened up on the reason he built a multi-million naira music studio at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.
According to the music icon, he built the studio to reciprocate the kind gesture extended to him by the university.
2baba disclosed this during a breakfast chat organized by “The 2baba Foundation”, held in Lagos.
He explained that he was inducted as a Fellow into the university’s School of Music, which he treasures.
2face noted that the honorary degree the university gave to him was a huge honor and he promised to build a standard music studio for the tertiary institution.
He said, “I built the multi-million music studio in OAU because I was given an honourary degree, as a Fellow of the school of music of the university.
“That was a huge honor for me and I promised them I was going to build a standard music studio for the school, which I did.
“My aim is to give the students a standard space for creativity and I hope the next generation of superstars will generate from there.
“Also, my next album will be packaged in that studio.”
[NaijaNews]
‘We Have Been Struggling’ – Late Deborah Samuel’s Family Narrates Ordeal With Apostle Chibuzor
AdminThe family of the late Deborah Samuel has cried out over their current ordeal with Port Harcourt-based pastor, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere of Omega Power Ministries (OPM).
Naija News recalls that on May 12, 2022, Deborah, a female student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto State, was killed by Islamic extremists over blasphemy allegations against Prophet Mohammed.
Apostle Chibuzor intervened and relocated late Deborah’s Dad, mum, and siblings to Port Harcourt to start a new life.
However, Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) recently visited Deborah’s family and they opened up about their current struggle.
Contrary to claims that they were offered a free apartment, Deborah’s parents said the reverse is the case as the landlord has informed them about the next payment or quit the house.
Late Deborah’s father, Emmanuel also revealed he was given a fairly used vehicle which he was using for taxi services before it developed faults and packed up.
He said, “From time to time, the OPM leader used to call to check on us. He paid the rent. Right now, the rent for this apartment has expired. The landlord has told us to renew the rent or leave.
“All the appliances and the equipment in this apartment belong to OPM, we don’t own it. The first time OPM brought us to Port Harcourt they brought food items to us. After that first time, we have been struggling on our own.
“OPM got me a car. It was a Toyota Corolla, but it wasn’t new. It was a fairly used vehicle and the car has developed some faults. I was using it as a taxi before but it has some challenges and I have parked it.
“Right from the day OPM gave me this car, the car has been developing faults. On the first day I tried to take my children to school the car broke down on its way back. We towed the car back.”
Also speaking, the late Deborah’s mother, Alheri, recalled some of the experiences they had in Niger State with some Christians but not the same with members of OPM.
She said, “I really wanted to return to Niger State because there is no support here. It isn’t about money, no member of OPM comes here to pay us a visit. Since we’ve been in Port Harcourt, none of OPM’s members cared enough to visit us here. While we were in Niger we were surrounded by loved ones and Christians from different churches.
“We just leave everything in the hands of God. I thank everyone who has tried to help us.”
Nigeria’s legal tender, the naira, closed at N770 per dollar at the investors and exporters (I&E) window on Monday, beginning the week on a fragile front as the recent central bank reforms take effect on the market.
The Monday closing rate, according to FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited, represents a 16.1 percent depreciation from the N663 recorded on the last trading day (Friday).
Despite the naira’s weak performance, data on FMDQ shows that investors traded about $78 million deals on the I&E window.
The currency is yet to gain stability following changes implemented by the federal government in Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) market.
On June 14, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the unification of all segments of the FX market, effectively floating the naira.
The policy meant that all FX windows were collapsed into the I&E window.
“This means all eligible FX transactions shall only be done via the I&E window, all other windows cease to exist,” the CBN had said
“The I&E market functions by a willing buyer, willing seller system, where an entity with demand for FX seeks out another entity with FX to sell at an agreed price through an authorised dealer.
“In this model, rates are usually agreed by both parties.”
Following the apex bank’s directive, the naira depreciated, trading at N 755 per dollar — but later appreciated to close at N664.
In an interview with Bloomberg in Morocco, Kingsley Obiora, deputy governor of the apex bank, said the CBN will further ease controls “in the next couple of weeks” to help determine a new level for the naira.
On whether the apex bank expects the official and parallel-market exchange rates to converge soon, Obiora said: “I don’t think it will take a long time.”
[TheCable]
A housewife, Salamat Suleiman, has filed for divorce after two months of marriage, due to husband’s health issue.
The complainant told the court that she noticed that her husband had watery sperm.
She pleaded for the court to dissolve the marriage, saying that she is tired of the relationship.
The respondent agreed that he has health issues, but insisted that the wife also have health challenges.
He however said that he still loved his wife and pleaded with the court to grant him time to settle the misunderstanding.
The presiding Judge, Abdul Qadir Umar, told the wife to have an open mind and seek medical assistance for their health challenges.
The judge advised the wife to allow a second chance in the relationship, pointing out that all marriages have their challenges.
The court adjourned the case to Aug. 28, for a report of settlement or continuation of hearing.
Nollywood actor, Damola Olatunji on Father’s day opened up on the reason for staying silent over his separation from his children’s mother and actress, Bukola Awoyemi out of respect for the kids.
The movie star posted a throwback video of himself and his children on his Instagram account.
In May, Bukola Awoyemi aka Bukola Arugba announced her separation from Damola.
She published on Instagram a letter written by her lawyers and dated May 30.
The letter urged the public to take note that “Bukola Awoyemi and Damola Olatunji are no longer an item. They have gone their separate ways and this is without any hard feelings or ill will.”
It further said, “They have never been married to each other but are blessed with two lovely children (twins).”
The actor was silent until Sunday, 18th June, 2023 when he said his silence was motivated by his love and respect for his children.
He wrote: “A father’s tears and fears are unseen, his love is unexpressed, but his care and protection remains as a pillar of strength throughout the lives of his seeds.”
“Taiwo and Kehinde my silence is out of my love and respect for you.”
Damola was reportedly accused of being involved in sex for roles.
More...
According to a recent statement by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), there will be no restrictions on cash deposits into domiciliary accounts. Customers will be able to access funds in their accounts without any limitations or hindrances.
In a statement released after a meeting with the bankers' committee on Sunday, the bank made an announcement.
The purpose of the meeting was to offer additional guidance to deposit money banks (DMBs) regarding the recent operational modifications to the foreign exchange market. Additionally, the meeting aimed to examine the implementation and consequences of the policy changes for the banking public.
In compliance with regulatory instructions from the CBN, banks had placed transaction limits on domiciliary accounts in 2021. However, a new directive has nullified this limit.
Over the last few days, Nigeria's foreign exchange (FX) market has experienced noteworthy developments as a result of reforms implemented to revamp the country's economy.
On June 14th, the regulator made an announcement regarding the unification of all segments of Nigeria's FX market and the floating of the local currency.
According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, the policy has resulted in the consolidation of all foreign exchange windows into the investors and exporters (I&E) window.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has recently released a statement outlining its objective to enhance transparency, liquidity, and price discovery in the foreign exchange market. The bank seeks to improve the supply of foreign exchange through the implementation of its new policy.
According to the apex bank, this move is aimed at discouraging speculation, boosting customer confidence, and promoting stability in the FX market. The bank also stated that further instructions would be communicated to authorised dealers and the public in the near future.
According to a statement released, all transactions, whether visible or invisible, such as medical expenses, school fees, BTA/PTA, airline charges, and other remittances, are qualified for the investors' and exporters' (I&E) window.
Dear Sir/Madam, Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have been directed to ensure prompt processing of all eligible invisible transactions on behalf of their customers using the applicable rate at the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window. Thank you.
According to official sources, individuals with ordinary domiciliary accounts will enjoy unrestricted access to the funds held in their accounts. According to the regulations, individuals with domiciliary accounts are authorised to make use of cash deposits that do not surpass $10,000 per day or its equivalent through telegraphic transfer.
DMBs are required to furnish the Central Bank of Nigeria with returns, which must include the purpose of the transactions in question. Dear [Name], I am writing to inform you that cash deposits into domiciliary accounts will not be restricted, provided that Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) conduct proper KYC (know your customer), due diligence, and adhere to the spirit and letter of extant anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism laws and other relevant rules and regulations. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name]
According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), there will be a focus on ensuring the systematic settlement of all committed foreign exchange (FX) forward transactions as they become due. This move is aimed at enhancing market confidence.
According to the bank, it has been decided that the cash reserve ratio (CRR) will continue to operate while ensuring fairness in its implementation throughout the banking sector.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has given an assurance to the banking public that it is dedicated to maintaining a stable and efficient foreign exchange market that caters to the requirements of all legitimate users.
According to Changpeng Zhao, the CEO of Binance, Binance Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the cryptocurrency exchange, is an entity that engages in fraudulent activities.
In a recent tweet, Zhao acknowledged the illicit activities of the enterprise in Nigeria.
Binance has taken legal action against the fraudulent organisation known as 'Binance Nigeria Limited' by issuing a cease-and-desist notice. It is recommended to exercise caution and refrain from accepting all information presented in the media, as Zhao stated in his tweet.
Zhao's recent appointment follows the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) declaration of Binance Nigeria Limited's operations as illegal within the country, which occurred one week prior.
As per the commission's report, the cryptocurrency platform had been proactively marketing its web and mobile-based platforms to the Nigerian populace.
As per the commission's statement, the aforementioned company is not under its regulatory purview and is not registered.
As per regulatory standards, Binance Nigeria Limited is not registered or regulated by the commission, rendering its operations in Nigeria as non-compliant with the law. The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a statement cautioning that any individual engaging with the aforementioned entity assumes full responsibility for any associated financial risks.
As a regulatory body tasked with safeguarding the interests of investors, we advise individuals to exercise caution when considering investments in cryptocurrency assets and related financial products and services. It is imperative to ensure that the service provider or platform in question is duly registered and regulated by the commission before making any investment decisions.
Binance, the leading cryptocurrency trading platform globally, is currently encountering a sequence of legal actions as it prepares to withdraw from several countries, including the Netherlands, Cyprus, Canada, and Australia.
The SEC has filed charges against the company for allegedly facilitating the trading of unregistered tokens.
In the previous fiscal year, the cryptocurrency enterprise disclosed its intention to establish a recuperation reserve aimed at providing assistance to cryptocurrency initiatives that encounter financial difficulties.
Afrobeats singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has said this year’s Father’s Day is a difficult day for him.
The singer made this known on his Instagram page on Sunday.
In a series of posts on his Instagram story, the Unavailable crooner wrote, “Difficult Father’s Day for me… But I thank God for strength. Some days will be like this.
Father’s Day: ‘My son says I’m best dad in the world’, Tonto Dikeh celebrates self
Anambra Assembly Speaker felicitates Nigerians on international father’s day
Father’s Day: ‘Men should not to be ashamed to seek mental health care’
“Water full my eyes but I’ll be alright! FOREVER! “
The father of four lost his three-year-old first son, Ifeanyi, in October 2022.
The senior pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, has urged the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to find something else to do instead of waiting for justice at the Election Petition Tribunal.
On Sunday, Giwa said while addressing his members in Akure that Obi was only entertaining Nigerians.
He said:” I knew he couldn’t have gone too far. No popularity on social media can stand the test of time. When it is not your time, it is not your time! He betrayed his boss, Atiku, who brought him into the limelight. If you love Nigeria so much as proclaimed, why didn’t you wait in your political party to fight the battle? Suddenly, you changed and pretended that you were not part of the system that led us to where we are today.
“God can’t stomach arrogance, pretence, and betrayal, according to Proverbs 16:5. The Lord says he will put those upstairs in their place. We know all the politicians we will hold responsible should anything go wrong in Nigeria.
“He is just wasting his time entertaining Nigerians; don’t forget that I told you that the last presidential election was between the two old men I described as thieves. I said the better one would eventually lead the country.
“When I also told you that Obi was a social media presidential candidate, his people abused me because they didn’t want to listen to the truth. They held a series of meetings with their pastors, who deceived them that they would win. Now, he has suddenly become a wealthy man at the expense of the poor people who didn’t know where he was heading. The truth is stranger than fiction, they say!
“Please, don’t waste your time, my brother. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
He further stated: “It’s left for whoever is there as President to prove some of us right or wrong. Time will tell. They are all corrupt politicians; what we want is while you are there stealing the money, remember the citizens and let them taste the national cake.
“The money belongs to the citizens of Nigeria. At least, nothing stops you from transforming the country and protecting the rights and dignity of individual Nigerians.”