Afrobeats star, Davido has assured the parents of his bride, Chioma of his commitment to their union.

He vowed to give the mother of his twins a ‘’lifetime assurance''.

The 'Feel' crooner made the pledge to Chioma's parents while asking for her hand in marriage at their wedding holding in Lagos today, June 25.

‘’Your daughter will be protected, respected and connected'' he assured her parents.

Watch a video of him speaking below;

The Ogun State Police Command has said a pregnant woman, Rahemat Lateef, who claimed to have been abducted by some unknown gunmen while going to the state hospital at Ijaiye, Abeokuta for child delivery, faked the kidnap.

The state police command, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this on her X handle.

Odutola said the woman faked the kidnapping after she discovered she had suffered another miscarriage to avoid the wrath of her husband who was naturally expecting her to be put to bed.

According to the police, Rahemat, who had suffered repeated miscarriages, travelled to Kwara State but later returned to Abeokuta with her father.

Odutola while giving updates on the incident said, “Rahemat Lateef who the husband reported abducted, was never abducted, but planned her journey to Kwara State, to escape the wrath of her husband, because she has remained unlucky due to miscarriages.

“She is under medical attention, safe,” she added.

Last week Rahemat’s husband, Ogunbunmi Lateef, said he received a WhatsApp message, informing him of his wife’s kidnap.

The Police Spokesman, Omolola Odutola, in a statement had confirmed the incident but refused to give more details on the incident.

“One Ogunbunmi Lateef of Oke Lantoro reported that his pregnant wife due for delivery left home for State Hospital Ijaiye Abeokuta.

“He received a WhatsApp message confirming the abduction of his wife by unknown armed men,” Odutola said.

The Presidency has pleaded with Nigerians not to mount unnecessary pressure on President Bola Tinubu over the new minimum wage demand.

The government assured that Tinubu would transmit the proposed bill to the National Assembly once it is ready.

Speaking to Punch, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga wondered what the rush for the transmission of the bill was all about.

Onanuga’s position is coming barely 24 hours after the Organised Labour asked the President to consult with them before transmitting the bill to the National Assembly.

The Union had complained that the National Executive Committee which will accommodate about 300 Labour leaders, is being stalled by Tinubu’s delay to transmit the wage bill.

The President, during his Democracy Day broadcast, disclosed that a consensus had been reached between the Federal Government and Labour on the new wage, a development which the Organised Labour debunked.

However, Onanuga, while admitting that he had no idea when the bill would be submitted, called for patience.

“People should be patient,” he stated.

His appeal comes one week after he reiterated that the ₦250,000 wage being demanded by the workers’ union is unsustainable, warning that the Federal Government cannot channel all its resources to meet such demand.

Governors of the southern region of the country, have maintained their stand on the need for the creation of state police.

The Governors, who met yesterday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under the auspices of the Southern Governors Forum, reiterated the need to have control over the security architecture of their respective states as the chief security officers.

Speaking on a national television interview, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who just replaced former Ondo governor, the late Rotimi Akeredolu as the chairman of the forum, said the governors of the region are united in their call for state police.

He argued that federal security officers deployed to various states do not understand the local terrain, language or culture of the people, and before they settle down to understand such things, they are transferred to another state, making it difficult to gather intelligence on security issues.

Abiodun stated that it is obvious that the federal police is short of manpower, but with the creation of state police, security operatives who understand the terrain will be able to complement the efforts of the federal officers in curbing insecurity.

The Ogun Governor said: “We all spoke with one voice in support of state policing.

“We spoke with one voice in support of regional security outfits which almost all regions have set up.

“The outfits are working hand in glove with the law enforcement agencies and providing them with intelligence and support.

“We all know that we cannot have any meaningful development in the atmosphere of insecurity.

“We all spoke with one voice in support of state policing, and regional security outfits, working hand-in-glove with the security outfits.

“The governors are called state chief security officers. But, we know that the Commissioner of Police is appointed by the Inspector General of Police and is only answerable to the IG.

“And when the governor needs to call the attention of the CP on an urgent task in his state, the governor will have to first clear with the IG.

“What have we discovered? In most cases, a policeman from Borno, Maiduguri, posted to Lagos or Ogun states, for instance.

“Such an officer doesn’t understand the terrain, he doesn’t speak the language and he does not get the level of intelligence he needs.

“By the time he is settling down to understand these factors, he is transferred to another state.

“We’re calling for community police to tame insecurity in the state and the nation.

“Under the state police arrangement, a policeman posted to his ward won’t have problems with language and intelligence.

“In that case, the policeman understands the community and the locals, language, the sentiments and, he knows the criminals within his territory.

“It is also common knowledge that the federal police have a shortage of manpower.

“We, as governors, are not in charge or control of our states as far as security is concerned.

“Yet, we fund the federal police operations, yet we are not getting the best from them. They don’t have enough personnel.

“State policing is not something new.

“We have several types of policing structure in other climes where we took our democracy from.”

Veteran Nollywood actor, Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo, has spoken out against wealthy Nigerian men who fund lavish lifestyles of actresses in the entertainment industry.

In a recent episode of “The Honest Bunch” podcast, Kanayo said such financial support creates an unfair perception that male actors are not working hard.

According to him, this also creates financial disparities and jeopardises the careers of their male counterparts.

“Many Nigerian rich men patronize our women and give them benefits that make us look like we are not working hard. Nigerian rich men spend money on our girls to the extent that it impoverishes us and makes it look like we don’t work hard,” he said.

Kanayo elaborated on the disparity: “You call a girl, she says she wants to do a production, she’s your girlfriend from whatever benefits she gives you. How much is she asking for this production, N150m, N100m? but me wey be KOK, go and work hard my friend, we’re all men.”

He pointed out that male actors often face financial difficulties without the same support: “It’s not a good situation. Have you seen any lady ask for financial help for medical expenses? No, it’s only the men. We are an endangered species.

“Many girls are desperate to act, telling a man ‘do with me whatever you want.’ When you offer a man and say, ‘Oga give me that role, I will come to your hotel,’ what is this, I am not a child. What do you expect?” he queried.

The veteran actor said it’s now a trend for actresses to undergo cosmetic surgery to fit into the industry.

“You go do BBL, you have it and puff it up. Most of the girls are coming to Nollywood to learn how to act. You don’t come to Nollywood to learn how to act; you come to Nollywood to exploit your trade and make it better. Acting is in you, if it’s not in you, go and sell crayfish,” he added.

Kanayo further spoke on lack of unity within the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). He lamented that many actors who have achieved stardom fail to participate in guild activities.

“People who hit stardom say, ‘I have no business with this.’ There needs to be a clarion call for everybody to know that we are better off being under a guild, We are better of being under an association, protecting our general interest.

“But when you have people who do not have that kind of feeling it becomes bad. So, it’s a work in progress, its the continuum to call on the actress and AGN president, which is the executive to keep on working to bring in actors together and for actors to know, not just when we go for burial hours, not when we have candle nights. Teamwork makes the (dream work). We need to work as a team and we will have more respect if we work as an association,” he said.

The actor also advocated for a collective effort to support the welfare of actors, and emphasised the need for contributions to a health fund.

He said, “If I earn N1m per movie, what is one percent of it? N10,000. Why wouldn’t you pay N10,000 to a fund used to take care of those who are sick? Many people have refused to be part of the association to build something from their earnings, and that’s why you see actors coming to social media to ask for help.”

Talented Nollywood actress cum movie producer, Funke Akindele, has dismissed rumours of a rift with her colleague, Eniola Badmus and other stars in the film industry.

Naija News recalls that Eniola and Funke were very close before the 2023 election and had often shown off their beautiful vacation and fun moments online.

However, in recent times, the duo were rarely seen together or commenting on their social media posts.

In an interview with Arise TV, Funke when asked about her friendship with Eniola Badmus said, “Eniola Badmus cracks me up so much. I love to chill with her. But, we have been so busy with life. Everybody is doing their thing.”

While giving insight into her approach to maintaining friendships in the entertainment industry, the thespian said she has never had serious friends aside from her siblings.

She said, “I think my siblings are my friends. I have people that I’m cordial with, but not serious friendships like that. Because I am always busy with work. And when I am not working, I will be sleeping, watching a movie, chilling with the kids and family.

“I like being in my space. I don’t like going to parties. I run a studio, we film every year and we have movies at cinemas and on streaming platforms including content on Youtube. I’m very busy. So I just get busy with work and my children.

“I have cordial relationships with all my colleagues in the industry. But I love working with some particular people.”

Popular South African film director, Nkosi Nathi, has expressed frustration after a DNA test revealed that he is not the biological father of his wife’s newborn daughter.

The filmmaker shared his ordeal in a post via his Instagram page on Monday, stating that the incident had left him traumatized.

Nkosi said he received the news of becoming a father nine months ago and has doted on the baby girl since birth.

However, an incident compelled them to conduct a DNA test, and the result was negative.

Nkosi said he shared his story to encourage other men to conduct a DNA test.

He said, “Today was meant to celebrate my first Father’s Day. I’m shattered beyond words. Nine months ago, I was introduced to the news that I would be a father. I are for my unborn child and she became my world. I spent some time with her and it was a life changing experience.

“She was born on May 20 a day before my birthday. After some incident, her mother and I agreed to do a DNA test. The result came back negative, I am not her father. I am making this post to encourage other brothers out there: With all that happened, I still want to be a part of the better and responsible generation of men.

“Let me not let the situation get ahead of us. We have a lot of life to live. The support from my family has been insane. One thing about me, I know how to choose my friends. I am traumatized but stable, on the healing journey and taking care of my mental health. Some really dope projects are coming up, I can’t wait to share them with you. The work does not stop, I will continue to be…”

The Managing Director of ExxonMobil Nigeria, Shane Harris, has dismissed reports making the rounds that the company was planning to leave Nigeria.

Naija News reports that this statement comes in response to rumours circulating about the oil major’s divestment of its 100% interest in Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energy Offshore Limited.

In a recent meeting with Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Harris emphasized that ExxonMobil is actively engaged in new investments within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Details of the meeting with Lokpobiri were shared by Nneamaka Okafor, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Petroleum Minister, in a statement released in Abuja on Monday.

“During the meeting, Mr Harris hinted at significant new investments that ExxonMobil is injecting into Nigeria’s energy sector.

“He expressed confidence in the renewed relationship between ExxonMobil and the Nigerian government, assuring the government that the oil giant is not planning to leave Nigeria,” the statement read.

It further quoted the ExxonMobil boss as saying, “We are excited about the prospects these new investments bring. Our partnership with the Nigerian government is crucial for sustainable growth, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration as we have no plan to leave.”

Lokpobiri reiterated the Federal Government’s pledge to boost output and create an encouraging atmosphere for investors in the energy industry.

He emphasized the department’s dedication to forming partnerships and exchanging innovative strategies with global oil firms, declaring that the Nigerian government is committed to increasing production and providing a supportive atmosphere for all investors by striving to keep investor faith in our nation.

Lokpobiri praised the ExxonMobil group for their dedication to the Nigerian oil and gas sector, observing that it was in perfect harmony with the country’s goals. 

“ExxonMobil’s planned investments are commendable and greatly appreciated. This renewed relationship is a testament to the mutual goals we share for the future of our energy sector,” the minister stated.

The statement mentioned that the talks involved both sides also covered the government’s backing for global and autonomous oil companies.

Lokpobiri guaranteed Harris the Nigerian government’s backing, highlighting the significance of fostering a flourishing atmosphere for all involved parties.

“We fully support ExxonMobil and other lOCs, just as we do with independent operators. Our collaborative efforts are key to the sustainable growth of our energy sector,” he stated.

A suspected ritualist, Lekan Akinyemi, has been arrested by the Adatan divisional Police Officer after he was nabbed with a human head on June 24, 2024, at about  1550 hrs.

Nojeem Balogun who resides around Iyana Cele Car Wash, Abeokuta, visited the police station and reported that on June 23, 2024, at about 0800hrs , one of his siblings alerted him about unusual activities at their late father's grave in Isale Itoko, Abeokuta.

Upon inspection, he found that their father's head had been removed by an unidentified individual or group.  Further inquiries led to the identification of Lekan Akinyemi who was caught red handed as the culprit who dug up the grave and severed the head.

Lekan Akinyemi was caught in the act and the case was then handed over to the Anti-Robbery unit for investigation before transferring it to the State CID.

Popular Nigerian author and life coach, Solomon Buchi has heaped praises on Chioma Rowland ahead of her wedding to Afrobeats star, Davido.

Taking to the microblogging platform X, Solomon Buchi praised Chioma for never having been on a podcast, interview, or rant talking about their relationship amid rumours of infidelity.