Afrobeats superstar Ahmed Ololade aka Asake said he is not sad over his Grammy loss to South Africa’s Tyla.

The Nation reported that Tyla’s ‘Water’ defeated Asake’s ‘Amapiano’ and other Nigerian songs to win the maiden Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammys.

However, speaking in a recent interview with GQ magazine, the ‘Mr Money With The Vibe’ crooner said he doesn’t take it as a loss.

According to him, he is upbeat that he might get more Grammy nominations and probably win next year.

“It [Grammy loss] is not a loss for me. I might just get more next year. In my head, I was not even taking it too seriously,” he said.

On his mind space for his sophomore album, ‘Work Of Art,’ Asake said: “People don’t really know me because I’m quiet.

“So everybody started seeing me as a mystery. ‘Work of Art’ is just for them to know me. You have to understand I’m human, but you can’t just deny the heart in me.”

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr Mele Kyari, has said that harnessing natural gas resources in Nigeria is crucial in fuelling economic growth and industrial development.

Kyari spoke on Wednesday at the public presentation of a book, ‘The Rise of Gas: From Gaslink to the Decade of Gas’, authored by Charles Osezua.

The GCEO highlighted gas as a crucial energy source that sustains economic growth and drives industrial activities.

Represented by the company’s Head of Relationship and Stakeholder Management, Mrs Oluwakemi Olumuyiwa, Kyari also emphasised the importance of documenting Nigeria’s gas sector.

He underscored the significance of prioritising natural gas production and supply, particularly in the context of geopolitical dynamics and energy security in the global economy.

“With Nigeria boasting substantial gas reserves exceeding 200 trillion cubic feet and a potential to reach 600 tcf, the GCEO said it is pertinent Nigeria leverages the gas resource for sustainable development, energy security, and job creation,” a statement by the NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, said on Wednesday.

According to Kyari, the book aligns with the Federal Government’s ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative, which he said aimed to optimise Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves for domestic consumption and international export.

The NNPCL boss added that the energy firm has been leading in advancing the ‘Decade of Gas’ agenda as a key stakeholder through strategic investments in critical gas infrastructure such as pipelines and processing facilities.

The 19 chairmen of the Labour Party (LP) in the northern states have passed a vote of confidence on the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Mr Peter Obi.

The northern zone chairman of the party, Muhammad Abdullahi Lawal, disclosed this to reporters after their meeting in Bauchi.

He said, “Sequel to this, we reaffirmed our unwavering support for Peter Obi, who embodies character and distinguished principles that define the Labour Party and the great future of our country’s unity.

“We stand in solidarity with him, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Obedient movement groups and all other stakeholders who are committed to uniting the party and upholding its integrity,” he said.
Lawal said it was unequivocally clear that there was no longer any faction of the LP anywhere, insisting that the party had only a unilateral centre of command and control.

“However, in the interest of party unity and progression, we have collectively agreed today to disband these factions and move forward as one cohesive party,” he said.

Lawal also warned Dr Arabambi to cease from making derogatory remarks against the person of Mr Obi, saying such behaviour was unacceptable within the ranks of the LP.

The Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood, has been hit with a spate of deaths of prominent actors in the year 2024. Ace thespians, such as Mr. Ibu and Sisi Quadri are the latest.

The industry, over the years, has lost numerous seasoned veterans and budding talents.

As part of tributes to the late actors, it is imperative to reflect upon the invaluable contributions they made to the film industry in Nigeria.

Here is the list of Nollywood actors that have died in 2024 so far:
Olofa Ina

Veteran Yoruba actor Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina, died on Thursday, January 4. He died at the age of 73.

According to reports, the thespian died of cancer in Lagos State.

Ethel Ekpe

Veteran actress, Ethel Ekpe, who adorned the Nigerian entertainment screen for years, died on Wednesday, February 7, in Lagos State.

Ekpe is well known for playing the role of ‘Segi’ on the Nigerian Television Authority sitcom, ‘Basi and Company’. She died after a long battle with cancer.

Sisi Quadri

Yoruba Nollywood actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri died on March 1, at the age of 44.

Oyebamiji celebrated his 44th birthday on December 25, 2023.

His death was announced by some of his colleagues in the Yoruba movie industry.

Announcing his death, Nollywood actress, Abiola Bayo wrote on her verified Instagram handle, “You will be greatly missed, Sisi Quadri. May your soul rest in perfect peace.”

Another actor, Tunde Yusuf who posted his (Sisi Quadri) picture said, “Everything in the world is according to the will of Allah. From Allah we have come and unto Him we shall return. May God bless, rest your soul, bro.”

Mr. Ibu
A day after Sisi Quadri’s demise, the news of the passing of comedic actor, John Okafor, popular as Mr Ibu broke out.

The actor, renowned for his comedic roles, died at the age of 62. It plunged fans and colleagues into mourning.

Nigerians acknowledge Mr. Ibu for his talent and unwavering strength amidst personal health challenges.

His contribution to Nollywood’s quintessential comedic figures is destined to endure as an individual. He wields large influence over the nation’s cultural and entertainment space.

Amaechi Muonagor

Three weeks after losing one of its comic actors to the pang of death, the Nigerian movie industry lost yet another veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor, to the cold hands of death.

Muonagor died on Sunday, March 24, after battling kidney disease for a long time.

This came a few days after a viral video in which he solicited financial assistance from Nigerians to enable him to travel abroad for a kidney transplant.

Muonagor appeared in dozens of films, including Aki and Paw Paw. It is one of his most famous roles, where he played the father of two mischief-making, exuberant teenagers.

Aderounmu Adejumoke

Nollywood actress, Adejumoke Oreoluwa Aderounmu, popularly known for her role as ‘Esther’ in popular TV series Jenifa’s Diary, died on Sunday, March 7.

Adeola Aderounmu, the brother of the actress, announced her passing through his Instagram story on Sunday.

Aderounmu started her professional acting career in the movie “Arugba,” produced by Tunde Kelani in 2008, starring alongside Bukky Wright, Bukola Awoyemi, and Segun Adefila.

Junior Pope

Days after the death of Adejumoke, the news of the passing of Junior Pope Odonwodo popularly called, Jnr Pope, broke out.

The actor died on Wednesday, March 10, while filing in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

According to our source, the actor died during a boat trip. The boat capsized and him alongside two other yet to be identified actors got drown. His body was recovered and rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed death.

Former BBNaija’s housemate and actress, Victoria Iye, aka Vee, has revealed that the concept of marriage doesn’t make sense to her currently.

To Vee, marriage is not a form of insurance, stressing that it is just vows which can be broken.

She asserted that she wants to be in a place where she feels secure, noting that love and marriage don’t always co-exist.

Speaking on Clout Africa, Vee said, “Love and the institution of marriage doesn’t always coexist. I always say to my friends that, being married is not a form of insurance. It’s just a vow and people break their vows everyday.

“I want to be in a place where I feel secure. Personally, I don’t feel marriage is all in all. Maybe it is because I am young and I haven’t experienced true love per se. I have only been in relationships. I haven’t settled myself to be with someone I really feel is my soul mate. For now, the concept of marriage really doesn’t make sense to me.”

Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo has expressed her stance against remarrying.

Iyabo Ojo, who has been divorced, clarified that she isn’t seeking marriage with her current partner, music executive Paul Okoye, also known as Paulo, but rather companionship.

Taking to her Instagram page, the actress shared, “Marriage – done and dusted. Had kids – done and dusted. Raised my kids – done and dusted. Next stage: Enjoyment! Enjoyment! Enjoyment!”

She added that people should, however, do what makes them happy and works for them.

“This is me. Do you ….. do what makes you happy and what works for you,” she wrote.

Iyabo Ojo is a prominent Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and entrepreneur.

She has been active in the Nigerian film industry, often referred to as Nollywood, for many years.

Ojo has appeared in numerous movies and has gained recognition for her talent and versatility as an actress. Apart from her acting career, she has also ventured into film production.

Iyabo Ojo is a well-respected figure in the Nigerian entertainment scene and has a significant following on social media platforms.

Nigerians and other immigrants residing in Canada desire to become citizens of the country.

To attain citizenship in Canada one must first apply for the North American country’s citizenship.

According to Vanguard, below are the requirements for Nigerians and other foreigners to become a Canadian citizens.

1. The first step to becoming a permanent resident is to live in any part of the country. You can only apply for citizenship if you live in Canada.

2. You must have lived in Canada for at least three years.

Nigerians who want to become citizens in Canada must have also lived in the North American country for at least three out of the last five years (1,095 days in total).

3. Another eligibility requirement for Nigerians to become citizens in Canada is to have good knowledge about the country.

This knowledge includes Canada’s history, languages, and culture, which enable Nigerians to pass a test.

4. All your taxes must be filed. Nigerians who want to apply for citizenship in Canada must have filed all their taxes.

This is because Canada take their tax payments seriously.

5. You must be fluent in English or French. English and French are co-official languages of Canada and Nigerians who want to be citizens must prove their language skills in either of the two.

It is important to note that Nigerians who are prohibited under the Citizenship Act cannot become Canadian citizens regardless of all the requirements stated above.

Nollywood Actor, Junior Pope Odonwodo, has been confirmed dead hours after surviving a boat accident.

The Nollywood actor and three fellow colleagues were announced to have died when their boat overturned on the Anam River in Anambra State as they were returning from a film set.

In a twist of event, the Nigerian actor was later confirmed dead by doctors, according to a movie producer, Stanley Nwoke.

Nwoke, who had been with the actor throughout the incident, revealed that the doctors had confirmed it.

He took to his Instagram page on Wednesday Night to share the news, saying that there was no doubt that his death was sad and painful.

Below is the biography of the late actor.

Early Life

Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, was born on May 7, 1984, in Bamenda, Cameroon. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Luke Odonwodo, who hail from the Ukehe tribe of Enugu State in southeastern Nigeria. Junior Pope spent his early years in Cameroon, where he completed his primary and secondary education before relocating to Nigeria.

Education 

After completing his college education, Junior Pope attended the University of Nigeria Nsukka in Enugu State, where he graduated with a degree in Accountancy. 

Nollywood Career

Junior Pope joined the Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood, in 2006 and quickly became known for his roles as a guard and servant.

His breakthrough came in 2007 with the movie “Secret Adventures”, directed by Tchidi Chikere, which brought him into the limelight. Since then, he has acted in over 100 movies, including Mad Sex, Bitter Generation, and Vengeance of Bullet.

Rise To Fame 

His performance in “Secret Adventures” earned him the award for Nollywood’s Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Entertainment Factory Awards in 2010. This recognition marked the beginning of a series of accolades that would come his way.   

Relationship

On July 26, 2014, Junior Pope married Jennifer Awele Okpuno. The couple is blessed with beautiful children, and together, they share a life filled with love and happiness.

Notable Performances

Some of Junior Pope’s notable performances include roles in movies such as:

Secret Adventure”: Showcased action skills “Nkwocha”: Highlighted societal issues “Bachelor Eve”: Displayed comedic timing, Labister : Highlighted societal issues in campus

Philanthropy And Influence 

As a philanthropist, Junior Pope has made significant contributions to society, and his influence extends beyond the silver screen. He is known for engaging with fans on social media and sharing insights into his personal and professional life. 

Legacy 

Junior Pope’s legacy in Nollywood is marked by his versatility and dedication to his craft. He is considered one of the richest and most influential actors in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $350,000. His awards, including the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, are a testament to his talent and hard work.

Let’s protect Nigeria’s integrity, Tinubu appeals to Nigerians

Support for leaders, a vote for better tomorrow, says Buhari

President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, at their separate praying grounds on Wednesday in Lagos and Katsina states respectively, rejoiced with the Muslim faithful on the celebration of the Eid El-Fitri.

Tinubu and his predecessor called on Nigerians to love the country and support leaders.

Tinubu, who was present at the Dodan Barracks in Ikoyi, Lagos, to observe the Eid prayer, urged Nigerians to defend the integrity of the country.

“The kind of resilience, sacrifice, endurance that we have, we should preserve that for the country. Be a kind and cheerful giver, love our country better than any other country – that is the only one that we have.

“And we must continue to protect the integrity of our government and leadership. The new hope is alive, well and fine and Nigerians should continue to be very hopeful. Without hope there is no salvation, without hope, there is no development, without hope, there is no life,” Tinubu told journalists on his way out of the prayer ground.

Also, speaking to journalists in Daura shortly after observing the Eid prayer,  Buhari congratulated fellow Muslims on the successful completion of the 30-day Ramadan fasting, urging “all citizens to support our leaders from the local government level to the highest level, in their efforts to transform and  develop the landscape of the nation.”

He urged “Support for our leaders,” saying, “(It) is a vote for a better tomorrow.”

Buhari further said, “It is imperative that we stand united in safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of our nation.”

He called on contestants of political offices “to always ensure a smooth succession from one administration to another without stoking communal tensions and obstructing development, irrespective of political party affiliation.”

Earlier, while leading the prayer session at the Dodan barracks praying ground, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheik Sulaiman Nolla, said fasting had great blessings.

First Lady preaches compassion

The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu,  enjoined Muslims across the country to exercise moderation and not discard the lessons of Ramadan on the altar of celebrations.

Urging compassion, Mrs Tinubu, in a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoy, said, “We should be modest in our celebration and continue to extend love to others. Our kindness to one another and service to humanity should extend beyond the month of Ramadan.

“Let us sustain those virtues of self-purification, sacrifice, self-discipline, and being compassionate to fellow Nigerians. Our priority as a people should include praying for our nation.”

Pray for leaders – Sultan

 The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has encouraged the Muslim Ummah to actively pursue knowledge to strengthen their faith.

In the Sultan’s Eid message on Wednesday, he emphasised the importance of continuing to pray for leaders and the prosperity of the country.

“We should express gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting us the gift of life and good health, allowing us to observe the 30 days of fasting and celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

“Today marks a significant day in Islam as Muslims worldwide commemorate the conclusion of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitr festivities.

“Moreover, let us perpetuate the spirit of compassion and support for one another, as demonstrated during the month of Ramadan, and extend assistance to those in need,” he appealed.

Govs seek peace

The Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, enjoined the people of the state to work together to ensure peaceful coexistence among diverse interests in the state.

Speaking at the Okene Central Eid Prayer ground, Governor Ododo said, “Let us cherish the spirit of unity and compassion that defines this day and let it inspire us to continue working together towards a brighter future for our people and our state.

“Let us use this period to reflect on our shared values of love, compassion, and solidarity, and to renew our commitment to building a stronger and more vibrant Kogi State together. “

Also,  Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State urged the Muslim community in the state to uphold the virtues of Ramadan to attract Allah’s abundant mercy and forgiveness.

“I am aware of the numerous acts of assistance provided by some of our affluent citizens to the needy in our society, which is truly commendable.

“On our part, the government has allocated significant resources to aid the less privileged and vulnerable groups throughout the state,” he stated.

Similarly, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, implored Nigerians to uphold patriotism and the spirit of tranquility while entreating for peace and prosperity of Kano State and Nigeria at large.

Also, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State said, “The current difficulties are transient and better days lie ahead. Nigeria will emerge stronger.”

Support Tinubu , says Emir

The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, sued for support for President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state.

The monarch stated this in his Sallah message to the people of Ilorin Emirate and beyond delivered at the Ilorin Central Eid praying ground marking the 2024 Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

He noted that despite all the challenges facing the nation, the people of Ilorin Emirate were living in peace and harmony without rancour “which necessitates us to remain grateful and prayerful always.”

Saraki prays for Nigeria

Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, prayed for Nigeria and Kwara and preached continued righteousness among the citizens.

According to the statement signed by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki urged the Muslim faithful to strive for harmony and peace, noting that the month of Ramadan was a month of reorientation for Muslims towards discipline, modesty, and self-restraint.

Billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote has said his refinery’s ability to sell diesel at significantly discounted prices will provide immediate relief to Nigeria’s inflation woes.

Dangote disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday after visiting President Bola Tinubu to celebrate Eid-El-Fitr in Lagos.

The chairman of Dangote Group expressed optimism about the economy, noting that the naira exchange rate has improved significantly in recent months, dropping from around N1,900 to the dollar to the current level of 1,250-1,300.

This, he said, is already having a positive impact, with the price of locally-produced goods like flour starting to come down as businesses pay less for diesel fuel.

The entrepreneur revealed that his own refinery has been selling diesel at 1,200 naira per liter, compared to the previous market price of between N1,650 and N1,700.

He expects this dramatic reduction in fuel costs to help drive down inflation in the coming months.

He said “but there’s quite a lot of improvement because if you look at it here, one of the major issues that we’ve had was the narrow devaluation that has gone very aggressively up to about N1,900. But right now we’re back to almost N1,250 to N1,300, which is a good improvement.

“And you can see quite a lot of things have actually gone. Even people now when you go to the market, for example, something that will produce locally like flour or whatever, people will charge you more because they’re paying very high prices on diesel. And what we did, for example, in our refinery, we started selling even diesel at about N1,200 for N1,650. And I’m sure, you know, as we go along, things will continue to improve quite a lot.

“Well, even now it’s a lot of impact. If you look at it now, when you are buying N1,650, N1,700 for a liter of diesel, and that one has been cut off by almost one third to now be paying diesel at 1,200.

“And maybe eventually going forward, even though the crude prices are going up, even with that, I believe people will not get it much higher than what it is today.

“It might be even a little bit lower. But that can help quite a lot. Because if you are transporting locally produced goods, rice and other stuff, you are paying N1,650.

“Now you are paying two thirds of that amount, 1,200. It’s a lot. It’s a lot of difference. People don’t know.

“That can actually help to bring inflation down immediately. And I’m sure when the inflation figures are out for the next month, you see that there’s quite a lot of improvement in the inflation rate.

“So, a step at a time. And I’m sure the government is working around the clock to make sure that things get much better.

Because it’s in their own interest. It’s in the interest of everybody, it’s in our own interest, and I just want to thank everybody for the Nigerians to get things better.”

Dangote urged captains of industry to partner with the government to improve the lives of Nigerian citizens. “You can’t clap with one hand,” he said.

“So both the entrepreneurs and the government, they need to clap together and make sure that it is in the best interest of everybody,” Dangote said.