AFOLABI

AFOLABI

Brazil and AC Milan legend KaKa’s ex-wife, Caroline Celico, has revealed that she divorced him because he was “too perfect” for her.

Kaka, 41, married his childhood sweetheart Celico in 2005 before they divorced in 2015, spending ten years in their marriage together.

The divorced couple had two children together, but Celico was not happy and has now revealed she felt something was missing.


“Kaka never betrayed me, he treated me well, he gave me a wonderful family, but I was not happy, something was missing,” she was quoted on The Sun.

“The problem was, he was too perfect for me,” Celico declared.

Celico, a Brazilian socialite, joined Kaka’s church after they married and later became an Evangelical pastor but quit in 2010.

The 36-year-old later married Eduardo Scarpa Julião in 2021 and the couple are now expecting their first child.

Kaka also found love again with partner Carolina Dias whom he started dating in 2017.

He had a decorated career which saw him win nine major trophies, including the World Cup with Brazil in Korea/Japan 2002 and the FiFA Confederations Cup in 2005 and 2009.

He also won Serie A and the Champions League with AC Milan, as well as La Liga with Real Madrid.


Kaka was also named FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or both in 2007.

Adanma Luke, the producer of the upcoming movie in which the late actor Junior Pope was supposed to be featured, has broken her silence on the recent boat mishap.

Pope, the actor, died on Wednesday after he fell into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state on his way to a movie location.

The film star was in the company of some other actors and crew members when the incident occurred.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) earlier suspended all movies involving riverine locations.

Emeka Rollas, the president of the AGN, also warned filmmakers not to work with Luke “until further notice”.

On Friday, Adanma surrendered herself to the police for questioning over the circumstances that led to Pope’s death.

In a series of videos via Instagram on Saturday, Luke broke down in tears as she explained her side of the story.

She described the incidents of the past few days “as a dream” she wished she could wake up from.

“On April 10, we lost five actors who were on their way to a location. Through the means of boat transportation, they had an accident. I have been so traumatised, I have been so cold. This whole thing still feels like a dream to me, I wish I could still wake up from this dream,” she said.

“I have not been able to make any statement since because we have been trying to recover the bodies. I have been providing money to those looking for bodies, providing caskets to enable the bodies are transported to their villages; and to the families that wanted it to be done. I have not been quiet, I have been doing things just so these people can rest. It is so sad that this had to happen on my set.

“I blame myself that I would have been in Lagos, doing my thing in Lagos. I blame myself for coming down to Asaba. I was supposed to be on that boat. My production manager was calling me to bring the memory card so they could start filming and I told him to come and collect it and he was like you know this place is far, please bring it for us. I said okay why have you people not crossed? Why have you not gone to work?

“He said they were waiting for Junior Pope to arrive. Before now on the 9th, they went there on their own and when Junior Pope came, he came on his own, he came alone. So on 10th, when I was preparing to go and drop the card, I was accompanied by my brother’s children. Two kids that were supposed to go with me, were supposed to be on that boat together. Getting there, I saw Emeka. Emeka was my DOP, he was just sitting and I did not see the others.

“I asked Emeka what is it and people surrounded him. Emeka was quiet and I was like, Emeka talk to me, what is it? What is the problem? Why have you not crossed? Where is Ogolo? Where is everybody? Has JP come? He was still quiet. I started shouting what was happening, can somebody please talk to me? Emeka now said JP is dead, Abigail is dead, Friday is dead, Precious is dead.

“He said ‘dem dey inside water’. I said let me go inside, let me be sure that the divers are looking for them. He said ‘there are over 15 divers looking for them inside the water’. I still cannot believe this because these crew members were my family. They have been working with me, if I was shooting in Lagos, they would transport from Asaba to Lagos to come and work with me. All through last year, we stayed together in Lagos, we filmed, worked together.

“… on that said day, I saw my director and Emeka outside. My director told me he did not know what happened. He was in a life jacket, and Emeka too was in a life jacket. There was still one life jacket available, I do not know who took it. My PM told me that they saw live jackets hanging when they got there and he asked the late Friday to even send one to Junior Pope but Junior Pope said it was dirty or so, so he did not take it. Those with life jackets survived. They even told me that when they were in the water, Junior Pope was also there asking if everybody was okay. How everybody is fine?

“That they even threw a gallon to him to use and hold himself, which he was holding that all of a sudden, they did not see him again. It was when they came out that they noticed that he was no longer there because they said divers had come and rescued some of them while other divers were still there trying to rescue others. I asked what could have caused this? He said he did not know but that TC was standing on the speedboat and ringing a bell.”

Popular nigerian pastor and a major critic of the nigerian government has blasted nigerians that are not happy as the dollar begin to appreciate. He was furious that despite being an obidient, he has moved on, but some people always want to see anything bad about their country especially since their candidate lost, and always want bad things to be happening so that they can say, Shey we warned you.

 

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Nollywood makeup artist, Abigail Edith Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement by Ekerete Udoh, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Pastor Eno, on arrival from an official engagement in Abuja, went straight to the deceased family’s compound to console them.

The statement noted that the governor thereafter gave automatic employment in the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service to the surviving elder sister of the deceased, and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo, to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standards.

The governor also gave assurance of government’s assistance to the two sisters of the deceased, who are undergraduates at the University of Uyo and whose education was being sponsored by the late Nollywood makeup artist.

The governor, in his remark, said: “This is deeply unfortunate for a young girl, 24 years old, who finished her youth service just last year and decided to pursue her passion. This is a reflection of our Arise spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions.

“It is unfortunate that her life ended the way it did. Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of the government to console and encourage the family. You are not just the governor when people are celebrating; in times and moments like this, you become the mourner-in-chief and give them hope.

“I trust the Holy Spirit will perfect the hope in their lives. Coming here means we care. You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans. We don’t leave each other behind. Government will be with the family and support them.”

 

says project would be ready for commissioning in May

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that the construction of the Vice President’s official residence in Abuja will not cause any traffic disruption upon completion.

Mr Wike stated this while inspecting the project on Saturday.

He said the federal government’s design and planning for the residence took traffic flow into careful consideration.

According to the Minister, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) provided valuable input into the project, ensuring that necessary adjustments were made by both the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the project contractor.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike inspects construction of the Vice President's residence

“Those who designed the Vice President’s residence know why. We are not the ones who designed it. It was the Federal Government that decided that the Vice President’s residence should be located here. So, I’m sure they considered everything before deciding that.

“We have invited the office of the NSA and they have taken a look and made their input which the FCDA and the contractor, Julius Berger have taken into cognizance and made amendments. So, for traffic concerns, I don’t think it’s a problem,” he said.

Highlighting the meticulous planning behind the project, Mr Wike said the selection of the residence’s location was a decision of the federal government, with thorough consideration of all relevant factors before construction commenced.

He expressed contentment with the progress of the project, noting the speed and quality of work.

The minister confidently announced that the project is on track for completion and commissioning by next month, with the contractor pledging timely delivery.

Furthermore, Mr Wike assured the public of the timely completion of other infrastructure projects in the FCT, slated for May, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its promises within the first year of office.

“Significant progress has been made on the project since his last visit to the site, while the contractor has also promised to hand over the project in May.

“As for the quality of the job, of course, we can see the work is going according to design and specification. So, we believe, by the grace of God, that is something that will be actualised,” he stated.

 

 

Veteran journalist and development data expert, Rotimi Sankore, is dead.

Kadaria Ahmed, chief executive officer of RadioNow 95.3FM, revealed this in a post via Facebook on Saturday.

Ahmed described the deceased as one of Nigeria’s finest journalists and excellent all round human beings.

The cause of his death was however not stated.

“It is with deep sorrow that I announce we have lost one of Nigeria’s finest journalists and excellent all round human beings, Rotimi Sankore. Rotimi loved Nigeria with a passion that allowed him to be honest about her problems and what needs to be done to solve them.

“He was an expert data journalist, the best at what he does. He could analyse data like no one else I knew using it to understand events but also project trajectories, especially avoidable ones.

“Over the years Rotimi spent time and energy trying to make sure those in government, policy makers and ordinary Nigerians understand what the numbers show, how they came about , what they mean and how they can help us understand what needs to be done.

“His work was insightful and was significant and it is his legacy. His death is a big loss . We will miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his daughter and his family,” the post read.

Sankore was a Development and Policy Expert; Journalist/Journalism Trainer; and Human Rights Advocate.

He was the ED/Editor-in-Chief of the Africa Centre for Development Journalism, a centre which offers strategic communication support to organisations whose goals are to effect social, political and economic change in Africa.

He worked as a Journalist across Africa and internationally, and until recently was Editorial Board Chair of Nigeria Info Radio Group / Part of AIM Media Group with 13 Stations in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Onitsha (Incorporating Nigeria Info, WaZoBia, Cool FM & Arewa Radio Stations).

A police inspector (name withheld) has reportedly committed suicide in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

The late officer was attached to Gwange Divisional of Borno Police Command.

According to community sources, he was looking healthy when he was last seen three days ago.

It is unclear why the policeman took the action. His neighbors at Layin Bayan, Wulari Jerusalem area of Maiduguri raised the alarm on Saturday morning when they noticed his door was locked from behind and a strange oduor was emanating from there.

The matter was immediately reported to metro Division of Borno Police Command and some officers were deployed to the scene.

“It was early this morning that people in the compound observed strange odor emanating from his apartment; his door was shut from behind.

“The men of police from Metro and Gwange Divisions respectively came to break the door and his lifeless body was found on the floor of his bedroom. They are currently in the compound.” the source said.

As of the time of filing this report police authorities have not issued any statement on the incident.

Police Public Relations Officer in Borno, ASP Kenneth Daso, did not answer calls when Daily Trust attempted to reach him. The telephone line rang out repeatedly.

Anyone mistakenly seeing President Bola Tinubu as a failure or a weakling is either blind or misguided and unable to see the new Nigeria that is emerging, according to Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence.

He said this while responding to the threat that the North might vote against Tinubu in 2027.

Daily Trust had reported that the forum, through its spokesman, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman expressed regrets that the region voted for Tinubu during 2023, noting that going forward, the region will prioritize unity and consensus in selecting a candidate for the highest office in the land.

But the immediate past governor of Zamfara State described the forum as a “political burden”, insisted that NEF is not, and can never speak for the region.

He added that he and other leaders would not allow “some elements” to bring Northern region into disrepute.

In a statement on Saturday, Matawalle wondered why many people overlooked what he termed “overbearing attitude” of the forum on issues that affect political unity and cohesion of the country.

"This NEF is more of a political burden to Northerners. The group is seeking to erode other people’s rights in order to be recognised or made relevant in the scheme of things despite the failure of their sponsored candidates in the 2023 general elections.”

“In as much as many have overlooked them in respect of their utterances, it is pertinent to underscore their overbearing attitude on issues that affect political unity and cohesion.

"They cannot offer any positive idea or thought about the future of Northern Nigeria or, indeed, of Nigeria and its unity and togetherness.

“We all know President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR won the February 2023 presidential election convincingly. So, who is the NEF to want to undermine the president’s victory and even threaten to unseat him?”

The group is yet to visit any of the ministers dealing with issues of security, agriculture, water resources, police affairs, education, health, budget, foreign affairs or any head of security agencies in the country so far for first hand knowledge of government programs and actions. ”

“The majority of them are more interested in faulting the government so as to be recognised or accorded some relevance.

"Our region, the North, is united, disciplined and politically-driven enough not to listen and accept being teleguided by any group of elites who had fed fat in the past on the North’s resources and opportunities which had retarded development in the region and nation due to their selfishness.

“President Tinubu is poised to do a lot for the North as President of Nigeria, elected by the people of Nigeria, not by one ethnic group or the other, therefore, anyone mistakenly seeing President Tinubu as a failure or a weakling is making a mistake and should rethink.

"Such a person or group is either blind or misguided and unable to see the new Nigeria that is emerging. Therefore, the NEF’s statement allegedly expressing regret for voting for President Tinubu is unfortunate.

“NEF is not more than a group that has refused to accept reality and is living in delusion. The truth is that the North is proud of its support and vote for President Tinubu and will continue to be proud of her relationship with the President given the enormous change and development his government has brought to the region.”

Some suspected Yoruba Nation agitators, on Saturday, invaded the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan, the state capital.

Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Online that the masked men were stationed at different locations within the area.

This situation, according to investigation, sent panic to the residents and road users along the routes.

Businesses and residents around Bodija, Ikolaba, and Awolowo were said to have quickly locked their shops and doors as some who were about to open for the day’s business turned back.

It was further learnt that the security operatives on duty at the secretariat were shocked as they were unable to disperse the agitators until the arrival of policemen from the state command and other anti-crime agencies in conjunction with members of the Nigerian Army, 2 Division, who demobilised them.

Operatives of the state security network codenamed Amotekun were also said to have been on the ground.


Motorists plying the route were said to have been making a detour as many other road users scampered to safety.

Road users en route Secretariat were diverted along Customs Junction as the Secretariat-Queen Elizabeth Road had been cut off traffic.

It was gathered that the efforts of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (retd.), to calm the situation were futile, as the agitators insisted on hoisting their flag within the Secretariat.

As of the time of this report, efforts to get the State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso’s reaction, were unsuccessful as his mobile number was not reachable.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, has announced the earnings of government-owned entities, ministries, departments, and agencies in February.

According to him, the revenue rose to N835.70 billion in February.

There was a notable growth of N681.45 billion, representing a substantial 441.78% surge from the N154.25 billion remitted in the 2022.


The Minister made the disclosure during a presentation titled “Reconstructing the Economy for Growth, Investment and Climate Resilience Development” at the Lagos Business School Breakfast Club, the minister made this statement.

“There is an increasing revenue contribution of MDAs and GOEs, growing from 154.25 in February 2023 to 835.70bn in February 2024 through an automated two-times daily sweep of 50 per cent of MDAs and GOEs IGR since January 2, 2024.

“We have set out a robust execution plan for a 78 per cent y-o-y increase in budgeted revenue in 2024, but implementing enhanced the government’s revenue assurance model is critical with a target budget deficit of 3.9 per cent of GDP from 6.1 per cent in 2023.

“We have taken prudent expenditure measures by minimising unnecessary redundancy, reducing leakages through digitisation and eliminating inefficiencies.

“There is also a revamped process for the commencement of 2024 capital expenditure payments for MDAs and GOEs, which is through direct payments to contractors while promoting a government-wide cost curtailment culture across all MDAs & GOEs,” he said.