AFOLABI

AFOLABI

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State clarified that the two commissions of inquiry established by his administration were not intended to target opposition members in the state. Responding to allegations from his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Yusuf stated that the probes aimed to promote transparency and accountability and address political violence in Kano.

During a visit from the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Yusuf emphasized the importance of ending political violence that has resulted in loss of lives and property. He assured that perpetrators would face consequences regardless of their political affiliations.


Yusuf highlighted his administration’s efforts in curbing political thuggery. Over 200 individuals apprehended by the Kano Police Command have repented and reintegrated into society. He emphasized the significance of youth empowerment and outlined initiatives to foster self-reliance among youths and women.

The governor outlined his administration’s priorities, including improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He mentioned ongoing projects such as constructing modern flyovers and upgrading health facilities across the state.

Yusuf disclosed the formation of a committee to investigate past administrations’ wrongdoings and misappropriation and recover looted assets and public funds.

Emir Bayero commended Yusuf’s commitment to development projects and urged parents to monitor their children to curb social vices and political thuggery. The Emir emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and traditional institutions in fostering development and maintaining peace in Kano.

Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, says he will attempt to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon without losing a game.

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The chess guru announced his intention on Friday via a post on his X page.

Onakoya said he would attempt to play several chess games for 58 hours without losing a single game.

He added that he hopes to empower illiterate children across Africa through the feat which will take place at Times Square, New York City, on April 17.

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“On the 17th of April 2024, I will attempt to break the Guinness World record for the longest Chess marathon in the heart of Times Square New York City for 58 hours without losing a game,” he wrote.

 

“Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education. You guys have been rock solid for me through the years.

“So I need all of us to come together now more than ever to show the world that the Nigerian spirit is unwavering and we can do great things from a small place against all odds.”

 

The Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon stands at 56 hr 09 min 37 sec.

It was achieved by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, two Norwegians, on November 11, 2018.

Following the recent boat mishap that led to the death of Junior Pope, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has set up a committee to improve the safety of its members.

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 on the trip with other actors and crew members.

AGN suspended all movies involving riverine locations on Thursday.

On Saturday, Emeka Rollas, the AGN president, in a statement by Kate Henshaw, the guild spokesperson, said the 13-member committee will “fine-tune the existing bye-laws to include members welfare, standard safety guidelines”.

The AGN boss also said the committee will work with other guilds and associations to”draft a bye-law” and recommend disciplinary measures against defaulters.

Rollas added that the committee will recommend a “royalty collecting body for performers in Nollywood”.

The committee will be headed by Emeka Ike while Jude Orhorha will serve as secretary.

Other members include Joke Silva, Femi Branch, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, and Patience Ozokwor.

“Following the recent fatal boat mishap on river Niger which claimed the lives of five film practitioners including renowned actor, John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope in Asaba, Delta State, the National President, of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, has set up a special committee with the following terms of reference,” the statement reads in part.

“Fine tune the existing bye laws to include members welfare, standard safety guidelines, and set protocols.

“Engage all relevant Guilds and Associations for the full implementation.

“Also Recommend disciplinary measures against erring members, producers and production companies.

“Seek further engagement with other Guilds/Associations and relevant stakeholders on drafting a general bye law for the industry.

“Recommend possible requirements in setting up a royalty collecting body or rights collecting society for performers in Nollywood.”

 

 
 
 
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A post shared by Emeka Rollas Ejezie (@emekarollas)

Popular Nigerian crossdresser, James Brown, has taken to social media to clarify his stance regarding discussions about his personality and calls for his arrest.

Amidst calls for his arrest and comparisons to Bobrisky’s situation, James Brown took to Instagram to address the rumors.

In a post on his Instagram page, James Brown expressed his concern over his name being dragged into conversations that do not directly involve him.

He emphasized that his primary objective is to entertain his fans and provide them with an escape from the sorrows and frustrations of life, particularly in Nigeria and around the world.

 

Pointing out his professional endeavors, James Brown reiterated his commitment to his business, which includes talent in dancing, acting, modeling, and advertising various products for his supporters.

He also mentioned his latest film project, “Toxic Wine,” which he produces and stars in on his platform, JAMESBROWNTV.

While acknowledging the interest and concerns of his followers, James Brown urged for mutual respect and boundaries in discussions about him.

 

He emphasized the importance of prioritizing individual well-being and focusing on personal goals, urging everyone to stay focused on their “bag”.

In his words;

“Hey Durling I wanted to take a moment to address a matter, that has come to my attention. It seems that my name has been circulating in conversations that don’t directly involve me, and I kindly request that you refrain from discussing me or my personality, because you’ll know I stand to entertained my Durling fans to forget the sorrow and frustration of NIGERIA ???????? & the World ????

You’ll know my business ????‍???? Is my talent, Dance, Act,
model, also advertise different business ® for my lovely Durling you also know I now shoot my own film on JAMESBROWNTV latest movie ( TOXIC WINE

While I appreciate your interest & your special activist tactic I believe it’s best for everyone involved to maintain a level of respect & boundaries. We all have our own lives to focus on, and it’s important to prioritize our own well-being. Befor someone loose focus i on the BAG ????”

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speaks on sisters death, actors who rendered help

 

Nollywood actress, Jumoke Aderounmu, popularly known for her role as Esther in the popular sitcom, ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, reportedly passed away in her sleep and was not ill.

This was disclosed by her younger brother, Adeola, during an interview with Punch, stating that Jumoke was planning on relocating to the United Kingdom before her demise.

According to him, the deceased wanted to relocate to the UK because she was not getting movie roles.

Speaking on why she publicly called out  Nollywood actress cum filmmaker, Funke Akindele, for not helping the deceased in her time of need, Adeola said he does not have her number, but his sister reached out to her through another actress, Paschaline Alex.

He said, “I did not reach out to her (Funke), because I don’t have her phone number, and I am not close to her. But, my sister had her number, and even sent another actress, Paschaline Alex to her, all to no avail.

“She (Funke) stopped calling her for jobs. Jumoke tried to know why, because she wanted to retrace her steps if she had committed any offence.

“She was an introvert, and usually kept to herself. She was actually not sick. She just died in her sleep.”


He added that though Jumoke had been buried, the family would organise a tribute event in a church on the 40th day after her death.

The esteemed family of the late Nollywood luminary, John Okafor, affectionately known by his stage persona, Mr. Ibu, has solemnly declared the scheduled date for his final rites.

This iconic figure, celebrated far and wide for his comedic brilliance within the vibrant tapestry of the Nigerian film landscape, will find his eternal resting place in the embrace of his hometown, Amuri, nestled within the tranquil precincts of the Nkanu West Local Government Area in Enugu State.

The announcement reverberated through a heartfelt statement, bearing the signatures of none other than the actor’s kin, notably his esteemed brother, Elder Sunday Okafor.


The family’s announcement eloquently conveyed their commitment to honoring their beloved with the respect and reverence befitting a hero.

“The deceased will be buried like a hero,” Elder Okafor stated.

The statement said the burial ceremony would begin on Tuesday, June 25th, with a high-profile novelty match. On Wednesday, June 26, there would be a session called Mr Ibu’s Night, which would involve a candlelight procession and live entertainment.

A Christian Wake will be held on June 27 at his compound in Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West, while the funeral service will take place on June 28.


The five-day burial ceremony will be wrapped up on Sunday, June 30th, with a Church Thanksgiving for family members, friends, and well-wishers.

The statement reads,

“The Okafor family in Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West LGA in Enugu State wishes to honour the loving memory of our hero and a legend John Ikechukwu Okafor who even in death has left a legacy of love, laughter and liveliness.

“We would appreciate your esteemed presence as we lay to rest our son, husband, father, grandfather,brother, uncle and in-law on the 28th of June 2024.

“Kindly join us as we share the best and last moments with our icon.”

Okafor who had been ill since October 2023 was said to have died of cardiac arrest on Saturday, March 2, in Evercare hospital in Lekki.

City FM is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI

Time: 12:00pm

 

Guest: Mr. Jiti Ogunye (Principal Counsel, Jiti Ogunye Chambers)

 

Topic: Bobrisky: The Trial, Naira Abuse and Lessons.

 

Date: 13th April, 2024
                         

 

Join Zoom Meeting


https://zoom.us/j/92877141732?pwd=VEJWb29OL2VVekZUTHRpdWYxK0xxZz09

 

Meeting ID: 928 7714 1732

Passcode: 600206

Details Emerge From Tinubu's Meeting With State Govs, NASS Leaders In Lagos

 

Details have emerged from the meeting yesterday involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly and state governors.

The stakeholders visited President Tinubu on Friday at his residence in Lagos.


During the meeting, President Tinubu stressed the importance of unity and increased collaboration among the federal government, state governors, and members of the National Assembly to achieve national development objectives.

According to a statement made available to journalists by Tinubu’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, the delegation, led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, among others.

Vice President Shettima, speaking on behalf of the President, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic recovery and urged a joint effort to drive the nation towards progress.

The Nigerian leader encouraged a united body and collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve shared prosperity and promised a brighter future for the nation under President Tinubu’s guidance.

“Let us unite, rally around our leader, and catapult this nation to a greater pedestal. By December, I hope we will have cause to celebrate. Let us coalesce to take the nation to a greater pedestal,” Vice-President Shettima said.

The Vice-President underscored President Tinubu’s ability to bring people together regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

He noted that the gathering of 27 governors in Lagos, alongside leaders from the National Assembly and former governors, is a testament to his inclusive leadership style.

”This gathering cuts across ethnic, religious, and political lines. Here, we have Pastor Eno of Akwa Ibom and Father Hyacinth of Benue, and as the President was seated, he was asking, ‘Where is Wammako, where is Yari’? That is the hallmark of true leadership. What binds us together supersedes whatever it is that may divide us.”

”The future of the black man rests on Nigeria to make or mar. Our economy has turned the corner. By the coming months, the economy will roar back to glory,” the Vice-President said.

Senate President Akpabio praised the state governors for adopting President Tinubu’s leadership approach, which is known for its inclusivity and willingness to engage with individuals from various backgrounds, regardless of their political affiliations.

“The governors are doing well. I can say so because I have been there before,” Akpabio said while speaking at the meeting.

Expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, the Senate President said Tinubu enjoys the broad support of Nigerians across political divides.

“As you coast home to victory for a second term, may all the governors seated here also coast home to a second term victory in their states,” he said.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq voiced his endorsement for the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway during his speech, emphasizing its importance as a major project that will greatly benefit the nation upon its completion.

He praised the President for his work in strengthening the economy and enhancing the quality of life for citizens, pointing out the positive advancements such as the stabilization of the exchange rate and the decrease in food prices.

The Governor credited these positive changes to the President’s policies and also commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for allocating funds to support 8,800 primary healthcare centres.

“We commend your efforts because the ship is gradually turning. We have seen how the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is coming down. The cost of food is coming down. The dry season harvest is commencing soon. Things are getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Abdulrazaq said, urging President Tinubu to persevere in his efforts towards achieving economic stability.

The governor also expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s support of states, particularly in distributing grains to alleviate food shortages.

”We are here to support you and thank you for the support you are giving to the subnationals. Trucks are wheeling up across the nation, distributing grains. I have received, and most of the states have.

”Because of what you are doing, those who are hoarding food items are releasing them, and that is why the prices of food are coming down,” he said.

He restated the governors’ dedication to backing the President’s plans and promised to persist in supplementing the endeavours of the federal government in advancing progress and prosperity throughout the country.

Nollywood actress, Foluke Daramola-Salako, has asserted that Nigeria has become a dumping ground, because of its economic issues and loss of values.

Naija News reports that the movie star made this known during an interview with Punch, expressing displeasure at how crossdressing issues are treated with flippancy.

Foluke noted that it is saddening that Nigeria’s value system is dying because the government is not doing anything.

She said, “We accommodate a lot of things in Nigeria, and that has its good and bad sides. Many cross dressers have come among us, and we gave them a soft landing. These days, the normal has become abnormal; and vice-versa, just because Nigeria has become a dumping ground for a lot of things. Even when one decides to go one’s own way, one will just find out that one is alone, and people will not relate with one.

“It hurts me to see that our value system is dying. People no longer show love genuinely. Now, it is purely based on survival instinct. Many young stars in the country have to struggle to make a difference, because the government is not doing anything. There are many young Nigerians with brilliant ideas, and when they even take it to the government, they (government) would steal it. That is why Nigerians excel more when they are abroad. Every youth has to think of how to fend for themselves, and that is why the crime rate keeps increasing.”

Speaking on the recent outrage that was triggered after her colleague, Eniola Ajao, awarded a controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known Bobrisky, the ‘best dressed female’ award at the premiere of her movie, ‘Ajakaju’, Foluke said, the producer was solely responsible for everything regarding the movie production and marketing, unlike what happens in other climes.

She said, “What happened at the premiere was because Eniola was the only one thinking for herself. She sourced the money to shoot the movie, and spent so much on it. She also had to think of an advertisement platform. Meanwhile, in some other climes, there are different platforms to assist artists with different parts of production, especially advertising. After putting together such a movie, she (Ajao) still had to think of advertising, and that could be draining.”

Police Arrest Israel Adesanya In New York

 

Tim Simpson, the manager of Nigerian-born Australian UFC fighter, Israel Adesanya, said his client is disappointed not to be a part of the star-studded UFC 300 event.

Israel Adesanya returned from his almost six-month break from the UFC recently and declared his attention to feature in the UFC 300. Then, his target was to challenge middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis for the title.

Adesanya almost got the deal but Plessis pulled out from the fight which ought to take place at the UFC 300 which is scheduled for today, April 13.

The South African fighter said he pulled out from the fight because he hasn’t fully recovered from the injuries he sustained in a successful bout with Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January.

Afterward, Israel Adesanya couldn’t find an alternative fighter to battle with leaving him out of the UFC 300 roster.

Adesanya’s manager said the Nigerian-born fighter is not happy over the development but noted that his client is open to fighting du Plessis on the upcoming UFC 305 card on August 17 in Perth, Australia.

“Israel was very upset that he didn’t do it (at UFC 300),” Simpson said on The MMA Hour.

“I believe Dricus was not ready. I think he had some sort of procedure after the last fight. Again, this is what’s been put publicly by Israel and (coach) Eugene (Bareman). But yeah, he really, really wanted it. He was upset, he wanted to be here and do it, he really, really wanted to do it. He loves big moments, the title fight coming back. I was texting (UFC executive) Hunter (Campbell) and couldn’t get it done on Dricus’ side, but Izzy was ready to go.”