The founder of Landmark Africa Group, Paul Onwuanibe, has spoken about the devastating impact of the sudden demolition of Landmark Leisure Beach, which wiped out over $30 million in investments and left thousands of lives disrupted.

Speaking on The KK Show via YouTube on Sunday, Onwuanibe described the emotional and financial toll of the event, which took place with just seven days’ notice.

“Let’s put this into perspective; Landmark consists of three parts—our business, our leisure, and our lifestyle. What was demolished was our leisure business, a significant part of both our revenue and our physical infrastructure. The initial reaction was shock, and then anger. You go through the five stages of grief—shock, anger, bargaining, concern, and finally acceptance,” he said.

Onwuanibe revealed that the beach site had been acquired in 2006 for $17 million and further developed with a $30 million loan secured abroad.

“It was my life’s work—27 years of hunting, farming, and working. Six years ago, we borrowed $30 million to develop that beach. Half of that money was spent on infrastructure you couldn’t even see, like underground drainage, water reticulation systems, and fiber-optic cables. The demolition wiped out six years of investment in six hours,” he said.

The demolition affected not only Landmark’s ecosystem but also the livelihoods of thousands.

“We had over 1,000 employees and 50 small and medium enterprises directly impacted. Over 4,000 people were employed, and with Nigeria’s dependency factor of 16, the ripple effects are unimaginable,” he said.

Onwuanibe recounted the chaos and losses experienced by the businesses within the beach’s ecosystem.

“Many businesses didn’t have time to remove their equipment—TVs, fridges, even furniture. There were guests in the pool when Breeze was being demolished. It was tragic,” he added.

The demolition also disrupted services for the beach’s 160,000 members and violated existing contracts.

“We had 9.2 billion Naira of members’ money in our accounts. There were over 200 contracts—supply of water, fumigation, lifeguard services—all of which had to be renegotiated. Sometimes, you wish there was a natural disaster so you could invoke force majeure, but this wasn’t the case,” he lamented.

Beyond the physical infrastructure, Onwuanibe highlighted the larger impact on the surrounding community.

“The guy parking cars on the streets lost his job. The person selling sweets at the gate had no customers. Hotels built outside Landmark that thrived on the four and a half million annual visitors were affected.”

Despite the immense challenges, Onwuanibe emphasised resilience.

“At some stage, you have to accept it and move on. You either lie down and cry or get up and go,” he said, underscoring his determination to rebuild and learn from the experience.

In April 2024, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, ordered the closure of Landmark Beach for demolition purposes.

According to him, the demolition was necessary because the landmark centre was on the federal government’s Right-of-way.

The Labour Party, LP, has announced that its former presidential candidate, Peter Obi will not receive an automatic ticket to run in the 2027 elections.

Reports from Newsone Nigeria confirm that the party has stated Obi will not be guaranteed a direct nomination for the upcoming election. Obi had previously left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest under the Labour Party banner.

Labour Party officials assert that all positions, including the presidency, governorship, and others, will be open for competition in the next election cycle.

Obiora Ifoh, the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, clarified this stance in an interview with Dailypost over the weekend, stating, “No political party gives automatic tickets; all positions are up for contest.”

A legal showdown is unfolding between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and 33 of its former employees, who allege wrongful termination in a mass dismissal exercise conducted earlier in 2024.

The retrenched staff, represented by Stephen Gana and others, have filed a class-action lawsuit at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja, accusing the apex bank of violating internal policies, labour laws, and contractual rights.

The employees, dismissed via letters titled “Reorganisational and Human Capital Restructuring” dated April 5, 2024, argue that the termination process contravened Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM).

They claim the process lacked the consultation and fair hearing mandated by law.

Central to their case is Article 16.4.1 of the HRPPM, which requires consultation with the Joint Consultative Council and adherence to fair procedures before employment actions affecting staff.

The claimants allege that this provision was ignored, stating that they were given only three days to vacate their positions and return official property.

Key Demands Of The Dismissed Staff

In their originating summons, filed on July 4, 2024, the claimants are seeking:

A declaration that their terminations were unlawful and unconstitutional.

Immediate reinstatement to their positions.

Payment of salaries and benefits from the date of termination.

A restraining order preventing further dismissals without due process.

₦30 billion in general damages for psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm.

An additional ₦500 million as the cost of the suit.

The claimants argue that their employment contracts carried “statutory flavour,” imposing stricter dismissal conditions aligned with public service rules and governing statutes.

The CBN, represented by its legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Inam Wilson, has challenged the suit’s admissibility in a preliminary objection filed on November 4, 2024.

During a court session on November 20, 2024, presiding Justice O. A. Obaseki Osaghae encouraged both parties to pursue an amicable resolution, citing Section 20 of the National Industrial Court Act (NICA) 2006.

“It is my view that parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute,” Justice Obaseki Osaghae stated.

The case was adjourned to January 29, 2025, for the hearing of the preliminary objection or a progress review of settlement discussions.

Germany has introduced a new digital platform to streamline the visa application process for Nigerians seeking opportunities to work, study, or reunite with family members in the country.

German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock hailed the portal as a significant step towards addressing the nation’s pressing need for skilled professionals.

“Every year, Germany is short of at least 400,000 skilled workers. 400,000 clever minds and even more agile hands to keep our country running – in the skilled crafts sector, in the care sector, in tech companies. Our national economy is also in a global competition to attract trainees, apprentices, and students.

“At times like these, we cannot afford to downright put the best off coming here to roll up their sleeves because of long paper application forms and even longer waiting periods.

“At times like these, as one of the biggest economies and as a modern country of immigration, we need a national visa process that is state-of-the-art – modern, digital and secure,” Baerbock stated.

The online portal, accessible worldwide, offers applicants the ability to choose from 28 categories of national visas and is available at all 167 German visa offices around the globe.

This initiative forms part of Germany’s broader strategy to modernise its immigration system, aiming to attract skilled professionals while fostering a more inclusive and efficient process to meet the challenges of a globalised job market.

The Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timothy Osadolor, has expressed optimism that the party is coming back to power in 2027.

The PDP chieftain submitted that the 2027 election would be bigger than a protest but assured the party won’t entertain violence.

According to him, the PDP would not only win the 2027 election convincingly, but would also send the All Progressives Congress (APC) into political oblivion.

Naija News reports Osdolor made the submission during an interview with Daily Independent, which was published on Monday.

Apart from pushing the APC out of power, Osadolor added that the PDP would do enough to ensure the party is unable to regroup or mount a comeback.

To be able to achieve this, he, however appealed to the PDP leadership and members to adopt collaborative efforts and present a credible candidate for the 2027 election.

“With the right networking, messaging and collaboration, with a credible candidate, PDP will win convincingly. 2027 election is going to be like a revolt. It’s going to be bigger than a protest, even better as it will not be violent, but everyone will be at the polling unit with their cards to send APC into political abyss. We will be gracious to send chillers and freezers along so they can freeze whatever plans they have to protest, regroup, or want to come back to the government in this country,” he said.

Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Woli Arole is mourning the demise of his beloved father.

The comedian-turned-preacher shared a photo of himself and his late father, accompanied by a deeply emotional tribute.

With a mix of sadness and acceptance, Arole expressed his grief, stating that his father’s demise was a testament to God’s will.

He fondly remembered his last moments with his father, filled with joy, prayers, and fun, and took comfort in the legacy his father left behind – himself.

Woli Arole’s emotional tribute was a celebration of his father’s life, acknowledging the profound impact he had on his own life and career.

He wrote:

“It has pleased the LORD to receive my FATHER in GLORY.

It’s in total submission to the will of GoD to announce the demise of my Father, my HERO and my ROLE MODEL.

I am happy I spent your last moments with you in JOY, PRAYERS and FUN. Rest well Baba Jimmy.

Happy you left a LEGACY and that LEGACY is ME!!!!!!

I would miss you so MUCH!!!!!”

There was a gas explosion in the Orazi axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Over 20 persons, including a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple sustained varying injuries.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, January 4, 2025, near a densely populated area in Orazi called ‘Big Tree’.

Many of the victims including residents and some passers-by suffered severe burns and were rushed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt. A graphic video posted by an eyewitness shows some of the victims with severe burns.

It was learnt that the explosion occurred in a gas refilling shop when a technician who runs the place was said to be fixing a faulty cylinder.

Immediately, the cylinder exploded, and it affected other cylinders inside the shop, triggering multiple explosions, even as the welder was the first victim.

It was further gathered that the resulting fire affected some surrounding buildings as most of the occupants fled for their lives, even as firefighters who later arrived had a hectic time before putting out the inferno.

Speaking to newsmen, a relative of one of the victims who did not want his name in print said the owner of the shop has been selling gas for years now.

He said his in-law and her husband, who were affected in the explosion, were rushed to the hospital for treatment, lamenting that they have spent over N500,000 already.

“I was just called in the evening about the incident because my sister-in-law and the husband are involved. When my wife picked up the call her countenance changed immediately,” he narrated.

“So I asked what happened. She said it was a gas explosion and that her sister was at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. I lost my appetite and immediately drove to the hospital. I know how Orazi is. there are many shops scattered all over just for people to survive.”

While hinting on the cause of the incident, the relative said, “But there is somebody who also refills their cylinders. He has been there for some time now and he is also doing welding work.

"Sometimes you will see him welding perforated cylinders without following the normal procedure. Maybe he feels that because the cylinder is empty you can carry out any work but it is not done that way.
 
"So as a result of that the gas exploded and affected the cylinders inside. The other families affected were my brother-in-law, the wife, their two children and himself. They just came back from evangelism.

"They just branched to say hi and that was how they joined. One of my uncles was just passing by and stopped to greet his two grandchildren with him. He too was affected. That was how it happened.

"They are all at the intensive unit taking treatment. So far about N500, 000 has gone for drugs and other treatment. We are not talking about the children. We are running my uncle’s expenses while some other person is running that of the children. It is quite unfortunate what we are seeing this January.”

Another source who called a Radio Station on Sunday evening to report the incident said a pregnant woman was affected in the explosion.

"About 20 people were burnt, but no death. Let the government come to their aid because this is the beginning of the year,” he pleaded.

Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, saying 18 injured persons are receiving treatment in the hospital.

“Yes I can confirm the incident. It was a technician repairing a Fridge carrying a gas cylinder to weld the fridge when it exploded. 18 persons were injured but no life was lost. The man himself was injured. They are all in the hospital receiving treatment. We (the police) have commenced an investigation to find out more,” she added.

Popular Nigerian Pastor and singer, Nathaniel Bassey, has clarified that he was not invited to perform at President-elect, Donald Trump’s inauguration scheduled for January 20th.

Reports circulated across online platforms and traditional media claiming Bassey would be among other international Christian singers performing at Trump’s inauguration.

The Akwa Ibom Cleric, however, clarified that he was not invited to perform at Trump’s inauguration. He explained that the Presidential Prayer Breakfast was a non-official and non-governmental event.

He stated that it has always been hosted once every four years, preceding the inauguration ceremonies of new presidents of the United States of America.

The ‘Onise Iyanu’ singer said while the Presidential Prayer Breakfast is held on behalf of incoming presidents of the US, it has no attachment to the incoming president.

“The Presidential Prayer Breakfast is a non-official and non-governmental event. It is a Faith Based platform where intercessory prayers and worship are offered to God on behalf of the office of the president and government of the nation.

“This event is held once in four years preceding the inauguration ceremony as a breakfast prayer meeting ahead of every new administration. And over the years has been attended by leaders and dignitaries from around the world

“Please note, The Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfasts is not the Inauguration as reported by blogs and some online platforms,” Pastor Bassey said.

A new initiative has been introduced by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) which allows students to resit their WASSCE papers as early as January and February 2025.

This is a major departure from the previous system, where candidates had to wait for the next private exam cycle.

WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, announced the new programme, dubbed WASSCE PC1, during an appearance on JoyNews’ AM Show in Ghana on Tuesday, December 31.

Popular Nigerian skitmaker, Mark Angel Comedy, has opened up about how he lost the sum of $3.7 million in forex in 2024 and considered ending it all.

Mark, in a lengthy post via his Instagram page on Sunday, said that his money loss led him to drown in debts as he watched his properties slip into the hands of loan sharks.

The skitmaker said he felt like his world was crumbling before he received help from his family members.

Mark Angel added that while he was still trying to heal, undergoing therapy to recover from the trauma, he was hit by a scandal which shook the foundation of his career and questioned the loyalty of those around him.

The post read, “The year 2024 began like every other year, but I had no idea how much it would test me how much it would break me, yet ultimately reshape me. It was the year I lost everything. I trusted the wrong hands in forex and lost all my money. Nobody knew except my family and closest circle. The weight of the loss, over $3.7 million was suffocating. I was drowning in debts, and one by one, I watched all my properties slip into the hands of loan sharks. It felt like my world was crumbling, and I considered ending it all in my darkest moments.

“But God… If not for His mercies, I wouldn’t be here writing this. He sent angels into my life when I needed them the most. Blessing, my friend who became family, never gave up on me. My pastor and his wife stood by me, praying and guiding me. My daughters, Victoria and Mila, reminded me of the beauty of life, even when it felt unbearable. My ex-wife Mandy extended a hand of kindness I will never forget. My son, Schoolboy, showed me strength beyond his years. And Bright, my social media assistant, stood as a pillar in moments I thought I’d collapse.

“While I was still trying to heal, undergoing therapy to recover from the trauma, life dealt another blow. A scandal hit, shaking the foundation of my career and questioning the loyalty of those around me. It was in that storm that God began to uncover the truth. He exposed the fake friends, the pretenders, and the ones who had been silently sabotaging my peace and my circle. It was painful, but it was necessary.

“2024 was the hardest year of my life, but it was also the year God drew me closer to Him. Through the ashes, He taught me resilience, faith, and the true meaning of grace. I don’t take it for granted that I’m alive today. To everyone who stood with me, prayed for me, and held me up when I had no strength left, thank you.

“Here’s to God’s unwavering faithfulness. If 2024 taught me anything, it’s that even in the darkest valleys, His light never stops shining.”

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