Ace Nollywood actor cum movie producer, Yemi Solade, has opened up about the secrets behind his 21-years of marriage to his wife, Hannah.

Naija News recalls that the couple met on the set of Wale Adenuga’s popular series “Super Story” and tied the knot in September 2003.

Solade and his wife have since welcomed two children, Rola and Femi.

In an interview with SeunOluketuyi TV, the thespian attributed the success of their marriage to his wife’s support and tolerance.

Solade also noted that their successful marriage is due to the deep friendship they share.

He said, “I give it to my wife. She manages me very well. She is incredibly tolerant and sacrifices more than anyone I know. She is truly God-sent.

“She understands my circumstances, whether I’m doing well or not. She is not ostentatious; her prayers for me mean everything.

“Marriage is more like friendship because it is a life contract.”

What Happens To Degrees Splashed On Nigerian Celebs?

Meanwhile, Yemi Solade has wondered what would be the outcome of all the degrees bestowed on Nigerian celebrities by universities in Benin Republic and Togo.

The actor stated this while reacting to the invalidation of 22,789 degrees from Benin Republic and Togo.

Recall that the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, recently disclosed that 22,789 Nigerians were parading fake degree certificates obtained from Benin Republic and Togo between 2019 and 2023.

Reacting to the development via his Instagram, Solade said, ‘’What Happens To ALL The ABSURD Doctorate Degrees Splashed On Nigerian Celebs Since FG Has Pronounced That Degrees Acquired From Benin Republic Since 2017 Are INVALID? #fakedegreescam #fake #cotonou #beninrepublic?? #university #invaliddegrees”

The residence of Frank Ibezim, a former federal lawmaker from Imo State, Nigeria’s South-East, has been attacked by some hoodlums.

Reports revealed that the incident occurred on the night of Monday in Nsu, a locality within the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

Naija News reports that Ibezim served as the Imo North District’s representative on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform from 2021 to 2023.

It was, however, gathered that the residence of the former lawmaker was engulfed in flames around 9 p.m. yesterday, with sources indicating that the senator was not present at the time the incident happened.

According to Premium Times, a video recording depicting the devastation incident was shared online.

In the recording, some of the residents have audible expressions of sorrow regarding the damage inflicted by the fire.

Furthermore, the same group of criminals reportedly targeted a study center of the National Open University in the Nsu Community the night following the attack.

Residents have confirmed that the same group of individuals orchestrated these two separate incidents. Another video recording has surfaced showing the university complex engulfed in flames.

Police React

The Imo State command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the incident.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aboki Danjuma, has condemned the attacks.

Danjuma described the attacks as “senseless and unwarranted.”

“This unfortunate incident reflects a disturbing trend of violence that undermines the safety and security of our communities.

“The police Command stands firmly against such acts and will take all necessary measures in synergy with other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police has since mandated the deployment of a tactical unit of the police force to apprehend the individuals involved in criminal activities.

Furthermore, he has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, who oversees the State Criminal Investigation Department, to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent criminal incidents.

Naija News understands that these recent criminal activities took place in the aftermath of accusations against Ibezim for his role in the establishment of an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp on the premises of the National Open University in the Nsu Community, which is home to individuals displaced from northern Nigeria.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other groups in support of Biafra have criticized this alleged initiative, expressing their determination to oppose it.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB accused the Nigerian government of attempting to “infiltrate” the South-east region.

IPOB, which is at the forefront of the movement for the secession of the South-east and certain areas of the South-south from Nigeria, has consistently denied any involvement in the criminal activities in these regions.

However, Ibezim has since refuted these allegations.

In a statement issued later that same day, the former senator dismissed the claim that he had brought the federal government into the community to settle IDPs and refugees from Northern Nigeria.

He clarified that the university had been operational since October 2023 and that his delegation was only there to evaluate the potential use of the facilities for skills acquisition.

“For emphasis, I must restate that there are no plans to settle IDPs, Refugees or Migrant persons at the National Open University Centre, Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA. Any such claim is categorically false,” he stated.

“I will never be part of such a plan. The plan is for skills training for our vulnerable young people from the South-east.”

The #FearlessInOctober protest recorded a low turnout in the Federal Capital Territory and states amid the heavy presence of security operatives.

This was as the organisers of the protest, the Take It Back Movement, rejected the planned 30-day National Youth Confab, announced earlier on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu.

The group described the initiative as ‘’a jamboree” designed to reward the President’s supporters.

In his Independence Day address, Tinubu announced plans to convene a youth conference which he said would be held for 30 days to address and discuss challenges facing the Nigerian youth, who accounted for more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population.

“I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population.

‘’The 30-day confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. The modalities of this Confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives. Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conference’s deliberations,” the President said.

Reacting to the plan, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, noted that the President did not organise any confabs before implementing his policies.

He said, ‘’I think President Tinubu wants to lavish taxpayers’ money to organise a jamboree for his supporters. We saw some of them that were paid, NANS (National Association of Nigerian Students), singing his praises in Abuja, so I think that is simply what the President wants to do.

“What confab did he organise before he awarded a private jet to himself costing billions? Did we hold any confab before he decided to use billions of naira to construct an apartment for the Vice President? Or which confab did we hold before they started paying themselves huge allowances, budgeting billions for kitchen utensils?’’

Continuing, Sanyaolu added, “As a matter of fact, what confab did the President hold before increasing the price of fuel, even between August and now, to over N1,000? Even, some are buying at N1,500. Nigerians don’t need a confab.

“We don’t need our money to be wasted on organizing a jamboree for his supporters in APC or wherever they come from. Nigerians need good governance, and it is not a confab that will fix that.”

Asked whether the protest will continue, Sanyaolu said “The protest continues, but the new date will be announced because I am aware that there are still people in different states who want to protest. But we are going to announce the next days, which we will definitely not be far from now.”

Speaking to The PUNCH, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande,  disclosed that the Federal Government would set up an implementation task force to spearhead the implementation of the recommendations from the upcoming youth confab.

Adding context to the nature of preparation, Olawande said it included creating an implementation task force for various issues on the agenda.

“We are going to roll it out very soon, and we are going to have the terms and conditions, the areas, the views and all that. And we are still going to plead with the President to give us what we call an implementation task force so that immediately, where we need to do an Executive Order, we put it up.

 “Those (recommendations) that need to go to the National Assembly, we take it off and we start having this as quickly as possible. So, it’s a done deal,” the minister noted.

Olawande said the process leading to Tuesday’s announcement stemmed from extensive stakeholder consultations.

Although the initial brief proposed four days for the dialogue, the President recommended a one-month confab.

He explained, “I was very happy because I’ve been telling the young people in my constituency that the President is a listening President. Last month, we brought many young people together and talked to ourselves. After the strategy meeting, we told ourselves that we needed to get all the youths from all the parties to come and talk, strategise together and present something to the President.

“We called it a Youth Dialogue. We consulted with all the stakeholders. After consulting with the stakeholders, the President listened to us and said, ‘Fine, you want to dialogue within four days, right? But for me, I want to expand it, and let’s see how you can come together as young people of this country.

“We believe in this country and know that it belongs to us. This is what you’ve seen today, and we are very happy with it. It’s a very good development, and we are preparing to roll out things very soon with all stakeholders involved, which the President has consulted.”

 The Senate Majority Leader, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, promised to support the recommendations from the youth confab, saying such an initiative was overdue.

He stated, “The need for a youth confab at this point cannot be overemphasised. The youth, like the President, who is also duly recognised, constitute over 60 per cent of our population or demography. And I believe that the time to listen to the youth is not just when they are on the streets protesting.

“If we can hear them loud and clear when they are protesting, we should be able even to hear them louder when we are all seated through a confab to discuss in a very articulate manner.

“So it would be a welcome development. We all look forward to that. And as elected representatives of the people, we also will ensure that we join in creating a conducive amosphere and environment for the youth confab.”

The lawmaker also said that the National Assembly would give due consideration to the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which were approved at the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council.

Unimpressed, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Coalition for United Political Parties criticized the President’s decision to hold a youth confab, describing it as ‘a misallocation of priorities.’

The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, argued that the move highlights the President’s lack of ideas on governance.

He stated “The President has just said he’s bereft of ideas on how to govern this country. You see, the President likes rhetoric, big talk, and zero action. It is time for an economic summit rather than a youth conference.

“What he should be doing now is organizing an economic summit where he will gather Nigerian economic experts from around the globe to get the best minds to assist him in fixing Nigeria’s economy. He should also convene a security summit to engage some of the best security chiefs and experts to address the security issues in the country.’’

 The Labour Party National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, similarly criticized the move as a superficial approach to addressing urgent national issues.

 Ahanotu said the idea of a youth confab is poorly timed, emphasizing that what Nigerians truly needed is good governance.

 “I feel that this is just a peripheral approach to solving pressing national issues. This conference was initiated to divert the attention of Nigerian youths. What Nigerian youths have been asking for is good governance. When transportation, education, healthcare, and other sectors are functioning, why do we need a national youth conference?’’ he queried.

The CUPP National Spokesperson, Mark Adebayo, slammed the Federal Government over the proposal, describing it as insincere.

He expressed concern that the confab might turn into another jamboree to influence youths to support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, ‘’despite his poor performance.’’

 He stated, “As far as I’m concerned, this so-called national youth conference will likely be a mirage with no concrete achievements resulting from it. It’s a deliberate and strategic distraction by the government, in my opinion. Another senseless waste of resources that will run into billions of naira in a very sick economy. It has no intrinsic value.”

 But the All Progressives Congress and some youth groups commended the planned conference.

 APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said by this decision, Tinubu has shown he is a caring and attentive leader who exemplified the party’s principles.

 He urged the protesting youths to rethink their positions, emphasizing that the president’s mission and intentions are honourable and genuinely aimed at benefiting the country.

 Ibrahim also labelled the PDP, LP and CUPP, which have criticized the move, as not having Nigeria’s best interests at heart.

 “What the president is trying to do is engage the youth politically and politely so they can plan for their future. A conference of this nature will help prepare young minds to take charge of their country’s future and shape their destinies. Anyone who opposes this does not have the country’s future at heart, ’’ he insisted.

 The National Youth Council of Nigeria commended Tinubu for approving the youth confab.

 The youth body in a statement by its President, Sara-Igbe Sukubo, on Tuesday, said ‘’This initiative marks a significant milestone in promoting youth engagement and empowerment within our nation, highlighting the government’s acknowledgment of the essential role young people play in shaping Nigeria’s future.’’

 The Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership, Abdul Danbature, urged the President to move beyond mere statements and ensure the implementation of all his promises.

 Danbature expressed disappointment that despite responding to Tinubu’s call for dialogue during the #EndBadGovernance protest, nothing came of it.

 Earlier on Tuesday, the October 1 protest was dispersed by police officers who fired tear gas canisters on the protesters in the Utako area of the nation’s capital, but the FCT police command denied the attack on the youths.

 The protest was a continuation of the #EndBadGovernance protests held between August 1 and 10 in response to the economic hardship experienced by many Nigerians.

 As early as 7am, the protesters, whose numbers were considerably lower than the previous rally, gathered at the busy Utako market in the Utako area of the FCT.

 The participants consisting mostly of youths were demanding a review of the policies causing hardship in the country when some police officers arrived and dispersed them with tear gas.

 However, the FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh denied that the police attacked the protesters.

 Adeh, in a statement, said the police officers only took measures to prevent miscreants who allegedly took advantage of the protest to loot shops in the market.

 She said, “The FCT police command is aware of reports making the rounds that policemen attacked protesters at Utako Market in Abuja earlier today, October 1, 2024.

 ‘’The command wishes to categorically debunk the narrative, tagging it completely false and misleading. Acting on intelligence, the operatives only took measures to forestall some miscreants who were taking advantage of the protest to loot shops in the market and as a result, extended focus to them.

 “As a responsible agency, we could not stand by and allow traders to be robbed of their hard-earned money and belongings without intervening. We therefore urge the populace to disregard such misleading and mischievous information, as the command is committed to ensuring the safety of the populace in the exercise of their civil rights.”

 But our correspondent, who was at the scene, reports that the police officers dispersed the protesters with tear gas.

  Unlike the previous protest when the participants regrouped after being tear-gassed, the youths simply fled from the relentless onslaught of the armed security personnel who had been deployed across the FCT.

 Heavy security presence was observed at the city centre, including  Eagle Square, Berger Roundabout, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Wuse Market, Airport Road, and the Maraba/Nyanya axis.

Security operatives also mounted barricades on the roads leading to Eagle Square, where dozens of security operatives were stationed.

 The PUNCH reported that the organisers of the protest had expressed interest in using Eagle Square, but the security personnel prevented them from accessing the facility.

In Lagos, protesters gathered at Ikeja Underbridge with the rally closely monitored by a large contingent of security personnel, including policemen, officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the NSCDC.

Leading the team of policemen at the protest ground was the state Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola.

The protesters chanted solidarity songs, displaying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Reverse electricity tariff now, “End all attacks on democratic rights”, “Reduce petrol price to N197 per litre, end scarcity”, and “Profit soars while people suffer.”

Spearheading the protest were some civil society groups, including the Take It Back Movement, the Education Rights Campaign, the Coalition for Revolution, and the Socialist Workers League.

A former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, joined the protest just before the procession began from the point of convergence.

Sowore, who is one of the key organisers of the protest, arrived at the protest ground at exactly 8:50am.

Addressing newsmen, he said the protest was a crucial step towards taking Nigeria to the “Promised Land.”

He said, “This is one of the actions that will take us to the Promised Land. We did it in August and today is a symbolic day to reject their independence as we want our independence.

“Have we not tried enough? We have no time left. We gave more time; look at what (Muhammadu) Buhari did with more time. We gave them more time they bought themselves a private jet, we gave them more time, they bought a new house, they increased fuel price. We gave him more time they put us in darkness.

“We gave them more time they gave us minimum wage and gave themselves maximum wage. Let them resign, that is how we will know they actually understand how people feel this time around.”

There was heavy presence of security operatives in Ogun State, including soldiers, police and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, one of the venues approved                 by the state High Court for the protest, but there no protesters at the arena.

The other venues are the Gateway Stadium in Sagamu, Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode and Ansar-Ud-Deen Comprehensive High School in Ota.

The PUNCH learnt that there were also no protests in other parts of the state as the Independence anniversary, which is usually celebrated at the MKO stadium was shifted to the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Abeokuta.

One of our correspondents, who monitored activities around the Mowe, Interchange, Okemosan, Panseke and Kuto areas of the state, observed that regular activities and movement were not disrupted as security operatives and Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps and men of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency manned strategic positions to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

One of the organisers of the protest in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, Demua Dumka, who is also the state Chairman of the Civil Rights Council alleged that he and the Leader of the Take It Back Movement in the state, Adeyemi Ademola, were among protesters attacked by thugs accompanied by security operatives.

Thugs opposed to the protest, numbering about 50, took over the Federal Secretariat and the Pleasure Park in Port Harcourt, venues of the protest in Port Harcourt, amid heavy security presence at both locations and the Hotel Presidential.

“This (Tuesday) morning some policemen and joint taskforce officials came here (Port Harcourt), beat and harassed some of us, though none of us was arrested.

“Beating protesters doesn’t stop the fact that there is hunger in the land. It doesn’t also stop the fact that there is a hike in food items and that we cannot even buy Premium Motor Spirit anymore.

“They (government) must listen to our demands. Our demands must be met and we must continue to talk whether they like it or not,” Dumka told journalists.

One of the youths, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The PUNCH they were out to ensure the protest didn’t hold.

“We are not protesters. We are waiting for those who want to protest so that we can stop them.”

Also at the Pleasure Park the anti-Fearless Protesters numbering about fifty were seen while three canopies were mounted near the gate of the popular fun spot in the metropolis.

Our correspondent observed that five youths, who’s identities or the crime they committed could not be immediately ascertained, were arrested and taken away inside a mini-bus near the Federal Secretariat.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, on the arrest of the youths proved abortive as she did not take calls put across to her mobile by our reporter. She had yet to reply to a text message to her mobile as of the time of filming ng this report on Tuesday morning.

The planned protest in Kano, which was organised by the Nigerian Patriotic Front Movement, was aborted following the alleged arrest of five of their officials by the police.

The NPFM officers last week vowed to stage a peaceful protest against the current hardships being experienced by Nigerians.

However, following the arrest of the NPFM officials, the protest could not hold as Kano and its environs remained calm while residents went about their daily and lawful activities.

Following the anticipated planned protest, many residents remained indoors while many business places, including some markets and shops, remained closed.

In Osogbo, the Osun State capital, the protesters were led by members of the Coalition of Concerned Nigeria Citizens, who were joined by members of the Take It Back Movement. They were accompanied by security operatives at Freedom Park, where the protest march took off.

A large number of operatives of the police, Department of State Security, NSCDC, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Correctional Service kept a close watch on the protesters in a long convoy from close distance, as they moved towards the Oke Fia Area of the state capital.

Chanting anti-government songs, the protesters demanded an immediate end to the economic hardship ravaging the country.

Addressing journalists, the coordinator of the group that organised the protest, Adetunji Ajala, said,”Enough is enough. Our demands during the Endbadgovernance protest have not been met, and we will continue protesting as long as they are not willing to do what the masses want.”

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Edo State on Tuesday demanded the restoration of fuel subsidy, improvement of security, revert to single legislature among others by the Tinubu administration.

The group, which include African Network for Environment and  Economic Justice, Talakawa Republic, Take It Back Movement and Faculty of Peace Organisation, said the removal of fuel subsidy, insecurity and floating of the naira have made life very difficult for Nigerians.

The coordinator, Take it Back Movement, Edo State, Lawal Haifz, said, “We are here to protest the current situation in Nigeria. People are really suffering. We demand the restoration of fuel subsidy. Insecurity has made it impossible for our people to go to farm and that is why you can no longer buy foodstuffs.

“We don’t need the Senate and House  of Representatives at the same time. The money spent on the two can go a long way in taking care of the needs of Nigerians. The so called minimum wage cannot even buy a bag of rice. There is extreme hunger.”

States shun protest

The PUNCH reports that at least 20 states, including all five in the eastern part, shunned the protest.

The others are Adamawa, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, Katsina, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, Bayelsa and Yobe states.

In Minna, the Niger State capital, residents stayed indoors during the Independence Day celebrations amid a heavy presence of security operatives at strategic locations while police and NSCDC patrol vehicles parked at major spots as others were patrolled the city.

Another major town in the state, Suleja, was peaceful unlike during the #EndBadGorvernance protest when protesters invaded a police station with six of them reportedly killed.

Meanwhile, Adamawa and Nasarawa youths staged solidarity walks in favour of President Tinubu.

The Adamawa youths under the aegis of ‘Concerned Youths of Adamawa’ hit major streets of capital city Yola as Nigeria marked its 64th Independence anniversary.

Convener of the group, concerned youths Yakubu Umar Girei, told journalists the walk was meant to support the laudable policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration.

In Nasarawa, convener of the I Am Nigeria group, Ibrahim Maiyanga, said they unanimously decided not to participate in the protest in order to sustain the existing peace in the state and Nigeria at large.

“We know that we are not where we ought to be, but we are not where we used to be. So, I want to urge all the citizens of the country to be patient with our President. I am confident that very soon we will all have reasons to smile.”

However, security operatives kept watch at the Secretariat junction and Old Airport junction in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Tuesday.

A former sports minister,Solomon Dalung, who led the EndBadGovernance protest in the state last August, said, “It is not as if we do not want to protest in Plateau but the context of the situation we have and the previous one are not the same.

“So, you should not expect us to adopt the same method. But the truth is that the economic hardship and sufferings by Nigerians that warranted the EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protest have not changed as we speak, so you cannot say that Nigerians in Plateau have stopped protesting for those responsible for the situation to change it.

“So, we will continue to protest against the bad situation we have in Nigeria until the people get relief but the method of this protest should not be expected to be the same here in Plateau.”

In Kaduna, one of the most volatile states during the August protest, residents went about their usual activities, businesses in the metropolis and environs remained open, and shops in the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Central Market were operational as no protest took place despite initial tension.

However, security operatives were deployed to strategic locations across the state, including Narayi High Cost, Barnawa Complex, and Stadium Roundabout, as a precautionary measure.

Interestingly, the Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Kaduna State distanced itself from the protest.

The Federal Government is expanding its subsidised rice programme to alleviate food insecurity in Nigeria, with sales set to launch in Lagos, Kano, and Borno states, a director at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security stated on Monday.

Early in September, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the launch of the N40,000 per 50kg subsidised rice in Abuja, stating that the initiative was part of a broader strategy to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.

He said the subsidised rice programme aims to provide relief to citizens amid soaring market prices. The current market price of a 50kg bag of rice is about N90,000. It is close to N100,000 in some other locations.

The Federal Government is providing 30,000 metric tonnes of rice through the subsidised rice programme. This translates to approximately 1,000 trucks, each carrying 600 bags.

“As I speak with you now, we are going to activate Lagos and Kano states for the sales any moment from now. Borno State is also going to be addressed,” the agriculture ministry official, who spoke to our correspondent in confidence due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, stated on Monday.

Reacting to the recent claim that the rice sales in the Federal Capital Territory had been halted, the official said, “We have not even gone anywhere; how can we stop? The sales are ongoing, and we are actively engaging with other states.”

Another official at the ministry said civil servants in Abuja, particularly around the federal ministries have been benefiting from the sales of the subsidised rice.

The official, however, stated that there had been challenges with coordination and public cooperation at the National Agricultural Insurance Corporation centre where the rice was being sold.

“We opened the NAIC centre to see the cooperation of the public, but they proved very difficult to control,” the official explained.

The source added that individuals blocked entry and refused to follow sales protocols, complicating the process.

“Some persons came to sabotage the process to buy and take to the market, which frustrates the essence of the rice subsidy,” the official added.

Despite these challenges, the official remained optimistic about the programme’s impact, stating, “We are focused on ensuring that low-income earners, who are the direct beneficiaries, can access this vital resource.

“The government is committed to a smooth rollout in the aforementioned states, aiming to activate sales any moment from now.”

The source said the expansion is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to tackle food scarcity and support vulnerable populations nationwide, ensuring that essential staples are accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.

Nigerians have been grappling with increased hunger as food prices have skyrocketed, compounded by the naira’s declining strength, which affects citizens’ purchasing power.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the food inflation rate in August 2024 was 37.52 per cent year-on-year, up 8.18 percentage points from August 2023’s rate of 29.34 per cent.

Additionally, FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited reported on September 27, 2024, that the NAFEM closing rate was N1540.78/$, while it sold for over N1700/$ in some black markets in Abuja.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, speaking at a press conference in Abuja to mark the country’s 64th Independence Day, declared that the era of heavy food importation must end, positioning this shift as a cornerstone of the government’s economic recovery plan.

“We should not be importing food,” Edun stated, emphasising that Nigeria’s future lies in self-sufficiency. “It is critical that we do not disrupt domestic food production. We mustn’t flood the market with imports,” he warned.

The Federal Government, through the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, has flagged off the distribution of 2000 CNG-Powered Tricycles to empower Nigerian youth.

The flag-off event, held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja on Tuesday, was part of activities to commemorate the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence.

In his address, the Project Director of the Presidential Initiative on CNG, Michael Oluwagbemi, said the distribution of the tricycles marked the fulfilment of promises made by President Bola Tinubu to reduce the cost of transportation, enhance economic well-being, enhance the environment through the utilisation of clean fuel, and create jobs for the youth population, through the introduction of CNG.

He said the CNG tricycles were assembled in Shagamu, adding that it was expected that the delivery of the tricycles would create employment both in operations, maintenance, and deployments of the tricycles across Nigeria.

“I’m pleased to announce to you that we are here to deliver on Mr President’s promise and to hand over 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles that will begin to form the bedrock of this revolution.

“These tricycles you see here are not just here to be used in Nigeria. They are also wholly assembled in Nigeria in a factory in Shagamu. Over 50 young people were trained in the last three weeks and are putting together these CNG tricycles, and many more of them are coming,” he said.

He noted that “beyond the tricycle assembly, we expect that with this delivery thousands of youths across our country will be employed not just in the operations of these tricycles, but also in the maintenance and efficient deployment of these tricycles across Nigeria.

“It represents a very small step towards delivering the future that is powered by gas that ensures Nigeria’s development, that transforms a resource that we are abundantly blessed with, that yet we waste today into something that creates wealth and jobs for all Nigerians.”

The Minister for Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, noted that the tricycles would ease transportation challenges faced by transporters and citizens, commending the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life of the youth.

“These tricycles will go a long way in easing the transportation challenges faced by our transporters and citizens across the country. In this crucial time of economic reforms, this intervention will serve as a great relief to our people, demonstrating the administration’s dedication to the quality of life for young people”, she said.

She also highlighted how the National Youth Investment Fund would serve as a “financial backbone” for young investors to thrive in the transportation sector, even as the Ministry hoped to collaborate with the P-CNGi to reach its 2 million tricycles target.

A notorious figure associated with terrorism activities, Bello Turji, has accused both the current Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, now the Minister of State for Defence, of politicizing the state’s insecurity issues.

Turji, who is believed to have fled Zamfara following intensified military actions against terrorist groups, shared these accusations in a newly released video.

In the video, Turji, seated on a brand-new motorcycle and armed, sets conditions for restoring peace in Zamfara. He demanded that security forces and vigilante groups cease their attacks and killings of Fulanis in the state and other areas.

He asserts that the actions of these local security entities exacerbate the ongoing conflict and violence.

Turji also criticized the ongoing blame game between Governor Lawal and Matawalle, labelling it as political maneuvering that overlooks the welfare of the local people.

According to Turji, both leaders are not acting in the best interests of their constituents, using the state’s security crisis to advance their political agendas.

Turji said, “Governor Dauda Lawal and Bello Matawalle labelling each other as terrorists (sponsors) will not help. I want the people of Zamfara to understand that they are just politicians without the interest of the people of Zamfara in their hearts.

“When (Mr) Matawalle was the governor who was sponsoring us? Similarly, when Abdulaziz Yari was the governor who was sponsoring us? Nobody is sponsoring us except God.”

He said the armed conflict in Zamfara predated both Messrs Dauda and Matawalle and was happening since the time of former governor Ahmed Yerima.

“It was during the administration of Yerima that the government sold out the grazing reserve and legalised the killing of the Fulanis. When Muhmud Shinkafi came on board, he tried unsuccessfully to address the problem. Abdulaziz Yari came and empowered the vigilante, but we are still struggling,” Turji said.

He said Mr Matawalle administered the state for four years, and Governor Dauda has been in office for just two years, but only God, not the governors, can stop the conflict.

“This is why we are calling on all of you to come and collaborate with us for peace to reign and stop the bloodbath in Zamfara. Gun and airstrike will not stop us because we are not afraid of death,” Mr Turji said.

Turji, who also confirmed the killing of Halilu Sububu, whom he described in the video as his master, said the killing only emboldened the younger generation among them to carry on with the deadly attacks on the people.

He added, “Kachallah Halilu Sububu is not the first person to be killed; several others were killed. The killing of Halilu Sububu will not deter us from doing what we are doing unless you stop killing our brothers in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Niger states.

“Your only plan is to exterminate the Fulani race while God has been protecting us. Even if you kill us, it’s God who ordained that to happen, but it’s not by your power.”

A former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will take over power from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2027.

Ortom stated this during a courtesy visit from members of G14 at his Makurdi residence located at Judges Quarters along Gboko Road.

He charged the group to work harder to ensure that the party in the state bounced back stronger.

The former governor appealed to the members to put behind them the crisis that denied the party victory in the 2023 election in the state.

The G14 comprises elders of the PDP from the 14 local government areas of Tiv extraction.

Receiving the group at his residence on Tuesday, Ortom, who has assumed the role of co-chairman of the group, said that no one has the power to disband the group.

Ortom said, “As the leader of the party in the state, I will continue to support the group, and let me emphasise that no one has a right to disband this group.

“I encourage you to work and be conscience of the party. Let us put behind us the past grievances. This is the time you have to work harder than before and bring back some of those who want to join us.

“I know that many people are yearning to return to the party, let us begin a new journey, and with God’s on our side, we will get the power back to our party in 2027.”

Winner of the 2011 Big Brother Africa, Karen Igho and her husband, Yaroslav Rakos, are going through a divorce.

The reality TV star made this known in a post via X on Tuesday.

Recalls that Karen and her husband dated for nine years before tying the knot in December 2014 in Jos, Plateau state.

In the social media post, Karen revealed that she had been sexually and physically hurt, stressing that her husband should be held responsible if anything happens to her.

Karen also said that Yaroslav is attempting to take their children with claims that she is mentally sick.

She wrote, “I’m going through a divorce with my husband, I have been homeless for a year and I have been hurt sexually and physically so if anything happens ask or hold the man who brought me to a country where and I know no one,he is trying to take children away by saying I’m mentally sick God Almighty bless Nigeria and Africa my heart pray for your daughter of the soil.

“I have been through so much this past year, please African pray for my children and In case you don’t hear from me again know that I have been killed, am not sick mentally and don’t do drugs.”

Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has broken his silence on rumours that linked him with a move to Saudi Arabian clubs and South African club Kaizer Chiefs.

Nwabali was linked with a move following his impressive displays for Chippa United and Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 28-year-old helped Nigeria finish second in Cote d’Ivoire and kept 11 clean sheets in all competitions for Chippa United last season.

Despite contact from numerous clubs, Nwabali signed a new three-year deal with the Chilli Boys last month.

“I wouldn’t say I was really affected by what happened after last season and after the AFCON because it’s football,” Nwabali told iDiski Times when asked about the rumours.

 

“Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t work but as a footballer, one thing is for sure that deals come and deals also crash.

 

“But one thing I know is that even with all this happening you don’t have to lose your value as a soccer player.

“With everything that happened, I even felt like I was going to leave the club but I’m still with the club so it doesn’t change anything.”

A police inspector, Mohammed Bulama, has been arrested for allegedly stabbing a resident, Abdulmalik Pompomari, to death in Damaturu, Yobe State.

The incident reportedly occurred at the CMC Area, Zango, Damaturu, on Sunday around 5:05 pm.

According to multiple sources, Inspector Bulama, who is attached to the Police Mobile Force (PMF) 41 Division, demanded a N200 bribe from Pompomari. When Pompomari refused, Bulama allegedly attacked him with a knife, stabbing him in the neck and chest.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the incident and stated that the Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, has ordered an investigation into the case.

“The two were involved in a heated argument over a transaction, which escalated into a fight. Bulama stabbed Pompomari in the chest, and the suspect also sustained head injuries during the altercation,” Abdulkarim explained.

Inspector Bulama was arrested at the ‘C’ Division Police Headquarters, where he sought refuge after the incident. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation, and the suspect remains in custody pending internal disciplinary action and prosecution.