Mercy Eke, the reality TV star, has opened up about her experience with the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery.

In a recent interview, Eke said she underwent the BBL in Nigeria in 2018 without thoroughly researching her surgeon.

She explained that the trend at the time influenced her then and she did not fully grasp the potential risks.

Eke said she would take the time to thoroughly investigate the surgeon’s track record if she ever considered undergoing surgery again.

“To be very truthful, it was initially because of the trend. I did my body in 2018,” she said.

“I think, at the time, it was just the trend, maybe peer pressure. Everyone was doing it.

“I had a beautiful, slim body, but my stomach was a little too much.

“I did my body here in Nigeria. I didn’t do any research on the doctor beforehand.

“Maybe I was just ignorant. I didn’t think about the risks.

“But now, if I have to touch my body, I have to see the works of that doctor. How many deaths?

“How many complications? I’m going to ask a lot of questions before anybody can touch my body again.”

Eke rose to fame after winning the fourth season of the BBNaija reality TV show in October 2019.

In 2020, she made her acting debut in the film ‘Fate of Alakada’.

She also featured in the Nollywood blockbuster ‘Shanty Town’.

In 2023, Eke participated in the BBNaija All-Stars season, finishing as the first runner-up

The presidency has given more details about Nigeria’s debt condition under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The presidency explained that contrary to some reports that Nigeria’s debt stock increased, the nation’s debt stock decreased by 15% in dollar terms in Q1 2024.

It added that the government is able and committed to repaying its debt.

The explanation was given on Saturday, 31st August, by the Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, in response to a report by StatiSense, which quoted the debt profile of Nigeria under the nation’s presidents starting from the time of Shehu Shagari to the current administration of President Tinubu.

The presidential media aide explained that the increase in public debt under the current administration is largely due to economic factors, not increased borrowing.

He argued that the Tinubu government is reducing the nation’s debt profile.

Olusegun said President Tinubu’s administration is committed to transparency and responsible economic management.

The bullet points in the post by Olusegun via his X account, titled, ‘Debunking the Myth: Nigeria’s External Debt Under President Bola Tinubu’ are highlighted below.

– Nigeria’s total debt stock decreased by 15% in dollar terms in Q1 2024, contrary to claims of rising debt.

– The increase in public debt is largely due to economic factors, not borrowing:
– Depreciation of the naira exchange rate (from N899.39/$ to N1,330.26/$)
– Interest rate changes
– Securitization of Ways and Means

– The current administration inherited a legacy of N22.7 trillion in outstanding Ways and Means, now being audited and securitized.
– The current Ways and Means deficit stands at N3.4 trillion, offset by operating surpluses from revenue-generating agencies.

– Nigeria’s (FG only) external debt stands at $42 billion.

– Multilateral creditors are owed $20.82bn, while China is owed $5bn.

– The federal government’s economic reforms have impacted foreign exchange and interest rates, contributing to the public debt spike.

– The government’s capacity to pay its debts is intact, with a revamped financial system.

The presidency noted that the addition of Nigeria’s external debt figure provides further context to the discussion, highlighting the country’s overall debt situation while emphasizing the factors contributing to the public debt increase.

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai took to his official X handle over the weekend to share his personal thoughts on what he termed ‘envy’ among Nigeria’s political class.

His lamentation follows allegations of corruption and misappropriation of government funds during his eight years as governor of Kaduna State.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly had claimed that his eight-year administration allegedly siphoned ₦432bn, leaving the state with huge debt liabilities.

Earlier in June, the ad hoc committee set up by the state Assembly to investigate all finances, loans and contracts awarded under the El-Rufai administration submitted its report to the House.

The chairman of the ad hoc committee, Henry Zacharia, said most of the loans obtained under El-Rufai’s administration were not used for the purpose for which they were obtained, while in some cases, due process was not followed in securing the loans.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Yusuf Liman, also said that a total ₦423bn was allegedly siphoned by El-Rufai’s administration leaving the state with huge liabilities.

The committee, therefore, recommended the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai, and some members of his cabinet by security and anti-corruption agencies for alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds and money laundering.

The committee also recommended the immediate suspension of the Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, who also served in the same capacity under El-Rufai’s administration.

‘Scandalous Claims’

Responding, El-Rufai’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, affirmed the integrity of the El-Rufai government and dismissed as “scandalous”, the claims by the committee.

He said, “Malam Nasir El-Rufai is immensely proud of his record of governance and the legacy he left in Kaduna State. This record of consistently high performance in public and private office cannot be altered by any malicious effort to use the auspices of a state legislature for defamation and undeserved smears.

“Many of the officials who served in the El-Rufai government appeared before the ad-hoc committee because of their confidence in the quality of their service and the rectitude which they served Kaduna State. They were under no illusion that they were participating in a fair process. It was obvious that the ad hoc committee was merely going through the motions of an inquiry just to give some gloss to predetermined conclusions.

“It is sad to see such a shameful departure from any notion of decency and fairness by a state legislature. We dismiss with contempt the claims being peddled in connection with the report.

“Malam El-Rufai wishes to assure discerning Nigerians that he has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team. He complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was the governor. This jaundiced probe should be disregarded as the politically motivated hatchet job it is.”

He has since filed a fundamental rights suit at the Federal High Court in Kaduna against the state House of Assembly.

‘Envy Leads To Hatred’, Says El-Rufai On A Weekend Reflection

However, in a long post on his on X handle on Saturday, El-Rufai who described envy as an ‘incurable disease’ said he doubted if it could be cured among the political class.

He said, “WEEKEND REFLECTION: “NONE of us has to fail for ALL of us to succeed. And in unity there is strength.” – @VP Kamala Harris, US Vice President (2021-2024) and Democratic Presidential Candidate at the Democratic National Convention,

“The quote above led me to reflect on the meaning and implications for our situation in Nigeria. Feelings of envy require that EVERYONE fails for ONE to succeed.

“Envy is quite prevalent amongst the key actors in our political system. Competence, capacity, and commitment are some personal leadership qualities that attract the envy of those lacking or deficient in these indices.

“Instead of striving to attain, the envious seeks to hate and destroy those that are better. Envy leads to hatred.

“Hatred leads to destructive thoughts and actions, including unspeakable crimes like perjury, malicious prosecution, persecution, unlawful imprisonment, torture and even murder for the target(s) of the envy.

“Can the incurable disease of envy amongst Nigerians, particularly within the members of the political class be cured? Personally, I doubt it.

“The emerging problem of Nigeria is the outcome of the continuously deteriorating competence, capacity and commitment of the political leadership.

“Societies succeed or fail depending on these personal and institutional qualities.

“No matter what, the incurable virus of ENVY has to be confronted and degraded, if not cured, if Nigeria is to achieve its manifest destiny of greatness and leadership of the Black Race. I pray this can be realized. Amen.”

When Alhaji Yahaya Imam Nafiu, an Islamic cleric and Missioner of the Ilorin Emirate Development Progressive Union in the Republic of Benin, learned that his third wife had given birth to 11 babies, he was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the news.

The news left him feeling jittery, and the reality of the financial strain and responsibility of caring for eleven newborns almost made him run away.

In an interview with Tunde Oyekola, he recounts his initial fears and how he tried to come to terms with the overwhelming responsibility

Recently, news broke that your wife gave birth to 11 children. How did you feel when you received the news?

My wife, Chognika Latoyossi Alake, who is a native of Ajasse-Cotonou in Benin Republic, gave birth to 11 children in Porto Novo in two tranches. She first delivered six – five boys and one girl – on July 6 and 7, 2024.

On August 14, she gave birth to another five boys. Unfortunately, one of the girls from the first set passed away about one and a half hours after birth, and we later lost another baby. Currently, we have nine surviving children, and they have all been named.

Were these children her first?

No, they are not her firstborn. Latoyossi is my third wife. I had two wives before marrying her. She was previously married and had three children in her first union. She became pregnant nine years after having her last child. This particular pregnancy lasted for about three and a half years.

I left Ilorin in 2008 for Porto Novo in search of greener pastures. I’m 56 years old while my wife, Latoyossi, is 54 years old.

A normal pregnancy is supposed to last nine months. What did you do when there was an unusual delay?

During that period, she visited hospitals, underwent various medical tests and scans, and had three surgeries. The most surprising thing was that each time doctors attempted to operate on her, the incision would close up again. The last doctor, a white man, said he had never encountered anything like it in his long medical career. The doctors also told us that unseen spirits seemed to be interfering whenever they attempted to operate. After exhausting the options at government and private hospitals in the Benin Republic, we turned to traditional birth attendants.

What do you think caused the extended pregnancy?

I’m not certain about what caused it, as it wasn’t her first pregnancy. As I mentioned before, she had three children from her previous marriage. However, I suspect it might have been due to some malevolent forces. We were all deeply concerned when she couldn’t deliver the babies within the expected timeframe.

Were the children born via caesarean section?

No, they were delivered naturally by their mother. They were born at a traditional birth attendant’s home.

Did the doctors confirm there were babies in her womb?

Yes, medical tests confirmed she was pregnant, but the scans didn’t reveal the number of babies. They only indicated that she was carrying babies.

When you were informed that she delivered 11 babies, what was your reaction?

The 11 babies weren’t delivered all at once; they came in two tranches. When I received the call that my wife had delivered six babies, I was terrified because the news was so shocking. Although I had heard of such things happening in other countries, it was unprecedented in Nigeria or the Benin Republic. Initially, I didn’t believe it. I asked about my wife’s condition, and they assured me she was fine. I wanted to speak with her, but they said it wasn’t possible at that moment. At one point, I considered fleeing because I couldn’t fathom how I would feed eleven children in addition to the others I already had. But eventually, I decided to go and see them, believing that Allah, who gave them to us, would also provide for their needs.

What happened next?

About a week after delivering the six babies, my wife began to complain of stomach pain and had difficulty eating. Despite the traditional birth attendant’s advice not to take her elsewhere, we decided to visit a hospital. The doctor there recommended another scan, which revealed that more babies were still in her womb, though the exact number wasn’t clear. We returned to the traditional birth attendant, who admitted that he had known there were more babies but didn’t want to alarm her. He instructed us to return when she showed signs of labour. When she started experiencing labour pains, we took her back, and she delivered another five boys, one of whom later passed away. The last set of babies are two weeks old and are all healthy.

As an Islamic cleric, how do you describe the birth of 11 children by a single woman?

The birth was nothing short of a miracle from Allah; something no human can fully comprehend. It is an inexplicable wonder (Ise Olorun ni, awamaridi si ni ti enikankan ko le mo).

Are twins common in your family?

No, twins are not common in my family. Only one member of my family has given birth to twins and they are two girls. Since then, no member of my family has had multiple births.

What has it been like feeding the babies?

The first five babies were breastfed by their mother for the first few days, but she soon became overwhelmed, and we had to switch to formula. They consume three containers of formula daily.

How are you coping with this situation?

Although we are not wealthy, we are relying on Allah, who blessed us with these babies. We are appealing to both the Federal and Kwara State governments, as well as to philanthropic individuals in society, to assist us in caring for these gifts from God.

What are your plans for the babies?

Strictly following our tradition in Ilorin, when the babies were born, I informed the Magaji of our compound, who is the head of the family, and other family members. Baba Magaji then informed the Emir of Ilorin about the great gift bestowed upon our family. I came to Ilorin on Tuesday this week, and we visited the Emir, HRM Maimataba Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, on Wednesday to celebrate the blessing of the eleven children. The Emir offered special prayers for the children and the entire family and gave us gifts to help take care of them. We have also informed the governor about the children. However, one significant challenge remains – bringing the children and their mother from Benin Republic to Ilorin so that the Emir and our family can see and pray for them. I don’t have the funds to transport them. Another challenge is that I have not yet performed the necessary traditional rites for my wife, which is also costly. Although we have fulfilled the Islamic requirements for marriage, we still need to complete the traditional ceremonies before she can travel with me to Ilorin. Therefore, I am appealing to philanthropists and well-to-do individuals to come to our aid so that the babies can be well cared for and brought to see my family.

***

Source: The PUNCH

The Ogun State Government said it has revoked the provisional licences granted to 20 private orphanage owners operating in the state, due to non-compliance with regulations and laws prioritising the well-being and safety of vulnerable children in their care. 

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, disclosed on Friday during a meeting with members of private orphanage homes at the ministry’s conference room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, in the state capital.

The commissioner expressed displeasure over some private orphanage owners’ activities, stating that the state would not tolerate shady practices involving illegal adoption, child trafficking or maltreatment of children in their custody.

She emphasised that orphanages should operate with empathy by empowering and caring for vulnerable children and not doing anything to compromise their safety.

She said the present administration was committed to safeguarding children’s welfare and preventing exploitation, urging them to adhere to laid down guidelines.

The commissioner explained  that the essence of operating an orphanage is to give back to society through humanitarian services and as such, anyone found wanting in the discharge of their duties would be prosecuted,

She added that the ministry had taken steps to improve its data collation, to ensure that the number of children brought to the orphanages was recorded and properly documented.

“The state government’s actions aim to protect vulnerable children and maintain the integrity of orphanage services,” she said.

“About 20 orphanages with provisional licences were affected but not all of them were involved in various sharp practices like not following due guidelines on child adoption among other contraventions”

“But we have withdrawn the provisional licences of these 20 orphanages. We want to take our time to dig deeper and ensure that they are all doing the right things”

“We have told the affected orphanages to reapply after a month and we have given additional guidelines to those with permanent licences to ensure that the standard is not compromised”.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Adejumoke Adewole, said the ministry would not relent in embarking on unscheduled visitation to all orphanage homes in the state, to monitor and evaluate the activities of the owners, and ensure proper compliance with directives.

A representative of the private orphanage owners, Adeyemo Anthony, commended the state for ensuring that orphanage homes were monitored, pledging their support to work together with the government to ensure the welfare and well-being of the children in their care.

One Emmanuel Urhobocha has allegedly taken his life in Ogun State.

The lifeless body of the 35-year-old man was found in his apartment on Alafia Street in Sango-Ota, located in the Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area.

The deceased was said to have committed suicide around 9:00 a.m. on Friday after he started displaying some bizarre behaviour.

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying one Obabiyi David, the roommate of the deceased, had reported him at the police station after he (Urhobocha) stabbed him.

The command’s spokesperson, Odutola Omolola, disclosed that David, had gone to the Sango-Ota Police Division to report that his flatmate was acting irrationally. 

“He (David) stated that Urhobocha was behaving oddly and even mentioned that the deceased had attacked him with a knife at one point. David sustained injuries but managed to escape the assault,” Odutola stated.

A team of policemen from the Sango-Ota division was sent to interrogate Urhobocha regarding the alleged attack on his friend, but upon arrival, they found the room locked from the inside.

After several attempts to force the door open, the police finally gained entry and found the suspect lying lifeless, face down in the apartment.

Odutola said, “He was discovered dead in the apartment, with a container of insecticide found next to his body.

“He was promptly transported to a local hospital for medical attention, but the attending doctor confirmed him dead. His body has been placed in the morgue for an autopsy, and the incident remains under investigation.”

This incident occurred just days after a 32-year-old man, Olúwaṣeun Shorinola, died by suicide in the Kémta area of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on August 28, 2024.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has revealed the data showing student loan applicants by state of origin.

President Bola Tinubu in July launched NELFUND.

The revised Student Loan Act 2024 was signed to remove financial barriers and make education more accessible to all Nigerian students, regardless of their economic background.

The loans cover tuition, fees, and maintenance costs. The repayment process starts two years after the beneficiary completes the NYSC program.

The Federal Government recently allocated over N2.5 billion in student loans to over 22,00 students nationwide, with institutions in the Southeast notably absent from the list of beneficiaries.

Students from Kano and Borno States have emerged as the frontrunners in the NELFUND student loan applications.

Kano State recorded 17,122 applications out of 20,814 registered tertiary students.

Borno State followed closely, with 13,798 students applying for the loan out of 16,353 registered students.

These figures were shared on NELFUND’s X account, highlighting the distribution of registered students and subsequent loan applicants by state of origin.

Benue State ranked third, with 11,754 of its 16,127 registered students applying for the student loan.

Oyo State saw 14,086 students register, with 8,990 moving forward with the application process.

In Kaduna State, 13,873 students registered, and 10,380 proceeded to apply.

Katsina State had 13,538 students register, of which 10,952 eventually applied.

Osun State registered 13,368 students, with 8,093 applying for the loan.

Kogi State saw 12,675 students register for the NELFUND student loan, with 8,400 of them proceeding to apply.

In Plateau State, 11,624 students registered, and 9,328 of them went on to submit their loan applications.

Adamawa State had 11,219 students register, of which 8,977 successfully applied for the loan.

Kwara State recorded 11,126 registrations, with 7,645 students applying for the loan.

In Taraba State, 10,699 students registered for the student loan, and 8,668 of them proceeded to apply.

Yobe State had 10,398 students register, with 8,966 going on to apply for the loan.

Ogun State saw 10,387 registrations, with 5,943 students moving forward with the application.

Akwa Ibom State recorded 9,594 registrations, with 6,525 students applying for the loan.

In Bauchi State, 8,358 students registered, and 6,517 applied for the student loan.

Kebbi State had 7,873 students register, with 6,333 proceeding to apply for the loan.

Gombe State recorded 7,594 registrations, with 6,121 students applying for the loan.

Niger State saw 7,487 students register, and 5,804 of them went on to submit their loan applications.

In Jigawa State, 6,937 students registered, with 5,535 successfully applying for the loan.

Ondo State had 6,519 students register, with 3,854 proceeding to apply for the student loan.

Nasarawa State saw 6,192 students register, and 4,789 of them applied for the loan.

Ekiti State recorded 6,065 registrations, with 3,497 students applying for the loan.

In Imo State, 5,458 students registered, with 2,802 going on to submit their loan applications.

Delta State saw 4,943 registrations, with 2,771 students applying for the loan.

Ebonyi State recorded 4,749 registrations, with 2,981 students applying for the loan.

In Cross River State, 4,282 students registered and 2,476 of them proceeded to apply.

Enugu State had 4,133 students register, with 2,247 successfully applying for the loan.

Abia State saw 4,068 registrations, with 2,170 students moving forward with the application.

Lagos State recorded 3,947 registrations, with 2,347 students applying for the loan.

Anambra State had 3,747 students register, with 1,840 proceeding to apply for the student loan.

In Zamfara State, 3,721 students registered, and 2,986 of them successfully applied for the loan.

Edo State saw 3,612 registrations, with 2,149 students applying for the loan.

Rivers State recorded 3,612 registrations, with 2,162 students applying for the loan.

Sokoto State had 3,014 students register, with 2,055 proceeding to apply for the student loan.

Bayelsa State saw 1,977 students register, with 1,267 of them applying for the loan.

In the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, 894 students registered for the loan, while 676 proceeded to submit their applications.

Kelechi Ndukwe has made history as the first Nigerian to command a US Navy warship.

Kelechi was promoted to the rank of Commander in the US Navy on Thursday August 29 2024.

Sharing the news on his official X, a US Army Officer, Victor Agunbiade congratulated Ndukwe on his achievement.

Sharing pictures from the promotion ceremony, Ogunbiade wrote; “Ladies and Gentlemen, meet the newest US Navy Captain Kelechi Ndukwe. The first Nigerian to have a command of the US Navy War Ship! Congratulations on your promotion Captain! Well deserved.”

Reacting to the news on X, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, congratulated Ndukwe on his achievement.

“A hearty congratulations to Navy Captain Kelechi R Ndukwe who has been promoted to the rank of Navy Captain from Commander, in the US NAVY.”

The deal between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the new Super Eagles Coach Bruno Labbadia have been aborted.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NFF had earlier announced on Tuesday that it had reached an agreement with German tactician, Labbadia to become the Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

However, a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, on Friday quoted the NFF President, Musa Gusau as saying that the deal between the NFF and Labbadia had been botched.

Gusau explained that stringent regulations of German tax authorities had conspired to abort the agreement between the NFF and Coach Labbadia.

“We have been on the tax issue for the past three days.

“I told him clearly that there was no way the NFF will agree to offset the concomitant tax percentage on his salary that will be demanded by German tax authorities.

“It is not possible for us to shoulder the responsibility of shelling out another money, between 32 per cent to 40 per cent of his salary, after paying the agreed monthly wage.

“The NFF and Labbadia reached an agreement in principle before we made the announcement that he would become the Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

“The tax details were never part of our discussions, and he had personally agreed to all terms before the tax issue came up.

“We were doing our best to be flexible in the discussions but he was adamant that the NFF had to pay the full tax amount as well. We simply cannot do that,” Gusau said.

He added that with the latest development, Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation, Coach Augustine Eguavoen will now take charge of the Super Eagles.

Eguavoen will lead the team for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic in Uyo, Sept. 7 and Kigali, Rwanda Kigali, on Sept. 10.

NAN reports that this would be Eguavoen’s fourth stint in charge of the three-time African champions, after earlier experience in 2005 to 2007, 2010 and 2022.(NAN)

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has found himself sidelined as the Serie A club has handed his iconic number 9 jersey to their new signing, Romelu Lukaku.

This development follows a summer of intense transfer speculation and a reported fallout with the club’s hierarchy, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Nigerian striker, who played a pivotal role in securing Napoli’s first Scudetto in four decades, was at the centre of a tug-of-war between several top clubs.

However, despite last-minute bids from Saudi giants Al-Hilal and English side Chelsea, Osimhen remains with the Partenopei, a situation that has left many fans and pundits puzzled.

New Napoli manager Antonio Conte, who has a history with Lukaku from their successful stint at Inter Milan, appears to have no place for Osimhen in his plans.

Conte’s preference for the Belgian striker is seen as a key reason behind the decision to strip Osimhen of his number 9 shirt.

Napoli had reportedly reached an agreement with Saudi club Al Ahli for a fee of around £67 million, but negotiations hit a snag when the Italian club demanded a higher fee.

This prompted Al Ahli to shift their focus to Brentford’s Ivan Toney, ultimately securing the English forward for a £40 million move.

Toney, who had already undergone a medical in London on Deadline Day, became the more straightforward option for the Saudi side.

The failed transfer saga has left Osimhen in a precarious position, with reports suggesting he could be sidelined until January when the transfer window reopens.

This situation is in contrast to his recent successes, including being named African Footballer of the Year and finishing 8th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

After a successful 2023 season, tensions between the striker and Napoli had already been simmering, especially after the club’s official TikTok account released a controversial video that many interpreted as disrespectful.

Despite the public fallout, the former Wolfsburg striker extended his contract with Napoli until 2026.