The chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, has commended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, saying, it’s a difficult step taken in the right direction. Mr Rabiu made this point on Friday when he visited the president in Lagos.

Nigeria is witnessing its worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, caused by the removal of petrol subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.
Mr Tinubu, who came to power about 18 months ago, removed a decades-old petrol subsidy and devalued the currency, sending inflation soaring to 34.60 per cent in November.
Mr Rabiu acknowledged that the reforms are painful but said they were necessary.

“Although we all know that some of the reforms undertaken by His Excellency are still biting, and these reforms, as far as the business community is concerned, were necessary.
“It’s true that some of them are quite painful, but we needed these reforms, especially the foreign exchange unification.”

Aside from the subsidy removal, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) implemented the unification of all segments of the forex exchange (FX) market as part of efforts to engender transparency in the markets and boost investors’ confidence.
Although the policy has been widely applauded as well-intentioned and necessary, it has put additional pressure on the local currency and manufacturers, with ripple effects on prices.

Mr Rabiu also commended the unification of the forex exchange.

“You will remember that the exchange rate at N500 and then outside it was N800. That was not acceptable. So that has actually been unified and initially it was quite difficult, we saw the exchange rate at a point hit maybe almost N2000, now it’s finding its balance, we are at about N1,500 – N1,550 naira and I’m sure we’ll see the rate come down even further.”

“So I believe that some of these reforms… yes, initially, they were a bit of a challenge, but things are getting much better now, and I’m quite confident and optimistic that things will definitely get better in Nigeria. Mr President is doing a lot, the government is really doing so much to ensure that there is stability within the economy and other sectors of the economy,” Mr Rabiu said.

Like Mr Rabiu, recently, the International Monetary Fund welcomed reforms that are being implemented by Mr Tinubu’s government, and it forecast faster economic growth in the West African nation and other key economies on the continent.

Mr Rabiu also commended the infrastructural reforms undertaken by the Tinubu Administration.

“We can see what is going on as regards our infrastructure, a lot roads works are going on and I believe, given a bit of time, things will definitely get better. We need to be a bit patient, these reforms do take time.

“This government has only been in power for 18 months and they have another 24 months or so, I think we need to give them time and I’m sure things will definitely get better.”

Security agents have arrested popular Nigerian TikToker, Seaking, hours after hurling insults at President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Seaking released a video on Saturday, December 20, abusing Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, and Egbetokun.

The Tiktoker references a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, that the security agency will begin arresting anyone who insults government officials.

Seaking expressed his anger at the news and wondered why the police would attempt to go after anyone who insults them and not after criminal minds.

In a video making the rounds on social media, the Tiktoker looked all sombre as some security agents were seen interrogating him.

Meanwhile, Human Rights lawyer, Effiong Inibehe, has said the Force Headquarters Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, misinformed citizens by stating that curse is cyberbullying.

Adejobi, on his X handle, on Thursday warned citizens to desist from cursing other citizens. He stated that curse as cyberbullying is a criminal offence.

“Raining direct curses on someone online is cyber bullying, not expression of freedom or criticism. And cyberbullying, which is even different from defamation, is a criminal offence and punishable. Be guided,” Adejobi said.

In reaction, Inibehe challenged the Nigeria Police spokesman to back his claim with a constitutional provision.

“This is ignorance of the law. The fact that this very ridiculous opinion is from the spokesperson of the primary law enforcement agency in Nigeria says a lot about the decadence of our institutions.

“To be clear, raining curses on someone is not a criminal offence, and I challenge the Force PRO to cite any law that supports his statement.

“By virtue of Section 36 (12) of the Nigerian Constitution, for an act or omission of be termed a crime, it must be expressly and specifically defined as such under a written law,” he stated.

While emphasizing civility, Inibehe called on Nigerians to ignore the misleading statement from Adejobi.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has earmarked a total of ₦6,364,181,224 billion for the refurbishment and rehabilitation of the residential accommodations for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and several of their aides in the proposed 2025 budget.

The proposed funding was highlighted in the 2025 Appropriation Bill submitted to the National Assembly, which indicates that the annual upkeep of the Presidential Villa is projected to cost ₦5.49 billion.

The proposed budget allocates ₦765 million for renovating the Vice President’s residence and guest house.

The refurbishment of the President’s quarters at the State House is estimated to cost ₦6.39 million, while the renovation of security quarters, the auditorium, the gymnasium, and quarters for presidential aides will amount to N49 million.

Additionally, the renovation of Prescott Barracks, the officers’ mess building, and the signal office in Asokoro, Abuja, is projected to cost ₦51 million.

Further examination of the budget indicates that President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima are anticipated to receive ₦87 million for honorarium and sitting allowances, while ₦127 million has been allocated for the acquisition of SUVs.

Moreover, ₦3.66 billion has been budgeted for the procurement of operational vehicles for the State House, and ₦1.09 billion will be allocated for the replacement of SUV vehicles at the State House.

The budget for the State House Lagos Liaison Office includes an allocation of ₦14.72 million designated for the routine maintenance of various facilities, including Dodan Barracks and the Vice President’s guest houses located in Ikoyi, among others.

Additionally, a sum of ₦140.10 million has been earmarked for the completion of renovations and furnishing of the State House annexe at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.

In a related development, the Federal Government intends to invest ₦1.83 billion in converting properties forfeited to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into quarters for the State House.

This initiative coincides with the EFCC’s announcement regarding the recovery of a substantial estate in the Lokogoma District of Abuja, which spans 150,500 square meters and comprises 753 duplexes and other residential units.

The commission characterized this recovery as its “largest asset recovery” since its establishment in 2003.

The estate is situated on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09 of the district, and was forfeited on December 2, 2024, following a ruling by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.

Oleksandr Usyk reaffirmed his position as one of the greatest heavyweight champions in history early Sunday after securing a unanimous decision victory over Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In a remarkable exhibition of skill and stamina, the Ukrainian champion successfully defended his WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC heavyweight titles, enhancing his flawless professional record to an impressive 23-0.

The match, which marked their second encounter, was filled with tension over 12 captivating rounds as both fighters showcased their strengths.

Usyk’s strategic acumen and tenacity ultimately allowed him to counter Fury’s offensive tactics, resulting in a unanimous decision from the judges, who scored the bout 116-112 in his favour.

Speaking after the fight, the ever-humble Usyk said, “I win, it’s good,” before reflecting on his remarkable ability to surge in the latter stages of his bouts.

“I don’t know, maybe I am training,” he joked, acknowledging the support of his family.

“My wife helps me, my children. My two sons have won judo belts. My son said, ‘Papa, you next,” he added.

Usyk commended Fury as a significant opponent, referring to him as “a great fighter” and emphasizing that their two encounters constituted “unbelievable 24 rounds” in his career.

In a heartfelt gesture, he dedicated his victory to his deceased mother and “all mothers of Ukraine.”

When questioned about his future intentions, Usyk suggested that there is more to anticipate. “I can do more. I am prepared. I will return home to rest,” he stated, leaving fans excited about what the future holds for the heavyweight champion

Three Nigerians—Adebayo Ogunlesi ($1.7 billion), Tope Awotona ($1.4 billion), and Wemimo Abbey ($1 billion) stand tall among the honorees of the 2024 Forbes BLK 50 list.

Wemimo Abbey

From the bustling streets of Lagos to the financial hubs of New York, Wemimo Abbey’s journey is a masterclass in redefining possibility. As the co-founder and co-CEO of Esusu, a fintech powerhouse, Abbey has revolutionized the concept of credit access for millions. Esusu’s groundbreaking model reports rent payments to credit bureaus, helping tenants improve their credit histories—an innovation that now spans over 20,000 residences and impacts 1.8 million Americans.

Tope Awotona

Tope Awotona’s rise to prominence is a tale of grit, persistence, and an unyielding desire to simplify the complexities of modern life. Born in Lagos and uprooted to Atlanta at the age of fifteen, Awotona’s path was far from conventional. A tech enthusiast who studied computer technology at the University of Georgia before pivoting to business and management information, his journey was marked by failures before triumph.

After a series of unsuccessful startups, Awotona found himself frustrated by the inefficiency of scheduling meetings—a simple yet universal pain point. In 2013, he took a bold leap, cashing in his 401(k) to launch Calendly, a scheduling software that would disrupt the industry. What began as a personal frustration became a global phenomenon. By 2021, private investors valued Calendly at an astounding $3 billion, and Awotona raised $350 million to expand the business further.

Adebayo Ogunlesi

If leadership could be personified, it would wear the name Adebayo Ogunlesi. A scholar, strategist, and business titan, Ogunlesi’s ascent to global prominence is a testament to brilliance honed by experience. Born in Nigeria and armed with degrees from Oxford (Bachelor of Arts), Harvard Law School (Juris Doctor), and Harvard Business School (MBA), Ogunlesi’s academic pedigree set the stage for a storied career.

His professional journey began in the chambers of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, where he clerked in the early 1980s. From there, Ogunlesi transitioned to Cravath, Swaine & Moore as an attorney before spending over two decades at Credit Suisse, mastering the art of investment banking.

But his defining legacy would come in 2006 when he co-founded Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a private equity firm specializing in infrastructure investments.

Thank God we don’t look like what we’ve been through.

Nigerian actress Jumoke George did not mince words about her harsh childhood experiences, hot-headed father who disowned her, diabolical step-mum who sent her to the herbalist, her biological mum who rejected her and a husband who beat her to stupor on a regular basis.

In an interview with Biola Bayo on the Talk to B show, Jumoke George recounted how her fetish stepmother maltreated and sent her to herbalists to get charms used to control her father. She said she was being treated like a slave and made to do despicable things like preparing food the charm would be added to. In her words:

“My stepmother was even worse. From a tender age, I was sent to a herbalist’s house. It’s a pity and it saddens my heart that I am even the one that will prepare the food that the charm will be added to for my dad. You can’t even handle a slave the way they handled me. Today, I just put an end to that kind of job I am always sent”.

The actress revealed how her plan to stop the fetish step-mum became the genesis of her doom because when she finally opened up to her father about it, he refused to believe and sent her packing. Jumoke George explained:

“When I pleaded with him to allow me to talk, he said, ‘From henceforth, I disowned you,’ and he went into his room, and the next thing I saw is that he came out with his gun.

It was from that moment I entered into a problem. The big mistake I made in my whole life was crying that I wanted to go with my dad when he got transferred”.

The dark-skinned actress revealed that her decision to stay with her father over her mother led to her fallout with her mother, who refused to take her in when she became homeless. However, they have been able to resolve their differences a few years ago. She continued:

“It wasn’t until four or five years ago that I knew what I did to offend my mother. But then, she pleaded with me that I should forgive her, that she didn’t have Christ, and it was a time of ignorance, and she was feeling hurt then.

I was sleeping around; I even slept on the table they used for selling goods by the roadside. If I see abandoned vehicle, I will sleep inside. Then, I used a safety pin to hold my bras. I used twine ropes to hold my pants”.

Sharing what led to her failed marriage, the veteran actress recounted how her ex-husband maltreated her by being physically abusive, especially when she got pregnant. Jumoke George added:

“When pregnancy came in, my journey with him was like going from frying pan to fire; he will always beat me. It got to a stage; he would come and meet me at movie rehearsal to beat me so that we would both roll down from the upstairs”.

Jumoke isn’t the only celebrity who has been abandoned by their parent. Last year, actor Charles Inojie revealed that his mother abandoned him when he was a-year-old after she parted ways with his father, which left his grandmother no choice but to raise him.

To worsen things, his father remarried and prioritized his step-mum over him, leading to maltreatment.

Similarly, Bimbo Ademoye disclosed in an interview,

how her mother abandoned her when she was two. She stated that she has, however, tried building a relationship with her years after.

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has celebrated her 47th birthday in style, marking the special occasion with an outpouring of love and admiration from fans and well-wishers.

On December 21, 2024, the veteran actress took to social media to express her excitement and gratitude as she embraced another milestone year.

In her heartfelt birthday post, Iyabo Ojo wrote:

“Happy birthday, 2 me. Long live Queen Mother…”

The post quickly caught the attention of her fans, who flooded the comments section with well-wishes, admiration, and birthday greetings.

This birthday celebration comes just days after Iyabo Ojo proudly supported her daughter, Priscilla, at the Eloy Awards, where Priscilla was honored for her achievements.

The proud mother shared a video of Priscilla walking on stage to accept her award, expressing immense pride in her daughter’s accomplishments.

Earlier this year, Iyabo also shared a touching moment with Priscilla, referring to herself as the “Queen Mother” in the lead-up to her daughter’s upcoming wedding.

The actress explained that the title stemmed from her daughter being a “queen,” and her own proud role as the mother.

Netizens Reactions…

Lawyer and model Doris Esiokhayamhe Ogah from the south-south region, on Thursday night, December 19, 2024, won the 45th Miss Nigeria pageant.

The event, which took place at the Royal Box Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, featured 20 semi-finalists who were unveiled on Tuesday.

The contestants went through various stages, showcasing their cultural heritage.

Ogah defeated four other finalists — Ann Eneanya, Divine Nelson, Bukunmi Ogunsanya, and Diane Paul — to secure the prestigious award.

Shatu Garko, the 44th Miss Nigeria, thereafter crowned Ogah as her successor.

Speaking after the feat, Ogah described her participation in the pageant as “an honour”. She also expressed gratitude to the organisers for turning her dream into reality. The 26 year old 45th Miss Nigeria wrote in an earlier Instagram post:

“My name is Doris Esiokhayamhe Ogah, and I am honored to proudly represent the South-South Geopolitical Zone in this year’s Miss Nigeria pageant.”

“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to be given the opportunity to serve as an example to inspire and empower countless women and girls around the world,”.