Doyin Okupe, a former director general of the Peter Obi/Datti Ahmed campaign council, has stated that President Bola Tinubu's nationwide broadcast on Sunday addressed the economic woes Nigerians are facing.

He advised youths to stop further protests and engage the federal government in a dialogue. He said President Tinubu has shown leadership and commitment to addressing hardship in the country.

On Sunday, while reacting to the President’s address, Okupe said President Tinubu achieved what other administrations were unable to accomplish in one year.

According to Okupe, if the fuel subsidy was not removed, the Tinubu-led administration would not function effectively.

“President Bola Tinubu’s Speech has not disappointed Nigerians in that for the first time, the President clearly stated the precarious and daunting economic situation his administration met on ground at inception.

“It also amplified the strenuous efforts made by his government to reduce the prevailing crippling and stagnating debt servicing ratio from 97% of earned revenue to 68%.

“In truth, this has been the major cause of our present economic woes and sufferings. It is now self-evident that if the fuel subsidy was not removed, it would have been impossible for the government to function and meet its obligations without continuing the profligacy of massive and sustained borrowing to fund the subsequent national budgets

“The speech highlighted, to our delight, the giant and commendable strides of achievements already accomplished by this administration within 14 months of its existence, despite the unprecedented inherited financial and social-economic calamities.

“It is also worthy to note from the speech the government’s commitment to reduce the prevailing high cost of living and also bring down the food inflation through the temporary massive importation of foods and reduction of various taxes and duties for foods, drugs and medical supplies e t c.

“I personally believe that this administration’s scorecard or performance compares very well if not better than those of many administrations before it,” he said.

The former aide on media to ex-president, Olusegun Obasanjo, advised Nigerians to hold governors and local government chairmen accountable. He noted that the President showed commitment to democratic right of citizens to protest.

“Lastly, the increased amount of funds that the policies of this administration have directly released to the states and local governments must make Nigerians to now begin to look beyond the federal government and make the sub nationalities to be more accountable for the huge sums of revenue inflow they receive from the federation account and other federal government intervention funds.

“It is pertinent that we recognize that federal government revenue is shared with 49% going to the federal government while approximately 48% goes to the states and local governments leaving some 3% for ecological funds and derivation.

“I will therefore with all humility enjoin our youths and the citizens at large to exercise patience and restraints and embrace the opportunity for dialogue which Mr President has offered,” Okupe added.

Paul ‘Rudeboy‘ Okoye, the singer, has slammed Joe Igbokwe, the Nigerian author, over his comment on the rift between him and Peter ‘Mr P‘ Okoye, his twin brother. 

The Okoye brothers have been in the news since their controversial split in 2016.

The twins parted ways after a disagreement on the role of Jude Okoye, their older brother who happened to be their immediate past manager.

But in November 2021, the duo ended their five-year feud. They also staged their first joint performance as Psquare.

However, their latest split was confirmed by Rudeboy who claimed his twin brother was behind his recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Wading into the matter in a Facebook post, Igbokwe berated the twin brothers for being “unable to settle their family dispute”.

The author also wondered if “there are no elders in their family” while describing their rift as a “shame”.

“So shameful that two twin brothers Paul and Peter cannot work together, cannot love one another, they cannot trust each other, they cannot think together, they cannot reason together, they cannot forgive each other, they cannot manage their wives, they cannot manage their success story, they cannot control their emotions, they cannot manage their internal contradictions, even their wives could not help matters, what about their parents, their brothers and sisters, their Nnaochie? etc,” he wrote.

“This is shame. It pains me to no end. Now, are there no elders in the family? This is success without brains. Education without character. Make shame catch us small na. When Gold rust what will Iron do? Ndi ara akwu eke. Awon werey.”

However, Rudeboy took to his Instagram page to tackle Igbokwe. The singer also hurled abusive words at the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain.

says his first time ever traveled abroad was 2015

Popular singer, Adekunle Gold has inspired his fans with his touching success story, citing how he first traveled out of Nigeria.

In a widely shared video, the singer revealed that the first time he ever traveled out of Nigeria was in 2015 and it was because of his hit song, “Shade”. He also had “Orente” at the time.

Since then, he has been to over 35 countries and his passion has been his drive. 

Adekunle Gold further encouraged and prayed for his fans and followers to never give up on their passion as it would sure make way for them. In Adekunle Gold’s words:

“The first time I ever traveled out of Nigeria was in 2015. Guess what took me out? One song, “Shade.” I had “Shade” and “Orente” then. And since then, I think I’ve been to 35 countries.

“I say this to say, your passion, the one thing that you love to do will make way for you. I always wanted to travel as a child but where I see the money.

“But look, I’m just praying for you guys that you find something, you know, that will take you places and if you have already found it, just keep at it. You will go places.”

The eldest daughter of Anambra State Governor Prof. Charles Soludo,  Adaora Soludo, has tied the knot with her fiancé Arinze in a private civil ceremony held in London.

The wedding took place on July 26, 2024, in an intimate gathering attended by close family members.

Adaora, a popular fashion entrepreneur, shared stunning photos of the occasion on Instagram, expressing her elation at marrying her “best friend.”

The couple, who announced their engagement on August 25, 2023, celebrated their union in a dreamy, family-filled celebration.

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered | 26.07.24. Married my best friend in the intimate wedding of my dreams, surrounded by family ♥️,” one of her post’s caption read.

 

Following the announcement, netizens flooded her social media with congratulatory messages, wishing the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness.

Bobrisky, the controversial crossdresser, has been released from the Kirikiri Correctional Center.

The social media celebrity was released on Monday morning.

In now-viral footage, she was seen inside a luxury car leaving the prison vicinity alongside two of her two friends. They were vibing to ‘Egwu’, a song by Chike and late singer Mohbad.

The self-proclaimed ‘Mummy of Lagos’ was also sighted in another video greeting her fans who came to welcome her.

“Hello guys, it’s your Mummy of Lagos… I have missed you guys so much. I can’t wait to have you guys, like give you guys what you have missed,” she said.

Born Idris Okuneye, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison on April 12 by Abimbola Awogboro, the Lagos high court judge, for abusing the naira.

Awogboro, in her verdict, also ruled that the sentence was without the option of a fine. The judge held that the jail term commenced on March 24, the day of her arrest.

In April, the crossdresser, who was charged with four counts of naira abuse, filed a notice of appeal challenging the six-month prison sentence.

Bobrisky had hoped that the court of appeal would set aside the sentence and replace it with an option of a N50,000 fine on each count.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on governors unable to implement the newly mandated ₦70,000 minimum wage to resign from their positions.

Naija News reports that this statement follows recent comments from the Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, who declared that his administration cannot afford to meet the new national minimum wage standard.

“I cannot pay the ₦70,000 minimum wage, and I suspect many other states are in the same predicament,” he said.

Governor Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, made these remarks during a meeting with labour leaders, civil society organisations, and traders’ associations at the Government House in Gombe.

According to the Punch, in response to the governor’s comments, NLC’s Head of Public Relations, Benson Upah, stated, “He should quit if he cannot pay. He took an oath of office to uphold the law and not to break it.”

The Trade Union Congress has not yet issued an official statement regarding Governor Yahaya’s position.

Recall that last week, President Bola Tinubu signed the new Minimum Wage Act into law, setting the minimum wage at ₦70,000.

This decision came after nearly two weeks of negotiations with organised labour unions, who initially demanded a minimum wage of over ₦250,000 per month.

Federal Capital Territory Senator, Ireti Kingibe, has slammed the Nigeria Police for highhandness in managing peaceful protesters in the capital city.

Senator Ireti Kingibe said Abuja protesters were peaceful until the FCT Police Command personnel fired live shots and tear gas canisters on the citizens.

The FCT Senator added that there was no violence or looting of public infrastructure and shops or any act of criminality from the protesters.

Senator Kingibe’s statement on Sunday followed her earlier comment on the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protest that generated reactions, the same day.

In her earlier tweet, Mrs Kingibe said, “My heart is shattered seeing the devastating violence and destruction unfolding between the Nigerian police and protesters, especially in our federal capital.

“It’s time for us to come together, engage in dialogue, and find alternative solutions to this senseless cycle of violence. We must prioritize protecting the lives and properties of both our government and our people.

“As the senator of the good people of the FCT and a mother, I feel the pain and anguish of our citizens, and I am deeply saddened by the injuries and loss of life. My thoughts are with those who are suffering, and I pray for the souls of the departed to rest in peace.

“Let us work towards healing, recovery, and rebuilding our beloved Nigeria. We must find a way to engage our citizens and address their concerns, ensuring that we don’t continue to lose our children to senseless violence. Let’s move forward together, with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to peace and understanding. It is time to engage for good good governance.”

Following criticism from X users that she was political in her statement, she explained that she knew protesters in Abuja, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, were peacefully demonstrating until the FCT Police personnel fired tear gas and live shots at them.

“I have read most of the comments to my earlier tweet today and for the record let me categorically state that the protest in Federal Capital Territory remained peaceful until the police launched an attack, firing teargas and shots at the protesters. To the best of my knowledge, there were no reports of any shops being looted or vandalized in Abuja,” Senator Ireti said.