A former Head of State, Gen.Yakubu Gowon (retd), has expressed worry over the incessant crises ravaging various parts of the country, saying Nigeria cannot afford another civil war.
DAILY POST reports that the Nigerian Civil War, fought between 1967 and 1970, claimed millions of lives.
Speaking at the Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos, Plateau, the retired General expressed worry over the state of insecurity, praying that Nigeria will not experience another civil disturbance.
“All the various crises that we are having in Nigeria are so disturbing. This is something that God knows we should not be having after our Civil War.
“I have said and I prayed to God that I hope Nigeria will not go through another period of crisis that we went through.
“Let us pray to God that we are now beginning to see the end of all these crises. Pray to God so that God can touch the hearts of all those who are that way inclined to create problems,” he said
I pleaded with Abacha not to execute Obasanjo – Gowon
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon says he pleaded with late Gen. Sani Abacha not to execute former President Olusegun Obasanjo for alleged coup plot in 1995.
Gowon said this at the maiden edition of the Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carol and Praise Festival organised by the Plateau Government.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Obasanjo was arrested in 1995 by General Sani Abacha and convicted of being part of a planned coup to overthrow his government.
Obasanjo, in spite of pleading innocent to the coup, was sentenced to death.
He spent three years in prison before he was released in 1998 following the death of Gen. Abacha on June 8 of that year.
While Gowon was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, Obasanjo was the Guest of Honour, respectively.
“I wrote a letter to Abacha, I pleaded with him that God made him a leader to do good and not evil.
“I sent my wife with the letter in the middle of the night to Abacha in Abuja; I pleaded with him that such a thing should not happen.
“I’m glad that soon after that, things changed, and not only that Obasanjo left prison, he became our president in 1999.
“This is something that only prayers and sincerity can do; I’m happy that today myself and Obasanjo are here to celebrate the unity of Plateau,” he said.
Gowon also thanked the state government for organising the carol, adding that it would further unite the citizens of the state.
The former head of state said that the state had gone through a myriad of security challenges, hence the carol provided a suitable avenue for the people to commune.
Property worth millions of naira was destroyed in a fire outbreak at a spare parts market in the Idumota area of Lagos State.
In a statement on Saturday, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the fire occurred on Friday night.
Oke-Osanyintolu said a preliminary investigation showed that multiple buildings used as shops for sales of car spare parts were razed.
The statement reads, “Following distress calls via the 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency Lines at 2220hrs, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency activated its Emergency Response Teams from Lekki, Cappa and the Command and Control Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
“On arrival of the LASEMA Response Teams at the incident scene by 2255hrs, it was discovered that multiple buildings used as shops for sales of car spare parts were found engulfed by fire at the aforementioned location.
“The immediate or remote causes of the fire incident were yet to be ascertained as of the time of writing this report. However, properties and goods worth hundreds of millions of naira were destroyed by the inferno.
“The LASEMA Shark Response Team, LASEMA Fire Unit, LASEMA Tiger Response Team, alongside Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Federal Fire Service worked together to curtail the fire, preventing it from escalating to adjoining buildings.
“The law enforcement agencies present at the incident scene activated crowd measures to ensure all-round safety at the incident scene.”
Oke-Osanyintolu added that no casualties were recorded at the incident scene, and no injuries were sustained due to the incident.
He said “dampening down” has commenced to stamp out the remaining pockets of fire, noting that salvage of valuable properties in the recovered shops is ongoing.
Oke-Osanyintolu said efforts are ongoing to completely extinguish the fire, and recovery operations are still ongoing.
I’m scared of returning home, Nigeria’s failed heathcare killed my mum – US-based
President of the Bini Club of Houston, United States, Lydia Aguebor, speaks with BIODUN BUSARI on her struggles in search for greener pastures, community leadership in Houston, and why she is scared of returning to Nigeria because of the way her mother died
How will you describe your stay in the US?
I’m a mother of three beautiful children in the US. I relocated to America in 2005. When I first settled here, it was quite challenging because I left my comfort zone to come to a land where I knew nobody. Settling here came with its challenges. I came here to start from scratch. It was a lot of battles. Basically, it was tough for me in terms of job search and career. I studied Law at the University of Benin. And being in the US requires you to have licences for the things you do.
What kind of challenges did you experience?
There were only menial jobs to do in the beginning. Even, there were jobs that I didn’t get because of overqualification. When I submitted copies of my resume to some places, they would tell me I was overqualified for the job. They called it a college degree here, and I was asked to lower my qualifications. I had to do it because I needed jobs to make money. After all, bills were mounting. I started working with a fast food outlet where chickens were sold. I did that for a year. Then I worked for the State of Texas for eight years. Then, I began working on my papers. I wasn’t really happy with what I was doing. Later, I decided to start my business.
You said you didn’t like some of the things you did at scratch. What were they?
When I worked as a cashier or more or less of an attendant at a fast-food outlet, I would pass the money to another person in the inner lobby who would bring the order for me to give to the customers. I also worked as a cashier at a place called Target like a grocery store. It could be likened to ShopRite in Nigeria.
Why did you leave Nigeria in 2005?
I never worked before leaving Nigeria. I was a full-time housewife. I started coming to the US in 2002 when I was a law student at the University of Benin. Anytime I came to the US, I just loved it and dreamed of settling there. So, I came here in search of greener pastures.
What kind of business did you venture into?
I started a legal business. It started in my living room. The company was about helping people file their travel and immigration documents. When my client base was increasing, I moved on to get a place. I still couldn’t afford an office for myself. I had to pair up with someone. I only just had a chair, desk, and printer in that office. I started my business in June 2014.
What factors contributed to your business growth in the US?
The whole factor was narrowed down to the clients in my community. I knew the people I wanted to render services to. I did the feasibility study to know the kind of people to attract to my business. I started giving out fliers. My clients were mostly Nigerians, Africans, and Hispanic communities like Mexicans. Basically, I targeted the immigrants. They were the markets I was looking at. These people needed the services I offered. Apart from that, I gave them good service. I had a passion for helping and serving people. This made my business grow because I began to get referrals. When immigrants came to the US looking for a way to stabilise themselves and get their papers, people referred them to me based on the good services I rendered to them or their relatives. If I wasn’t doing good jobs, I wouldn’t get those referrals. These helped my company.
How did you come about being a community leader?
I’m from Edo State. Therefore, I’m the President of the Bini Club of Houston. I was born and raised as a Bini in Benin City. When I relocated to the US in 2005, I first settled in Dallas for a year, before I moved to Houston. Then, in 2006, I wanted to associate with my people and tell them what I did for a living. That was when one of my aunties introduced me to the Bini Club of Houston. I registered as a member and in the following year, I became their secretary through election. I served as the secretary for eight years to different administrations. It was a two-year tenure, so I had four tenures. Two years ago, I became the vice president. When the president was leaving this year, I ran for the office. I emerged as the first female president of the Bini Club of Houston. This is just my 11th month as the president.
How long has the Bini Club of Houston been in existence?
It has been in existence for 35 years.
Can you discuss some of the secrets that make Nigerians survive in the US?
Hard work is number one. There was a client from East Africa. I can’t recall whether he was from Kenya or Uganda. He told me that Nigerians were smart to the extent that anywhere in the world you go to and Nigerians are not there, leave the place. He said if you get anywhere and there are Nigerians there, then stay there because there must be something good in that place. In the US, other immigrants look up to us as models. Our survival rate is high. We are purpose-driven. Another factor that contributes to this is family. The fact that we leave people at home who we must not fail makes us to be focused and hardworking. Nigerians are family-oriented, not stand-alone people. We don’t want to fail our people because we have a name to protect. We also care about integrity and doing this becomes a legacy for our children. Our children are ranked among the best in academics, business, tech, and other endeavours in the US. even, the Americans can’t fathom this.
Nigerians in the diaspora say that it is not always greener on the other side. Do they say this to discourage those at home not to come and join you abroad?
That word is 100 per cent correct. America is not a bed of roses. I told you when I came here as a trained lawyer, I had to begin as a cashier. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t do that in Nigeria. But coming to the US to succeed requires a process. The mentality we get from our people is that they think when you get to America or other places, you will just start making money, but it isn’t like that. You have to start from scratch. Whoever you are, America will humble you. We’re not saying that word to scare people away from relocating. It is just the reality. The reason is that as a professional in Nigeria maybe a doctor, engineer, or lawyer, you need to get your certifications here. This requires a lot of processes with money. For some people, their immigration status prevents them from working as a professional, so we take all of these into consideration and say, ‘it is not always greener on the other side.’ We pay bills. The first thing is to regularise your papers and we have many ways of doing that. The lucky people were those who came in with a visa lottery and that has been blocked for Nigerians.
How do you cope with pressures from relatives who need financial assistance from home?
We’re Nigerians and have to cope. I have a lot of relatives because my father was a polygamist. I’m number 10 of 24 children from eight mothers. By God’s grace, I can say everyone is successful because the family is big. However, there are still relatives, friends or other people who will come for one help or the other. Notwithstanding, my principle is to teach people how to fish not give them fish when they seek help. I prefer to help people with lasting solutions, not giving stipends here and there. With that, I don’t put unnecessary burdens on myself. This is different from just occasional giving like the festive periods because we are used to it. It is who we are. I learned that things are expensive in Nigeria now so it’s my responsibility to also try and give people more than what I gave last year.
How do you feel when you hear about the economic hardship in Nigeria?
It’s not a pleasant feeling at all. I feel bad. I think of how people survive in Nigeria. Honestly, I don’t understand. I hear people can work for months in some organisations without being paid. How do they cope? You can’t do that in the US. There are bills to pay. I own my home here, but I pay my mortgage every month. If I’m working for someone and I don’t get paid, it means I’ll be evicted from my house, my electricity will be cut, I won’t have food and others. It is a month-to-month country. My heart bleeds for people back at home. I don’t understand why the government treats citizens like that. I hear about the disturbing unemployment rate. I don’t understand how those who have jobs even cope because I was told a bag of rice is around N120,000.
As an American citizen, what are your thoughts on the election that returned Donald Trump?
For me, it is what is good for America that I stand for. I am a businesswoman, so I stick with what is good for the US. Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have their qualities but it’s for the American people to decide who they prefer. I voted as a US citizen but won’t tell you who I voted for. American politics is interesting. We don’t have a choice but to embrace Trump as our president. We’re optimistic that he will do better than the last time he was there. Just like when President Bola Tinubu came in as president of Nigeria, a lot of people didn’t want him but he’s there today. There’s nothing anybody could do about it but to respect the process.
Will you lend your voice to the japa syndrome for Nigerians to search for greener pastures around the world or sit at home to survive?
It would have been better for all of us to stay back and use our skills to build Nigeria, but successive governments have proved that they don’t want to support the people. The skills that we’re taking to diaspora are the skills we should have used for our country. For me, if anybody has the opportunity to better their lives somewhere else, it is a welcome development. And there are still people who don’t want to go anywhere but make Nigeria great; that’s also good. We just have to do what is best for our lives as Nigerians.
What project do you have for the people back at home?
I have an initiative called Lydia Aguebor Foundation. I attended Idia College for my secondary school. I finished in 1988. Our alumni is strong in Houston and we give back to our community. So, I started my foundation when I turned 50. I will be 53 next month. So, I used that foundation during my birthday to sponsor students who are brilliant but can’t afford their WAEC fees. I paid for their WAEC fees. I will do it again this year. I also give them money to buy their sandals and backpacks.
Do you plan to relocate to Nigeria in the future?
I can’t decide that yet. Nigeria is my country. I love Nigeria. I’m always happy when I come. That’s the only time I don’t have to work. I make sure I eat all the organic foods that I’ve missed in the US. Having said that, I don’t know if I’ll settle in Nigeria. Maybe I can come when everything gets better. Security and healthcare are a big deal for me. I don’t see that yet in Nigeria. My mother died in 2022 in Nigeria because they removed the oxygen she was using before they could transfer her from one hospital to another. This always gets me emotional when I remember. Imagine, my mother was on oxygen and a particular hospital said they could not take care of her again. So, they took away their oxygen. How did they want her to survive from one point to another? I usually think that the poor healthcare system in Nigeria killed my mother. All of this gets me scared of coming back to Nigeria. But, when the government makes the country better, I’ll come. If the economy is stabilised, all of us in the diaspora will come back home.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has called on the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to resist attempts to involve them in the ongoing leadership crisis within the union.
This appeal came in response to a letter from the lawyer of Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa, requesting the AGF and the IGP to enforce a court judgment. The NURTW alleged that the judgment was obtained by misleading the court.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Comrade Uwem James, a National Officer and immediate past National Financial Secretary of the NURTW, criticized Baruwa’s move as prejudicial.
He argued that enforcing the judgment while related cases remain pending in court undermines due process.
James claimed that Baruwa’s tenure, in which he (James) served as National Financial Secretary) lapsed in August 2023, adding that Baruwa was only seeking to come back through the back door by allegedly concocting a case in which he claimed to have got a favourable judgment.
James, who gave a background to the whole leadership dispute in the union, accused the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) of wrongly taking side with Baruwa without seeking to understand the root of the dispute.
He said cases relating to the question of the union’s leadership were still pending before the National Industrial Court in Lagos and Abuja, adding that applications are still before those courts that yet to be determined.
Baruwa, in defiance of the order of injunction that parties maintain status guo ante belum and the application to restrain him pending in courts, both in Lagos and Abuja, still went ahead to declare himself President at a place in Lafia on 23rd, August 2023 despite all the suits against him.
“As at then, he showed very clear disregard for the rule of law, court order and pending litigations; and now he wants to enforce court orders in his favour, forgetting that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.
“We are constrained to bring this matter to the public domain in order to clarify some misconceptions among members of the public due to Alh. Baruwa’s outcry of victimization.
“We know as a common order that ‘it is one who is cheated that cries to the court of public justice for redress,’ but the reverse seems to be the case here, where Alh. Baruwa is the one who had heated but seems to be crying the loudest.
“Be it noted that the two cases filed against Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa are pending before the National Industrial Court cill date.
“It will therefore prejudice us and the path of justice should Alhaji Ibikunle Baruwa be assisted in any way to enforce any court judgment that we believe he fraudulently obtained by challenging the wrong parties on divergent issues, while cases bordering on his election and constitution of the union, which were first raised and filed in court by us are still pending and yet to be determined.
“Moreso, it will render our cases useless and may lead to chaos, with the possibility of breakdown of law and order in the union and society at large,” he said.
James prayed the court, where the cases are pending, particularly the one marked: NICN/UY/27/2023 between Comrade Uwem James & six others vs. NURTW, Tajudeen Baruwa & two others, “to expedite action for a speedy trial and determination of the case, which we believe, will bring a final settlement on this matter.”
Rivers State Government Under Wike, Fubara Accumulated Debts From N5.2billion To N213billion In 12 Months – Report
The Rivers State government under the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accumulated debts from N5,225,575,493.20 to N213,902,344,833.33 within a period of 12 months.
The 2023 audit report of the state revealed that the state entered 2023 with an opening debt balance of N5,225,575,493.20 in Zenith Bank but in 12 months, which is the period of a year ending on December 31, 2023, the state borrowed a total sum of N213,902,344,833.33, all from Zenith Bank.
The audit report further revealed that at the end of the year 2023 ending on December 31, the total debt of the state stood at N342billion.
The audit report also stated that as of the end of the year 2023, the state government had paid back N59billion of the total debt stock.
SaharaReporters had reported that President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government a few days ago planned to halt the October monthly FAAC revenue payment to Rivers State, citing a court order as the reason.
The development came amid an ongoing dispute between Governor Fubara and Wike.
The FAAC typically disburses revenue to the three tiers of government, including states, local governments, and the federal government.
According to Bawa Mokwa, the spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the decision to stop the payment is in respect of the court order, which bars the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian government from disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers State government.
The court order was obtained by the factional Rivers State Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, who had filed an originating summons against the Rivers State Executive, under the leadership of Simi Fubara.
The Amaewhule faction had alleged that the Rivers State Executive was yet to comply with the order of a Federal High Court directing it to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill to the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Mokwa, who spoke last Friday, emphasised that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) would respect the court order, following due diligence until a contrary order is issued.
However, on Saturday, SaharaReporters reported that the Nigerian government backtracked, saying it has not halted the disbursement of funds to Rivers State, as the allocation process is continuing.
In an interview, Mokwa had said that the disbursement of October allocations to states and local governments by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) is still in progress.
Mokwa had further explained that Rivers State would continue to benefit from the funds due to a subsisting appeal and a stay of execution order.
Ebonyi gov withdraws vehicles from suspended commissioners
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, on Monday, suspended two of his commissioners and three other government officials for alleged “gross misconduct and dereliction of duties”.
“The suspended government officials are to hand over all government properties in their possession including vehicles to the Secretary to the Government on or before the close of work on Monday, November 25, 2024,” a statement on Tuesday by the government said.
Those suspended were the Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, and his Housing and Urban Development counterpart, Mr Francis Ori.
While Ekuma was suspended indefinitely, Ori was suspended for three months.
Also suspended were the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, executive secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency.
Our correspondent gathered they were suspended during the State Executive Council meeting, chaired by Governor Francis Nwifuru, in Abakaliki, on Monday.
The PUNCH learnt that the Health Commissioner’s suspension may be connected to the alleged theft of property belonging to the Ministry of Health by its officials.
Recall that Governor Francis Nwifuru, during an unscheduled visit to the health ministry on Saturday night, caught six persons allegedly diverting government property.
He immediately ordered their arrest and prosecution.
The Housing and Urban Development Commissioner, on his part, was reportedly suspended over his shoddy handling of the Amaeze housing scheme in the Ishielu Local Government Area of the state, apart from alleged underperformance.
Ori had earlier received the governor’s marching order to deliver critical projects under his watch or be arrested.
A document signed by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, sighted by our correspondent, on Tuesday, read, “Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health respectively.
“Also to proceed on a three-month suspension are the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the Executive Secretaries of the State Primarily Healthcare Development Agency and that of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency.
“In view of the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health was directed to take charge of the ministry in the absence of the suspended commissioner.
TouchNfollow: I know quite a number of shits that can pass for exhibition down here......make them forget Vikings shit and shit-racism therein and try Abakaliki or Benue Yam farmers
"This is the largest fossilized human feces ever found. It belonged to a sick Viking in 9th Century AD, and has been valued at $39,000".
The large, “precious” feces, officially known as the Lloyds Bank Coprolite, the word “Coprolite” simply meaning fossilized manure. This 1200 year old log that is thought to be the largest recorded in human history.
At 8 inches long and 2 inches wide, specimen was discovered, in York northwest England in 1972 by construction workers during the building of a Lloyds TSB branch, in an area once ruled by Norse warriors. It takes its name from institution Lloyds Bank.
The huge feces had another red-letter moment in 1991 when scientist Dr. Andrew Jones appraised the piece in the name of insurance. “This is the most exciting piece of excrement I’ve ever seen,” he told the Wall Street Journal at the time. “In its own way, it’s as irreplaceable as the Crown Jewels.”
Paleoscatologists have been able to discern much from the girthy deposit, including that its producer ate mostly meat and bread was likely a Viking, lived in approximately the 9th Century AD, and had a gut full of parasites. Indeed, the manure was found to be infested with Whipworm and Maw-worm eggs, suggesting the Viking often had an upset stomach and other gastrointestinal problems.
Today, the log resides in a glass box at the Jorvik Viking Centre, York, England; where, in 2003, visitors dropped it, breaking it into three pieces. It has since been repaired.
Benue residents urged to intensify prayers for Gov. Alia to succeed
Mr Gemade called on the Benue people to support and pray for Governor Hyacinth Alia to enable him to achieve his vision for the state.
Senator Barnabas Gemade has called on the Benue people to support and pray for Governor Hyacinth Alia to enable him to achieve his vision for the state.
Mr Gemade made the call on Sunday at a thanksgiving service in honour of the technical adviser to Mr Alia on media, publicity and strategic communication, Solomon Iorpev, at Tse-Agberagba in Konshisha Local Government.
The former senator representing Benue North East said the governor had been selfless in providing purposeful leadership beyond the people’s imagination and should be allowed to serve the state as governor for two terms.
He assured Mr Iorpev that he would continue to stand by him to serve the governor effectively and encouraged him to remain loyal and committed to his work.
The permanent secretary, Government House Administration, Bartholomew Ageraga, advised youths to respect elders and desist from insulting leaders on social media.
Mr Iorpev was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Akinde U Mbavaa.
Never underestimate the power of Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), also known as CEDEAO in French and Portuguese, created on 28th May 1975 as a regional political and economic union bringing together fifteen (15) countries of West Africa. Per the date of its established, this so-called regional bloc marks its 50th year in 2025, a significant historical celebration.
Considered one of the pillar regional blocs of the continent-wide African Economic Community (AEC), ECOWAS generally has its primary common goal of working consistently towards achieving, what is first referred to, as “collective self-sufficiency” for its member states by creating a single large trade bloc by building a full economic and trading union. Additionally, ECOWAS aims to raise living standards of an estimated population of over 425 million people and to promote economic development based on the principles of inter-dependence, solidarity, and cooperation.
Until writing this article, ECOWAS has frequently been discussing and reviewing the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project, one single regional infrastructure project these several years. It has shown its total commitment looking for funding while billions have been siphoned by leaders into foreign banks. African leaders are quick negotiating and paying for foreign military weapons but grossly unsuccessful in soliciting similar assistance from these external partners to invest in infrastructure development such as the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project.
West African Highway Launched in 2017 The construction of this proposed grandiose West African highway has its own chequered history. The proposed project was successfully launched in 2017, and since then it has had series of high-powered meetings and conferences, technical studies has been conducted, and financing the construction and to its feasibility and practical operationalization. The Abidjan-Lagos highway, the six-lane dual carriage highway, is estimated at $15.1 billion.
On resource mobilization, it was explicitly noted that ECOWAS had adopted a new regulatory framework on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) – an incentive for the entry of private sector in large investments like the nature of this project. The African Development Bank (AfDB) on behalf of the development partners offered its assurance for unwavering commitment to the realization of the highway.
Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has several times highlighted the importance of the Abidjan-Lagos highway as an infrastructure project in West Africa that would ease free movement of people, goods and services, generate social and economic activities, and ultimately promote cross-border trade within the region, its economic viability and enormous potentials especially now that African Union looks to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Noticeably, Africa has long been considered as a frontier for manufacturing, for technology, for food production. Africa is getting ready for business, it is busily building the world’s largest single market of 1.4 billion people.
Special Meetings and Technical Consultations Several meetings upon meetings, and upon meetings have been held since the project was proposed in 2017. Since 2017, paid meetings were held, experts were paid. The latest of such paid meeting was held in November 10-11, 2024. This roundtable was initiated following the instructions given to the ECOWAS Commission. Late September 2024, such roundtable meeting was held in Abidjan, capital city of Côte d’Ivoire, under the auspices of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).
The highway corridor is calculated to be approximately 1,080 km long. It will connect some of the largest and most economically dynamic cities Abidjan, Accra, Cotonou, Lomé and Lagos, while covering a large proportion of West Africa’s population. It will also link very vibrant seaports in West Africa. In addition, it will serve all the landlocked ECOWAS member-states, for example Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in the region. Nearly 40 million people are estimated to be living along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor while 47 million people travel along the axis every year. These are expected to be direct beneficiaries of the development of the project touted to be a real backbone of trade in the region.
According official documents, this highway project falls in line with the key objectives of the ECOWAS Vision 2050, including (i) facilitating the movement of people and goods, and (ii) accelerating trade and transport, regional and international, improving road infrastructure. It is eventually expected that the transport corridor will be transformed into a development corridor to stimulate investment, sustainable development and poverty reduction within the entire region.
West African Highway and AfCFTA The focal point of controversy and debate, these several years, are centered on mechanism of financing, the state-of-the-art management of this new mega-highway – from planning through practical construction to its final commissioning, ready for cutting-edge usage by the transport industry. The idea of prioritizing highway innovation, signalling a bold leap in West Africa’s transportation infrastructure, is its recognizable potential transformative impact. Simply intended to improve and facilitate movement of services, goods and people across the region. The Abidjan-Lagos Highway highlights its potential to enhance regional connectivity and drive economic growth, especially with the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade (AfCFTA), the ambitious flagship of the African Union (AU).
According to ECOWAS latest document issued after their two-day special meeting held on November 11 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, “experts have lauded findings of the study which has among others, unveiled a potential $6.8 billion investment prepared and ready to be implemented to unlock economic growth and enhance the viability of the proposed highway.” The overall objective is to identify and unlock the inherent and latent economic potential (short, medium and long-term) and commercial viability of economic and industrial value chain projects. These economic projects, once implemented, will also generate trade volumes and traffic to augment the viability of the highway.
The final draft reports were issued after groups revisited (that was not the first time) several tolled bridges and roads in Abidjan for knowledge and experience sharing strategy envisaged for the Abidjan-Lagos Highway. At the end of the exercise, the study report (re)validated commitment to unlock the inherent and latent economic potential of the highway construction and estimated at $6.8 billion in potential investment in the region.
Final Construction Still Out of Sight For the past few years, significant attention have been drawn by widely publicized announcement of securing enough funds from African banks and from external sources for the construction this regional highway which could become a cornerstone, and the public narrative of achievement by ECOWAS, which marks its 50th year in 2025. However, transport industry analysts, researchers and experts have already cast serious doubts and skyline skepticism if ECOWAS could live to this onerous task. Grandiose ceremony-infested ECOWAS future task of achieving its primary target of constructing ‘speed-highway’ remains an eternal dream. Noticeably, ECOWAS has little to celebrate, except its existence by name, (the golden jubilee) at its 50th year in May 2025. At least, Africans will rather jubilate over the authenticity of reforming and transforming the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS).
The endorsements of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election have sparked widespread debate, with significant political players weighing in, Daily Trust reports.[/b]
On Tuesday, the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), a body comprising youth groups from across the six geopolitical zones, endorsed Seyi Tinubu for Lagos governor. The endorsement was announced after an extensive meeting in Owerri.
CONYL’s leadership, including President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, Secretary, Comrade Junard Abubakar, Public Relations Officer, Comrade Iniobong Sampson, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeyemo Adewale, attributed their decision to Seyi’s perceived leadership qualities and the legacy of his father’s transformational governance in Lagos.
This sparked a cascade of similar endorsements. On Thursday, the Lagos branch of the Middle Belt Youths joined the call during a press conference at Eko Hotel. Dr Stanley Augustine Kavwam, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Middle Belt Forum, and Capt. Brent Kane, the group’s National Youth Leader, urged Seyi to step up in 2027, describing him as the leader Lagos needs.
Similarly, the Friends of Seyi Tinubu (FOST) issued a statement backing his candidacy. FOST President, Comrade Adejorin Tai Manuel, cited Seyi’s philanthropic efforts and leadership skills as proof of his readiness to govern the state.
The endorsements have generated intense debate, particularly on social media, where critics have dismissed the possibility of Seyi Tinubu running for office.
Joe Igbokwe, a prominent APC member, voiced his opposition in a Facebook post, describing the endorsements as a ploy to undermine President Tinubu.
“Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos governor? This is a needless distraction. To pull PBAT down is their target. Ruling Lagos is not the job of boys,” Igbokwe wrote.
Amid the growing controversy, Lagos State Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, addressed speculation about his own gubernatorial ambitions.
Speaking shortly after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the 2025 Lagos budget of N3 trillion to the House of Assembly, Obasa refuted claims of selfish ambition.
“I have made it a personal task to mobilise people on the platform of Mandate, which some political detractors misconstrue as a selfish aspiration to become governor. Let me state unequivocally: my focus is on strengthening our party, the APC. Becoming governor is secondary,” he said.
Obasa, however, dismissed suggestions that he lacked the experience to govern, stating, “Those who came before me are not better off. I am neither too young nor inexperienced to lead this state.” The speaker also denied allegations of seeking familial ties in Ojo to validate his potential candidacy.
Lagos APC denies rift, blames opposition for speculations
Meanwhile, the Lagos APC has distanced itself from the unfolding drama, insisting that the 2027 governorship election is not on its agenda.
Speaking to Daily Trust, the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, attributed the endorsements to opposition parties aiming to stir unnecessary controversy.
“The party has not spoken about the 2027 election. This is the time for impactful governance, not needless politicking to heat the polity,” Oladejo said.
He added that there is no clash between Seyi Tinubu and Obasa or any other potential aspirants within the party.
“I cannot recall any part of the speaker’s speech that drew a battle line with Seyi Tinubu or anyone else. This is simply the opposition trying to play up the situation to create unnecessary sentiment,” he said.
Oladejo also emphasised that the party’s current focus is on its forthcoming congress and local government elections in 2025, urging members to prioritise unity and progress.
But reacting, the Chairman of the PDP in Lagos, Philip Aivoji, denied the party’s involvement in the alleged endorsements.
“Somebody has answered from APC that Lagos governorship is not a child’s play. What do you want me to say about it again? It’s not my party. People can insinuate anything,” Aivoji said.
When asked about Oladejo’s allegation against opposition parties, he said, “Well, I am not the one behind it. Anyone that is behind such evil against Lagos State, that person is on his own.”
Oyedepo’s jet can’t leave private airstrip without clearance – Keyamo
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Sunday said there was no way the private plane of privileged Nigerians, including the Founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Bible Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, cant leave the country directly from their airstrips without first securing clearance from relevant authorities.
Keyamo made the clarification when he was featured as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
His statement comes barely two months after members of the House of Representatives called for a revocation of airstrip licences issued to certain individuals and private organisations, citing security reasons.
The House also called for an immediate halt to new airstrip licences for individuals and organisations.
But Keyamo insisted that there was no way a plane or drone, even if it belongs to the military, can leave or come into the country without first getting a nod from the agency.
When asked if the airstrip of Oyedepo also passed through the same due process, Keyamo nodded.
He said, “Oh yes, absolutely. That’s no problem. They were only concerned about the fact that they thought that somebody can take off from a private airstrip and fly out of Nigeria or fly into Nigeria. It is not possible.
“You must land in an international airport first. Then the Customs, immigration and NDLEA will process you before you take off from there to your private airstrip. If you are also flying out, you must land at an international airport. You will go through Customs, immigration and all the normal process before flying out.
“So nobody uses an airstrip for any such purpose without seeking clearance. At every point in time, the authorities must approve.”
When quizzed on how many airstrips the country is operating at the moment, Keyamo said they are in the range of 40.
“We have a number of them, more than 40. For the federal airport, we have 23. The state airport has about eight or nine now.
“And then the airstrips are about 40 or thereabouts. I have been there myself,” he stated.
While she captured attention momentarily, sustaining that momentum seems to have been a challenge, especially without a structured long-term strategy.
For now, it appears Chef Dami has retreated into the background, leaving her moment of fame as a curious chapter in Nigeria’s culinary and social media history.
Exploited and dumped
The woman known as Bunch of Women, who went viral for her emotional outburst during a court session addressing her husband’s infidelity, is Blessing Newton Abahi.
Entertainers showcasing multiple talents Her story gained massive attention after the video, in which she vividly described finding her husband with multiple women in their matrimonial home, was shared widely online.
The clip was not only a sensation on the YouTube channel Justice Court but also inspired memes and trends across TikTok.
Blessing’s articulate and impassioned speech resonated with many Nigerians, sparking debates about marital fidelity and gender roles in relationships.
Some people empathised with her plight, while others turned her pain into humorous skits and social media content.
The incident drew significant public sympathy, with several individuals reportedly donating funds to help her restart her life amidst the turmoil.
However, after her rise to internet fame, Blessing appears to have reconciled with her husband, a development that surprised and divided public opinion.
In subsequent videos, she credited the court for mediating their reconciliation.
Despite this, some reports suggest that the reconciliation might have been short-lived or staged.
When called on the phone to give a brief insight into her present life, Blessing simply said, “My brother, nothing has changed. I am how I was before now. I only heard on social media that I was trending that period, but after that, I am just the same way I am. There are no changes. My children are still suffering, and the situation in my home has not improved.”
Olajumoke ‘Oniburedi’: From grass to grace to grass
Olajumoke Orisaguna, affectionately dubbed ‘Olajumoke Onibread’, captivated the public’s imagination when her life transformed overnight after being discovered by iconic photographer, TY Bello in 2016.
At the time, Olajumoke was a bread seller in Lagos, striving to support her young family.
Fate intervened when she inadvertently walked into a photoshoot with British rapper Tinie Tempah, and TY Bello. While reviewing the images, the duo spotted Olajumoke’s photogenic potential.
This serendipitous moment catapulted her into instant stardom, with modelling contracts, magazine covers, and endorsements quickly following.
However, Olajumoke’s meteoric rise was not without its pitfalls.
During a recent press conference organised by the Cardinal Foundation, led by Doja Allen of City 105.1 FM, she candidly shared the struggles she faced after stepping out of the limelight.
Reflecting on her journey, she recounted how missteps and mismanagement derailed her burgeoning career, a humbling experience that brought her back to square one.
“I have suffered a lot,” she confessed, emphasising her gratitude to TY Bello and journalist Azuka Ogujiuba, who stood by her during challenging times.
“My advice to those coming behind me is to work hard and never bite the finger that feeds them. I made many mistakes, but I’ve learned my lessons and want others to learn from my story.”
Olajumoke detailed how her decision to leave Azuka’s mentorship for a new manager, led to financial exploitation.
Despite landing lucrative modelling gigs, Olajumoke often found herself underpaid and struggling to make ends meet.
“I travelled to South Africa for Soweto Fashion Week and was paid a lot of money,” she recounted.
“I didn’t know exactly how much, but my manager just told me we were travelling. I was happy, but when we returned, she said I would pay for my accommodation, return ticket, and feeding. She gave me just N200,000 at the end of the trip.”
The cycle repeated itself during subsequent trips, with her manager reportedly withholding payments and controlling her social media accounts.
This exploitation strained Olajumoke’s finances, leaving her unable to adequately care for her two children.
Reflecting on these experiences, she lamented her lack of education.
“If I was educated, my former handler wouldn’t have taken advantage of me the way she did. Parents should ensure their children go to school. Whatever you do, let your children be educated because that’s why we struggle.”
Despite these setbacks, Olajumoke expressed deep gratitude to TY Bello and Azuka, both of whom played pivotal roles in her rise and subsequent return.
meanwhile, Azuka shared her decision to forgive Olajumoke after she apologised, despite warnings from colleagues.
“When she apologised, many advised me not to take her back, but she had already earned a place in my heart. Everyone makes mistakes.”
With Azuka’s support, Olajumoke is now interning at City 105.1 FM and preparing to host her own show, Kílón Shéle.
This opportunity marks a new chapter in her life, one she hopes to approach with humility, hard work, and gratitude.
Born in 1989 in Osun State, Olajumoke’s journey from hairstylist to bread seller, to model, and now media personality is a testament to resilience and the unpredictability of life.
The glamour of social media fame
The Nigerian social media scene is one of the most vibrant in the world. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok have created space for countless individuals to showcase their talents, wit, and charisma to a global audience.
Whether it’s comedy, fashion, dance, or influencer marketing, Nigerians have used social media as a powerful platform to gain fame and, for some, substantial wealth.
Take, for example, the story of Hushpuppi, the Nigerian Instagram sensation who was once living a lavish lifestyle, flashing designer clothes and expensive cars to his 2.5 million followers.
Known for his flashy posts and luxurious lifestyle, Hushpuppi became a symbol of “internet money,” representing the allure of wealth and fame on social media.
However, his meteoric rise was followed by an equally dramatic fall when he was arrested in 2020 by the FBI for his involvement in an international cybercrime syndicate.
His arrest and subsequent legal battle shocked his followers and left many wondering:
How could someone who had everything fall so quickly?
The speed of fame, dangers of invisibility
The digital age has revolutionised the way fame is achieved, but it has also redefined how quickly it can disappear.
Unlike the traditional celebrity model, where fame was often cultivated over time through steady work in the entertainment or media industries, the digital age has introduced a world of “viral stars” — people who achieve overnight success with a single viral post, video, or meme.
The allure of instant fame on platforms like Instagram and TikTok is particularly appealing to Nigeria’s youth, many of whom face economic instability, unemployment, and a lack of opportunities.
For these individuals, social media offers an outlet for creativity and the possibility of quick recognition.
But, as the saying goes, “What goes up must come down.” For those who rise to fame via the internet, maintaining that success is an entirely different battle.
Good examples
Social media has redefined fame in Nigeria, catapulting ordinary individuals into stardom with just a single viral moment.
While many enjoy brief notoriety, some have successfully turned their fame into sustainable careers.
Emanuella Samuel: Comedy prodigy
Emanuella became a household name through her comedic skits with Mark Angel Comedy.
At just five years old, her talent and charm made her videos go viral on YouTube.
Over time, she youngster grew from a social media sensation into a bona fide star, earning multiple awards, brand endorsements, and even a role in a Disney production.
Her career highlights how consistency and nurturing young talent can turn viral moments into lifelong achievements.
Maraji (Gloria Oloruntobi) – Pioneer in online skits
Maraji is one of Nigeria’s earliest skit makers to achieve significant fame on platforms like Instagram.
Her relatable and humorous skits showcased her versatility, playing multiple characters with impressive flair.
Maraji’s fame opened doors to brand partnerships with major companies such as Coca-Cola and Globacom.
Despite stepping back during a personal hiatus, she remains a beloved name in Nigerian comedy, proving that building an authentic connection with your audience matters.
Tacha (Natacha Akide): Reality TV star to business mogul
Tacha’s journey began with her bold personality on Instagram, where she gained attention for her unapologetic self-promotion. Her fame soared during her time on Big Brother Naija Season 4.
Though controversial, she capitalised on her popularity post-BBN, launching businesses such as NLNT Apparel and becoming a sought-after influencer.
Her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit turned her fame into a thriving personal brand.
Lasisi Elenu (Nosa Afolabi): King of rants
Lasisi Elenu rose to prominence with his exaggerated Snapchat-filtered rants on Instagram.
His comedic take on everyday struggles resonated with Nigerians.
Leveraging his fame, Lasisi transitioned to acting, appearing in Nollywood films and landing endorsement deals with leading brands like Globacom and Access Bank.
His ability to diversify his content ensured his relevance long after the initial buzz.
Ikorodu Bois: Hollywood’s Nigerian sweethearts
The Ikorodu Bois—young brothers known for recreating movie trailers with everyday items—gained global recognition when Hollywood icons like Will Smith and the Russo Brothers noticed their talent.
They have since received equipment gifts, invitations to global movie premieres, and partnerships with international brands.
Their story exemplifies how creativity and authenticity can attract worldwide attention.
Hilda Baci: Record-breaking chef
Hilda Baci first gained attention as a food content creator on Instagram but achieved international fame by breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon.
Her achievement not only solidified her as a culinary icon but also opened opportunities for endorsements, speaking engagements, and a broader influence on Nigeria’s food culture.
Broda Shaggi (Samuel Perry): The entertaining Jack of all trades
Broda Shaggi gained fame with his comedic “area boy” persona on Instagram, a character that resonated deeply with Nigerian audiences.
He diversified his portfolio by delving into music, acting, and live performances, making him one of Nigeria’s most versatile entertainers today.
His story underscores the importance of adaptability in sustaining fame.
How to stay relevant after the buzz fades
Turning social media fame into lasting success requires intentionality, strategy, and constant reinvention, experts say.
An entertainment economist, Allure Tunde, said diversifying your content, engaging authentically, and leveraging new opportunities are effective ways to make fame last.
He said, “Explore multiple interests or talents to avoid being pigeonholed. For example, Broda Shaggi ventured into acting and music, while Tacha expanded into fashion and business.”
“Consistently interact with your audience. Followers appreciate genuine connections, as seen with Emanuella’s heartfelt gratitude towards her fans.”
“Viral fame opens doors—use it wisely. Whether through endorsements or collaborations, capitalize on your moment in the spotlight.”
Tunde also stressed that social media celebrities must strive to stay consistent while adapting to new trends.
“Post regularly and maintain the quality of your content. Maraji’s consistency early in her career solidified her place in the comedy scene.”
“Be open to evolving with new platforms and formats. Lasisi Elenu’s ability to embrace acting expanded his audience base,” he added.
Another social media critic, Blessing Modupe, also known as Mogul, said all celebrities riding on social media must have a long-term plan.
“Build businesses or acquire skills that ensure income beyond social media. Hilda Baci, for instance, used her cooking platform to attract sponsors and collaborations.
“Criticism and challenges are inevitable, but resilience helps sustain your journey. Tacha turned controversies into opportunities, proving her critics wrong,” she added.
Celebrity today, pauper tomorrow: Sudden rise and fall of social media celebrities
In today’s world of viral fame, social media has become both a powerful stage and a fleeting spotlight, birthing countless celebrities who shoot to stardom overnight. Yet, for many, the spotlight dims just as quickly, leaving them grappling with obscurity and the harsh realities of life outside the public eye, GODFREY GEORGE writes
“It’s lonely at the top. Lonely, lonely, lonely…” These opening lines from Nigerian artist Asake’s hit Afrobeat track capture a universal truth for many who rise to fame, only to face the inevitable and often painful isolation that follows.
The rush of success can be exhilarating, but just as quickly as the spotlight shines on them, it fades, often leaving a void filled with loneliness.
This reality is all too familiar for many public figures, especially those who have tasted viral fame.
In today’s social media-driven world, fame can be achieved almost instantaneously, but the climb to the top has become increasingly rapid.
Yet for many Nigerian social media celebrities, the descent can be just as swift, if not more so.
Once celebrated, they can quickly find themselves abandoned, forgotten, or worse—vilified by the very audience that once adored them.
For the millions of young Nigerians attempting to stake their claim in the ever-expanding digital landscape, the fleeting nature of social media fame is a harsh truth to accept.
As the digital space evolves, the rise and fall of influencers becomes ever more pronounced, making it clear that fame, though seductive, is often short-lived.
For those who rise to prominence, the pressure to maintain that visibility and relevance becomes overwhelming.
The line between stardom and obscurity is razor-thin, and many who find themselves at the top of the digital ladder soon discover that the view from the top is not as glamorous as it seems.
Wisdom Alfred, the aquafina boy
It wasn’t long ago that Wisdom Alfred, the 22-year-old whose antics had social media buzzing, was on top of the world. Known to millions as Dr H20, his vibrant promotion of Aquafina Water in a viral video shot at a bus garage in Onitsha, Anambra State, turned him into an overnight sensation.
With his contagious enthusiasm and unfiltered charisma, Alfred captured the attention of a generation, and most notably, the attention of Aquafina itself. The company saw an opportunity, and in a move that many would consider a golden endorsement, they decided to back Alfred’s water business with a generous investment.
The investment was nothing short of transformative. Aquafina didn’t just offer cash; they equipped him with everything he needed to succeed—machines, a generator, a freezer, and even three years’ worth of shop rent.
In a matter of days, Alfred went from being an unknown face in the crowd to the owner of a thriving business, positioned to make waves in the local market.
“It felt like a life-changing moment,” Alfred recalls, his voice tinged with the remnants of a past joy. “I was so hopeful, so grateful. I thought this was the start of something big.”
But like many stories of sudden fame, this one proved fragile. What followed was a shocking collapse, one that no amount of entrepreneurial spirit could have predicted.
The business that was meant to set him up for life, the brand partnership that was supposed to propel him to the next level, began to unravel before his eyes.
He found himself unable to account for the money—neither the capital nor the profits.
“It was like the funds just disappeared,” Alfred says, his face clouded with confusion. “I kept asking myself, what’s going on? Where did it all go?”
As the weeks turned into months, the mystery deepened.
Alfred’s initial optimism began to slide into frustration.
Despite having kept records of every sale and knowing that he had bought truckloads of Aquafina, he couldn’t understand why his business was failing.
And then, in the midst of the chaos, a thought entered his mind that he hadn’t expected: What if this wasn’t just bad business? What if there were unseen forces at play?
“I couldn’t explain it,” Alfred says, his tone shifting from perplexity to something more haunting.
“It wasn’t just a financial loss. It felt like there was something else, something spiritual, behind all of this.”
Social media celebrities like Alfred—who rise quickly, often through viral moments, and fall just as fast—are left to pick up the pieces when their business ventures or brand partnerships fail.
Vera Anyim: From celebrity to solitude
In the ever-changing world of social media, fame can be as fleeting as it is intoxicating.
For Vera Anyim, a congregant at Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja, her rise to prominence was as sudden as it was unexpected. But as quickly as she became a public figure, the isolation that followed has been equally striking, offering a sobering reality of what happens when the spotlight fades.
Vera’s initial claim to fame came from a testimony at Dunamis Church, where she shared her journey to becoming the first university graduate in her family. The heartfelt story resonated with many, and soon after, she was thrust into the limelight.
However, this newfound attention quickly turned sour when Pastor Paul Enenche publicly questioned her academic credentials, raising doubts about the authenticity of her degree. The incident shocked many, and despite a public apology from the church, Vera’s reputation was forever altered.
What followed was a tragic series of events that highlighted the fragile nature of social media fame.
In a desperate attempt to maintain some semblance of stability, Vera sought financial help from her followers.
“I’m not financially buoyant enough to rent an apartment, and where I live is risky due to insecurity and its open nature,” she confessed, urging Nigerians for assistance.
The once-celebrated figure now found herself hiding, struggling to find safety and privacy in a world that had once adored her.
“I am a normal person like we all are,” Vera posted on April 28, 2024, trying to remind her followers that fame hadn’t changed her fundamental human nature.
“The last time I checked, I eat what you eat too and drink tap water also. The difference is that I am known now.” Yet, despite her attempts to maintain a grounded persona, the cost of fame was becoming too heavy to bear.
By June 5, 2024, Vera’s online presence, once filled with engagement and support, began to show stark signs of decline. A post she made, in which she offered free page promotion to businesses, received a meagre two likes, a far cry from the thousands of reactions she once garnered.
The shift in her online popularity mirrored her real-world struggles—a stark contrast to the attention and adoration she once enjoyed.
The sharp decline was evident, and Vera’s once-bustling social media presence now felt eerily quiet and abandoned.
A close ally of Vera told our correspondent that her fall began when several scammers began to open hundreds of pages in her name, making it difficult for people to tell who was who.
Additionally, the ally noted that the NPF, where Vera worked in Abuja, had to call her to order, as her conduct on social media was bringing disrepute to the Force.
From the heights of public adoration to the depths of solitude, Vera’s story also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of fame.
Happy Boys: From grace to grass
The story of Matthew Precious Kelechi and Amakor Johnson, famously known as the Happy Boys, is a poignant tale of the double-edged sword of viral fame.
In early 2022, these young security guards became overnight sensations after a video of them dancing while on duty at a Chicken Republic outlet in Nigeria captured the hearts of millions on TikTok and other social media platforms. However, their journey from joy to hardship underscores the challenges of navigating sudden fame without robust support systems.
The Happy Boys’ lively dancing while manning their security posts symbolised a break from the mundane for many Nigerians. However, while the public celebrated their exuberance, their employer—a security firm contracted by Chicken Republic—terminated their jobs for “unprofessional conduct” on duty.
The eatery itself clarified it had no involvement in their dismissal but faced backlash as Nigerians expressed outrage at what they perceived as injustice.
This public sympathy soon attracted the attention of prominent figures, including the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries, Pastor Chibuzor Chinyere.
Known for his charitable works, the cleric offered the boys a life-changing opportunity: a scholarship to study abroad in Cyprus.
The gesture was hailed as a shining example of philanthropy, with the pastor emphasising the need for the boys to have a better future through education rather than menial labour.
Trouble in paradise
The Happy Boys arrived in Cyprus in late 2022 and enrolled in an institution, with OPM funding their tuition and living expenses.
However, by mid-2023, the dream took a negative twist.
The sharp depreciation of the Nigerian naira against the US dollar placed immense pressure on OPM’s finances, forcing the church to cancel its foreign scholarship programmes.
Students were advised to either return to Nigeria or transfer to universities in more affordable countries, like the Benin Republic.
Instead of quietly complying, the Happy Boys went public with their grievances. Through videos and posts on social media, they accused Pastor Chinyere of abandoning them and prioritising other students.
They also claimed they were homeless, out of school, and left to fend for themselves on the streets of Cyprus. Their allegations gained traction online, splitting public opinion.
While some criticised the pastor for not sustaining his promises, others accused the boys of being ungrateful and unprofessional in handling the matter.
A public feud, legal trouble
The feud took an ugly turn when leaked voice notes, allegedly from Pastor Chinyere, surfaced online, in which he expressed frustration with the boys’ behaviour and even purportedly cursed them.
The pastor later clarified that his comments were born out of anger at their ungratefulness but announced his decision to forgive them.
He extended an olive branch by reinstating their scholarship, albeit within Nigerian or Beninese institutions.
While these tensions unfolded, the Happy Boys faced another blow.
Reports emerged in October 2023 that they had been detained by Cypriot authorities due to unpaid school fees and were at risk of deportation.
By November, there were unconfirmed sightings of the duo back in Nigeria, allegedly staying at a hotel in Abuja, jobless and unsure of their next steps.
One of the Happy Boys, who spoke to our correspondent but requested anonymity, explaining that he was not a spokesperson for the group, said they were struggling with the challenges of being back in Nigeria.
“As I speak to you, we have nothing. Recently, we approached one of the brands that had signed us to see if we could dance for them, but they refused to respond positively. It feels like we’ve lost our shine. We’ve fallen so far. Now, we’re asking Nigerians for help. This time, we know how to use the money wisely. We’ve learned from our past mistakes.”
Where is Chef Dami?
Chef Dami, whose full name is Damilola Adeparusi, gained widespread attention in mid-2023 when she undertook a 120-hour cooking marathon in Ekiti State.
This followed Hilda Baci’s certified Guinness World Record achievement for the longest cooking marathon at 93 hours and 11 minutes.
Despite the apparent similarities, Chef Dami clarified that her attempt was not aimed at competing with Hilda or achieving GWR recognition but a personal endeavour fuelled by her passion for cooking.
Dami’s cook-a-thon sparked mixed reactions. While some praised her courage and ambition, others criticised her for allegedly seeking to overshadow Hilda’s record-breaking feat. The controversy escalated as public discourse debated her motives, with some accusing her of attempting to “steal the shine.”
She responded by emphasising that her effort was purely for personal satisfaction and to inspire those who supported her, claiming GWR recognition was never her goal.
Since her brief viral fame, Chef Dami has kept a low profile. In July 2023, she secured an endorsement deal of N1m, as seen on her official page on Facebook, which had around 377 followers. In October 2023, she made a cryptic post, responding to her ‘haters’. She wrote,
“By the time we are done with you, you will not be able to stand on your feet again. This was from the acclaimed ‘people of God.’ Among the countless insults, curses, threats, and bullying, I now understand the content of 1 Peter 4:17: surely judgment will begin from the house of God.
“The first time the man of God tried to challenge my God, he failed. Then he told me to prepare for war. But these are the people of God. Are they not supposed to be godly?
“Assuming I had died a few days ago, people would have understood better what I’ve been going through, through the testimony of those around me. But I’ll still try and bind my peace because it is a testimony that others can learn from.
“I know about gods—that is why I chose the undefeatable God. Surely they shall gather, but they that are with me are more than they that are with them.
“I’ve been in constant fear for my life. Countless times they’ve tried to destroy me as promised, but with God, I keep moving as if nothing ever happened.
“Shouldn’t we have gotten over this? I mean, it’s been four months already. Guess you will not stop until I stop breathing?
“I’ll try to update this piece while I try to hold onto my peace.
#GodOverEverything#CertifiedChefDammy”
Since then, there has been no recent significant public activity or projects attributed to her.
Speculations abound about whether her career in the culinary world has gained any traction post-marathon, but no concrete updates indicate any prominent new ventures.
Her story reflects the challenges of navigating public perception in the age of social media.
Islamic morality police in the northern Nigerian city of Kano are to resume their crackdown on betting shops after a supreme court ruling on gambling.
The Nigerian supreme court quashed a 2005 law Friday that established a national lottery commission and legalised sports betting and gambling.
The court ruled gambling regulation is a matter for state governments.
Kano State is one of 12 predominantly Muslim Nigerian states in which Islamic sharia is used alongside federal law.
“We will resume our clampdown on betting shops with renewed determination since betting is illegal under Kano state sharia law,” Abba Sufi, director general of the Kano Hisbah, told AFP.
The Hisbah is a state unit that polices sharia law in Kano, northern Nigeria’s biggest city.
Last month Hisbah operatives raided and closed dozens of football betting shops across the city which they said were promoting gambling, which is prohibited under sharia.
Raids were halted after the National Lottery Commission protested that betting on football was legal under Nigerian federal law under the 2005 Lottery Act, Sufi said.
“With this verdict, the controversy on who should be in charge of lottery legislation between the federal government and state governments has been settled,” Sufi added.
“We in Kano have frowned at the lottery law… because it gave legal backing to gambling which is clearly prohibited in Islam.”
There are around 200 betting shops across the city with television screens where customer watch international soccer matches and horse races and place bets, Sydney Emeafu, head of the National Union of Gaming and Lottery Workers (NUGLOW) in Kano, told AFP.
According to Sufi, the raids followed repeated complaints by parents of children whose love of football teams had led them into gambling.
“And the harsh economic climate is pushing more people into this football gambling, hoping to make easy money and becoming hooked to the vice,” Sufi argued.
I begged for food after my popularity waned – Jumoke Orisaguna
After years of fading into obscurity, Olajumoke Orisaguna, the Lagos bread seller, who rose to fame in 2016 after being discovered by renowned photographer, TY Bello, is making a remarkable comeback—this time as a broadcaster.
Popularly known as Jumoke Oniburedi, she captured national attention when Ty Bello spotted her during a photo shoot while she was selling bread on the streets of Lagos and saw her potential as a model.
Her story of rising from grass to grace became a media sensation, featuring her on magazine covers and inspiring countless Nigerians.
However, her journey took a downward turn four years ago when she lost her fame, wealth, and public relevance after falling victim to fraud allegedly orchestrated by her former manager.
Jumoke claimed she was deceived by the manager, who siphoned her money made through endorsement deals and other business engagements.
She revealed this during a meet-and-greet event titled The Comeback of Olajumoke (Oni Bredi), hosted by Cardinal Foundation, where she recounted her ordeal.
Jumoke said, “I really suffered and lost everything. She took me to South Africa twice for a documentary, but I had to pay for our flights and accommodation. When we returned to Nigeria, she only gave me N50,000. I had no money, nothing. I lost everything. I started calling people for food. It was Aunty Azuka and TY Bello who came to my rescue.
“Aunty Azuka paid my rent, furnished a shop for me, and regularly sent me foodstuffs and money to take care of my daughters. It was that bad.
“I have learned my lessons, and I will never leave those who truly mean well to me again.”
Jumoke expressed gratitude to the CEO of Media Room Hub, Azuka Ogujiuba, TY Bello, and Mrs Adedoja Allen, who supported her during those challenging times.
Despite her strained relationship with Ogujiuba, whom her former manager had allegedly alienated her from, Ogujiuba provided financial assistance for food and rent.
“Aunty Azuka and TY Bello really helped me. Whenever I called Azuka for help, she would provide it, even when she didn’t have much—her daughter would step in. TY Bello also assisted me financially. I am so grateful to these two women; they were my saving grace.”
To help Jumoke rebuild her life, Ogujiuba approached the CEO of City FM and founder of Cardinal Foundation, an initiative of Cardinal Broadcasting, Mrs Adedoja Allen, to offer her an opportunity in broadcasting.
Ogujiuba recounted how she involved the police to arrest Jumoke’s former manager, who had defrauded her. However, the case yielded no significant outcome as the manager was released and failed to honour subsequent police invitations
Challenges behind the spotlight While her rise to fame brought opportunities, it also came with challenges.
Unfortunately, her newfound fame came at a price as her marriage hit the rocks.
In an interview with City FM, Olajumoke recounted her experience and detailed her alleged struggles in her marriage with her ex-husband, Sunday Orisaguna.
The former model described her life in her husband’s family home as “hostile,” citing alleged mistreatment from her mother-in-law and physical abuse from her husband.
“There is no way you stay in that place and not encounter problems,” Olajumoke explained.
“My mother-in-law was very hostile towards me. My husband never listened to my side of the story; he would beat me even before hearing me out. Sometimes, he used a belt. My face and body would swell after each beating.”
The model recalled feeling trapped in the marriage, particularly after becoming pregnant, despite her family’s initial disapproval of the union.
“I would hide what was happening because I did not want my mom to hear. She also lived within the same vicinity as us. Before I went and reported to her, she would say she did not give me out in marriage to anyone. Even my mum’s younger sister was against me marrying him, as she had lived longer in Ire than me, so she knew what she was saying. But when the pregnancy issue happened, there was nothing anyone could do.”
FCT Minister Wike Orders Dissolution Of Special Court Of Appeal That Gave Favourable Judgement On Rivers State LGA Elections
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nyesom Wike, who is in a protracted political war with his former godson and governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the secret dissolution of the Special Court of Appeal in the FCT that gave a favourable ruling on the Rivers State Local Government Elections.
SaharaReporters learnt that the panel was "quietly disbanded" after it upheld the Rivers State Local Government elections conducted by the administration of Fubara.
SaharaReporters had reported that the Court of Appeal in Abuja nullified a judgement of the Federal High Court that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the conduct of local elections in the state.
The appellate court panel, led by Onyekachi Otisi, had held on Thursday that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.
The court had held that Section 28 of the Electoral Act does not accommodate elections conducted by state governments but only federal elections, governorships, and area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
"The Electoral Act does not apply to local government elections and the lower court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the appeal,” the panel had held.
SaharaReporters had also reported that Governor Fubara approached the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja to overturn the judgement that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, from releasing monthly allocations to Rivers State.
"The panel that sat to hear the new appeal was headed by Justice Hamah Barka and it also has Justice Adebukola Banjoko and Justice Peter C. Obiora. Wike got upset and reached out to Senior Judicial officers and fixers. He secretly disbanded the first panel that gave the favourable ruling," a top source informed SaharaReporters.
"Ironically Justice Barka had recused himself from the Rivers State issue in the panel earlier set for the same purpose saying he was under attack by some forces claiming he was compromised," the source further revealed.
"The new panel approved by Wike is litigating on the matter from Abuja Where Wike's wife is also a senior judge," it was furthe revealed.
"Wike is also enraged over the decision of the accountant general to pay Rivers allocation based on what he claimed was a mere “stay of execution."
SaharaReporters had noted that the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government backtracked after it first said it would halt the October monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue payment to Rivers State, citing a court order as the reason.
According to Bawa Mokwa, Spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the decision to stop the payment is in respect of the court order, which bars the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian government from disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers State government.
The court order was obtained by the factional Rivers State Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, who had filed an originating summons against the Rivers State Executive, under the leadership of Simi Fubara.
The Amaewhule faction had alleged that the Rivers State Executive was yet to comply with the order of a Federal High Court directing it to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill to the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Mokwa, who spoke on Friday, emphasised that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) would respect the court order, following due diligence until a contrary order is issued.
She later on cited a subsisting appeal saying that the allocation could not be stopped.
The FAAC typically disburses revenue to the three tiers of government, including states, local governments, and the federal government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara had approached the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja to overturn the judgement that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, from releasing monthly allocations to Rivers State.
The governor, through his team of lawyers led by Mr. Yusuf Ali, SAN, prayed to a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice Hamma Barka, to set aside a subsisting order of the High Court that compelled CBN from his state’s monthly allocation.
The governor claimed the High Court judgement was given in bad faith.
He urged the appellate court to allow his appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/1303/2024, and nullify adverse orders that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court made against the state in the judgement she delivered on October 30.
Rivers will receive federal allocation despite legal battle – FG.
The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation says it will adhere to court orders regarding the disbursement of federal allocations to Rivers State, following recent legal controversies surrounding the state’s financial entitlements.
Speaking to The PUNCH on Friday, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the OAGF, Bawa Mokwa, said, “We are going to obey court order.
“Since there is a notice of appeal, the notice of appeal has overridden the earlier court judgment. So far, it is a court order that we will obey; if there is a notice of appeal, Rivers will be paid.”
The assurance comes amid a Federal High Court ruling on October 30, 2024, which directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to withhold further monthly allocations to Rivers State.
The court ruled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member House of Assembly was unconstitutional.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who delivered the judgment, stated that since January 2024, allocations received and spent by the state were based on an illegitimate budget, describing it as a “constitutional aberration.”
The ruling raised questions over the legitimacy of the State House of Assembly’s composition and its authority to approve budgets.
The judge contended that the governor’s actions ignored constitutional requirements for budget approval by a fully constituted House of Assembly.
Delivering judgment in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/984/2024, Justice Abdulmalik declared that decisions made by the four-member Fubara-backed Assembly were void, referencing prior rulings by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal that had annulled its authority.
The ruling also held that Fubara’s actions violated Sections 91 and 96 of the 1999 Constitution, and warned that any continued bypassing of legislative processes constituted an affront to the rule of law.
The court’s decision followed a suit filed by the State House of Assembly faction led by Martin Amaewhule, challenging the legitimacy of the four-member faction loyal to Fubara.
The Amaewhule-led Assembly had earlier declared in July that all state expenditures would be halted until the governor resubmitted his budget to the legitimate legislative body.
Justice Abdulmalik denied a request to stay the proceedings, dismissing the application as “frivolous and vexatious.” She also refused to recuse herself from the case, rejecting the defence’s allegations of bias.
However, the Rivers State Government swiftly filed a notice of appeal against the ruling.
This came as the governor celebrated one of the failed attempts to impeach him by the Amaewhule-led state Assembly faction loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, earlier told The PUNCH that the judgment had been appealed, expressing optimism that the Appeal Court would upturn the judgment.
He said the pointers to the anticipated judgment were glaring, adding that they were unperturbed as they had already instituted an appeal against the Federal High Court’s judgment.
The OAGF has now confirmed that the appeal effectively overrides the earlier court decision, ensuring that allocations to the state will continue pending the final outcome of the legal process.
Rivers State Igbo Stakeholders Demand Presidency Of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Say It's 'Our Turn'
However, the Rivers State chapter's demand for the leadership of the group is seen as a "significant step in filling the gap and ensuring the continuity of the organisation."
The Rivers State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, otherwise known as (Ogbakor Ndi Igbo Na Rivers) has demanded for the presidency of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide was in July thrown into mourning following the loss of its President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, creating a leadership vacuum.
However, the Rivers State chapter's demand for the leadership of the group is seen as a "significant step in filling the gap and ensuring the continuity of the organisation."
"The call for Rivers State to produce the next President-General follows the demise of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, the 11th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. With members from seven states, including Igbo-speaking areas of Rivers and Delta, the group seeks unity and representation."
The group reaffirmed Rivers State's status as a statutory member state of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide, announcing that it was "its turn" to produce the next President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide come January 10, 2025.
The group explained that the rotation aligns with Article 11 of the Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Constitution, ensuring the office of the President-General is shared among seven member states.
The request was contained in a communique from a stakeholders meeting held on Monday 18th November 2024 in Port Harcourt, signed by Livingstone Wechie, Convener of Ogbakor Ndi-Igbo na Rivers) alias Rivers State Igbo Stakeholders.
It was held in conjunction with the National Coordinator of Anyi-Anyi, Barr Anthony Okolo where they stressed that Rivers State Igbos have consistently supported other states in producing the President-General and national officers.
"We strongly believe that a strict adherence to the Constitution will bring about a harmonious, peaceful and prosperous Ohanaeze now and in the future. We so appeal. May God help us all," Wechie said.
As Wechie noted, Rivers State has previously held key positions within Ohaneze Ndigbo, including Deputy Secretary-General, National Financial Secretary, Secretary-General, and Deputy President-General.
The state's experience and dedication to the organisation make it an ideal candidate to produce the next President-General.
"The appeal for a free, fair, and transparent election in January 2025 is crucial in ensuring the legitimacy of the next President-General.
"By adhering to the Constitution, Ohaneze Ndigbo can maintain its unity and strengthen its representation of Igbo interests."
On its part, a pan-Igbo group, "Anyi Anyi" has proposed a symposium, where a wide range of issues pertaining to the choice of a new leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo would be addressed.
The National Coordinator of Anyi Anyi, Barrister Anthony Okolo said, "This fact must not under any circumstance be compromised or undermined as doing so will eclipse the Igbo identity in Rivers state.
"I suggest a crucial symposium be organised to bring Rivers Igbo stakeholders together to place this right forward and advocate for its enforcement. This slot is for the collective good of Ndigbo worldwide."
The statement further proposed that the symposium takes place on Saturday 7, December 2024, at a venue yet to be determined.
He advocated for wide sensitisation and consultation in the buildup to the symposium.
EXCLUSIVE: Nyesom Wike begs presidency not to punish him for shoving Indian prime minister, blames diarrhoea for alcohol-laced rage inside Aso Rock
The FCT minister, whose battle with alcohol has been a matter of public knowledge, appeared intoxicated and disoriented while welcoming the Indian delegation on Sunday.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Bola Tinubu
Nyesom Wike has appealed to the presidency not to activate disciplinary measures against him after a video surfaced online appearing to show him shove the Indian prime minister during a recent state visit to Nigeria.
The FCT minister said his apparent misconduct against Narendra Modi at the State House was induced by a perennial battle with diarrhoea, which he said has barely declined since starting several weeks ago, Peoples Gazette heard from officials in the presidency.
Mr Wike, a politician whose battle with alcohol has been a matter of public knowledge, appeared intoxicated and disoriented while welcoming the Indian delegation on Sunday, the video showed.
The minister’s gait was unsteady, and at some point, he stiffened himself as if he wanted to salute the Indian leader, but the salute never happened. It was unclear why Mr Wike, a civilian without any military background, would abruptly stiffen himself in a manner akin to military officers.
Sources familiar with the matter informed The Gazette that Mr Wike was deploying different tactics to avoid disciplinary action over his undignified demeanour towards Nigeria’s international guests.
Mr Wike, according to sources at the presidency, claimed he suffered diarrhoea and was only in haste to get to the toilet in an effort to justify his disoriented behaviour towards the Indian leader.
“His office has informed us in the Villa that the minister was having a hard time controlling himself because of diarrhoea that he had been battling for some time now,” sources acquainted with knowledge of the matter said. They were granted anonymity to speak freely on a sensitive matter that involved a high-ranking official.
The matter has been escalated to the disciplinary desk, but Mr Tinubu has yet to approve that the minister be issued a query to explain why he embarrassed his foreign guest.
Mr Wike, unsure of his fate after the fiasco and in a bid to outsmart the presidency, quickly reached out to relevant officials and blamed his behaviour on diarrhoea.
“The president has not directed us to query him, but he seemed to have sensed the possibility of being queried so he tried to get ahead of the situation,” sources told The Gazette. “The president will take the final decision on the matter, but everyone was quite embarrassed that it happened at all. It was entirely avoidable.”
But Mr Wike’s “diarrhoea” excuse does not tally with a statement he made earlier this week through his media aide, Lere Olayinka.
The minister denied intentionally mistreating the Indian leader and stressed that his assignment was only to deliver Mr Modi to the State House, which he did.
But in all of Mr Olayinka’s bluster debunking claims that the minister was banned from entering the Villa, he did not raise the issue of “diarrhoea.”
“Fact is, the FCT minister led the prime minister to his hotel from the airport, and it was from the hotel that he (Mr Wike) led the prime minister to the Presidential Villa on Sunday morning, where his duty ended,” Mr Olayinka said in a statement on Wednesday.
In the video that showed Mr Wike shoving the Indian leader, the minister looked confused and overwhelmed seconds after shaking the Indian leader. There was a little opening between the Indian PM and an aide walking behind him. The video showed that Mr Wike hurriedly squeezed himself between the opening, shoving Mr Modi as he walked away with an unsteady gait.
Mr Wike’s demeanour and gait suggested that he was not himself somewhat acting under the influence of alcohol.
The minister and a former two-term Rivers governor was not a stranger to accusations of alcohol abuse.
Mr Wike, had built a notoriety for being confrontational and reckless, from denigrating traditional chiefs to blasting political adversaries using uncouth language. Many blamed the minister’s behaviour on alcoholism, noting that only alcohol would give him the confidence to act the way he does.
Senior lawyer Chidi Odinkalu on November 4 berated him for interpreting “The Bar” invitation to the Nigerian Bar Association to mean a drinks bar where he could “get hopelessly drunk.”
“#NyesomWike became a member of the Nigerian Bar Association HQ in 1998 & promptly mistook #TheBar for an invitation to get hopelessly drunk,” Mr Odinkalu wrote on his LinkedIn page to flay the minister for his long battle with alcohol abuse.
Mr Wike, according to the human rights law professor, was a “#greedyglutton” who binged “on every beverage the country can offer,” including “violence” and “vintage alcohol.”
Rotimi Amaechi, who Mr Wike succeeded as Rivers governor, said that the minister spent an average of N50 million buying alcoholic beverages every week.
“The person Wike buys alcohol from, said Wike spends N50 million every week on alcohol. The primary schools we built is N112 million. It means that in two weeks, Wike has drank (sic) one primary school,” Mr Amaechi said in March 2023. “When Wike talks, it is alcohol that is talking. And he’s so shameless about it. Wike told the whole world on live TV that he was drinking a very expensive 40-year-old whiskey in the morning.”
The FCT minister had admitted to drinking a 40-year-old Whiskey in the morning while watching his party members protest against Mr Tinubu’s presidential election victory.
“As they were protesting, I just sat down and took a 40-year whiskey. I called some of my friends and opened the 40-year-old whisky as they were protesting,” Mr Wike said.
In response, PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar labelled Mr Wike “a drunkard” who could take alcoholic beverages in the morning despite being on official duty.
The Indian embassy did not immediately return comments on whether Mr Modi took offence at the FCT minister’s conduct. The presidency also declined comments.
Mr Modi was the first Indian prime minister to visit Nigeria in 17 years after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited the West African nation in October 2007.
Mr Tinubu conferred Mr Modi with the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, the nation’s second highest award, in appreciation of his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties.
A former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has sought to amend her suit before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja, challenging the order obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for final forfeiture of her seized assets.
At the Resumed hearing, no counsel appeared for the EFCC.
Justice Ekwo asked her counsel if he had received processes from the anti-graft agency and he responded in the affirmative.
The lawyer, however, informed the court that they had filed a motion to amend their processes and that the commission had been duly served.
Justice Ekwo subsequently adjourned the matter until February 17, 2025, for hearing the motion to amend their originating process.
The ex-minister had sought an order extending the time to seek leave to apply to the court for an order to set aside the EFCC’s public notice issued to conduct a public sale on her property.
She said she was not given a fair hearing in all the proceedings leading to the orders on the sale of her property.
The EFCC, however, said most of the depositions in Mrs Alison-Madueke’s suit were untrue.
It noted that contrary to her deposition in the affidavit, most of the cases which led to the final forfeiture of the contested property were heard at various times and determined by the court.
Presidency mum over video showing heavily drunk Nyesom Wike shoving Indian prime minister during state visit
In the video making rounds on social media, Mr Wike walked at a fast pace ahead of the Indian leader, who was surrounded by his aides.
The Nigerian presidency has maintained silence after a viral video showed FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, seemingly under the influence of alcohol, almost shoving the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Abuja this week.
In the video making rounds on social media, Mr Wike walked at a fast pace ahead of the Indian leader, who was surrounded by his aides.
Stopping a few feet from Mr Modi, Mr Wike stiffened himself as if to salute the Indian PM, who took some seconds to catch up to him, and they both shook hands. It was unclear why Mr Wike would stiffen himself in that manner.
After the handshake, Mr Wike appeared confused and overwhelmed. There was a little opening between the Indian PM and an aide walking behind him; the minister hurriedly squeezed himself between the opening, nearly shoving Mr Modi as he walked away with an unsteady gait.
Mr Wike’s demeanour and gait suggested that he might have been highly intoxicated while meeting the Indian delegation.
The presidency, which was always quick to issue rebuttals flaying critics of the Bola Tinubu administration, has maintained a strange silence on the matter even as Mr Wike trended on X with users accusing him of being intoxicated while on official duty.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga— who wrote a statement of nearly five pages denouncing former President Olusegun Obasanjo for portraying President Bola Tinubu’s election victory as corrupt —has yet to issue a statement to address Mr Wike’s intoxication claims.
Mr Onanuga did not immediately respond to a request for comments on the controversy.
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