Nollywood actress, Adejumoke Aderounmu, popularly known for her role as Esther in Jenifa's Diary, is dead.

Okay.ng gathered that the 37-year-old actress died in the early hours of Saturday, 6th April, 2024.

The cause of her death is yet to be made available to the public as of the time of filing this report.

The family of the actress, in a statement shared via a flier, reads: "In the profound depths of grief and sorrow, we share the heartbreaking passing of our sister, daughter, aunt, Aderonmu Adejumoke Oreoluwa."

Seun Oloketuyi, a filmmaker, also confirmed her death in a post on Instagram today, Monday, 8th April, 2024.

He wrote: "A family member of former star of hit series Jenifa's Diary Jumoke Aderonmu has tweeted that the budding Actress is dead. Details are still sketchy. May she find peace with her maker,"

More to come later...

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria's national women's basketball team, D'Tigress, on their outstanding victory at the 2023 FIBA Women's Afrobasket Championship.

D'Tigress emerged as champions of Africa for the fourth consecutive time after a remarkable 84-74 triumph over Senegal in the thrilling final match held at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, on Saturday.

President Tinubu took to social media to express his joy and pride in the team's remarkable achievement.

In a congratulatory message, he stated, "I congratulate our very own D'Tigress #tigressNG for a well-deserved fourth consecutive AfroBasket Women Championship. We are proud of you."

The Federal Ministry of Justice has issued a statement addressing recent media reports on the Nigeria Labour Congress' (NLC) intention to embark on a nationwide strike action from 2nd August 2023.

The ministry in the statement signed by Mrs. B.E. Jedy-Agba, OON, mni, Solicitor-General of the Federation & Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, highlights the existence of a pending court injunction, SUIT NO: NICN/ABJ/158/2023, which restrains the NLC from proceeding with the planned industrial action.

The statement reads, "The attention of the Federal Ministry of Justice has been drawn to media reports indicating that the National President (Joe Ajaero) and Secretary-General (Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) endorsed a 7-day notice of their intention to embark on a nationwide strike action from 2nd August 2023 if the demands of the labour unions are not met.

"It is pertinent to alert members of the NLC and the general public to the pendency of SUIT NO: NICN/ABJ/158/2023 – FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR V. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR before the National Industrial Court, wherein His Lordship, Anuwe, J., on 5th June 2023 granted an injunctive order restraining Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress from embarking on the planned industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending Motion on Notice, which is also praying for an order of interlocutory injunction for parties to maintain status quo pending the determination of the dispute or issues submitted to the court. The said Motion on Notice is still pending.

"It is noted that the issues (removal of fuel subsidy, hike in prices of petrol and consequential increase in cost of living, etc) which precipitated the above court action are the very same issues over which NLC has now issued another strike notice.

"The NLC has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court and is being represented by the reputable law firm of Femi Falana, SAN.

"It is therefore our minimum expectation that NLC will allow the courts perform their constitutional roles rather than resorting to self-help and undermining the orders of the court.

"We note with dismay that this latest strike notice is consistent with the inexplicable disdain which the NLC leadership has visited on the authority of the court in recent times following earlier inciting and derogatory remarks made by the NLC President against the court.

"Indeed, the avowed penchant of the leadership of the union for casting aspersions on the Judiciary is quite worrisome and concerning.

"Aside the above legal inhibition against any strike action of any nature, we also note that both the Federal and State Governments are engaging with stakeholders to cushion the collateral effect of the removal of fuel subsidy and increment in fuel price.

"It would be a great act of service to Nigerian workers and the nation’s economy for NLC to explore negotiations rather than embark on any strike action.

"We, therefore, urge NLC to allow good reason to prevail by adhering to the time-tested principles of lis pendis and rule of law to avert adverse consequences."

Change is never easy. It is often met with resistance, fear, and uncertainty. But it is through change that progress is made. The recent quick-fix economic reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu's administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the consolidation of multiple foreign exchange regimes, are a testament to this truth.

These reforms, though challenging in the short term, hold the promise of a more prosperous and stable Nigeria. They represent a bold step towards economic self-sufficiency, a move away from unsustainable subsidies, and a commitment to a more transparent and efficient foreign exchange market. But President Tinubu understands that these changes, while necessary, will have immediate impact on the Nigerian economy.

That's why his administration has put in place a series of measures to cushion these effects and ensure that no Nigerian is left behind. From the establishment of the Infrastructure Support Fund (ISF) to the planned distribution of grains and fertilizers to 50million Nigerians starting this week in collaboration with the states, from the activation of land banks to the creation of a National Commodity Board, to the various taxes suspended or deferred to help Nigerians, and the half a billion dollars mobilised at the Food conference in rome yesterday, these measures are designed to provide immediate relief and pave the way for long-term prosperity.

These are not mere palliatives; they are strategic investments in our future. They are a testament to President Tinubu's commitment to creating a Nigeria that is not only self-sufficient but also prosperous and resilient.

So, as we navigate these challenging times, let us remember that we are not alone. We have a leader who is not only aware of our struggles but is also committed to ensuring our prosperity. President Tinubu is confident in the resilience of the Nigerian People and strength of the Nation’s economy. Let us embrace these changes, not with fear, but with hope and confidence in the promise of a brighter future. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and with these reforms, Nigeria is taking a bold step towards that light.

Nigeria faces strong economic headwinds in the wake of the coronavirus and the war in Ukraine. To compound difficulties, the Central Bank of Nigeria has dismally implemented a demonetisation policy, causing an acute cash crisis just weeks before our elections. Ordinary Nigerians are struggling to buy food and other basics.

The central bank’s governor must immediately restore liquidity in our real economy to alleviate widespread hardship. Moving forward, my country needs sound implementation of prudent economic policies. Only realism and competence will now suffice.

The ideas that form my economic programme have sound empirical foundations. Some are painfully obvious. For instance, without adding value to Nigeria’s resources before they leave our shores, we export our prosperity—our long-standing overreliance on crude oil is emblematic. We need to produce more things at home—food, manufactured goods and refined products—to provide a base for jobs and growth.

Too often politicians make promises to capture more of the value chain domestically. They then fail to keep them. Only by creating an environment in which private enterprise can succeed will it become reality. This requires consistent policies that reassure the business community; competent government that delivers infrastructure and the public services enabling companies to lower costs; and a monetary framework and regulatory environment that incentivises investment and employment.

For this vital task, I have a track record my competitors cannot match. During my tenure as governor of Lagos between 1999 and 2007, the state went from being a difficult, often dangerous place to a development success story. We quadrupled state tax revenues, putting those funds directly to work through investing in public services and infrastructure. A legacy of technocratic governance was instituted by enlisting talent from the private sector. Insecurity and crime were tackled through better funding the police force. Investment and the business sector thrived. Today, Lagos would rank among Africa’s ten largest economies and does not rely on oil revenues to fund its budget.

But we cannot simply replicate Lagos’s transformation nationwide. Nigeria is complex and variegated. Recognising the strengths of each section of the country and providing the bases on which they can all thrive is the path to economic growth. I know what can be achieved when the federal government allows adequate space for regional differences so I want to devolve more powers to the states. They should have greater authority to provide services and infrastructure projects, as well as more control over law enforcement.

Overreliance on oil has distorted Nigeria’s development. A country of over 200m people cannot hinge its development on a single commodity. We must focus on industrialisation and technological innovation, especially since Nigeria is already the top African destination for startup funding.

Low-interest loans must be channelled—through a mix of governmental institutions and private banks—towards manufacturers and small- and medium-sized ventures. Tax credits and youth employment incentives will ensure the country’s productive capacity is better utilised.

To bolster food security and dampen imported inflation, credit to farmers will be expanded through government-sponsored programs. Commodity boards will be established that guarantee minimum prices for strategic crops to increase certainty and production. At the same time, illegal foreign dumping will be fought so domestic production can compete on an even playing field. Over the next four years the share of Nigeria’s land under cultivation should rise from 44% to 65% through the creation of agricultural hubs. These include a land-clearing programme in partnership with international agri-businesses, development agencies and financial institutions focusing on Nigeria’s 12 river basins.

Monetary policies that deter investment will be rationalised. For example, the multiple exchange-rate regime—where an official rate in effect available only to importers, exporters, and investors operates alongside a significantly higher parallel rate—must end to better align with market realities.

The squeeze on foreign reserves caused by importing fuel will be eased by increased refinery capacity due later this year, not least by the Dangote refinery located within the Lekki Free Trade Zone (created in Lagos in 2006). Under my presidency, similar zones will be established across the country to give impetus to manufacturing and industrialisation tailored to regional competitive advantages.

We will end the harmful fuel subsidy, estimated to have cost $7.5bn in the first half of 2023. The funds will be more productively used in joint investments with the private sector to create jobs in infrastructure, health care, education and agriculture.

Nigeria has one of the world’s lowest tax-to-gdp ratios. We need not increase rates, but improve compliance by overhauling the system and deploying information technology to boost efficiency. Tied with effective delivery of public services and infrastructure, a virtuous cycle of buy-in from businesses and citizens will strengthen the social contract and place federal revenues on a more sustainable footing.

Economic activity will be bolstered by connecting the nation through road, rail, bridges and ports—financed by the rechannelled fuel-subsidy funds, public-private partnerships and manageable public debt. This will help close the infrastructure gap that stymies growth. Moreover, we shall build infrastructure that will endure through climate change and extreme weather.

Success in government means active stewardship of a flourishing business environment. Private enterprise shall provide the needed jobs and economic growth in Nigeria. I will deliver the platform on which the private sector and average Nigerian can succeed.
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Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is the candidate for All Progressives Congress running to be Nigeria’s president. The election will take place on February 25th.

Ismaila Isa Funtua is dead.

A source in Katsina confirmed to Okay.ng that he died of cardiac arrest Monday night.

Ismaila Isa is a renowned Business Executive and public officer with over thirty years of management experience.

He was Personnel Manager in United Textiles Limited (UNTL), responsible for over ten thousand staff and a one-time Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He is the founder of Bulet International Nigeria Limited (the largest wholly owned indigenous construction company) which built most of the iconic pub-lic buildings in Abuja.

He is the founding Managing Director of Democrat Newspaper and served as President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) for 8 years.

A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Tunde Braimoh is dead.

A source confirmed to Okay.ng that the lawmaker, who represents Kosofe Constituency II in the State Assembly, died in early hours of today, Friday, July 10.

Braimoh, who is a lawyer, headed committee on Information and Strategy in the house before his death.

His cause of death is yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

It can be recalled that a senator from Kosofe LGA, Bayo Osinowo, recently died of COVID-19.