₦airaland Forum

Preamble
Thinking is a physical act. The organ we use for thinking is the Brain, which is considered the most important organ of the body; it controls and coordinates actions and reactions, allows us to think and feel and every other activity pertaining to the human person.The brain benefits of exercise goes beyond disease prevention; apart from cutting down risks from Memory loss and Alzheimer's disease, regular exercising leads to greater brain volume in areas of the brain associated with reasoning and executive function.
The brain is a complex and energetic organ which tells your body how to function using a system of nerves. It contains billions of nerve cells or neurons and it coordinates thought, emotion,behaviour, movement and sensation.
Exercising makes the heart beat faster, thereby increasing the level of oxygen in the blood and which flows to the brain. The brain needs a continuous supply of oxygen and glucose from the blood for the maintenance of brain function. The brain depends on glucose as it's main source of energy. The brain is about 2% of the body weight but consumes about 20% of the glucose- energy, making it the main consumer of glucose. The brain uses about 25% of your oxygen intake, so there is need for sufficient supply of oxygen.
In a study carried out by Ozioma Okonkwo , Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Aerobic capacity boosts brain structure , function and cognition.Physical activity also increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF), which is known to repair and protect brain cells from degeneration, as well as help grow new brain cells and neurons, says Okonkwo.
THE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXERCISE
Exercise is a powerful depression fighter, promoting all kinds of changes in the brain,including neural growth,and new activity patterns that promote feelings of calm and well being. It releases Endorphins, which are powerful chemicals in your brain that energise the spirits and make you feel good. Exercise relieves tension and stress in the body, relaxes the muscles boosts physical and mental energy and enhance well being through the release of endorphins.Since the body and mind are closely linked, when the body feels better, so too will your mind.
Exercising is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of Attention- Deficit / Hyperactive Disorder(ADHD) and improve concentration,motivation,memory and mood. Physical activity immediately boosts the brain's dopamine,nor-epinephrine and serotonin levels- all of which affect focus and attention positively, much in the same way as the ADHD medications work.
Exercise can provide sharper memory and thinking- the same endorphins that make you feel better also help you concentrate and feel mentally sharp for the tasks at hand. Exercise can stimulate the growth of new brain cells and prevent age- related decline, provide better sleep, increase energy; when faced with mental or emotional challenge in life, exercise can help you build resilience and cope in a healthy way, instead of resorting to drugs ,alcohol or other negative behaviours that only make your symptoms worse. Regular exercise can also boost your immune system and reduce the impact of stress.
It is worthwhile to give topmost priority to exercising regularly, because of the tremendous benefits towards helping one to acquire excellent inherent qualities of mind and character.
COGNITIVE HEALTH
There is an adage that says "Use it or lose it" This applies not only to our physical health but also to our cognitive health. Exercise sharpens cognitive skills. Physical activity increases the volume of the brain's hippocampus, that part of the brain which is known for it's involvement in creating new memories and remembering facts and events --in other words, it improves learning and memory. Physical activity can thus strengthen brain function and memory.
Approaches to brain health also include a well-balanced diet, low in fat, low in cholesterol and high in anti-oxidants. In addition to good nutrition, regular exercise can never be over-emphasised. According to Dr. Bender, MD, Section Chief of the Geriatric and Memory Centre at Broadlawns Medical centre in Des Moines Iowa, USA, regular exercise can promote vascular health and protect brain tissue. According to him, 'The brain wants to learn new things'. He noted that some researchers believe that people are more vulnerable to dementia when they pay less attention to the things around them- that when the brain is passive, it has a tendency to atrophy. Sedentary and relatively passive activities such as sitting in front of a TV for hours a day,can be detrimental to brain health over time.
Since the brain is involved in everything we do, brain exercises should be given top priority especially as one gets older. Doing certain brain exercises to help boost memory, concentration and focus can make daily tasks quicker and easier to do and will keep the brain sharp as one gets older.
BRAIN EXERCISES
• Jigsaw puzzle-Research shows that doing Jigsaw puzzles recruits multiple cognitive abilities; when you look at jigsaw puzzles, you have to look at the different pieces and figure out where they fit within the larger picture, which can be a great way to challenge and exercise the brain.
• Game of Cards-Researchers who conducted a study in 2015 on mentally stimulating activities for adults, say a quick card game can led to a greater brain volume in several regions of the brain; that a game of cards can improve memory and thinking skills.
• Building of your vocabulary-Research shows that many more regions of the brain are involved in vocabulary tasks, particularly in areas that are important for visual and auditory processing. This cognitive boosting activity can be carried out viz- Keeping a notebook when reading, writing down one unfamiliar word and looking up the definition and trying using that word five times the next day.
• Dancing-The Centres for Disease Prevention and Control notes that learning new dance moves can increase your brain's processing speed and memory.
• Use All your Senses.-a 2015 Research report suggests that using all your senses. Making the necessary efforts at recollection regarding the use of the senses, can be very useful brain exercises .To give your senses and your brain a workout, try doing activities that simultaneously engage all five of your senses: You could try baking a batch of cookies or visiting a new restaurant while you focus on smelling, touching, seeing and hearing all at the same time.
• Learn a new skill--Apart from being fun learning a new skill, it may also help strengthen the connections in the brain. Research carried out in 2014 showed that learning a new skill can help improve memory function in older adults.
• Teach a new skill to someone else-One of the best ways to expanding your learning is to teach a skill to another person.
• Listen to or play music-An easy way to increasing your creative brain power may lie in turning on some music: The brain is capable of learning new skills at any point in your life, so it can be very beneficial to learn to play music, if you've always wanted to. You're never too old to to start playing an instrument like the piano, guitar, or even the drums!
• Take a new route and try new ways I doing things--Be willing to trying new ways to doing the same things in your daily tasks. You can choose a different route, using public transport instead of driving etc -- the brain will benefit tremendously from these simple changes and will become easy to change your thinking.
• Meditation--Daily meditation can increase the brain's ability to process information and fine- tune the memory, apart from calming the body and reducing stress and anxiety.
• Learning a new language --A 2012 research review has overwhelmingly proven the many cognitive benefits of being able to speak more than one language. According to numerous studies, bilingualism can contribute to better memory,improved visual -spatial skills and higher levels of creativity. Being fluent in more than language can also help you switch more easily between different tasks and delay the onset of age-related mental decline.
• The GOOD NEWS is that it is never too late to learn a new language or reaping the benefits of learning a new language, which boosts the memory and improve other mental functions.
• Focus on another person--when interacting with someone, take note of four things about them-- e.g. the colour of the shirt/ dress, whether or not they are wearing glasses, whether they have a hat on and if so, what kind? Colour of hair? etc. Once you decide on four things, make a mental note , come back to it later during the day and write down what you remember about those four details.

POSITIVE THINKING
Thinking is the process of considering or reasoning about something or using thought or rational judgement; thought (or thinking), encompasses a flow of ideas and associations that can lead to logical conclusions. On the other hand, Thinking can also be defined as the action of using one's mind to produce thoughts, or the ultimate cognitive activity, consciously using our brains to make sense of the world around us and decide how to respond to it.
Self-talk is an outcome of thinking patterns. Self-talk is the running dialogue you have with yourself which can be purposeful or random, internal or external. Negative self- talk is UNHEALTHY and usually leads to poor performance, while positive self-talk is HEALTHY and often results in good performance .
Negative self- talk is any inner dialogue that may be limiting your ability to believe in yourself and your own abilities or any thought that diminishes your ability to make positive changes in your life or your confidence in yourself to do so. Negative self- talk can not only be stressful, but can really stunt your success. Rumination and self- blame over negative events have been linked to an increased risk of mental health problems. Focusing on negative thoughts may lead to decreased motivational well as greater feelings of helplessness and has even been linked to depression; there is thus a need to urgently rectify this state. Consequences of negative self-talk can include Limited thinking, Perfectionism, Lowered ability to see opportunities, Insecurity in relationships , Stress, Low self-esteem etc. Negative self- talk can be minimised and over come through acknowledging the problem and using different strategies, including POSITIVE THINKING.
You can learn to turn negative thinking into positive thinking. Positive self -self talk leads to positive thinking. "Is your glass half-empty or half-full?"--this is an age-old question about positive thinking which may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude towards yourself and whether you are optimistic or pessimistic--- and may even affect your health. Negative thinking adversely affects the body, mind and other people around you.
The positive thinking that usually comes with optimism is a key part of effective stress management, which is associated with many health benefits. If you tend to be pessimistic, do not despair--the GOOD NEWS is that you can learn POSITIVE THINKING SKILLS.
To focus on positive thinking, there are different strategies that may work better for different people; here are some ways to think and behave in a more positive way-
• Identify areas to change-Identify areas that you think negatively about and start little by little by focusing on one area of to approach in a more positive way.
• Check yourself-Periodically during the day, check and evaluate what you're thinking about ; if you find that the thought are mainly negative,try to find a way to put a positive spin on them.
• Be open to humour-Smile and laugh more often, especially through difficult times.
• Praying has a very beneficial effect; remembering that you are a creature in presence of the Creator, gives you a sense of security and responsibility that will help to neutralise any negative self talk ; This will help you to generate and maintain a flow of positive communication between the creature and the Creator.
• Acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses is useful, so that you keep striving to serve ever more judiciously with the strengths and constantly make efforts to improve in the area of weaknesses.
CONCLUSION
The brain helps us to think and we utilise our brain when we think; there is an adage that says "Train your brain"--so there is need to pay attention to PRACTICE, DRILL, DISCIPLINE which are all connected with LEARNING and Learning is carried out by the brain.
The brain or mind has to be trained and disciplined to engage in positive thinking so as to overcome the negative aspects associated with the frailty of human nature.
Focusing on your brain health is one of the best things you can do to improve your concentration,focus, memory and mental agility, no matter what age you are.
By incorporating brain exercises into your everyday life, you'll get to challenge your mind, sharpen your cognitive skills and possibly learn something new and enriching long the way too.
Since the brain needs a steady amount of glucose and oxygen to function properly it is worthwhile finding ways to increase oxygen levels like keeping the air at home fresh and clean by adding plants to naturally increase oxygen, use of air purifiers such as salt lamps, peace lilies and bamboo charcoal. Having plants at home can reduce carbon dioxide levels while increasing oxygen levels. Sufficient intake of water( proper hydration) and nutrition can help increase oxygen levels --for instance, eating anti-oxidants helps the body maintain the proper amount of blood oxygen. Try taking lots of fruits and vegetables which contain anti- oxidants , because exhaust fumes, motor engines,charcoal or wood/ kerosene smoke etc can produce carbon monoxide, which are neutralised by the anti- oxidants.
Oxygen levels and brain function go hand -in-hand.When your brain has enough oxygen, your body functions better and you'll feel better. As your blood oxygen levels improve, you might notice improved cognitive function, better balance, and an overall improvement to your health.
Caroline Ademiluyi is a Lagos based Pharmacist
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/28/cognitive-health-positive-thinking-caroline-ademiluyi/

Seun Kuti has blasted some fans of Wizkid who told him that Wizkid’s supposed nice reply to his earlier rant was mere sarcasm.
Wizkid reacting to a post of Seun Kuti disagreeing with his fans that he’s a Grammy award winner asked Seun Kuti not to mind his fans and take his saxophones and make some music because they all enjoy his music.
According to Seun Kuti, the useless fans of Wizkid are the ones always replying to his post as the intelligent ones do whole-heartedly agree with him saying the useless ones are disgracing Wizkid by fighting for him when he himself isn’t bothered.
Seun Kuti added that Wizkid telling him not to find his fans should tell the fans that they are cool and have no bad blood between them but then the useless ones continue to be on his nerves trying to fight for Wizkid.
Seun Kuti then challenged them to build a school in the name of Wizkid or do something tangible or long lasting for him and that will be the only thing that will make him regard them as something if not they are nothing to him.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/27/stop-disgracing-wizkid-seun-kuti-blasts-fans/

Popular Nigerian cross dresser and brand influencer, Idris Okuneye a.k.a Bobrisky has shared his experiences with his cosmetic body enhancement surgery with his fans.
We recall that he flew to the Dominican Republic to have his Brazilian Butt Lift done for him and he has since updated his fans and followers with his transformation and healing process on social media.
In a recent post, he cried out over the excruciating pain he has had to endure and warned ladies who want to do it to have a critical rethink.
He wrote: ”Anything that concern liposuction I don commot my hand for there. D pain na die!!! And some of you girls are going two times haaaaa make una fear God.
The moment d anesthesia worn out from my body after the surgery i nearly die. The whole hospital no sleep. Even pain killer no reach me. I don commot my hand for anything called lipo. I never wan die now,”

Bobrisky has gotten into fights with Tonto Dikeh and Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the DG of the National Centre for Arts and Culture who once called for his arrest and incarceration as he said he is a bad influence on the impressionable youths.

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/27/i-dont-want-to-die-yet-i-will-never-go-under-the-knife-again-popular-cross-dresser/

Ex Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has blasted Sheikh Ahmad Gumi for being friendly with the bandits.
According to Gumi, banditry is a business, and gunmen would not have had access to weapons without the backing of some security personnel. He made the view when he appeared on Arise TV.
In his words: “These bandits, if you don’t know, are cooperating with a lot of bad elements in our security system. This is a business. So many people are involved, you’ll be so surprised.”
“They were caught in Zamfara; they were caught everywhere, how do these big weapons cross our borders? How can these big weapons cross our borders and get into the forest without the cooperation of some bad element of the security operatives assisting them? It’s not possible. If I give you the same amount of guns can you take it to the UK? You can’t, because the security is alert.
”Part of fighting this banditry is to overhaul our security system.”
According to Femi Fani-Kayode, the friendship Gumi shares with the bandits share alone with should be necessary to have him arrested. Taking to his Twitter page, FFK fired shots at Gumi.
The tweet reads, “The issue is not who goes into the forest to meet the terrorists with you but rather what you say to them when you get there & what you gain by constantly defending them & attempting to justify and rationalise their barbaric actions.
“You are their best friend: that makes you a terrorist as well and you ought to have been arrested long ago.”
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/26/being-friends-with-bandits-makes-you-a-terrorist-ffk-blasts-gumi/

Popular Nigerian cross dresser, Idris Okuneye a.k.a Bobrisky has waded into the alleged murder of billionaire Usifo Michael Ataga by Chidinma Ojukwu.
It will be recalled that Usifo, the former CEO of Super TV was allegedly stabbed to death thrice by his side chic Chidinma who said that she acted in self defense.
The controversial cross dresser said: “Honestly dis girl need hot slap. Someone you should have kept lowkey to urself and be chilling with his money. You went ahead to kill him without considering his wife and children feeling, just because he wanted to chill with you. Sad Some of dis girls are wicked and I honestly believe is d kind of friends they keep around them. Imagine a 21yrs old girl smoking like a hire assassin . This will serve as a lesson to all married men to be extremely careful before you accept any girl into ur life. What if is a set up sent by ur business partner or friend to kill you, your own is too see fine girl with big yansh next minute you don carry her go hotel. You want to end ur life with 10min enjoyment, you want to make ur wife at home and children fatherless just because you saw One rubbish girl somewhere… Nobody is a saint here but be careful when playing ur cards. Cheers ”
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/26/usifo-atagas-murder-the-girl-needs-hot-slaps-popular-cross-dresser/

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu is full of praises to God as he turns 56 today, June 25.
The Governor in a post shared on his IG page, appreciated God for making him celebrate another year. He wrote;
''“Rejoice in the Lord always.... The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7.

For the gift of life, I say thank you Lord
For sound health and mind, I am indeed thankful
For Family, Friends, Associates, Colleagues, and Lagos state as a whole, I say thank you Lord. I am indeed the one who came back to say thank you Lord.

Another 25th of June has come to remind me of my life’s purpose and God’s ultimate plans.
I have embraced a life of service, and a heart of compassion and empathy.
Have I been misunderstood? Yes
Have I been vilified? Absolutely.
Have I been misquoted? Severally.
But through it all, my heart, my intentions, my conscience, my efforts, my actions, the works of my hands, and the grace of God will always speak for me.
Therefore, I will rejoice and be glad, for this is indeed the day that the Lord has made.''
Happy Birthday to him!

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/25/babajide-sanwo-olu-turns-56-today/

Nigerian super star artiste, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun a.k.a Wizkid is getting set for his Made in Lagos Tour. The date is September 11 in New York City and the tickets have been sold out in barely 24 hours.
Wizkid being over the moon with the news has thanked his fans in New York City for being part of this history of selling his tickets out within 24hrs even though the Made In Lagos tour is dated September 11th.
His manager and third baby mama Jada P also burst out with immense joy for selling out their tickets in New York City saying it’s crazy and this is history as that makes Wizkid one of the biggest artists in the world.
Wizkid will commence his Made in Lagos tour very soon and New York City is all set for him to come and make them happy even though he will be there in September and some die-hard fans are going crazy over it.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/25/wizkid-sells-out-new-york-city-in-24-hours-ahead-of-his-made-in-lagos-tour/

A reporter from our stable did an undercover investigation into the alleged corrupt activities of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company and below are the findings:
Last year, Samuel Etim, a businessman, applied for a pre-paid meter and luckily, his application was processed and the meter installed at his flat, located at Santos Layout in Akowonjo, Egbeda, Lagos.
Etim said he paid officially to the designated bank of Ikeja Electric, N38, 850, for a single-phase pre-paid meter and it was installed within two months.
He however confessed unknowingly that he “gave some money as bribe to some unnamed Ikeja Electric workers at Akowonjo Undertaking office to fast-track the entire process”.
His words: “It was after the account creation and set-up at the Akowonjo Undertaking office in Lagos, that I eventually made payments of the approved sum to the designated account of the electricity company, before my pre-paid meter was eventually installed”.
It could be recalled that Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, IKEDC, came into being, November1, 2013, when Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, was handed over to IKEDC, with its headquarters at Ikeja, Lagos.
Today, Etim is singing the praises of Ikeja Electric, boasting to those who care to listen that the electricity company is doing a good job.
However, Mary Babajide, a banker is one person that is pissed off with what she described as the “monumental corruptions” that exist in various offices of the electricity company.
A resident of Yaba in Lagos, Babajide, lamented that since October last year, when she applied for a pre-paid meter for her 3-bedroom flat, located at Montgomery Street, Yaba, Lagos, some corrupt workers at the electricity company have been cooking up all sort of excuses, telling her to come today, come tomorrow in order to extort money from her.
According to her, “some of the workers could be trying to punish and frustrate her over her hard-line posture of not offering bribe under any form or guise to any of them”.
There are the likes of Etim and Babajide on both sides of the divide either commending or condemning Ikeja Electric on its services, daily.
However, investigations conducted by our under-cover reporter revealed that the four stages to acquiring pre-paid meter are: Know your customer, field survey, payment and meter installation.
For each of these stages, there are rooms for workers of the company to extort money from their customers in various parts of Lagos.
For instance, when our undercover reporter visited Oke-Odo Ikeja Electric Undertaking office at Abule Egba, Lagos, a female worker at the company asked this writer to visit: map.ikejaelectric.com, to register online.
She said for a first timer seeking for a pre-paid meter, the person has to visit any office of the electricity company nearest to him or her for documentation.
This, our investigations revealed is where the first contact point for extortions comes in as the applicant has to drop some money before his or her request either be granted or shelve aside, an insider said.
The persons is required to provide their residential or office address, email address, phone number; a federal government recognized identification card, one passport photograph, or a driving license, for his or her account to be created and set-up.
But, a worker at the Alagbado Undertaking office of Ikeja Electric said, “This is where the applicant could have to part with money as bribe or else, no dice.”
However, a worker at the Ilupeju Undertaking office alleges that for the account of the first timer to be processed and set-up on time, the person has to pay some money, ranging from N2000 to N10, 000 or more as tips outside the official payments.
If the persons fails to play ball, his or her application could be shelve aside, as the workers boasted that there are a thousand and one applicants waiting for their applications to be processed.
Some casual workers of the electricity company collect N20,000 or less as monthly salaries, but some of them own houses, cars and other choice properties, gotten from money extorted from customers, daily, an insider source said.
The field stage where the workers are expected to come to your compound, business, or office for inspection is another point for extortions, even as the company insist nobody should give money to any Ikeja Electric worker, it was revealed.
A single-phase prepaid meter cost N38, 850, while a 3-phase prepaid meter is N70, 350, value added tax inclusive.
But, like Etim confessed, some applicants could pay up to N10,000 as bribe to ensure that they get pre-paid meter installed in their flats offices, or business outfits.
Ikeja Electric promise to deliver and install pre-paid meters to customers who have successfully gone through the four stages within 10 days.
But, as a male worker at the Ogba Undertaking office of the company, the reality is that some of its offices are still processing the applications of customers who applied last year, up to December.
When our reporter visited the headquarters of Ikeja Electric for official comment with the corporate affairs manager at Obafemi Awolowo Road, Alausa, Ikeja, on the monumental corruptions and extortions going on in the company, he was said not to be on seat.
An email sent to: customercare@ikejaelectric.com on the issue yesterday was not acknowledged or reply to as at the time of filling this report.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/24/pre-paid-metre-extortionists-at-ikedc-offices-in-lagos/

The industrial revolution of the 19th century was one of the immediate causes of the abolition of slavery as the factory owners in Europe especially in Great Britain where it originated from needed a gargantuan market for their goods. Africa was the new frontier and so it made a whole lot of sense for slavery to be outlawed so that the inhabitants of the continent would have some economic clout to purchase the excess goods from Europe.
The 20th century was also the age of the decolonization of Africa by many African nationalists who had studied abroad and were eager to export democratic ideals to their respective countries. Many were killed, maimed, jailed and exiled for their beliefs by the colonial overlords but they stood sturdily firm in their determination to rid the continent of the sinister yoke of colonialism despite the humiliations they suffered for the cause.
Kenneth David Kaunda fondly called KK was one such African nationalist who stood up to be counted.
His parents from the Bemba ethnic group were both teachers with his mother being the first female to teach in the then colonial Zambia. The last born of the family, he must have been influenced to become a teacher by his parents. Like many African nationalists, he was trained by the missionaries – in his case the Scottish missionaries. Ghana’s Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah and Zimbabwe’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe were trained by the Roman-Catholic Church.
Kaunda taught not only in his native Zambia but also in Tanzania and the then Southern Rhodesia now Zimbabwe. While a teacher he read the works of the Indian Nationalist, Mahatma Ghandi which he said in a later interview had a profound influence on him.
At barely 25 in 1949, he joined partisan politics when he became a founding member of the Northern Rhodesian African National Congress. In 1953, he moved to Lusaka where he became the Secretary-General of the African National Congress under the Presidency of Harry Nkumbula. In 1955, he was incarcerated for the first time when he and Nkumbula spent two months behind bars for distributing subversive literature to the people. The two leaders fell out as Nkumbula became influenced by Caucasian liberals and wasn’t militant in his approach in the demand for total emancipation of Zambia from the British.
This led Kaunda to founding the Zambian African National Congress (ZANC) in 1958. ZANC was banned in 1959 and he was jailed for nine months for his nationalistic activities.
Mainza Chona and some other nationalists broke away from the ZANC and formed United National Independence Party (UNIP) and Kaunda was elected its President in 1960 upon his release from detention. In 1961 he visited Martin Luther King Jr in Atlanta and introduced civil disobedience in his campaigns for the liberation of Zambia which included arson and blocking significant roads.
Zambia became independent in 1964 and he was elected its first President.
As a former teacher, he was concerned about the poor state of education in the country left by the departed British. He ensured that there was massive government subsidy of education which saw a monumental increase of students’ enrollment at all levels.
The economy was rather vibrant at independence largely on account of its vast mineral deposits. However, his economic policies were hugely disastrous which greatly impoverished many Zambians. Despite possessing some of the finest farmlands in Africa, he decided to adopt socialist measures to farming in the country patterned after what Mwalimu Julius Nyerere did in Tanzania with results that were heavily disastrous. In 1973 there was falling prices in oil and copper which led to a massive reduction in the income from the nationalized mines. He then decided to implement an advice from the Bretton Woods Institutions – the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) by devaluing the local currency – the Kwacha in the 1980’s. In 1990, he was forced to privatize some government owned corporations which didn’t sit well with the majority of the Zambian populace.
He was rather dictatorial as he banned all political parties with the exception of his UNIP in the country in 1968 following a violent outbreak after the elections. He created a personality cult with extremely weak institutions typical of many of his fellow African leaders who preferred strong men to sturdy institutions.
He opposed apartheid in South Africa and expressed his support for Nelson Mandela who was then the world’s most famous prisoner as well as vehemently opposed white minority rule in the then Rhodesia and aligned with Robert Mugabe during his decade long incarceration. During the Cold War, he aligned himself with the Non Aligned Movement and served as its Chairman between 1970 and 1973. He was also a firm believer in Africa’s unity as espoused by Kwame Nkrumah and played a key role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity now African Union serving as its Chairmen from 1970 to 1971 and then from 1987 to 1988.
In 1991, he narrowly survived a coup attempt as riots broke out in the country over the need for a multi party system as majority of Zambians were tired of his one party dictatorship. This made him allow many parties which led to the formation of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) led by former trade unionist, Frederick Chiluba which swept UNIP from power by a landslide.
He clashed with the Chiluba Presidency and he was declared a Malawian to prevent him from contesting the 1996 presidency. A court later declared him as stateless after an unsuccessful attempt to deport him to Malawi but he overcame the challenges.
He suffered the double tragedy of losing two of his sons – one to HIV/AIDS in 1986. This made him take more than a passing interest in the fight against HIV/AIDS with global recognition for his efforts.
He was a prolific writer and his published books include Dominion Status for Central Africa, Zamia shall be free, Zambia, Independence and Beyond: The Speeches of Kenneth Kaunda, A humanist in Africa: Letters to Collin M. Morris from Kenneth D. Kaunda, The humanist outlook, Humanism in Zambia, The Riddle of Violence, Kaunda on Violence.
Despite his flaws which have caused him to be one of Africa’s most controversial former leaders, he was a great son of Africa and we are glad that he lived to the ripe old age of 97.
May his soul rest in peace and may posterity judge him kindly!

Tony Ademiluyi is the Co Founder of The Vent Republic – www.theventrepublic.com and wrote in from Lagos. He can be reached on anthonyademiluyi@yahoo.com and 08167677075.

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/24/rip-kenneth-kaunda-tony-ademiluyi/

Online investigative newspaper Peoples Gazette has revealed that the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration allegedly bankrolled the funding for Adamu Garba’s Crowwe to rival both Facebook and Twitter in their battle to gain the attention of the Nigerian audience.
The bank documents that showcased the transfer of funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria to Mr Garba’s IPI Solutions, a software engineering firm Mr Garba runs was obtained by the Gazette. This software engineering company developed and deployed the Crowwe social media app.
Despite being a key beneficiary of the social media storm that undermined the Jonathan administration and magnified the opposition’s arguments before of the 2015 presidential election, Mr Buhari has consistently railed against so

From the bank document shown below, the Central Bank of Nigeria wired a whooping amount of N138 million to Mr Garba’s IPI Solutions on May 21, 2019 as part of the several transfers. The documents added that in the course of the Crowwe app development, Buhari’s administration approached Mr Garba.
Despite being a key beneficiary of the social media rage that undermined the Jonathan administration and magnified the opposition’s arguments before of the 2015 presidential election, Mr Buhari has consistently railed against social media’s detrimental influence since taking office.
Mr Buhari began using various measures to govern online speech after realizing the huge power that social media has in affecting public opinion, especially among those with little education or financial means to use the Internet.
An administration official said;
“It was while the government was trying to find ways to control the media space that Adamu Garba’s company was picked as one of the promising businesses that could proffer solutions,” “The seriousness of controlling social media cannot be overplayed.”
In 2018, Mr Garba name was recognized after expressing interest in running for Presidency against Buhari. He became a recognizable voice supporting President Buhari after he eventually stopped his campaign. According to insiders briefed on the topic under our policy on anonymous sources, the regime contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to Mr. Garba’s firm in the hope that its Crowwe platform would make a significant in road in the appeal of Facebook and Twitter.
However, two years after funding began and several months after Crowwe was released to the public, the software has failed to appeal to Nigerians on the scale that both the regime and its makers envisioned. Only a few thousand people have signed up, and even then, the app has received several complaints about its operation.
Mr Garba attempted to knock Twitter out of Nigeria as part of his efforts to bring Crowwe to life, filing a lawsuit against the platform in the aftermath of last October’s momentous #EndSARS campaign. Mr Garba, more than any other social media opponent, saw Twitter’s presence in Nigeria as an existential danger to his own site and anticipated that its removal would drive Nigerians to his platform by default.
However, his hopes were dashed again this month when his platform failed to gain traction despite the government’s Twitter ban. Instead, Mr. Garba discovered that his Crowwe app had been deleted from the Google Play Store a week after the Twitter ban, due to a flood of user complaints. He stated that the app was taken down to upload, but he could not explain why only Crowwe needed to be pulled down before an update to improve user experience could be released. Following their departure from Twitter earlier this month, Mr Buhari, his administration officials, and supporters were forced to shift to the Indian site Koo because the app was virtually inoperable.
The administration did not respond to The Gazette’s request for comment on its relations with Mr Garba. Mr Garba agreed to The Gazette that the government provided funds but explained that it was one of several payments made by the government for a series of “intervention” initiatives his firm completed for the government.
“We do projects and receive payments from the Central Bank,” Mr Garba said. “I think it is a project we did for the EFCC.” HHe remained mute on whether the projects were procured through competitive bidding in accordance with current government procurement procedures.
Crowwe was “100 per cent developed by us internally,’’ Mr Adamu added. “We are even looking for investors locally and internationally. We are looking for investors to further scale up and improve Crowwe capacity.”
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/24/bank-documents-reveal-that-buharis-government-allegedly-funded-adamu-garbas-crowwe-to-dislodge-twitter/

The Ilorin, Kwara State home of the Managing Director of Royals Fast Food, Ilorin, Prince John and Lola Olabayo, a daughter of the famous billionaire, Prince Samuel Adedoyin is presently in crisis over the suicide of their 28 year old son Subomi.
His body was found in the early hours of Tuesday, June 22 in their home. Sources close to the family said that he was depressed for sometime and had an endless conflict with his father.
His mother was said to have travelled to Abeokuta on Tuesday for an event. Subomi became moody and withdrawn for a long time but his girlfriend who was pregnant for him used to cheer him up whenever she was around.
According to First Weekly Magazine, “The girl is about four months pregnant for him. When the girl came around on Tuesday, Subomi’s father snubbed her and he did not attend to her,” said a source.
We were reliably informed that Subomi got infuriated and stormed out of the house and that they didn’t hear from him until around 5pm, when they saw his dead body in the backyard.
What however surprised many people was the allegation that John, Subomi’s father did not wait for his mother before transfering his body to the hospital and making arrangement for a quick burial.
“The mother fainted when she heard the news and she was hospitalized. The father is now making an arrangement to bury Subomi today without any autopsy. I think the issues that led to this tragic incident should be investigated even in the interest of the reputable family,everything is still in the realm of speculation.
“His father even went with them to the mortuary to deposit his body and a lot of controversies now surround his death,” a source said.
Friends and family are said to be sympathizing with Princess Lola Olabayo who is said to be in a hospital outside Ilorin.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/24/grandson-of-popular-billionaire-commits-suicide/

The reunion of Big Brother Naija season six keeps getting hotter and dramatic as new revelations about each housemate keep popping up. The drama has moved from Dorathy, Wathoni, Prince, and Bright O to Nengi and Kiddwaya.
Ex BBN housemate, Kiddwaya has cleared the air over what happened between him and Nengi in the toilet.
Based on what Kiddwaya said, he asserted that he only helped the light skinned beauty zip up her dress there and nothing intimate happened between them.
Viewers will recall that they both went to the toilet while the party was still ongoing which set tongues wagging as to the possibility of a love triangle between them.
Many fans of the shows were left with their mouths agape at the revelations by Dorathy that she gave a mouth action to Brighto who couldn’t even be bothered to say hello to her the following day insinuating that the heavy bosomed dark beauty was used and dumped.
As this season six continues, more revelations will definitely unfold and viewers will be in for a nice time.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/24/bbnaija-reunion-2021-nothing-happened-between-nengi-and-i-kiddwaya/

…A tale of the deadly Mbiakong Uruan bridge where users risk their lives while crossing

The expression of pedestrians and villagers traversing the deadly Mbiakong Uruan bridge can best be described as fear, despair, frustration, heightened tension and anguish as they risk their lives daily to pass through the deadly wooden bridge to get to their destinations.

Buried in the heart of Uruan Local Government area and surrounded by a large body of fast moving water, the ancestral bridge is a link between Mbiakong and Ikpa Uruan villages, and serves the people of Ibikpe, Ikot Udo, Osong, Ita, Mbiaya and a lot of other villages in northern Uruan thus, making it a busy passage-way for farmers, traders, school children, workers, commercial motorcyclists and tricyclists.


The bridge, accessible through a zig-zag rugged road from Ifiayong road by Nitel, is the remains a 40-year old construction, built during the post-colonial era to aid the movement of goods and people from Northern Uruan to its Southern counterparts. Sadly, its base and railings had long worn away, leaving its users with no option but to place logs of palm tree on it to avoid being cut off from commercial activities and their sources of livelihood from neighbouring communities.


So busy is the ancient bridge that hardly can a minute pass-by without a commercial driver driving through it with school children, food items, farm produce and other commuters loaded behind while they wobble through the planks underneath with great fear.


Without doubt, the record of casualties and losses recorded by commuters of this bridge is grave and uncountable. In the course of trying to drive through the unaligned logs of wood, many cyclists lose their control when they stagger, and end up emptying their commuters, goods and luggage into the river. When this happens, only those who can swim are able to wade to the shore while others are either rescued by bystanders at the river bank or found dead later; the goods are swallowed by the river.


As a result of this grave risk, many of the community dwellers from the north of Uruan have had to go through Itu and Uyo Local Government Areas to access the Uruan Local Government Headquarters at Idu in the last 40 years.

According to Christian Ita Asuquo, a commercial motorcyclist from Mbiakong, the bridge is even more dangerous at night due to the absence of light and railings. “I was born to see this bridge this way. There is no other route to Ibikpe, Ikpa and Uruan South apart from this bridge. If you walk through here at night without anyone around, you’ll fall into the water and if there’s no one to come to your aid, you’ll die. A lot of casualties have been recorded here. I call on the government to come to our aid. This is the only access road in this community which leads to Itam, Itu, Calabar/Itu Highway and other axis”, he pleaded.

Another commuter, Emmanuel Brendan Edem, told newsmen that the State of the bridge was a major set-back for the community. “Our major problem is this bridge. What you see today was worse but not for the intervention of fellow youths. I was born to see this bridge this way. We want the government to come to our aid so that we don’t lose out on developments and benefits from the outer world.

One of the rescuers by the river bank who goes around voluntarily when chanced to help out victims, Ezekiel Bassey Essien confirmed the daily loss recorded by commuters and also called for a quick intervention on the bridge. “I was also born to see this bridge in this unfortunate state. My grandmother told me that the bridge was built during the biafran war so, this bridge has been since the civil war, when Akwa Ibom was under Cross River State. The bridge collapsed and was remedied by the community through the placement of logs. A lot of people cannot access Mbiaya from here because of the condition of this bridge.

The story was not different when newsmen met with the Village Head of Mbiakong Uruan, Chief Hyacinth N. O. Ekpeyong.

“That place is a menace. The water runs one-way from Ntak Inyang down to the bigger water in Akan Obio Uruan to Cameroun. That bridge connecting Uruan North, South and Central was built during the civil war by the Army. If you look at the corner, you’ll see that all the knots have loosened. There were some rails along the sides but because of incessant accidents, they have given way and people have fallen victims because there is no one to rescue them, especially at night. Three people have so far lost their lives to that bridge”, he lamented.

“Even the road to the bridge is another story. We pleaded with the NDDC who constructed this road to extend it up to the bridge but they were defiant. We’ve pleaded with them verbally and in writing severally, asking them to complete it up to the end of the bridge but to no avail”, the octogenarian stated.

“There are times people fall into the river with their bikes, passengers and goods or lose control of their movement. We therefore resorted to putting those logs of wood to make it a bit manageable. The mother of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey is from the next Village, Ikpa. The road is a State road, joining several villages up to the end of Calabar/Itu. Government can make it possible for people to pass through that route, rather than having to turn around Uyo to get to her neighbours. A lot of people from the North of Uruan feel reluctant to travel down here because of this bridge whereas, this place to Idu should ideally take 5 minutes but we travel over an hour or more to get to our local Government Headquarters to avoid stories at the bridge. We really need the government to come to our aide”, he expressed.

Speaking on the same plight, Secretary of the Village Council, Mr. Lawrence Okon Nyong decried the abandonment of the community by the government. “We have 10 polling Units in this community with a combined population of Five Million people. We are host to Ibom Icon Hotel (formerly known as Ibom Le Meridien Hotel), Nwaniba beach, Atlantic FM, with a boundary with Nsukarra Offot, Use Ofot and Idu. We ask for a motorable road and good network linkage through the bridge. Uruan has no good roads and Mbiakong is a major road for us”, he said.

Similarly, the community Youth Leader, Mr. Lawrence Bassey Etim attested to efforts made by the community to reach out to the government concerning the bridge. “I went to NDDC with my Chief to complain that where they are stopping the tarred road will result in heavy flooding and breakdown of our houses. But all efforts to bring them back proved abortive. We have also approached the government times without number to no avail. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey has come here with the State House of Assembly Members on two occasions to inspect the bridge but nothing has been heard or done so far. We are pleading that government comes to our rescue to curtail the number of casualties on this bridge”, he pleaded.

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/22/akwa-ibom-bridge-of-death-and-loss-priscilla-christopher/

This year’s reunion is getting more interesting by the day. Vee and TolaniBaj had a huge row with them using unprintable words on each other. TolaniBaj then threw a pillow at Vee in a fit of rage.
Some Nigerians reacted to it and their reactions were:
@kofoworola_aa – Tolani Baj: I’m a bad bitch, I’m a princess. You don’t know who Tbaj is
Vee: You tried to pull a move on my man and you say you are not desperate. That’s desperation.
Vee 100 – 0 Tolani Baj
@glitzy_cynthia – In all of this i am more concerned as to why Kiddwaya tagged Vee and Tolani baj to a tweet after watching them go back and forth like this? Why
@ItsAnyaGrace – Vee handled Tolani Baj like a PRO….such poise, elegance, and Poise 10/10 for vee abeg
@MataHariNIG – From today’s episode of #BBNaijaReunion we can deduce dat
1. Neo and vee are beautifully happy together
2. Tolani baj and vee are not and can never be friends
3. Prince was a hot cake
4. Kidwayya was so bored he kept dozing, oga just want to party
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@Hunclestew – Omo see couple goals. Vee and Neo gather panelbeat Tolanibaj. It was a fair fight
@justfeyi – Vee flogged Tolanibaj and still maintained beauty
@Weezdombrain – So Lucy placed that pillow for TBaj to throw at Vee and still held Neo from clearing TolaniBaj. Lucy Lucy Lucy How many times did I call you. Meanwhile, TBaj is low key pained Abeg #BBNaijaReunion
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/22/bbnaija-2021-nigerians-react-to-row-between-vee-and-tolanibaj/

Popular Disc Jockey and Artiste, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola a.k.a DJ Cuppy has shared some intimate things that she does with her famous billionaire dad, Femi Otedola.
The relationship is an open one as they act more like siblings rather than as parent and daughter.
She said that she shares messages from guys which include suitors with her dad. She posted this on Father’s Day which was celebrated worldwide yesterday, June 20.
A few days ago, DJ Cuppy lamented on social media about how one of her dogs, fufu messed up the toilet room as she entered the room only to find the place unkempt.
She is seeking advice as she quizzed her fans on what she should do as a mother if her child puts the house in such a condition and her fans suggested different ways of handling this situation.
https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/21/i-share-messages-from-guys-with-my-dad-popular-dj/

Nollywood Actress and Entrepreneur, Iyabo Ojo is celebrating her son’s birthday today, June 21. Her son Festus is a year older today.
Sharing cute photos of the young man, the actress wrote: "Happy birthday @festo_baba my golden boy, my hero, my King, I've watched you grow into an amazing, handsome, calm, caring, God-fearing, intelligent, young man & that alone gladdens my heart.

I'm forever grateful to God Almighty; All-Merciful, for helping me raise you right, I'm super proud of you my son & I'm forever grateful you chose me to bring you into this world.

I want you to know that no matter how big you get or how far you go, I'll always be here, right beside you..... in spirit & in prayers.

I'm wishing you long life, in great health, success, happiness & joy,God's protection & guidance on you always & forever my Love.keep winning my hero. I LOVE YOU SCATTER."
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/21/actress-iyabo-ojo-celebrates-son-on-birthday/

Award winning Nigerian Artiste Tekno has said that he cannot be with one woman despite his attempts at being faithful to one. He said that when he watches movies and browses the internet, he can’t get over the beautiful ones he sees there. In his opinion, women are so beautiful that he can’t be faithful to only one woman hence his assertion.
There were some reactions to his latest comment on the female gender and they were:
theashleighway wrote: “All these damaged people coming out to talk nonsense. No one asked you mbok, its your loneliness. Not ours”
petty_beebee wrote: “Who else noticed he got new veneers nice teeth dude”
umohgabriel wrote: “So many beautiful women around the world !! Make God help man to stick with one woman”
amenthasavage wrote: “No man is entitled to one woman. Ask King Solomon”
Tekno born Augustine Miles Kelechi has won several awards for his hit singles and albums. They include the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in 2014, Nigerian Music Video Awards in 2015, Nigerian Entertainment Awards in 2016, MTV Africa Music Awards in 2016, Watsup TV Africa Music Video Awards in 2016, BET Award 2017 amongst many others. His singles ‘Enjoy’ and ‘Puttin’ which were released in 2020 enjoyed huge air play on radio stations and were hits on the streets of Nigeria.

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/19/i-cannot-be-with-one-woman-popular-nigerian-artiste/

Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar has said that she will continue to have kids without disclosing the identity of her husband.
She said she just wanted to be happy and it was nobody’s business what she does with her personal life.
She told Punch:
“Nobody knows if I’m married and it’s not something I want to involve people in,”
“People will just see me popping (giving birth to) kids. I don’t want to share my private life with the public.
“In showbiz, I can give out something different, aside from my family. Everyone must not show off their husbands or boyfriends. Some people are always ready to crash beautiful relationships and I would not give anyone room for that.
“I had a similar situation with an ex but the man was foolish and childish to have listened to (naysayers). Men are not worth fighting over. Their eyes are always roaming. Some people are even ready to crash my friendship with my colleagues and fellow women.
“Whoever is in my life is making me happy. I think trust is important in a relationship. I don’t have anything to hide. I have never dated two men at a time. I don’t pressure myself about meeting expectations or targets.
“I might set a goal for myself, while God wants something better for me. The mouth is very powerful and one has to be careful about what one says. I don’t usually reveal my plans ahead of time because I am not God.”
Abubakar also noted that motherhood had calmed her.
She said, “I have been doing business for over 16 years. I have three stores and a farm. I know that I cannot have just one job and get all I want. Having multiple sources of income makes me responsible and accountable.
“I would also say that motherhood has made me calmer. I am unmoved by unnecessary and stressful emotion because I have so much responsibilities. I know the decisions that I take and I’m happy with them. They have brought me this far and I have no regrets.
“I really don’t care about friends. Our industry is not a place to make friends. When one genuinely makes friends, they tend to overuse one. I do not take disrespect very likely, no matter who the person is. People that misunderstand me are the ones that say terrible things about me. I have grown tremendously. I am wiser and more reserved.”

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/19/i-dont-want-anyone-to-know-if-i-am-married-i-will-continue-to-have-kids-popular-nollywood-actress/

An intense debate on this year’s reunion was whether Dorathy had feelings for Ozo. Prince said that the chocolate coloured beauty had no feelings for Ozo who was said to have been madly in love with Nengi.
According to him, Dorathy saw Ozo as her friend adding that what Ozo and Dorathy had was nothing but pure friendship.
When asked how he knew, he indicated that Dorathy told him during when of the conversations. During the show, Dorathy confessed that she liked her fellow housemate, Prince.
This is in sharp contrast to what many people thought and that is Dorathy having feelings for her fellow housemate, Ozo.
According to Dorathy, she liked Prince and not Ozo and she made this known during a recent episode of this year’s BBNaija Reunion.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/19/bbnaija-2021-dorathy-never-liked-ozo-prince/

Popular Celebrity Stylist, Toyin Lawani has blasted online trolls who criticized her for having kids from different men. She said she does what makes her happy and that it is none of the troll’s business whom she has kids for.
She said she has developed a thick skin and that if her baby daddy treats her badly, she will leave him for another.
She wrote: “I think I’m the most mocked parent out there, Guess what my crime is Having kids From separate dads, well if Doing that will keep giving me kids like @therealtiannah and @thereallordmaine I will make the mistake over and over and over again, cause I don’t Believe cause you failed once or twice, you shouldn’t have the right to love again.
“See when it comes to all these nasty shits you people think you write to mock me, it doesn’t move me at all , I’ve grown tough skin, that’s what you people have taught me to do, so I do me and what makes me happy, no matter how much you soil my name, the world people who mean well see how hardworking I am at my various crafts and see how I strive at my various crafts daily”.
“Imagine if I listen to such nonsense y’all have to say , will my kids be where they are today? Will they be making you happy ?? , cut that crap , see if I like I will have 6kids from different dads for different Reasons, so far it makes me happy , if the next one mess up i will move on again , its like you people dont know me moni shoko gan i dont let anyone or anything hold me down and i dont care what anyone has to say , when something doesnt make me happy again i move on”.
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“im not one of those that dies in silence to please you lots , you lots that dont even have your life together , are the ones who knows how others should be living their lives , I don’t care what you all have to say , you can’t control my life cause I’m in charge of it , live and let live , my life is my business not yours.
“I’m too focused to be distracted, watch out the new @tiannahsempirerealitytvshow season 3 it’s going to blow your minds away, we spoke all our truth there, social media has become a joke some people take too far #kingofallQueens ”.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/18/i-dont-mind-having-six-kids-from-different-fathers-popular-nigerian-celebrity/

The reunion began yesterday, June 18 with a lot of excitement and anticipation by the fans. Two former housemates Kaisha and Erica were absent but Erica’s absence caused a lot of reaction on social media.
Erica Ngozi Nlewedim was disqualified last year from the show and she has gone on to become a brand influencer and celebrity in her own right.
The show’s host and popular media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu took to his Twitter handle to tweet about it and he wrote:
Good to have (almost) every Lockdown housemate back in the same room for the first time in months. Interesting #BBNaijaReunion days ahead! pic.twitter.com/4gnaCiIWus
— Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (@Ebuka) June 17, 2021
The show promises to be a lot of fun and housemates will have the opportunity to thrill their fans. Laycon, the winner of the last edition has released two widely accepted singles that streamed large numbers on audio mack as well as an album that was a hit.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/18/bbnaija-reunion-2021-erica-is-absent/

A gas tanker has reportedly exploded around 11 pm on Thursday, June 17 at Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos.
An eyewitness alleged that the fire was caused by a leaking gas tanker that broke down just after a Filling station, causing panic at the filling station and making both staff and customers flee for their lives.

The eyewitness said:

The fire was caused by a leaking gas tanker that broke down just after Total Filling station at around 10:30pm causing panic at the filling station that made both staff and customers flee for their lives.
Repeated calls to the Lagos state fire service for preemptive measures proved abortive until the tanker exploded at about 11:PM and the resulting inferno quickly spread around, especially into the plaza after the filling station.
A gallant effort from the Lagos state fire service when did arrive curtailed the rage of the fire and arguably prevented further damage.

Some people sustained injuries and many buildings as well as vehicles were affected.
More details later ……

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/18/gas-tanker-explodes-in-ikeja/

One of the novels I read while in my younger days in secondary school was ‘One week, One trouble’ written by Anezi Okoro. In the funny novel, the protagonist Wilson Tagbo, a secondary school lad who was in the boarding house was fond of getting into a fresh form of trouble every week so much so that the name of the novel was aptly used to describe him by a concerned classmate.
Tragically, the caption of the novel describes the reality of the President Muhammadu Buhari led regime. I shudder to call it an administration. It seems to have an uncanny knack for courting a fresh form of trouble every time and it goes out of its way to look for one where there is none. How can you explain Buhari’s open support for open grazing that has cost the death of thousands of lives of his countrymen? How can you explain the needless ban of Twitter with 40 million Nigerians on the platform because they took down his extremely divisive tweet only for him to say it was because of its support for the end sars protest? Why wasn’t the micro blogging site banned immediately after end sars? He mentioned lifting ten million people out of poverty through the Anchor Borrowers programme? Where are these ten million people? Are they ghosts? Has his regime embarked on an industrialization program which is the only way to leapfrog any economy and massively create jobs?
His latest absurdity is in his submission of his Special Assistant on New Media, Lauretta Onochie to the Senate for confirmation as a Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). When I first saw it, I thought it was fake news because of the level of ludicrousness involved but tragically it sunk in as the archetype of the theatre of the absurd. Nothing amazes me in this Buhari regime anymore!
The Chairman and Commissioners of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) are supposed to be non partisan because of the sensitive role that they play in the conduct of elections. This probably explains why many of the Chairmen are academics because it must be established that all members must not belong to or show any bias for any of the registered political parties.
Lauretta Onochie by her actions and utterances has shown a gargantuan bias for both President Buhari whom she currently serves and the ruling All Progressives Congress. I don’t know if she is a card carrying member of the APC but she regularly defends the party and her principal who is a member of that party as well. Some of her uncouth statements have drawn the ire of many members of the public in her bid to over reach herself and continually be in the good books of her pay masters.
For the reasons described above, she is not a good fit for the INEC role because she is clearly partisan. There are other roles that she can perfectly fit into. Why INEC? Festus Keyamo was a former member of the board of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) before his appointment as the Spokesman of the Buhari-Osinbajo campaign and then Minister of State for the Niger Delta and later Labour where he currently is. Sunday Dare was a former Executive Commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) before his appointment as the Sports Minister. A precedent has been set and so there are many positions that Ms. Onochie can effectively fill without any eye brows being raised. Like a Bull in the China’s Shop, the Buhari regime stumbles from one needless controversy to the other with the speed of light.
The Buhari regime is very unpopular with the people due to its inability to effectively tackle the insecurity challenges posed by the Boko Haram Insurgents, Fulani Herdsmen and bandits. Every week, there is one kidnapping or killing which has made Nigerians numb to such terrible news. This was a clear departure from the promise made by him in 2015 to make Boko Haram history citing his credentials as a military officer in his younger days especially when he chased some rebels to as far as Chad in the defunct Second Republic. The nation has never had it this bad security wise. Also, his economic policies have greatly impoverished many Nigerians. There have been frequent devaluations of the local naira in an import dependent economy which has greatly reduced the quality of life of the majority of the citizens as well as reduce the disposable income of most Nigerians. The World Poverty Clock declared us as the poverty capital of the world taking over from India. The Chandler Institute of Governance based in Singapore ranked us as the third worst country in the world in global good governance for the year 2021. The World Bank faulted Buhari’s claim of lifting ten million people out of poverty by providing superior arguments which picked holes on the unverifiable claims. The insecurity has also led to the sky rocketing costs of food items in the market as most farmers can no longer go to their farms for fear of being killed, maimed or kidnapped by bandits. Unemployment rate stands at 33% with a projection by the World Bank of it increasing to 39% at the end of 2022. There is so much despondency in the land as the citizens are groaning under the yoke of residing in a near failed state.
Power is sweet but transient especially in Africa where the polity controls every aspect of the levers of society. Why the undue interest in Ms. Onochie? Is this a surreptitious attempt by the Buhari regime to ensure that the APC wins the next general elections despite its unpopularity in foisting a partisan person on INEC? Why must a political appointee of the current administration be sent to INEC? Is it in the country’s best interest?
Buhari’s regime like Caesar’s wife should be above board in its conduct. This is an open assault and rape on democracy as it will deny the people the right to a free and fair election which is a critical attribute of any democracy.
Buhari should immediately withdraw Ms. Onochie as an INEC Commissioner from Delta State and replace her with a non partisan person from that state. The Senate should do the needful by rejecting her nomination as confirming her would be a mockery on democracy and make us a laughing stock among the international comity of nations.
Enough is Enough!
Tony Ademiluyi is the Co Founder of The Vent Republic – www.theventrepublic.com and wrote in from Lagos. He can be reached on anthonyademiluyi@yahoo.com and +2348167677075.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/17/loud-nay-to-the-confirmation-of-lauretta-onochie-as-inec-commissioner-tony-ademiluyi/

Nigeria’s artiste, Davido, has been named the brand ambassador of the great cognac houses, Maison Martell and its new “Standout Swift”.
Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, will become an international ambassador for Cognac House with which he shares a sense of freedom and audacity. This, the brand said, would pave the way for others and create a legacy for future generations.
For Martell, a “Standout Swift” is someone who challenges convention and opens the way for others – and Davido certainly has that clout. “Davido and Martell is above all the story of an encounter.
“Davido is fired by the same creative energy as Martell. His songs are a way for him to express his unique talent and his bold personality and – above and beyond that – to speak for his generation,” says César Giron, CEO of Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët.
Like Martell, Davido is creating a legacy that starts – but does not end – with him. “I am proud to go on this incredible adventure with Martell, as I know we are pursuing the same goal: opening the way for others, each within our own creative field. We share the same idea that we rise by lifting others.”
Through my songs, he expressed, I want to show the new generation that anything is possible. “That’s what I love about Martell’s history and expertise: the capacity to continually reinvent tradition,” says Davido.

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/17/davido-named-as-maison-martells-ambassador/

Fans of billionaire night club owner and celebrity bar man, Cubana Chief Priest have reacted to some pictures which surfaced online showing him trying to lose weight by working out.
Cubana Chief Priest born Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu shared a viral video of himself being massaged by a fitness coach on a football field where he joined his colleagues including Super Eagles player, Emenike.
In the video, the lavish socialite looked very tired after a rigorous football match as he laid on the ground with his protruded belly and fans have mocked him over how he intends to get rid of the fat as one of the fans claimed his belly is full of henessey.
Check out their reactions;
davido: Lmao
deejayneptune: Na Hennessy full that belle
peruzzi_vibes: Wetin Dey really sup?
inempeter: See Belle kai this na correct sugar daddy o

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/17/na-hennessy-full-that-belle-fans-say-as-cubana-chief-priest-works-out/

Nollywood actor Yomi Fabiyi has thrown his weight behind his embattled colleague, Baba Ijesha who is currently standing trial for sexual misconduct with a minor – Comedienne Princess’s foster daughter.
He made his view known on his Instagram page where he wrote:
''Part of my concerns and why the law must act unbiased. Fighting for the rights of the child means getting justice against all abuses and assaults done against her innocence and her wish.

Have you ask yourself, what if in the process of the set up there was violence, door locked behind and aside been raped, the girl was killed, will ALL THE ADULTS INVOLVED be let go.

How can the law be BLIND to that and set a horrible antecedent for several innocent children in our society?

Where are the SOCIAL SERVICES in the state, why is the DPP advice silent on all the crimes involved in the entire episodes and all that done against the child, why the silence on all that?''
Baba Ijesha has maintained his innocence despite a viral video which saw him pleading with Princess to be lenient with him. He was initially granted bail but public outcry against him caused him not to enjoy it. He had his first day in court yesterday, Wednesday, June 16.

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/17/baba-ijesha-never-slept-with-the-girl-yomi-fabiyi/

Actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was arraigned at the Magistrate Court 1, Yaba, today June 16, by 9am.
He was arrested for defiling a foster daughter of popular comedienne, Princess.
More details later …..
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/16/baba-ijesha-arraigned-in-court-today/

According to Punch Newspapers, A man, Kayode Adeyanju, has been arrested by men of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly defiling his 14-year-old daughter in the Ikorodu area of the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the suspect was arrested after the victim reported the incident to the police.
He added that the case had been transferred to the Gender Unit of the command for further investigation.
Adejobi said in a statement, “Police operatives attached to the Ipakodo Division, Ikorodu, on June 7, 2021, arrested one Kayode Adeyanju, 45, of the Redeemed Church, Tinubu Estate, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos State, for defiling his 14-year-old daughter.
“The victim personally reported the case at the Ipakodo Police Station, Ikorodu, on June 7, 2021, after her horrible ordeal in the hands of her father and police operatives arrested the suspect.
“The state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has condemned the act and ordered that the case be transferred to the Gender Unit of the command for further investigation.”
Similarly, police operatives attached to the Morogbo Division, on Sunday, June 13, 2021, around 10am, following a tip-off from the management of House 2 Hotel, Igbekele, Morogbo, Lagos State, that some boys suspected to be cultists were holding a meeting in the hotel, arrested seven suspected cultists.
Adejobi said, “The suspects are Hameed Salami, 35; Ogunlade Adewale, 30; Sunday Ogbemudia, 36; Okekunle Segun, 26; Imole Kingsley, 23; Rasak Lekan, 26; and Osuya Innocent, 23. Items recovered from them include one locally-made pistol, two live cartridges, one axe and assorted charms.
“The CP has ordered that the case be transferred to the command’s Special Squad, Ikeja, for discreet investigation.”

Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/15/father-arrested-for-sexually-molesting-daughter-in-lagos/

One of the widows of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Zainab Duke-Abiola opened up to the public about an ugly encounter they both had while they were on their way to Ibadan many years ago.
She disclosed this exclusively to Sahara Reporters.
She said: “Abiola was unique and different, that’s why people miss him. There was a day we were going to visit the Olubadan of Ibadan. We were with some Americans, the Americans are still alive, I was newly married to him. Very newly married, just few months into our marriage. And we were going to the palace, on the way, do you know right in front of us, we saw robbers robbing people. I just started praying and the Americans were shivering.
“But when Chief saw them, he said he was not turning back nor running away. He told the driver to keep driving towards them. On getting near them, they saw the Rolls Royce and they started shouting ‘MKO is our man o, Man of the people.’
“Do you know they kept their guns down? Do you know they laid down flat? I am telling you what you won’t hear from anyone else except the Americans and the driver. They started shouting ‘baba ooo, baba oooo, baba ooooo’, so Chief came out and gave them money. He told them they were nice young persons and shouldn’t be involved in crime. They told him if they were two or three of him in the country, they wouldn’t be involved in crime. They told their victims to go, some of the victims told Chief they didn’t have transport means, so Chief gave the robbers and victims money.
“The Americans were surprised as well, I too was happy. Chief told them to go back to school and come to his house anytime they needed money. One of those people became the governor of a Yoruba state, he is alive, about two or so became House of Representatives’ members. Why are they not repeating this story, were they not fans at that point?”
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/15/an-armed-robber-who-attacked-m-k-o-abiola-later-became-governor-abiolas-widow/

The African Rock Python has been killed by some residents in Delta State after they discovered that it ate a cow. The python is one of the largest snakes in the world.
According to Wikipedia, The African rock python is non-venomous and kills by constriction. After gripping the prey, the snake coils around it, tightening its coils every time the victim breathes out. Death is thought to be caused by cardiac arrest rather than by asphyxiation or crushing. The African rock python feeds on a variety of large rodents, monkeys, warthogs, antelopes, vultures, fruit bats, monitor lizards, crocodiles, and more in forest areas and on rats, poultry, dogs, and goats in suburban areas. It will sometimes take fish as well.
Occasionally, it may eat the cubs of big cats such as leopards, lions, and cheetahs, cubs of hyenas, and puppies of wild dogs such as jackals and Cape hunting dogs . However, these encounters are very rare, as the adult cats can easily kill pythons or fend them off.
On March 1, 2017, a 3.9-m (12-ft. 10-in) African rock python was filmed eating a small adult female spotted hyena weighing 50 kg (120 lb). This encounter suggests that the snake might very well be capable of hunting and killing larger and more dangerous animals than previously thought. The largest ever recorded meal of any snake was when a 4.9m African Rock Python consumed a 59-kg impala.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/14/python-that-ate-a-cow-killed-in-delta-state/

Popular media personality, Denrele Edun who turned 40 today, June 13 has opened up in an interview that being romantically involved with a man was the worst decision of his life.
According to the controversial talk show host, he felt that women had nothing to offer him and decided to try out dating a man as he was getting lots of attention from gay and bisexual men but the decision was one he regretted a lot as it left a sour taste in his mouth.
Denrele Edun then claimed that he’s now dating himself since he has a very strong masculine personality and a female one, he’s blending both himself adding that he’s his own sugar daddy hence he’s dating himself.
To him, men and women have nothing better to offer him since he has tasted both and realized that being with a man was the worst decision he could ever make in life but now is dating himself.
The Vent Republic wishes him a happy four decades on earth and many more years in health and wealth. Life truly begins today for him.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/13/being-in-a-relationship-with-a-man-was-the-worst-decision-of-my-life-popular-media-personality/

Controversial Nigerian entertainer and social critic, Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa a.k.a Charlyboy has lashed out at President Muhammadu Buhari describing him as clueless as to the challenges plaguing the nation.
He spoke in an interview with Daily Post which was monitored by The Vent Republic where he said:
‘’The word that can best describe the current government is ,’clueless.’ Maybe not in the sense that people talk about cluelessness, but because you can’t even appreciate the ideology.
“Nothing lasts forever and nothing is permanent. You may begin a fight, but you can’t determine how it would end because you are not God.
“The only way I see this thing is that it has to get worse before it gets better.’’
“Secondly, already we have a faulty foundation, and you want to be talking about adding levels on the building with solid foundation. So you see, we need to come to the table to know how we will resolve it like a good married couple, else we go to war.
“At the war, the one who is mightier may kill the other and that is why the environment has become toxic and dangerous especially for young people; because how can anything grow in this kind of wasteland?
“I keep saying, ‘my thief better pass your thief, we no go take am go anywhere.’ If na the only time my person dey for government na him be say na correct person because I dey chop from am’ then something is wrong.
“ If you can’t say a thief is a thief and stand by it, then we are only deceiving ourselves because we are as bad the people we are talking about. We say they are bad people and we the followers, are we better?
“Those people came from our environment; maybe there is something wrong with all of us. We should all start to reconsider that. That is why I keep saying, ‘our mumu never do, but ‘e be like say for many people, na follow come.
“The unfortunate circumstance is that we have mother…f* as leaders. We have people with no pedigree, people from the gutter, and you can’t give leadership to those kinds of people. Unless you don’t want progress. We need a lot of serious thinking.”
Charlyboy first came into national consciousness in 1985 with his song ‘Nwata Miss’ and was further popular when he launched The Charly Boy Show in 1991 which aired for a decade before it got rested due to lack of sponsorship. He later co hosted Zoom Time with Tunde Obe where he hosted many celebrities in different walks of life.
He will be 70 this month and is still waxing strong as he recently released a song with rapper, Folarin Falana a.k.a Falz the bad guy.
Source: https://theventrepublic.com/2021/06/12/buhari-government-is-clueless-charlyboy/