The publisher of the Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has been reportedly arrested again by men of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters on Friday morning, January 1, 2021, policemen suspected to be with the Rapid Response Squad stormed Gudu junction in Abuja and went away with the activist.
An eyewitness who confirmed the report to newsmen said Sowore was wounded before he was alongside others swindled away by the police unit.
More details shortly…
Good morning Nigeria and welcome to the month of January, the first month of the year 2021. A happy new year to you, your friends and your family from Naija News Team.
Being a new day of a new year, many expect good wishes from their friends, family members, and loved ones, hence, a need to compile one.
Below are some new year prayer messages, prayer points and wishes you can send to friends, family members, and loved ones.
1. Happy New Year! I hope all your endeavors in 2021 are successful.
2. Wave goodbye to the old and embrace the new with full of hope, dream, and ambition. Wishing you a happy new year full of happiness!
3. Wishing for a year filled with laughter, success, and peace my dear colleagues. May God bless each and every one of us and our families. Happy New Year.
4. New is the year, new are the hopes, new is the resolution, new are the spirits, and new are my warm wishes just for you. Have a promising and fulfilling New Year!
5. May the 12 months of the new year be full of new achievements for you. May the days be filled with eternal happiness for you and your family!
6. Fresh HOPES, Fresh PLANS, Fresh EFFORTS, Fresh FEELINGS, Fresh COMMITMENT. Welcome, 2021 with a fresh ATTITUDE. Happy New Year.
7. Life is full of ups and downs but thanks to you guys, I can never feel down. Thanks for being my support. I love you so much, Happy New Year. May God bless you.
8. May the joys of the new year last forever in your life. May you find the light that guides you towards your desired destination. Happy new year!
9. Its time to decorate your life with the colors that this new year has brought for you. May your life shine brighter than a thousand lightning stars!
10. Happy New Year! I hope all your dreams come true in 2021 – onwards and upwards!
11. A new year is like a blank book. The pen is in your hands. It is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself. Happy New Year.
12. I hope that the new year will be full of positivity for you. Its time to embrace the joys it is bringing for you. Happy new year!
13. May this new year bring you much joy and fun. May you find peace, love, and success. Sending my heartiest new year wishes for you!
14. I hope that the new year will be the best year of your life. May all your dreams come true and all your hopes are fulfilled!
15. I hope your life will be full of surprise and joy in the new year that’s about to begin. May You be blessed with everything you want in life.
16. Remember all the good memories you have made and know that your life will be so full of wonders in the coming year. Happy New Year 2021!
17. I love you more today than I loved you yesterday. And I will love you more tomorrow than I love you today. Happy New Year 2021!
18. Another wonderful year is going to end. But don’t worry, one more year is on the way to decorate your life with unlimited colors of joy!
19. May the New Year bring you happiness, peace, and prosperity. Wishing you a joyous 2021!
20. May this year bring new happiness, new goals, new achievements and a lot of new inspirations in your life. Wishing you a year fully loaded with happiness.
21. I want to have a new year as bright as your eyes, as sweet as your smile and as happy as our relations are. Happy new year! Wishing you a great new year!
22. I wish you a very Happy New Year. I hope you have a great time ahead.
23. My only wish for this New Year is that I want to love you more than ever, take care of you more than ever and make you happier more than ever. Happy new year!
24. Your love filled up my heart with happiness that I have never felt. You gave me a life that I never knew existed. Wishing my love, a great new year!
25. I wish to have a year filled with happiness and strength to overcome all the dark hours. You are a true blessing. Happy New Year, love.
26. Best friendships are the ones that don’t fade away no matter what. They grow old and make life worth living when things go wrong. Thanks, mate for everything. Have a blessed new year!
27. May the new year bring all the good things in life you truly deserve. You had an amazing year already and you’re going to have another more amazing one!
28. Your presence in my life is like an open door that welcomes happiness and joy in abundance. I have never felt so alive before. Happy new year 2021!
29. You came into my life to put an end to all my sufferings and bad times. Today, I am happier than the happiest man in the world. Happy new year darling!
30. You are undoubtedly the best human being that I ever met in life. There are so many things to learn from you. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!
31. A New Year is like a blank book, and the pen is in your hands. It is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself. Happy New Year.
32. May the New Year start with fresh joys and a life filled with peace. May you get warmth and togetherness and prosperity too. Happy New Year!
33. As long as you are with me, I don’t need any other reason to celebrate the new year. You’re all the reasons I need to smile. Wishing you a happy new year!
34. May this upcoming year be as much glorified as you wish for it to be. Make this year more memorable than ever by accomplishing all your goals. Have a safe and happy new year.
35. Wishing you a Happy New Year with the hope that you will have many blessings in the year to come.
36. Another year has passed, another year has come. I wish for you that, with every year, you achieve all of your dreams. May God pour love and care on you. Happy New Year.
37. Life is not about possession; it is about appreciation. New hopes and aspirations. Happy New Year!
38. You’ve been the most amazing friend in my life throughout the past years. I hope you’ll never stop doing that. Happy new year!
39. Becoming your friend was the best thing I’ve done in last year. I would really like to keep this friendship alive for the rest of my life!
40. Thank you for holding on to me when things get hard and I get tired of life. May Lord bless our bond and you – forever and always. Have a great holiday. Happy New Year.
41. Without you, last year wouldn’t be so full of sweet memories. I can’t wait to do the same this year. Wishing you a happy new year!
42. May all your dreams come true and may you find the love of your life this new year. I have only a good wish for you. Thank you for being such a good friend to me!
43. Last year was a special year in my life because I met you. Next year will be special because I already have you as my best friend!
44. May you become a billionaire this new year so I don’t have to pay your restaurant bills anymore. Wishing you a prosperous year ahead!
45. It feels wonderful to think about how quickly we became such good friends to each other. I’m sure our friendship will last forever. Happy new year 2021!
46. I have received many blessings in life, but you will always be the best one that God has ever given me. A happy new year my friend!
47. I may not always appreciate you as a friend, but deep in my heart, I have a place for you that no one can ever take. Happy new year!
48. I enjoyed this year with you so much that I can’t wait to begin another. Thank you for showing me the true color of friendship. Happy new year dear friend!
49. It’s almost the end of one more wonderful year for us. I promise, my love for you will only be stronger with the passing of each day in the new year!
50. There is nothing in this world that can weaken my love for you. I am yours till the end of time. Wishing you a year full of love!
51. I was so busy loving you that I barely noticed one more year has been spent. A happy new year my love! Wish you all the happiness in this world!
52. As you prepare yourself to welcome a new year in life, I want you to know that I’ll always find new ways to love you! happy new year!
53. It doesn’t matter how many years come and go- I will always cherish all our beautiful moments no matter what. I love you, babe. Happy New Year.
54. My new year’s resolution is to love you more than I did in the last year. I promise to make this new year a wonderful one for you. Happy new year!
55. It’s very hard to put it in words how much you mean to me. I will choose you again and again because I am truly, madly and deeply in love with you. Happy New Year.
56. Every new year is a reason for me to fall in love with you for new reasons. Happy new year! I will never stop falling in love with you!
57. Your sweet smile can make me forget my deepest pain & my hardest sorrows. Happy new year dear. You’re the reason why new years are so amazing!
58. Its time of the year to make new year’s resolutions that you know you can never keep. But you’ll do it anyway. Happy new year!
59. One more year has gone and you’re still the dumb person you were always. Let’s hope you can be a better person this year!
60. Remember mate that life always gives you a second chance. What are the new years for? Grab your chances every time! Happy New Year.
61. Do you know what’s my favorite part of the new year? I always make my resolutions when I’m drunk so that I never am committed to them. Happy New Year.
62. You know you’re old and tired when you just want to have a nap instead of being drunk & have fun on New Year’s Eve. Happy new year 2021!
63. The funniest thing about the last day of a year is that you can make a bunch of unrealistic to-dos list & still everyone would say you can accomplish them!
64. I’m not making any new resolutions for the New Year. I’m really good at annoying you and I’ll simply continue on that path!
65. May all your problems vanish as quickly as your new year’s resolution does every year. I wish you a happy new year full of happiness!
66. Life is already full of good things. You just have to stop complaining and be a little bit more optimistic. Enjoy this new year with a glass-half-full of vodka!
67. New years bring you a lot of new problems. But the good thing is, they usually last just as long as your new year resolution. Happy new year!
68. Life has taught me that no matter what you say and how hard you try; you can never stop some people from making stupid new year resolutions! Happy new year!
69. I’m planning to come to your house on the 31st of December so that on the 1st of Jan, I can say – I have been living in your house for a year! Happy New Year.
70. Keep making the same old mistakes, but do it in a new way. Accept my heartfelt, warm wishes for this new year. All the best!
71. New years are like restart buttons to start things over again, except the fact that your device is long dead. Have an enjoyable new year!
72. Each moment I’ve spent last year with you made me realize how important you are in my life. I don’t want to lose you ever. Happy New Year!
73. Since I’ve met you, you’ve become the purpose of my life. I just want to keep you close by me and love you with all I have. A happy new year my love!
74. We share a chemistry that can create the most powerful bond in this world someday. Let’s take our relationship to a whole new level in this new year!
75. I can’t believe I am going to spend a new year with the most beautiful lady in the world. Thank you for giving me a chance to love you. Happy new year!
76. Every new year of my life can only be full of love and romance because you’re in my life. I look forward to spending one more beautiful year with you!
77. The only wish I have for the new year is that I want to make you feel happy always and forever. Your happiness will always be my priority number one!
78. Thank you for making my life less miserable and more fulfilling. You add new colors to my life. I love you so much. Happy New Year.
79. It’s not the beauty of you, it’s the beauty of your heart face that made me fall in love with you. I want a thousand new years with you in my life!
80. Your love is like a melody in my head that calms my mind and sweetens my life. Your existence is a gift I received from God. Wishing you a happy new year filled with love!
81. God has been too kind to send someone like you in my life. I want to make sure that this gift of god stays with me forever. Happy new year!
82. I wish to make you happy just like the way you made me happy by coming into my life. I wish to celebrate many more new years with you for the rest of my life.
83. I am looking forward to spending many more romantic moments with you throughout the next year. Thank you for blessing my life with your presence. Happy new year!
84. I felt like living in heaven in the entire last year. I never knew your love for me was so deep and so true. Happy new year!
85. If I could live a thousand years on this earth, I’d choose to live with you all of it. Your love means everything to me now. Happy new year!
86. I want to spend the new year just like the last year. It was so full of love and compassion. I hope the new year will be nothing less than that.
87. I feel lucky that I have a gem like you in my life. You make everything easier and simpler. Thank you for being such amazing support. Happy New Year.
88. You have no clue how much impact you have in my life. Thanks for choosing me over and over again. Happy New Year, honey. I love you.
89. Spending a wonderful year next to you made a better person and there’s no doubt about that. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Happy New Year.
90. This upcoming year I wish to God that he may help you with everything and bless you throughout the year. Happy New Year, Sweetheart.
91. Thanks for being the loveliest wife in this world. I really want to make this year very special for you. A happy new year my dear!
92. I never regret a moment for being with you. Your presence is the sweetest thing that can ever happen to me. happy new year!
93. I am so busy living the good years that I almost forgot how a bad year feels like! Thanks for making my life a piece of heaven. Happy new year darling!
94. You did not only complete me, but you also completed my home and my world. I want to spend every year of my life loving you. Wish you a happy new year!
95. You filled my life with an abundance of love, joy, and smiles. You’re the kind of wife only a fortunate one can get. Happy new year!
96. You are and will always remain to be the man of my dream. I love You with all my heart and respect you for the person you are. Happy new year!
97. My life has been more like a fairy tale since you came into my life. You’ve made all sadness in my life vanish with a touch of your love. Happy new year!
98. I dreamt of a sweet husband and a happy home and god introduced me with you. You are the best achievement in my life. Happy new year!
99. I don’t think I can ever have a bad year in my life as long as you’re in it. You’re really the best life partner ever. Happy new year!
100. Thanks for making the last year of my life a collection of beautiful memories. Your presence in life is everything I ever dreamt of. Happy new year!
Princess Toyin Kolade with the moniker ‘Iyaalaje Apapa’ had dedicated all her life to look into the affairs of the downtrodden. And on several occasions, she has vowed to keep touching lives regardless of the propaganda and hatred tied to it by naysayers.
Those close to the Fisolak Global Resource boss would attest to the fact that she is a hardworking and supportive woman. She has been championing the revitalization of the Yoruba culture and tradition with the help of His Imperial Majesty, The Ooni of Ife, Oba Babatunde Adeyeye Ogunwusi, most especially, as the sole promoter of the annual Aje Festival (Festival of Wealth)in Ile-Ife the cradle of Yoruba race.
Ever since the coronation of Ooni Ogunwusi in 2015, the affable businesswoman has shown unflinching support and loyalty to him in all ramifications. Like the popular axiom, there is a reward for hard work and loyalty. Sources disclosed that the cosmopolitan businesswoman is getting set to be bestowed with the highly coveted Yoruba title as the ‘Iyaalaje Oodua’ (Head of market men and women in Yoruba land) by the Ooni of Ife.
Sources further revealed that preparations are already in top gear as the ancient city of Ife will welcome top political officials, captains of industries, and socialites who are scheduled to attend the ceremony to celebrate the stylish Osun State-born philanthropist. “The title coronation party will be a massive one. It will be held sometime in March 2021 after the annual Aje Festival in February. The title for Princess Toyin is like putting a round peg in a round hole. She is sparing no cost to fete all guests that day. Those few who will be privileged to attend will never forget in a hurry.”
THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged African countries to boost genomic surveillance and analysis as new COVID-19 variants emerge in the region, according to an announcement on the WHO Regional Office for Africa website.
It stated that with the recent emergence in the region of new COVID-19 variants, which appear to have higher transmissibility, WHO is urging countries to undertake increased surveillance and analysis.
“WHO calls on countries to boost surveillance and analysis through the African genome sequencing laboratory network, to detect any new mutations and strengthen the efforts to curb the pandemic.
“South Africa recently detected a new SARS-CoV-2 variant, which appears to transmit more easily and is likely linked to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 infections in the country.
“Further analysis is underway to determine the full epidemiological significance of this mutation. Nigeria is also carrying out more investigations on a variant identified in samples collected in August and October.’’
The statement quoted Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, as saying, “the emergence of new COVID-19 variants is common. However, those with higher speed of transmission or potentially increased pathogenicity are of great concern.
“Crucial investigations are underway to comprehensively understand the behaviour of the new mutant virus and steer response accordingly.’’
In September 2020, WHO and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention launched a network of 12 laboratories in Africa, to reinforce genome sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2. As at Dec. 23, 2020, 4,948 sequences had been produced in the region, representing just two per cent of the 295, 101 sequences done so far worldwide.
According to the statement, South Africa, which has carried out most of the 4,948 sequences, has identified 35 SARS-CoV-2 lineages, and Nigeria 18.
“Grouping viruses from different countries into the same lineage or sub-lineage shows linkage or importation of viruses between countries.”
DIOCESAN Bishop of Lagos (Anglican Communion) Rt. Rev. Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye has advised the Federal Government against ordering a second lockdown over fear of an increase in the second wave of COVID-19.
Rather, the cleric urged the government to look for better ways of maintaining safety protocols till the country recover from the pandemic.
Rev. Olumakaiye, who said this in his New Year message to The Nation yesterday in Lagos, added that there is palpable anger in the land because of poverty.
According to him, many people have also lost fortune this year due to the pandemic with several other people doubting the reality of the virus.
Hs noted that to forestall avoidable protest that may be worse than the #ENDSARS protest, the government should try to manage the situation in the best ways possible to enable people to live their normal lives.
THE United Kingdom (UK) has pledged to spend £7 million aid in Nigeria through the World Food Programme to reach 430,000 Nigerians, especially in the Northeast, with unconditional food assistance and nutrition support for 108 days.
The amount is part of an extra £47 million aid to immediately provide food, nutrition, water and shelter for vulnerable families in nine countries and regions.
A statement issued by Press & Public Affairs Officer, British Deputy High Commission, Lagos Ndidiamaka Eze indicated that the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in Northeast is increasing, having risen to 8.9 million people as the world enter 2021.
The statement said over 3.4 million are living in acute food insecurity at crisis or worse levels in Northeast Nigeria, including 1.2 million living in areas that are inaccessible areas due to insecurity.
This, it said, is set to increase to five million people in the next lean season (June–August 2021), if immediate mitigating actions are not taken.
The UK is the second-largest humanitarian donor to Nigeria, providing £85 million in life-saving assistance in the financial year 2020/21 alone, as part of an overall £258 million of UK development funding in Nigeria. However, the UN Humanitarian Response Plan remains significantly underfunded and access remains a major obstacle.
The UK, the statement added, is also lobbying international donors to provide more funding and calling for all conflict parties to allow safe, sustained, and unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need of assistance; including 1.24m people the UN estimate are living in areas currently inaccessible to humanitarian actors due to insecurity in the Northeast.
Compounded by the coronavirus pandemic, humanitarian crises are getting worse, according to UN data published earlier this month, with 235 million people expected to be in need of urgent assistance in 2021 compared to 175 million people at the start of 2020.
Life-saving food, nutrition, water, childhood vaccinations and shelter are all urgently needed to help families in some of the largest humanitarian crises around the world.
The UK Special Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs, Nick Dyer, visited Nigeria in November to urge the government, the UN and the international community for increased collective action to mitigate the deteriorating food insecurity, and to address humanitarian access and protection of civilians concerns.
In September, at the launch of the new Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab announced an international Call to Action to tackle food insecurity, including a new £119 million aid package to combat the global threat of coronavirus and food insecurity of which £8 million was dedicated to averting any further deterioration in food security in the North East region of Nigeria.
At the same time, the Foreign Secretary also appointed Nick Dyer as the UK Special Envoy on Humanitarian Affairs to drive the UK’s international Call to Action to tackle food insecurity and help deliver on our vision of a Global Britain as a force for good around the world.
LAGOS State Commissioner of Police Hakeem Odumosu has ordered Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to enforce COVID-19 protocols as highlighted by the Presidential Taskforce and Lagos State Government.
Odumosu gave this order in a statement issued on Thursday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The commissioner said officers must enforce the use of face masks regularly at public places like markets and malls as well as ensure that social distancing was adhered to.
“Also, the total closure of night clubs, bars, lounges, event centres, social party and street carnivals must be discouraged.
“The use of infra-red thermometers to check body temperature, sanitisers and enforcement of the imposed curfew between 12 midnight and 4:00 a.m must be strictly adhered to,” he said.
Odumosu ordered Area Commanders and DPOs to also ensure the enforcement of the protocols in their various commands and stations across the state.
“COVID-19 is real and we must do everything possible within our reach to halt its spread,” he said.
The commissioner warned Area Commanders and DPOs to adequately supervise their men for effective service delivery and kick against incivility, misconduct and indiscipline among the officers.
“Drunkenness, excessive or misuse of power, accidental discharge, extortion and other inappropriate behaviours as such, will not be tolerated in any way.
“Anyone found wanting will be heavily sanctioned within the ambit of the law,” he said.
Odumosu urged the public to be law-abiding, support security agencies for effective policing of the state and stay safe at all times, wishing everyone a Happy New Year ahead.
BARRING last minute change, the National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will hold on or before June 30, it was learnt on Thursday.
The party’s membership registration and re-validation will begin in two weeks.
This was contained in a joint New Year message by the party’s Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) Chairman and Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni and CECPC Secretary, Senator James John Akpanudoedehe, in Abuja.
The statement, titled: Rebuilding our Party for a Stronger Democracy, said the reconstitution of the party’s leadership at all levels will begin immediately after the registration.
The Caretaker Committee said it will engage some competent party leaders to actualize the various programmes.
It also promised to release a detailed timetable of activities leading to the national convention.
The statement reads: “Our party’s membership registration/revalidation will be followed by activities for the party’s leadership reconstitution at all levels, from ward, local government, states to national. Ahead of all that, the Caretaker Committee will release a detailed timetable for all activities very soon. And ahead of the congresses and National Convention, competent party leaders will be invited to serve in Committees to ensure that the mandate of NEC is achieved before June 30, 2021.”
The party’s leadership assured members that APC would be returned to members, as envisioned by its founding fathers.
“As a party, we want to assure all our members that our commitment to lead the process of political change in Nigeria is unwavering. Our ability to constantly strengthen the structures of our party is part of our change credentials.
“Other important requirements, which will include the review of our rules and other operational requirements, which are needed to make our party and our elected representatives more accountable to Nigerians, will be considered and all the necessary steps required will be taken.
“A democracy is as strong as the political parties it produces. We are rebuilding our party, APC, to strengthen our democracy.”
The party congratulated all Nigerians for the commencement of a new year, despite all the challenges encountered in 2020, especially the dreaded novel global COVID-19, which nearly ran nations of the world aground.
It expressed confidence that the Federal Government, under President Muhammadu Buhari, will take necessary measures to return Nigeria to pre-COVID-19 normal conditions.
THE Nation management and staff members marked the end of 2020 with thanksgiving.
They were full of gratitude to God for seeing them and the 14-yer-old newspaper through a torturous year.
It was a year which COVID-19 dealt a devastating blow to our editorial and commercial operations.
At the height of the #EndSARS protests, arsonists set our Lagos headquarters ablaze, burning vehicles and causing significant damage to property and equipment.
Weekend Editor, Festus Eriye, noted the newspaper’s resilience.
The Nation ended the year by winning the prestigious Newspaper of the Year at both the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) and the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA).
Eriye said it was a testimony of God’s favour.
He said: “This is the first time the paper will be winning the DAME and NMMA awards as the Newspaper of the Year since its establishment 14 years ago.
“It was also unprecedented that we had 38 nominations and won 14 of them at the NMMA.
“Hoodlums attacked us during the #EndSARS protest and torched the building but, here we are today, still waxing strong.
“COVID-19 also threatened our existence, but we thank God that despite everything the enemies planned, the company is still standing firm.”
The Editor, Adeniyi Adesina, who won the DAME Editor of the Year, appreciated members of staff for their dedication and commitment to duty, especially during the pandemic.
He said the company looks forward to a better 2021.
Executive Director (Finance and Administration) Sunday Adeleke also praised the workers for their hard work.
He said 2020 began on a bright note with the company’s numerous welfare plans for workers, but lamented that it all became a matter of survival following the pandemic.
Adeleke, however, assured the workers that 2021 would herald bigger and better things.
Retiring General Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde, who spoke on ‘Believing God’, urged staff members to believe in the Almighty despite the odds.
According to him, everyone should trust God because he alone can do all things.
The management and staff thanked Mr Omotunde for his dedication and service and wished him success in retirement.
Managing Director, Victor Ifijeh, especially appreciated God for protecting every member of staff during the pandemic and the attack.
He said God blessed the company with the best crop of journalists in the country, which is evident in the newspaper’s awards and global recognition.
He said: “We can do nothing if the Lord is not with us. We appreciate God for everything He has done in our lives in the last 14 years. It is God who has made everything possible.”
The Nation and its journalists showed class by winning 22 honours from 51 nominations at various local and international award events organised to recognise media excellence in 2020.
In Nigeria’s political terrain, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has paid his dues first as a two-term governor of Abia State. He has also registered himself as the youngest civilian governor in Nigeria at age 39 in his time. At different times, his traducers have tried so hard to drag him down, but to their chagrin, his influence keeps growing like a wildfire.
Over the years, the Slok Holding boss has suffered political humiliation but like a true-born fighter, he keeps emerging victorious.
The Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate showed his influence on December 27, when he pulled political juggernauts, powerful government officials, business moguls, captains of industries, friends and supporters to his country home at Camp Neya, Igbere, Abia State in celebration of his late father, Chief Johnson Uzor Nesiegbe Kalu’s ten-year remembrance.
Society Rendezvous gathered that the well attended and colourful event had over several guests in attendance. The guests were feted at several reception locations across the town. Those spotted at the event were President of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan, Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of state for mines and steel, Dr Uche Ogah, Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial zone, Senator T. A. Orji, Former Managing Director of defunct Diamond Bank, Dr Alex Otti, Former President of the Senate, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Deputy Whip of the House Of Representatives, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, spokesperson of the House Of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, former Army Chief of Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika, Prophet Chukwuemeka Odumeje, among several others.
The Igbere traditional ruler also conferred on the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan with a chieftaincy title as the Nwannedinamba of Igbere.
The name Umar Mohammed Nasko is familiar to a lot of people, particularly in the political space in Niger State. Apart from being a notable politician, he was among the top functionaries in the cabinet of ex-governor Alhaji Aliyu Babangida.
In a bid to achieve his long term ambition to govern the power state, he was given a baptismal of fire twice at the Niger state governorship election, losing to the incumbent, Abubakar Sanni Bello. Recently, he received the shock of his political life, with the current permutation, the 2023 PDP Niger Guber ticket has been zoned away from his senatorial district, which throws him at a disadvantage, and might probably opt for a senatorial ticket to serve as the senator of his district in the next election.
Weeks ago, tongues began wagging about Nasko’s recent marriage to Abuja big girl, Kadijat Yahyah Nuhu aka Pinky. A few weeks ago, the ex-Commissioner for Tourism and Culture walked down the aisle with the half Nupe and half Edo beautiful bride at a big Nikkah ceremony in Bida, Niger State. Filled with joy in his heart, Nasko displayed his romantic side by singing his favourite Hamisu Breaker’s song ‘Jarumar Mata’ to pinky as they were both dressed in an Edo Regal attire.
Sources squealed that Nasko and his new bride have been together for over seven years before they finally took the bold step of legalizing their union.
The decision to take Pinky as his newest wife saw Nasko coming under sheer criticism and verbal attack. Many of the critics were amazed that despite flaunting his first wife Jamila with numerous captions and sweet words to affirm his love for her on social media, he still went ahead to take a new bride. Some faulted the idea, knowing he has been married to his first wife for 18 years, and also their union is blessed with five kids.
Family sources, however, disclosed that Jamila is not happy with the recent development. “Jamila is not in the best of mood. She is worried that the attention of her husband would switch automatically to that of the new wife. They have both trudges through hard times together. At the moment, she is trying to cope with the newest development in her family,” a family source who preferred to be anonymous said.
Nasko, who was Managing Partner at New Africa Investment Limited between 2001 and 2007, had served on various Boards and Committees in the State. He was also a member of, Niger State Executive Council in his official capacity as the Commissioner of Tourism and Culture, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Ministry of Youth Development, Special Adviser on Tourism Matters, and Ministry of Environment, Parks, Gardens and Forest Resources. He also served as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Niger State until December 2014.
A new Argentine telenovela, ‘Land of Passion and Revenge,’ is set to make its debut on Nigerian airwaves via StarTimes.
According to a statement from Ali Auta, Content Marketing Manager of StarTimes Nigeria, the telenovela will begin airing from January 4, 2021.
“The channel ST Novela E plus is fully-dedicated to broadcasting the best dramas around the world. We understand that although the cultural background varies, still human-beings share something emotional in common, and through the touching telenovelas, the audience could experience things and stories that have never happened in their surroundings before. Argentina, Land of Passion and Revenge in this regard, certainly is a recommendation for the new year. Be prepared to welcome something new,” said Ali.
The ‘Land of Passion and Revenge’ is based on the local livelihood in Argentina, thus the audience can access the exotic culture to some extent aside from the complicated relationships and communications among the main characters.
The telenovela tells the story of Torcuato Ferreyra, a veteran of the Spanish Civil War who managed to amass a great fortune in Argentina after betraying his best friend, Bruno Salvat. At the end of the 30s, Bruno arrives in Argentina, to avenge Torcuato’s treachery and rescue his sister Julia, who fell into the clutches of a pimp. Bruno gets asylum in a typical conventillo in Buenos Aires and from there he begins to plot his revenge plan.
Fani-Kayode, who also was a former Minister of Culture and Tourism, released the prophecies in a series of posts on his Twitter page on Friday.
He revealed that people will be shocked and awe as there will be an earthshaking and monumental change.
Fani-Kayode wrote: “As we leave 2020, the quintessential “annus horriblis” which claimed so many precious lives, we thank God for His grace and mercy, for exposing and uprooting our enemies and for delivering and protecting us.
“2021 is a year of dramatic change and new beginnings. It is a year of victory and glory. It is a year of life and abundance. It is a year of love and beauty. It is a year of power and restoration.
“As far as Nigeria is concerned it is a year in which miraculous wonders will take place. People will be in shock and awe. There will be an earthshaking and monumental change. Behold, all things will become new.
“This is prophetic. It cannot be altered. Glory be to God.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed sadness over the passing away of the Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (retd).
Atiku described Nkanga as a patriot, astute administrator and a pragmatic politician of no mean repute.
In a statement by his Media Office in Abuja and signed by Paul Ibe, Atiku said the death of Nkanga has left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill given his numerous contributions to the development of his native Akwa Ibom State, the Niger Delta and the country at large.
“The late Nkanga was unwaveringly committed and dedicated to the founding ideals and objectives of the group to foster unity, peace and development in the Niger Delta region.
“He was a selfless, humane, broad-minded, trusted leader, esteemed compatriot and statesman,” the Wazirin Adamawa said.
The former Vice President prayed God to grant his immediate family, the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State and the entire Niger Delta the needed fortitude to bear the loss.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called for unity and harmony among the people of Ilorin community and the state as a whole.
He said development premised on togetherness and pursuit of a common agenda.
AbdulRazaq spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, at the 55th annual conference of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) and N2bn fundraising for the construction of IEDPU ICT/Skill Acquisition hub/launching of 2021 calendar.
“As the guest speaker has said, the people of Ilorin need to come together under the leadership of the Emir of Ilorin to make Ilorin the envy of all. Let all of us bury our hatchet and come together to make Ilorin a better place for all of us. Let’s work together for peace and progress of Ilorin and our state,” he said.
The Governor, who commended the Emir for his fatherly support to every Ilorin son and daughter, also commended the IEDPU for the proposed ICT hub which he said aligns with the ongoing programme (innovation hub) of the administration to give new skills to young people in the state.
He made a personal donation of N25m and announced another N25m on behalf of his friends from the business community, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote of the Aliko Dangote Group and Abdulsamad Rabiu of the BUA Group, in support of the ICT project.
Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari sued for peace, unity and understanding among sons and daughters of Ilorin to ensure the development and progress of the emirate.
He commended the strides of the Governor who he described as humble, pro-development, and discipline, including his signature timely arrival at public events.
Chairman of the occasion and Zanna of Ilorin, Lanre Shagaya, who was represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Salman, called on indigenes of Ilorin to unite, help one another, and invest at home.
“As for the union’s leadership, the challenge is to continuously appeal and always prevail on the government on the creation of enabling environment to attract investors to the Emirate and also encourage indigenes of the Emirate to invest at home,” he said.
Guest Speaker and National Missioner of the Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria Sheikh Ahmad AbdulRahman called for restoration of sound moral and religious values for which Ilorin is known.
He said the violence and looting that followed the recent EndSARS’ protest, the rising menace of drug abuse, and glaring lack of respect for legal authorities signalled a breakdown of such values.
National President Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressives Union Othman Otta rallied the people of the emirate around the agenda of peace, harmony, and development.
He specifically commended the Governor for the impacts his administration is having on the poor and the vulnerable, and called for more developmental projects and deeper government-IEDPU relationships.
The annual conference was attended by crème de la crème of the Ilorin emirate from all walks of life.
Abia State Governor of Okezie Ikpeazu has said that he will not defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Debunking rumours about defection, he said they were unfounded because PDP is the dominant party in the state.
Speaking in Umuahia, the state capital, Ikpeazu said he has not seen any reason why he should leave the PDP for any other party.
He said: “I do not see any reason why I should leave the PDP for any other political party. The music of politics as it plays differs from one State to another.
“Here in Abia, the people are comfortable with the PDP and I think the aspirations of Ndi Abia will be met and achieved under the platform of the PDP.”
Ikpeazu added: “Nobody has been able to convince me that there is a better party for us here in Abia than the PDP. I am a strong member of the PDP and a leader in the party.
“In fact, I am the Deputy Chairman of the PDP Governor’s Forun. I will rather be a conductor in a moving vehicle than be the driver of a stationary vehicle.”
The clamour for power shift to the Southeast geo-political zone is being intensified by politicians from the zone.
How realistic is the agenda? A prominent Igbo politician and former governorship contender, Chief Reagan Ufomba, said there is justification for the agitation.
“Where there is inequality, there will be no justice; there will be no unity,” he told reporters in Lagos.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain said there are many Nigerians from the Southeast who are eminently qualified to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
He described Igbo as good managers, saying: “Anything you give to an Igboman, he turns into gold. Give Nigeria to an Igbo to run, and all will be well.”
Ufomba said there are agitations in the Southeast, owing to persistent feeling of exclusion from federal power. “There are poverty, unemployment, hunger. So, there is agitation,” he stressed.
Ufomba maintained that Igbo presidency is not debatable in 2023. He said it is either Igbo president or nothing.
“In 1999, Obasanjo came from the Southwest. In 2007, Yar’Adua came from the Northwest; a fantastic president who admited that the poll that brought him was flawed.
“Jonathan came from the Southsouth. In 2015, Buhari came from the Northwest. It should be the turn of the Southeast in 2023,” he stressed.
Ufomba has other priorities. For 12 years, he has been gazing at the Abia Government House. “To govern Abia remains my vision,” he said without much elaboration. “I will take that decision in 2022,” he added.
Abia is another mini-Nigeria as the various ethnic groups struggle for the front seat. To foster unity, the Abia Charter of Equity was agreed upon by the founding fathers of the state. Thus, Orji Kalu from Abia North became governor in 1999. His successor, Theodore Orji, is from Centeal. In 2015, Okezie Ikpeazu from South became governor.
Ufomba is from Central. Therefore, what is the chance of assuming the reins? He said his chance is bright. “Power walks. It doesn’t fly. It will walk through Abia Central,” he said.
The PDP chieftain hailed the idea behind the charter of equity. “What is fair to all is good. The charter defines the best principles and strategies for sharing and distribution of power. I support it,” he added.
However, Ufomba said the discussion on succession should not take the front burner now so that the governor will not be distracted.
He commended the governor for fighting the infrastructure battle in the state by constructing the roads, building hospitals, sponsoring human capacity development and sending artisans abroad for skill acquisition training.
Ufomba said: “We will assess him(governor)in 2022. He is on the right course. He has paid the backlog of salaries. He has done over 100 roads in Abia. When I joined the party in 2017, I discovered that the governor was being sabotaged. The federal roads he was constructing were stopped. The design of the bridge at Osisioma was not released. Over nine federal roads in Abia are being rebuilt. He has been doing that, whether he will get refund or not.”
In his view, Abia is work in progress. For the state, life is full of ups and downs. The state is surrounded by seven states-Imo, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi-all of them linked by federal roads. Yet, these federal roads are abandoned.
Ufomba said the distant Federal Government can hardly cope with the items on the Exclusive List in the constitution. Lending his voice to the call for the devolution of power, he said:”Until the nation is restructured to give room for states to manage certain infrastructure in these states, there will always be abandonment.
“Most of the federal roads should be handed over to states. Why should the Federal Government should be coming to Abia to repair roads?”
Ufomba also assessed the Buhari administration, saying much still needed to be accomplished. He noted that the policies of the government favoured. But, he lamented that young people now find it difficult to farm.
On security, he said: “No foreign investment can come when there is no security. Insecurity makes the environment to be hostile. Politics is the only industry that works.
The PDP chieftain said security ought to have improved because the president is a General who understands the terrain. He observed that the first constitutional priority of government is security. He called for the change of service chiefs, an end to banditry and misbehaviour of herdsmen.
On economy, Ufomba said: “Inflation is an indication that the economy is bad. The economy is in shambles. People now say that Jonathan was better.”
But, he said on anti-corruption fight, “Buhari has done a little well. “The complaint, he said, revolves around the methods for fighting graft.
“People are concerned about modus operandi. Let there be due process and transparency. EFCC has become a debt collector,” he added.