Author: Yusuf Olajide

Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has suspended its rice distribution program in Lagos indefinitely after reports of a stampede that led to the death of some Lagosians. The program was aimed at reducing the frustrations of Nigerians as they continued to protest against the country’s deteriorating economy. The initiative started on Friday but was short-lived as reports revealed that the process has been suspended. An official of the NCS confirmed the development and detailed that the exercise had been suspended until further notice. However, the Customs official did not give a reason as to why the initiative was suspended. Dailystand revealed…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has claimed that over 80% of Nigeria’s crude oil is stolen, which is one of the reasons why the country’s economy is in ruins. Speaking at the launch of a book in Abuja, Obasanjo said that while other oil-producing countries have records of their oil production, Nigeria cannot account for hers due to theft. He added that while the crude oil quota is about two million barrels per day, over 1.7 million are stolen. Obasanjo also commented on Nigeria’s political system, saying that there is nothing wrong with the presidential system, but Nigerians do not play…

Kate Henshaw, a well-known Nollywood star, openly shared about reconnecting with Genevieve Nnaji, her former colleague, after a long time apart. When asked about their friendship by Chude Jideonwo, Kate mentioned some recent differences but highlighted her concern about Genevieve distancing herself from them. Kate explained that they reconnected during a Netflix project, and she described Genevieve as friendly and welcoming after years of limited contact. Despite their past differences, Kate praised Genevieve, comparing her to Nollywood’s version of Angelina Jolie, who prefers a more solitary path in the industry.

The Nigerian social media personality, VeryDarkMan, has accepted the dare to engage in a celebrity boxing match with Niki Tall, an Afrobeats artist, DJ, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer. In a widely trending video, the Greek-German artist encouraged VeryDarkMan to engage in a friendly competition, also encouraging Portable, a Nigerian singer, to consider a rematch with Charles Okocha in a celebrity boxing event. Just a few hours after Niki Tall proposed a celebrity boxing match with VeryDarkMan, the latter responded via video, expressing his eagerness to participate. However, he sought a Canadian visa for travel, emphasizing his willingness to engage in…

Nigerian singer and rapper, Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, aka Zlatan Ibile has revealed how he got his career breakthrough. According to him, his 2017 collaborative song with Olamide, ‘My Body’ was the turning point of his career. He said the YBNL boss giving him a verse was “life-changing.” Speaking in a recent interview with popular YouTuber, Korty EO, Zlatan recounted how he kept on begging Olamide for a collaboration via his social media DM and how it eventually happened despite initial disappointments. He said, “Olamide giving me a verse at that time was life-changing for me. I was always tracking him…

Alhaji Abdul-Samad Rabiu, Chairman of the BUA Group has revealed when the company will start selling cement at N3,500 per bag. Speaking with State House Correspondents after a visit to President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Lagos, Rabiu revealed the new price will take effect from January 2024. He said the company would also make the product accessible and affordable to customers despite various challenges. “You know the price that we have set will be N3,500 per bag. You know x factory of course plus VAT and then delivered to customers depending on the region. “As you know, the factories…

Around 60 people were killed in attacks by gunmen in three communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government in Plateau state. The leader of Berom Youth Moulders-Association, Solomon Mwantiri, officially acknowledged and strongly condemned the tragic events that occurred in various villages on Christmas Eve. NTV reported 9 casualties in one village, 5 in another, 3 in a third, and 1 in yet another. Bokkos villages were hit the hardest, with over 40 deaths, injuries, looting, and property destruction. The group said in a statement; “The BYM extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who…

The Federal Government has instructed that Nigerians returning for the festive season with expired passports should face no hindrance upon entry, according to a letter from the Nigeria Immigration Service. The directive allows entry with expired passports, and airlines are urged to permit boarding for such individuals. The policy, not new, aims to facilitate the return of Nigerians in the diaspora, with passport re-issuance within a maximum of two weeks at designated offices. The letter emphasizes the importance of publicizing this directive through all Nigerian embassies and high commissions. In a letter dated December 22, 2023, by the Comptroller General…

Nigeria took center stage in the African market for local food consumption in 2023, with a notable preference for jollof rice. Glovo’s survey indicated a remarkable 25-fold surge in local food orders throughout 2023, showcasing Nigeria as the leader in consumption trends. Mrs. Lamide Akinola, General Manager of Glovo Nigeria, shared these insights in the company’s annual report released in Lagos last Friday. Highlighting the top products ordered, she mentioned, “jollof rice, fried rice, asun rice, chicken, meat pie, and stir-fry spaghetti.” Expressing Nigeria’s enduring fondness for its local cuisine, she emphasized the country’s proud position at the forefront of…

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the immediate settlement of the overdue stipends owed to NPower beneficiaries nationwide. Tinubu’s order comes after the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation completed a meticulous verification process. The president’s instruction, reportedly received on Wednesday night, has sparked joy among more than 400,000 beneficiaries throughout the country. Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, conveyed in a statement on Friday: “Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty, Dr Betta Edu, announced the release of funds, expressing renewed hope for Nigerian youths during the Christmas and New Year festivities.” The minister…

A show of unity took place on Friday, December 22, organized by various groups, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), student unions, civil society organizations, members of the Hausa community, and others, expressing support for Gov. Siminalayi of Rivers State. State employees utilized the occasion to express gratitude to the governor for the N100,000 Christmas bonus. They gathered in front of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, reinforcing their endorsement of the governor, who is currently in a dispute with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The apparent strain in the relationship between Wike…

In a clip trending online, two men dressed as Father Christmas were spotted exchanging blows. They forgot the reason for the season as they continued fighting with no one separating them. It is uncertain what led to their disagreement, which degenerated into a fight. See a video of them fighting below.

Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, unveiled a N384.533 billion budget for the 2024 fiscal year before the state House of Assembly on Thursday evening. Aiyedatiwa presented the “Budget of Economic Resilience” during a plenary sitting led by Speaker Olamide Oladiji, with N212,014 billion allocated for capital expenditure and N172,518 billion for recurrent expenditure. Infrastructure claimed the major portion, with N95,482,176 billion. Emphasizing that the 2024 budget proposal surpasses the 2023 fiscal year’s total projected budget of N275,979 billion, Aiyedatiwa revealed the upward revision of the outgoing fiscal year’s budget to N313,144 billion due to the economic impact of…

The Nigerian singer, Young Duu, has made damning allegations against his former record label boss, Portable. He accused Portable of threatening his life, stating that it would never be well with him. In a recent statement made during a live video, Young Duu revealed that he was beaten on the street by individuals who identified him as Portable’s former boy. He further mentioned that during his time under the label, Portable had attempted to use him for a ritual, but the attempt was unsuccessful. He stated that he landed in the hospital but Portable was angry that he did not…

Peruzzi has shared insights into his tight bond with Davido, highlighting the generosity that sets their collaboration apart. The ‘Amaka’ singer revealed that Davido has never asked him for money, whether for joint projects, features, or other partnerships. This rarity in the music industry reflects a refreshing departure from the usual financial transactions. Peruzzi emphasized that he gets his full royalties for their joint efforts, a straightforward and fair practice uncommon in an industry often marked by disputes over royalty sharing. This transparency stands out as a testament to the strength of their professional connection. In the interview, Peruzzi underlined…

Jose Mourinho recently revealed why he changed John Mikel Obi from an attacker to a defender during their time at Chelsea. Before Mourinho came in 2006, Obi was a top young playmaker. Mourinho explained his choice, emphasizing the need for physical strength and simplicity for defensive midfielders, except for rare cases like Claude Makelele. Mourinho stressed the importance of humility in defensive midfielders, putting the team above individual interests. Reflecting on Mikel’s time at Chelsea, Mourinho praised his adaptability, describing him as a fantastic player with quick thinking and a simple game. In his words, “I liked everything about Mikel.…

Grammy-winning Nigerian star Burna Boy made waves by giving Portable’s former signee Young Duu a whopping 1.5 million naira in a Lagos nightclub. Videos of the moment went viral, showing Burna Boy handing Young Duu a bundle of cash, sparking online celebrations and discussions. Online reactions varied, with some questioning the choice of a cash gift over mentorship. Others joked about Young Duu’s serious expression and wondered where celebrities find so much cash. The unexpected windfall prompted speculation about whether it would bring joy or new challenges for Young Duu. One user pointed out the irony of the cash flow…

The Joint National Assembly Committee on Appropriations has given a firm 48-hour deadline to sub-committees for their reports on the 2024 budget. After President Bola Tinubu presented an N27.503 trillion budget, with N18.324 trillion in targeted revenue and an N9.18 trillion deficit, sub-committees are submitting reports. Senator Olamilekan Adeola heads the committee on Appropriations and urges adherence to the deadline, emphasizing the goal of maintaining the January-December budget cycle. Agencies or committees not meeting the deadline are assumed to grant omnibus power for independent budget treatment. The push for a timely budget reflects the commitment of the National Assembly.

A Nigerian lady got everyone talking on social media after showing off a wad of $100 bills gifted to her by Davido at a concert. The total was a cool 5 million naira, and her excitement while counting the cash was infectious. She’s all set for a fantastic Christmas, and the video quickly sparked reactions online. People joked about the number of bills, suggested what she might buy, and even gave some advice. Some urged her not to splurge on the holiday but to consider starting a side hustle with the money. As discussions continued, there were concerns about her…

Daniel Bwala, an aide to Atiku Abubakar, has strongly disagreed with President Bola Tinubu’s recent involvement in resolving the political turmoil in Rivers State. After a three-hour meeting at the State House in Abuja, where key figures including Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara were present, eight resolutions were made to calm the political tension in Rivers State. However, Bwala, spokesperson for the Atiku Presidential Campaign Organization, criticized the president’s directives as illegal and unconstitutional. Via social media, he urged the people of Rivers State to reject what he called the “so-called directive.” As this disagreement unfolds, it adds…

Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has banned civil servants from wearing traditional outfits like kaftans and Babanriga to offices on weekdays. The announcement was made during an event where the governor introduced new equipment in Wushishi Local Government Area. Governor Bago emphasized the need for a more formal dress code, stating that only English attire would be allowed from Monday to Thursday. He warned of dismissal for non-compliance, highlighting his commitment to a professional work environment. The move reflects a shift towards a business-oriented atmosphere and aligns with the governor’s vision for increased productivity and focus on agriculture. “From Monday,…

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has taken a counter-legal action against singer Naira Marley, demanding ₦500 million. This comes after Naira Marley’s camp demanded an apology within seven days. Ojo, known for her outspoken nature, expressed no regrets in her pursuit of justice for the late Mohbad and his family, despite facing public criticism. In a statement on Instagram, she declared her refusal to succumb to bullying and clarified her intentions behind certain actions. “I reject all forms of bullying. For me to bully is to hurt others, and that is not me,” Ojo stated. She addressed the controversy on a…

Nigerian entertainer ZicSaloma, once known as Isaac Aloma, shared his journey with journalist Chude Jideonwo, revealing family challenges in pursuing his cross-dressing content creation. Early on, ZicSaloma faced opposition from his four brothers, who actively discouraged his love for music by destroying his cassettes. Undeterred, he transitioned into content creation, but family scepticism persisted, with only his mother offering support. Recalling a crucial moment, ZicSaloma said, “It was only my mom that supported me. I remember when I was supposed to go to a competition in South Africa. I was supposed to go with family and friends. So I took…

President Bola Tinubu is meeting at the Presidential Villa with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former governor Sir Peter Odili, and other key figures. This comes after a recent clash between Governor Fubara and former governor Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The meeting’s agenda is not public, but it likely relates to the recent shift in the state’s politics. Twenty-seven out of 32 State House of Assembly members who support Minister Wike switched from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Rivers…