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Mark Angel Apologises Over Emanuella’s Viral Dance Video

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Entertainer Mark Angel has issued an apology for a widely shared video featuring his protégé, Emanuella Samuel, a young comedian that sparked conflicting opinions on social media.

The comedian was shown in the video, which went viral on Thursday, wearing a black dress with a high split that revealed her lap.

Although some contended that she was too young to be sharing such stuff, others praised the comedian for her development and thought the video was appropriate.

In response to the criticism late on Thursday, Angel expressed regret and said that the film had been shared without his permission.

“Dear friends and family, I want to address a situation involving my child: Emanuella’s recent video that has been circulating on social media,” the guy posted on his Instagram page.

“Sadly, she wore inappropriate clothing belonging to one of her older sisters without our knowledge, and she posted it on her WhatsApp status. However, a view-hungry adult downloaded the video and posted it on her own tiktok account without taking into account the possibility that the child posted the video without fully understanding the consequences. I believe the adult should have called to report the child’s behavior.”

“Neither her handler’s nor my consent was obtained before the video was shared.

As a parent, I accept full responsibility and offer my heartfelt apologies for any inconvenience or worry this may have brought about.

“I’m talking to my youngster about the circumstance and stressing how important it is to make wise decisions. I sincerely apologize for the error and will take the necessary precautions to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time.”

Unemployed youths eulogizes Betta Edu’s skill acquisition,  enterprenural drives 

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The Coalition of Unemployed Youths in Nigeria (CUYN) has hailed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, for her persistent demand for skill acquisition and entrepreneural drive among Nigerian youths.

 

 

They also hailed her  tireless commitment to nation-building and efforts to actualise  President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

 

The Coalition said the Minister has demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to alleviating the plight of the unemployed youth in the country.

 

 

Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Abuja, the convener Comrade Adamu Adamu said Edu has implemented various initiatives aimed at empowering the youth and creating opportunities for them to thrive.

 

 

Adam noted Edu has displayed exceptional leadership skills built around integrity, accountability, and inclusivity.

 

 

“We, the millions-strong Coalition of Unemployed Youths in Nigeria, have tasted the bitter tang of unfulfilled dreams, the gnawing frustration of untapped potential. But like a diamond hidden in the rough, hope lay dormant, waiting for the right hand to polish it, to reveal its brilliance, and that hand, belongs to Dr. Betta Edu,” he said.

 

 

“A woman whose heart beats in rhythm with the aspirations of the disenfranchised, whose mind teems with solutions for the marginalized, and whose spirit burns with unwavering faith in the power of the human spirit.

 

 

“The new wave of Renewed Hope Agenda, spearheaded by Dr Betta Edu has taken us by surprise. This particular wave of Renewed Hope Agenda has provided a glimmer of hope for the unemployed youth in Nigeria. It has been duly observed by us that, Under her leadership, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has implemented various initiatives aimed at empowering the youth and creating opportunities for them to thrive.

 

 

“From skills acquisition programs to entrepreneurship support, these initiatives have played a vital role in equipping us with the necessary tools to secure a better future. This Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a policy document; it is a symphony of opportunity, composed with the ink of empathy and conducted by the maestro of action. Each initiative, each program, is a carefully crafted note, weaving together a melody of empowerment, a harmony of self-reliance.

 

 

“Look around you, See the N-Power program blossoming, its tendrils reaching out to embrace thousands of our youth, equipping them with the skills and resources to become architects of their destinies. Witness the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), a financial lifeline extended to countless micro-entrepreneurs, igniting the spark of self-sufficiency in their hearts.

 

 

“Feel the ground tremble beneath the collective steps of our young farmers, empowered by the Agricultural Revolution to till the land and reap the fruits of their labor. One key aspect of the Renewed Hope Agenda that we must reveal to Nigerians today, is its focus on inclusivity. Dr Betta Edu has ensured that no one is left behind, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic background.

 

 

“Through targeted interventions in rural areas, she has bridged the gap between urban and rural youth, providing equal opportunities for all. This inclusivity has ignited a sense of unity and national cohesion amongst the youth, fostering harmony and progress in our great nation. We are perplexed by this development and mode of operation, and we can only conclude that this is a well-executed agenda.

“Furthermore, the Honourable Minister has displayed exceptional leadership skills in her role. She has been instrumental in forging partnerships with both local and international organizations, such as the World Bank and the International Labour Organization”.

The Coalition, therefore, charged Edu to continue on this path until the majority of the nation’s young population becomes actively engaged.

In Rivers, APC woos Wike, offers him party’s leadership

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The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is the target of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has stated that it is continuously courting him to join the party and that he will become the party’s leader in Rivers State if he accepts.
After losing the party’s primary election for the presidential ticket to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2023, Wike, the state’s most recent governor, was said to be at odds with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite his insistence that he is still a member of the organization.

The State House of Assembly became polarized and 27 of his (Wike’s) supporters eventually defected to the APC as a result of a recent cold war between him and Siminalayi Fubara, his political godson and the current governor of the state.

The Rivers State chapter of the APC, however, claimed that the developments proved the peace talks President Bola Tinubu had sparked between Wike and Fubara had collapsed with the declaration on Wednesday of the 27 lawmakers’ seats as vacant by the court-recognized Speaker of the House, Edison Ehie, a staunch supporter of Fubara.

Yesterday, following his meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC) at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, Tony Okocha, the chairman of the APC caretaker committee in the state, revealed this while updating reporters on the latest events in the state.

Read Also: CAF Awards: We are proud of you as country, Tinubu praises Nnadozie, Oshoala, Osimhen

“Wike is going to be the party leader in the state when he comes, and we want the APC to win Rivers this time,” he declared.
I wasn’t part of it, but whatever that was, it has broken down, and it has broken irreconcilably, Okocha remarked in response to a query regarding the recently reported Tinubu intervention.
Additionally, Okocha said that it was unconstitutional for the four state assembly members to have approved the budget for the 2024 fiscal year without the participation of the 27 members who had recently defected to the APC.

A series of constitutional violations have led Okocha to say that the party’s lawmakers in the state House of Assembly were thinking of starting the impeachment process against Governor Fubara.

“The process of impeachment is democratic, even though I do not sit on the state House of Assembly.” According to him, impeachment is not a coup.

Regarding the state House of Assembly complex’s demolition, Okocha declared that the APC will not permit illicit activity to flourish in the state. He went on to say that as long as the MPs carrying the mace—a symbol of authority—would be there, they would continue to assemble in other locations. As an added note, let me tell you that an assembly is made up of people, not just a structure.

Therefore, as long as the mace—which serves as the assembly’s emblem of authority—is present, it can be held wherever. About 27 members convened as of yesterday to make significant choices about state affairs, the speaker stated.

27 Rivers lawmakers can meet anywhere outside aseembly complex -APC

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The All Progressives Congress chapter in Rivers State stated that the 27 members of the House of Assembly, who are currently facing many challenges, do not require a physical building or the now-demolished House of Assembly complex in order to perform their jobs.

This was revealed on Thursday when a delegation from the state caretaker committee visited the APC’s national headquarters in Abuja.

The 27 legislators who support Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, recently switched from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African National Congress (APC).

Since then, a group of the House of Assembly that supports Siminalayi Fubara, the state governor, has declared that their seats are vacant.

 

In order to replace them, the Independent National Electoral Commission has been requested to hold new elections by the PDP’s National Working Committee.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Tony Okocha, the chairman of the Rivers APC committee, reaffirmed that the majority of lawmakers can convene wherever to debate as long as the mace is there.

Okocha, a supporter of Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, also provided justification for the House of Assembly members’ defection, stating that their behavior was normal.

“The House of Assembly can be moved to anyplace,” he declared. It’s not always about a structure. Members are free to sit anywhere as long as the mace is there. The 27 legislators convened this morning and even signed a few resolutions.

“The governor never bothered to form a panel or committee to conduct an investigation, not even after the building caught fire. We seem to know that he was the mastermind.

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The government hauled it down yesterday, Wednesday, to show the members that defected that it was a fait accompli. However, as a party, we have vowed to combat illegal activity and to stop anyone from harassing lawmakers.

“We want the world to know that we support.” Their actions are not exceptional. There is nothing new about defection. After the PDP ran aground in 2014, a large number of its members defected to the other party.

“The PDP in Rivers has collapsed, and the benefits are being shared with us. We are informing the governor that he cannot survive on criminal activity. The legal advisor has been instructed by me to ask the NJC to file a complaint against the court for issuing the “Jankara” ruling.

Okocha sidestepped the subject but maintained that impeachment is a necessary part of the political process when questioned if the MPs had truly intended to remove Governor Sim Fubara before the legislative building was demolished.

The chair of the Rivers APC caretaker committee also argued that the constitution has clauses explaining why any member may quit a party.

Since I am not a member of the House of Assembly, I will be hesitant to respond to that (the attempt to impeach Fubara). Once more, the impeachment procedure is characteristic of democracy. I am aware that we haven’t reached that point yet. We will battle the government for their uncivilized approach, that’s all. The constitution contains clauses that outline the grounds for a person to leave a party. Do you not know that members left because of their indiscretion?

However, it is wrong and against the law to have four members who sat. As a political party, we shall oppose any and all violations by the governor. When we were doing Renewed Hope, I openly courted Wike to come to Macedonia and assist us.

“The APC won in 2023 as a result of his refusal to cooperate with the PDP’s presidential candidate. I restated our request for him to come yesterday, and he will take over as the party’s head. However, Fubara has entirely abandoned government in Rivers and is starting to pursue shadows, he claimed.

Youth group calls for sack of NIMASA MD over non-compliance with financial reporting standards

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The Nigerian Youth Against Corruption (NYAC) expressed grave concern following the suspension of the 2018 audited financial statement of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) due to non-compliance with financial reporting standards.

In a press statement on Thursday signed by its convener, Comrade Bethel Aguda, the group said, ”The non-compliance is unacceptable and reflects poorly on the leadership and management of NIMASA under the watch of Dr Bashir Jamoh, the Managing Director.”

The statement further read:

”This egregious breach of financial standards and withdrawal of the audited financial statement signal a failure in the agency’s leadership to uphold transparency and accountability.

”Given this significant failure and the resulting penalty imposed by the FRC, NYAC calls for the immediate dismissal of Dr. Bashir Jamoh as the managing director of NIMASA.

”Holding leadership accountable for such blatant non-compliance is imperative, especially in an agency as pivotal as NIMASA, responsible for maritime safety and regulatory oversight.

”The suspension of the 2018 financial statement and the imposition of a hefty N500 million penalty underscore the severity of the situation. NYAC firmly believes that accountability at the highest levels is non-negotiable, particularly regarding financial integrity and compliance within government agencies.

”Dr. Bashir Jamoh’s continuation in office following such a substantial failure in adherence to financial reporting standards sets a worrisome precedent and undermines public trust in the agency’s leadership.”

The NYAC urged the relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to restore confidence in NIMASA’s governance and operational integrity.

The group emphasised the need for a transparent and diligent process in addressing the matter and called on the Federal Government to ”appoint a competent and trustworthy individual to lead NIMASA, restoring credibility and ensuring adherence to financial regulations.”

Gunmen ambush Daewoo construction convoy, kill four soldiers in Rivers

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On Tuesday, gunmen ambushed a group of Daewoo employees near the Ahoada/Abua end of the East-West Road in Rivers State, killing two drivers and four soldiers. It is also stated that two of the company’s expatriates were abducted.

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It was discovered that criminal activity that had been on the downlow in the region had reappeared, leading to the gathering that the incident had happened at approximately 9.30am.

Additionally, our correspondent learned that the convoy was attacked while en route to Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.

Our correspondent was informed by an anonymous source that the gunmen followed the foreign laborers who were being escorted by military personnel along the Ahoada-Abua Road and started shooting at them.

According to the source, “The attackers opened fire on the convoy during the attack, killing four soldiers and two civilian drivers. They also kidnapped two Koreans.”

Although the information is hazy, attempts are being made to obtain further facts from the units. We’ll send along more information as soon as we can.

According to a local source, the incident may have been retaliation for military operations that occurred in the area about two weeks ago and resulted in the seizure of weapons and ammunition.

Grace Iringe-Koko, a spokesman for the state police command, denied knowledge of the incident when reached.

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The soldiers were members of the 5 Battalion, according to a statement released on Tuesday night by Major Jonah Danjuma, acting deputy director of 6 Division Army Public Relations.

According to the statement, “Suspected militants attacked troops of 5 Battalion at Emesu junction, along Amungboro – Emuphan road, while they were performing routine escort duty for an oil servicing company at Enweh West manifold, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.” Sadly, two more oil workers remain missing and four soldiers were lost in action.

The Orashi River was reportedly used by the suspects to get away from the Emesu waterside. In an effort to find the people responsible for this heinous act, troops are currently searching the surrounding area. Furthermore, continued efforts are being made to locate the unaccounted-for oil personnel.

“While recognizing the supreme sacrifice made by the brave soldiers in Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force, South-South, strongly condemned the unjustified attack.”

“He told me that we are still working to find these offenders so they may be held accountable for their actions.

As a result, the public is cordially asked to furnish reliable and useful information that may result in the apprehension of these offenders.

“The public is also guaranteed that the troops will not give up until the Niger Delta region is completely free of criminal activity, including oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and militancy.”

CAF Awards: We are proud of you as country, Tinubu praises Nnadozie, Oshoala, Osimhen

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Victor Osimhen of the Super Eagles of Nigeria has been congratulated by President Bola Tinubu on earning the CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year title.

The President also praised the outstanding accomplishments of Chiamaka Nnadozie, who won Woman Goalkeeper of the Year, and Asisat Oshoala of the Nigerian Super Falcons, who won the Women’s National Team of the Year award for the sixth time in 2023 CAF Women’s Player of the Year.

The President praised Osimhen, Oshoala, and Nnadozie for their exceptional exploits on the national and international arenas, as well as for being national treasures and an example to young football players around the continent.

Read Also: Rivers crisis: Intrigues, twists as Wike, Fubara resume fight

“Observing the magnificent representatives of Nigeria ascend the stage as the African Footballers of the Year, both in the men’s and women’s divisions, on Monday evening in Marrakesh, Morocco, has reinforced our conviction that everything this country requires for greatness is within and at our disposal with diligence, tenacity, and divine intervention.”

“I applaud Victor and Asisat for remembering their humble beginnings in the game they adore and for recognizing the influence of native coaches on their professional development.

In a statement released by his office on Tuesday, the President said, “I join all Nigerian fans in praying that this well-deserved honour will be the beginning of a continued journey filled with success, triumphs, and the fulfillment of all your footballing dreams.”

Gbajabiamila visits new N21bn Aso Rock Clinic

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The N21 billion new Presidential Clinic built by the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari last year was toured on Monday by Femi Gbajabiamila, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.

The hospital, which is housed on the grounds of Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja and has cutting-edge amenities, is meant to discourage senior government officials and the first family from traveling abroad for medical care, according to the government.

Gbajabiamila gave the clinic excellent marks for facilities and said that the project’s funding was well spent in his remarks following his tour.

“There’s been a lot of talk about this clinic, not just today, even when I was in the National Assembly as Speaker,” Gbajabiamila said when asked about his assessment of the establishment. “Having been here a few months, I thought, let’s have a look and see exactly what is going on.”

“You went around with me, so I’m sure you’re as impressed as I am with what I saw. The standard of care in this facility is very high, just like it is anywhere else in the world. It is top-notch equipment. According to what I understand, several pieces of equipment aren’t even common over the entire globe.

Regarding clinics, their capabilities, and equipment, I mean, I just finished listening to one of the greatest speakers about kidney transplants. A world-class catheter lab is one of many other things.

Read Also: EFCC declares former power minister Agunloye wanted

It makes me happy that, at least as Speaker of the House of Representatives, I can track the expenditure of funds thanks to a piece of technology known as C-ARM.

Therefore, it’s up to them to complete the necessary tasks and make the necessary adjustments. When they do, we can confidently declare that we have an international-standard clinic like this one.

When questioned what the CoS meant by “dotting the I’s” and “crossing the T’s,” Dr. Jane Ifechukwu, Chairman, Clinical Services, responded. outlined the situation from where the previous government left off, saying, “Everything is in place.” The phrasing, however, indicated that they wanted this administration to control the proceedings.

“We’ve supported our principals; now it’s time for them to approve us.” The condition of this place is skeletal, exactly like the Villa Clinic. This is what we carry out. They give us the all-clear and we are free to proceed, but after we cross all the Is, we are unable to make decisions for ourselves.

Investors profit N130bn amid moderation in trade volume, deals

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Despite investors making N130 billion at the end of trading, trade on the Nigerian Exchange Limited calmed on Tuesday.

For the second day in a row, there was positive trade on the local exchange as the market capitalization and the All-Share Index both increased by 0.33 percent to close at N39.348tn and 71,907.26 basis points, respectively. The ASI’s year-to-date gain increased to 40.30 percent.

The number of deals and the volume of traded equities fell by 7.32 percent and 14.86 percent, respectively, to close at 6,498 deals and 319.56 million units, despite the market’s ongoing upward trajectory. In the meantime, from N3.85 billion on Monday to N5.88 billion today, the total transacted value increased by 52.54%.
The sectorial performance revealed a bearish trend as three out of five stocks closed in the red zone. NGX Insurance, NGX Oil/Gas and NGX Industrial Goods indexes declined by 0.49 per cent, 1.03 per cent and 0.01 per cent, respectively.

Read Also: FRC Imposes N500m Penalty On NIMASA For Noncompliance With Financial Reporting Standards

Nonetheless, the Consumer Goods and Banking indices both saw gains, rising by 0.01 and 0.67 percent, respectively.
At the end of the day, the exchange showed that there were 25 losers and 24 winners.

Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank, SCOA, Daar Communications, Royal Exchange, and Neimeth were among the stocks that caught investors’ attention on Tuesday. These companies’ share prices saw notable increases of 9.79%, 9.46%, 8.82%, 8.47%, and 7.89%, respectively.
Tier-1 banking stocks, such as Zenith Bank, AccessCorp, and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, were the main drivers of the market. The most traded stocks were those owned by FCMB.

By the end of trading, Julius Berger was the most actively traded investment in terms of volume and value, having moved 42.54 million units for N1.46 billion over 42

EFCC declares former power minister Agunloye wanted

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has proclaimed Dr. Olu Agunloye, a former Minister of Power and Steel, to be sought.

The minister, who is from Ondo State’s Akoko North Local Government Area, was put on the anti-graft agency’s wanted list due to a suspected case of forgery and corruption.

The EFCC reportedly questioned Agunloye in September on a purported $6 billion Build, Operate, and Transfer contract.

On Wednesday, the commission informed the public and made this disclosure on its website.
The EFCC shared material that included a photograph of Agunloye.

Read Also: Bauchi court sentences two men to 35 years in jail for culpable homicide

“If you have any useful information regarding his whereabouts, please get in touch with the Commission at its offices in Benin, Kaduna, Ibadan, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Mardi, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Uyo, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. Alternatively, you can reach us at 08093322644 or email info@efcc.gov.ng.”

Agunloye became the Social Democratic Party’s nominee for governor of the state in 2016 after joining the organization.