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Idoma International Carnival to Feature First-Ever Nollywood Film Festival

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Idoma International Carnival to Feature First-Ever Nollywood Film Festival

The President and Founder of the Idoma International Carnival, Chief Dr. Edwin Ochai, has announced that preparations are in full swing for the 2024 edition of the widely celebrated street party, often dubbed the “biggest street party north of the Niger.”

This year marks the 13th edition of the festival, themed “The Rhythm of Our Heritage.”

Scheduled to hold from December 23 to 26, 2024, in Otukpo, Benue State, Ochai said the event promises an unforgettable celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Idoma people.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, Chief Ochai emphasized that this year’s carnival will deliver an unparalleled experience with a series of exciting events, contests and cultural showcases.

“This year’s carnival promises to showcase the rich culture, music, and traditions of the Idoma people,” Ochai said.

“It’s more than just a cultural celebration; it’s a revitalization of our heritage combined with a street party full of class and style. It’s entertainment at its peak!”

He outlined some of the highlights of the carnival, to include, live performances by top Nigerian artists, bikers parade, processions showcasing Idoma and Nigerian culture, Film Festival and Nigerian Carnival Queen

“For the first time in its history, the carnival will host the Idoma Nollywood Film Festival, providing a platform for Idoma filmmakers to showcase their talent, preserve their culture, and spotlight Idoma Nollywood on a global stage.

“At the grand finale on December 26, the prestigious Nigerian Carnival Queen will be crowned, adding an extra layer of glamour and excitement to the event.”

Chief Ochai called on Idoma sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, as well as Nigerians at large, to make plans to attend.

“There is no better place to be this December than Otukpo,” he declared.

“The venue is St. Mary’s Primary School, Otukpo. Let’s come together to celebrate the rhythm of our heritage.”

He extended his gratitude to His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo, for his royal guidance and prayers, which have continued to inspire the carnival’s success.

PDP Hindered My Ambitions, Ibori’s Daughter Reveals After Defection

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PDP Hindered My Ambitions, Ibori’s Daughter Reveals After Defection

Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, a member of the National Assembly representing the Ethiopia Federal Constituency and the daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, has called her switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) the best move she has ever made in her political career.

Ibori-Suenu made this accusation while accusing the PDP of trying to suppress her political ambitions.

She also thanked the APC leaders and her followers for their encouragement.

“The Ologbo River, which connects the states of Delta and Edo, is where we will bury the PDP. I’m at home already; APC is the best.”Thank God, I’ve finally left the PDP, even though they wanted to destroy my political ambitions,” she stated.

Read Also: Nigerian Man Imprisoned Over $115,000 Bitcoin Scam Involving American

Ibori-Suenu recently defected from the PDP to the APC, as was previously mentioned.

Ibori-Suenu’s defection was welcomed by Ovie Omo-Agege, the immediate past Deputy Senate President, who called her a political bulldozer.

With the backing of other APC members, Omo-Agege said she was confident that her action will help the party win Delta State in the 2027 elections.

“The APC is in a better position to seize Delta with the backing of Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.

“Her enthusiasm and commitment will significantly improve our chances,” Omo-Agege stated.

Nigerian Man Imprisoned Over $115,000 Bitcoin Scam Involving American

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Nigerian Man Imprisoned Over $115,000 Bitcoin Scam Involving American

For committing $115,000 in online fraud, Praise Humphrey Igbo, better known as Jessica Allen, was given a one-year prison sentence by a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

Justice H.L. Abba-Aliyu gave the ruling on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Igbo faced a single count of criminal impersonation, money laundering, cyber crime, and acquiring money under false pretenses.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, or EFCC, said that Igbo had tricked Aaron Baker, an American victim, by pretending to be a profitable cryptocurrency trader named “Jessica Allen.”

Section 321 of the Penal Code Act Abuja, Cap 532 LFN 2004, states that Igbo “fraudulently obtained 5.26 Bitcoins worth One Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($115,000) by false pretense.” Section 324 of the same Act imposes penalties for this offense.

Following Igbo’s guilty plea to the charge, M.K. Hussain, the EFCC’s attorney, asked for his conviction and sentencing.

Read Also: Rita Edochie Slams Death Rumors Surrounding Osita Iheme ‘Pawpaw’

Judge Abba-Aliyu gave Igbo a one-year prison term with a fine of N1 million as an alternative.

She also decided that money in Igbo’s bank account and money collected from him should be utilized to reimburse the victim via the US Embassy.

Rita Edochie Slams Death Rumors Surrounding Osita Iheme ‘Pawpaw’

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Rita Edochie Slams Death Rumors Surrounding Osita Iheme ‘Pawpaw’

Nollywood veteran Rita Edochie has voiced her displeasure with the persistent death rumors involving her coworker, Pawpaw, also known as Osita Iheme.

The actress bemoaned the fact that she had heard about Pawpaw’s passing twice in recent memory.

Surprisingly, several followers bought the phony news, she said, and expressed their grief in the comments area.

Edochie expressed alarm about the overabundance of news concerning star deaths in a long Instagram post.

Read Also: SEDC appeals to Uzodinma: Make South East peace, stability priority

The bogus information was disseminated using a picture of her on a film set, she pointed out, adding that such news had also been broadcast incorrectly about her.

We’ve heard this rumor before,” she wrote. It surfaced for the second time a few days ago when images of my great-son and seasoned coworker, Osita Iheme, also known as Pawpaw, went viral on social media with the comments that they had passed away. Insane internet users started writing RIP comments on themselves after falling for the phony gist.

As I have stated previously, I will reiterate: social media has actually caused more harm than benefit to society. Most Nigerian teenagers have found it to be a consistent source of enrichment, but the abuse is becoming out of control.

Abuja Agog as Makems Thrills Fashion Enthusiasts at 2024 Jewellery Exhibition

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Abuja Agog as Makems Thrills Fashion Enthusiasts at 2024 Jewellery Exhibition

Makems Jewellery is a rapidly growing jewelry company based in Abuja, Nigeria. It recently held its annual jewelry exhibition, showcasing a wide variety of stylish, exquisite, and one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry products that were imported and produced locally. The event was attended by hundreds of people.

With a special focus on promoting local content, the jewelry exhibition was a skillfully curated showcase of exceptional ornaments that included both modern designs and vintage treasures like Makems handmade jewelry, earrings, long necklaces, jewelry sets, bangles and bracelets, rings, and male bracelets. This is in line with the Federal Government’s policy direction on promoting local content in all sectors of the economy.

The annual Makems 2024 Jewellery Exhibition, held on December 7, 2024, at the Glowing Ages Academy, Games Village Road, Kaura District, Abuja, drew fashionistas and prospective customers who took advantage of the chance to network with other guests and buy fashionable jewelry that matched their status as the Yuletide season got underway.

In her remarks to the attendees and stakeholders, Miss Temitope Adejare, Director of Business Development at Makems, stated that Makems Jewellery sells both imported and locally made jewelry.

“You’ll see that imports have become extremely costly due to their dollar value, especially when you take into account the recent economic developments in the field of dollar conversion to Naira.

Read Also: Oshiomhole to Akpabio: Edo Is Nigeria’s Best State After Akwa Ibom

At Makems Jewellery, we have made careful to obtain locally created jewelry materials, and many of them are on display at this exhibition. They are made in Nigeria.

“Makems Jewellery is passionate about creating jewelry, and we are now able to do what we can in Nigeria and have produced stunning jewelry pieces that people adore at this exhibition,” Adejare stated.

She clarified that “each person’s actions are distinct.” The design is not replicated. Therefore, if you purchase any design of jewelry from Makems, it is the only one available. People are now aware of this, and they like visiting the exhibition because they adore it as well.

She claims that Makems works all year long to compile the finest jewelry products made locally as well as some imported designs. In order to attract people to the exhibition, Makems displays a variety of designs for the season, allowing them to buy their favorite designs.

Oshiomhole to Akpabio: Edo Is Nigeria’s Best State After Akwa Ibom

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Oshiomhole to Akpabio: Edo Is Nigeria’s Best State After Akwa Ibom

Adams Oshiomhole, a senator from Edo North, has called his state the best in Nigeria after Akwa Ibom.

Oshiomhole made this revelation on the floor of the Upper Legislative Chamber on Wednesday at the Senate’s farewell session in honor of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The lawmaker claimed that within 30 days of taking office as governor, Okpebholo had taken decisive action to change Edo State.

We can all agree on one thing about Senator Monday, according to Oshiomhole: “I have never met a man as humble as Monday.”

“As a man of few words, he has made up for his contagious humility with action and consistent deeds in a way that is obvious and observable.

We in Edo State are very happy, Mr. President, because I can now return home without fear. In just one month, he became one of the first governors to appoint men and women who would improve Edo State’s social life and economy.

Read Also: Bode George asks Tinubu to slash fuel prices to N300 for December – January

“He has already taken decisive action to bring Edo State’s traditional institutions back to their rightful place, and he has already begun taking actions that would impact our magnificent state’s long-abandoned infrastructure development. We already know all of the people he appointed, including the Attorney General.

“I want to thank you, sir, for your leadership not only while he was here but also for all the moral and other support this Senate received under your leadership. You are not privileged to come and vote because you are not registered in Edo State, but you moved to Edo to show us solidarity when we needed it most.

“I want to thank you for your leadership, your concern, your support, and all the senators you rallied on behalf of the people of Edo State, who are thrilled to have a new sheriff in town—a progressive sheriff, at that. Some of our senators turned into boxers to defend the votes of the Edo State people, even as the former governor attempted to raid the INEC headquarters and alter the numbers.

We are pleased that the Edo people know that a new governor has arrived in 30 days. He is clever, resourceful, modest, and uses few words but takes full action.

“We are extremely appreciative of all the esteemed Senators who helped us in our fight to retake Edo State. I express my gratitude to Senator Monday for the honor you have bestowed upon me personally and continue to bestow upon everyone you have encountered since you assumed the position of executive governor of the most illustrious state following Akwa Ibom.

SEDC appeals to Uzodinma: Make South East peace, stability priority

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SEDC appeals to Uzodinma: Make South East peace, stability priority

A group of civil society organizations, representing the Network for South East Development (NET-Southeast), have called on Senator Hope Uzodinma, the governor of Imo State, to put the peace and stability of the South East ahead of his own interests.

Concerns over the recent appointments to the board of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) were voiced by NET-Southeast during a meeting in Enugu to review their year’s activities.

The group issued a warning, stating that the tension created could worsen and jeopardize regional progress.

Although the committee acknowledged Governor Uzodinma’s contributions to regional development, they emphasized that leadership cannot be centered on a single person.

In a joint statement, coalition secretary Comrade Nwagwu Nwaeke and chairman Dr. Comos Gilbert Egede voiced their worries.

Controversy has surrounded the SEDC board nominations, with rumors of a power struggle between Governor Uzodinma and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.

While Kalu worked to update and publish a second list of board nominees that was thought to be more representative, several media reports claimed that Governor Uzodinma had an impact on the original list.

The appointment of the chairman and executive directors is not a matter of interest to us. Peace, cooperation, and making sure the South East develops as planned are the main goals, the statement continued.
The coalition urged Governor Uzodinma to refrain from any actions that would cause the area to become even more unstable.

For our people’s sake, Governor Hope ought to put his sword down and let peace rule. In the interest of our own goals, we must refrain from taking any steps that could inflame the area,” the coalition urged.

The Ndi-Igbo were also exhorted to back political leaders who are dedicated to furthering the development of the area.

“For us, the creation of the SEDC represents an unparalleled opportunity. “Let’s not let special interests ruin this historic occasion,” they declared.

The significance of unity among South East leaders was also underlined by NET-Southeast, which encouraged them to follow in the footsteps of leaders such as Deputy Speaker Kalu, who supported the SEDC bill.

Read Also: Nigeria’s stability depends on upholding rule of law, says Aniagolu-Okoye

For the South East’s growth, we urge prominent political office holders to cooperate. “Personal benefits at the expense of regional advancement must cease,” the organization proclaimed.

The purpose of the South East Development Commission is to empower, rebuild, and develop our people. We implore our leaders to put aside their own interests and maintain the peace and stability required to realize our vision,” the statement continued.

Nigeria’s stability depends on upholding rule of law, says Aniagolu-Okoye

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Nigeria’s stability depends on upholding rule of law, says Aniagolu-Okoye

The rule of law is essential to attaining good governance and socioeconomic stability in Nigeria, according to Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director of Ford Foundation West Africa.

During the 2024 Annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Enugu State Chapter, Dr. Aniagolu-Okoye stated that bolstering the rule of law will help tackle Nigeria’s present socio-economic issues, including as a slowing GDP growth rate and rising inflation.

Dr. Aniagolu-Okoye stated that “socio-economic development is built upon the rule of law.” In order to draw in investments, foster economic growth, and lessen poverty, it ensures equality, equity, human rights, and the defense of fundamental liberties.

A rule of law-governed society is essential to socio-economic development, which includes social conditions of equality, steady economic growth, the assurance of fundamental liberties, employment and investment opportunities, access to social services, and predictability in terms of social order and security. This is because for residents and investors to have faith in the ability to prosper economically, the laws governing business, service delivery, and human relations must be viewed as just and genuine.

Read Also: North-West progressives appeal to Tinubu to reconsider Danfulani’s appointment

The NBA and attorneys can play a vital role in advancing good governance and the rule of law in Nigeria, Dr. Aniagolu-Okoye added. She called on lawyers to take action and hold people in authority accountable.

The NBA has a special chance to influence Nigeria’s history, Dr. Aniagolu-Okoye stated. Through advocating for the rule of law and sound governance, attorneys may contribute to the development of a society in which all Nigerians can live in dignity, hope, and prosperity.

Police nab two suspects, recover 25 stolen phones in Borno

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Police nab two suspects, recover 25 stolen phones in Borno

Borno State Police Command said that during a stop-and-search operation in Maiduguri, its Rapid Response Squad (RRS) apprehended two suspects in possession of 25 mobile phones of various types.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the suspects confessed to stealing the phones from their owners in communities and villages along the Borno-Adamawa State boundary during interrogation on Tuesday.

“The suspects have confessed to the crime and will be put in court for prosecution following an investigation.
“Efforts are currently underway to reunite the recovered phones with their rightful owners” , the politician stated.

Read Also: Bode George asks Tinubu to slash fuel prices to N300 for December – January

The Command’s PPRO underlined its commitment to public safety, especially during the impending Yuletide season.

It asked the public to be attentive and vigilant of their surroundings, and to report any unusual activity inside their domain.

Bode George asks Tinubu to slash fuel prices to N300 for December – January

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Bode George asks Tinubu to slash fuel prices to N300 for December – January

Bode George, a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to lower the price of gasoline at the pump to N300 per liter.

According to George, Tinubu ought to lower the petrol pump price between the middle of December and the end of January.

According to the former PDP Deputy National Chairman, this would allow Nigerians to enjoy the holiday season.
George stated during a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday that Tinubu needs to return the favor to Nigerians.

In each given calendar year, there are two months that are particularly significant, according to George. Regardless of your religious beliefs—Christian, Muslim, agnostic, or traditionalist—it is widespread and prevalent worldwide.

The two most crucial months are December and January.

“The price of gasoline should be lowered to N300 per liter starting in mid-December and continuing until the end of January at the latest. The losses can be absorbed by the government.

“Implementing such measures would make Nigerians happy this season,” the PDP chieftain said.

According to George, the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu might help cover the expenses if she were to give a university N1 billion.

Read Also: Nigerian Man Who Attempted WASSCE 17 Times Earns Distinction in London

“You will be sending a lot of messages of happiness across the tribes and homes with this,” he continued. Because it will have a favorable effect during this time of year, everyone in Nigeria will be glad.

“He is capable of overcoming the difficulty. Madam First Lady may contribute to the coffers to cover this expense if she were able to give N1 billion to a university. What’s the matter? in order for everyone to have a good night’s sleep for N300 per litre.

Therefore, by the end of January, individuals will be more upbeat due to the prayers, joy, and impact of that. And our prayers will be answered by the All-Powerful God. We must make people happy during the months of December and January.

This comes as Nigerian gasoline marketers have stated that during this Yuletide season, the price of fuel may drop to N900 or N1000 per liter.

This was revealed in separate interviews on Monday by Chinedu Ukadike, the spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, and Billy Gillis-Harry, the president of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association, or PETROAN.

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