FG knocks Emir Sanusi over unconstructive remarks on laudable policies

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the Federal Government does not need the stamp of approval from Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II of its laudable policies that is making life better for Nigerians.

This is contained in a statement  by the minister on Thursday in Abuja.

According to the minister, Sanusi, like any other Nigerian,  has the inalienable right to express opinions either in form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being ran.

“However, we find it amusing that a leader, more so, one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice would  publicly admit to shuffling off saying the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism.

“It is pertinent to state that Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges.

“This administration has implemented transformative reforms, not because they are easy but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as he,  Sanusi had consistently advocated.

“The temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management,  more than anything else.

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“These reforms are already delivering measurable progress. The unification of exchange rates has bolstered investor confidence, which has contributed to increased foreign reserves and strengthened Nigeria’s ability to shield itself from external economic shocks.

“The removal of the fuel subsidy has freed up significant resources, allowing for greater investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.”

The minister expressed  disappointment, that reforms,  widely recognised as essential by global experts including  Sanusi himself, are now being subtly condemned because of shift in loyalty.

Idris stressed that Sanusi has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress.

“We urge the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.

“Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. As a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetorics that undermine public trust.

“Instead,  they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. This is a critical time for our country, what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions

“President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains resolute in its mission to lead Nigeria toward economic inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

“This administration is open to constructive dialogue with all well-meaning stakeholders, while remaining steadfast in putting the interests of Nigerians above all else,” Idris said.

(NAN)

UAE president to visit Nigeria in 2025

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has accepted President Bola Tinubu’s invitation to visit Nigeria this year.

Tinubu invited him on Wednesday during their bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement.

President Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday as a guest of the UAE President to participate in the Sustainability Week.

He delivered Nigeria’s position on climate and other challenges earlier on Wednesday and congratulated the UAE leader for the successful event.

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During the discussions, the Sheikh thanked Tinubu for accepting his invitation and expressed the UAE’s determination to strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and his country.

The two leaders also explored attracting investment into Nigeria.

President Tinubu said his government’s economic reforms were yielding fruits and called on the UAE to partner with Nigeria to develop the economy.

He said the reforms had stabilised and grown the economy, encouraging foreign investors, including international oil companies, to announce billion-dollar investments, signalling renewed confidence in doing business with Africa’s most populous nation.

President Tinubu thanked Al Nahyan for the warm reception he and his aides received since their arrival over the weekend.

(NAN)

No regret killing my girlfriend Salome Adaidu – Gospel Singer

Thirty-two-year-old Gospel Singer Timileyin Ajayi, has said he has no regret killing his girlfriend, Salome Adaidu

Ajayi is been remanded in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nasarawa State Police Command in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital

Ajayi was arrested for the murder of his alleged girlfriend, Salome Eleojo Adaidu, a 24-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), serving at Nicon Insurance in the Nation’s capital, Abuja.

She was gruesomely murdered when she visited the suspect at his house in the Papalana axis at New Karshi in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Ajayi was paraded at the headquarters of the Nasarawa State Police Command on Tuesday alongside the knife and machetes he used to commit the crime.

He was nabbed Sunday, January 12, while trying to dispose of the head of Salome after killing her and dismembering her body parts when she visited him at his house.

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Frail from injuries sustained from the mob that identified him before his arrest, Ajayi confessed to the crime.

During an exclusive interview from Channels Television, Ajayi was asked if he killed Salome, he answered? Yes, narrating that it wasn’t planned but it is because they don’t have each other all the time.

“I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time, it’s not something I planned. It happened on that day and it happened. Not that I have the plan in mind, she was cheating. She hides most of the things from me most times. I got to know from her phone. I saw her chats with other guys on the phone, that was why I decided,” he said.

When probed further, he said he has no regrets in committing the crime.
Asked if he regrets his action, he added, “I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal. That is what I thought, if you must do something to someone, you have to be reciprocal with that person.

“You have to understand what that person is going through so that you can actually put yourself in the position that the person is going through, that is why I don’t have any regrets because we were actually compatible.”

Salome’s elder sister, Esther Adaidu denied knowledge of any relationship between her deceased sister and the suspect as she pleaded for justice.

She said, “This so-called Timi guy, we don’t know him. We have never seen him until we were called up to tell us that this guy murdered and dismembered our sister.

“I demand and need justice to be served to this guy sitting over there because he is the one that murdered my sister and he confirmed it to me.”

JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu presents N3tr budget for 2025

The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented the sum of N3.005 trillion before the state House of Assembly as a proposed budget for the year 2025.

The budget which is tagged the “Budget of Sustainability.” focuses on capital projects aimed at economic growth and development.

A breakdown of the budget shows that N1.7 trillion was proposed for the Capital budget while N1.2 trillion was set aside in the budget before the lawmakers for the recurrent budget in the coming year.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the budget’s focus on infrastructural development and sustainability.

He reassured Lagosians that the budget aligns with the state’s commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility while addressing critical needs in education, healthcare, security, and the environment.

The budget proposal now awaits deliberation and approval by the Lagos State House of Assembly.

JUST IN: Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland over charges of terrorism

Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader Simon Ekpa has been arrested in Finland alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.

Reports from local publication Yle indicate that Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

In a statement released on Thursday, November 21, the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrest of five individuals suspected of terrorist activities.

According to the police, Simon Ekpa, identified as the main suspect, was detained “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the four others were apprehended “for financing a terrorist crime.”

“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the police said.

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The police statement further revealed: “Claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21.”

The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.”

Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, head of the investigation, stated: “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”

The four other suspects are accused of financing the activities under investigation. “All five suspects of the crime have been arrested during the beginning of the week,” the statement confirmed, adding that international cooperation has been integral to the preliminary investigation.

Ekpa is accused of coordinating violent actions against civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s South-East region from Finland, using social media platforms to further his agenda.

In 2023, Ekpa was briefly detained on allegations of fundraising fraud.

He had declared in a widely circulated social media video, “No elections will be held! Nigerian elections will not be allowed in Biafran territory.”

FULL LIST: 24 qualified countries for AFCON 2025

24 teams have qualified for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON 2025).

The tournament which will kick-off in December 2025, will be hosted by Morocco, who automatically qualify as the host nation.

The last three teams to book their spots are Mozambique, Botswana and Tanzania.

Here are 24 countries that qualified for AFCON 2025

1. Morocco (Hosts)

2. Burkina Faso

3. Cameroon

4. Algeria

5. DR Congo

6. Senegal

7. Egypt

8. Angola

9 Equatorial Guinea

10. Cote d’Ivoire

11. Uganda

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12. South Africa

13. Gabon

14. Tunisia

15. Nigeria

16. Zambia

17. Mali

18. Zimbabwe

19. Comoros

20. Sudan

21. Benin

22. Tanzania

23. Botswana

24. Mozambique

25 things to know about winner of Ondo election Gov Lucky Aiyedatiwa

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), has declared Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in the State.

Aiyedatiwa was declared winner after he won all the 18 local government areas of the state..

He defeated former deputy governor Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olorunfemi Festus of the Labour Party, LP, and Abbas Mimiko of Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, among others, in Saturday’s poll.

Announcing the result in Akure, the state capital, INEC’s Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Akinwumi Olayemi Durotimi, said Aiyedatiwa polled a total of 366781 while Ajayi got 117845 while LP had 1162.

He said, “Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of the APC having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of lawful votes cast, is hereby returned elected.”

Here are things to know about Lucky Aiyedatiwa

1. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa was born on January 12, 1965.

2. He hails from Obe-Nla, an oil-bearing community in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

3. Lucky had his Primary education at Saint Peter’s UNA (now FAC) Primary School, Obe Nla/Obe Adun in Ilaje LGA of Ondo State between 1970 and 1976.

4. He had his secondary education at Ikosi High School, Ketu, Lagos, in 1982.

5. In 1986, he obtained Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Government from Lagos State College of Education (now Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education), Ijanikin, Lagos, he later attended University of Ibadan for Advanced Diploma in Business Administration in the year 2001.

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6. He became an alumnus of Lagos Business School – Pan Atlantic University, Lekki, Lagos where he obtained Post Graduate Certification in Chief Executive Education (CEP) in Business Management in 2009.

7. In 2013, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.

8. He worked as an Inventory/Store Officer at Scoa Assembly Plant Plc. Apapa, Lagos, between 1982 and 1983.

9. In 1987 he was Assistant Head Teacher at Reliance International Schools, Ijokodo, Ibadan.

10. He became Marketing Officer at Universal Pharmaceutical Supply Co. Ltd, Ikeja, Lagos in the year 1990.

11. In 1992, he was an Assistant Investment Analyst. Global Trust Limited, Gbagada, Lagos, he was General Merchandise Manager, Biz Mart Nigeria Limited, Lagos Island, Lagos, 1994.

12. He is the MD/CEO of Blue Wall Group of Companies which he established in 1996 which includes; Blue Wall Nigeria Ltd, a Trading Company, Blue Wall BDC Nigeria Ltd, a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licensed foreign exchange trading company and Blue Wall Safety Travels and Tours,[8] an IATA licensed Travel Agency and Logistic Company.

13. He joined active politics in 2011 as a card-carrying member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) which later merged with other political parties and became All Progressive Congress (APC).

14. He was one of the National Delegates from Ondo State at the All Progressive Congress (APC) National Convention at Abuja in 2014.

15. He contested for the federal House of Representative[9] for Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in 2015 Presidential and National Assembly General Election.

16. Aiyedatiwa served as the federal commissioner who represented Ondo State on the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission from 2018 to 2019.

17. He was selected as the running mate of the governor of Ondo State Rotimi Akeredolu in the 2020 Ondo State gubernatorial election.

18. On 11 October 2020, Akeredolu and Aiyedatiwa were elected governor and deputy governor of Ondo State as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

19. On 25 February 2021, they were sworn into office as governor and deputy governor of Ondo State respectively.

20. Aiyedatiwa became acting governor of Ondo State on 13 December 2023, as Akeredolu left for end-stage leukaemia treatment.

21. He became Ondo State governor on December 27, 2023, after Akeredolu died.

22. He previously served as deputy governor of Ondo State from 2021 to 2023 under Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

23. He is a former commissioner of Niger Delta Development Commission.

24. On December 13, 2023, Aiyedatiwa became acting governor following the departure of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on medical leave.

25. He had previously served as acting governor from June to September 2023 when Akeredolu was on medical leave.

BREAKING: Kellyrae winn BBNaija season 9

Big Brother Naija Housemate Kingsley Sule, popularly known as Kellyrae, has been crowned the winner of the highly competitive ‘No Loose Guard’ edition of the reality TV show.

In a dramatic grand finale on Sunday night, Kellyrae secured the coveted title, beating out other top seven finalists to emerge as the champion.

Kellyrae, who is married to his former Housemate and pair Kassia, is walking away with a grand prize of N100 million.

This impressive reward includes a cash prize, a brand-new SUV, and several other exciting sponsored prizes that will be revealed in the coming days.

The ‘No Loose Guard’ season, which captivated fans for 71 thrilling days from July 28, was marked by twists, turns, and intense competition.

Among the highlights of the show was the dynamic pairing of Housemates, with each pair competing together until an unexpected twist shook up the house.

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On Sunday, September 1, Big Brother surprised the Housemates by unpairing them, forcing them to compete as individuals after the eviction night.

The unexpected twist added an extra layer of tension and excitement to the competition, as each Housemate had to navigate the final stages of the game on their own.

The runner-up of the season was Wanni, who, along with her former partner Handi her twin, had been a strong contender throughout the show.

Other finalists included Onyeka, Victoria, Nelly, Ozee, Anita, and Sooj, all of whom gave their all in the quest for the ultimate prize.

Kellyrae’s victory marks the end of a season filled with drama, alliances, and emotional moments, cementing his place in BBNaija history as the winner of the ‘No Loose Guard’ edition.

Fans of the show will undoubtedly be eager to see what’s next for Kellyrae as he steps into the limelight as a reality TV champion.

Bobrisky: See you in court, Falz’s sister tells VDM over allegations

Folakemi Falana, the daughter of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, has denied allegations of bribery and corruption involving her father, her brother, Nigerian musician Falz, and popular socialite Bobrisky.

Falz had on Wednesday issued a 24-hour ultimatum to VDM, demanding the removal of all defamatory statements.

However, in a statement on Folakemi’s Instagram page on Friday, She clarified that her father had never met or spoken to Bobrisky and that Bobrisky reached out to Falz for financial assistance to stay in the VIP section of prison without discussing a presidential pardon.

She highlighted that, in Nigeria, any citizen has the right to request a pardon for a convicted person, pointing out that her family’s efforts to assist in such cases have been transparent and at no cost.

Folakemi also expressed disappointment over the spread of false rumors, particularly those claiming that Falz is homosexual or involved in an affair with Bobrisky.

She wrote, “My Parents and our firm, Falana & Falana have been applying for presidential pardons for Nigerians FREE way before a lot of you were born or before you could talk. Slide 1 is from 2016 and Slide 2 is from 2022.

“It’s crazy that some Nigerians act like they can’t read or think for themselves. It’s unfortunate.

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“It’s even crazier that all it takes is for a ridiculous character like VDM to accuse my dad and Falz of bribery, corruption and perversion of the course of Justice and you suddenly forget who they are and what they stand for. For him to have the audacity to go as far as even accusing Falz of being homosexual and having an affair with Bobrisky is wild. The fact that some of you believe it, is what is blowing my mind.

“For the record, anyone can write the president to request a pardon for any convicted person in Nigeria.

“To be crystal clear, the facts are as follows: 1) My dad has never met or talked to Bobrisky whether directly or via a proxy.

“2) Bobrisky reached out to Falz the same way he reached out to many other celebrities asking for money. The reason he gave was so that he could afford to stay in the VIP section of prison. He never discussed a presidential pardon with him. He said he was reaching out from prison Falz had no reason to believe otherwise.

“3) DO you think my dad or Falz need Bob’s money??? for what?.”

Folakemi condemned the accusations as baseless and threatened legal action against the accuser, VeryDarkMan (VDM), saying “Seeing as you have refused to do the needful, #verydarkblackman see you in court.”

Recall that VeryDarkMan recently released audio recordings where Bobrisky allegedly claimed that Femi Falana and his son, Falz, had contacted him before his release from prison.

The recordings also suggested that Femi Falana arranged a settlement for 10 million naira to resolve the case.

24 things to know about late Emir of Ningi

The Emir of Ningi, in Bauchi State, Dr. Yunusa Muhammadu Dan Yaya has joined his ancestors.

He was 88.

Dr. Yunusa reportedly passed away in the early hours of Sunday, August 25, at Expert Alliance Hospital in Kano.

His death came just two days after returning from a medical trip to Mecca on Thursday, August 22.

He will be buried later on Sunday evening at 4pm after a funeral prayer to be held at the Emir’s Palace in Ningi.

Here are 24 things to know about late Emir of Ningi

1. Dr Yunusa was born in Ningi in 1936,

2. He was 88.

3. Alhaji Yunusa was crowned Emir of Ningi in 1978 and was elevated to first-class status in 1998.

4. He reigned for 46 years.

5. He had his education at Ningi Elementary School between 1941 and 1946, and completed his studies in 1951 at Bauchi Middle School.

6. He later enrolled at the School of Hygiene, Kano, in 1951.

7. He had his undergraduate studies at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, where he completed a one-year course in Public Administration between 1956 and 1957.

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8. He also attended a course at the British Council, Kano, between 1959 and 1960.

9. He later earned a diploma in public administration from ABU Zaria between 1960 and 1962.

10. He had a distinguished career in the Native Authority (NA) Administration, starting as a dispenser at Nasaru Dispensary, Ningi, from 1953 to 1958.

11. Dr Yunusa served in various capacities, including as a member of the Ningi Emirate Council (1956-1960), Councilor of the Medical and Health Department (1958-1959).

12. He was a District Head and Chiroman Ningi in 1959.

13. He joined the Nigerian Tobacco Company, Zaria, in 1963 as a welfare officer and went on to work at the Northern Nigeria Marketing Board, where he held several managerial positions.

14. He was a distinguished and highly respected first-class traditional ruler of Ningi in Bauchi State in the North East Geographical Zone.

15. He was adored by his subjects for his sense of justice, fairness, and equity.

16. During his tenure, Ningi witnessed the rapid transformation from a rural community into a fast-developing and modern town.

17. He was appointed Sub-Area Manager in charge of Gombe, Biu, and Kumo in 1970.

18. He later became the Acting Area Manager in charge of the North Eastern States Marketing Board in 1976.

19. He played significant roles in various organizations, including Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JIN) and the National Council of States, representing Bauchi State Council of Chiefs from 1979 to 1983.

20. He also served as Acting Chairman, Board of Directors of Inland Bank Nigeria Plc, and Director of the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority.

21. His contributions to national development earned him numerous awards and honors, including the National Honours Award as “Officer of the Order of Niger (OON)” and various merit awards from different organizations.

22. Alhaji Yunusa traveled extensively to countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Namibia, and other West African nations.

23. His hobbies included horse riding, farming, and traveling.

24. He was happily married and blessed with twenty-four children.