Abductors Of Ekiti School Children, Staff Demand N100m

The kidnappers of pupils of Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti, and  staff members have demanded N100m ransom for the release of the nine victims who were taken away on Monday.

The principal of the secondary section of the school, Boje Olanireti, confirmed the ransom demand, in an interview with  

The abduction epidemic has continued to defy the efforts of the security agencies as cases of kidnappings were being recorded in various parts of the country daily.

On Monday, gunmen killed two Ekiti monarchs-the Onimojo of Imojo, Oba Olatunde Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, while the Alara of Ara Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, narrowly escaped.

The traditional rulers were returning from a function in Kogi State when their vehicles ran into the suspected kidnappers who were operating on the highway between Ipao and Oke Ako in the Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

The abduction of the schoolchildren and four staff members occurred when the school bus conveying 25 pupils home after school hours was waylaid by the gunmen in the Emure community in Ekiti State.

Shedding light on how the incident occurred, Olanireti explained that the abduction occurred about a five-minute drive from the school.

School Children, Others Kidnapped in EKiti, Tinubu Reacts

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate rescue of the six children kidnapped in EKiti today.

Newsmen recall that some school children have been kidnapped in Ekiti by unknown gunmen.

The gunmen reportedly abducted six pupils and three teachers of a private school and their bus driver while they were returning from Eporo-Ekiti on Monday night.

In a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu expressed grief and condemned the mindless murder in the South West state.

Tinubu also directed the immediate rescue of the pupils and teachers kidnapped in the State on Tuesday, stressing that the security of life and property is the primary responsibility of his administration.

According to the statement, “It is with grief that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola.

“President Tinubu condemns this mindless and brutal bloodletting, and pledges that the perpetrators will not escape justice.

“The President condoles with the families and subjects of the traditional rulers, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and the people of Ekiti State on this deeply agonizing development.

“In the same vein, the President directs the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped around Eporo-Ekiti area of the State.

“As security of life and property is the primary responsibility of government, President Tinubu assures Nigerians that the nation’s security architecture is being robustly fortified for better and expected outcomes.”

According to a post by Ekititrends on its X account on Tuesday, the incident involved students from Apostolic Faith School, Ekiti.

But hours after the incident, the Ekiti State Government called on residents of the state not to despair as security has been stepped up to rescue them.

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji urged the citizens of the state not to despair over Monday’s kidnapping of some school pupils and their teachers in Emure- Ekiti.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Governor assured that efforts are on to rescue the children and their teachers.”

Oyebanji also described the kidnap as callous and unacceptable, saying nothing would be spared in the efforts to rescue them.

The Ekiti Government said “security agencies in the state are already on the trail of the abductors with a mandate to bring the pupils and their teachers back safely.

“Governor Oyebanji said security is being stepped up across the state with a view to flushing out criminal elements from their hideouts,” it added.

“While calling on the citizens to remain calm and vigilant, he urged them to cooperate with security agencies, by making available relevant information to the authorities,” he said.

Governor Oyebanji pledged a swift and comprehensive rescue operation to ensure the safe return of the abducted children.

As of the time of filing this report, law enforcement agencies, including the police and relevant security forces, have reportedly been mobilised to address the situation promptly

Newsmen earlier reports gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Monday killed two Ekiti State monarchs on the Ipao-Oke Ako Road.

The gunmen killed the Onimojo of Imojo in the Oye Local Government Area, Oba Olatunde Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti in the Ikole Local Government Area, Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, while the Alara of Ara Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba in the Ikole Local Government Area, escaped.

Why Ladies Shouldn't Get Married Before '28'- BBNaija Star Venita Gives Reasons

Big Brother Naija reality star and actress, Venita Akpofure has shared her views against women getting married before 28. 

Venita speaking in recent interview with newsmen said: “Don’t marry young. Don’t go and be doing High School sweetheart. Be young, enjoy your life. When you are tired, get married.

In her interview, she reiterated that she would advise her daughter not to get married until she is at least 28.

The divorced mother of two said getting married at a young age isn’t a wise decision because choices change with age.

“Ideally, if my daughter approaches me that she is ready to get married, as long as she is up to 28, we can rock with it. Anything below 28 is a no. Because you’re going to change your mind and at 20 something, you don’t know all you are. Don’t get me wrong, there are people that are matured but you need to try different things in life to be sure you want to be stuck here [marriage].”

She said her ideal marriage is living in a separate house with her husband with a “magnificent corridor” connecting the buildings.

Just In: Tinubu Jets Out To France On ‘Private Visit’

 President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be departing Abuja today, January 24 for Paris, France, on what has been described as a “private visit".

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Wednesday titled ‘President Tinubu travels to France.

 Although the statement did not state the reasons for the visit, Ngelale said, “He will return to the country in the first week of February 2024.”

 Multiple reports online revealed that this Tinubu’s third trip to France since he assumed office eight months ago.

Tiwa Savage Becomes Third Nigerian Celebrity To Be Robbed In London

Renowned singer Tiwa Savage was recently robbed in the United Kingdom. The singer confirmed this in an Instagram post on January 18, 2024.

Although the Koroba singer did not reveal much about the robbery, she expressed her sadness over the incident.

She wrote, “Damn London, una show me pepper o. Got robbed yesterday.”

Tiwa Savage has become the third Nigerian star to be robbed in the UK.

Recall,  DJ Cuppy narrated her ordeal with robbers in the UK in the year 2023 via her Twitter account.

In the same vein, TV personality Toke Makinwa was robbed in 2022 as well, and she stated that the thieves stole cash and other valuables.

'She Said Yes' Gospel Singer Moses Bliss Announces Engagement (See Images)

Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Moses Bliss is engaged.

The 28 years old singer announced his engagement via his verified Instagram page @MosesBliss on Friday, January 19 2024.

In a series of photos, with the caption, “The Lord makes all things beautiful in his time. She said yes.”

The pictures showcased him holding the hand of his mystery lover while highlighting the beautiful diamond engagement ring.

Fans and colleagues thronged to the comment section with congratulatory messages.

In a different post on his You-Tube Channel, the 28-year-old released the full video of how he proposed to his wife.

Our correspondent captured the image of his intending wife via this medium.

Image:

See the trending pictures online:

Davido Becomes First Nigerian To Sell Out 20,000-Capacity 02 Arena For 3rd Time

Famous Nigerian afrobeat singer, Davido, has again sold out London’s highly acclaimed 20,000-capacity O2 Arena ahead of his upcoming show.

The O2 Arena is one of the largest indoor arenas globally.

The O2 Arena announced the latest development on its social media handle on Wednesday.

Also confirming the development, Davido on his Instagram page revealed that his headline event, ‘Davido Invasion’ (Timeless Edition), will take place at O2 Arena on January 28th, 2024, marking his third performance in London.

This would be the third time Davido has sold out the Arena. He first sold out the venue in January 2019.

In March 2022, the singer sold out the arena for the second time.

Nigeria's Inflation Rate Rises To 28.9%- NBS

 The consumer price index (CPI), which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and services, rose to 28.92 percent in December 2023 — up from 28.20 percent in the previous month.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its CPI report for December disclosed this today, Monday, January 15 2024.

The latest figure marks the twentieth consecutive rise in the country’s inflation rate in 2023.

The bureau said the December 2023 headline inflation rate showed an increase of “0.72% points when compared to the November 2023 headline inflation rate”.

On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 7.58% points higher compared to the rate recorded in December 2022, which was 21.34%,” the report reads.

“This shows that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) increased in December 2023 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., December 2022).”

On a month-on-month basis, according to the NBS, the headline inflation rate in December 2023 was 2.29 percent, which was” 0.20 percent higher than the rate recorded in November 2023 (2.09 percent)".

Akeredolu To Be Buried February 23, 24- Ondo Gov

The Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has announced that late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu  will be buried on February 23 and 24, 2024.

Aiyedatiwa announced this during a cabinet meeting on Monday January 8, 2024.

It would be recalled that Akeredolu died at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday, 27, 2023, at a Germany hospital where he was receiving treatment.

He died of leukemia and prostate cancer, two ailments that had made him incapacitated for several months.

His remains was brought from Germany to Nigeria on January 6, 2023. 

“The burial has been fixed between February 23 and 24. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who also doubled as the Chairman of the Committee made the announcement on Monday,” a source at the meeting said.

The source added, “SSG (Odu) got wind that her name was not on the list of the committee and during a meeting with the governor, Aiyedatiwa, at the governor’s office, she raised her concerns about it.

“It became a whole lot of argument and charged at the governor for not including her on the list of the committee. But it took the intervention of other cabinet members at the meeting to calm the nerves of the woman. In fact, I’m aware that the meeting did not end peacefully due to the manner Odu behaved.”

“Don’t forget that Odu also has eyes on the seat of the governor and she is ready to contest in the governorship race,” another source added.

Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Wife As She Clocks 57 Today

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his wife, Ibijoke, on her 57th birthday, describing her as a dependable partner, committed prayer warrior, caring and loving wife and mother.

Ibijoke, who is the Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials and a medical doctor by profession, clocks 57 today, January 8.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Sunday, described his wife as a courageous, kind-hearted and strong pillar of support, noting that Ibijoke had been a reliable partner in the delivery of the THEMES+ development agenda of his administration to Lagos residents.

He said, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Lagos State, I celebrate my trusted, committed and reliable partner, a prayer warrior and the First Lady of Lagos, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

“Ibijoke is a God-fearing woman, a good companion, a caring and loving wife and mother. She is a passionate Christian and lover of children.

My dear wife of over two decades has complemented the roles that God has given us now with all sense of dignity. She has put everything she learned into work, and I can see the complementary role she brings on board in ensuring that good governance and dividends of democracy are delivered to millions of Lagos residents.

“On this occasion of her 57th birthday, I thank God for her life and appreciate her for all the support, time, sacrifice and contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State. She has impacted many lives through her pet project and other people-oriented programmes sponsored by her office and COWLSO.

Police Arrest 'Gist lover' Handlers in Nigeria (See Image)

The Nigeria Police Force's National Cybercrime Center, prompted by a complaint from Mrs. Seye Oladejo, has apprehended three individuals linked to an alleged plot involving conspiracy, cyberstalking, and threats to life. A statement from the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest of Adebukola Kolapo (27), Nnedum Micheal Somtomchukwu (25), and Isaac Akpokighe (30) who are associated with a group known as Gistlover Family. 

The trio is accused of managing the Gistlover blog, a microblogging platform, and were taken into custody following the investigation. 

The spokesperson for the police highlighted that the blog had gained notoriety for engaging in activities such as cyberstalking, incitement, blackmail, and various other offences, leading to public concern over the years. The statement read: "The first suspect Adebukola Kolapo a.k.a Omo oba Gistlover was responsible for the creation of over 80 per cent of the Gistlover pages, thereby lending his digital footprint for the perpetration of the aforementioned criminal act.

'A Tribe Called Judah' Becomes Nollywood's First Movie To Hit N1 Billion in Ticket Sales

Superstar actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele reached the one billion mark in tickets sales at the box office and indeed she has done so with her latest movie “A Tribe Called Judah” in less than one month of the release of the movie.

Only last week, Potpourri crowned her and Toyin Abraham as the two leading ladies of the Nigerian cinema, little did we know that Akindele would swim apart far adrift of others, to arrive at a shore no one in the entire Nigerian movie space dares to behold.

On the list of the highest grossing Nollywood movies of all time, Funke Akindele has become a colossus occupying the first three slots. A Tribe Called Judah is number one with over a billion naira in tickets sales. In second place are yet two of Akindele’s movies, Battle on Buka Street and Omo Ghetto: The Saga, each with over 600 million naira in box office harvests.

47-year-old Funke Akindele and Adeoluwa Owu directed the movie and it was released on December 15, 2023.

The movie has grossed N1 Billion in ticket sales  21 days after its release in Cinemas.

NiMet predicts 3-day sunshine, hazy weather across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has predicted sunny and hazy atmospheric conditions from Friday to Sunday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Thursday in Abuja predicted slight dust haze on Friday over the northern region during the forecast period.

The agency said sunny and hazy atmosphere is expected over the North central region throughout the forecast period.

 It envisaged sunny skies with patches of clouds in a hazy atmosphere over the inland cities of the south.

The agency anticipated coastal cities of the south with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Ogun, Edo, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states during the afternoon and evening period.

“For Saturday, slight dust haze is expected over the north and the North Central region during

the forecast period.