Rapper Olamide has hinted a fresh collaboration with songster Wande Coal.
Olamide hinted of the collaboration with a post shared on his Instagram page.
The song, entitled ‘Hate Me,’ will be released on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.
Month: February 2022
Why we restricted accounts owned by some Nigerians – Binance CEO
Binance Chief Executive Officer, Changpeng Zhao, has explained that the controversial restriction of accounts on its platform is due to ongoing measures to prevent fraudulent activities.
In a statement addressed to the Nigerian community, published on Sunday, Mr Zhao said 281 Nigerian cryptocurrency accounts were affected by these proactive measures.
“Some 281 Nigerian accounts have been affected by these personal account restrictions with approximately 38% of these cases restricted at the request of international law enforcement,” he said.
Mr Zhao emphasised that the Nigerian community is one that brings great pride, adding that since the inception of Binance, Nigeria and Africa at large have been “very special markets to us and for crypto.
The CEO’s comment came days after many traders of cryptocurrencies took to Twitter to vent their anger and grievances over the various unusual activities they noticed on their wallets on the Binance platform.
Many users of the platform, especially Nigerians and other Africans, last Wednesday alleged that they had been deprived of access to their wallets (account) without significant reasons.
Binance is a cryptocurrency exchange platform where digital currency holders can transact seamlessly in a peer-to-peer (P2P) pattern.
“On hearing the concerns raised by the community, I decided to write to re-emphasize our commitment to you,” Mr Zhao said in his statement Sunday.
While apologising for the inconvenience caused by delays in resolving customer support requests, Mr Zhao stated that “user security remains our top priority.”
He said: “We love and are devoted to our Nigerian community, but we must ensure that our users are safe. As such, protection mechanisms such as KYC, anti-money laundering measures, collaboration with law enforcement, and account restrictions are in place to ensure our community remains protected and that fraudulent activity is prevented.
“This is a global approach applied in every country.”
Ongoing efforts
According to the statement, Mr Zhao said regardless of the bitter experiences, “we owe it to you, our users, to deliver the experience you deserve.”
In its bid to rebuild the trust of Nigerians on its brand, Mr Zhao said the company is ensuring speedy resolutions of ongoing user cases tied to account restrictions.
“Currently, we have resolved 79 cases and continue to work through others. All non-law enforcement-related cases will be resolved within two weeks,” he said.
He noted that the company is devoting more customer service personnel to the region, and that it will dedicate additional risk agents with a great understanding of the Nigerian market.
“Rest assured, we are working hard to attend to all customer service requests,” he explained.
Future Face Africa sponsored by Ecobank presents the Winners; Ana Campos – Angolan and Nziza Ken – Rwandan
Future Face Africa sponsored by Ecobank presents the Winners; Ana Campos – Angolan and Nziza Ken – Rwandan
It was all glitz and glamour as winners emerged at the grand finale of the keenly contested Future Face Africa (FFA) model talent search competition which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos last Sunday. Ana Campos, An Angolan and Nziza Ken, a Rwandan emerged winners in both female and male category respectively at Africa’s largest model search competition.
The final event had 18 contestants who qualified after a rigorous selection process involving physical castings in eight African countries, as well as thousands of digital applications from all over the world. Some of the 18 finalists were flown into Lagos for a photo session and runway competition – turning their modelling aspirations into a reality.
The two winners won the title of “Africa’s next future face” and received a two-year international modelling contract with a top international modelling agency; as well as $5,000 cash prize. In addition to providing a career start in modelling, the competition also prepares the winners for global modelling roles. The event is majorly sponsored by Ecobank Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria, Babajide Sipe, said the bank’s decision to sponsor the event is in line with its Pan African vision of developing potentials and talents on the continent, adding that it aligns with Ecobank’s commitment to providing a veritable platform for actualizing the dreams of many young talents who will become global super stars in the fashion and beauty industry.
“We are proud to be sponsors of this event. You know that Ecobank is committed to Africa and focused on giving the young ones every opportunity to realize their potential. Africa has the talent, the resources and the best people across the globe to succeed in any industry. Future Face Africa is a platform to discover some of these talents and to again put Africa in the global Fashion scene.
Future Face Africa, no doubt Africa’s largest model search competition is headed by Elizabeth Isiorho, a pioneer in the African modelling industry and the founder of Beth Model Management Africa, Africa’s largest modelling agency.
Newly promoted FIRS senior staff hacked to death by suspected assassins in Lagos
Mrs Ibironke Oluremi Adefila (nee Jobi), a senior staff member of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), was brutally murdered in Lagos by assailants thought to be assassins.
Adefila was reportedly on her way to work in the early hours of Friday, January 28, 2022, when she was confronted by heavily armed assailants opposite Awalu group of schools in Laketu, Ikorodu.
According to onlookers, a voice among the armed men was heard yelling, “that’s her, that’s her,” and they promptly attacked her and chopped her to death on the spot with an axe, cutlass, and knife.
Although some good Samaritans attempted to take her to the hospital in the hope that she would survive the senseless mutilation, she had lost a great deal of blood due to the severe injuries she had sustained on every area of her body, including her head and spine.
The deceased’s family has pleaded with the police and other appropriate authorities to expedite the investigation into their daughter’s death.
Alaba Jobi, speaking on behalf of the family, stated, “What made the crime even more shocking and terrible was that she was scheduled to attend a celebration that day in the office to celebrate her promotion to a new level in her office.”
“Many have wondered, ‘What could have prompted this brutal and heinous murder?’”
“Another surprise was that none of her personal items or body parts were stolen.
“Police must act immediately to apprehend those responsible for this horrible act. The mother of five children should not perish in vain. Mr Adefila, the husband, also seeks justice,” stating that Ikorodu, which was once a tranquil neighbourhood, has been blighted by a slew of criminal activities that has become nearly permanent in the area.
“All relevant parties should assist the Lagos Police command in unraveling the mysteries surrounding Ikorodu’s security concerns, particularly the death of Mrs Ibironke Oluremi Adefila,” he added.
Adekunle Ajisebutu, the state police command’s spokesperson, confirmed the incident and stated that the state’s police are “working vigorously to apprehend the offenders.”
Additionally, he added that Abiodun Alabi, the state commissioner of police, has authorized a thorough inquiry into the event.
Hoodlums attack Gombe PDP Secretariat, Atiku campaign office
The Gombe offices of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Atiku for President 2023 were on Tuesday attacked by hoodlums.
They looted the office, razed furniture and carted away valuable property, including air conditioners among others.
The North East Coordinator of Atiku for President 2023, Dr. Adamu Bappayo, who addressed journalists in Gombe, expressed shock over the incident.
He said he could not give any reason for the attack because former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is a peace-loving gentleman.
“I received a call on my phone around 2 am informing me of an attack on the building by hoodlums I do not know what can warrant his kind of attack because my principal, Vice President Atiku Abubakar is a peace-loving man.
“He has a smooth relationship with the Governor of the state, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya and many other personalities across the state,” he said.
According to him, the matter has already been reported to Commissioner of Police and the DSS, which requested for a comprehensive statement on it.
As at the time of filing this report, Gombe PDP chairman, Abnon Kwaskebe is holding a meeting with the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Gombe Deputy Commissioner of Police, Adamu Ngorjin, said the Commissioner of Police, Ishola Babaita, has visited the PDP office to ascertain the situation.
Ngorjin said it was too early to make any comment on the incident because the police were still investigating it
JUST IN: Senate approves bill seeking to make Abuja landlords collect rent monthly
The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking to regulate rent payments in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for second reading.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Smart Adeyemi (All Progressives Congress, APC, Kogi State), specifically seeks to stop yearly advance payment of rents and compel house owners to collect rent monthly in arrears.
Adeyemi said many properties in Abuja were empty because of the outrageous rents placed on them.
“Many residents of FCT are finding it very difficult to cope with huge rent payment, the reason many of the houses built for such purpose are empty.”
He said some landlords always insist their tenants pay one year or two years rent.
“That is wrong. There are many tenants whose salaries are competing with their rents because they live in cities like Abuja,” he said.
Speaking on the issue, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (APC, Niger), described the proposed law as people-centred and urged his colleagues to support its passage.
Transfer: Aubameyang Joins Barcelona For Free From Arsenal
Arsenal former captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has joined La Liga side, Barcelona on a free transfer on deadline day.
The Gunners were willing to allow the Gabon striker to leave after stripping him of the captaincy in December following a disciplinary issue.
The club manager, Mikel Arteta ever since had stopped picking the striker for their matches and he was left out of the club’s warm-weather training camp in Dubai.
Aubameyang who was paid £350,000 a week, scored 92 goals in 163 games for the Gunners in his time at the Emirates Stadium.
The exit of Aubameyang from the club means Arsenal will finish the season with just two strikers, Eddie Nketiah and Alex Lacazette.
The deal had looked off earlier on Deadline Day after talks broke down over the financial part of the deal.
It is believed that Aubameyang, who flew out to Barcelona on Monday morning, took a significant pay cut to facilitate the move.
Why I Divorced Atiku Abubakar – Ex-Wife Finally Opens Up
The wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Jennifer Abubakar, has disclosed that she divorced him because he got married again.
Speaking in an interview with The Trent, Jennifer Abubakar, addressed all inquiries circulating social media accusing her of disposing of the couple’s Dubai real estate illegally, among other allegations, mentioned that she requested for the divorce from her husband.
The full statement, delivered to The Trent by Dr Abubakar is reproduced below:
For some time now, especially in the last few weeks, there has been a whole lot of rumours and in circulation about the state of my marriage to his Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Waziri Adamawa, GCON. The stories got more vicious as they continued to circulate. I deem it necessary to defend myself against the calculated propaganda to malign my character and position me in a bad light and damage my name. Without resorting to nonsensical talk, I would address the two key issues at hand:
(1) That I asked for a divorce because His Excellency got married again.
(2) That I sold his Excellency’s house in Dubai.
That I asked for a divorce because His Excellency got married again
• On June. 26, 2021, I asked His Excellency to grant me a divorce in light of the breakdown of our marriage. And, during that period, I told his Excellency that I remain at his Excellency’s service to continue to assist him in his activities even If I am no longer married to him. Suffice it to say that several friends of his Excellency tried to mediate in this matter. I thank them most graciously and remain grateful for their efforts, Peter Okocha, Senator Ben Obi, Tunde Ayeni, Captain Yahaya and Senator Ben Bruce.
• The core reason for the divorce was disagreement over my continued stay in the United Kingdom, to look after my children and several other long-standing issues. I needed to play the role of a mother at this time to the children who have gone through the absence of both father and mother growing up; especially, with the passage of my elder sister who used to look after them. Furthermore, in light of COVID times, choosing to stay with the children was nonnegotiable. And, in line with Northern culture, the new wife takes up the baton so I can also focus on giving the kids more care.
• Despite not informing us officially according to northern/Islamic culture, I knew about his Excellency’s new wife from the time Excellency was dating her and when his Excellency eventually married her. I have graciously invited our new wife to my son’s wedding in Dubai in 2018 without any ill feelings and congratulated his Excellency when our new wife put to bed.
• I was already aware that His Excellency had gotten married to our new wife but that did not deter me from supporting His Excellency and indeed, we went through a most rigorous electioneering campaign and garnered massive support for his election in 2019.
• That His Excellency married a new wife was never the cause of our problem as many have said. His Excellency is a Moslem and I have never questioned him about his wives or intended.
I hope this brings this issue to rest as I did not leave the house because of his new marriage.
Moving out of the matrimonial Home in Asokoro and Yola
• The Matrimonial home in Asokoro which we reside was gifted to me by him even before we moved into that home from a previous residence. Indeed, His Excellency caused his Private Secretary to process the DEED of assignment documents for the house, which he did and handed. me the documents. I then commenced processing the title to the property.
• During the initial mediation discussion, Excellency denied that he gifted the house even after I showed him
the document with the signatures of his aide, his Excellency asked me to give him the deed of gift. “When I asked him, where will me and the kids stay when we come to Nigeria?”, he told me that since I am the one that asked for a divorce, I should find a place to stay and subsequently, I moved out.
• His Excellency further gave orders to have my nephews living with me in the house ejected within an hour of his order and gave orders that I and my family members are not allowed to enter the house. Hence, during my last visit to Nigeria in December, 2021, I stayed at a hotel. I have long released these assets to him and hereby reiterate that thee titles are at his disposal to pick up whenever he deems fit.
• There has been a lot of speculation on the Dubai home. For a while now, I had purposely stayed away the Dubai until I took custody of that property September 2021 after his Excellency reneged on his word to give the current value of the said property in exchange. When I came to Nigeria, in early September, 2021. I asked to have a private conversation with His Excellency. During that conversation, I informed his Excellency that once I get back to the United Kingdom, I will go to Dubai and take over the house. He subsequently departed for his medical trip to Germany refusing to address any of the issues I privately wanted to conclude with him outside of third parties.
• I subsequently travelled to Dubai, and took custody of the said property. Once I did that, on 18 September 2021, His Excellency sent me a text and I quote: “I hear you have moved to Dubai to takeover the house. I am still in Germany for my medicals. Make sure all my properties including (redacted) are intact so I can collect all my properties. I wish you well’.
• I responded to him: “ Excellency, I am left with no other option as we need to get on with our lives amicably. I hope your medicals are coming up good. I wish you well too’.
• On 19th September, 2021 in response to his text that I am not being amicable and I quote ”Good morning, with due respect, Excellency, I told you on Saturday before you left for Germany, that I was going back to UK, take [our son] back for his test, then come to Dubai. I reiterated that day the need for an amicable resolution. I maintain that stance and remain at your service Your Excellency’.
• Further on Tuesday, 21 September, 2021, I asked His Excellency in another text whether he wanted me to pack up his clothes and give to Rahim (his driver) since the driver on his instructions was moving his cars. I also asked Excellency in that text whether he wanted me to have Rahim pack up his office. Then his Excellency sent me a text back and asked: ‘So its true you have sold the villa?’
• Subsequently, His Excellency sent the driver to take possession of all the cars.
The truth subsists with regard to the Dubai house. I will make no further comments on it because it is the subject of litigation filed by his Excellency against me.
I need to also put on record that if I wanted to take His Excellency assets, I would not have returned to him his property documents in Abuja and Jos and document, allowed the driver to collect his cars, gave up the house in Asokoro and Yola.
The last time I was in Nigeria I called to have the Asokoro and Yola documents delivered to him. It was never picked up and I still state that Excellency is free to send someone to have the documents picked up anytime he deems fit.
Threats/Intimidation
• Since this incident, I fear for my safety and that of my kids. His Excellency’s security operatives especially Ibro and others have making threats and calling my relatives, friends and staff and searching for my assets to seize and monitoring my phone calls and those of friends and relatiives. For that reason, I have exited my law firm and sold all my assets and moved abroad until peace reigns.
• I have done nothing wrong except to ask for a divorce and it pains me that I have to use this medium to address thorny issues but fear that at this point, I would have to put my side of the story on record. It is obvious that a campaign of calumny to total discredit and put me in bad light has begun.
Despite all that has happened, I reiterate that I asked for a quiet divorce which had if it had been granted, we would not be where we are today. Divorce is never an easy process for both parties. I reiterate that I hope we can settle our issues privately and I would remain at His Excellency’s service should he need my help, anytime.
Sammie Okposo’s Wife Reacts As He Returns To Instagram
Sammie Okposo’s wife, Ozioma Okposo has reacted after her husband returned to Instagram.
Recall that Naija News earlier reported that Sammie re-activated his Instagram account after taking a break from social media.
He had written: “I am the righteousness of God in Christ. I am born of God the life of God is in me; Christ in me the hope of glory I am free from the law, from the power of sin. I am no longer bound by the fear of men.
“God’s grace is available sufficient and working for me. Jesus already saved me not because of any works of righteousness that I have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit.
“Jesus is crazy about me, He loves me just the way I am. Christ has redeemed me. I live free, all my fears and mistakes are drowned in God’s perfect Love. There is, therefore, no condemnation to me. I am in Christ Jesus. I walk not after the flesh but after the spirit; the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made free from the power of sin and death. Who is he or she that saith a thing and it cometh to pass when the Lord commandeth it not…… NOBODY.”
To show her approval of her husband’s return and declaration on social media, Ozioma liked his post.
EFCC Quizzes Medview Airline CEO, Muneer Bankole
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has quizzed the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Medview Airline, Muneer Bankole.
Naija News reports that the anti-graft agency detained Bankole on Monday at its headquarters in Abuja over a case of alleged diversion of hajj funds.
It was gathered that Bankole arrived at the EFCC headquarters around 11am following an invitation by the commission regarding the case.
Bankole is said to have received funds from the National Hajj Commission, and an additional $900,000, for the airlift of pilgrims in 2019.
He was alleged to have failed to execute the airlift contract after receiving the mobilization funds.
Confirming Bankole’s detention, EFCC Spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said that investigation into the allegations against him was ongoing.
In a related development, the anti-graft agency has filed N2.9 billion fraud charges against former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.
This is coming hours after the former governor officially declared his presidential bid for 2023.
Okorocha was charged alongside Anyim Nyerere Chinenye, Naphtali International Limited, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Limited, Consolid Projects Consulting Limited, Pramif International Limited, and Legend World Concepts Limited.
In the 17 counts filed on Monday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, EFCC alleged that they conspired to steal N2.9 billion public funds.