Nigerian actor and comedian Ijoba Lande has opened up about his frustrating experience working with Nollywood star Funke Akindele, revealing that he was paid only ₦90,000 after a month of work.
Lande made the revelation in a viral video, sparking mixed reactions. While some criticized Akindele over the alleged low payment, others accused Lande of unfairly calling her out.
During a live session on his social media page, Lande detailed his time working with the Everybody Loves Jenifa star. He claimed to have spent an entire month at Akindele’s residence in Amen Estate, only to receive a payment far below his expectations.
The Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives has welcomed Friday’s judgment of the Supreme Court, which removed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the party.
The caucus noted that Abure’s exit would bring stability and reinvention to the party.
According to the caucus, the judgment is a timely counsel to leaders who play god in the affairs of men, particularly in a democracy.
In a statement issued on Friday shortly after the Supreme Court pronouncement, the leader of the caucus, Afam Ogene, described the development as a “Veritable tonic for the revitalisation of the party” that has been engulfed by leadership tussle in recent times.
He commended the apex court of the judgment, stressing that LP can now experience a new lease of life.
The apex court set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which recognised Abure as the National Chairman of the party.
In a unanimous judgment on Friday, a five-member panel of the highest court in the land held that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to pronounce Abure as the National Chairman of the LP, having earlier determined that the substance of the case was about the party’s leadership.
The Anambra lawmaker added that with the judgment, “The party will hasten to implement necessary mechanisms to restore internal peace and get the party back on track, to reassure its teeming members of the party’s viability for future elections and its commitment to leadership that prioritises the interests and welfare of the people.
“Next week, we expect the National Caretaker Committee, NCC, led by respected former Minister of Finance, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, to convene an all-inclusive stakeholders meeting to chart the way forward.”
Ogene further argued that the crisis which had threatened the stability of the LP in recent times, could have been prevented if Abure and his team had heeded the caucus’ advice, or addressed the concerns of other stakeholders.
“These stakeholders had urged caution and greater sensitivity in managing the party’s affairs. But in a brazen display of arrogance and naked power-mongering, Abure had ignored these warnings, thus creating an environment for crisis to fester.
“For instance, in March 2024, LP House of Representatives members called for the postponement of the national convention of the party scheduled to take place by the end of that month, to allow for further consultations in the light of the party’s lingering leadership skirmishes.
“The caucus had emphasised at the time that the party’s health and sustainability were paramount, given its internal conflicts. As direct representatives of the people, they felt the party needed time to resolve its leadership issues and operational problems before holding a potentially divisive convention.
“Rather than heed that patriotic call, the party leadership proceeded to unleash tirades against them, abusing them in the media and threatening that they would be denied the party tickets for re-election in 2027. That was not only insensitive but undemocratic and disrespectful to the caucus, whose only concern was the peace, unity, sustainability, and progress of the party,” the statement read in part.
According to Ogene, “It is this uncertainty of not being sure of getting a party ticket in the next general elections that has made the caucus lose as many as six members.”
Israel said it killed a commander of the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Friday in a strike in the Lebanese port city of Sidon that also killed his adult son and daughter.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strike as a “flagrant attack on Lebanese sovereignty” and a breach of the November 27 ceasefire with Israel.
“Overnight, the (army and the domestic security agency Shin Bet) conducted a targeted strike in the Sidon area, eliminating the terrorist Hassan Farhat, commander of Hamas’s western arena in Lebanon,” the Israeli military said in a statement.
It alleged that Farhat had orchestrated multiple attacks on Israeli soldiers and civilians during the hostilities that followed the outbreak of war in Gaza in October 2023.
They included rocket fire on the Israeli town of Safed on February 14, 2024, that killed an Israeli soldier, the military added.
The strike on a flat in a residential area of Sidon killed the official and his adult son and daughter, a Palestinian official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.
An AFP correspondent saw the fourth-floor flat still on fire after the strike, which caused heavy damage to the apartment block and neighbouring buildings and sparked panic in the densely populated neighbourhood.
Lebanese state media had reported the 3:45 am (0045 GMT) strike on Sidon, saying at least three people were killed.
“A hostile drone raided a residential apartment… causing two successive explosions that led to a fire and extensive damage,” the state-run National News Agency reported.
Emergency workers rushed to the scene where they recovered “the bodies of three martyrs,” NNA said.
The Lebanese prime minister called for “maximum pressure on Israel to force it to halt these continual attacks which target various districts, many of them residential areas”.
Israel struck south Beirut earlier this week, killing a Hezbollah Palestinian liaison officer in only the second raid on the capital since a November ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group.
The Lebanese health ministry reported four dead in that strike, including a woman.
Lebanese leaders condemned the attack, but Israel said it was in response to recent unclaimed rocket fire that Hezbollah insists it had no hand in.
Hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah spiralled into all-out conflict last September, and the group remains a target of Israeli air strikes despite the November 27 ceasefire.
Under the truce, Hezbollah is supposed to redeploy its forces north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Israeli border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south.
Israel is supposed to withdraw its forces across the UN-demarcated Blue Line, the de facto border, but has missed two deadlines to do so and continues to hold five positions it deems “strategic”.
Indian actor Manoj Kumar, known for his roles in Hindi-language films with patriotic themes, died on Friday at the age of 87.
The death of the man dubbed “Bharat” Kumar — a reference to the ancient Sanskrit word for India, steeped in Hindu religious symbolism — sparked tributes from across the country.
Kumar, who was also a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governing Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), died in Mumbai due to heart-related complications.
Modi led the condolences, calling Kumar an “icon” of Indian cinema, saying that his works “ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations”.
Throughout his career, Kumar was known for acting — and at times directing — films that had a focus on unity and national pride.
Born Harikrishan Goswami, he renamed himself in Bollywood tradition — taking on the name Manoj Kumar.
He was the recipient of several national awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honour for cinema.
Kumar made his debut in Indian cinema in the late 1950s.
He went on to star in several films, many with patriotic themes, including “Upkar” (1967), “Purab Aur Pachhim” (1970), and “Kranti” (1981).
The Nigerian Air Force has announced the appointment of Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame as its new spokesperson.
He takes over from Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, who previously held the position.
A statement on Thursday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabir Ali, stated that Ejodame is a seasoned officer with vast experience in logistics, strategic planning, and defence management.
It added that Ejodame‘s appointment is expected to further enhance NAF’s public relations and strategic communication efforts.
The statement added, “He is a member of the 45th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Master’s degree in Transport and Logistics as well as a PhD in Information Systems and Management Studies from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.
“His professional journey has seen him undertake numerous high-level military and strategic courses, including logistics training at the United Nations International Peace Support Operations Centre in Kenya and Optimisation and Decision Making in Supply Chain Course from the Erasmus Intensive Programme, in Portugal.
“He completed training at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and the Air Force War College, Makurdi, where he emerged as the Best Graduating Participant. Additionally, he received the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Air Staff Awards at the National Defence College, Abuja.”
The statement said Ejodame held several key appointments, including serving as directing staff at both the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and the National Defence College, Abuja.
It added, “He was also the Pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna, and the Director of Procurement at the same institution. His experience includes a diplomatic role as Nigeria’s Defence Adviser at the Nigeria High Commission in Malaysia, where he was concurrently accredited to 9 other countries, strengthening Nigeria’s defence ties across the region.
“A distinguished scholar, researcher, and public relations professional, Air Commodore Ejodame is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). He is also a Fellow of the Air Force War College, National Defence College, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport as well as the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria.”
The National Counter Terrorism Center has handed over the former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Maharazu Tsiga, and 18 other rescued kidnap victims to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The handover took place in Abuja on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and insecurity in the country.
PUNCH Online reports that Tsiga was abducted alongside other persons on February 5, 2025, from his hometown of Tisga in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.
He, however, regained freedom on Wednesday after spending 56 days in captivity.
During the handover, Ribadu commended the efforts of the security forces and intelligence agencies involved in the rescue operation.
He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to enhancing national security and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has expressed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, to drive tourism development in the state.
Eno made this known on Wednesday while receiving the MTN Nigeria management team, led by Chief Sales and Distribution Officer, Mr. Sida Adekunle, during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Uyo.
“We welcome you to Akwa Ibom and appreciate your decision to host the MTN Champion Sports event here from April 29 to May 3. We understand the event is primarily a talent hunt, and we are committed to promoting sports tourism in any way possible.
“We are positioning Akwa Ibom as a tourism hub within the Niger Delta, whether in sports, agriculture, culture, or medical tourism. Looking beyond oil, tourism is a natural revenue source for the state.
“God has blessed us with excellent infrastructure, and past administrations have built a robust road network. With our aviation ecosystem, Ibom Air, and other facilities, we have the capacity to attract visitors and investors with ease,” Eno said.
The governor commended MTN for hosting the championship tournament and reiterated his administration’s vision to transform the state into a leading tourism destination in the region.
Eno urged the company to remain committed to its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives while also leveraging its social platforms to promote Akwa Ibom.
“Please continue your CSR programmes. We look forward to continued partnership and collaboration. I also encourage you to promote Akwa Ibom as much as you promote MTN so that we can strengthen our relationship,” he added.
Earlier, Adekunle lauded Eno’s leadership and commended the governor’s strides in implementing the Arise Agenda, which he said had made the state a hub for sports tourism.
He described Akwa Ibom’s security architecture as top-notch and appreciated the state government for its support.
Adekunle highlighted MTN’s corporate social investments, including support for schools, healthcare, and empowerment initiatives. He revealed that six of the 20 most valuable players selected in the first season of the MTN Chance Sports competition were from Akwa Ibom.
He solicited the government’s support for the second edition of the competition, scheduled to hold at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, and invited Eno to flag off the event on April 30, 2025.
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, dismissed social media claims that he collapsed last week at an event.
Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, gave the dismissal after inspecting four ongoing projects in the FCT, including the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Wike described the social media rumours as the handiwork of individuals attempting to score cheap political points.
The minister added that the rumours were cooked up to divert attention from the revelation made by the immediate past Rivers Head of Service, George Nwaeke, regarding the explosion at the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He said, “I don’t want to give credence to people who are only interested in carrying rumour. First of all, I’m a human being; it’s not a ghost that will collapse; it’s a human being that will collapse if there is any issue with their health. Unfortunately, I did not collapse.
“Everybody will die one day; nobody will remain forever, but it is only God that can tell you when you will die, not human beings.
“Some of them who said, I will die, I can assure you that I will write their condolence letter.”
The minister also reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s mandate.
PUNCH Online understands that the rumours, which spread widely on X, alleged that Wike collapsed at an event in Abuja last Friday and was rushed out of the country for treatment.
However, the minister made a public appearance two days later when he joined other dignitaries on a Sallah homage to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
During the visit, Wike appeared in high spirits, further dispelling concerns about his health.
His media aide, Lere Olayinka, had earlier dismissed the claims as false, insisting there was no truth to the reports.
Transcorp Hotels’ energy cost has surged by 95.88 per cent from N2.43bn in 2023 to N4.76bn in 2024, according to the company’s 2024 annual report and financial statements.
This rise in energy expenses makes it the second-largest operating cost for the company during the year.
The PUNCH observed that the energy costs exceeded employee expenses, which rose to N4.73bn in 2024 from N2.48bn the previous year.
Speaking on the challenges faced during the period, the newly appointed Managing Director/CEO, Uzoamaka Oshogwe, noted the impact of various economic pressures on the company’s operations.
Oshogwe, who was appointed in January 2025, said in the financial statements, “The operating environment in 2024 presented unique challenges, ranging from persistent macroeconomic pressures – including currency volatility, inflationary spikes, and rising energy costs – to heightened security concerns and shifting consumer behaviours. Yet, in the face of these complexities, our resilience remained unshaken.”
The new CEO emphasised the company’s proactive approach to navigating these challenges through strategic cost management.
She added, “A critical aspect of our success was our focus on maximising the potential of our existing assets, streamlining operations, strategic pricing, and executing cost optimisation strategies to enhance profitability, ensuring that we not only preserved value but created new pathways for growth. Our approach was not only about surpassing expectations but also elevating our brand’s competitiveness in a rapidly evolving landscape.”
Transcorp Hotels Plc also approved a final dividend payment of 64 kobo per share for the 2024 financial year, bringing the total dividend payout to 74 kobo per share.
This amounts to N7.57bn, following an earlier interim dividend of 10 kobo per share.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Emmanuel Nnorom, announced the dividend approval during the company’s 11th Annual General Meeting held on Thursday in Abuja.
He also hinted at plans to diversify the company’s investments beyond the hospitality sector, affirming the commitment to sustaining performance and increasing returns.
Nnorom assured shareholders, saying, “As the CEO mentioned, we will sustain our strong performance and continuously improve our returns to shareholders. Additionally, we plan to invest in other sectors of the economy.”
Highlighting the company’s strategic assets, Nnorom referenced the 5,000-seater event centre, the largest of its kind in Nigeria, as a key revenue generator.
He said, “This facility will not only generate income from rentals but also from food, beverages, and hotel accommodations. Additionally, the upcoming Transcorp Hotels Lagos will further strengthen our portfolio.”
Addressing concerns from shareholders regarding the dividend amount, Nnorom defended the payout as substantial, highlighting a significant increase compared to the previous year.
“The dividend we paid is quite good. For 2024, we paid an interim dividend of 10 kobo and now a final dividend of 64 kobo, bringing the total to 74 kobo. When compared to 2023, where only 20 kobo was paid, this marks a 270 per cent increase. We are committed to consistently returning value to shareholders,” he said.
Looking ahead, Nnorom outlined plans to expand the hotel chain, particularly in Lagos and Abuja.
“In Lagos, we are developing Transcorp Hotels Lagos. Here in Abuja, we also plan to add more rooms to the existing hotel. Currently, our 670-room hotel operates at an 84 per cent average occupancy rate, sometimes even reaching 100 per cent. With major international events coming up, especially in June, we must expand to accommodate the increasing demand,” he explained.
The Managing Director/CEO, Uzoamaka Oshogwe, also shared her vision for the company, focusing on enhancing customer experience through technological innovation.
“My primary goal is to sustain the growth we’ve achieved. In this business, guests come first. We must provide an exceptional guest experience through innovation and technology,” she said.
Oshogwe plans to streamline the check-in process and personalise guest experiences, adding, “We want our guests to feel special as if they are the only ones in the hotel. Through technology, we will eliminate delays at check-in and ensure seamless service.”
Arsenal have suffered a major setback ahead of their Champions League clash against Real Madrid after Gabriel was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The Gunners said Thursday the 27-year-old Brazil centre-back will require surgery on the hamstring injury he suffered during the club’s 2-1 Premier League win against Fulham on Tuesday.
Gabriel, a mainstay of Arsenal’s defence in recent seasons, went down in the 16th minute with the injury at the Emirates Stadium and was unable to continue.
Arsenal host Real Madrid in the opening leg of their quarter-final clash at the Emirates on Tuesday before the return game the following week.
“Further to being substituted during our match against Fulham on Tuesday, we can confirm that Gabriel Magalhaes has sustained a hamstring injury which requires surgery,” said an Arsenal statement.
“Gabi will undergo a surgical repair procedure to his hamstring in the coming days, and immediately begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, to be ready for the start of next season.”
Arsenal have the best defence in the Premier League so far this season, having conceded 25 goals in 30 games.
But they are still second in the table, a huge 12 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool with eight games to play.
