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‘Yes we told our children about their mum’s rape’ – Timi Dakolo says

Singer, Timi Dakolo, has revealed that he and his wife, Busola, informed their kids about being raped.

Recall that in a video interview granted by Busola in 2019, she had revealed how the Head Pastor of The Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, allegedly raped her.

Speaking about the incident during an interview with media personality, Toke Makinwa, Dakolo said, “Yes, we informed our kids. I think I raised my kids differently. Children love validation. My kids can talk to me and express themselves very well. I had to make them know that their mother is a superhero.

“I explained that it was a painful experience that happened when their mum was very young. They understood even though they might not know the gravity of what it was. They understood that something was happening. So, anytime they go to her, they give her a hug.”

“When you tell someone that, ‘I’ve got you’, be true about it. Often times, we associate being a man with muscle, biceps and strength. The pain that one feels that is not physical is the real pain. When one tells one’s partner, ‘for better, for worse’, most people think it is just ‘for the better’ because one cannot quantify the worse.

It does not announce itself. When one says those words, one has to be sure. Don’t say it because everyone is saying it. Many times, she had wanted to tell me certain things but I had waved her off. I had known about the issue and telling me was not easy for her.”

On whether he was worried that his wife’s revelation would have a negative impact on his career, the ‘Iyawo Mi’ singer said, “No, I was not worried that her story might affect my success. People don’t get it. Someone once asked me this question and I said I would always know how to sing.

In the midst of six million people, I would sing and people would notice. The word ‘man’ is synonymous with responsibility and one won’t need certain things when one is strong. When they say family first, it means let everything stop. It’s not in the good times alone.” he said.

When asked about his opinion on failed marriages, he added, “Before two people decide to get married or have children, they should sit down to talk. Forget all the marriage counselling that says ‘you must obey him’ or ‘when he is talking, the woman should keep quiet’. I think we place too much (emphasis on) religion in front of this thing called marriage. For instance, it is not every time that the husband talks that the wife should not talk. It is not every time that love is at its highest. Forever is such a long time for one to make a mistake.

Discuss deeply without external input first. Everything should be based on the truth. I think one of the biggest mistakes is when one gets married, thinking one’s partner would change. One cannot change anybody. Human beings will fail one and let one down. We are prone to make mistakes. If one marries the idea of a Prince Charming, it would fail one. One must give up a part of one’s ego to stay in a marriage.”

Nigeria Football Federation to begin prosecution of violent fans

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), says it will soon begin prosecution of fans exhibiting hooliganism at match venues.

NFF’s First Vice-President, Seyi Akinwunmi, said this while addressing participants at the Nigeria National League (NNL) Football Development Summit for Club Administrators and Media, in Abuja.

A Nigeria Professional Football League encounter between title contenders Kano Pillars and Akwa United was abandoned last Sunday due to a pitch invasion after fans protested when the referee ruled out a late goal.

Akinwunmi, who declared the event open on behalf of NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, said that hooliganism at match venues had affected the progress of the country’s football leagues.

“We need to stop this attitude of win at all cost. We will also stop this hooliganism or whatever it is,” Akinwunmi said. “It has gone on for far too long and I can assure you that if people are not careful, they will see themselves prosecuted in a short while.”

“NFF is doing as much as it can, within the ambit of the law. We are speaking with security agencies to support us in terms of enforcement and prosecution. I can’t give a timeline for the eradication of this vice but we are working on it.”

Akinwunmi also lauded NNL for organising the summit, adding that the clubs and their fans would be well educated on the negatives of such actions.

“Sometimes, hooliganism is a product of ignorance. Some people feel that they are fighting for their right and the best way to do so is to become violent,” Akinwunmi added. “That is why we must educate the public and develop, thanks to this summit.”

“Nigerian football must be abreast of the recent developments in football around the world. We need the help of everyone to educate the public and expose people who are serial instigators of this crime. So, we need the support of everyone, including the media.’’ he said.

INEC says Voter Registration to include ‘online pre-registration and physical registration’

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is fully ready to resume the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) scheduled for June 28th and the process will involve two processes; online pre-registration and physical registration.

INEC Deputy Director, Voter Education Division, Mrs Mary Nkem, stated this at a road show on the CVR organised by the commission in Abuja.

Nkem said that the road show was to sensitise and to mobilise eligible voters in the FCT for the exercise.

“It is also to let FCT residents know those who are being targeted in the exercise.

“Those who have turned 18 after the last registration exercise, or those who are more than 18 years but have never registered.

“This exercise is also for those who have issues with their accreditation during the past elections, those who have issues with their Permanent Voter Cards or their biometric details,” Ekem explained.

She said that the exercise would be taking place from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. from Monday to Friday, excluding weekends.

“It will involve two processes, that is, online pre-registration and physical registration.

“So, people can sit in the comfort of their homes and login details for registration.

“Then go to any of our local government or state office to capture their biometrics and photographs; or you appear physically at any designated register,” she said.

Insecurity: Nigeria, A Country Without A Leader

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By Oyewole Michael

“It takes leadership to improve safety.” – Jackie Stewart

The senseless killings, incessant kidnappings, destruction of lives and property is gradually becoming our new normal. Or, it is not? How did we get here? Nearly on a daily basis we hear of one dastardly act or another. Every part of the Country is bleeding. Pain, tears, sadness and injustice is now the reality of Nigerians. No part of the Country seem safe, no one is, truly. Shall we continue like this?

Painfully, the Country is plagued by multiple conflicts, from a jihadist insurgency in the North East to killings by terrorists carrying out mass kidnappings in the North West and “unknown gun men” targeting security forces and INEC offices in the southeast. All regions of the Country is dealing with multidimensional insecurity.

Terrorism, violence, deadly political scheming, citizen alienation, kidnapping, terrorism, sectional brutality, violence and destruction aptly define the Nigerian crime scene. Under the Buhari’s leadership, according to the Global Peace Index, Nigeria has been included among the countries with the least peace in the World. Nigeria is the 17th less peaceful Country in the World. Nigeria is the second country in Africa with the highest risk of genocide and the sixth worldwide. Additionally, in the World, our Country, Nigeria, is the third Country most affected by terrorism. This is based on the Global Terrorism Index.

President Muhammadu Buhari appears to have lost control, completely detached from reality and totally divorced with the current predicaments the people. An important ingredient of leadership is empathy. I’m sorry, our President is obviously lacking in this. In a saner clime where this type of killings and insecurity is this prevalent, the President would be seen addressing her citizens, rejig security architectures, visiting victims and will keep assuring the people that justice will be served and lives will be protected. For us, our president junkets the world and behave as if he is keeping malice with us. Is it that we don’t matter to this president? Are our lives worthless to this leadership? Do they care about our ordeal?

Buhari is a very poor leader! The same man who promised to lead the fight against insecurity is now shamelessly hiding in the confines of Aso Rock. Obviously, he bamboozled.

Insecurity has deteriorated all over the Country and president Buhari has been barely visible. This deliberate detachment from our reality has further driven the impression of a leader lacking in compassion, tact and common sense.

Consequently, if the dangerous trend currently ravaging Nigeria and her people is not arrested and nipped in the bud, sadly, we may be heading towards anarchy, chaos and a traduced society. Wait, are we there already?

Unfortunately, the escalating insecurity, unabated killings, communal violence, forceful land grabbing, consistent kidnapping in Nigeria has birthed and is strengthening separatist movements across the country.

Annoyingly, this regime keeps having “security meetings”. We are genuinely tired of these series of meetings that yields no positive result. Those close door meetings with service chiefs are not reflecting on the glaring security lapses of our security architecture.

Constitutionally, the primary duty of Government is to protect lives and property of her citizens. Dear President Muhammadu Buhari, rise up to your constitutionally enshrined mandate or resign!


Oyewole Michael, a public analyst and political commentator can be reached through [email protected].


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Bishop David Oyedepo backs regulation of social media in Nigeria

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The presiding bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, says unlimited access to social media platforms is robbing youths of their future.

Speaking on Friday at the seventh convocation of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara state, Oyedepo called for urgent steps to check unrestricted access to social media.

He lamented that many young people spend most of their time chatting, with lesser time to engage in productive tasks.

“It unconsciously robs people of their future by robbing them of their time — no time to think; no time to plan; no time to programme,” Oyedepo said.

“This generation may lose her heroes to social media disaster. Here is one creeping serpent that is eating up the destinies of many individuals.

“We must wake up from our slumber to deal with this monster. Young people, beware! Addiction to social media is like addiction to drugs. It can render a whole destiny useless.

“This social media saga has eroded the substance of destiny of most youths today. What is supposed to be a plus has suddenly become a major minus, because everything of value delivers through investment of time.

“Suddenly, we are faced with a generation on the wrong side of history; the honour of this generation has been wiped off — chatting all day with no time left to think, plan, programme and engage productively in the pursuit of any task.

“Many youths spend less than 10 to 20 percent of their time on their tasks per day. They can never match a generation that spends 70 percent to 80 percent of their time on their tasks.

“We must devise means to put a check on free access to social media, particularly those that are not adding values. Life is a race. Everyone should get on the track, ready for the run of their lives.”

COVID-19 cases in Africa spiked by 50% in past week – WHO raises alarm

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that there’s a 52 per cent surge in COVID-19 cases in Africa in the past week.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, disclosed this in a media briefing on Friday.

The DG noted that deaths in Africa have also increased by 32 percent and added that the situation is expected to worsen.

Weekly Covid cases jumped 44% to 95,000 while fatalities rose 20% to 1,400 over the previous week across Africa.

He said the failure to distribute vaccines equitably around the world has caused the virus to take its toll on poorer countries.

“After 18 months, the ineffective use of public health and social measures, increased social mixing, and vaccine inequity continue to give COVID-19 an opportunity to mutate, spread, and kill,” he said.

‘The global failure to share vaccines equitably is fueling a two track pandemic that’s now taking its toll on some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.

“Every region has countries that are now facing a steep increase in cases and deaths. In Africa, cases have increased by 52 percent just in the past week, and deaths have increased by 32 percent and we expect things to only get worse.

“Less than 1 percent of Africa’s population has been vaccinated. Vaccines donated next year will be far too late for those dying today, being infected today, or at risk today. Our global target are to vaccinate at least 10% of the population of every country by September, at least 40 percent by the end of this year, and 70 percent by the end of next year. These are the critical milestones we must reach together to end the pandemic.”

WHO had said Africa is currently experiencing the third wave of COVID-19 and added that it is time to step up on vaccinations.

Court rules President has powers to extend retiring IGP’s tenure

The Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that Nigeria’s president can extend the tenure of a retiring Inspector General of Police (IGP) pending the completion of the process for the appointment of a substantive successor.

President Muhammadu Buhari had on February 4 extended the tenure of Mohammed Adamu as inspector-general of police by three months after he clocked the mandatory 35 years in service on February 1.

Maxwell Opara, a legal practitioner, subsequently took the president and IGP to court, contending that by virtue of section 215 of the Nigerian constitution and section 7 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, Adamu cannot continue to function as the IGP, having retired as a serving member of the force.

Mr Adamu was due for retirement on February 1, the date he attained the maximum 35 years in service.

But giving the judgement on Friday, a federal judge, Ahmed Mohammed, noted that both the Nigerian constitution and the Police Act are silent on whether or not the president can extend the tenure of a retired IGP.

But the court held that since the Nigerian president is empowered by the Nigerian constitution and the Police Act to appoint an IGP, he can by implication, extend the tenure of a retiring IGP before concluding the required consultation with the Police Council and other processes required for the appointment of a substantive replacement.

Federal Government appoints Mikel Obi, Youth Ambassador

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Former Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi has been appointed by the Federal Government as the Nigerian youth ambassador. 

His appointment was disclosed at an event at the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) secretariat in Surulere, Lagos on Friday.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr Sunday Dare, described the former Chelsea legend as a role model whose lasting legacies in football development have continued to have a positive impact on youths in the country.

“It is it my pleasure to appoint you as Nigeria Youth Ambassador. It’s a new portfolio and your role as youth ambassador will be made known to Nigerians,” Dare said, according to a statement from Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, John Joshua-Akanji.

“It’s phenomenon to have somebody like him, he should be able to gather young men around and talk to them.

“Time will not permit me to say much about Mikel’s success as a footballer. He is our legend and a role model who has continued to impact the lives of youth positively.”

In his response, Mikel expressed delight with his new portfolio and promised to work with the sports ministry to foster youth development in the country.

“I feel highly honoured to be appointed as Youth Ambassador of this country, it is a great feeling,” Obi said.

“I am happy with this partnership and I promise to do my best to encourage and inspire the youths towards national development not just in football but in other sports like Basketball, Boxing among others.”

After the event, Dare took a tour of the National Stadium which is undergoing rehabilitation. He pointed out that a lot had been put into the rehabilitation as he emphasised on the pitch, scoreboard, tracks and the spectators’ stand.

“A lot has been put in place to ensure that the stadium returns to what it used to be. The seats are no longer in line with FIFA standard, but we have partnered a private organization to have modern seats in place,” he concluded.

Police claim van used by bandits in evacuating abducted Kebbi school students belongs to a State Judge

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A special adviser to the Kebbi State governor, Rabiu Kamba, has said a teacher and eight students out of those abducted by bandits on Thursday at the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri, Kebbi State, have been rescued.

Armed bandits, numbering about 150 on motorcycles, invaded the college on Thursday at around 12:30 pm and abducted yet to be ascertained number of students.

Kamba said the abductees rescued were at present in the custody of the military, adding that arrangement was in top gear to hand over the victims to the government for an onward reunion with their families.

“A teacher and eight students were rescued by the military.

“They are at present in the custody of the military in Dirin Daji. The government will soon receive them for a reunion with their respective families.”

In the meantime, the Police in Kebbi State have said the rescue operation was still ongoing for the missing students.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the police spokesperson of the command, DSP Nafiu Abubakar.

The police also denied the report that their van was used by the bandits in evacuating the abductees, saying the “vehicle used in evacuating the yet to be ascertained number of missing students belong to a Kebbi State Judge.“

In view of the above, the command also wishes to make it clear and to make the record straight that yet to be ascertained of the students are still missing as the rescue operation is still ongoing.”

The white Hilux Van with registration number  KBSJ 29, belonging to a High Court Judge, with the inscription of Kebbi State Judiciary, hijacked by the bandits along Birnin Yauri road, was the one used in perpetrating such a dastardly act and not the police vehicle as stated by some media stations.”

Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued adverse weather alert

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued adverse weather alert that could cause significant flight delays and cancellations.

NiMet also said flight turbulence could increase as a result of increasing thunderstorms, microbursts, heavy rains among other adverse weather conditions.

The Director-General of NiMet, Prof Mansur Bako Matazu, disclosed this on Friday at a press briefing in Abuja on recent weather events.

He said NiMet weather radars have detected increased adverse weather events that could lead to disruptions in the atmosphere with adverse discomfort to flight operators and even the farmers.

According to him, some of the other adverse weather include; wind shear, lightening, heavy precipitation, gustiness, severe icing, and low-level wind shear.

He said the severe thunderstorms could cause accidents, incidents, flight delays, flight cancellations, death, damage to aircrafts, and severe turbulence.

Prof Matazu said the severe turbulence could cause discomforts, injury to passengers, instability, loss of aircraft control, especially very small aircraft.

He also noted that the heavy rains could lead to runway surface wetness leading to aircraft skidding, impaired horizontal visibility, hindrance to ground operations such as baggage handling, refueling, catering and so more.

The NiMet DG, therefore, advised passengers to be a bit more patient with airlines as the adverse weather could cause disruptions to flight plans.

He thus called on airlines, the pilots and even the travelers to take into account these weather events as they unfold.

He said pilots should take precautions and adhere to standard operating procedures during flight.

Buhari jets to Ghana Saturday for ECOWAS Summit

President Muhammadu Buhari will take part in the 59th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Accra, Ghana on Saturday, June 19, 2021.

A presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, in a statement issued Friday, said President Buhari will leave Abuja Saturday to join other Heads of State of Government of ECOWAS for the mid-year statutory meeting of the regional bloc, with the exception of Mali, which was recently suspended from the group.

Shehu said former President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, ECOWAS Special Envoy and Mediator to Mali, is expected to present a report on his latest working visit to the West African country to the Summit of the Heads of State.

He said the Heads of State and Government will also receive a report on ECOWAS institutional reforms, single-currency programmes and a memorandum on the proposed mechanism of rotation of ECOWAS Member States’ candidature to the Chairmanship of the African Union.

He said the President will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema; Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada; Minister of Defence, Maj. General Bashir Magashi (Rtd); Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; the National Security Adviser, Maj. General Babagana Monguno (Rtd); Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar.

The statement added that a communiqué will be issued at the end of the Summit.

“The 59th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government was preceded by the 46th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the Ministerial Level and the 86th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, in Accra, Ghana.

“The MSC, comprising of Ministers responsible for defence and foreign affairs from the ECOWAS Member States, considered the security situation in the ECOWAS Region, among other topical issues on the agenda while the 86th Ordinary Session considered a memorandum on the post-COVID-19 industry recovery plan, the 2021 mid-term report of the President of the ECOWAS Commission and the ongoing institutional reforms at ECOWAS, among others,” the statement added.

President Buhari is expected back in Abuja at the end of the Summit.

APC Governors resolve to implement judiciary and legislative autonomy in their states 

Governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have resolved to implement judiciary and legislative autonomy in their states. 

The governors met at an emergency meeting in Abuja on Friday and issued a communique on their decision, signed by chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Kebbi state governor Atiku Bagudu.

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria had been on strike, shutting down all courts across the country in agitation for the financial autonomy of the judiciary, particularly at the state level.

The APC governors, who finally agreed to implement their demands, said they were satisfied with the work done by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) Committee on autonomy for Judiciary and State Legislature under the Chairmanship of Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.“

The Forum endorses agreements reached by the Governor Tambuwal-led NGF Committee and enjoined all APC controlled states and indeed, all states to commence the process of implementing the submitted recommendations.“

“As part of the process of implementing the NGF agreements in APC controlled states, appropriate consultations with Attorneys-General will take place in order to provide all necessary legal framework for the implementation of the Governor Tambuwal-led NGF Committee’s proposed recommendations.“

In appreciation of the enormity of the challenges facing the country and the onerous efforts at addressing them, the Forum recommits itself to continue to support all the initiatives of the federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari,” the governors said.