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NAPTIP has summoned controversial singer Darlington Okoye, better known as Speed Darlington, over his claims of having carnal knowledge of a minor 

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NAPTIP has summoned controversial singer Darlington Okoye, better known as Speed Darlington, over his claims of having carnal knowledge of a minor 

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking (NAPTIP) has summoned controversial singer Darlington Okoye, better known as Speed Darlington, over his claims of having carnal knowledge of a minor. 

Speed Darlington sparked outrage on social media after a viral video of him admitting to having had an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old, prompting NAPTIP to summon him for questioning. 

“Mr. Darlington Okoye (AKA Speed Darlington) is urged to respond to the official invitation issued on May 28, 2025, regarding a viral video and others in which he admitted to sexually abusing a minor,” the agency wrote on its X handle on Thursday. “Failure to respond may lead to further action,” the agency wrote in a statement on Thursday.”

Mr. Darlington Okoye (AKA Speed Darlington) is urged to respond to the official invitation issued on May 28, 2025, regarding a viral video and others in which he admitted to sexually abusing a minor. Failure to respond may lead to further action.

In the two-page summon, NAPTIP wrote:  “We write to formally invite you to appear before the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in respect of certain video materials recently circulated online, including but not limited to a particular Instagram video wherein you allegedly made statements admitting to having engaged in sexual acts with an underage girl. Additional archived videos, now in circulation, similarly contain admissions and degrading commentary concerning minors.
“These actions, if substantiated, constitute offences under the “Trafficking in Persons(Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act (TIPPEA) 2015
“Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015
“You are hereby invited to appear in person for an interview as regards the alleged actions on Friday, 30th May, 2025, by 9 a.m. at the NAPTIP Headquarters: 2028 Dalaba Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, FCT.

“Kindly bring along any legal representation or documents you may consider relevant.

“Please be informed that your cooperation is critical to ensuring a fair and thorough inquiry into the matter. Failure to honour this invitation may result in further legal action.”

Speed Darlington’s video triggered a backlash from Nigerians and authorities and prompted the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) to escalate to NAPTIP. 

American model, Hailey Bieber $1bn deal – here’s all you need to know

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American model, Hailey Bieber $1bn deal – here’s all you need to know

E.l.f. Beauty has reached an agreement to acquire Bieber’s beauty brand Rhode in a deal valuing it at $1 billion, the companies jointly revealed Wednesday.

The news comes just a month after WWD reported that Rhode had hired JP Morgan and Moelis to explore deal options. 

“They support founders, they want to help push the founders’ vision and get behind them,” Bieber said of the deal with E.l.f. in an interview with WWD. “That’s where we are with Rhode, and I’m ready to get to the next place.”  

That will include international expansion — or, as Bieber put it, “more places, more faces.” 

It’s not E.l.f.’s first rodeo with founder-led brands: The company acquired Naturium in 2023 and incubated in-house Alicia Keys’ Keys Soulcare, a fact that was attractive to Bieber.

“This is my baby, and to find a home for it is really not an easy process — it’s very scary,” Bieber said. “When I met the E.l.f. team, we had a lot of similarities when it came to the importance of community and team building.”

The deal marks E.l.f.’s biggest to date, and consists of $800 million in cash and stock payable at closing, and an additional potential earnout consideration of $200 million based on the future growth of the brand over a three-year timeframe. To fund the deal, E.l.f. secured $600 million in debt financing.  

It also comes at a time when E.l.f., which was one of the top-performing companies on the New York Stock Exchange in the first half of last year and surpassed the significant $1 billion milestone in net sales, has faced headwinds recently. These are namely in the form of tariffs, with 75 percent of its products manufactured in China. As a result, the company’s share price is down by around 25 percent in the year to date.

In an interview, E.l.f. chairman and chief executive officer Tarang Amin revealed that he had been in discussions with Rhode since October.

“E.l.f. Beauty is on fire, and it was a desire to fuel that fire with the acquisition of Rhode,” he said. “In less than three years, going from zero to $212 million of net sales, direct-to-consumer only, with just 10 products — I would never believe that if somebody told me,” he said. “The momentum and everything that Hailey has fits our ethos as a company, of wanting to invite her into our family and her entire team and be able to transform the beauty industry.”

Building on Bieber’s popular glazed doughnut skin content on Instagram, Rhode launched in 2022 with a tightly edited stock keeping unit count on its website. By the end of 2024, it was the top skin care brand by earned media value, having grown 367 percent from the year prior.

Since its launch, Rhode has expanded beyond the initial lip balms, serum and moisturizer to entail color cosmetics, phone cases and a recently confirmed partnership with Sephora in North America, which will kick off later in 2025. The brand’s net sales reached $212 million in the 12 months ended March 31.

The acquisition gives E.l.f. more than just a fast-growing buzzy brand: It will also mark E.l.f.’s entrée into Sephora U.S. “Going to every single U.S. and Canadian store this fall, followed by the U.K. by the end of the year, shows the confidence [Sephora] has,” Amin said of the launch. “They are great purveyors, and every beauty brand wants to go to Sephora.” 

When Rhode initially hired bankers, sources were skeptical the $1 billion valuation could be met, citing broader factors in the M&A landscape as well as the brand’s hefty marketing spend. Indeed, a raft of other brands — including Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty, Makeup by Mario, Kosas, Merit, Jane Iredale and more — have gone to market and have yet to find buyers.

But Rhode bucked the trend, with one source noting it’s the fastest majority deal of $1 billion or more in beauty.

As part of the deal, Bieber will serve as Rhode’s chief creative officer and head of innovation, overseeing creative, product innovation and marketing. She will also act as a strategic adviser to the combined companies.

“I want to continue to push innovation — innovative products, innovative marketing, and I know they’ll be able to continue helping us,” Bieber said.

Cofounders Michael D. Ratner and Lauren Ratner and CEO Nick Vlahos will continue to lead the brand out of its Los Angeles office.

Amin also noted that every brand in the E.l.f. Beauty stable saw growth last year, with Naturium and Keys Soulcare sales reaching all-time highs. 

As for whether E.l.f. plans any more M&A, Amin stressed that his primary focus is the organic growth of its existing brand portfolio. 

“A billion-dollar deal is the biggest we’ve ever done in our history, which talks about our excitement and our confidence,but also gives a big responsibility to make sure we’re living up to everything Hailey wants and so I’d say that’s going to be the focus for us right now. How much can we grow our brand portfolio? How much can we just continue to disrupt the beauty industry?” he said.

In August 2023, E.l.f. acquired masstige skin care brand Naturium from The Center for $333 million as a broader strategy to give the company cachet in skin. 

With that acquisition, it doubled its penetration within skin care to 20 percent and wasted no time in expanding Naturium’s footprint into Ulta Beauty in the U.S. and Shopper’s Drug Mart in Canada.

In an interview with WWD last summer, Amin said: “One of the things we get with acquisition is greater scale right away. What we get with something like a Naturium is they went from zero to over $90 million in sales in three years. We liked the fact that it already had a good sales basis and a fully developed team that we could continue to build. We’ve been investing in the brand, we’ve been investing in the team, and we continue to see incredible results from it.” 

The acquisition news comes as E.l.f.’s net sales increased 4 percent to $332.6 million in its fourth quarter ended March 31. This beat Wall Street’s expectations of $327 million. Adjusted net income was $45.2 million. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were 78 cents, above estimates of 72 cents.

Due to the wide range of potential outcomes related to tariffs, the company is not providing a fiscal 2026 financial outlook at this time. 

Amin noted that around 75 percent of E.l.f.’s goods are manufactured in China, while Rhode is primarily manufactured in Italy and South Korea.

“Just like every company, tariffs are impacting us, but we have a mitigation strategy,” he said. “Last week, we announced to our community that we’re going to take all E.l.f. prices up $1 and what we told them is it’s a fraction of what the tariffs actually cost, but we really care about preserving great consumer value. We had 99 percent positive sentiment.”

As for when the company is likely to release a full-year forecast, he said: “As soon as we have resolution on where tariffs are going to head out, and we don’t want to put up guidance, and then have something change.”

Court has banned Mrs Favour Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s sister-in-law, from live-streaming the court proceedings in the terrorism charges

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Court has banned Mrs Favour Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s sister-in-law, from live-streaming the court proceedings in the terrorism charges

The Federal High Court in Abuja has banned Mrs Favour Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s sister-in-law, from accessing the court to witness proceedings in the terrorism charges brought against the Biafra agitator.

Mrs Kanu was banned on Thursday following the discovery that she was responsible for recording proceedings live and transmitting same to the public through the social media.

Shortly after delivering the ruling on trial within the trial conducted to establish Kanu’s allegation that he made statements under duress, Justice James Omotosho raised the issue of live transmission of the proceedings by some people in the courtroom.

The judge who said that such action was subjudice and contemptuous of the court, brought out printed pictures of the live proceedings.

Drama ensued when the judge called out Mrs Favour Kanu and demanded to know whether she was the one responsible for the unlawful live coverage of the court and streaming the proceedings on social media, to which she admitted responsibility.

Having been warned three times to desist from the act, Justice Omotosho ordered her out of the court, adding that she must not be seen within the court premises except she has a case in court.

He subsequently banned Mrs Favour from coming to the court and also barred her from accessing the court premises unless she has a matter in court.

Justice Omotosho warned that henceforth he would be sending people to Kuje Prison for contempt of court.

Abdul Samad Rabiu: Two years of President Tinubu, a business perspective 

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Abdul Samad Rabiu: Two years of President Tinubu, a business perspective 

As Nigeria marks two years under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I believe it is important to reflect, not from the lens of politics, but from the perspective of business, of industry, and of the economy. I speak not only as the Chairman of BUA Group – one of Africa’s largest conglomerates, but also as someone who has lived through the complexity of Nigeria’s reforms. I have seen the cost of dysfunction, the burden of inefficiency, but more importantly, the promise of a level playing field and the dividends of decisive governance.

FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL

The removal of the fuel subsidy is one of the most important decisions taken by this administration. Before that, Nigeria was selling PMS at 200 or 250 Naira per litre, which was about 25 or 30 cents. I doubt there was any country in the world where fuel was being sold at that price. During my trip to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj in February this year, I checked the pump price at one of the petrol stations as we drove from Jeddah to Mecca. When I converted the price to Naira, it was almost 1,500 Naira per litre. That was Saudi Arabia.

We could simply not afford the subsidy. It was not just Nigerians who were benefiting from it. We were subsidising the entire region. I remember visiting Niger Republic a few years ago when President Bazoum honoured us. During dinner, he joked and said, “Thank you for the subsidy.” He said 100 percent of all PMS consumed in Niger was coming from Nigeria because it would cost them three times more to import. There was no incentive for them to bring in their own fuel or refine crude at their own refinery. This was the situation across the region.

Today, I understand that our fuel consumption has dropped by almost 40 to 50 percent. It is not because Nigerians are consuming less, but because neighbouring countries have stopped tapping into our subsidised fuel. The PMS is still cheaper in Nigeria, even at 800 or 900 Naira per litre, but the logistics no longer support easy access. Countries like Niger and Benin Republic still take fuel from Nigeria, but others have stopped.

The removal of subsidies was needed not only to save the economy but to ensure that Nigerians alone benefit from what is imported. Even if there must be subsidy, it should be for Nigerians only. The money saved is now being channelled to infrastructure, to better support for states, and to other developmental priorities. All the states are receiving more money now, and that has made a real difference.

I am of firm opinion that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the right decision, and he made it boldly. On the first day he took office, he did what everyone knew had to be done but no one dared to do. He acted immediately. Many criticised him, but he did the right thing, and it saved the country. Had we continued under that burden, only God knows where we would be today. I always say, Mr President is probably the only one who had the courage to take such hard and necessary decisions.

ON THE UNIFICATION OF THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE REGIME

The unification of the foreign exchange market is another critical reform. Before this, many of us in the business community spent most of our time chasing foreign exchange. I personally spent half of my time trying to get FX from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The CBN was the only source of official exchange, offering FX at around 500 Naira when the parallel market was 800 or 900. No business could survive outside the CBN structure.

Every two weeks, we would go to Abuja to seek allocations. It was exhausting and inefficient. You had to camp there for three or four days before Allocation Monday, waiting for the CBN to allocate dollars. Today, I have met the new CBN Governor, Mr Cardoso, only once in two years. The reason is simple: I do not need to go to Abuja now to get foreign exchange. The system is open. It is working.

This was also a bold move by President Tinubu. It was necessary, and he took that decision as well. We are very gladbecause today we can focus on our businesses. These reforms are saving the economy.

FAIRNESS, SANITY AND STABILITY IN BUSINESS

Under this administration, we have seen a return to fairness and stability in business. We no longer worry about arbitrary shutdowns or politically motivated disruptions. Let me give a real example. We started a new business in Port Harcourt four or five years ago under BUA Foods, operating at the Rivers Ports under a concession with the Nigerian Ports Authority. It was going very well. One day, we woke up to a letter stating that the concession had been revoked, the terminal shut down, and the lease agreement terminated. There was no prior warning, no issue, no conflict.

Later, we discovered that the Managing Director of NPA at the time decided to close the business simply because our operations were competing with those of her friend. She wanted to impress her friend. That was the only reason. Today, that kind of thing cannot happen. Nobody would dare take such an action under President Tinubu. You can wake up now without fear that your business has been shut down by an agency or politician.

That stability is critical. That Port Harcourt plant alone has seen over 500 million dollars in investment and has employed over 4,000 people. The confidence this government has brought is real, and it is helping us plan better.

I must also personally acknowledge former President Muhammadu Buhari. When our Port Harcourt plant was unfairly shut down, it was his intervention that saved it. I had the privilege of explaining the situation to him. He agreed it was wrong and acted. He said he would not permit injustice under his watch. That decision saved the business. But the reality is, I had access. What if I did not? That is the difference today. Now, nobody needs access to the President to be treated fairly. Everyone knows that if you do something wrong under President Tinubu, you may lose your job or even face prosecution and go to jail. That is why I can now spend more time focusing on the business and relaxing.

The President Tinubu reforms are creating a level playing field. Like I said previously, every business had to lobby the CBN for FX. If you did not, your business would collapse. Now, you do not need to go to Abuja. You just focus on your operations.

INFRASTRUCTURE AS A KEY DRIVER OF DEVELOPMENT

In infrastructure, the difference is also clear. Look at the Lagos-Calabar highway. Look at the Sokoto-Badagry road. Lookat the Kwara projects we are executing under the tax credit scheme. Look at Kano-Kongolam. Look at the Okpella to Kogi State corridor. These projects are progressing because of the savings from subsidy removal and FX unification. With more revenue, Nigeria is building.

These roads and others being built are critical because logistics have become a major challenge. Transporting goods from Lagos to the North is very expensive due to bad roads. Now, the President is addressing this. With better infrastructure, logistics will improve, and businesses will grow. These reforms have enabled long-term planning and serious investment.

BUA WILL CONTINUE TO BET ON NIGERIA

Since President Tinubu took office, BUA Group has invested over one billion dollars in the Nigerian economy. We are expanding our food business, doubling our flour and pasta facilities in Port Harcourt and building another in Lagos. Demand is increasing. People are earning more. Confidence is returning. We have also completed the first POP plaster manufacturing plant in Nigeria which is now operating and are soon starting construction of a 30MW solar energy project in Sokoto State.

In the oil and gas sector, we are completing our LNG project in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. These investments are possible because of stability that has been brought about by President Tinubu’s reforms. We can plan now. The exchange rate has been fairly stable for almost a year. FX is accessible. Money is coming in from different sources, and investors are responding. If you want 200 million dollars a week for trade, you can get it without lobbying anyone at the Central Bank. These are the results of good policies.

ON FOOD SECURITY

When I met President Tinubu recently, he raised concerns about food prices. He wanted to know what BUA Foods was doing. I explained that his six-month tariff waiver had worked. It disrupted hoarding in the rice market. In Nigeria, the rice harvest is short and runs for about three months. Middlemen were buying paddy rice, hoarding it, and raising prices post-harvest. This artificial scarcity drove prices to as high as 110,000 Naira per bag. The farmers did not benefit. Farmers just wanted to sell and move on yet some people were buying from them, hoarding it, and creating a food crises in the country.

The temporary waiver allowed rice to be brought in, and milled immediately. The hoarders were cut out. Prices began to drop. It was a short-term solution, but it worked. It showed foresight. I told the President it helped and that if the situation persists, further steps can be taken. But for now, it has made a difference.

PRESIDENT TINUBU’S NIGERIA FIRST POLICY AND BACKWARD INTEGRATION

President Tinubu’s Nigeria First policy has aligned well with our own belief in backward integration. Our cement business is almost entirely local. We mine our own limestone. We use Nigerian gas even though it is dollar-denominated. The only foreign element is the equipment, and even that benefits from government concessions for mining equipment which everyone else in the industry benefits. If we had to import cement today, prices would be over 15,000 Naira per bag. Nigeria does not have the port infrastructure to even handle the import volume. Producing locally has saved the economy and stabilised the sector.

We are doing more, and we will continue to do more. Nigeria has everything—population, arable land, resources, water, and now, strong leadership under President Tinubu. We believe in Nigeria because the fundamentals are now strong. My advice to all is to take a Bet on Nigeria. This is the place to be.

So for me, what has this administration done right? First, it removed the fuel subsidy which was the biggest economic scam in our history. Second, it unified the foreign exchange market and third, it restored stability, fairness, and confidence in the economy. These are the foundations of growth. Nigeria is full of potential. With the right leadership, which we now have, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

Mr Rabiu is the Founder and Chairman, BUA Group

“I am logically stubborn and Umahi knows this well” – Governor Nwufiri of Ebonyi says his predecessor does not control him

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“I am logically stubborn and Umahi knows this well” – Governor Nwufiri of Ebonyi says his predecessor does not control him

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has said that his predecessor, Sen. David Umahi does not control his policies and actions as being insinuated in several quarters of the state.

Mr Nwifuru was the Speaker of Ebonyi House of Assembly between 2015 and 2023 when Umahi also held sway as the state governor.

Mr Umahi has declared in several fora that he fought forces to make his “son” Nwifuru.succed him while the latter always call the Minister of Works, his “father and boss”.

Mr Nwifuru made the declaration on Wednesday in Abakaliki during the anniversary lecture to mark his second anniversary in office, noting that he was responsible for all actions.

“I am logically stubborn and Umahi knows this well.

“Umahi is a man whose ways are clear and has never insisted that I do things this way or that.The minister knows that if he does that, I will resist it,” he said.

The governor said he has worked with Umahi for over 16 years and gained tremendously from his.wealth of knowledge.

“Any shortcoming on my part rests entirely on me and not on anyone else.

“I could have been a better leader if Umahi actually controls me,” he said.
He pledged to defend the integrity of the state in the country and urged all stakeholders present to tow the same line.

“I truly commend Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi (APC–Ebonyi.North) for standing his ground when a former female minister called him a hooligan at a Senate hearing.

“The woman did that because Nwebonyi is from Ebonyi and could not have done so if he was from Kano, Anambra or any other state.

“Nwebonyi’s defence was not only for himself but the entire state as people should not look down on us anymore,” he said.

He thanked the guest lecturer and stakeholders who spoke on the occasion for their incisive admonitions, pledging to address all issues raised.

“The theme of the lecture “Beyond celebration, navigating public expectation and developmental demands in the next two years” is a new task given to my administration,” he said.

Former Senate President, Pius Anyim commended the governor for his strides within two years and urged him not be distracted in implementing his people’s charter of needs mantra.

Mr Anyim, the Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, said that reclaiming the Abakaliki city master plan was a bold move by the governor that should be supported by all.

The first Executive Governor of the state, Dr Sam Egwu commended Nwifuru for his endearing interventions in education which was the hallmark of his own tenure as governor.

Prof. Eugene Nweke, the Guest Lecturer, urged the governor to sustain and improve on indices which would enhance the people’s well-being and generally develop the state.

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to the security and safety of Nigerians

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President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to the security and safety of Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to the security and safety of Nigerians.

The president said this in a statement on Thursday to mark the second anniversary of his administration.

“Without a responsive and reliable national security infrastructure that can protect lives and properties, our economy will not perform optimally, and those who seek to harm us will impair and disrupt our way of life.

“For our government, protecting our people and their peaceful way of life is the utmost priority,” said Tinubu.

He stated that his administration had improved collaboration among security agencies, increased intelligence-driven operations, and better ensured the welfare of the armed forces and security personnel.

“I use this opportunity to salute the courage and everyday sacrifice of our service men and women.

“We may not always witness the tremendous efforts they make to keep us safe, but we benefit every day from the results of their dedication.

“Even if we do not thank them often enough, they willingly face danger so we can go about our lives freely and without fear.

“Our military, police, and intelligence agencies are committed to always responding to emerging security threats and new challenges because it is the patriotic duty they owe a grateful nation,” the president stated.
He said amid the new security challenges, he could report some successes.

Tinubu said in some areas of the North-West hitherto under the control of bandits, the gallant armed forces had restored order, reducing and eliminating threats to lives and livelihoods.

With the success achieved, he said, farmers were back tilling the land, and that highways, hitherto dangerous for travellers, had become safer.
“Our security agencies have succeeded many times in rescuing the abducted citizens from the hands of their tormentors.

“I promise you, we shall remain vigilant, as I told security chiefs during the last meeting to up their game and collaborate to end this plague of evil men.

“Every Nigerian deserves to live without fear,” the president reassured.

Ighodalo heads to S’Court as Appeal Court affirms Okpebholo As Edo Governor

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Ighodalo heads to S’Court as Appeal Court affirms Okpebholo As Edo Governor

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Thursday upheld the election of Monday Okpebholo as the Governor of Edo State and dismissed the case of Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the South-South state.

Delivering judgment, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, unanimously held that the appeal by Ighodalo was unmeritorious and dismissed it.
The court held that the appellants failed to show that the election tribunal erred in its decision and proceeded to affirm the judgment of the tribunal delivered.
However, Ighodalo has rejected the judgment and said the verdict of the appellate court would be contested at the Supreme Court.

At the poll last September, Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured 291,667 votes to defeat PDP’s Ighodalo who got 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) who came a distant third in the race with 22,763 votes. Fourteen other candidates contested the seat but got less than the three frontline candidates.

The APC candidate cleared over 10 of the 18 local government areas, leaving the PDP candidate with marginal victory in the other local councils. The APC gained control in two of the three battleground senatorial districts in the state.

WAEC has apologised for the logistics delay that forced candidates to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at night

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WAEC has apologised for the logistics delay that forced candidates to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at night

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has apologised for the logistics delay that forced candidates to write the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at night.

The Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Amos Dangut, told Channels Television’sThe Morning Brief crew on Thursday that the examination body got information that the paper to be taken on Wednesday was about to be compromised, hence the need to take immediate action.

Many had raised concerns when videos showed some secondary school students in Taraba State, North-Eastern Nigeria, and Ogun State, in the South-West zone of Nigeria, sitting for WASSCE at night on Wednesday.

Addressing the matter, the WAEC boss apologised and stated that the incident won’t recur.

Dangut said when the examination body got information that the paper was about to be compromised, “we went to the drawing board and quickly came up with a solution to the compromised paper”.

“We were able to achieve the aim we set out to achieve, which is to prevent leakage, but unfortunately, some other issues lurking in the dark reared their heads and affected the timely conduct of the examination, and that is particularly with regard to logistics.

“We had serious logistical problems – the vehicle that was conveying the exam materials to Taraba broke down in the middle of the night, and efforts to ensure that materials were recovered and sent to the place could not be achieved in time.

“We deeply regret it and we have taken all steps necessary to ensure this is nipped in the bud and that it does not recur,” he said.

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, marked his second year in office with a heartfelt address to the people of the state

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Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, marked his second year in office with a heartfelt address to the people of the state

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, marked his second year in office with a heartfelt address to the people of the state, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and reaffirming his commitment to peace, reconciliation, and inclusive governance.

In a statement to mark the anniversary of his May 29, 2023, swearing-in, Fubara described the occasion as a moment for sober reflection and renewed determination.

Fubara declared that the people’s backing has given him the courage to continue pursuing unity and healing amid ongoing political turbulence.

“Your support has emboldened me to press on and not to retreat, but to work harder to foster peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness,” he said.

“These are essential to restoring normalcy and delivering transformational infrastructure, impactful programmes, and life-changing services across the State.”

Acknowledging the political challenges that have characterized his tenure, Fubara noted that while progress may have been slowed at times, his administration remained committed to its mandate.
He highlighted strides in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and gender inclusion as signs of steady progress under his leadership.
“Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first,” the suspended governor said.

He assured the people that his commitment remained unshaken.
He praised the people of Rivers State for their sacrifices and roles in sustaining the vision of a united and prosperous state, promising to double down on efforts aimed at consolidating gains in peace, security, and socio-economic development.

Fubara also used the occasion to call on political stakeholders and aggrieved parties to let go of past grievances and join hands in building a stronger and more unified state.

“To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you—let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity. The time to rebuild and rise is now,” he urged.

NYSC: List of companies that accept and pay Corps members in Lagos

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NYSC: List of companies that accept and pay Corps members in Lagos

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a mandatory one-year national service program for Nigerian graduates. Established by Decree No. 24 of May 22, 1973 (now replaced by Decree 51 of June 16, 1993), the scheme was created in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War as a means to foster reconciliation, reconstruction, and national unity.

At its core, the NYSC aims to inculcate in Nigerian youths a spirit of selfless service to the community, patriotism, and a tradition of industry and hard work. It seeks to promote national integration by exposing young graduates to the diverse cultures and peoples of Nigeria, thereby breaking down ethnic and religious prejudices.

Eligibility and Exemptions:

Participation in the NYSC is mandatory for Nigerian graduates of universities and polytechnics who are below the age of 30 upon graduation. However, exemptions can be granted to individuals who have served in the armed forces or paramilitary for more than one year, those who are over 30 at the time of graduation, or individuals with certain disabilities.

The federal government currently pays NYSC members N77,000. Many Corps members are always on the lookout for Primary Place of Assignment (PPA) where they are earn extra in addition to the stipend paid by the federal government.

For prospective Corps members posted to Lagos state, below are some private companies in the city that accepts Corps members and also pay them:

  • BUA
  • UAC
  • Deloitte
  • IKEDC
  • Guinness
  • Huawei
  • Pan Atlantic University
  • Tincan Island Container Terminal Port (TICT)
  • Nigerian Port Authority (NPA)
  • Meristem
  • Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited
  • Nem Insurance
  • IPNX Nigeria
  • Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria
  • Leadway Health
  • Credit Direct Limited
  • Allianz Nigeria
  • 10. Arm investment
  • GB Foods Africa
  • FMN
  • Cormart
  • Vetiva Capital
  • Dangote Sugar
  • Certification edge
  • Interswitch
  • KPMG
  • PWC
  • Greenco
  • QORE

Key objectives of the NYSC scheme

Promote National Unity and Integration: By deploying corps members to states other than their states of origin, the scheme encourages interaction and understanding among youths from different ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds.
Inculcate Discipline and Patriotism: The program aims to instill a sense of discipline, national consciousness, and loyalty in young Nigerians.
Develop Self-Reliance: Through various programs, including skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development, the NYSC encourages graduates to become self-reliant and contribute to the national economy.
Foster a Spirit of Community Service: Corps members are actively involved in community development projects in areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Remove Prejudices and Ignorance: By living and working in different parts of the country, participants gain firsthand experience of other cultures, helping to eliminate stereotypes and promote mutual understanding.

Structure of the NYSC program

The one-year service is typically structured into four main segments:

  1. Orientation Course: A three-week intensive program held in designated camps across the country. This phase involves paramilitary drills, physical training, lectures on national values and history, citizenship and leadership training, and skills acquisition programs.
  2. Primary Assignment: After the orientation course, corps members are posted to various sectors of the economy, including educational institutions, government ministries and parastatals, private organizations, and healthcare facilities, based on their academic disciplines and societal needs.
  3. Community Development Service (CDS): This is a crucial part of the service year where corps members collectively identify and execute development projects in their host communities.
  4. Winding-Up and Passing-Out: This final phase involves debriefing, evaluation of the service year, and the official passing-out parade, where successful corps members are awarded a Certificate of National Service. This certificate is often a prerequisite for employment in many public and private establishments in Nigeria.

Disclaimer

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Who is Rene Higuita? The scorpion-kicking goalie linked to Pablo Escobar

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Who is Rene Higuita? The scorpion-kicking goalie linked to Pablo Escobar

Talk of the most crazy and exciting moment in the game of football (soccer), Colombian goalkeeper, Rene Higuita’s scorpion-kick display during a friendly match against England will always feature.

Who is Rene Higuita?

His full name is José René Higuita Zapata. He is a Colombian professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. During his career he played for wo clubs: Atlético Nacional, a Colombian club and BSC Young Boys, a Swiss club.

He is fondly referred to as “El Loco” meaning “The Madman” by soccer fans because of his high-risk playing style and theatrics.

Age and place of birth

Rene Higuita was born in Castilla, a neighbourhood in the city of Medelin, the second-largest city Colombia after Bogota.

He was born on August 27, 1966. He is currently 58 years old and will be 59 years old by August 27, 2025.

Family

Rene Higuita’s father is Jorge Zapata and his mother is Maria Dioselina Higuita. His name should have been Rene Zapata but his father refused to acknowledge Higuita when he was a child, so he was raised by his mother who earned a meagre living working in a textile factory. His mother later died when he was very young, so he was taken care of by his grandmother Ana Felisa.

Career

Rene Higuita. PHOTO Credit: PA:Empics Sport

Rene Higuita made his football debut at Millonarios, a Colombian professional football club based in Bogota. In 1986, he transferred to Atletico Nacional, another Colombian football club but based in Medellin. Drug lord, Pablo Escobar, reportedly had a substantial investment in the club through his testaferros, his front men.

He won the Colombian League two times with Atletico Nacional and also Copa Libertadores and Copa Interamericana, both in 1989.

He would later transfer to Real Valladolid, a Spanish football club where he spent for years. Higuita then left for Mexico to join Mexican side, Veracruz, and returned to Colombia to join his former club, Atletico’s rival, Independiente Medelin.

Internationally, Higuita was a key figure for the Colombian national team during a golden era. He played a crucial role in their qualification for the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, their first appearance since 1962.

However, his high-risk style also led to infamous moments, most notably his dispossession by Cameroon’s Roger Milla in the 1990 World Cup round of 16, which resulted in Colombia’s elimination.

Rene Higuita. PHOTO Credit: Alamy Live News

Perhaps the single most iconic moment of Higuita’s career was the “scorpion kick.” He spectacularly saved a shot against England at Wembley Stadium in a 1995 friendly by leaping forward, arching his legs over his back, and clearing the ball with his heels. This audacious maneuver cemented his legendary status.

Higuita made 68 appearances for the Colombian national team, scoring 3 goals. He was a key figure in the squad that reached the round of 16 in the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. It was during this tournament that his risk-taking style was globally showcased, famously leading to a mistake that allowed Cameroon’s Roger Milla to score and eliminate Colombia.

He was forced into early retirement in 2005 after testing positive for drugs in 2004. He was playing for Aucas, a football club in Quito, Ecuador. Rene Higuita came out of retirement on July 21, 2007, to sign for Venezuelan club, Guaros FC. He would finally retire on January 25, 2010, while playing for Deportivo Pereira.

Link to drug lord Pablo Escobar

PHOTO Credit: Esquire

Rene Higuita career was not without controversy. He was imprisoned in June 1993 for his involvement in a kidnapping case, which caused him to miss the 1994 World Cup.

The goalkeeper had acted as a go-between negotiating the release of an 11-year-old girl, the daughter of a drug baron Luis Carlos Molina.

When the rival drug lord, Pablo Escobar, was short of cash when he was haunted by the law enforcement, he resorted to ransoming and kidnapping family members of his underworld rivals.

When Molina was kidnapped, her father, Carlos Molina Yepe, turned to Rene Higuita to help secure the release of his daughter from her kidnappers. The crime boss, Molina, was also an investor in Atletico Nacional, the club Huguita was playing for at the time.

Narrating his side of the story concerning his link to Escobar, Higuita said during the peak of his career, he only visited in the La Catedral prison.

“I was sort of friends with him, but with that ‘sort of friends’ everyone wanted to peg me as their pal.

“In fact, the person I was actually friends with was Don Roberto Escobar (Pablo’s brother).”

“When Pablo Escobar’s persecution began, they started to catch all of his friends,” Higuita told Fox Sports.

“They put pressure on me to turn him in, but I didn’t know anything.

“I wasn’t his friend.

“People themselves turned me into his friend when I went to visit him.

“The authorities themselves knew that I was innocent.

“In conclusion to this topic and Escobar’s persecution, I was not at the centre of everything that was happening in our country.

“I was linked with the freedom of the girl I had gone to the cathedral with.

“If I have a photo with Alvaro Uribe Velez, they’re going to say that I’m a politician.

“If I have one with a guerrilla, they’re going to say that I’m a guerrilla.

“If I have one with Pablo Escobar, they’re going to say that I’m a narcotrafficker.

“But very few times, as I’m religious, do they say that I’m the Pope or catholic.”

Disclaimer

The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.

Always visit NewsWireNGR for the latest Naija news and updated Naija breaking news.

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10 smart tips for financial freedom and early retirement in Nigeria

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10 smart tips for financial freedom and early retirement in Nigeria

The dream of every working-class Nigerian is to be able to retire at a young age, when they can still enjoy their adult years after long years of service. Unfortunately, with the economic instability and poor salary, many people find themselves working even past the recommended retirement age in the country.

Despite the uncertainties and rising cost of living in the country, while salary remains the same, it is still possible to achieve financial freedom and retire early in Nigeria. However, it requires proper planning. The high inflation and economic uncertainties necessitate a robust and multifaceted approach.

This article explores ten (10) tips that can be leveraged irrespective of your income or societal status, to achieve financial freedom and early retirement.

1. Be clear and specific about your retirement plans

Before embarking on this journey, paint a vivid picture of your desired early retirement lifestyle. Ask yourself these questions:

  • When do you want to retire?
  • What will your daily life look like?

Crucially, estimate your expected annual expenses in retirement, factoring in inflation. This figure will be the bedrock of your savings and investment targets. There are free tools available online that can help to accurately calculate your retirement nest egg.

2. Start saving early and dedicatedly

The power of compounding cannot be overemphasized, especially when aiming for early retirement. The earlier you start saving, the closer you will be to achieving the total amount you need for retirement. Leverage reputable saving platforms and bank features to help you remain committed to this routine.

Aim to save a significant portion of your income – potentially 50% or more if feasible. Automate your savings to ensure consistency.

3. Create a detailed budget and track your spending

Like savings, expenses compound. Take, for instance, a N20,000 monthly savings on expenses can compound to N2.4 million in 10 years. This is why a meticulous budget is non-negotiable if you are planning for early retirement.

Understand where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back. Living below your means is fundamental to freeing up cash for savings and investments. Regularly review and adjust your budget as your income and circumstances change.

4. Invest wisely and diversify your portfolio

Saving alone is often not enough, especially in an inflationary environment. Explore a diversified portfolio of investments. This could include:

  • Real Estate: Rental income and property appreciation can be significant. Consider residential or commercial properties.
  • Nigerian Stock Market: Invest in reputable companies and potentially dividend-paying stocks.
  • Mutual Funds & ETFs: Offers diversification and professional management.
  • Treasury Bills & FGN Bonds: Generally lower risk and can provide stable returns.
  • Agriculture: A key sector in Nigeria with various investment opportunities.
  • Fintech & Tech Sector: Emerging opportunities with high growth potential. Understand the risk-reward profile of each investment and align them with your retirement timeline.

5. Build multiple streams of income

Relying on a single source of income can be risky. Explore avenues for creating additional income streams, both active and passive. This could include starting a side business, freelancing, offering consulting services, investing in dividend-yielding assets, or creating digital products. These extra streams can significantly accelerate your retirement savings.

6. Minimise and eliminate debt strategically

Loan is the first go-to for some people whenever they are financially stranded. While loans can be saving grace in such situation, not all reasons for taking a loan are justifiable. Taking loans to purchase a luxury or want instead of need is a bad financial move.

High-interest debt can cripple your ability to save and invest. Always pay off your loan as soon as possible. Heading into early retirement with little to no debt will significantly reduce your financial burden.

7. Plan for healthcare costs

Health deteriorates with age, which is why healthcare expenses is the major concern of many retirees. Considering the challenges of the Nigeria’s healthcare system, you will need a robust planning.

Explore health insurance options that provide adequate coverage. Also, consider setting up a dedicated health savings fund.

8. Understand and maximize your pension

Familiarise yourself with pension scheme your employer subscribed you to. Ensure your employer is making contributions, and consider making Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to boost your retirement savings.

However, do not rely solely on your pension especially if you plan to retire early. Given potential economic uncertainties and the primary goal of early retirement (which may precede typical pension access ages for the full amount), your personal investments should form the core of your strategy.

9. Take cognisance of inflation

Inflation is a significant factor, especially when it comes to retiring in Nigeria. Your investment strategy must aim to generate returns that outpace the inflation rate to preserve and grow the real value of your savings.

Consider investments that have historically hedged against inflation, such as real estate or certain types of equities. Holding too much cash can be detrimental in the long run.

10. Remain disciplined and conduct regular strategy review

The journey to early retirement is not a “set it and forget it” affair. Regularly review your financial plan, at least annually or when major life events occur.

Track your progress, rebalance your investments if necessary, and stay updated on economic changes that might impact your strategy. Discipline, consistency, and adaptability are key to achieving your early retirement goals.

Disclaimer

The information in this article was curated for educational purposes only and should not be substituted for financial advice.

Always visit NewsWireNGR for the latest Naija news and updated Naija breaking news.

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Send Us A Press Statement/News Tips on 9ja Happenings: [email protected].

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