Author: kayode amuda
President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to work in tandem with the Plateau State Government to offer humanitarian assistance to the survivors of the tragic attacks and the impacted communities.
Dr Betta Edu, the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday, describing the incident, as senseless, horrendous and inhuman.
She explained that the ministry would be unrelenting to ensure that every Nigerian and all parts of Nigeria experiencing humanitarian crises are catered to by the current administration.
The statement reads; “Following the Christmas Eve alleged massacre, by unknown assailants, of over 100 innocent persons in about 15 communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of Plateau, the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu has condoled with the government and people of Plateau state.
“It was with utter shock and sadness that I received the news of the barbaric, horrendous and senseless attacks in plateau communities which have left over 100 people dead and injured many while many more are displaced.
“I condole with the government and people of plateau state, especially families of the victims of this unnecessary assault on humanity and pray for a permanent peace in the plateau
“One can only imagine the difficulties and indignities as well as catastrophic humanitarian challenges facing the survivors and affected members of the communities.
“As a Ministry directly in charge of responding to humanitarian challenges of citizens in Nigeria, the federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has been directed by President Bola Tinubu to collaborate with the Plateau state government to bring humanitarian succour to the survivors of the unfortunate attacks as well as the affected communities,” the statement added.
SaharaReporters earlier reported how the Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Monday Kassa said that the death toll from the multiple attacks on communities in the local government area had risen to 125.
Also, the Chairman of Barkin Ladi local government area, Danjuma Dakil, said that the death toll from the attacks in the area had risen to 30, from 17 as earlier reported.
Kassa who confirmed the latest death toll update on the phone with newsmen said “up to this moment, our people are still in the bush searching for missing ones. Today we have recovered more than 20 bodies from the bushes and the search is not over yet.”
Nigerian actress, Rosy Meurer has taken to Instagram to celebrate her husband and businessman, Olakunle Churchill as he turns a year older.
In a lengthy post, she thanked her creator for bringing her husband into the world and for allowing their paths to cross.
Rosy expressed her gratitude to Churchill for being a wonderful parent to their children and an incredible partner.
The mother of two observed that while having to be tough for them, he worries about them constantly in his role as the man of the house.
She wrote: “Dear God,
It’s my husband’s birthday today and I’m thankful for his life. Thank you for bringing him into the world. Thank you for making our paths cross. He’s been an amazing husband to me and a great father to our children and we are all so thankful for him. We pray that you will continue to be his shield and his protector. As the man of the house, he worries about us yet feels the need to be strong for us all the time, so I pray that you, lord, will also be his strength and his refuge. Grant him peace and remind him that you are the one in control. Fill him with your power and your courage. Grant him knowledge and wisdom. Bless his work and let him see your abundant glory in everything he does. Grant him divine health and long life. Strengthen his faith in you and his love for you. I rebuke, cancel, and destroy every assignment and attack of the enemy and cancel every curse or negative word ever spoken over your life in the mighty name of Jesus. Thank you, lord, for answered prayer AMEN. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY @olakunlechurchill
“Please say a prayer for my husband and thank God for another year added to his life.”
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Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has disclosed that she does not have friends and spends most of her time alone.
She made this known during an exclusive interview with her colleague and podcast host, Doyin Davids.
Phyna highlighted a disparity between her social media persona and her real-life connections, revealing that despite her lively presence online, she doesn’t actually have many friends in reality.
She explained; “I’m always lively on social media, but off-camera, I spend most of my time alone. I don’t have friends.”
She admitted that while she did have friends before, some distanced themselves after her time on the show, while others had expectations that she couldn’t meet.
“Before entering the show, I didn’t have many friends either. Now, I find myself mostly alone,” she added.
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See some reactions below:
@afia__agyeiwaa: “Having too many friends is wahala on Its own.”
@Karoluchi1: “Awww Phyna is so many of us oo.. Even those that think they’ve many friends are mostly alone innit.”
@JiEun_omma: “Having too much friends isn’t good either. Speaking on personal experience, I’d advise she gets on some of these chat sites and make pen friends from all walks of life, not just Nigerians, sometimes they actually make the best and most attentive friends.”
@LoriderJones: “I have no friends no boyfriends, my life is so weird and no one even calls me except my family, but am so happy that way.”
Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the Governor of Ondo State, died on Wednesday, December 27.
The Ondo State Government has confirmed the death of the governor. The confirmation came several hours after news of his death went viral.
In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the governor gave up the ghost in Germany on Wednesday after battling prostate cancer. He reportedly died at age 67.
The governor, who has faced criticism for his decision to withhold power from his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, commenced his medical leave in June. The leave was subsequently prolonged based on medical advice.
He formally transferred authority to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and went on another medical vacation on Wednesday, December 13.
Known affectionately as Aketi, Akeredolu had a profound impact on the nation’s political climate. His public life trajectory includes advocacy, legal practice, serving as president of the Nigerian Bar Association, and winning two terms as governor of Ondo State.
In this report, PUNCH Online outlines the significant events that have shaped his political and professional life.
Early Life and Education
1. He was born on July 21, 1956, in Owo, Ondo State.
2. He had his Primary education at Government School, Owo; Secondary education at Aquinas College, Akure, and Loyola College, Ibadan.
3. He had his Higher School Certificate at Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro.
4. LLB degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1977.
5. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.
Personal Life and Family
6. Aketi was a Christian with a Chapel of Epiphany dedicated at his Owo residence.
7. He was born to Reverend J. Ola Akeredolu (father) and Lady Evangelist Grace B. Akeredolu (mother)
8. He was a Chancellor of the Cathedral of St. Andrews Church, Owo.
9. He was married to Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu with four children.
Political and Professional Career
10. Aketi has been the Governor of Ondo State since February 24, 2017.
11. He served as the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Bar Association Ibadan branch from 1985-1986.
12. From 1997 to 1999, Akeredolu was Ondo State’s attorney general. In 1998, he was appointed as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. From 2005 to 2006, he presided over the Legal Aid Council as its chairman.
13. He also served as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association between 2008 and 2009.
14. He was the Vice Chairman of the Ibadan branch of the NBA in 1991 and Chairman from 1992 to 1994.
15. He was a Managing Partner at the law firm of Olujinmi & Akeredolu.
16. He was awarded the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger in October 2022.
Significant achievements
17. Security and Advocacy
Aketi was at the forefront of the establishment of the Regional Security Network, Amotekun, to address security concerns, with plans to recruit more personnel. On January 9, 2020, the six state governors of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti in Nigeria jointly established Amotekun.
The operatives of a security outfit have been actively supporting the police, other security agencies, and traditional rulers in their efforts to combat various criminal activities in the region. These activities include terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, and kidnapping. Additionally, the operatives have been instrumental in resolving conflicts between herdsmen and farmers in the area.
18. Infrastructure
The dualisation of Oke-Alabojuto Road in Ikare-Akoko, reconstruction of Emure to Owo Road, and various road constructions in different parts of Ondo state. Also, there was notable infrastructural investment and accreditation of previously unaccredited courses at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.
19. Economy
His administration established the Ondo-Linyil Industrial Hub in Ore. He also promoted agribusiness, subsidies on tractors, land clearing, and various projects to empower farmers and youth.
20. Akeredolu died on December 27, 2023, after reportedly battling prostate cancer for several months.
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Source: The PUNCH
Chukwuma Soludo, the Anambra State Governor, has resumed work after burying his father, Pa Simeon Soludo.
Soludo upon resumption signed into law the 2024 appropriation bill of the state.
The governor had on December 23 held his father’s burial in his hometown, Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, and also gone for Thanksgiving the next day, just before the Christmas and Boxing Day holidays.
Resuming on December 27, Soludo announced that he has signed the 2024 budget. The budget had been approved by the State House of Assembly shortly before the Christmas holiday, without any adjustments.
Soludo while announcing the signing into law of the budget said: “Today, I signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill into Law. By this, we are now empowered to implement its provisions for the 2024 fiscal year to the benefit of ndi Anambra.
“I had on November 21, 2023, presented a draft budget proposal of N410,132,225,272 for the 2024 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
“The budget titled “Changing Gears”, is 57.8% higher than that of the 2023 budget. It is focused on expediting efforts across the five (5) pillars of our Administration; which includes; infrastructure and Economic transformation; Security, law and order; governance and value system; the environment; Social Agenda and human capital development.
“I thank all the stakeholders who have been involved in the entire process, especially the Anambra State House of Assembly for working very hard to see that the Law meets the needs and aspirations of Ndi Anambra.
“Ours is a goal with a deadline, with the budget now signed into law, we are guaranteed of another huge step towards making our homeland liveable and prosperous.”, the Anambra State Governor, has resumed work after burying his father, Pa Simeon Soludo.
Soludo upon resumption signed into law the 2024 appropriation bill of the state.
The governor had on December 23 held his father’s burial in his hometown, Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, and also gone for Thanksgiving the next day, just before the Christmas and Boxing Day holidays.
Resuming on December 27, Soludo announced that he has signed the 2024 budget. The budget had been approved by the State House of Assembly shortly before the Christmas holiday, without any adjustments.
Soludo while announcing the signing into law of the budget said: “Today, I signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill into Law. By this, we are now empowered to implement its provisions for the 2024 fiscal year to the benefit of ndi Anambra.
“I had on November 21, 2023, presented a draft budget proposal of N410,132,225,272 for the 2024 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
“The budget titled “Changing Gears”, is 57.8% higher than that of the 2023 budget. It is focused on expediting efforts across the five (5) pillars of our Administration; which includes; infrastructure and Economic transformation; Security, law and order; governance and value system; the environment; Social Agenda and human capital development.
“I thank all the stakeholders who have been involved in the entire process, especially the Anambra State House of Assembly for working very hard to see that the Law meets the needs and aspirations of Ndi Anambra.
“Ours is a goal with a deadline, with the budget now signed into law, we are guaranteed of another huge step towards making our homeland liveable and prosperous.”
There was a fire outbreak at the home of Nollywood actress, Bidemi Kosoko, on Tuesday, December 26.
Bidemi’s sister Shola, shared the tragic incident on her Instagram page on Wednesday while thanking God for keeping her sister and her family from being burnt in the fire.
The movie star said she and her siblings had gathered at their father’s house during the Christmas celebration when they received a call from Bidemi’s estate about the fire incident.
She added that the fire was put off with the help of Bidemi’s friend, who called firefighters.
She wrote, “We thank God for his faithfulness, love and prospering our lives in the year 2023. It has become a tradition in my family to spend 26th of December which is boxing day at our daddy’s place, where we all exchange and unwrap our gifts.
“So, this year, we decided to record the activities because its always fun merrying together with family. So Bidemi Kosoko, her husband, kids and her domestic staff were all at our daddy’s residence, so her apartment was locked up.
“In the middle of our merriment, we received an alarming call that Bidemi’s apartment was on fire as well as her neighbour’s apartment. Infact, Myself, my dad and Bidemi were getting ready to attend another important event before we received the call. And what we got was what happened in the video.
“We were on different video calls watching the scenario, how the fire fighter arrived, how her apartment was forced open and how they eventually put off the fire.
“Thanks to Bidemi’s friend, Taiwo Lawal and her husband who stay in the same estate and rushed there to assist. People in the neighbourhood showed love and support to ensure the fire was put out.
“We appreciate you all for your show of love and kindness. Such a thing will not happen to anyone again I pray. In all, we are thankful to God for sparing our lives as no one was caught in the fire. We shall witness the year 2024 in peace and joy.”
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the acting governor of Ondo State, has been sworn in as the state governor.
This followed the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on Wednesday at the age of 67.
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by the Chief Justice of Ondo, Justice Olusegun Odusola, who was sworn in by Akeredolu as the 12th Chief Judge of the state in February 2023.
It has been earlier reported that Aiyedatiwa would be sworn in as the governor of the state today (Wednesday) in Akure, the state capital.
Earlier reports had shown that Aiyedatiwa was already on his way to Akure from Igbokoda where he had gone for the Christmas and New Year break.
“Ondo State will be swearing in Lucky Aiyedatiwa as governor in Akure today. The swearing-in is slated to be held at the Cocoa Conference Hall in Akure. However, no time has been fixed yet for the event,” a top government source earlier revealed to SaharaReporters.
Akeredolu died on Wednesday in Germany – an incident which had generated reactions and condolences from several quarters.
The governor battled cancer until his death.
The 67-year-old politician returned to Nigeria in September after a three-month medical leave in Germany and only recently proceeded on another one after President Bola Tinubu directed him to hand over power to his deputy, Aiyedatiwa.
His deputy, Aiyedatiwa had been standing in as Acting Governor.
Following his return to Nigeria in September, Akeredolu stayed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital and tried to govern his state from there, leading to public outrage.