Nengi, Laycon,wizkid And Erica Makes It To Top 2 In Jarge Awards.

Congratulations to them as the four makes it to round 2. As Tacha and Burna boy were eliminated.

#celebritynews
See video link

“Nobody Can Put Me In Bondage, I'm Not Sorry For Wearing Designers” — Tope Alabi

Famous Nigerian gospel artist, Tope Alabi has said nobody can put her in bondage over the type of dress she can wear for being a gospel artist.

Alabi stated this during a video interview published on October 27 on Boomplay Buzz where talked about the inspiration behind her songs and her journey into stardom.

According to her, people always expect too much from gospel artists and always feel the need to control their lives.

“People want you to turn another thing because you're a gospel musician. They want to put you in a box and say this is how we want you to move.

“And if you check their status (those people that are talking), you will see wigs, you will see nails and I will start wondering, how am I different? Just because I wear Versace? what's the problem with that?”

The Singer who in an Instagram Live during the coronavirus lockdown told her critics that she is not sorry for what she wore at her father's burial said she still wear her pants.

“It is not only Versace that I have, I have Gucci, I have Louis Vuitton and I have not been wearing them,” she added.

The Ogun state indigene recounts how she used to borrow clothes, earrings, slippers and others for her music videos.

Tope Alabi narrated how she had to manage a cloth for music video after a friend of hers whom she wanted to use her house for a video shoot refused lending expensive clothes to her (Alabi) despite opening the wardrobe to shove it to her face.

Alabi further recount how she had to return the clothes she borrowed to wear for the christening of her last daughter, Deborah Alabi as the owner who was present at the christening insisted on collecting it same day.

She said; “The day we were doing christening for my last baby, Debbie, that day, the person that borrowed me cloth for the ceremony waited for guests to leave to tell me 'I don't want you to bring this cloth for me tomorrow because anything can happen to it so remove it now'.

“I said let me wash it at least I have worn it but she said no 'this cloth can not sleep [sic] in your today” she added.

The 50 year old singer further stated that she can wear any dress she deem fit as long as it did not expose any part of her body expect “God says, Tope don't wear that”.

Featured24 recall that in February, the music was dragged by her fans on social media over her dance steps which they described as 'worldly.'

In reaction to the backlash, Alabi said the reason for the dance steps which is popularly known as 'Zanku' is because she wanted to praise God in her own way as it is her father's burial.

Tope Alabi became famous for her soundtracks for Yoruba Nollywood movies. She got married in 1998 to Soji Alabi. Her marriage is blessed with 3 children.


#TOPEALABI

There Are So Many Naira Marley Songs I Wish I Sang — Wizkid

Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as WizKid, who recently launched his latest album on October 29 has revealed that Naira Marley is one of his favorite artiste, adding that he loves his lyrics.
The Nigerian superstar singer revealed this in a recent interview with Beat FM, while he spoke about the process and energy that went into the making of his new album and the amount of time it took to complete the recording.

He was asked about the kind of music he listens to, in response Wizkid reveals he listens to different genres of music.

In his words,
“On my playlist? I listen to everybody. There are so many Naira Marley songs I wish I sang but I can’t say the things he says.

“There are people you don’t think I listen to that I do. Because you, as a musician, you’d be stupid not to pay attention to words around you, especially the young. There are so many Naira Marley songs I wish I sang.

““But I can’t say the things he says, although they’re things I think about in my head. That’s why I love him.”


#wizkid

How Boko Haram burnt down Borno village after air force ‘ignored rescue call’

The Nigerian Air Force did not respond to calls for support when suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Takulashi village in Shikarkir ward, Chibok local government area of Borno state, military sources have told TheCable.

Around 10am on Sunday, the insurgents descended on the village, shooting sporadically and setting houses ablaze.

Sources said not less than 11 of the villagers had been killed before the Nigerian Army’s 28 task force brigade headquartered in Chibok attempted to repel the attack.

“The insurgents came with six gun trucks, three other vehicles and some heavy weapons. They had also killed some vigilantes who first engaged them and had collected their Hilux vehicle,” a source said.

“When they came in, the head of the vigilantes immediately called the army brigade. From the information he gave, the army brigade started calling the air force for air support as soldiers from the 117 battalion under the brigade were mobilised to advance to the area.

“Unfortunately, there was no response from the air force. The whole village was brought to ashes, and after about an hour of gunshot exchange with troops, the insurgents left.”

Another source said the insurgents who came in large numbers would have been dealt with “if air support came on time. One or two air strikes would have decimated them.”

TheCable gathered that most of the villagers ran into the bush, while some are making their way to Chibok which is about 15 kilometres away.

When contacted, Ibikunle Daramola, spokesperson of the air force, asked that TheCable reach the defence headquarters as he couldn’t comment on the development.

John Enenche, coordinator of the defence media operations, however, did not immediately pick calls placed to his telephone. He had not responded to a message at the time of filing this report.

In February, residents of Garkida, Adamawa state and Korongilum, Borno state, had accused the air force of refusing to open fire on suspected Boko Haram insurgents when they attacked their communities.

But the air force had said it did not fire “in order not to kill innocent people.”

#thecableng

Bode George reveals ex-Lagos governor has 3 jets, blames greed for system rot

A retired military officer, Bode George, has revealed that a former Governor of Lagos State has three jets.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain did not mention a name.

In an interview with Arise TV, he stressed that greed was a major problem in Nigeria.

The politician warned that if leaders and officials fail to act right, youths may descend on their graves after death.

“Look at the former Governor of Lagos State, he has three executive jets, private jets. The other one, 900X, can fly from Lagos to New York. Where is his business?

“Look at the Falomo Shopping Mall that was built by Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson; you know what they have there now? The horse cable for Bola Tinubu’s son. What kind of madness is that? These are our heritage.

“Look at the end of Awolowo road there, the nursing home. We can’t even train nurses anymore in Lagos State. These are issues, I am talking as an elder statesman.

“I am in my mid-seventies, what am I afraid of if I can’t say it? If things go well, fine; if things don’t go well, our children – these same youths – will come and exhume our bodies and be mad with us.

“Today, every day, we keep talking about Papa Awolowo, Herbert MacCaulay, talking about our heroes’ past because of their contributions. The greed is too much”, the ex-Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Chairman declared.

#nairaland

Abubakar Malami: This Government Is Determined To End Impunity

Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, says the federal government is determined to end impunity.The minister said this in a statement Umar Gwandu, his special assistant on media and public relations, issued on his behalf.

The statement is in commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, which is celebrated on November 2 every year.

He said it is gratifying to note that “Nigeria is no longer among the countries with impunity for crimes against journalists”, referring to the 2020 Global Index for Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists released on Wednesday by the Committee to Protect Journalists.The report indicated that Nigeria is the only country that came off the index from 2019.

Malami said before the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria had ranked 13th across the globe and used to be among top three African countries with impunity for crimes against journalists only after Somalia and South Sudan.

Malami attributed the feat achieved by Nigeria in the new index to the “deliberate and committed efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government through the implementation of many reforms in the Nigerian justice sector to include increased access to justice, speedy justice dispensation, decongestion of Nigeria’s correctional centers and judicious implementation of the Criminal Justice Act and Justice Sector reforms.

“With the solid foundation of reformed justice sector to be bequeathed by Buhari Administration, never again will Nigeria feature among nations where journalists, citizens and inhabitants of the country will suffer from any form of impunity in the future.”

The minister said the recent developments in Nigeria’s international arbitration against P&ID and some international oil companies are indicators of resolute determination of the federal government to bring to an end the era of impunity and lack of adherence to due diligence and rule of law in governmental operations.

Malami said government is working to ensure safety of journalists against rhetorical aggression, trolling, incursion of privacy, phissing and cyber attcks.He added that that with the implementation of cybercrime Act 2015, the incidents of cyber-related crimes would be minimised.

#thecableng

PRESIDENT BUHARI TO NIGERIAN YOUTHS: END STREET PROTESTS, DIALOGUE WITH GOVERNMENT ON POLICE REFORMS

President Muhammadu Buhari Sunday in Abuja appealed to Nigerian youths to end street protests and participate in meaningful discussions with government aimed at comprehensive reforms to end all forms of police brutality against Nigerians.

The President spoke in his message to the maiden National Youth Day celebration, observed on November 1, coinciding with the African Youth Day celebration.

Against the backdrop of the recent protests against police brutality in the country, leading to the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), President Buhari, who was represented by the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, told the gathering that the pleas of Nigerian youths have been heard by his administration.

He added that the Federal Government ‘‘now wants to hear concrete and practical ideas,’’ from the youths, while acknowledging their constitutional right to peaceful protests.

''You must realize that protests cannot last indefinitely. My government will not lift a hand to stop or suppress you.

''However, the fact of the matter is that other forces and actors will seek to take over your protests that they may redirect them in ways you did not intend and perhaps do not agree with.

''Every successful protest movement the world over has understood that there comes a time when activity must move from the street to the negotiation table. That time for you has come. Do not be afraid of this reality. You should welcome it.

''It is important that we all strive to use this moment constructively. Too many people have already sacrificed too dearly. It is our duty to use this fateful situation to move ourselves to a more just and caring society.

''As youth, you have a nation and a future to build. My government will always be your faithful partner in this essential and patriotic endeavour,'' he said.

President Buhari also used the occasion to express his strong opposition to the wrongful use and imposition of violent force against any innocent, law-abiding persons, particularly young people.

''No one who is obeying the law, whether they are in line waiting for a taxi or in a peaceful protest line, should be harassed or brutalized by law enforcement agencies.

''It is because of my abiding belief in the people’s constitutional rights that we moved with dispatch to abolish SARS and to consider other reforms that will enhance the quality of law enforcement and improve the relationship between the police and public which is a pre-requisite in a just society.

''To allow protests is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and belief in democracy, and faith in the innate goodness of our people.

''This also shows confidence in the ability of our government to work with the people toward a reasonable and practical resolution to any challenge,'' he said.

Describing Nigerian youths as agents for social change, economic growth and sustainable development, President Buhari said his administration has established no fewer than 25 initiatives aimed at empowering youths across the country.

He noted that these noble initiatives, ongoing in the last five years, were aimed at placing Nigerian youths on the path of career development, entrepreneurship, skills development and direct employment.

''Today we will unveil the official logo of the N75 billion Nigeria Youth Investment Fund for the period of 2020 – 2023.

''This novel fund is dedicated to investing in the innovative ideas, skills and talents of Nigerian Youths and to provide our youths with a special window to access much needed financing, business management skills and other inputs critical for sustainable enterprise,'' he said.

The President announced that over one million applications have already been received since the Youth Investment Fund Portal went live on 12th of October 2020.

He listed other youth-based initiatives, consistent with his administration’s policy of positioning youths for strategic leadership in different fields of endeavour, as follows:

''The birth of the Nigerian Youth Policy in 2019, the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund in July 2020, Young Farmers Initiative, Digital Skills, Entrepreneurship, Employability and Leadership/Mentoring (DEEL) programme, which recently received an approval of N4 billion naira for implementation, and the Not Too Young to Run Act.''

Other initiatives, according to the President, include the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES) , the N-Power, SI and Disaster Management, the Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Programme , Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) and the Youth Enterprise with Innovation In Nigeria (YouWIN).

The President also added the $20 million Technology Fund for Young Innovators as some of the major initiatives empowering youths across the country.

Restating his call for national unity, President Buhari said Nigerian youths are better positioned to drive the indivisibility of Nigeria and collectively overcome whatever challenges bedevilling the nation.

''On this special occasion, we affirm our faith and confidence in the indivisible entity called Nigeria and in its future.

''We face many challenges but, in you, this nation has the collective ability and drive to overcome that which confronts us,’’ he said.

At the event with the theme: ''Invest in the Youth, Secure Our Future'', the winners of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development organised 60-day App Challenge and Youth Innovators were recognised and received cash rewards.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 1, 2020

#punchng

DISCOs Start New Tariff Implementation In November

Electricity consumers begin payment of revised tariffs
• Govt, Labour strike deal

Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) on Sunday commenced implementation of revised electricity tariffs.

The revised tariffs are based on the decision of the technical committee set up to review the September 1 cost-reflective tariffs, whose implementation was temporarily halted after organised Labour threatened nationwide strike.

The Committee is headed by Minister of State for Labour and Employment Festus Keyamo. Labour is represented on the panel by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Deputy President Joe Ajaero.

The controversial September 1 tariffs have now been slashed with discounts granted.

Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Chairman Prof. James Momoh, confirmed that the Commission had approved a new Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) review for the 11 DisCos.

The new regime of tariffs grants discounts as follows: Band category C 31 per cent, Band B 10.5 per cent and Band A 10 per cent.

According to him, the Review Committee met till 3.00am on Saturday, where it was agreed that the agreed terms should take effect from yesterday.

The NERC boss said Bands E and D are frozen.

Momoh said: “We signed off on it yesterday (Saturday). It has been done the way the people on the government side and the labour unions side agreed.

Read Also: FG commences distribution of free electricity metres
“We have just written it in a very clear term so that the DisCos will understand their responsibilities, and customers will gain access to it and know that this is the agreed position. They should know that this is the position signed-off yesterday (Saturday) to take effect from November 1.

Giving a breakdown of how consumers will pay, the Ikeja Electricity said last night: “With the revised tariff regime, Non-MD customers in Band A, with a minimum of 20 hours daily will now pay N51.22/Kwh. Band B customers with minimum of 16 hours daily will be charged N46.93/Kwh; while Band C customers with a minimum of 12 hours daily will be charged N37.95/Kwh.

“Customers in Bands D and E, with minimum of eight hours and four hours per day, respectively, are not impacted by the tariff revision. Their SRT tariffs have been frozen and consequently, they will continue to be charged the old tariff prior to the introduction of the SRT.

“Prepaid Meter customers in Bands A – C, who vend from November 1, 2020 will be charged the new tariff while same will be implemented for Postpaid customers in these bands, during the November billing cycle.”

Other Discos yesterday announced the commencement of the agreed new tariffs.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) said with effect from 1st November 2020, AEDC had effected a revised Service Reflective Tariff as approved by the regulatory agency.

“Customers on the pre-paid platform will be the first to experience the revised tariff when they vend from Sunday, 1st November 2020, while the revised tariff will reflect in the bills for customers on the postpaid platform when they receive their electricity bill.

“The tariff is divided into 5 Bands and based on hours of supply to the customers. While customers on Bands D & E have their tariff frozen, those on Bands A, B & C will see some level of reduction in their tariff as they vend.

“AEDC assures her customers that it will, in line with the spirit and letter of the service reflective tariff, ensure that all customers receive quality service. We are also committed to the improvement of service to customers in all our franchise area.

‘We, however, appeal to customers to please see this tariff regime as an opportunity for them to join hands with AEDC to speed up the process of improving the quality of service in the Nigerian power sector.”

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) – all said they had commence implementation of the revised tariffs.

But the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), said it was yet to revert to the new price. Its spokesman Busolami Tunwase said customers will be notified “when we want to commence”.

General Manager, Corporate Communications, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), Godwin Idemudia, said: “When we were told to revert to the previous tariff, we complied. So if there is a new directive to implement another tariff rate, we have no choice than to comply.”

NLC confirmed that the revised rates were agreed upon . NLC Deputy President Ajaero who is also General Secretary, National Union of Electricity Employees, however warned that should power Distribution Companies refuse to reflect what was agreed at the last meeting between labour and government, “it means that negotiations have collapsed”.

He said: “If they say they are going to implement what we agreed it is not a story but if they are say they are going to do another thing, by the time they do it, you should expect a reaction from labour. That one doesn’t require any consultation here and there. They will get it.

“Let us watch them to now go contrary to the interim report but that one is still interim because we want to get to the root of all this. Should they go and refuse to reflect what we have agreed so. We will go back to the position pre-discussion with government.”

#punchng

Tinubu denied me Oniru stool to protect his business interests, writes Prince in pre-litigation letter

A Prince in Iruland, Hakeem Ajasa, who is a member of the Abisogun ruling house, has written a pre-litigation letter to All Progressives Congress chieftain, Bola Tinubu, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, accusing them of manipulating the process of selecting the Oniru, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal.

The letter was also addressed to the local government chairman, Eti Osa local government area, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, the Attorney-General of the state, the current Oniru and the Elegushi of Ikate Land

In a letter dated October 27, 2020, Ajasa claimed he had been selected as the next Oniru but Tinubu called him to a meeting and informed him that he would have to give up his ambition because his business partners were not happy with his emergence.

Ajasa said this in a letter titled, ‘Possible Amicable Resolution in Compliance With Order 5 Rule 1 Sub-Rule 2 Sub-Sub Rule (E) of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and in Respect of Pre-Action Protocol in the Proposed Matter of Prince Hakeem Oriyomi Ajasa (Oniru Elect) and Ors’.

In the letter which was signed by his lawyer, Ishola Agboola, the prince stated that he remained the only candidate selected by the Abisogun ruling house but Tinubu went ahead to pick Lawal, who he said did not take part in the contest.

The letter read in part, “Prince Hakeem Oriyomi Ajasa was and remains the only candidate nominated, selected and appointed by the Abisogun ruling house of Iru kingdom as the Oniru of Iru (elect) but the Lagos State Government, at the behest of Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the chagrin and disappointment of people of Iru Kingdom, imposed one Prince Gbolahan Lawal who did not partake in the selection, nomination or appointment exercise held by the Abisogun ruling house.”

He said the entire members of the Iru royal kingdom had confirmed in a broadcast on TVC on December 8, 2019 that he had been picked by the Abisogun ruling house in line with the declaration of September 14, 1993 and the custom and traditions of Iru kingdom.

The letter further read, “Suddenly, Chief Tinubu called our client for a meeting and informed him that his business partners with whom he had his personal project of Eko Atlantic City, had complained to him about our client that he is a meticulous person who would not compromised on merit and would scrutinise and expose certain dealings along Iru axis that they would prefer to remain a secret.

According to Chief Tinubu, his business partners demanded that he should use his political might in Lagos State to coerce the Lagos State Government to impose Gbolahan Lawal on the princes, princesses and people of Iru kingdom despite the nomination of Prince Hakeem Ajasa by the Iru kingdom.”

He said rather than recognise the choice of the ruling family, the Lagos State Government decided to choose Lawal which he said was against the principle of natural justice.

According to the letter, Ajasa had informed his lawyer, to take the matter to court to make 13 prayers one of which included that he be recognised as the real Oniru of Iruland and that he be paid the sum of N500m as general damages.

Confirming the letter to The PUNCH on Sunday, Ajasa said he had enough evidence to present in court when the need arises.

He stated that Tinubu had in the presence of at least eight other persons, explained why he would not be the next monarch.

The letter was written by my lawyer based on my instruction. We will be heading to court soon with evidence,” he said,

“There were several witnesses present when Asiwaju asked me to step down,” he added.

When asked why he did not take up the case earlier, the prince said he was strategising.

Attempts to get a response from Tinubu proved abortive as his Spokesman, Tunde Rahman, neither responded to a call nor a text message. The governor’s spokesman, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, also did not respond to a call.

#punchng

Wizkid Uses Savvy Rinu Picture As His Profile Picture On Twitter

Savvy Rinu an #endsars activist and protester who is among the Lagos Judicial Panel for police brutality, has been celebrated by wizkid today which happens to be her birthday, by using her pics has his profile picture on twitter.

Happy birthday Queen. Folded handsFolded hands Blessings and love always!Red heartHundred points symbolGod bless strong woman !

#twitter #wizkid