Reality Blogs

 The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, stated on Wednesday that Nigerian workers today are significantly poorer than previous generations. Oshiomhole stated this during a lecture for members of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 17 at the National Institute of Security Studies in Abuja. He noted that the widely discussed N70,000 minimum wage is equivalent to just $42 when converted to dollars, a sharp decline compared to the past. He said, “When the minimum wage in Nigeria was established under President Shagari, around 1981, it was about N125, which was equivalent to around $160 a month. Today, despite a 100% increase achieved by labour last year, the current exchange rate reduces this N70,000 to just $42. Did You Know A Tribe That Prepares Meals Using Water From The Deceased?0:00 / 0:00 “So, if you divide N70,000 by N1,650, it gives you $42. This shows that working people are much, much poorer now than we were many years ago. This income devaluation affe...

Ogunleye Babatunde Olamide, the Nigerian content creator and singer better known as Oluwadolarz, had opened up about his childhood struggles. In a recent interview on the ‘WithChude’ podcast, the skit maker revealed that his father passed away when he was just two years old, forcing him to take on responsibilities beyond his age. The 30-year-old said he became the breadwinner at 11; “worrying about what my family would eat”. To support his family, the comedian said he worked at Dangote Cement factory in Ebute Metta. This, according to him, was after his music career faced initial setbacks in 2008. I was once a truck loader at Dangote Cement at Ebutee Metta. I was loading pasta,” he said. “I lost my dad at a very early age like when I was 2 years old. But I had a stepdad who supported us. He died in 2015. “I did not enjoy my childhood. I became a man at the age of 11. At that age, I was contemplating what the family would eat. I started music in 2008. It did not move at all.” Oluwadola...

 50 Cent, the US rapper, says he turned down a “$3 million offer” to perform at a campaign rally for Donald Trump, the former US president. Trump, who is campaigning for a second term in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for November 5, and is running against Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, previously featured 50 Cent’s track ‘Many Men (Wish Death)’ at his political rallies. In an interview on The Breakfast Club, 50 Cent said he was invited to perform at Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden in New York but chose to decline because of his aversion to politics. “I got a call, they wanted me for Sunday, and they offered me three million dollars for this past Sunday,” he said. I did not even go far back, I didn’t even talk to them about that kind of stuff. I’m afraid of politics. I do not like politics. “It is because when you do get involved in it, no matter how you feel, someone passionately disagrees with you.” Recently, Beyonce and Kelly Rowland turned up for ...

 President Bola Tinubu is set to submit the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) to the National Assembly next week. The Senate’s Finance Committee is already preparing to engage with key finance sector stakeholders in anticipation of the document’s arrival. The MTEF, a legally mandated framework, serves as the foundation for Nigeria’s national budget, outlining economic projections and policy strategies for the upcoming fiscal period. According to the law, the MTEF must be presented to the National Assembly prior to the formal budget proposal. Confirming the expected timeline to Punch, Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South) stated that the MTEF document would arrive next week, with the national budget presentation to follow upon its completion. Adaramodu said, “The MTEF document will be forwarded to the National Assembly next week for review, in anticipation of the President’s budget presentation. “We are committed to doing our b...

 As Nigerians continue to groan over the recent increase in fuel prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Naija News brings you the latest update on petrol scarcity, fuel price increase and Govt/citizens’ reactions. Tinubu Govt Increases Fuel Price Again In the face of mounting economic challenges, the administration of President Bola Tinubu, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has raised the pump price of petrol. Naija News reports that the revised prices mean residents in Lagos and Abuja will now pay N1,025 and N1,060 per litre, respectively. In October, petrol was priced at N1,030 in Abuja and N998 in Lagos at NNPCL stations, while other stations charged between N1,150 and N1,200 per litre. According to Peoples Gazette, NNPCL stations in Lagos and Abuja displayed the updated prices on Tuesday, a move attributed to prevailing economic conditions that could further strain Nigerians, already facing a steep rise in the cost of li...

 A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt further financial allocations to the Rivers State Government. The court ruled that funds should not be disbursed until a legitimate appropriation act is passed by a properly constituted House of Assembly. The decision, issued on Wednesday by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, comes after the court found that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s handling of the state’s finances since January went against the constitution. The judge noted that Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member Rivers House of Assembly was not in line with constitutional rules. According to Justice Abdulmalik, implementing this budget was a “gross violation” of the 1999 Constitution, which the governor had pledged to uphold. As a result, the court has restricted the CBN, the Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank from allowing Governor Fubara to withdraw funds from the state’s revenue sources. This d...

 Tiwa Savage, the award-winning Nigerian songstress, has opened up about her love life, revealing that women make moves on her more often than men. In a recent interview on Beat 99.9 FM, the ‘Forgiveness’ singer disclosed that she still does not understand why she receives more advances from women than men. “I do not know why but a lot more women hit on me more than men. I do not know why,” she said. The 44-year-old hitmaker also addressed fan opinions that she should be part of the Afrobeats ‘big 4’. Typically, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido are referred to as the ‘big 3’. However, Tiwa confidently asserted her talent and mic skills surpass those of her male counterparts. “Do not get me started because if we were to go talent for talent, mic for mic, I am the big one. If we fake off the numbers, whatever it is you want to judge big 3, you cannot see me on the mic. I am sorry but that is what it is,” she added. Savage has established herself as one of the most prominent faces in the...

 A chieftain in the Niger Delta region and former President of Ijaw Youth Worldwide, Asari Dokubo, has warned President Bola Tinubu and Minister Nyesom Wike, that any attempt to remove Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office will have severe consequences. Dokubo made the disclosure in an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday morning. “President Tinubu becoming President, I should be able to tell him the truth and what is happening in Rivers State where Tinubu is supporting Nyesom Wike to destabilize Rivers State to disturb the peace of Rivers State,” Dokubi said. As a stakeholder in Rivers State, I feel disappointed, totally disappointed for the president to allow his Minister to procure judgment of all sorts and threaten the people of Rivers State.” “Because what they are trying to do is remove Fubara and nothing will happen. And I am saying that if you remove Fubara, something will happen. If you try to remove Fubara, something will happen.” It can be recalled that...

  The attention of our great party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has been drawn to a viral video of alleged assault meted out to a citizen by the Honourable member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon Alex Ikwechegh. As a political party founded on respect for Human Rights, we roundly condemn the action of our said member and Federal Parliamentarian, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, on the platform of our great Party. As a party, we are founded on the basic principles of upholding the dignity of all humans irrespective of class, creed and/or ethnicity. The recent video allegedly showing Hon. Ikwechegh assaulting a cab driver is totally unacceptable and runs counter to what our Party — APGA– represents. In line with APGA’s constitution, the Leadership of the Party shall set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the act, and if found wanting, appropriate sanctions shall be meted on him in line ...

 Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, has stated that the Federal Government did not buy a new official jet for President Bola Tinubu, contrary to claims on social media. Speaking on Sunday’s edition of Inside Sources on Channels Television, Onanuga stated that the government acquired a refurbished jet for the president, adding that the plane belongs to the country. Onanuga stated that some jets in the presidential fleet purchased under former President Olusegun Obasanjo are all in bad condition, and their maintenance costs are outrageous. He added that instead of spending a lot of money on aircraft maintenance, the President sought the approval of the National Assembly for a refurbished jet that was still in good condition. Onanuga said the refurbished Airbus A330 would save Nigeria high maintenance costs in servicing the old aircraft. He said, “The president did not buy a new jet; what he has is a refurbished jet – it has been used by somebody else before he got it, but it is a ...

 Despite President Bola Tinubu’s relieving her of her duty as Minister of Women Affairs, Uju-Ken Ohanenye has resolved that she would “fight alongside” the President to fix Nigeria. The former minister stated this in a statement on her official X.com account @BarrUjuKennedy on Saturday. While pledging her commitment to Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda”, the former minister urged Nigerians not to lose hope but to be optimistic that Nigeria will be great again. She said, “This is a test of time, a highly spiritual movement that no human being can stop. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is destined to fix Nigeria and I, Barr Uju Kennedy will fight alongside him to the last. “Let’s be optimistic Nigeria will be great! -Barr Uju Kennedy Ohanenye.” Recall that on October 24, Ohanenye, in a letter of appreciation said she remained committed to serving Nigeria and will do her best to contribute to the nation’s progress and prosperity. PUNCH Online reports that Ohanenye was sacked alongside the Mini...

  FirstBank has refuted reports suggesting that it is undergoing a system upgrade, clarifying that the notice about transitioning to a new cloud-based platform was specifically intended for vendors, not customers. The bank, in a statement on Friday, explained that a message sent to vendors was misinterpreted and incorrectly reported. It said the message concerned transitioning from the current I-Supplier Platform to a new Cloud-based Supplier Platform to enhance vendor capabilities and benefits. “The message which was incorrectly interpreted and reported was sent to, and intended for our vendors only and focused on transitioning from our current I-Supplier Platform (our automated platform that connects us to suppliers) to a new Cloud-based Supplier Platform (worldclass platform for managing suppliers), to enable additional capabilities and benefits for our vendors. Please be informed that no system upgrade is currently underway, and all our customer applications are fully operation...

  The Federal Government on Wednesday withdrew the money laundering charges preferred against Binance Holdings Limited executive, Tigran Gambaryan. Binance, its U.S. head of financial crime compliance, Gambaryan, and the exchange British-Kenyan regional manager for Africa, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were facing money laundering charges to the tune of $35 million brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were initially both detained in the custody of the office of the National Security Adviser. Anjarwalla, however, fled lawful custody on March 22, 2024, while his counterpart, Gambaryan, was arraigned in April. Following his arraignment, the court ordered his remand to Kuje Correctional Facility. Details shortly…

  The 15-day ultimatum issued by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics to the Federal Government to meet its demands is set to expire on October 23. The group had threatened to embark on strike should the government fail to address the contentious new scheme of service for polytechnic lecturers across the country. As the deadline approaches, more lecturers have endorsed the ASUP National Executive Council’s position to mobilise members to withdraw their services once the ultimatum expires. ASUP Zone D Coordinator, Dr Iloma Richard, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that the government has yet to address the contentious issues in the new guidelines. Richard said that ASUP had suspended its planned industrial action on July 22, following the Federal Government’s intervention, which mandated the National Board for Technical Education to review the disputed guidelines. “The strike was suspended to create the necessary environment for the speedy resolution...

  Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, on Tuesday, stated that suspicion and lack of trust are the primary reasons many presidents and governors avoid transferring leadership to their deputies. The veteran journalist expressed these concerns at the 3rd Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, held in Abuja. The event, themed “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria,” highlighted these governance challenges. While describing the situation as unfortunate, Osoba noted that it is a global issue, not confined to Nigeria or Africa. The former governor cited the political tension between former United States Vice President Al Gore and his principal, Bill Clinton, as an example. He said, “It is most unfortunate. It is not just in Africa — it happens all over the world. You will recall the case of Al Gore and Bill Clinton. Al Gore was his vice president, and he contested the presidency. But because he thoug...

  The Minister of State for Youth Development, Olawande Ayodele said the Federal Government is more than ready to foster national solidarity and promote the development of youths in the country. The minister made this known when a delegation from the Nigeria Youths Union paid him a visit in his Abuja office. According to a statement obtained on Wednesday which was signed by the president of the NYU, Chinonso Obasi, the minister made the disclosure following the demands placed by the NYU. According to Obasi, the youths delegation demanded the need to reorganize the Nigerian youth structure and reorient Nigerian youths on the need for national cohesion. “The NYU President unequivocally reminded the Hon. Minister how badly the bad economy, insecurity, unemployment, and lack of infrastructure are biting wholeheartedly on Nigerian youths,” the statement said. While responding to the delegation, the minister praised NYU’s role in advocating for improvements in critical areas such as pri...

  The Enugu State Police Command has announced the arrest of a native doctor and father of a 26-year-old man identified as Chikwado Eze, who died during a botched fortification in the state. The tragic incident happened at Ugbaike, Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State last week. According to reports, Chikwado had secured a visa to travel abroad and returned to his village to share the news with his father, Mr. Uwakwe Eze. However, his father insisted on a fortification ritual to ensure his success overseas and took him to a native doctor, Onuwa. The native doctor identified as Enuwa Odugu, allegedly claimed that Chikwado needed to be buried alive for 1 hour and 30 minutes to be properly fortified. Unfortunately, when Chikwado was exhumed after the stipulated time, he was found dead. Confirming the incident in a statement issued late Tuesday night by the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said the father of the deceased and th...

  The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has urged the Senate to invite the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other relevant agencies to substantiate the drug-related allegations made against the Deputy Senate Leader, Yisa Ashiru. On Monday, the NDLEA hit back at Ashiru, after he accused the agency of being “the most corrupt and compromised agency” during last week’s debate on a bill seeking to establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation. In a statement by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA alleged that the senator’s residence in Kwara was raided after intelligence revealed it was being used as a drug joint. Babafemi further alleged that two of the senator’s aides were arrested during the raid, while one managed to escape. “The personal house of the senator in GRA Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, had been raided in the recent past, where drugs and illicit substances were recovered while two of his aides: Ibrahim Mohammed and Muhammed Ya...

  The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has given Julius Berger a final seven-day ultimatum to accept the Federal Government’s offer of N740.79bn for the completion of the 82km section II of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road or risk termination of the contract. Umahi, expressing frustration at the prolonged negotiations, insisted the project must be resolved within the next seven days. The ultimatum was issued during a courtesy visit to the Minister by the new Managing Director of Julius Berger Plc, Dr Pier Lubasch, accompanied by the outgoing Managing Director, Dr Lars Richter, at the Ministry Headquarters in Abuja. A statement signed by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works, Orji Uchenna, on Wednesday, noted that the visit was to introduce the new executive officer to the Minister. This latest development follows Umahi’s earlier threat to revoke the contract, initially awarded to Julius Berger in 2018 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration...

  An investigative panel set up by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has stated that a popular crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, completed his jail term. PUNCH Online reports that Bobriksy was sentenced to six months imprisonment on April 12 for abusing the naira and released from prison in August. Controversial social critic, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, had shared a voice note allegedly belonging to Bobrisky that she paid N15m to some Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officials to drop the money laundering charge against him. In the audio, Bobrisky also claimed that a “godfather,” alongside staff members of the Nigerian Correctional Service, ensured he served the six-month sentence in a private apartment and not in prison. On September 30, the minister constituted an investigative panel chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalena Ajani, and ordered a probe into the alleged corruption and other ...

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned against calls for the scrapping of the anti-graft agency  About 16 governors are in court challenging the legality of the establishment of the EFCC. But the EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren has defended the agency, saying without the anti-graft commission, Nigeria will crumble under corruption. “We are really shocked by what is happening,” Uwajuren said on Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s breakfast show The Morning Brief.  “Nigerians should see through this shenanigan and oppose it because I don’t see how this country can survive without the EFCC with the kind of corruption problem that we have. Nigeria cannot do without the EFCC.” Feeling The Heat’ Uwajuren claimed those behind the challenge are “feeling the heat” of EFCC’s work and do not want to be held accountable. “I am worried that, with the kind of problem we have with corruption in this country, some people would go to court to challenge the l...

  Popular content creator Olamide Ogunleye, known as Oluwadolarz, has taken to social media to share a shocking encounter with an unnamed figure in the entertainment industry. The Nigerian comedian and singer revealed in an Instagram story on Sunday night that a supposedly influential entertainer told him he would only promote his music after engaging in a sexual act. According to Oluwadolarz, the entertainer said he must first have sex with him before endorsing his music or helping him top the charts. Oluwadolarz wrote: “You will promote my songs. Endorse my music. Help me top chart. But make I first bend over make you enter my Yansh. E.n.k.r sir.” While primarily known as a comedian, Oluwadolarz has dabbled in music, creating versions of trending songs and featuring various artistes. In an interview with Sunday Scoop, Oluwadolarz clarified that his intention was never to upset Olamide. “When I did a version of Wo, Olamide shared it on his Instagram page; so, I felt he would like ...

  Award-winning musician Wizkid has released his much anticipated single “Piece of My Heart,” featuring American singer-songwriter Brent Faiyaz. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the soul-stirring track released on Friday is the lead single from Wizkid’s upcoming album ‘Morayo’, which is set to drop on November 22. The Grammy-winning artist had earlier announced the release of the single on his Instagram page before dropping it for curious fans. “Piece of My Heart”, a scintillating collaboration, showcases the perfect blend of Wizkid’s Afrobeats sound with Brent Faiyaz’s R&B flair. The track, produced by P2J and Dpat, features smooth and heartfelt lyrics that convey unshakable love, passion, and devotion. Faiyaz delivers an emotional chorus, “Nothing can tear us apart, you’ve got a piece of my heart,” while Wizkid’s compelling vocal style adds depth to the emotional message. Wizkid, who has not released a song for some time, has only been featured in a couple of col...

  The Edo State Government has given the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, 48 hours to substantiate the looting and vandalization allegations, that he levelled against the government. In a statement on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, the government also challenged Okpebholo to provide the names of banks from which the government has taken any loans in the last three months according to his allegations or any other evidence to validate his claims. He said, “The Edo State Government is giving a 48-hour ultimatum to Senator Monday Okpebholo to provide verifiable proof to substantiate his claims that government officials are looting and vandalising assets in the state. “We are a very serious government and there is no room for such spurious and unfounded allegations which is why we are demanding that Okpebholo and his handlers should within the next 48 hours provide credible and verifiable proof to substantiate their cla...