News - NewsNow Nigeria

Governor Makinde Emphasizes the Importance of Nigeria’s Unity

26Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

Governor Makinde Emphasizes the Importance of Nigeria’s Unity

It is vital to maintain the unity of Nigeria, as stated by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. During a meeting with members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, which included Senate Committee Chairman Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli and House of Representatives Committee Chairman Adebayo Balogun, Governor Makinde stressed the significance of upholding Nigeria's unity. Reflecting on the nation's trajectory, Makinde remarked, "I have witnessed individuals who had the opportunity to steer the nation towards progress but were swayed by self-interest, missing the chance to make a positive impact." "We must prioritize the broader interests of the country; the unity of Nigeria is non-negotiable. A united Nigeria is the only way forward," Makinde asserted. Addressing the i...

The burial date for the late Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, announced by his family

26Apr

By Isaac EghosaNo Comments

Entertainment

The burial date for the late Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, announced by his family

The family of the late Nollywood actor John Paul Odonwodo has released details of his funeral arrangements. Tragedy struck when Junior Pope and four other actors drowned in the Anam River in Anambra State on April 10, following a boat capsizing incident on their way back from a movie shoot. Out of the 12 individuals onboard the ill-fated boat, only seven were rescued alive, while five, including Junior Pope, lost their lives. The funeral arrangements for the late actor, as conveyed by Divine Odonwodo on behalf of the family, involve a requiem mass scheduled for April 23 at Saint John-Mary Vianney Parish in Asaba, Delta State. An additional requiem mass is planned to take place at Christ the King Catholic Parish, G.R.A., Enugu, on May 13. An evening of tributes and candlelight is set fo...

26Apr

By Afolake IbidunNo Comments

Business

Naira experiences a weekly loss of N169

In the foreign exchange market on Friday, the naira saw a decline of N169.24 against the US dollar. According to FMDQ data, the Nigerian currency has depreciated for the eighth time in recent days, reaching N1339.23 per dollar at the foreign exchange market, as opposed to N1309.88 on Thursday, marking a daily decline of N29.35. Additionally, in the parallel market segment, the naira fell to N1,380 per dollar on Friday from N1,370 on Thursday, showing a weekly drop of N210 from the N1,170 it stood at the previous Friday. Despite the Central Bank of Nigeria releasing $10,000 to BDC at N1,021 to a dollar with a condition to sell at a maximum of 1.5%, the depreciation continued. This marks the third intervention for BDCs as part of the bank's measures to safeguard the naira against ...

Appointment of Barikor and Ambgare as Heads of NESREA and NDRBDA by Tinubu

26Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

Appointment of Barikor and Ambgare as Heads of NESREA and NDRBDA by Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the selection of the new leaders for the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority (NDRBDA). In an announcement made on Friday by Ajuri Ngelale, who serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Innocent Bariate Barikor has been named as the Director General of NESREA, while Prince Ebitimi Amgbare will take on the role of Managing Director of NDRBDA. Barikor, known for his background in academia and politics, previously served as a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 2011 to 2015. On the other hand, Prince Amgbare is a retired naval officer and also held the position of commissioner in Bayelsa State. The Presiden...

‘The Key to My Success: My Values, Not My Father’s Wealth’ – Davido Reveals

26Apr

By Isaac EghosaNo Comments

Entertainment

‘The Key to My Success: My Values, Not My Father’s Wealth’ – Davido Reveals

In a recent episode of the American podcast ‘Business Untitled,’ Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, shared that his achievements in the entertainment realm can be attributed to his personal principles rather than his affluent family background. Davido pointed out that despite Nigeria boasting numerous billionaires, many coming from wealthier households than his own, there have been wealthy individuals’ offspring who tried to carve a path in music and entertainment without attaining the level of success he has reached. Stating, “There are plenty of affluent individuals in Nigeria, some even wealthier than my father… I've seen children of billionaires attempt to pursue careers in music, entertainment, and business, but my venture has prospered due to the princ...

Concern Raised by Laolu Akande over Yahaya Bello’s $760,000 Payment to American School

26Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

Concern Raised by Laolu Akande over Yahaya Bello’s $760,000 Payment to American School

Laolu Akande, a former presidential aide, has called on the American International School Abuja to clarify why they accepted a $760,000 upfront payment from ex-Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for his children's education. Reports from NewsNow indicate that Bello, who is currently on the run after being wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged financial misconduct, had reportedly paid $720,000 in advance as school fees for five of his children. It is alleged that the former governor used funds from the Kogi State Government to make this payment to the American International School. The school, on Friday, reportedly requested the EFCC to provide verified banking information for the reimbursement of the claimed fees. During an appearance on Channels Telev...

The Responsibility for Owerri Jailbreak is Not Ours – IPOB Responds to Nigerian Army

26Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

The Responsibility for Owerri Jailbreak is Not Ours – IPOB Responds to Nigerian Army

Denying any involvement, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has refuted claims of being responsible for the recent jailbreak in Owerri, Imo State. In response to accusations from the Nigerian Army at Obinze, Owerri, linking IPOB members to the assault on the Correctional facility freeing 1827 inmates, IPOB has issued a statement. Situated in close proximity to several Nigeria Security Agencies such as the Nigeria Police command headquarters, the State’s CID, over six Police Stations, the Government House DSS office, Naval Command, and military base, the Owerri Correctional Center in Obinze witnessed the incident. According to IPOB, eyewitness testimonies, including a report from the Imo State Police, indicated that the assault on the Owerri Correctional Center lasted for approximat...

Labour Party Candidate Emerges for Ondo State Governorship Election

26Apr

By Obi UgochuwkuNo Comments

Politics

Labour Party Candidate Emerges for Ondo State Governorship Election

The Labour Party, LP, has announced Dr. Ayodele Olorunfemi as its candidate for the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State scheduled for November. Olorunfemi secured the gubernatorial ticket after winning the party's primaries held at the Akure secretariat in the state capital. The Chairman of the primary election committee, Hon. Olusola Ayodele, revealed that among the three initial aspirants, only Olorunfemi submitted the party's N25 million nomination form. He stated, "With only one aspirant, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, meeting all the requirements and guidelines, we have no choice but to declare him elected unopposed." In his speech accepting the LP candidacy, Olorunfemi pledged to prioritize welfare programs if elected as the governor of Ondo State. He emphasized, "As a socialist-or...

Victor Boniface Shares the Pain of Missing AFCON 2023

26Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Sports

Victor Boniface Shares the Pain of Missing AFCON 2023

Upon reflection, Victor Boniface, the Nigerian forward, expressed the emotional toll of not being able to participate in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. His absence in the competition was attributed to an injury he sustained. During the Super Eagles' preparations for the tournament, the Bayer Leverkusen striker suffered an adductor injury. For a duration of three months, the 23-year-old was sidelined due to this setback. He made his comeback towards the end of the previous month. Sharing his sentiments, Boniface told AFP via Transfermarkt, "Enduring through this phase was challenging, marking it as one of the toughest moments in my career. It wasn't just about the injury, but also missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations and some crucial Bundesliga matches." He emphasized that i...

Jim Ovia appointed as Chairman of NELFUND by Tinubu

26Apr

By Afolake IbidunNo Comments

Business

Jim Ovia appointed as Chairman of NELFUND by Tinubu

Mr. Jim Ovia, a highly regarded banker and entrepreneur, has been selected by President Bola Tinubu as the new Chairman of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) board. In a statement released on Friday, Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale made the announcement. As the founder of Zenith Bank, Ovia is a respected figure in the business world with a history of supporting and empowering young Nigerians. The President is confident that Ovia's vast experience and professional reputation will contribute significantly to the crucial goal of ensuring that every Nigerian student has access to higher education without financial barriers. This appointment follows President Tinubu's approval of the revised student loan bill on April 3, 2024. The student loan program is designed to address...