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 Why I prefer traditional worship to Christianity, Islam - Wole Soyinka Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has disclosed why he prefers traditional Orisa worshipping to Christianity and Islam.  He said the deepness of faith in Islam and Christianity doesn’t match that of Orisa worshipping for him, adding that Orisa fascinated him a lot more.  According to him, Orisa worshipping is one of the African religions that eschews violence and is more creative.  “I was fortunate to be born in two worlds – the Christian world and traditional Orisa worshippers. My grandfather, until he – poor man – also got converted – he was an Orisa person and a chief, and his (grandfather’s) side (of Orisa) fascinated me a lot more,” the playwright told CNN’s Larry Madowo, during an interview. He added, “For me, it (Orisa worshipping) was more artistic, creative, and also more mysterious. I don’t find much of the mysterious in Christianity and even less in Islam and that is for a simple rea...

 Ratan Tata, who put India's Tata Group on the global map, dies at 86 Ratan Tata, the former Tata Group chairman who put a staid and sprawling Indian conglomerate on the global stage with a string of high-profile acquisitions, has died, the Tata Group said in a statement late on Wednesday. He was 86. Tata, who ran the conglomerate for more than 20 years as chairman, had been undergoing intensive care in a Mumbai hospital, two sources with direct knowledge of his medical situation told Reuters earlier on Wednesday. "It is with a profound sense of loss that we bid farewell to Mr. Ratan Naval Tata, a truly uncommon leader whose immeasurable contributions have shaped not only the Tata Group but also the very fabric of our nation," the company said. Ratan Tata "was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on social media platform X. "Extremely pained by his passing away. My thou...

 Huw Edwards' wife Vicky Flind files for divorce after disgraced star 'put her through hell' Huw Edwards' wife has apparently filed for divorce after the disgraced BBC News broadcaster pleaded guilty to having sick child abuse images. Vicky Flind,mother of the 63-year-old’s five children, launched proceedings to end their 30-year marriage after she kicked him out of the family home Sources claim the disgraced news anchor put Vicky Flind "through hell". The pair were married for 30 years and share five children. It has been reported Vicky has launched proceedings to end their marriage after she kicked him out of their home. The disgraced BBC newsreader, 63, was given six months imprisonment,suspended for two years in September after he pleaded guilty to having made indecent images of children. A source told the Sun: “Vicky had enough of Edwards a long time ago but this is the final nail in the coffin of their relationship. He’s put her and their family through ...

  Bishops David Abioye, Thomas Aremu to retire from Living Faith Church The Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, is preparing to bid farewell to two of its most prominent leaders, Bishop David Olatunji Abioye ,63,and Bishop Thomas Aremu,67. Bishop Thomas Aremu’s valedictory service is set to take place at Living Faith Church Basorun in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Just days later, on Friday, October 18, Bishop David Abioye will be celebrated in Lokogoma, Abuja. Bishop Abioye ,63,has been a stalwart in the Living Faith Church since 1979, when he first met the church’s founder, Bishop David Oyedepo. He has served as a close confidant and right-hand man to Oyedepo throughout the years. In 1987, he was dispatched to lead one of the church’s five original branches, and he was consecrated as a bishop in 1993, becoming the youngest bishop of a fully-fledged church in recorded history at just 32 years old. Bishop Aremu, on the other hand, transitioned into...

 PRESS RELEASE PERSONNEL WELFARE: IGP EGBETOKUN DONATES 10M EACH TO DECEASED VICTIMS OF KANO ACCIDENT, OTHER MONETARY COMPENSATION FOR INJURED Commiserates With Families, Colleagues, Orders Insurance Unit to Pay Other Benefits. The Passionate Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD., NPM., has donated relief funds to the families of Sixteen (16) officers that were involved in a fatal motor accident on 24th September, 2024 while returning from the Edo Elections Special Duty to Kano State Command. The accident which occurred along the Zaria-Kano Expressway, Karfi Kura, resulted in the unfortunate loss of 5 officers, with 11 hospitalised after the accident. 8 individuals have been successfully discharged from the hospital after receiving medical attention, while 3 others are still undergoing treatment. In a decisive response to this tragic event, the Inspector General of Police donated the compensatory payment of Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000) each to the familie...

 Abiodun Launches Sale of Subsidised FG Rice in Ogun The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, launched the sale of subsidised rice in the state on Thursday, as he disclosed that his administration will soon begin implementing the sale of other subsidised foodstuffs across the twenty local government areas of the state. Governor Abiodun noted that the implementation of the scheme across the state would help deepen the reach of the initiative, adding that food items like garri, rice, and beans would be sold at largely subsidised prices. The Governor made this known during the official flag-off ceremony of the sale of rice at subsidised rates to residents of the state by the Federal Government, held at the Arcade Ground of the Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. "We will soon be implementing our own version of this scheme from each local government, meaning we will implement this across the twenty local government areas of the state to deepen the reach into our grassroot...

 POLICE PRESS RELEASE 10/10/2024 The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to news making the rounds, especially on social media, of bags containing decapitated human bodies dumped behind the Omega Power Ministries along Iwofe Road. The Police responded swftly to the claims by contacting the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) to jointly examine the bags. The sole administrator of RIWAMA, Hon Prince Ohia Obi, led the agency’s public health team to carry out the examination process. It was discovered that the bags did not contain any human parts. Rather, the bags were filled with poultry debris dumped by yet-to-be-identified individuals. The Rivers State Waste Management Agency has since evacuated the debris to one of the designated dumpsites in the city of Port Harcourt. Those rumours were evidently peddled by mischief makers intent on misleading the gullible public, causing panic and generating unrest. The Command frowns at such behaviour and warns ...

 CLARIFICATION ON ALLEGED ATTACK ON SOLDIERS IN EHIME MBANO The attention of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to false reports circulating on certain online media platforms, claiming that an attack on troops deployed at the Ehime Mbano Local Government Secretariat resulted in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians. These reports are baseless fabrications, a product of the imagination of the terrorist IPOB/ESN elements and their sympathizers, who aim to undermine the confidence of the people of Imo State and, by extension, the entire South East region. It is important to recall that on 3 October 2023, the Local Government Headquarters of Isiala Mbano LGA, built and maintained with public funds, was set ablaze and destroyed by the same IPOB/ESN criminal elements. A similar mindless attempt was made at the Ehime Mbano LGA Secretariat in the late hours of 8 October 2024. However, the swift and gallant response of the troops thwarted the criminals' efforts ...

 NULGE REVEALS DATE DIRECT ALLOCATION TO LGs WILL BEGIN 10th October, 2024     By the end of October, the Federal Government will implement the direct transfer of funds into the accounts of local government councils nationwide. The President of the National Union of Local Government Employees, Ambali Olatunji, disclosed this during an interview. This move marks the full rollout of financial autonomy for local governments, ensuring they receive their allocations without interference from state governments.

 Appeal Court Upholds Amaewhule as Rivers Assembly Speaker, Orders Fubara to Present 2024 Budget In a significant legal ruling, the Court of Appeal has upheld the position of Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, dismissing an appeal that sought to challenge his leadership. The court, in its verdict, ruled that the appeal lacked merit and reaffirmed the judgment of the lower court. The appellant was also fined ₦500,000 as a penalty for the frivolous nature of the case. The appellate court’s decision comes as a blow to forces within the Rivers State political landscape attempting to undermine the leadership of Amaewhule. It declared that any financial expenditure made by the Rivers State Governor without the appropriation and approval of Speaker Amaewhule is illegal, underscoring the need for adherence to constitutional processes. The court’s emphasis on the role of the Speaker highlights the importance of legislative approval in...

 One feared dead as gunmen abduct journalists travelling to Uyo for Super Eagles match Some sports journalists who were travelling to Uyo, through Anambra State, to cover a football event in Awka Ibom State, have been kidnapped. The Super Eagles will take on Libya in an African Nations Cup qualifier in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday. A source told newsmen that the journalists, who were about 11 in number, were travelling in a bus through Iseke, around the Ihiala area of Anambra, when they were kidnapped. The incident was said to have happened on Wednesday. Another source said on Thursday morning that nine of the journalists have been rescued, while one is feared dead. The source said four of the victims are still being held in captivity. Meanwhile, Police authorities in Anambra have confirmed the incident. The spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who spoke to our correspondent on Thursday, said men of the Command have been deployed to rescue the jo...

 Why road accidents reduced in Abia – FRSC The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Abia State Command, Corps Commander Ngozi Ezeoma, has said that Abia has experienced a gradual and steady decrease in Road Traffic Crashes (RTC) based on reports from 2015 to 2023, attributing the decline to the efforts of the FRSC and its stakeholders to curb road recklessness by road users. Ezeoma, who spoke as the keynote lecturer during a town hall meeting/rally organized by the Abia State Orientation Agency and the FRSC in Umuahia, Abia State, said that the public enlightenment program for all road users in the state had become very necessary. She disclosed that 85 percent of accidents on roads are caused by human factors, while 15 percent are caused by mechanical and environmental factors. She listed the human factors as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, illiteracy and poor driving skills, overconfidence while driving, speeding, distracted driving, fati...

 Appeal Court nullifies Rivers budget passed by pro-Fubara lawmakers The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, affirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court which set aside the N800 billion budget passed by five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The lawmakers led by the Edison Ehie-led group are loyalists of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The Appeal Court dismissed the appeal filed by Fubara for lacking merit. The court declared that the governor withdrew his counter-affidavit at the lower court in the matter and as such cannot commence an appeal in a matter he didn’t challenge at the trial stage. The also affirmed Martins Amaewhule speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, slams 500k against appellant "This Appeal is bereft of merit and hereby dismissed, the Judgment of the lower court is hereby affirmed. Cost of 500k awarded against the Appellant. "All expenditure done by Rivers State Governor without the Appropriati...

 Petrol price hike: ‘T-pain’ is undisturbed by hardship in Nigeria, says Atiku     Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, says President Bola Tinubu is undisturbed by the hardship in Nigeria. In a statement on Thursday via X, Atiku described Tinubu as ‘T-pain’ and said the handling of petrol subsidy by his administration caused the current economic crisis in Nigeria. T-pain is the stage name of Faheem Najm, a singer in the United States. ‘T-pain’ in Nigeria’s social media space is coined from ‘Tinubu’ and ‘pain’ — and has been deployed as the president’s moniker due to the pervasive economic hardship. Abubakar’s statement followed the increase in petrol price by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited on Wednesday. NNPC increased the pump price in its retail stations in Lagos to N998 per litre, while the company’s outlets in Abuja raised the price to N1,003. The hike in petrol price has led to criticisms, with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerc...

 My husband not cause of hardship – Tinubu’s Wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu has said her husband, President Bola Tinubu, should not be blamed for the current economic hardship in Nigeria. Nigerians have been groaning under economic hardship since the removal of fuel subsidy which pushed the pump price of petrol from N198 to N1,030. Tinubu announced an end to subsidy during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, saying the policy was standing in the way of Nigeria’s progress. But while speaking at the Palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Thursday, the First Lady said the Tinubu administration is still very young. The wife of the President was in Ife to inaugurate hostel and a 2.7 kilometer road donated to Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ University, (OAU), Ile Ife, by the Ooni of Ife and named after her. She said, “We are just 18 months into our administration; we are not the cause of the current situation; we are trying to fix it and secure the future. “We know that subsidy has been removed...

 Keep Quiet If You Have Nothing To Say, Reuben Abati Blasts Tinubu’s Minister Reuben Abati, co-host of The Morning Show, an ARISE Television breakfast programme, has slammed the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, over his comments on the fuel situation in the country. Against the public perception regarding the troubling situation in the petroleum industry, Lokpobiri on Tuesday in Abuja had boasted that Nigeria is expecting a $50bn investment in the oil sector before December. According to him, with foreign/local investors’ concerns being addressed, coupled with the “audacious’’ efforts to boost oil production to about 2.7 barrels per day, Nigeria remains a titan of African energy. Toward this end, the country is expecting $50 billion worth of investments in the sector before the end of the year. The petroleum minister said the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has in the last year, revolutionised the oil sector, making it very attractive ...

 No food for lazy man, Remi Tinubu tells youths First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday, charged Nigerian youths to be hardworking, saying “There is no food for the lazy man.” She spoke at the palace of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The first lady was in Ife to inaugurate hostel and a 2.7 kilometer road donated to Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ University, (OAU), Ile Ife, by the Ooni of Ife and named after her. In her remarks at the palace, Mrs Tinubu said “There is no food for the lazy man, even God worked for six days and rested on the seventh day. “Nigeria is a land that’s flowing with milk and honey, but we need to sustain it for generations to come. “God has richly blessed my family before getting to presidency and we are contented with what we have.” Tinubu’s Wife also urged Nigerians to exercise patience with Tinubu’s administration and assured hope for a better future. According to her, the current administration is committed to providing sustainable developmen...

 Egypt Denies RSF Claims About Egyptian Air Force Involvement in Sudan Hostilities The Egyptian Foreign Ministry denied claims by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, that the Egyptian Air Force is taking part in military operations in Sudan. Earlier, Dagalo accused Egypt of supporting the Sudanese army and airstrikes on RSF positions. "The Foreign Ministry of the Arab Republic of Egypt denies the claims by RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo about the participation of Egyptian aircraft in hostilities in fraternal Sudan," the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Moreover, Dagalo said that mercenaries from Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Iran take part in hostilities on the side of the Sudanese armed forces. In August, Sudanese army spokesman Nabil Abdallah told Sputnik that mercenaries from a number of countries in the region, not from Ukraine, are fighting on the side of the RSF. "They [the army] from the very beginning of the war ...

 ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA: LAGOS NSCDC HARPS ON ROLES OF GOVERNMENT, STAKEHOLDERS AND AGRO RANGERS. Keshinro presents award of excellence to the Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture, Lagos State, Mrs Ruth Abisola Olusanya at the third edition of the Lagos NSCDC Bi - Monthly Public Relations Clinic. The third ( 3rd ) edition of the Lagos NSCDC Bi - Monthly Public Relations Clinic held, today, Wednesday, 9th October, 2024 at the State Command Headquarters, Alahusa, Ikeja, Lagos State. The event, which often gathers Government Functionaries, Stakeholders, and Participants from all the formations of the State Command, this time around focused, on the theme; "Enhancing Food Security in Nigeria, the Roles of Government, Stakeholders and Law Enforcement Agencies, Contributions of Agro Rangers Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) in Lagos State." The Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture, Mrs Ruth Abisola Olusanya was ably, represented, today, b...

 Surat-based content creator and life coach Vanitaa Rawat recently shared a heartbreaking story on Instagram that has captured the attention of millions.  In her post, she told the story of a girl who has been dating her boyfriend for two years. The couple’s relationship took a difficult turn when the boy discovered a life-changing truth. The person he thought was his older sister was actually his mother. This revelation came after his parents shared the secret that his sister had an affair in the US, became pregnant, and the family moved back to India to start a new life. The boy is now struggling with his identity and feeling deeply hurt by the revelation. His girlfriend shared that he has been emotionally unstable since learning the truth, often expressing thoughts like, “Why didn’t I just die at birth?” Despite her love for him, he has told her to leave, as he has lost trust in relationships. The girl is heartbroken and doesn’t want to lose him, seeking advice on how to he...

 In a gesture aimed at reinforcing the collaborative efforts between the police force and the legal system in the State, the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, recently hosted the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, CP. Olanrewaju Ishola Olawale and his team during their courtesy visit to the Ministry of Justice at the Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja. Speaking at the meeting, the Hon. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration to address security issues in the State, particularly the ever-growing menace of land grabbing which has been a general concern for both Lagos State residents and the State Government. He reaffirmed the importance of the partnership between the police force and the legal system, highlighting the need for continual dialogue to address emerging security challenges and protect the rights of all citizens.  “The synergy between our institutions is cru...

  35 Limpopo Primary School Learners Hospitalized Due to Suspected Food Poisoning Thirty-four learners from Makahlule Primary School in Vhembe District, Limpopo, were rushed to Malamulele Hospital after exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning. According to reports, the learners began vomiting during school hours. Preliminary investigations suggest that the students consumed food provided through the school's nutrition program and purchased snacks from vendors. Education authorities have not yet commented on the incident. Fortunately, all 35 hospitalized learners are receiving treatment, and no fatalities have been reported.

 Cassper Nyovest Faces Backlash Over Drip Footwear's Liquidation South African rapper and entrepreneur Cassper Nyovest is under fire on social media for his alleged role in Drip Footwear's liquidation. The company owed R20 million in debts. Users are questioning Nyovest's business acumen and commitment to supporting Black-owned businesses, given his past partnership with Drip Footwear. Nyovest has yet to publicly address the liquidation and surrounding controversy. South African sneaker brand Drip Footwear has been liquidated due to unpaid debts totaling R20 million. The news sparked debate online. Some netizens criticized Cassper Nyovest, a former partner, for not supporting the business. Others defended Nyovest, arguing he doesn't have the means to cover the debt or that his wealth comes from savvy investments and assets. The incident highlights challenges facing Black-owned businesses, with many attributing failures to unsustainable luxurious lifestyles. 

 Limpopo Police Officer Arrested for Alleged Insurance Fraud and Murder  A 43-year-old police sergeant in Limpopo has been arrested for allegedly killing six people, exploiting vulnerable individuals, including those with disabilities or mental challenges, for insurance payouts amounting to R10 million.  The victims were known to her and came from disadvantaged backgrounds. She would take out life and funeral policies on their behalf, naming herself as the beneficiary. The sergeant allegedly benefited from funeral, accidental, and life policy covers from various banks and insurance companies. She is linked to six insurance-related murders, with evidence showing she pocketed at least R10 million. Her victims were mostly destitute, disadvantaged, disabled, or mentally challenged individuals. The arrest followed a lengthy investigation led by Captain Keshi Mabunda. A warrant was obtained, and the sergeant was arrested at her workplace, the Senwabarwana police station in Limp...

 We Will Build 2500 Housing Units Within 12 Months — Oyo Housing Chair The Chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Demola Omotosho has revealed that all plans have been concluded to ensure the construction of 2500 housing units in Ajoda new town is completed within 12 months from the day the project is commissioned.  The agency’s chairman stated this while speaking with journalists on the current state of housing projects at a briefing in Ibadan on Wednesday. “The 2500 housing units will be done in twelve calendar months from the day the Governor gives us approval and lays the foundation,” he said.  “We are latching onto what the Governor is doing. We want to key into it as Oyo State Housing Corporation. If you look at the history of the corporation, our core assignment is simple:  housing. We have come up with a new initiative to build affordable housing across all our estates in all areas of the state. But we are starting with the capital city, Ibadan. ...