Obasempire reports that Kenneth Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party’s presidential campaign council, has left the party.
Okonkwo stated that he chose to depart after the party’s former presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, was unable to resolve the party’s internal issues.
“I no longer have the confidence that PO has what it takes to build a party that can win these kakistocrats and kleptocrats, and above all, he has proved that even if the people vote for him, he doesn’t have what it takes to secure the mandate,” Okonkwo said in a statement he shared on his X account.
Obasempire reports that Osun State Governor, Adetola Adeleke, has endorsed the traditional method of controlling food prices recently introduced by some local rulers in the state.
Governor Adeleke has instructed the Food Security Implementation Committee to accelerate efforts to ensure a stable and accessible food supply chain. He characterized the traditional rulers’ method as “a local initiative to combat rising food inflation throughout the state.”
Reports indicate that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has instructed vendors in Ife to lower food prices and dissolved the market vendors’ association in the region.
Similarly, the Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has mandated a reduction in food prices across the three local government areas of Iwo land.
In a statement released on Friday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke urged the State Food Security Implementation Committee to act promptly. He expressed approval of the traditional rulers’ efforts to regulate food prices and address the exploitative practices of middlemen in markets.
Governor Adeleke criticized the artificial inflation caused by market intermediaries and praised the traditional rulers, led by the Ooni of Ife, for dismantling market associations that contributed to high food prices.
According to the Governor, “the actions of most members of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers on price control have assisted the government in its quest to address food insecurity in Osun State.”
He praised the traditional rulers for impressing upon market leaders the need to avoid unnecessary price increases and called on all other traditional rulers in Osun State to emulate the actions of the royal fathers at Ile Ife, Ede, Igbajo, Iwo, and other areas.
“I task our royal fathers to engage market associations and stop the exploitation of our people. I read the report of the initiative by the Ooni of Ife. I also read of similar actions by the Oluwo of Iwoland and the Timi of Ede Land. This approach should be adopted by all royal fathers.
“I am also directing my Special Adviser on Markets to move quickly to support our royal fathers in this new drive to institute traditional price control. The Iyalojas and Babalojas should be integrated into the implementation process.”
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke also tasked the Committee on Food Security Implementation to quickly come up with actionable plans, deliverables, and timelines, noting that food security is a matter demanding urgent attention.
“The Committee is composed of tested experts. It is time for action. We already have a well-thought-out food security report. We only need a roadmap to execution.
“I commend the Commissioner for Agriculture for rising to the occasion on our agro-industrialization agenda. We have started with the supply of tractors, which I will be unveiling at a ceremony soon. We have embraced traditional price control through our traditional rulers.
“We must implement a holistic agenda which addresses all segments of the agricultural value chains. That is what we have in our Food Security Committee report, and the actualization is what I demand from the implementation committee,” the state Governor declared.
Obasempire reports that renowned Nigerian musician Adekunle Gold has taken to social media to express his gratitude to rapper Olamide for bringing him into the YBNL music label.
Olamide established the record label in 2012 following the release of his second studio album, ‘YBNL’.
In contrast, Adekunle Gold joined YBNL in 2015 and released his debut album, ‘Gold’.
He later left the label once his contract ended.
Nonetheless, on Friday, Adekunle posted a cover of his debut album on X, thanking Olamide for his contribution to his career development.
“Thank you @olamide for giving that young graphic designer the chance to not only design the YBNL logo but to be a part of your family.”
Obasempire reports that Nigerian actor Kevin Ikeduba, renowned for his gripping portrayals of infamous criminals in Nollywood, has revealed an unexpected twist regarding his career ambitions.
In a conversation on Hip TV’s ‘Trending,’ hosted by Pascal, the actor unveiled a surprising alternative to his flourishing acting career.
When queried about his potential pursuits outside the film industry, Ikeduba offered a surprising reply.
“If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing?,” the host asked.
The actor responded;
“I would be a drug baron if I wasn’t an actor.”
Kevin Ikeduba made his Nollywood debut in 2000 and is best known for playing the role of notorious criminals in movies.
Obasempire reports that Chief Camilus Amajuoyi, the President General of Alaba International Market in Ojo Lagos, has declared that the market’s members will abstain from the upcoming nationwide demonstrations.
He explained that this choice is not due to ignorance of the current severe economic conditions but rather from the view that large-scale protests might not be the most suitable remedy at this moment.
Amajuoyi stressed that many vendors in the market depend on daily earnings and cannot afford to halt their business operations.
He noted that the informal sector, which encompasses numerous market participants, has been significantly impacted by the tripling expenses of running a business, without any governmental support, incentives, or interest-free loans to ease their difficulties.
Nevertheless, he voiced his trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s capability to tackle the country’s urgent issues.
“The fluctuating exchange rates and high costs of duties at national ports, coupled with increased transportation expenses, have made it nearly impossible for business owners to plan effectively. These factors have contributed to the sharp rise in the prices of goods and services across the country.
“These are realities staring Nigerians in the face, from the North, East west and South of the nation. Even at that, we members of Alaba International market unequivocally state that we are not going to partake in any planned protest in Nigeria, we are not closing our market in solidarity with any group or persons with regard to any protest.
“We believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will definitely find a lasting solution to the numerous challenges facing Nigerians now, ranging from insecurity, high cost of food, drugs, transportation, bad roads, corruption among other things,” Amajuoyi said.
Amajuoyi however decried the perilous state of the only access road to Alaba International Market, which has caused numerous accidents involving heavy-duty trucks.
Obasempire reports that Chief Camilus Amajuoyi, the President General of Alaba International Market in Ojo Lagos, has declared that the market’s members will abstain from the upcoming nationwide demonstrations.
He explained that this choice is not due to ignorance of the current severe economic conditions but rather from the view that large-scale protests might not be the most suitable remedy at this moment.
Amajuoyi stressed that many vendors in the market depend on daily earnings and cannot afford to halt their business operations.
He noted that the informal sector, which encompasses numerous market participants, has been significantly impacted by the tripling expenses of running a business, without any governmental support, incentives, or interest-free loans to ease their difficulties.
Nevertheless, he voiced his trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s capability to tackle the country’s urgent issues.
“The fluctuating exchange rates and high costs of duties at national ports, coupled with increased transportation expenses, have made it nearly impossible for business owners to plan effectively. These factors have contributed to the sharp rise in the prices of goods and services across the country.
“These are realities staring Nigerians in the face, from the North, East west and South of the nation. Even at that, we members of Alaba International market unequivocally state that we are not going to partake in any planned protest in Nigeria, we are not closing our market in solidarity with any group or persons with regard to any protest.
“We believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will definitely find a lasting solution to the numerous challenges facing Nigerians now, ranging from insecurity, high cost of food, drugs, transportation, bad roads, corruption among other things,” Amajuoyi said.
Amajuoyi however decried the perilous state of the only access road to Alaba International Market, which has caused numerous accidents involving heavy-duty trucks.
He urged the Lagos State government to prioritize the repair of this critical route and focus on other projects that could significantly reduce the suffering of the masses.
He also warned potential protesters to stay away from Alaba International Market to prevent any looting or damage to goods.
He called on the Lagos State government, Nigerian police, military, DSS, and other security agencies to ensure that all market places are protected from criminal elements.
He urged the Lagos State government to prioritize the repair of this critical route and focus on other projects that could significantly reduce the suffering of the masses.
He also warned potential protesters to stay away from Alaba International Market to prevent any looting or damage to goods.
He called on the Lagos State government, Nigerian police, military, DSS, and other security agencies to ensure that all market places are protected from criminal elements.
Obasempire reports that the operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) in the Katsina State Command have recovered 2,000 bags of rice from the 20 trucks provided to the state by the Federal Government.
The retrieved rice was reportedly misappropriated by certain government officials.
The Federal Government’s donation aimed to alleviate the impact of the current economic difficulties in the country.
SSS officials in the state, who confirmed the adverse development, chose not to provide further details and preferred to remain anonymous.
An investigation revealed that the 25kg bags of rice were stored in a warehouse at the Central Market in Katsina.
The discovery came after individuals notified the DSS on Wednesday night, prompting an immediate response.
Abdulrahman Abdullahi, Chairman of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the state, expressed astonishment at the incident.
Mr. Abdullahi criticized how the Federal Government’s aid, intended for the needy, was reportedly redirected by some unscrupulous individuals.
He pledged to pursue the case until it reaches a proper resolution.
He also urged the government to thoroughly investigate the situation and penalize those responsible for the diversion.
Additionally, Katsina resident Suleiman Kofar-Durbi commented that the situation is regrettable.
“It is unfortunate that I received the information yesterday night that the President provided relief to the vulnerable and some people diverted it.
“People are experiencing hardship due to the current economic situation in the country, the government should investigate the matter thoroughly and bring culprits to book,” he said.
The Chairman, Market Traders Association, Shehu Usman, said that the rice was brought into the market by someone who was not a trader.
“Someone asked his brother to keep the rice for him in his stores in the market.
“We are calling on our members to be careful in receiving such items from people outside for keeping in the market,” he said.
Responding to the matter, the Principal Private Secretary to Governor Dikko Radda, Aliyu Abdullahi, said the rice was allocated to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, by the Federal Government.
He said, “The minister directed the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure Development, Alhaji Nasiru Lawal to keep it and he decided to take the rice to the market for safe keeping.
“The rice allocated to the minister were 1, 200 bags.”
Obasempire reports that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has died in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Thursday.
“The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo,” the statement read.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday July 25, 2024 after a brief illness. He was aged 82. Chief Iwuanyanwu before his death was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly,” he wrote.
Obasempire reports that a Facebook user known as Yahoo Driver expressed his elation today over the recent increase in Nigeria’s minimum wage, despite admitting to academic setbacks.
His jubilant post, shared shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the wage increase from N30,000 to N70,000, has drawn widespread attention and amusement.
Yahoo Driver wrote, “thank God for the carryover.” This highlighted how the new minimum wage would positively impact his financial situation, even though it didn’t address his academic struggles.
His post quickly went viral, with many finding humor in his enthusiasm for the wage hike despite his educational challenges.
The wage increment, approved by the Senate, aims to ease the financial burden on many workers. For Yahoo Driver, it appears to be a rare bright spot amidst personal setbacks.
The reaction from the public has been a mix of surprise and humor, with many questioning the connection between academic performance and financial relief.
In a related development, another Facebook user, identified only as “Darling Anita,” has also shared her change of heart regarding her plans. Initially uninterested in public service, the new minimum wage has prompted her to reconsider her stance, possibly motivated by the increased financial stability.
The new wage policy is expected to benefit many Nigerians, particularly those in lower-income brackets. As the country adjusts to the higher minimum wage, it remains to be seen how individuals like Yahoo Driver and Missed Opportunity will adapt their personal and professional aspirations.
Obasempire reports that renowned activist and human rights attorney, Femi Falana, has declared that no threats from the government or other sources can halt the upcoming nationwide protests set to begin on August 1.
Despite denunciations from multiple organizations and the presidency regarding the planned protests, Falana emphasized that the demonstrations seek to highlight the ongoing difficulties in the country.
In an interview with Channels TV on Tuesday, Falana urged the Federal Government to adopt a proactive stance by identifying the protest leaders and engaging them in constructive discussions.
“They have a way of contacting themselves and I think the government can draw some lessons from the 2020 (#EndSARS) experience,” Falana said.
“Identify those who are planning the protest and then engage with them productively,” he added.
Falana dismissed the threats by government officials, stating, “Threats will not work. In fact, the government’s actions often have a way of popularizing such protests. Nobody listens to such warnings.
“This time around, the government should identify the leaders of the movement and have some dialogue with them. There are demands that are being raised, and the government should address those demands.”
Falana’s comments come amid rising tensions and calls for action to address the economic difficulties faced by many Nigerians.
James had written X.com on Tuesday, “Fun fact: A colleague of mine who had two kids already said he should do it and add one more.
“Guess how many his wife gave birth to? Four at once (quadruplets). The man wan craze. Na so so lament for status every day.”
He further shared a screenshot of what he said was one of Olayode’s WhatsApp posts about the number of diapers used in a short period.
The post read, “105 pieces of diapers in 6 days. Haaa, mo gbe mo daran. E shanu mi eyin quadruplet yi.”
James’ post on X.com gained the attention of netizens, with some highlighting the challenges of raising young children.
By Wednesday, James stated that he had received permission from the couple to share the picture of the parents and the children, as well as Olayode’s bank account details, for those who had been asking.
He wrote, “I reached out to them yesterday for their permission to post their picture and that of the children, as well as his account details.
“Also, if you would love to send them diapers or anything else, kindly reach out to me. I will find a way to get it to them. Proper accountability would be done.”
Sharing further details, James stated that as of 9.42 a.m., Olayode had received N1,598,750, and some individuals had offered to give him baby items and diapers.Lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi Faces Backlash for Gifting SUV to DaughterSharing further details, James stated that as of 9.42 a.m., Olayode had received N1,598,750, and some individuals had offered to give him baby items and diapers.
Sharing hourly updates alongside a screenshot, James revealed that, as of 10:03 a.m., Olayode had received N2,811,277.
“As of 11:03 am they have received N4,226,769. Husband and wife are both in awe. They are speechless. God is kind,” he added.
