Obasempire reports that media personality Denrele Edun has candidly shared details about his recent health challenges.
He shedded light on a period of incapacitation that left him grappling with a stroke and leg dysfunction.
In a revealing interview with Channels TV, Edun disclosed the distressing ordeal he faced, recounting how a stroke afflicted half of his face, causing it to droop to one side. “Anytime I wanted to drink water, it would come out from another part of my mouth,” he stated, describing the harrowing symptoms he endured.
His mouth remained sore, and one of his eyes remained wide open, reflecting the severity of the condition.
Despite grappling with the effects of his illness, Edun felt reticent about disclosing his health struggles to the public. He expressed reluctance to seek sympathy, particularly as many perceived him as resilient and unyielding. “I couldn’t tell people that I was sick because a lot of people saw me as a car without brakes,” he confessed.
Despite his health setbacks, Edun valiantly honored work commitments, albeit unable to perform at his peak. He acknowledged that while he fulfilled professional obligations, his condition impeded his ability to deliver his best.
In a startling revelation, Edun disclosed experiencing another debilitating attack, distinct from the initial stroke. He explained that this subsequent episode affected his legs, rendering them dysfunctional. “The second one affected my legs. The leg became dysfunctional. I couldn’t walk for some time,” he revealed, underscoring the profound impact of his health battles.
Throughout his interview, Edun distanced himself from controversial figure Bobrisky, opting to focus on his personal journey of resilience and recovery.
His candid narrative sheds light on the often-private struggles faced by public figures, serving as a reminder of the human vulnerability that transcends fame and notoriety.
Obasempire reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed his dedication to resolving the multifaceted challenges plaguing Nigeria.
In a resolute address to the Nigerian populace, via his official handle on Thursday, he outlined comprehensive strategies aimed at alleviating the nation’s burdens.
“I am committed to evolving home-grown solutions to tackle our nation’s food security challenges head-on, including setting up schemes to bolster local food production and cut out all forms of rent-seeking tied to food importation,” affirmed Tinubu.
During an emergency meeting convened at the State House, Tinubu engaged with stakeholders, including all 36 state governors, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, and select ministers. Discussions centered on critical issues such as security and economic stability.
Speaking on the imperative of safeguarding lives and property, Tinubu announced the establishment of a committee comprising state governors and federal representatives to explore the viability of implementing state police forces.
Additionally, he endorsed the training and deployment of forest rangers by sub-national governments to protect vital human and natural resources across communities.”I have instructed the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to coordinate closely to ensure that security agencies in the states inspect such warehouses and take follow-up action,”
“We cannot allow speculators, hoarders, and rent seekers to undermine our efforts in ensuring that food is widely available to all Nigerians.”
“I will not establish a price control board, nor will I approve the importation of food. We must extricate ourselves from this predicament because importation only enables rent seekers to perpetrate fraud and mismanagement at our collective expense.”
“Instead, we will support our farmers with schemes that encourage them to cultivate more food for the nation.”
“We must also rapidly but thoughtfully implement our livestock development and management plans, including dairy farming and others.” Tinubu stated regarding reports of food hoarding in warehouses, particularly in Kano and other regions.
On the monetary front, Tinubu urged governors to entrust the Central Bank of Nigeria with the effective management of the nation’s monetary policy. He decried the disruptive impact of unfounded speculations on foreign exchange rates and called for adherence to designated institutional mandates.
“I urge all governors to trust the Central Bank of Nigeria with the management of our country’s monetary policy and emphasized the need for designated institutions to effectively fulfill their mandate,” Tinubu emphasized.
“The “cacophony of postulations” on the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates is adversely affecting the market. Not everyone can be an expert. If we have assigned someone a task, we must allow them to perform it. If they fail, then we must find a way to quickly remove them from the system,” he added.
In conclusion, Tinubu rallied leaders at all levels to unite in confronting Nigeria’s pressing challenges, underscoring the collective responsibility to secure a prosperous and stable future for all Nigerians.
“I also ask our governors to always prioritize the welfare and prosperity of our people in their development programs, and I asssure them that the federal government will continue to work diligently to improve the nation’s revenue profile.”
“As leaders, we must all work together to address issues of insecurity, food security, and out-of-school children,” he concluded.
Obasempire reports that in a thrilling finale at the Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast staged a remarkable comeback to clinch their third title by defeating Nigeria 2-1 in Abidjan.
The hosts’ victory will be etched in the annals of the tournament’s history as one of its most memorable moments.
Nigeria initially took the lead against the run of play, with captain William Troost-Ekong, the former Watford centre-back, heading the Super Eagles in front at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in the 38th minute. The goal caught Ivory Coast off guard but failed to dampen their spirits.
The Ivorians fought back valiantly, showing resilience and determination. Franck Kessie, rising at the far post, met Simon Adingra’s corner with precision in the 61st minute, deservedly leveling the score and igniting hope among the home crowd.
Despite Ivory Coast’s earlier struggles, including a crushing 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in the final group stage match, they persevered through the knockout phase. Victories over formidable opponents Senegal, Mali, and DR Congo paved the way for their dramatic showdown with Nigeria in the final.
Sebastien Haller emerged as the hero for Ivory Coast, sealing their triumph with a sublime flick from another Adingra cross in the 81st minute. For Haller, the former West Ham striker, the victory held profound significance, marking a triumphant return from his battle with testicular cancer diagnosed in 2022.
Haller’s pivotal goal not only secured the championship but also etched his name in Ivorian football folklore. His resilience and perseverance symbolize the spirit of the team and the nation, encapsulating the journey of overcoming adversity to achieve glory on the grandest stage of African football.
The celebrations that ensued across Ivory Coast echoed the euphoria of a nation united in jubilation. The third AFCON triumph will be cherished as a testament to the team’s unwavering resolve and their ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
As the final whistle blew, Ivory Coast basked in the glory of their remarkable comeback, their victory resonating far beyond the confines of the football pitch. It stands as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the indomitable spirit of the human endeavor, inspiring generations to come.
Obasempire reports that members of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau, Intelligence Response Team, have neutralized several suspected kidnappers, including ringleader Musa Wada-Magaji, also known as Sabo, in the Mpape vicinity of Abuja.
The elimination of the criminals occurred subsequent to a raid on their hideouts in Mpape by law enforcement officers.
The spokesperson for the Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed this in a statement issued on Saturday.
FPRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi
He highlighted that Wada, alias Sabo, orchestrated numerous abductions for ransom plaguing areas such as Mpape and Bwari in the FCT; Kagarko in Kaduna; as well as Masaka and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State.
Furthermore, he mentioned that Wada’s demise followed the recent killing of one of his associates, Musa Wada, on February 8, 2024.
Adejobi said: “In the early hours of February 9, 2024, around 2.40 am, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau, Intelligence Response Team, acting on intelligence, successfully attacked, neutralised and eliminated many notorious kidnappers, including the kidnapping kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, in an operation conducted around Mpape, Abuja.
“The team also destroyed the camps of the dreaded kidnappers who have been thorns in the flesh of Abuja residents in recent times.
“The armed bandits engaged the police operatives in a gun battle that lasted for about 30 minutes, which left many of the bandits fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained bullet wounds.
“This significant achievement follows closely on the heels of the neutralisation of Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada, on February 8, 2024, who served as a lead to their hideout.
“Musa Wada, aka Sabo, was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom activities plaguing areas including Mpape and Bwari in the FCT; Kagarko in Kaduna; Masaka, and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State.
“His modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilizing armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom.”
The FPRO added: “The successful raid on their hideout, situated in the outskirts of Mpape Hills, was conducted by men of the FIB-IRT through a surprise assault, resulting in the elimination of these notorious criminals.
“Additionally, items recovered from the hideout include mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, charms, and hard drugs, which are crucial pieces of evidence aiding ongoing investigations.
“Efforts are on to recover additional arms and ammunition and other equipment they use for their nefarious operations.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, and will continue to employ proactive measures to dismantle criminal networks and bring perpetrators of heinous crimes to justice, against all odds.”
Obasempire reports that the CEO of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe has passed away.
He lost his life in a helicopter crash with approximately five others in California, United States on Friday evening.
It has been confirmed that his spouse and child, as well as former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, were among the five others in the crash.
Reports indicate the helicopter was en route to Las Vegas when it crashed near a border city between Nevada and California on Friday night. The US government has confirmed that all on board perished.
Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe was born on 15 August 1966 in Ibadan. He served as the CEO of Access Holdings Plc until his passing, traded as Access Corporation.
He held the position of Group Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading five banking institutions, following his succession of his business partner, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, in January 2014 until April 2022.
The Super Eagles are aiming for a fourth continental crown in Abidjan while the Ivorians are looking to add to their triumphs in 1992 and 2015.
The teams will meet for the second time at this year’s finals, 24 days after the Ivorians suffered a first-ever home defeat by Nigeria when they won 1-0 in the group stage.
The Elephants are the first host nation to reach the final since Egypt in 2006, with five of the last six hosts to have contested the final having gone on to lift the trophy – the only exception being the Super Eagles themselves in 2000.
Unbeaten unlike their opponents, the Nigerians are the highest-ranked of the finalists – rated sixth in Africa (and 42nd in the world), as opposed to Ivory Coast’s African ranking of eighth (and 49th overall).
Seeking a first title since 2013, Nigeria cruised through the group stages with seven points before, amid a run of four straight clean sheets, defeating Cameroon, Angola and South Africa in the knockout stages.
After the Nigeria loss, Ivory Coast then suffered a record home – and Nations Cup – defeat by Equatorial Guinea (0-4), only squeezing through as a best third-placed side before coming to life with dramatic knock-out wins over Senegal and Mali before beating DR Congo in the last four.
After one of the best Nations Cups in living memory, the hope is that Sunday’s final (20:00 GMT) in Abidjan’s 60,000-seater stadium will providing a fitting climax.
“The organisation has been brilliant, the pitches great, we’ve seen some unbelievable matches and now Ivory Coast is in the final with Nigeria – what a game,” former Elephant Kolo Toure enthused to the BBC.
Even though they are playing in Abidjan, Nigeria are the nominal home side – and in spite of the intense backing provided by the Ivorian fans, whose support has been regularly praised by the national squad, the Nigeria camp say they would not have it any other way.
“The atmosphere will be fantastic and my players and staff all prefer to play in a full stadium, despite the level of noise,” Nigeria coach Jose Pereiro said on Saturday.
“Ivory Coast were favourites ahead of this tournament, but we want to win this Nations Cup. My only plan is to beat Ivory Coast and win this trophy for the people of Nigeria.”
Appointed in 2022, the former Sporting Lisbon and Porto coach has been widely criticised by Nigerian fans throughout much of his tenure but now stands on the verge of adding to titles won in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
During all three of those triumphs, the Super Eagles played Ivory Coast – against whom they have won three times and lost twice during their seven previous meetings at the finals.
With a back line superbly marshalled by former Watford centre-back William Troost-Ekong and long-term West Brom defender Semi Ajayi, Nigeria have conceded just two goals in six games – while scoring seven at the other end.
Surprisingly, only one of those has come from Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year who has converted just one of his 24 chances, albeit while having had two goals ruled out by VAR and another disallowed for handball.
Nonetheless, Osimhen has earned plaudits for his tireless running and pressing, and played the semi-final despite stomach problems, where he earned the penalty from which Nigeria converted their only goal.
“He doesn’t play like a star, but fights for the team,” said the Portuguese Peseiro, 63.
“He knows he’s an important player and because of that, he suffers for the team – getting kicked around – but he helps us as much as the team helps him. It’s a collective effort and we fight together.”
With Osimhen failing to add to his goal in Nigeria’s opener, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is Nigeria’s top scorer with three goals, while Troost-Ekong, having netted two high-pressure penalties, is the only other Nigerian to have scored (an own goal aside).
Fittingly for a competition which has been played in excellent spirit through, Peseiro took time on Saturday to “congratulate Emerse Fae” for the interim Ivory Coast coach’s impressive handling of his side after taking over a seemingly-sinking ship.
After coach Jean-Louis Gasset vacated his role shortly after the Elephants’ group campaign, with some saying the Frenchman chose to resign rather than being fired, former Ivorian international Fae stepped in just hours before the team staggered into the knockout stages.
There has been little limp about the side ever since, with the Ivorians showing incredible mental fortitude when finding late equalisers en route to eliminating defending champions Senegal and Mali in two epic ties, prior to a far more routine victory against DR Congo on Wednesday.
Having previously coached Nice’s youth teams and the reserve team of French Ligue 1 club Clermont Foot, Fae – who had been Gasset’s assistant since the latter’s appointment in May 2022 – rejected talk of him being a “special one” on Saturday.
“I said from the start that I was fortunate to know the squad for two years,” he said. “We just tried to focus on building the right chemistry – I haven’t invented anything but done all the basics, like making all the players feel important and building cohesion.
“We deserve to be in the final and the most important thing was to regain confidence, rebuild the team and it was good to tidy things in defence. We’ve been taking things one step at a time.”
Forced to quit playing at the age of 28 because of vein inflammation issues in his legs, Fae was part of the Ivorian side that finished runners-up in 2006, a campaign in which he played every minute.
He will now try to ensure the two-time champions score their first goal in a Nations Cup final, with their four previous appearances in the continent’s showpiece football finale all going to penalties after ending goalless.
With the Ivorians’ six goals all having been scored by different players, Fae will hope that the revitalised Sebastien Haller – who scored the semi-final winner in the striker’s first start at the finals – can continue to impress following his month-long lay-off with an ankle injury.
“Since December, I’ve been working hard with the physios to be here,” said the 29-year-old, who returned to football just over a year ago after battling back from testicular cancer. “I feel the pressure as a striker, it’s a big responsibility but that’s how football works.
“Playing in front of our people gives us the motivation to perform, and I hope this good pressure will help the team. The last two years have been tough and challenging for me. When you see everything that has happened, it’s great to be here and on Sunday I’ll enjoy it.”
“Having had to cope without four suspended players in the semi-finals, Fae will have the rarity of being able to select from a near full-strength squad on Sunday – when he says he is prepared for whatever eventuality this most unpredictable of Nations Cup may have left to offer.
“The main lesson we’ve drawn at this competition is that you have to expected the unexpected,” said a man who could win the continent’s most prestigious tournament in only his fourth game in charge.
The Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Dr Tony Nwoye, of the Labour Party, has empowered no fewer than 14,000 persons in his constituency with palliatives worth millions of naira.The grinding machines
The items distributed to the beneficiaries included engine boats, sewing machines, engineering kits, grinding machines, bags of fertilisers, bags of rice, generating sets and cash, ranging from N10,000 to N50,000.
Nwoye, while announcing the modalities for the distribution of the items, on Monday, said the essence was not for a political campaign, but a way of giving back to society, adding that people from outside the district would also benefit.
He also added that the gesture was part of his resolve to empower his people to reduce crime and unemployment in the senatorial district and beyond.
He said, “The essence of this is not for politics. I am always disturbed each time I see people, especially youths, roam the streets because they have no jobs. This is a way of empowering them to take them off the streets.
“What I am doing here today is to give back to society and to thank God for seeing me through the February 2023 general elections that made me who I am at the moment and not as a political campaign.
“The beneficiaries, mostly, the youths and farmers cut across political parties in all the seven local government areas of Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Oyi, Ogbaru, Onitsha North and Onitsha South that constitute Anambra North Senatorial District.”
The Senator also appreciated Prince Arthur Eze and Peter Obi whom he noted had touched his life tremendously.
He advised the beneficiaries, especially the youth, to put the tools to maximum use, pledging to make the gesture every quarter to better the society.
He also commiserated with the bereaved family members of those who lost their lives in the boat accident that occurred in Mmiata Anam, Anambra West LGA.
He blamed the disaster on the lack of a good transportation system, adding that he would provide speed boats for the riverine people under his constituency.
Speaking with the press, the Lawmaker representing Onitsha North in the State House of Assembly, Patrick Okafor, hailed Nwoye for his magnanimity, saying the Senator had endeared himself to the people.
Earlier, the empowerment programme was preceded by Thanksgiving Services at the All Saints Cathedral and the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Onitsha, on Sunday.
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, Peter Obi, all the traditional rulers from Anambra North, Bishop Valerian Okeke, Bishop Owen Nwokolo, Bishop Paulinus Chukwumemeka Ezeokafor, the Senator representing Enugu East, Senator Kevin Chukwu, Senator Victor Umeh, the Lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, among others were at the event.
A female marketing employee of a bank in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has committed suicide.
The deceased, 32-year-old Amarachi Ugochukwu, was said to have drunk an insecticide.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident happened on Monday within the premises of the bank.
Ugochukwu had around 1pm made her way into the restroom, where she drank the insecticide, unknown to her colleagues.
Other members of staff had started looking for her when the phone she left on her table kept ringing and she was not around to pick the calls.
A police source confirmed to our correspondent that Ugochukwu was later found dead inside the toilet with the bottle of insecticide and her suicide note.
In the suicide note made available to our correspondent, the lady blamed hard economy for her decision to end her life, saying nothing was working well for her.
“Nothing is working in my life. My figures are low. My brain is clogged up. The economy is getting harder. My decisions are wrong. My mind is messed up. The future doesn’t seem bright at all. I see extreme hardship. I can’t bear the pain anymore,” she wrote in the suicide note.
Ugochukwu apologised to her parents and other members of her family in the suicide note.
She concluded by writing, “Dear Lord, have mercy on me!”
PUNCH Metro gathered that the manager of the bank had reported the incident to the police.
The bank manager had reportedly told the police that Ugochukwu locked herself up in the toilet to commit suicide, and she was found dead when the door was forced open.
Our correspondent gathered that a medical doctor examined Ugochukwu and confirmed her dead.
“The corpse was removed by the police and deposited at Ikorodu General Hospital for autopsy. The police in Lagos are investigating the incident,” the source added.
Contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not pick several calls made to his phone, neither did he reply a text sent to him.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction of one Benjamin Ikaa who was arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
He was sentenced to five years imprisonment for his involvement in $1.6million cryptocurrency fraud.
The commission disclosed this in a statement shared on its Facebook page on Thursday.
According to the statement, Ikaa pleaded guilty to one-count charge.
The statement partly read, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has secured the conviction and sentencing of Benjamin Ikaa before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“In view of his plea, prosecuting counsel, Aso Larrys Peter prayed the court to convict him as charged.
“The defence counsel, Abel Adaji, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that the convict has become remorseful and was a first -time offender.
“Justice Nwite convicted and sentenced him to five years imprisonment with an option of fine of N5,000, 000.”
Ikaa also forfeited an iPhone 13 and Toyota Avalon car, 2013 model to the Federal government.
The statement added that, the $11,000 recovered from him would be returned to his victims.
He was also said to have written an undertaking to steer away from cybercrime henceforth.
Ikaa’s journey to the correctional centre began when he was arrested by the EFCC for operating a fictitious cryptocurrency investment website where he promised mouth-watering returns on investment, resulting in his unsuspecting victims incurring a loss of 26 bitcoins as at February 2023.
His victims are from South Africa, Norway, United Kingdom and Barbados.
When confronted with the facts of his fraudulent dealings, he owned up to them.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, urged the men’s football team, Super Eagles, to win the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF African Cup of Nations tournament, stating that the triumph of the Eagles would bring succour to the citizens.
The governor noted that the victory would help reinvigorate the people who have had to face economic crises, particularly the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
Sanwo-Olu also encouraged the players not to rest on their oars as it takes determination and team spirit to win competitions.
The governor gave the charge when he hosted the team to a special dinner at the Lagos House, Marina, before the team’s departure to Cote d’Ivoire for the AFCON tournament, which is slated to commence on Saturday, January 13.
He said, “You are our country’s unifier, as much as we will be putting pressure on you during the matches, Nigerians expect you to do that (unifying spirit) for us. We believe we have the men who can do it for us.
“People might say we don’t have a team, it’s another thing to believe in yourself and once you believe in yourself and as a team, we are on that track already, no matter the obstacles, no matter the fuel price facing the country, but just to go out there and demonstrate your undying spirit as Nigerians with a total of 220 million people in the country and the Diaspora are right behind you.
“And this is how you can write your names in gold forever. And I want to assure you that this number (220 million Nigerians) is behind you in support.
“We know you have a sense of patronage and patriotism, let that be your driving force. Let it encourage you that, for our country at the moment, we need this unifier. We need peace, we need sports as a healing tool for us, (Nigerians).”
Sanwo-Olu told the Eagles that Nigerians “need that cup to be a succour that would energise us and bring together all of the yearnings of this country. And I pray God gives you the strength to achieve this.”
He told the players to ensure they “don’t give up,” adding, “It could be that the first half is not what you want, to give up. It could get to 70 minutes, don’t give up.
“You could see 80 minutes, don’t give up. You have to have that belief that until the whistle blows, you still have an opportunity and that’s how life is.”
“Because when we want to say that we will do it again, it is not by mouth alone, it’s about that team’s spirit and commitment. Just know that over 222 million Nigerians are behind you,” the governor stated.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh; Chairman, Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, amongst others.
PUNCH Online reports that the Eagles lost 2-0 in a friendly game on Monday against Guinea in preparation for the 2023 AFCON.
The friendly match was played at the Bani Yas Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
This was after the Eagles had walloped Al Gharbia FC, a local team based in Dubai 12-0 in a training match in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
