Singer Fave Calls Out Davido For Performing Edited Version Of Song She Featured In
23-year-old Nigerian singer, Chidozie Godsfavour better known as Fave has taken to X formerly Twitter to express her disappointment after witnessing Davido perform an altered rendition of their collaborative track, “Kante,” with her verse omitted from the performance. The singer, who was looking forward to sharing the stage with Davido, revealed her initial excitement at the event, only to be taken aback when the song was performed in a modified form. “Begun my new year with such a huge gag lol hugging Davido backstage as he’s about to perform, to watching him perform Kante in a new version with my verse taken off. Performing with you would have been a good way to start my year but I guess life happens. Happy nu year🤞💋,” Fave posted on Monday. The public response was divided, with some suggesting that she should have privately addressed the issue with Davido rather than airing it publicly on Twitter. Acknowledging this, Fave later admitted her oversight in handling the matter publicly. “I guess I should’ve just texted him how I felt instead of tweeting it. I forget how the internet can be sometimes,” she added in a subsequent tweet. Amidst calls for an apology and deletion of the tweet, Fave’s post remained on her Twitter profile, as of the time of this report.
Tinubu Returns To Abuja After Yuletide
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja following the yuletide break spent in Lagos State. Recall that Tinubu had on December 21st departed Abuja for Lagos to celebrate the Christmas and New Year break. This was his first Christmas as president since he was sworn in on May 29. Addressing the nation in his New Year broadcast on January 1, 2024, President Tinubu acknowledged the frustrations of millions of Nigerians grappling with the soaring cost of living, high inflation exceeding 28%, and a troubling under-employment rate. “From the boardrooms at Broad Street in Lagos to the main streets of Kano and Nembe Creeks in Bayelsa, I hear the groans of Nigerians who work hard every day,” the president empathized, recognizing the challenges faced by citizens striving to support their families. Emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity, President Tinubu urged Nigerians not to yield to the tough times, stating, “The time may be rough and tough, however, our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last. We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter.” The president’s message encouraged citizens to maintain faith in the promise of Nigeria despite current socio-economic difficulties, fostering hope for a brighter future.
New Year: Gombe Governor Pardons 39 Prisoners
In a move marking the New Year, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has extended clemency to 39 inmates serving sentences across correctional facilities within the state. In a statewide broadcast on Monday, the governor emphasized the significance of this gesture in providing these individuals with an opportunity to reform and re-enter society as better citizens. Highlighting the decision’s basis on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Yahaya revealed that 26 inmates would receive unconditional pardons, while the sentences of the remaining 13 have been commuted to shorter durations. Governor Yahaya expressed hope that those benefiting from this clemency would seize the chance to start anew and contribute positively to society. This initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to rehabilitation and offering a second chance to individuals seeking to turn their lives around.
President Bola Tinubu Signs N28.7 Trillion 2024 Budget into Law
President Bola Tinubu has officially signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill into law at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, marking the commencement of Nigeria’s fiscal year. The budget, totaling N28.7 trillion, was approved by the National Assembly and signed by Tinubu upon his return from a week-long holiday in Lagos. This budget surpasses the initial proposal by N1.2 trillion, as outlined by the President during his presentation to the joint session of the National Assembly in November 2023. President Tinubu highlighted a deficit of N9.18 trillion for the fiscal year, lower than the previous year’s deficit of N13.78 trillion, amounting to 6.11% of the GDP. The deficit is set to be financed through various channels, including new borrowings totaling N7.83 trillion, N298.49 billion from Privatisation Proceeds, and a drawdown of N1.05 trillion from multilateral and bilateral loans secured for specific development projects. President Tinubu stressed the importance of adhering to the January-December implementation cycle, aiming for the swift enactment of the Appropriation Act by January 1, 2024. The Senate’s recent adjustment to the budget increased it by N1.2 trillion, elevating the total expenditure to N28.7 trillion. The breakdown, as outlined in the report by the Appropriation Committee led by Senator Solomon Adeola, indicates allocations for statutory transfers, recurrent expenditure, capital expenditure, and a GDP growth projection of 3.88 per cent.
2 Killed As Tanker Explosion Rocks Ebonyi
A tragic incident shook the Abakaliki–Onueke-Afikpo Expressway as a fuel-laden tanker erupted in a massive explosion, resulting in two casualties. Igwe Nnabuife, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) sector commander in Ebonyi State, confirmed the tragic event on Saturday in Abakaliki. According to Nnabuife, the tanker transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) caught fire around 8:20 pm on Friday at the airport junction axis of the highway. The intensity of the blaze was such that the vehicle’s registration number couldn’t be identified due to being burnt beyond recognition. “Regrettably, two individuals lost their lives, while another sustained severe injuries. The deceased have been transported to Alex-Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, while the injured party received medical attention at Onueke General Hospital in Ezza-South Local Government Area,” the Sector Commander said.
Pray against terror attacks in Lagos – Gospel singer Ada Ehi raises alarm
Nigerian gospel singer, Ada Ehi has shared a disturbing message with her followers after experiencing a distressing dream alongside her husband. Both dreamt of terror attacks targeting Lagos, prompting her to urge Nigerians to join in fervent prayers against such potential threats. Taking to Twitter, Ada Ehi expressed her worry, stating, “Last night, my husband and I had a very similar dream. Pray against terror attacks in Lagos and Nigeria. Please pray intently and passionately.” “He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot carry out their plans. Job 5:12 NKJV”.
Priotise security, peace, economy of your people – Kogi CJ tasks Leaders
Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi has implored leaders not to toy with issues of peace, security and economic improvement of their followers but should make them paramount in their agenda. Majebi made the appeal when he received traditional, community and religious leaders on Christmas felicitations visit at his residence in Ageva, Okene. He said that issues of peace, security and economy are interwoven and must be tackled holistically rather than be toyed with. Majebi enjoined the leaders to constantly drum into their followers, the benefits of peace, saying that the value of a peaceful environment translates to development enjoyable by the youth who are the workforce of the society. He urged the leaders to continue to place emphasis on proper upbringing of children to pave way for the emergence of a productive, peaceful and rancour free environment devoid of criminalities. The Chief Judge bemoaned the present unemployment level in the country which he described as seeming intractable. Majebi said that though the state Judiciary presently lacks resources to undertake employment, it would do so once the resources improved. He assured that as an interested person in the growth of youths, he would personally ensure that as soon as there is improvement in the fortune of the Judiciary the State Judicial Service Commission will open its employment portal. The Chief Judge had earlier expressed appreciation to the traditional, religious and community leaders that thronged his residence on the visit saying he would do everything within his power to address and assuage the suffering of the people. The visitors had earlier said that their visit was in both their official and personal capacities as representatives of their respective groups. They commended the Chief Judge for the noticeable improvement in the state’s Justice Delivery System since the assumption of office of Justice Majebi particularly in the area of bringing justice closer to the people through establishment of courts. The visiting leaders from Ageva, Obehira and Ozuma communities also thanked and commended the CJ for his participatory leadership style. They particularly recalled his swift response and timely intervention in restoration of their water supply when it broke down some time ago. The visitors also appealed to the Chief Judge to provide employment opportunities for their children and wards into the Judiciary.
Governor Bassy Otu Signs N296bn Budget, Economy Tops
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross Rivers State, Friday, signed the ‘Peoples First’ Budget of N296, 985, 631, 978.1k into law. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, of the governor, Emmanuel Ogbeche, stated that the event has the economic sector topping with N104, 986, 870, 898.59 billion. Presenting the estimates to the State House of Assembly on October 26, Gov. Otu said, “We have prioritized a higher capital expenditure over recurrent expenditure in our public expenditure structure, a “As a deliberate principle, we have maintained a higher capital–recurrent expenditure of 61.6% to 38.4%. “This not only emphasizes the importance of structural development but also a demonstration of the State’s commitment to the provision of the much-needed infrastructural facilities in our rural and urban centres.” Though the Governor had proposed a budget size of N250 billion with N154 billion as capital expenditure and N96 billion for recurrent expenditure, the Assembly jerked it up by N46 billion to N296 billion. The new budget bucket has capital expenditure of N180 billion and recurrent expenditure of N116 billion. Speaking at the budget signing, Governor Otu said, “the increase is predicated on the need to provide adequate financial support to our people living with disabilities which I requested for, after laying the Budget proposal before the State House of Assembly. “The increase in the budget allocation for this community is not just a necessity but a moral imperative: to erase social imbalance of this special demographics as they are a vulnerable group. They require specialized care, adaptive equipment, and access to resources that accommodate their unique needs. “This increase will facilitate better access to healthcare, assistive technologies, education, and employment opportunities tailored to their capabilities. Therefore, it is not just a fiscal decision but a statement of our values as a society which is espoused by my administration. “In addition, there is an upscale budgetary provision for payment of gratuity, debt services, counterpart funds, nutrition activities, social protection, climate change and gender responsive budget.” He further assured that, “This Administration is committed to prudent spending, effective governance, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of our people. “Towards this end, I have directed that efforts be made to ensure the earlier submission of the 2024-2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper. “To achieve the laudable objectives of the 2024 Budget, we will further intensify our revenue mobilization efforts.” Aware of dwindling revenue inflow, the Governor noted that, “I am optimistic about our ability to finance the budget with creative funding options. We hope to surpass our revenue targets, therefore, revenue-generating agencies, and indeed all MDAs must ensure prompt and full remittances of collected revenues.” Highlights of the budget include; economic sector – N104, 986, 870, 898.59 billion; general administration – N95, 815, 641, 732.54 billion; law and justice – N7, 947, 139, 687.33 billion; regional sector – N1, 262, 390, 126.52 billion, and social sector – N86, 973, 489, 533.02 billion.
APC To Establish Institute Of Progressive Studies
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has announced the party’s intention to launch a National Institute of Progressive Studies in the coming year, as part of its strategic initiatives. During a discussion with State House Correspondents after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the APC National Working Committee in Lagos on Thursday, Ganduje revealed that the institute’s primary aim would be to imbue party members and the public with a deeper understanding of democratic principles. Ganduje emphasized that the institute’s focus would extend to educating individuals on various aspects of democracy, including internal party democracy, discouraging hate speech, and ensuring compliance with legal protocols governing elections and related processes. “The establishment of the National Institute of Progressive Studies aims to enlighten both our party members and the general public about the essence of democracy. It will address issues like internal democracy, discouraging hate speech, and ensuring adherence to legal regulations concerning elections and other related procedures,” Ganduje stated. He further highlighted that this institution would collaborate closely with the government to formulate policies conducive to strengthening democratic values within the country.
Gunmen Kill 2 Policemen In Anambra
Tragedy struck in the Uga Community of Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, as gunmen unleashed terror, resulting in the deaths of at least two policemen and several others on Thursday, December 29, 2023. Residents urgently called upon security agencies and State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for intervention as armed assailants wielding AK-47 rifles conducted kidnappings and gunfire with impunity at the Uga junction. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and violent. The incident occurred at a junction leading to the homes of prominent political figures, including APC chieftain, Andy Uba, and PDP leader, Chris Uba. Reportedly, the gunmen abducted individuals from luxury cars, engaging in an intense exchange of gunfire when confronted by police officers. Disturbing video clips circulating on social media depict the aftermath, showing slain officers and abandoned SUVs with signs of forced abduction. Police confirmed the attack, revealing the assailants were disguised in military gear and likely crossed over from a neighboring state. Despite the brave efforts of officers from Enugu State attempting to thwart the attackers and ensure the safety of motorists, the gunmen managed to escape, leaving a trail of tragic fatalities and uncertainty in their wake.