Author: Opeyemi Ogabi

As Nigeria joined the global community to commemorate World Mental Health Day, Mr. Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate, sounded the alarm on the country’s escalating mental health crisis. In a poignant message on his X handle, Obi emphasized that mental health remains a critically neglected issue in Nigeria. Obi lamented that suicide cases, fueled by anxiety and depression, continue to rise, with the National Institute of Health reporting that 40 to 60 million Nigerians suffer from various mental health ailments. He attributed this surge to the worsening economic situation, characterized by hunger, poverty,…

Nigerian music sensation, Ayra Starr, has secured four nominations for the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards, announced on Wednesday. The talented songstress is up for awards in the ‘Best African Act’, ‘Best Push’, ‘Best Afrobeats’, and ‘Best New Artist’ categories. Other Nigerian musicians vying for the ‘Best Afrobeats’ award include Tems, Burna Boy, Asake, and Rema. South Africa’s Tyla also bagged four nominations, while American singer Taylor Swift topped the list with seven nominations. The 30th edition of the award show will take place on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Manchester’s Co-op Live in the UK. *Nigerian Nominees:* – Ayra…

Nigerian songstress Tems has showered praise on Canadian superstar Justin Bieber, describing him as “one of the purest souls” she’s encountered. Tems’ admiration for Bieber stems from their collaborative experience at Coachella earlier this year. During her appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Tems recounted how Bieber surprisingly offered to join her set. “I got a text from Justin Bieber, he was like, ‘I’m around in case you want to bring me out.'” Tems was taken aback by Bieber’s kindness and willingness to support her performance. Tems also shared how Wizkid, her collaborator on the global hit “Essence,” effortlessly agreed…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled in favor of Julius Abure, declaring him the legitimate national chairman of the Labour Party (LP). This verdict validates the 2024 Labour Party national convention held in Nnewi, which re-elected Abure, and affirms that the convention adhered to Nigeria’s laws. In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, Justice Emeka Nwite’s judgment mandated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize and grant full privileges to the Labour Party’s National Working Committee under Abure’s leadership. This ruling counters INEC’s earlier stance, which rejected Abure as the National Chairman,…

President Bola Tinubu has identified frivolous appeals, intimidation of judges, and judgments based on technicalities as major obstacles hindering Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. He emphasized that addressing these challenges is crucial for effective prosecution of corruption cases. Speaking at the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission/National Judicial Institute Capacity Building Workshop, Tinubu acknowledged improvements in corruption prosecution due to recent justice sector reforms. However, he stressed the need for collective action against corruption, describing it as a “cancer” denying Nigeria its full potential. *Key Challenges* – Frivolous applications and appeals delaying trials – Intimidation of judges by counsel – Judgments based…

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has revealed that the ongoing speculation surrounding manager Erik ten Hag’s future is taking a toll on the players. Evans acknowledged that the constant rumors of Ten Hag’s potential sacking are affecting the team’s morale. “It does affect the players. It’s on our minds too,” Evans admitted. Despite the pressure, the experienced defender emphasized his commitment to performing on the pitch. “I think the more experience I’ve got in my career, I’ve made sure I do everything to be ready and give everything I can to the team.” Evans praised his teammates’ spirit in their…

President Bola Tinubu has shifted focus away from the 2027 general elections, prioritizing economic restructuring for Nigeria’s benefit. At the 2024 South West Assembly of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Tinubu, represented by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, urged Nigerians to be patient with his administration’s efforts toward genuine progress. The assembly, hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, brought together prominent APC leaders, including former National Chairman Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba. Keynote speaker Kayode Fayemi praised Tinubu as a “listening leader” determined to succeed. Isaac Kekemeke, APC National Vice Chairman, Southwest, emphasized the need…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has sounded a warning to security agencies in Rivers State, urging them to avoid actions that could destabilize the state. This warning comes amid a heated political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, over the ongoing local government elections. The crisis took a turn when Wike and his loyalists insisted that the election should not hold, citing a Federal High Court judgment. However, Governor Fubara maintained that the poll would proceed as planned. Despite the tension, the election is currently underway in all local government areas. Jonathan emphasized that state institutions,…

A chilling tale of murder and deception has unfolded in Ogun State with the arrest of 29-year-old Ogunnaike Philip, suspected of killing at least three young girls, including an 18-year-old. Philip’s modus operandi was to lure his victims into the forest, tie them up, strangle them, and abandon their bodies after stealing their phones. Investigations revealed that Philip escaped from the Ibara Correctional Centre two years ago while being taken to court for an armed robbery case. His victims included 18-year-old Akinsanya Habibat, 22-year-old Abigail Dina, and 23-year-old Mary Ogunyemi. According to Omolola Odutola, the police spokesperson, Philip confessed to…

The 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) nominations have been unveiled, and Femi Adebayo’s film “Jagun Jagun” has emerged as a top contender with seven prestigious nominations. An elated Femi Adebayo shared the news with his team and fans on Instagram, saying: “Hey guys, we have done it again! Delighted to announce that Jagun Jagun clinched seven nominations at the 2024 AMAA AWARDS nominee announcement yesterday.” _Nomination Categories_ “Jagun Jagun” received nods in the following categories: – Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Achievement in Production Design – Achievement in Costume Design – Achievement in Makeup – Achievement in…