News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja         Pete Edochie  The veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie has banished Judy Austin, the second wife of his son, Yul, from Edochie's dynasty.  This is coming on the heels of the controversy surrounding Actor Yul's marriage to Actress Judy Austin, just as the duo welcomed their baby boy.  Yul had tweeted on Wednesday saying, “It’s time for the world to meet my son." "His name is STAR DIKE MUNACHIMSO YUL-EDOCHIE. Born by my second wife @judyaustin1. And I love him so much, just as much as I love my other children,” he said. Angered by the development, Pete Edochie, who is Yul's father lamented that as an Igbo man, that he never supported his son's actions. He said that as a statesman, he only recognised, May, the first wife of Yul as the only authentic wife, adding that marrying two wives does not confer a manly status on anyone. His statement reads, “I want the whole world and Nigerians to understand that as an Igbo man, I

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja     Late Benard One of the fastest rising Nollywood Actresses, Chinedu Benard is dead.  She slumped while cleaning the Chapel of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, Federal Housing Enugu State.  All efforts to revive her proved abortive, as she was confirmed dead by doctors at the East Side hospital in Enugu. Fondly called ‘Choco’, tne actress featured in popular movies like: The Big Mama’s Stick, Money fever, The Mad, The Last Manhood, Mad Love, and among others.  The cause of her death remains unknown as at the time of filing this report.

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja                     Mohammed   The Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON) has stated that the implementation and enforcement of National Environmental Health Practice Regulation 2016 would reduce malaria burden across the country by 70 percent.  Registrar of EHORECON, Dr. Baba Yakubu Mohammed stated this in Abuja yesterday in commemoration of the 2022 World Malaria Day with the theme, “Harness Innovation to Reduce Malaria Burden and Save Lives." He said that synergy among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government would be helpful in the prevention and control of Malaria in Nigeria.  Mohammed stated that since Nigeria has the world's greatest malaria burden, with approximately 51 million cases and 207,000 deaths annually, representing 30 percent of the total casesin the region, that this huge health challenge required much commitment by all stakeholders.  He said that about 165.9 million cases o

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has been buried in the ancient town of Oyo in south-west Nigeria. His remains were laid to rest on Saturday within the premises of the palace, barely a day after he was certified dead in a hospital in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. Alaafin, popularly known as ‘Iku Baba Yeye, was 83 years as at the time his death was announced. Following the announcement of his demise, Islamic rites were conducted on the body of late Alaafin, signalling the beginning of his final journey home. Islamic clerics led by the Chief Imam of Oyo town were joined by members of the family of the late traditional ruler and some of his chiefs to offer prayers for the repose of his soul. After the prayers, his body was taken back to the palace where the final burial was held. An Oyo prince and a close relative of the Alaafin, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, confirmed the burial of the monarch. 52-year Reign  The news of the death of the top Yoruba traditional ru

      Late Oba Adeyemi One of the longest serving Yoruba monarch’s, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has joined his ancestors.  The monarch, who was the third from the Alowolodu Ruling House, died in the late hours of Friday at the Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti State.  He was aged 83 years.  The remains of the top Yoruba traditional ruler were brought to Oyo town, 62 kilometres from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in the early hours of Saturday and traditional rites began, according to palace sources. He was the longest reigning Alaafin ever, having ruled for 52 years. The monarch had been sick and plans were underway to fly him abroad for further medical treatment before his demise.  A source familiar with the medical travel plan said his tickets and those of a few wives were already procured. His death came months after the two other senior Oyo State monarchs – the Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Jimoh Oye

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja     One of the damaged roads to be reconstructed by Ecological Project Office  The traditional ruler of Ado–Ekiti,  Dr. Rufus Adejuyigbe has appealed to the federal government for more ecological projects in Ekiti State, saying that many erosion- prone areas in Ado-Ekiti required urgent attention.  He stated this in Ekiti state during the sensitisation of the residents on the commencement of flood and erosion–control projects in Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti South-West, organised by the Ecological Project Office (EPO). Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF). Represented by Chief Sola Olanrewaju, the royal father was delighted over the project and commended EPO for its interventions in the state.  He pleaded with the EPO and its contractors to always liaise with traditional rulers and community leaders of the host communities, in order to avoid violence and harassment from locals during the construction of any project.  Also speaking,

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja       One of the roads to be reconstructed in Ogbomoso.  The Ecological Project Office (EPO) has cautioned the residents of Ogbomoso against harassing contractors, saying that no project would be executed in any community that is notorious for frustrating contractors. Permanent Secretary of Ecological Project Office (EPO), Dr. Habiba Lawal stated this during the sensitisation of flood and erosion-control project, organised by EPO, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State recently.  The project, which consists of 3,950meter road improvement work with drainages,  was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari and its  expected to be completed within 12 months.  Represented by the Director of Press and Public Relations Unit, EPO, Dr Joel Oruche, she pleaded with the residents to cooperate with the contractor during the execution of the project.  The permanent secretary advised the community on the need to shun

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja                                                    Lawal The federal government has called on Kano residents to maintain peace as erosion-control project commences in Gafasa community, Ajingi local government area, Kano State.  Scope of the project includes embarkment and construction of six channels that would provide adequate water supply for farmers while enhancing irrigation farming in the community. Speaking at the flag off of the project, the Permanent Secretary of Ecological Project Office (EPO) Dr. Habiba Lawal pleaded with the residents to cooperate with the contractors for timely delivery of the project within the scheduled period of six months.  She said the sensitisation was targeted at building bridges of understanding between EPO, contractors and host community, with a view to resolving issues that might hinder the progress of work. Lawal, who was represented by the Director of Press & Public Relation, EPO, Dr. Joel Oruche enjoined th

        Inside Attacked Abuja- Kaduna Bound Train The federal government has commenced talks with terrorists that killed nine passengers and abducted about 70 others during the March 28th attack on Abuja-Kaduna train  Relatives of the kidnapped victims disclosed this on Friday. They however asked the government to hasten negotiation with the terrorists and shelve the idea of resuming the train services while their loved ones remain in captivity. The families, who addressed a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, lambasted the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi for declaring his presidential ambition few days after the train attack. They described Amaechi’s declaration as most uncharitable, saying that he ought to have resigned rather than celebrating, as the train attack happened under his nose. Leader of the kidnapped victims’ relatives, Dr. Abdulfatai Jimoh, who addressed journalists on behalf of others after the expiration of the 72-hour-ultimatum handed down to

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja          Aregbesola  The federal government has declared Friday, 15th April and Monday, 18th April as  public holidays in commemoration of this year's Easter celebration.  Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday. He quoted the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola as saying that Christians should emulate the attributes of sacrifice, togetherness, forgiveness, kindness, love, peace and patience, as exemplified by Jesus Christ’s ministry on earth.  The minister enjoined Christians and all Nigerians to use the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration to pray for an end to all security challenges bedeviling every part of the country. He assured all that the federal bovernment would leave no stone unturned to ensure that the recent attacks by undesirable elements on the highways, airport and the railway are timely brought to an end. According to him, “Secu

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja with Agency Report                         Abdullahi    The federal government in collaboration with World Bank has unveiled Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, meant to address series of environmental crisis in Northern Nigeria. Speqking at the Pre-launch Mission of the World Bank in Abuja on Sunday,  Minister of Environment, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi said that the project would last for five to six years. Abdullahi assured Nigerians that the project would be effectively implemented, adding that all documentations on the project would get to the World Bank as soon as possible. He said that with the collaboration of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Water Resources and with the World Bank's support, that the objective of the project must be achieved. According to him, "The project is very important, as it will also address water stress system and restore the lost lands, thereby makin

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja          Late Nwachukwu  Nigeria's golden voice, Mrs Osinachukwu Nwachukwu, the lead vocalist in Prospa Ochimana's hit song, 'Ekwueme' is dead.  The Imo State-born gospel artiste died on Friday night in Abuja hospital at the age of 42 years. Though her family is yet to state the cause of her death, but some said that she had a long battle with throat cancer.  Further findings by BENNY's blog revealed that the Gospel Artiste married an abusive husband, a situation that contributed to her derailed health challenges, which led to her death.  She was a lead singer at the Dunamis International Gospel Centre. Nwachukwu also featured in other hit gospel songs such as “Nara Ekele” by Pastor Paul Enenche (Dunamis, Abuja) and “You no dey use me play” by Emma. Her last song, Ikem (God of Power) was released in November 2021. She is survived by her husband, Peter Nwachukwu, and four children. The late golden voice was the twin sister of Amarac

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja        Late Okoro Arrangements have been concluded for the final funeral rites of famous Enugu native doctor, Chief Simon Odo Okoro, popularly called ‘King of Satan', who married 59 wives and had over 300 children and grandchildren.  The wake keeping will take place on Thursday 21st April, 2022 in his residence at Aji junction, Umuitodo Aba, Aji Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North local government area of Enugu State by 4pm. Information obtained by BENNY's blog revealed that the final burial ceremony for the late native doctor is expected to hold on Friday 22nd April at 10 a.m in the same venue.  Briefly  Born in 1947, Odo died in the early hours of Tuesday (14th December) last year after a brief illness at the age of 74. He was married to 59 wives and had over 300 children and grandchildren. Also known as King Solomon 1 of Africa, he was buried immediately after his death in Enugu.  This was in compliance with his instruction to the wives and children

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja                               Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate re-deployment of Mohammed H. Abdullahi as the new Minister of Environment. The redeployment takes effect from 6th April, 2022. This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday  by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.  Until his appointment, Abdullahi was the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation.  The President was optimistic that Minister Abdullahi would bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new assignment for the growth of the country.

       Skeikh Khalid                                       Chief Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque Abuja, Sheikh Nuru Khalid was last week suspended over his statement on President Muhammadu Buhari’s failure to tackle insecurity in the country.  The mosque’s steering committee issued the suspension on Saturday following Khalid's condemnation of last Monday attack on Abuja-Kaduna train, where over eight persons died. In his Friday sermon, the chief Imam had castigated Buhari for his refusal to visit Kaduna State over the terrorist attack, adding that mere condemnation wasn’t enough. He lamented that Buhari was in Kaduna for campaigns but failed to visit the state after the bomb attack on the passenger train. The outburst was not the first or second time the Islamic cleric would be criticising the President over poor handling of security crisis in the country.  In a viral video in 2021, Khalid vowed that God would torment Buhari if he failed to return Nigeria united