Category: News

The Lagos Internal Revenue Service has congratulated Ijeoma Josephina Otabor better known as Phyna, the winner of Big Brother Nigeria season 7 edition.

Naija News earlier reported that Phyna on Sunday night was crowned the winner of the popular reality show.

The 25-year-old Edo-born reality star, beat her other finalists; Adekunle, Chichi, Bryann, Daniella and Bella, to clinch the 100M prize money.

Reacting to the development, the government agency via its verified Twitter handle noted that it is looking forward for her to pay her tax to the state.

The tweets reads: ”Big congratulations  @unusualphyna, Winner of @BBNaija  Season 7 Level Up edition. Cheers to more wins. We look forward to seeing you in Y2023 as you pay your tax.”

Naija News understands that Phyna’s emergence didn’t come so easily as she survived multiple possible evictions, and became the most nominated housemate in the Level Up Season.

Phyna made history once again with her win to become the second female BBNaija winner. The first was Mercy who won the pepper dem season.

This article was originally published on Naija News

The federal government has announced that the 2nd Niger-bridge project would be ready for launch by the first quarter of 2024.

The disclosure was made on Saturday by the acting federal controller of works in Anambra State, Seyi Martins, Naija News reports.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari-led government through the minister of power, works and housing, Babatunde Fashola, announced in November 2016 that it awarded a sum of N206 billion to Julius Berger Construction Company for the completion of the 2nd Niger Bridge.

The government had earlier revealed that the project would be officially commissioned in December 2022. It, however, noted that the bridge would be opened for access by 2024, due to the second phase of work, a 3.3km road approach, on the Delta side and a 7km road approach on the Anambra side that was yet to commence.

Naija News reports that Martins revealed this while playing host to members of the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria on the bridge over the weekend.

According to the official, work has gone far on the facility and it’s already on 95 per cent completion. He pointed out that the first phase of the project had been substantially completed, saying that what was left was the final asphalt surfacing, on the Asaba-bound carriageway lane.

According to him, the bridge which would be about 1.7km parallel to the existing bridge, would be a dual carriageway with three lanes on both sides measuring about 1.6km in length while the total length of the project would be 11.9km.

The acting controller further said that the steel guard rails had been completed, while the roads were set for vehicle traffic with the toll plaza area almost completed.

He said, “The bridge project is 95 per cent complete and it is expected to be commissioned by the end of December 2022, but there is a second phase which is a 3.3km road approach on the Delta side and 7km of approach road on the Anambra side that is yet to commence.

“The bridge can be accessed from the interchange at Oba on Onitsha-Owerri road. A road is being constructed to connect traffic on the Asaba-Benin Expressway pending the completion of the second phase.

“The second phase of the project is yet to commence, but the government has deemed it fit that upon completion of the first phase, it will be open to traffic.

“At the Onitsha end, there is an interchange at Oba, where you can access the bridge and on the Asaba end, there is a link road we are constructing to enable travellers to access the bridge from Benin-Onitsha road.”

On his part, the Chairman, COREN, Victor Meju, commended the contractor for a job well done. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done so far.

Meju said COREN leadership was concerned with ensuring that engineers working on projects in Anambra were certified. He expressed satisfaction with the extent of work done so far, while commending the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for the commitment shown to deliver the job as scheduled.

He noted that the bridge when completed, would not only boost the economic activities of the South-East and South-South but for the whole country.

He said, “What we have observed today is impressive. We are happy that our members, local engineers, were generously used in this project.

“We thank the federal government and the government of Anambra and Delta states for their efforts at seeing that the project come this far. We are confident that the bridge will increase the business activities in the area.”

This article was originally published on Naija News

Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Day celebration may have been more meaningful if the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had settled their differences, said His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin.

Naija News reports that the renowned monarch joined other patriotic Nigerians in a statement to reflect the status of the country as it marked another anniversary.

The Oba of Benin expressed dissatisfaction with the lingering industrial action by the varsity lecturers over the actions and inactions of the government on the union’s demands.

The monarch, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, said the over seven-month-old strike has disrupted the academic calendars of public universities.

Oba of Benin, thereby charged the federal government and ASUU to as a matter of urgency, find amicable solutions to put an end to the lingering strike.

The Oba said that “the independence celebration may not offer much pageantry to some citizens, the mere fact that the nation has remained one indivisible sovereignty, despite daunting challenges, deserves a compliment.”

He noted that the resilience of some Nigerians may have made the nation proud and those who paid the supreme sacrifice for Nigeria’s survival since independence from Britain, deserve mention.

The Benin monarch expressed hope that Nigeria will be better again with prayers and hard work despite the economic hardship, insecurity, conflicts, endless agitations and other challenges faced.

He advised contemporary leaders to always aspire to make an impact through leadership skills, especially with a sense of responsibility and patriotism by citizens for the nation to truly attain its status as the giant of Africa both in practice and principle.

Commenting on the forthcoming general elections, the Oba advised Nigerians to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver credible, free and fair elections in 2023.

The Oba of Benin said: “Political actors, especially those in governments and other stakeholders should play by the rules. Eligible voters should shun vote buying to deepen our democratic values.

“Nigerians should unite against our common enemies that have hindered the progress of the nation by denouncing evil, poverty, unemployment, corruption, crime, insurgency and economic sabotage particularly oil theft and double-standard in the application of the Law of the Land” the revered Benin monarch re-echoed on the occasion of the 62nd independence anniversary of Nigeria.”

This article was originally published on Naija News

Popular Nollywood actor, Charles Okocha also known as Igwe 2pac has said that he is thankful he did not reject pregnancies outside wedlock.

Okocha during an interview with Punch revealed how joyful he was about his decision to step up to his responsibilities despite not being ready to be a father.

He revealed that he has two children; a son and a daughter from two different women but people are not aware that the children are not from the same mothers because of the bond they share.

He went on to give a detailed story of how he asked his girlfriend to abort his daughter when she found out that she was pregnant. He stated that she, however, refused to listen to him and decided to have the baby.

Igwe explained that when she decided to keep the baby, he stepped up to his responsibility and made sure he took care of his daughter.

He said, “I guess having those kids was a blessing, even if it was out of wedlock and I never wanted them. It wasn’t something I wanted at that time. I even suggested abortion to my girlfriend when she told me that she was pregnant, I won’t lie. I did that but I owned up to my action of getting her pregnant and I never disputed for once. I suggested that because I wasn’t prepared or ready for that but she went ahead to tell her mum about it and when my mum eventually got to know about the situation, she took her (my girlfriend) in and took good care of her until she was delivered of my baby. My mum took care of everything for my daughter and it was the same for my son. They had no reason to lack. I don’t only take care of my kids, I also take care of their mothers.

“Because I take good care of my baby-mamas (the mothers of my children), they had no reason to come to say any wrong about me. We communicate well and one of them is even married now. Marriage was not a very thing at that point. She moved on because she felt she wasn’t getting any younger at that point and it’s okay but what I won’t accept is having another man take up my responsibility. That’s why I work very hard and do things to put food on the table and make my kids live a better life.”

This article was originally published on Naija News

The Kwara state Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has expressed his grief over the deaths of Abdulganiyu Aboto Al-Adaby, a well-known Islamic cleric, and two of his aide who drowned in a flood that wrecked properties in the state.

As previously reported by Naija News, on Saturday, the State Fire Service pulled two bodies from a river next to Olusola Saraki Abattoir on Sobi road in Ilorin, found in a Toyota Yaris vehicle.

After being removed, they identified these bodies as remains of Aboto, a well-known Islamic preacher in Ilorin, and his aides.

The Head of Department, Media and Publicity of the service, Hassan Adekunle, had earlier stated that the residents helped with the removal of the remains after being alerted on Friday and he warned the public to avoid driving in severe downpours.

In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the state Governor described the deaths of the well-known Muslim cleric and a few other individuals who are yet to be identified as shocking and tragic.

“We received with shock and sadness the deaths of the popular Islamic cleric Sheikh Aboto and a few others whose identities are not yet known.

“As faithful, we accept the judgment of our creator. We beseech Him to grant the scholar and others involved al-Jannah Firdaus.

“This, indeed, is one sad news too many. The death of Sheikh Abdulganiy Aboto is a huge loss for the Muslim community and to Ilorin as a whole. He was known for his vast knowledge and great efforts in the propagation of Islamic messages in the simplest form possible for his audience.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the families of the late Sheikh and the others, and the entire Adabiyyah family worldwide. It is our prayer that Allah will grant comfort to all the bereaved families.”

This article was originally published on Naija News

Phyna on Sunday night emerged as the winner of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) season 7 edition, Naija News reports.

Recall that Nigeria’s biggest reality show launched the level-up edition on July 23 and 24, 2022. Five housemates came all the way to the finale and Phyna eventually was crowned the winner of the year’s reality TV show.

“I dont even know what’s going through my head right now like who deeeey?” Phyna said to the show host, Chukwuebuka Obi-Uchendu, popularly known as Ebuka.

More details shortly…

This article was originally published on Naija News

Popular Nigerian comedian, Igosave has given feedback after undergoing hair surgery.

The comedian who is currently in Prague, Czech Republic shared a picture of his new look

Igosave stated that the surgery cost him a whooping sum of $20,000; a rough estimate of 8 million in Nigerian currency.

Sharing the stunning new look, he wrote, “Best $20,000 well spent 

Hair transplant so lit New me. How you see am?”

Diddy Reaches Out To Niniola After Four Years

The long-awaited dream of Nigerian Singer and songwriter, Niniola Apata, popularly known as Niniola, has finally come to pass as American music star cum businessman, Diddy reached out to her, after four years of futile unresponsive messages.

In the video shared by the excited singer, the billionaire music producer, Diddy narrated how Niniola sent several private messages to him in 2018, but he could not respond due to the several other messages in his Direct Message (DM).

Fast-forward to 2022, the 52-year-old artist was discussing with his team wanting to collaborate with an African artist who would hop on his Afrobeats remix, and someone suggested the songstress’s name.

To his surprise, when he went to her Instagram to send her a DM, he saw that the singer had sent countless DM’s wanting to work with him.

According to the Bad Boy Records CEO, he never knew that Niniola wanted to work with him and somehow manifested him into her life.

The duo linked up for the very first time via video call, and he explained the whole situation.

Niniola who shared a video of her speaking with the award-winning musician noted that dreams do come through.

This article was originally published on Naija News

Nigerians have berated May Edochie, the wife of Nollywood actor and polygamist Yul Edochie over her anniversary message to her father-in-law Pete Edochie and his wife.

Naija News reports that on October 1st the veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie and his wife celebrated their 53rd anniversary.

Sharing in the joy of the couple, May took to her Instagram handle to post a picture of her in-laws and also celebrate them

She Wrote, “PLS FAM JOINED ME TO CELEBRATE THE GREAT @PETEEDOCHIE AND HIS ADORABLE WIFE. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE ALMIGHTY FOR THE GIFT OF LIFE. 53 YEARS AND COUNTING! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN YOU BOTH AND GIVE YOU PEACE”.

Mixed reactions trailed the anniversary message, some Nigerians did not seem pleased with May’s message as some people questioned the reason she did not call Pete Edochie her father-in-law or something more cordial like mummy and daddy while others praised her for celebrating the couple despite the rift between her and her husband

Read the comments below

Blessed Glory, “You could’ve add father-in-law or daddy/mummy

Jessy Love, “You could have added my parents, daddy or sir coming from a family member! That great @peteedochie sounded awful and disrespect, still what do I know.”

Euphrosa, “She’s tactful not to call them father in law and mother in law. Great Pete Edochie and his wife. Prodigal son will stain everybody’s white.”

Moonhope Virgo, “I like how you used the great and his wife instead of my inlaws to show that you’re not desperate keep shining you’re one in a trillions”

Mario Mike: “If she call her mother-in-law will heaven fall.”

Devisignature, “Your sense of maturity has made me respect you more.”

Dpride, “Ah this Woman you are a real queen look. One in a trillion kind of woman. You are truly a gem. Vengeance belong to one person.”

Naija News recalls that after Yul married his colleague Judy Austin as a second wife, his first wife has consistently reiterated that she will not accept the position of co-wife as she does not believe in polygamy.

This article was originally published on Naija News

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former vice President Atiku Abubakar, has been lambasted for pledging to cede the presidency to the zone in 2027.

Naija News reports that Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and other prominent leaders from Southeast have advised Nigerians not to take serious.

Ohanaeze said no person from Southeast or Igbo would take the advice of the former vice-president serious.

The Southeast leaders were reacting to Atiku’s statement during a rally in Enugu where he was quoted to have said that he would support Ndigbo to win the Presidency in 2027 in return for the region’s votes for him in 2023.

More details to come…

This article was originally published on Naija News

A 15-year-old boy has reportedly been beaten up in Obiofia Nnewichi Umuezize in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The teenager was allegedly beaten with an iron rod for drinking the leftover tea of his half-brother.

According to The Nation, the boy’s father Okwudili Ikediobi also tied the boy’s hands and feet to a protector and left him for days without food after he was told about the incident.

Narrating his ordeal, the boy said, ”The abuse started when we were taken from Ozubulu Community Children’s Home. I was severely punished because I finished the leftover tea of my half-brother which made my stepmother beat me with iron.

“Immediately my father heard what happened, he tied my hands and feet to a nearby protector.

“I was left there for days without food. Even my sister, who usually sneaked in food for me was severely punished by our stepmother.”

He explained that his sister later help him to escape and while he was wandering about people saw the injuries on him and began to ask questions.

The victim was later handed over to the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.

The Commissioner, Mrs Ify Obinabo who was informed of the development by social workers from Nnewi, directed he be taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku, Awka for immediate medical medication.

This article was originally published on Naija News