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48 Cult Members Surrender Arms In Ogun State

The residents of Sagamu can now heave a sigh of relief as there are lesser numbers of cultists to worry about in the state.

Back in the days, there was a time the wave of renunciation swept through Nigeria’s higher institutions. 

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Cult

No fewer than 48 members of different secret cult groups in Sagamu area of the state have renounced their membership.

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Also, the repentant cult members have submitted their firearms to the Police for confiscation.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, Abiodun Alamutu, who led other law enforcement agents to the palace of Akarigbo of Remoland where the programme took place said they were still working on profiling of the cultists who just renounced their membership.

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Cult Activities Will Reduce

He added that the action would reduce cult related killings in the area, promote peace and development.

Also, he urged those who were still in possession of illicit firearms to do the needful before it would be too late.

According to him, the police will embark on a mop-up exercise.

The Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi and other stakeholders in attendance commended the approach and appealed to the youth to
do away with crimes and criminality.

Also Read: How Cultists Buried Ex-Community Chairman Alive In Rivers – Police

Now, the decision to renounce their membership has received commendations.

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This step by the Ogun State Police Command got the support of the traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, people believe that cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other related crimes will reduce in the state.

Kidnapping: See How U.S Will Partner With Nigeria To Combat Insecurity

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Okuama Slain Soldiers: What Tinubu Said Will Happen To Killers

The tension in Okuama could almost be felt like a wave as the bodies of the slain soldiers were laid to rest.

Tinubu Okuama
Okuama

President Bola Tinubu has insisted that the killers of 17 officers and men of the Nigerian Army in Delta State on March 14, 2024, must be arrested.

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The families of the slain soldiers demanded justice during the burial of the slain military personnel at the National Cemetery in Abuja on Wednesday.

Okuama Peace Mission

In his address at the event, Tinubu declared that leaders in Delta State must fish out killers of the soldiers who were ambushed while on a peace mission in Okuama community in Delta State.

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This came as the President conferred posthumous national honours on the slain officers.

He vowed that the killers would not go unpunished.

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The late soldiers were honoured in three categories, including Member of the Order of Niger, Federal Republic Medal I, and Federal Republic Medal II.

The Federal Government gave the families of the slain soldiers houses, and their children got scholarships.

Families Of Slain Soldiers To Receive Benefits

At the same time, the President ordered the military to pay the slain soldiers’ benefits to their family members within 90 days.

Also at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, stated that the death of military personnel in Delta was highly demoralising, as the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, vowed to hunt down the killers.

Tinubu, who attended the burial ceremony himself, announced the provision of housing facilities for the surviving family members and scholarships for all their children to the university level and also directed the payment of death benefits to the family members within 90 days.

Wednesday’s national honours conferment comes one week after Tinubu made the promise while breaking the Ramadan fast with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the House leadership at the Presidential Villa on March 20.

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At the time, Tinubu declared: “We salute all our men and women in uniform and sympathise with them.

“I will soon make further pronouncements, but they must have a befitting burial and national honours”.

How It Happened

On March 14, Lt. Colonel A. H. Ali, the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion, three other officers and 13 soldiers were killed in the Okuama Community during a peacekeeping mission to mediate in the lingering dispute with Okoloba Community, Delta State.

Soldiers of the Joint Task Force reportedly recovered their bodies under the supervision of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam.

At the National Cemetery on Wednesday, Tinubu said, “They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers respectfully seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.

“They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns, or other weapons. They were on a mission of peace. Ali kept faith with his military calling until the end.

“On behalf of a grateful nation, we honour the sacrifice of Ali and the other gallant patriots who died that day.”

He noted that the slain soldiers would forever be remembered as heroes who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price.

Kidnapping: See How U.S Will Partner With Nigeria To Combat Insecurity

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FG Declares Friday, Monday As Public Holidays

It’s that time of the year again! Holidays are a breath of fresh air.

Easter holidays Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

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The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29 and Monday, April 1, 2024, as public holidays to mark the celebrations of 2024 Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who is the minister of interior, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aishetu Ndayako, on Wednesday.

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Sacrifice And Love

Tunji-Ojo urged Christians and all Nigerians in general to emulate the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ in dying for the redemption of man.

The statement partly read: “Easter, beyond religious significance, promotes values of love, forgiveness, and compassion, which are essential for social cohesion and harmony.

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“The minister called on Christians to imbibe these virtues as they are capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development in Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians”.

He further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged amongst them.

Tunji-Ojo added that this was in tandem with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

While wishing Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration, the Minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with President Tinubu-led Administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity for all.

Interesting! Yul Edochie Starts New Church Ministry As Pastor

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Rihanna Graces Vogue China Cover For Fenty Beauty

Rihanna is getting ready to bring her Fenty Beauty brand to China in April. Before the big launch, she appeared on the cover of Vogue China’s April issue.

Rihanna Graces Vogue China Cover For Fenty Beauty

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In some new Instagram photos posted on Tuesday, March 26, 2024,  the singer and cosmetics boss talked about a range of issues including family, motherhood, culture and connection to her roots.

She said, “These products are just the tools we give people to express their personal creativity, whatever their mood, whatever they want to convey.”

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“It’s fun, and that’s how it should be… It feels special to be recognized by professional makeup artists, artists, and the people.”

Rihanna also talked about braids. She said they are a way for people to connect with their roots and ancestors.

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She said, “This is a form of protection of our roots and a tradition left by our ancestors… [It] makes us realize where we’ve come from.”

“This is our lost history. I immediately wanted my children to have their hair braided. It’s something in our blood.'”

 

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Here’s another great read for you: Beyoncé Reveals Tracklist For New Album ‘Cowboy Carter’

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Tyla Says She Delayed Her Album Release Because Of Tems

Grammy-winning South African singer, Tyla, shared how she delayed submitting her debut album to her record label because of Nigerian superstar, Tems.

Tyla Releases Debut Album 'Tyla'

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She explained that just as she was about to send the album to her record label, Tems sent her vocals. Tyla then decided to hold off on submitting it.

In an interview, Tyla praised Tems as the “Queen” of African music.

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She mentioned that she has been working on her debut album for nearly three years.

Tyla released her debut album on Friday. The album contains a Tems feature titled, ‘No. 1.’

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The 14-track album includes guest appearances from Grammy-winning Nigerian R&B artiste Tems, American hip hop star Gunna, and up-and-coming Jamaican sensation Skillbeng.

Additionally, Grammy-nominated multi-platinum rapper Travis Scott will also feature on the album, following his appearance on the remix of her hit single ‘Water’, which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

People also read: Beyoncé Reveals Tracklist For New Album ‘Cowboy Carter’

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Beyoncé Reveals Tracklist For New Album ‘Cowboy Carter’

Beyoncé has released the tracklist for her new album “Cowboy Carter,” which is set to be out released on Friday, March 29, 2024.

Beyoncé Reveals Tracklist For New Album ‘Cowboy Carter’

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The album includes a cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and a guest appearance by Willie Nelson.

It also features Beyoncé’s recent songs “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em,” the latter of which made her the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

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“Texas Hold ‘Em” was her ninth song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Beyoncé’s  last album “Renaissance” won a Grammy for best dance/electronic album in 2023, marking her 32nd Grammy win, the most for any artist.

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

Here’s another great read for you: Will Smith: Sony Drops Trailer for ‘Bad Boys: Ride Or Die’

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Excitement As Abure Is Re-Elected As LP National Chairman

Mr Julius Abure has been re-elected as the National Chairman of Labour Party for a second term by a unanimous affirmation of delegates.

Labour Party’s National Chairman, Abure Arrested In Benin (Video)
Julius Abure

The Chairman of the National Convention and Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu declared him the winner during the party’s national convention that held on Wednesday in Nnewi, Anambra State.

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Abure has been having a running battle with the NLC leadership led by Joe Ajaero.

Abure Battling With Ajaero

Earlier, the NLC called for Abure’s resignation as party chairman and the immediate constitution of a caretaker transition committee to organise a legitimate and all-inclusive national convention for the party.

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Also, on March 20, workers who were not allowed access into the party office gathered around the premises chanting songs against and demanding the sack of the Labour Party Chairman whom they accused of financial impropriety.

The leadership of rival camps in the party both faulted the picking of the LP by the NLC, though they disagree over the party’s leadership.

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According to the LP, the party’s leadership is not answerable to the congress.

Last Thursday, former NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, weighed in on the crisis, saying the LP is answerable to the congress.

We Own The Labour Party

Wabba, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said the party was formed as a platform for members of the union to exercise and defend their rights.

He said, “First and foremost, the Labour Party was formed by the NLC, in the realisation of a clear objective in the Constitution of the NLC.

Under Article 3 and Item 1, the major objective of the NLC is to promote, defend and advance the economic, political, and social rights and well-being of Nigerian workers and pensioners,” he stated.

“We own the Labour Party; it was formed under the leadership of Pascal Bafyau, as Party for Social Democracy.

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Under Adams, organs decided to change the name to the Labour Party, and the first chairman was S.O.Z Ejiofor who later handed over to Dan Anyanwu.

Inflation: Why Cost Of Food Will Keep Rising In Nigeria

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Lahm Explains Why England Are Not Favourites To Win Euro 2024

Bayern Munich and Germany legend, Philipp Lahm, has insisted that England are not the favourites to win Euro 2024 this summer.

Lahm Explains Why England Are Not Favourites To Win Euro 2024
England

The former defender snubbed England as he tipped the 2018 World Cup winners France to lift the Euro 2024 title in Germany this year.

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According to Lahm, Les Bleus’ depth in their squad and the number of quality players on their roster is what makes them favourites to bag the trophy for the first time since 2000.

Didier Deschamps’ side came very close to winning the European championship in 2016 when they reached the final and were overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy, but they went down against a spirited Portugal side.

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At Euro 2020, they crashed out of the round of 16 after suffering a shock defeat at the hands of Switzerland.

Speaking to AFP, former Bayern star Lahm said: “France [are the favourites].

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“Quite simply because they have, I’d say, 40 players that are very talented.

“They have a very balanced group and can easily make changes, bring players off the bench that could legitimately start.

“But what is the most important is to be a team on the pitch.”

The Euro 2024 will kick off on June 14 at Munich with hosts Germany taking on Scotland in the curtain raiser.

Read moe: Mbappe Slammed For ‘Lousy’ France Displays

Despite Lahm’s comments, England are still being tipped to go all the way with in-form Bayern striker leading the line as captain, with many fans predicting they will avenge their Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.

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How To Keep Up With Celebrity Lifestyle

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7.3 Million MTN Subscribers Lose Their Sim Over NIN Linkage

If you were among those whose SIM card was deactivated by MTN, it means you did not link your National Identity Number (NIN) to your MTN SIM card.

While you may be pained about the development, you may still be able to reactivate your line.

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Due to this development, MTN has lost nothing less than 7.3 million subscribers.

 

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See How 7.3 Million MTN Subscribers Lose Their Sim Over NIN Linkage

About 7.3 million subscribers of MTN can no longer use their SIM to make calls or receive text messages.

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This is because the owners of these SIM cards failed to comply with directives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Have You Read: MTN: Main Reason Your Network Is Not Working

The NCC issued a directive in December 2023, that all SIM cards not linked with National Identification Numbers (NINs), be deactivated.

MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, were to implement a full network barring on phone lines without NIN by February 28, 2024.

After deactivation, MTN experienced 7.3 million active subscriptions decline in January 2024.

Subscribers who provided their NINs but were not validated were threatened with complete deactivation.

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Grace Period

The NCC threatened that unverified NINs with five or more connected lines would be deactivated by March 29, 2024.

Similarly, lines with fewer than five connections to an unverified NIN would be deactivated by April 15, 2024.

By January 2024, MTN’s active subscribers had dropped to 79.7 million from 87 million in December 2023.

According to data obtained from the NCC, this is a drop of approximately 7.3 million subscribers from MTN.

As of February 2024, about 4.3 million lines had been verified, while 4.2 million remained disconnected.

9mobile also experienced a decrease in subscriptions in January this year, with a decline of 135,788 to 13.7 million subscribers.

Despite the ongoing disconnection process, Airtel and Globacom observed slight growth in their monthly subscriber bases.

Airtel welcomed 767,887 new customers, increasing from 61.8 million in December of the previous year to 62.6 million in January.

You May Also Like: MTN, Bua Contribute To Investors Earning ₦‎70.14bn On Stock Market

The number of subscribers in Globacom’s database increased by 321,869, reaching a total of 61.9 million in December. This indicates a growth in subscriptions.

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Will Smith: Sony Drops Trailer for ‘Bad Boys: Ride Or Die’

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back together in a new movie called “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” This movie is a continuation of the ‘Bad Boys’ franchise.

Will Smith: Sony Drops Trailer for 'Bad Boys: Ride Or Die'

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The Bad Boys films follow Smith and Lawrence’s characters’ adventures as detectives working for the Miami Police Department; a new synopsis for the movie reads that the pair “are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run.”

Joining them in the cast are Alexander Ludwig, Vanessa Hudgens, Eric Dane, Tiffany Haddish, among others.

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Bad Boys started as a movie in 1995 by Michael Bay. He came back for Bad Boys 2 in 2003. The movies are about two Miami cops.

They helped Will Smith become a big movie star. The first one came out just before Independence Day, where he became famous. Then, the next summer, Men in Black made him even more popular.

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People also read: AMVCA 2024: Meet The Nominees

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