TheNewsGuru

Tag: New Year

  • New Year: Why artiste, Burna Boy rained curses on some persons

    New Year: Why artiste, Burna Boy rained curses on some persons

    Nigerian artiste and record producer Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, cleared the air on some matters bothering him in what seems like his personal new year message to his fans.

    The artiste also rained curses on haters who have peddled rumours about him in the past year.

    Burna Boy before entertaining his fans used the stage to make clarifications on many issues that have been bothering him.

    Speaking out in Lagos during his recent concert, the singer, who noted how he’s still performing in the country despite the several rumours against him, also touched on rumours of his mother dancing for the late Afrobeat musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

    The singer, who seemed hurt by the rumours in a viral video on social media, laid curses on his haters saying God would punish anyone who does not love him.

    “I’m here with you all after you said I killed someone in Cubana. After you said that my mama danced for Fella. No wahala. I still love you; that’s why I am here. If you like don’t love me na God go punish you.

    “F*king National TV dey talk like. Don’t know what is f*king happening and you all still laughing, not knowing it is serious. This is my life, them fit end my life because of rubbish.”

  • Oba of Benin shuts down city with royal road walk

    Oba of Benin shuts down city with royal road walk

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II New year Day solidarity walk shut down the city on Sunday as fun seekers were seen in snaking queues to catch a glimpse of the king.

    The Sunday afternoon walk to the Palace started after the Thanksgiving Service at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral (Edo National Church of God) on Akpakpava street to climax the annual ‘Igue festival’.

    The traditional ruler staged a similar royal road walk during his 6th year Coronation Anniversary Thanksgiving in the church on Oct. 23, 2022.

    Oba Ewuare II was accompanied by members of the Benin Royal family, Chiefs, Dukes (Enigie), Benin residents, worshippers in the church and Palace functionaries during the procession.

    The Royal movement went through the Oba Ovonramwen Square where fun seekers at the National Museum and traders in the locality trooped out to pay homage to the king.

    Adjoining streets, linking the King Square, were temporarily locked down during the procession by the Oba, who doubles as the spiritual leader of the Church, amidst cultural dance, cheers and songs of oration eulogising him.

    During the Church Service, Oba Ewuare II, with members of the Royal family and Oloi (Queens), gave thanks to God and the ancestors.

    In a sermon titled, ‘Iwero’ (Greedy people), the presiding Priest of Holy Aruosa Cathedral, Ohen-Osa Edebiri Igbinoghodua, cautioned agitators for secession.

    He said the people, including some Dukes (Enigie) involved in “outrageous activities” in Benin Kingdom, must retrace their steps in order not to incur the wrath of God and ancestors.

    Igbinoghodua also advised groups allegedly involved in conspiracy to administer certain areas in the Benin Kingdom on behalf of the Oba, not to divide Benin Kingdom.

  • Ogun: Police begin investigation into couple’s death on New Year’s Day

    Ogun: Police begin investigation into couple’s death on New Year’s Day

    The police command in Ogun has begun an investigation into the death of a couple, Mr. Kehinde and Mrs. Bukola Fatinoye, at Ibara GRA in Abẹokuta, on New Year’s Day.

    SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, the state Police Public Relations Officer, made the disclosure in an interview with NAN on Monday in Abeokuta.

    Kehinde and Bukola were burnt to death when suspected arsonists set their house ablaze on Jan. 1.

    One of their children and their housekeeper were also alleged to have been kidnapped by those behind the suspected arson.

    According to Oyeyemi, the police will do all within their powers to reveal those behind the dastardly act.

    It was gathered that the incident happened shortly after the couple returned from ‘Cross Over Service’ to usher in the new year.

    Kehinde and Bukola were employees of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,  respectively.

  • What Archbishop Kaigama said in his 2023 New Year message

    What Archbishop Kaigama said in his 2023 New Year message

    The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has urged leaders to inspire hope in Nigerians in the new year.

    Kaigama who made the call in his new year message on Sunday in Abuja, said that Nigerians were facing challenges with far-reaching consequences on their social life.

    He called on the leaders to find a lasting solution to secure lives, property, and freedom of the people.

    He said that the Nigerians lived with and survived a culture of kidnapping, hostage taking, and mindless murder in 2023.

    Kaigama said that there would be a turnaround in 2023 with fervent prayers and help from God.

    “The determination to confront insecurity must be given priority in the agenda of those seeking to be elected,  they must have the will to unveil those behind brutal attacks and murders,“he said.

    Kaigama urged  critical stakeholders to  ensure fair play and respect for the opinions of the people when eventually expressed when the ballot is cast.

    “We are here today just because God has brought us thus far. The Kaduna deadly train attack in March and the agonising months the abducted passengers spent in the hands of armed men left us all traumatised.

    “The daring Kuje Prison attack by Boko Haram and precipitated secessionist rallies left all of us begging for answers.

    ”The advisory by some foreign embassies on the risk of travelling to Nigeria and the subsequent arrest of suspected terrorists in October left us reeling in fear.

    ”The volatile situation in the Southeast in a bid to enforce an unlawful lockdown has made life in that part of the country difficult,“he said.

    He prayed for preservation for all Nigerians in the new year.

  • 2023 will be a year of giant lift for Ekiti – Gov. Oyebanji

    2023 will be a year of giant lift for Ekiti – Gov. Oyebanji

    Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has urged the people of the state to look forward to 2023 with great hope and expectations for overall development and positive turnaround in all sectors.

    Oyebanji stated this on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti in his first New Year speech as the State’s Chief Executive.

    The governor expressed the hope that 2023 would be a “year of giant lift for Ekiti”, calling for  support of the people to make the dream a reality.

    He also assured the people of the state that they would witness massive improvement in security, infrastructure and government services as never seen before.

    Oyebanji expressed optimism that 2023 would be a glorious year of strong beginning for the government and people of the state.

    He congratulated the people for making it to the new year in spite of the numerous challenges and threats, saying that, “the miracle of daily existence in good health itself is a grace that must never be taken for granted,”.

    The governor reiterated his commitment to his administration’s six-point agenda of youth development and job creation, human capital development, infrastructure and industrial development, agriculture and rural development, arts, culture as well as tourism toward turning around the fortunes of the state in the new year.

    He said his administration was working hard to give Ekiti the desired face-lift which was evident in the aggressive pursuit of road infrastructure renewal in Ado-Ekiti metropolis through ongoing rehabilitation of major and nodal roads.

    Oyebanji also said his administration had spiced up massive deployment of street lights under the “Light-Up Ekiti Initiative” which would be replicated in other towns and villages in the new year.

    He said commendable transformation was ongoing at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort which had been concessioned to a private company to rebuild, expand and manage, describing it as “Ekiti’s most iconic tourism springboard for the tourism potential of the state,”.

    Oyebanji expressed the confidence that the resort and nearby Arinta Water Fall would be back in the international tourism site in 2023, bigger and better.

    He promised that his administration would also embark on the development of other heritage sites in the state.

    The governor disclosed that his administration was liaising with critical government agencies to facilitate access to cheaper funds to support the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises with the vision to ensure that artisans, market women and private sector players were linked up with cheaper funds to support their businesses in 2023.

    He thanked traditional rulers, religious and community leaders for the critical roles they played at all times.

    He craved for their continued support and cooperation in 2023 as the people of the state look forward to more opportunities for assistance and cooperation in moving the state forward.

    The governor, who explained that his campaign manifesto anchored on six pillars was carefully designed to position the state for peace and prosperity, also reiterated his commitment to the development agenda based on his conviction that they signposted Ekiti’s path to progress.

    He explained that both the Supplementary Budget and the 2023 Budget already passed by the State House of Assembly had  been projected to reflect the six pillars and their actualisation and thanked the state legislators for their cooperation.

    Oyebanji noted that the passage of the supplementary budget had empowered his administration to urgently intervene in some critical infrastructural renewal while the 2023 Appropriation Law assented to two days ago would help the government to hit the ground running from the first day of the year.

    He urged the people of the state to look forward to more Investments in education and knowledge economy which, he noted, the state had comparative advantage.

    Oyebanji described investment in the health sector as also critical to ensure a healthy populace as well as other sectors of the economy.

    “In the New Year, we will expedite effort on this and ensure all our health facilities at all levels are accessible, available, affordable and in good shape.

    “We want to jealously preserve our record as the state with the highest life expectancy rate in Nigeria.

    “We will continue to strengthen our primary, secondary and tertiary health system to keep this trophy.

    “Government is deeply concerned about the exodus of our health and medical professionals to other climes due to obvious present challenges.

    “I am, however glad to assure them that government will look into the issues with a view to reversing the trend in the New Year,” the governor said.

    Describing the last 75 days of his administration as exciting, Oyebanji appreciated Ekitis at home and abroad for their enthusiasm and cooperation since his assumption of office.

    “I am deeply touched by their show of love and solidarity through pieces of advice, prayers, suggestions and constructive criticisms,” he said.

    Oyebanji appreciated the people of the state for electing him to serve as their governor and his predecessors for being a source of encouragement to his administration.

    He appealed to politicians from different political divides to allow peace to reign and play politics of maturity during the forthcoming general elections while putting the overall interest of the state at heart.

    The governor also used the opportunity to canvass for massive votes for the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Presidential candidate, Asuwaju Bola Tinubu and the party’s, National and State House of Assemblies candidates in the coming general elections.

  • We’ve demonstrated commitment to serving Oyo people – Makinde

    We’ve demonstrated commitment to serving Oyo people – Makinde

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says his administration has demonstrated an unflinching commitment to serving the people of the state.

    Makinde stated this in a New Year message issued in Ibadan on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa.

    Makinde expressed gratitude to the people of the state for the privilege given to him to serve them, stating that the last three years and seven months was a testament of his administration’s commitment to serving them.

    The governor, who noted that his administration did not take the support given to it by the people of the state for granted, said that it had focused on infrastructural development while, at the same time, meeting other obligations.

    While stating that his administration had been able to place the state on the path of sustainable development, Makinde expressed the confidence that he would be re-elected for a second term of four years during the forthcoming general elections.

    He reeled out some of the successes recorded by his government in different sectors, including infrastructural development, health, education, security and economic expansion, among others.

    The governor said: “My good people of Oyo State, as the end of my first tenure as your governor draws closer, I must express my deepest gratitude to you for the privilege to serve you.

    “I do not take for granted the support you have given our administration through the years.

    “Without your mandate and support, we would not have succeeded in placing our dear state on the path of sustainable development.

    “All the work we did under the Roadmap to Accelerated Development in Oyo State, 2019-2023, were leading up to this moment.

    “The past 43 months are a testament to our commitment to serving our people. We have shown our people that it is possible to focus on infrastructural development while, at the same time, meeting our other obligations to them.

    “Every year, when I write to you at this time, I recap our activities for the year and show you how we have acted like the faithful servant who increased his master’s talent,” he said.

  • FG to monitor development of first babies of the year

    FG to monitor development of first babies of the year

    The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Pauline Tallen, says the Federal Government would sustain the reward given to every first baby of the year and also monitor their development.

    The minister stated this on Sunday while welcoming the First Baby of the year 2023, a baby boy named, Chimemla Testimony Uchenna at the Kubwa General Hospital in Abuja.

    Tallen, represented by Mr Ali Madugu, Director Child Development Department in the ministry said the tradition of rewarding the baby of the year had been sustained since 2012.

    She pledged the commitment of the ministry to monitor their growth and development.

    Also, Mrs Aisha Buhari, Wife of the President, advised expectant mothers to ensure proper antenatal care, engage in six months exclusive breastfeeding and strictly observe immunisation programmes to ensure adequate care for their babies.

    Mrs Buhari, represented by Hajiya Rukayat Gunri, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs and Administration, stressed the need to register birth of new babies by the National Population Commission to enable government plan for their welfare.

    “It is important to mention that exclusive breastfeeding is important for children and I would like to encourage mothers to strictly do so during the first six months to provide adequate nutrition and help growth and development of babies.

    “We always advise mothers and pregnant women to attend antennal and postnatal clinics to minimise incidences,” she said.

    Also, Dr Lasisi Muhideen, Medical Director, Kubwa General Hospital said that the hospital remained affordable for women and children in the provision of healthcare needs in the FCT.

    Mrs Amarachi Uchenna, the mother of the new baby expressed appreciation to the wife of the president for the gift, and assured that the donated materials would be used for the welfare of the baby.

    The government has been presenting gift items to children born on January 1st since 2012. Gift items were presented to other mothers in the maternity ward of the Kubwa General Hospital.

  • EPL: Chelsea, Nottingham Forest share spoils on New year’s day

    EPL: Chelsea, Nottingham Forest share spoils on New year’s day

    Chelsea football club played out a 1-1 draw with Nottingham forest  in its first game of the new year, the Blues surrendered three points but only managed to leave City ground with just one point.

    Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 16 minute of the encounter before Serge Aurier put Nottingham Forest back on level terms in the 63rd minute as the Blues struggled to a draw in the Premier League.

    Chelsea are presently occupying the 8th position while their opponent, Nottingham forest still locked on 17th position on the log.

    Chelsea are next in action at home to Manchester City in their next outing on Thursday.

    Meanwhile Forest will slug it out with Southampton in what looks like a relegation battle on Wednesday.

     

  • 2023: What Nigerians need to do to turn things around – Primate

    2023: What Nigerians need to do to turn things around – Primate

    The Primate, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba has charged Nigerians on what to do to turn things around for good in the New Year.

    In his new year message at the Cathedral Church of the Advent Life Camp, Abuja, Primate Ndukuba said that the current challenges were biting hard on citizens.

    Ndukuba called for more political will to address the various challenges in the country. According to him, the high cost of living, insecurity and huge number of unemployed youths posed a threat to peace and national unity.

    He, however, expressed his believe that with the intervention of God, there would be divine solutions. The cleric stressed the need for the Federal Government to prosecute those sponsoring terrorism and other issues threatening national unity.

    On the 2023 general election, the Anglican Primate urged eligible Nigerians to vote for credible leaders. He also appealed to political leaders to shun violence and support efforts toward peaceful conduct of the polls.

    Ndukuba enjoined Christians not to give up on fervent prayers, as that was also a sure way to overcome all challenges.

    While declaring the year 2023 as a year of “Divine Exaltation”, the Primate said Christians should exalt God and watch him turn things around for good.

  • 2023: Real reason Nigerians should elect me president – Peter Obi

    2023: Real reason Nigerians should elect me president – Peter Obi

    Candidate of the Labour Party for the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi has said the attributes of character, competence and commitment that he possesses are the real reason Nigerians should elect him as president.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Peter Obi stated this in his 2023 New Year message to Nigerians while expressing thanks to his support groups for everything they have done so far and will do to help his campaign.

    In the New Year message, the Labour Party presidential candidate implored Nigerians to secure their permanent voter’s cards (PVCs) and come out with their family and friends on the 25th of February to cast their votes for him.

    Peter Obi stated: “I send my warmest greetings to you. As we celebrate the new year, I pray that you achieve the goals you have set for the year, build fruitful relationships, and create memories of joy, love and peace.

    “Today, I hope you take some time to slow down and celebrate the little victories, the love, grace and the many blessings you have received and given in the previous year. Despite our challenges as a Nation, you crossed over and are still standing.

    “To our Support Groups, Labour Party Members, Labour Union members and Nigerians who have continued to support our campaign, thank you for joining the Obidient Movement and for everything you’ve done and will do to help our campaign.

    “I have travelled around the country and the world and engaged with Nigerians; I boldly say that we are at a turning point in our history. Together we birthed a movement of Nigerians committed to taking back their country. In 2023, with your continued support, victory is ours.

    “With the Presidential election just about 55 days from today, Datti Baba-Ahmed and I reiterate our determination to serve Nigeria with love, strength and faith, and diligently implement Our Pact With Nigeria (Manifesto) from May 2023 to create a New Nigeria, a renewed nation bound in freedom, prosperity, peace and unity.

    “While Datti Baba-Ahmed and are committed to lead, we need your support. We implore you to secure your PVC, come out with your family and friends on the 25th Febuary and VOTE FOR YOUR FUTURE! VOTE LABOUR PARTY! VOTE PETER OBI/DATTI BABA-AHMED!

    “Vote for the character, competence and commitment that you can trust to Secure and Unite Nigeria, end poverty and hunger through agricultural revolution particularly in our Northern region and other productive revolutions in different regions of our dear country, empower our children and youths through proper education and health and many others plans and targets that we have.

    “From my family, the Labour Party and members of the ObiDatti Campaign, we wish you and your family joy, peace, good health and happiness this year and future years to come. Happy New Year”.