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Army Dismisses Soldiers Who Stole Armoured Cables At Dangote Refinery

 

The authorities of the Nigerian Army, on Monday, dismissed two of its soldiers who were caught for vandalising and stealing armoured cables at Dangote refinery in Lagos, Lagos State.

 

Dangote Refinery, an investment said to worth over $19 billion, is owned by Dangote Groups of company was inaugurated on the 22nd of May 2023 in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.

 

With the full operation of the refinery, it is expected to have the capacity to process about 650,000 barrels per day of crude oil, making it the largest single-train refinery in the world.

 

The suspects, identified as Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, were arrested by the private security guards and other soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

 

They were subsequently taken into the custody by the army authorities for investigation and trial where the two suspects were said to have been allowed to present their own side of the story.

 

Giving an update on Monday at army headquarters, the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Onyema Nwachukwu, said the duo were found guilty of abandoning their duty post during the investigation that was carried out.

 

Nwachukwu, a Major-General, explained that the suspects failed to perform military duties in line with section 57, sub section (1) and other civil offences, adding that by flouting military laws, it is punishable under section 114, sub section (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, the Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

 

He said the duo were subsequently dismissed with immediate effect and handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution in order to serve as a deterrent for other security officers planning to commit the same offence.

 

β€œIn line with Nigerian Army’s (NA) commitment to upholding high standard of professionalism, integrity and discipline, the NA wishes to update the general public on the outcome of the investigation into the alleged theft of armoured cables at the Dangote Refinery premises on 14th April 2024, involving Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani.

 

β€œSequel to a thorough investigation conducted in collaboration with the management of the company, the two soldiers were found to have abandoned their duty post and to be in unauthorized possession of the materials.

 

β€œSubsequently, they were both charged for Failure to Perform Military Duties punishable under section 57, sub section (1) and Other Civil Offences punishable under section 114, sub section (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, the Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. They were summarily tried.

 

β€œDuring the trial, the evidence against them was presented and they were given the opportunity to present their cases and defend themselves, but were however found guilty of the charges levelled against them in accordance with military laws.

 

β€œAs a demonstration of NA’s zero-tolerance for misconduct and criminality within its ranks, the two soldiers have been dismissed from the NA with immediate effect and handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution.

 

This decisive action underscores the NA’s resoluteness in maintaining its institutional integrity and reputation. The NA reassures the general public of its dedication to upholding integrity, discipline and accountability at all levels.

 

β€œWe remain resolute in our duty to protect and serve the nation with honor and dignity. We urge the public to continue to support our efforts in safeguarding national security and promoting peace and stability across the nation.”

Food leads commodity inflation as headline inflation rate hits 27-year high of 33.20% 

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Food leads commodity inflation as headline inflation rate hits 27-year high of 33.20% 

The headline inflation in March 2024 hit 33.20% relative to February 2024 which stood at 31.70%. Inflation in the country has been increasing steadily as the figures continue to flirt around high double-digit numbers.

 

The figures in March put inflation at a 27-year high. The last time the headline inflation was above current figures was in March 1996 when the inflation was 41.90%.

 

In January of this year, inflation stood at 29.90% and many were confident that we had topped. However, one quarter into the year, the figures are steadily rising with no ceiling in sight. It is not all bad news though, as the food inflation for March 2024 (3.62%) was 0.17% lower than the rate recorded in February 2024 (3.79%).

 

Recommended reading: Nigeria’s inflation rate jumps to 33.2% in March 2024 – NBS

Food inflation

Following the decline of the Naira we witnessed in the first quarter of the year, we expected food prices to increase as the Nigerian agricultural sector is still heavily reliant on imports. According to data, another factor that affected the inflation in food prices is the inflation in transportation.

 

According to the NBS March 2024 inflation report, bus journeys within the city led the core inflation which stood at 25.90% a 6.26% increase from rates recorded in February 2024. This inflation in food transportation affects the final market prices of food around the country.

 

The Food and Non-Alcoholic beverages inflation had the highest contribution to the headline index (17.20%) on a Year on Year basis far surpassing the House, Water, Electricity, Gas, and other Fuel which contributed just 5.56%. On a month on month basis however, Food and Non-Alcoholic beverages contributed 1.56% while communication contributed the least with just 0.02%.

 

A huge cause for worry is the steady rise in rural inflation as these are the traditional food production hubs in the country. In March 2024, urban inflation rate stood at 35.18% while rural was 31.45%. In February 2024, it was 29.99%. As rural inflation rates pass the 30% mark, we may see a collective surge in prices of unprocessed food as farmers struggle to adapt to the new realities of inflation in their localities. On a month-on-month basis however, rural inflation declined 0.2% as compared to February 2024 (3.07%) and was recorded at 2.87%.

 

The food inflation in March 2024 was 40.01% on a year-on-year basis due to increase in the prices of Garri, Millet, Akpu Uncooked Fermented (which are under the Bread and Cereals class), Yam Tuber, Water Yam (under Potatoes, Yam, and other Tubers class), Dried Fish Sardine, Mudfish Dried (under Fish class), Palm Oil, Vegetable Oil (under Oil and Fat), Beef Feet, Beef Head, Liver (under Meat class), Coconut, Water Melon (under Fruit Class), Lipton Tea, Bournvita, Milo (under Coffee, Tea and Cocoa Class) which make up the food basket.

 

Fortunately, we are seeing a decline on a month-on-month basis in the increase in inflation of food. In March 2024 the food inflation rate was 3.62%, a 0.17% decline compared to February 2024.

 

Declining headline inflation rate

Even though the inflation rate across all categories rose in March 2024, the rate of its rise is slower compared to February 2024. For example, even food inflation slowed down on a month-on-month basis. This shows signs of overall weakening inflation, and the odds favour a slowing inflation rate.

 

On a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in March 2024 was 3.02%. This number was 0.10% lower than the rate recorded in February 2024 (3.12%). This means that in the month of March 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level is less than the rate of increase in the average price level in February 2024.

 

Interestingly, we may start to see the ripple effect of the Naira gains in the foreign exchange market as the economy digests the recovery. In March 2024 alone, the Naira appreciated by 14.6% closing the month at N1329/$.

 

Recommended reading: Nigeria’s inflation rate rises to 31.70% in February 2024

Food inflation bites hard in major food producing states

Kogi and Kwara states with a combined landmass of 66658 kmΒ² topped the list of the hardest hit states on a year-on-year basis. Kogi recorded an astronomically high 48.46% increase in food prices and Kwara recorded a 46.18% increase. This is very worrisome as these states are major food producing states in the country.

 

Kwara with a landmass of 36,825β€―kmΒ² is bigger than the entire Southeast 36,100 kmΒ² and offers fertile land for farming. Kwara is the leading food producer in Nigeria. The Kwara State Fish producers’ association claims that the state is the largest producer of catfish in the country. In terms of rice production, the CBN in a 2022 report Kwara State crossed the 100,000 metric tonne mark in 2022.

 

On a month-on-month basis Abia State leads the pack with a 5.17% decline, closely followed by Cross River, which recorded rates of 5.14%. Interestingly, both states are major producers of Yam, Cocoyam and Oil Palm. Adamawa State has the lowest month-on-month growth rate at just 2.12%.

FG launches N200 billion intervention fund for MSMEs, manufacturers in Nigeria

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FG launches N200 billion intervention fund for MSMEs, manufacturers in Nigeria

The Federal Government has announced the launch of N200 billion Presidential Intervention Fund for Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) and manufacturers in Nigeria.

 

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, made this announcement on Monday in Abuja.

 

She said that following the ongoing disbursements targeted at supporting one million nano businesses across the country, the government has decided to include both MSMEs and manufacturers into the initiative.

 

According to Uzoka-Anite, N75 billion will be distributed to MSMEs while another N75 billion will be distributed to the manufacturing industry under the Presidential Intervention Fund.

 

β€œThe Federal Government of Nigeria is proud to announce the operational launch of the MSME and Manufacturing segment under the prestigious Presidential 200 Billion Naira Intervention Fund.

β€œWith applications for the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme now closed, we are excited to move forward with the loan disbursement process for the MSMEs and manufacturing sectors, aimed at boosting economic growth and industrial development.

β€œThis fund is strategically divided, dedicating N75 Billion to MSMEs and another N75 Billion to the manufacturing sector.

β€œWe are pleased to report that the initial disbursement to nano businesses has been met with success, and we are well on our way to supporting 1 million nano businesses throughout the country.

β€œThousands of beneficiaries have already confirmed receipt with many more to come,” Uzoka-Anite said.

Recommended reading: CBN Intervention Fund: Power Sector gulps N2.3 trillion as of 2023

Backstory

Earlier, Nairametrics had reported that the Federal Government announced the commencement of the disbursement of the N50,000 Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, also known as Trade Grants Scheme, to nano businesses nationwide.

 

Nano businesses are enterprises that have one or two workers and less than annual turnover of N3 million, according to the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

 

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, has made this disclosure in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

In December 2023, she announced the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS) to empower nano businesses as part of the Presidential Palliatives Programme.

 

The Trade Grant Scheme, which initially was to take off on March 9, 2024, offers financial grants, without repayment obligations, to eligible small business owners operating in various sectors, such as trading, food services, ICT, transportation, creative and artisans.

 

The PCGS targets 70% women and youths, 10% people with disabilities, and 5% senior citizens, with the remaining 15% distributed to other demographics.

 

Recommended reading: MSMEs get less than 7% of N10 trillion CBN intervention loan in 10 years

NAFDAC crackdown reveals fake cosmetics syndicate in Lagos

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NAFDAC crackdown reveals fake cosmetics syndicate in Lagos

The Investigation & Enforcement Directorate of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illegal operation involving counterfeit cosmetics production in Lagos State.

 

The agency disclosed this on its X, formerly Twitter, on Monday.

 

At the Balogun Trade Fair Gate within the Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State, on Monday, NAFDAC’s vigilant team unraveled the illicit activities of a fake cosmetics producer.

 

Recommended reading: NAFDAC raids popular supermarkets in Abuja, seizes counterfeit products worth N50 million

The crackdown

Mr. Pius Effiong Eyoh, proprietor of Pasco Global Limited, was apprehended by the NAFDAC authorities for a litany of offenses, including the manufacturing, packaging, distributing and selling a wide array of substandard and counterfeit cosmetic products, the agency said.

 

Among the products seized were Skin Balance Perfect Knuckle Organic Peel Therapy and the Golden Face Triple Action Concentrated Perfect Skin.

Eyoh’s operation involved the processing and packaging of these cosmetic products with deceitful labels adorned with French inscriptions and a purported Cameroonian address in a bid to deceive unsuspecting consumers, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC’s intervention resulted in the immediate sealing of the illicit manufacturing premises, the arrest of Eyoh, and the slated destruction of his substandard products, the agency noted.

 

NAFDAC stated that the purpose of the crackdown is to safeguard public health and ensure that only safe and genuine products are in Nigerian markets.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CALLS FOR REGIONAL COUNTER-TERRORISM CENTRE, SAYS AFRICA MUST ADDRESS POVERTY, SOCIAL INJUSTICE

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CALLS FOR REGIONAL COUNTER-TERRORISM CENTRE, SAYS AFRICA MUST ADDRESS POVERTY, SOCIAL INJUSTICE

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

 

PRESIDENT TINUBU CALLS FOR REGIONAL COUNTER-TERRORISM CENTRE, SAYS AFRICA MUST ADDRESS POVERTY, SOCIAL INJUSTICE

 

President Bola Tinubu has called for the establishment of a regional counter-terrorism centre that will serve as a hub for intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity building throughout Africa.

Speaking at the African High-level Meeting on Counter-Terrorism in Abuja on Monday, the President said Africa must take a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, not only through might, but by addressing the root causes of the scourge, which include poverty, inequality, and social injustice.

 

President Tinubu emphasized that while seeking to address the root causes of terrorism, Africa must also attack the roots that feed this evil branch β€” ransom and illegal mining β€” as terrorism evolves and perfects ways to continuously finance, re-equip, and re-supply itself for its sinister mission.

 

β€œNot only does it kidnap people, it kidnaps precious resources. Billions upon billions of dollars that legitimate governments should be using to sculpt better societies by providing education, healthcare, and food for its people now go to pay for weapons and response to mayhem.

β€œLook at the illegal mining that plagues so many of our nations today. Those who think illegal mining has no connection with financing terrorism are sorely mistaken. The international community has both the moral and legal obligation to help in this cause because it is external finance, not African money, that fuels these illegal operations. We shall be knocking on this door of the international community to answer this call for justice, peace, and fair play.

 

β€œKey to our collective efforts against terrorism is the urgent need for a fully operational Regional Counter-Terrorism Centre,” the President stated.

 

The President, however, added that the African region must strengthen existing counter-terrorism structures, such as the Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit (RIFU) in Abuja, the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) in Algiers, and the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) in Addis Ababa.

 

He underscored the importance of a regional standby force that includes tackling terrorism as part of its mandate, declaring: β€œIt must not be abandoned.”

 

β€œI am mindful of the funding, legal, and logistical complexities that face the proper establishment of such a force. However, with a prudent and clearly defined mandate that accords with the international law and respects national sovereignty, such a force can serve as a rapid deployment mechanism, capable of swiftly responding to major threats and bolstering the security of our region.

 

β€œSuch a force can stand as a strong deterrent to large scale and protracted terrorist operations and the capture, occupation or disruption of strategic land and resources. We must continue to make careful yet meaningful progress toward this goal.

 

β€œEstablishing an all-inclusive African Union Ministerial Committee on Counter Terrorism is also a high priority as envisaged in the Declaration of the 16th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union Assembly two years ago in May 2022. This would ensure that a forum of high-level government officials meets regularly to assess our counter-terrorism efforts and provide guidance on how to further improve,” the President said.

 

Speaking on the efforts of Nigeria in beating the menace, President Tinubu said the nation’s counter-terrorism capabilities have been enhanced through the enactment of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, establishing the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

 

β€œWe have and will continue to take bold steps forward in safeguarding our nation and the wider region. Dedicated to coordinating and implementing counter-terrorism strategies, the NCTC significantly enhances our capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to terrorist threats. The Centre has become a platform; fostering greater collaboration among stakeholders and promoting synergy in our approach to fighting terrorism.

 

β€œSimilarly, our security forces continue to demonstrate courage and dedication in the fight against terrorism, often at great personal risk. I am grateful to the selfless work and sacrifice of these patriotic men and women. They are the best of the best.

 

β€œI must also mention the ongoing need to halt the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) on the continent. No one state can solve this problem for itself. It requires continuous and concerted action by all of us. We need to reposition our regional organizations and build the capacity of our national institutions to effectively address this element of terrorism and violent extremism,” the President stated.

 

The President affirmed that Nigeria is committed to working with regional partners to strengthen arms control measures, enhance border security, and disrupt the illicit trafficking networks that fuel terrorism and organized crime, while urging firm and expeditious actions against prevailing insecurity on the continent.

 

β€œAs leaders, let us show our people that their safety and welfare are paramount. May this conference be succinct and to the point. Let us keep rhetoric to a minimum. Let us be focused and dedicated to pinpointing solutions and embarking on the meaningful and strong action needed to win the day and free our continent of violent extremists.

 

β€œMay we do everything that is required of us to defeat this challenge so that five, ten or twenty years from now, it is historians who will be meeting to discuss how today became a major turning point in the African continent’s defeat of the terrorist scourge,” President Tinubu concluded.

 

In his welcome remarks, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu stated that terrorism in Africa is driven by a number of factors, including organized crime, foreign terrorist financing and training, poverty, inequality, prolonged conflicts, among others.

 

He said Nigeria is dealing decisively with all drivers of violent extremism, including economic and social enablers, while enhancing intelligence gathering through enhanced inter-agency collaboration and confidence building with citizens.

 

He also said Nigeria is strengthening its judiciary to effectively deal with cases of terrorism and has earmarked a fund to boost counter-terrorism efforts.

 

β€œWe have resumed the prosecution of Boko Haram suspects across the country,” the National Security Adviser said.

 

In her remarks, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ms. Amina Mohammed suggested that one of the ways to remove the engenderers of terrorism on the continent is for Africa to work to rebuild its social contract with its citizens, and deliver good governance.

 

β€œRebuilding the social contract is necessary for recovery.

 

β€œWe must pay attention to women and girls who are greatly impacted by terrorism, including the youth. Providing support and healing for those impacted by terrorism is important,” the UN Deputy Secretary-General said.

 

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), Mr. Vladimir Voronkov commended Nigeria for its leadership in counter-terrorism in Africa and for hosting the meeting.

 

β€œTerrorism is a threat to peace and security, particularly in Africa where its impact is mostly felt. The success of UNOCT in Africa hinges on its support for Africa-led programmes and solutions,” the UNOCT Under-Secretary-General said.

 

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

 

Special Adviser to the President

 

(Media & Publicity)

 

April 22, 2024

Outcry Leads to Closure of Abuja-Based Chinese Supermarket Following Discriminatory Policy

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Outcry Leads to Closure of Abuja-Based Chinese Supermarket Following Discriminatory Policy

The Chinese supermarket located in Abuja, Nigeria, has shut its doors amidst growing outrage over its discriminatory practices.

 

Over the weekend, Nigerians took to social media to express their dismay after learning that the supermarket, situated at the China General Chamber of Commerce along Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Road, had implemented a policy that prohibited Nigerians from entering the premises. The policy sparked widespread condemnation, with many denouncing it as discriminatory and unacceptable.

 

Following the public outcry, the management of the Chinese supermarket took the decision to close its doors temporarily. This move comes amidst mounting pressure from both Nigerian citizens and authorities to address the issue and ensure that such discriminatory practices are not tolerated within the country.

 

While the closure provides a temporary respite, the incident has reignited conversations about inclusivity and respect for diversity within Nigeria’s business community.

 

Many are calling for concrete measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future and uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

Kenya and Uganda form tourism pact, aim to boost tourism revenue within both countries

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Kenya and Uganda form tourism pact, aim to boost tourism revenue within both countries

Kenya and Uganda has formed a tourism pact while agreeing to collaborate with each other to boost tourism revenue in their respective countries.

 

The collaboration includes a merging of culture between the two east African countries with the goal of driving up the number of visitors each country receives.

 

According to Business Insider Africa, the both countries plan to integrate certain aspects of their culture including dance, traditional cuisines and other cultural activities to create an atmosphere of cross-cultural tourism driving up the revenue they both make from tourism.

 

The above decision was hatched during a 4 day visit by the Ugandan consulate to Mombasa. The four-day trip was concerning the Uganda Festival, a culinary and cultural event organized in Kwal, Kilifi, and Mombasa. The festival aimed to attract Kenyan and international visitors.

 

β€œThe aim of the festival is to expose the unique Ugandan products to a wider number of corporate Kenyans, and other regional and international tourists at the Kenya coast,” the Consulate General of the Republic of Uganda, Paul Mukumbya stated.

The Consulate general explained that 500,000 Kenyans visited Uganda and 200,000 Ugandans visited Kenya for business and tourism in 2023.

 

β€œKenya is the number one source market for visitors to Uganda. Last year, the official figures indicate that almost 500,000 Kenyans visited Uganda,” he said.

β€œThis is why we are sensitizing more Kenyans and more international visitors to come and sample products in Uganda,” he added.

The two east African countries share a border and have a long history of trade and interaction between them.

 

What To Know

The Tourism sector in Kenya is one of the key drivers of the Kenyan economy earning the country over $2.1 billion in 2022. Tourists from the United States account for the highest international tourists that visit the country while the country also gets a significant number of African visitors as well.

Tourism is also big in Uganda contributing to about 4.7 percent to the country’s GDP. The east African country raked in over $1 billion in 2023 from tourism.

The Cross-cultural initiative planned by both Kenya and Uganda is aimed at merging certain aspects of its culture which includes Cuisine, Dance and other cultural activities to increase the number of their citizens visiting both countries directly boosting tourism revenue.

 

Police Arrests Binance Executive Who Escaped From Nigeria

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Police Arrests Binance Executive Who Escaped From Nigeria

The Kenya Police Service has arrested fleeing Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, as the International Criminal Police Organisation moves to extradite him to Nigeria within the week.

 

Government sources familiar with the case who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the matter confirmed the development to PUNCH’s correspondent on Sunday night.

 

One of the sources said, β€œBinance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, has been arrested by the Kenya Police Service, and he would be extradited to Nigeria this week by INTERPOL.”

 

Another source noted, β€œAs we had said before that Anjarwalla would be extradited, he has been arrested in Kenya, and he’ll be extradited to Nigeria this week.”

 

The Federal Government had traced Anjarwalla to Kenya, following his escape from lawful custody in Nigeria.

 

Following the development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the International Criminal Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Kenyan Police Service have deepened talks to quicken Anjarwalla’s extradition.

 

Anjarwalla, whose cover has now been blown, went into hiding immediately after he landed in Kenya.

 

β€œWe have found him. We know where he is; he is in Kenya, and we’re working with the authorities to bring him back to Nigeria.

 

β€œAll hands are on the deck, the government and all the security agencies are working hard in conjunction with the Kenyan authorities and INTERPOL, to ensure his return to Nigeria to face the charges brought against him,” the report had quoted a source as saying.

 

Meanwhile, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had in the March edition of its bulletin titled, β€œEFCC Alert,” onfirmed that the commission was working in conjunction with the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya to extradite Anjarwalla.

 

Olukoyed said, β€œThe takeover of the prosecution of Binance chiefs by the commission is no less a strong message in the direction of EFCC’s resolve to hedge in distortions and disruptions in the country’s forex market.

 

β€œTax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering to the tune of $35,400,000 and are at the foundation of the Commission’s five counts against Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, the company’s chief executives.

 

β€œWhile Gambaryan is currently in the Commission’s net, the process of extraditing the fleeing Anjarwalla is revving in full swing. Involved in partnership with the EFCC to nick Anjarwalla in flight are the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya as the clock winds down to his arraignment in absentia alongside the company and Gambaryan.”

Movie review: Blacksmith (Alagbede) is a stereotypical Nollywood story but funny with good acting

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Movie review: Blacksmith (Alagbede) is a stereotypical Nollywood story but funny with good acting

Movie review: Blacksmith (Alagbede) is a stereotypical Nollywood story but funny with good acting

 

Blacksmith (Alagbede) is a Yoruba movie you will enjoy even though it might not have any hook on you afterwards. The movie, currently showing in cinemas, is a mix of romance, comedy and drama. Directed by Usman β€˜Blackky’ Ogunlade and produced by Motunrayo Adeoye and Jaiye Kuti, the film is packed with good acting and nothing more than needed.

Blacksmith (Alagbede) tells the story of a blacksmith named Adio (Femi Adebayo) and his sweetheart from a well-to-do-home, Omolewa (Kehinde Bankole). As a poor young chap, Adio was left with no choice but to struggle to measure up to the standard demanded by Omolewa β€˜s mother (Bimbo Oshin), who was ready to give her daughter’s hand in marriage to a rich guy. Backed by his friend Wole (Gbenga Afolayan), Adio decided to get wealth through money rituals. This led to a lack of peace of mind, and wealth became undesirable to him.

 

Firstly, the romantic part of this movie is more like a remix of the stereotypical Nollywood movies of the 90s and early 2000s, where a broke boy with no future ambition will have the beautiful daughter of a wealthy man in love with him. However, I like that the writers plotted the romance to lead to money rituals and spiced the movie with light comedy. Even during serious scenes, many others and I, viewing the movie at the cinema, couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

 

Like I said earlier, the acting in this movie is really good and deserves 8/10. The part that made me believe I was in for a good movie was the scene involving the first babalawo (witch doctor) played by Adewale Alebiosu. That part was barely up to three minutes long, but the man killed it. While addressing Adio and Wole, the look on his face, despite how serious it was, flowed freely with the comedic vibe associated with the scene. Femi Adebayo and Gbenga Afolayan also matched him with their A-game. Other actors in the movie include Jide Kosoko, Mr Macaroni, Elesho, Jaiye Kuti, Fathia Balogun, etc.

 

Another thing that blew me away about the Babalawo scene was the lighting, which was cinematic. The lighting department did well in the night scenes by not only providing light for the faces of the characters but also for the environment, which was an open space. This was also done for the night bathroom scene, where a white light blasted behind the trees to mimic moonlight. So far, the all-night scenes of this movie get 8/10 from me. If I’m thinking of making a film today, the guys behind this movie’s lighting and colour grading will get a call from me.

 

Blacksmith (Alagbede) mimicked the 1970s Nigeria as seen in the costumes. Some of the actors rocked afros and fashion from that time. Even the architectural style and cars were from that period. I don’t know if those who don’t understand Yoruba will enjoy the movie because I didn’t notice the subtitles. I also can’t predict if the movie will perform well in cinemas. However, I strongly believe this movie will do well on streaming platforms, to the point of trending on X’s social media platform. Blacksmith (Alagbede) gets 7/10.

Tunde Onakoya: Nigerians who have recently won Guinness World Records

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Tunde Onakoya: Nigerians who have recently won Guinness World Records

Nigerians who’ve recently won the Guinness World Record

Tunde Onakoya, Hilda Baci and Rema

Popular chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has joined the league of Nigerians who recently won the Guinness World Record.

 

The 29-year-old Onakoya broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in New York’s Times Square, when he reached the 57-hour mark, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours and 9 minutes.

 

The previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, was held by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug FlatebΓΈ and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.

 

Nigerian gourmet chef, Hilda Baci entered the Guinness World Record for longest cooking hours by an individual lat year.

 

The Guinness Book of Records is a reference book that chronicles human and natural world records.

 

It was first published in 1955 by the Guinness Brewery in Ireland and has since become one of the world’s most well-known and frequently read reference books.

 

Individuals or groups must submit proof to the Guinness World Records team and go through a verification process to qualify for a world record listing.

 

Below are a brief information about a list of Nigerians that have broken the Guinness World Records in recent times:

 

1. Hilda Baci in May 2023

 

Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, entered the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. Hilda Baci made Nigerians proud on May 15, 2023, in the cook-a-thon held in Lagos, which was set to last for 93 hours and eleven minutes.

 

2. Divine Ikubor (Rema) in May 2023

 

Nigerian music star, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, made it to the Guinness World Book of Records. Rema’s hit song, β€˜Calm Down’ made history as the first No. 1 Hit on The Official MENA Chart (the world’s first regional streaming chart).

 

3. Gbenga Ezekiel in October 2022

 

Ezekiel achieved the most skips in one minute on one leg (278), breaking his own record of 265, and the most double under skips in one minute on one leg (144), beating the previous record of 132, set by India’s Himanshu Prajapati in 2021.

 

4. Folashade Oluwafemiayo in August 2022

 

In 2021, Folashade Oluwafemiayo won the gold medal in her event at the 2021 World Para Powerlifting Championships held in Tbilisi, Georgia. At this event, she also set a new world record of 152.5 kg. She competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games where she won a gold medal in the heavyweight event.

 

5. Chukwuebuka Ezugha and Victor Richard Kipo in March 2022

 

The most consecutive passes of a football (soccer ball) between the head and soles (team of two) is 252, achieved by Chukwuebuka Ezugha and Victor Richard Kipo (both Nigeria), in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, on 11 March 2022.

 

6. Vincent Okezie in March 2022

 

Vincent Okezie, on 3 March 2023, Master Okezie won his fifth GWR to become the current holder of the most football (soccer) β€˜around the world’ tricks (71) with arms linked.

 

7. Bose Omolayo in December 2021

 

Bose Omolayo became the new Guinness World Record holder in 2021 when she made the heaviest para power lift by a female in the -79 kg category at 144 kg.

 

8. Chinonso Miracle Eche in October 2021

 

Chinonso Miracle Eze achieved the fastest time to 1,000 touches while balancing another ball on the head, and broke the Guinness World Records Holder for β€œMost Consecutive Football Touches In One Minute While Balancing a Ball On His Head.

 

9. Peter Aho in October 2021

 

Peter Aho became one of the bowlers from Nigeria to break the Guinness World Record after taking five wickets and a hat-trick in a T20i game and also holds the record for best bowling figures in T20is, claiming six wickets for five runs against Sierra Leone in 2021.

 

10. Bayo Omoboriowo in September 2021

 

Bayo Omoboriowo broke the Guinness World Record for creating The Largest Photo Book in 2021. The photo book, done in collaboration with The JT Agency and with the federal government’s support, is 60.84 square metres (654 square feet and 87 square inches) and was a recreation of a photo collection titled Discover Nigeria.

 

11. Tunde Onakoya in April 2024

 

Tunde Onakoya is the latest Nigerian to break the Guinness World Record after an unprecedented and uninterrupted 58-hour chess session, and reaching the 57-hour mark.

 

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