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Miss Universe 2024: Stage is set for Miss Universe Nigeria August 31

By
Sekyen Yakubu
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0

The Miss Universe Nigeria contest for 2024 is just around the corner, with 25 contestants vying for the crown. The competition is set to take place on August 31, 2024, at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The winner will receive ₦10 million in cash and other prizes, and will represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico this November. The contestants will be in camp at the Festival Hotel, Festac, where they will undergo rigorous rehearsals and training.

– Theme: This year’s theme is ‘Digital Divas,’ reflecting the growing significance of digital presence and influence.

– Contestants: 25 contestants will be competing for the crown, each representing a different state in Nigeria.

– Prizes: The winner will receive ₦10 million in cash and other prizes, while the runner-up will participate in the Miss Supranational pageant.

– Voting: The voting process has officially begun, allowing audiences to cast their votes for their favorite contestant as many times as they wish.

Meet the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria Contestants

This year’s competition is heating up with 25 contestants vying for the crown. Here are the talented women representing different states across Nigeria:

– Chioma Muna Nkumeh (Miss Abia) – Model passionate about humanitarian work

– Lucille Oputa (Miss Abuja) – Actor and entrepreneur advocating for social justice

– Happiness Enetak (Miss Akwa Ibom) – Broadcaster and beautician focused on personal development

– Paula Ezendu (Miss Anambra) – Model promoting quality healthcare for all

– Fortune Kurubo (Miss Bayelsa) – Podcaster passionate about women’s reproductive health

– Joy Omanibe (Miss Benue) – Air hostess and cosmetologist advocating for child welfare

– Emmanuella Igbodor (Miss Cross River) – Model committed to creating positive social impact

– Sarah Ruese Olotu (Miss Delta) – Medical doctor representing Nigeria globally

– Mother Teresa Orji (Miss Ebonyi) – Model advocating for personal causes close to her heart

– Edeifo Brittany Aikhuele (Miss Edo) – Model passionate about children’s healthcare and education

– Esther Gabriel (Miss Ekiti) – Human resources professional promoting girl child education

– Uchechi Uchenna (Miss Enugu) – Poet and storyteller advocating for mental health awareness

– Quenneth Igbokwe (Miss Imo) – Fintech professional supporting women who suffer from domestic violence

– Sophia Chika Nelson (Miss Kaduna) – Beauty entrepreneur empowering women

– Zuleihat Oyarazi (Miss Kogi) – Fashion model inspiring the next generation

– Ufa Dania (Miss Kwara) – Content creator making a positive community impact

– Favour John (Miss Lagos) – Makeup artist inspiring young people

– Priscillia Umehea (Miss Niger) – Product designer making a global impact

– Deborah Anosike (Miss Ogun) – Model promoting education and women’s empowerment

– Peace Ayegbidun (Miss Ondo) – Fashion designer making a social impact

– Ifunanya Nledo (Miss Osun) – National representation

– Elizabeth Salawu (Miss Oyo) – Entertainer promoting mental health, technology, and wellness

Johann Rupert overtakes Aliko Dangote as richest man in Africa

By
Sekyen Yakubu
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0

Johann Rupert, the South African billionaire and chairman of Richemont, has officially overtaken Aliko Dangote as Africa’s richest person, with a net worth of $14.3 billion.

Dangote, who had maintained the top position for several years, saw his wealth drop by $1.7 billion year-to-date in the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, on Wednesday as Rupert’s wealth increased by $1.87bn year-to-date.

Rupert’s luxury goods conglomerate includes renowned brands such as Cartier and Montblanc, contributing to his increased wealth. On the other hand, Dangote’s fortune has declined to $13.4 billion, largely due to Nigeria’s challenging macroeconomic environment and the devaluation of the naira .

Rupert’s wealth has increased by $1.87 billion year-to-date, while Dangote’s fortune has declined by $1.69 billion over the same period. Nicky Oppenheimer, another South African billionaire, ranks third with a net worth of $11.3 billion, followed by Nassef Sawiris, an Egyptian businessman, with $9.37 billion, and Natie Kirsh, a South African investor, who completes the top five with $9.14 billion.

TG Omori undergoes kidney transplant from his brother 4 months after he quit smoking

By
Sekyen Yakubu
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0

ThankGod Omori popularly known as “TG Omori & Boy Director“, a renowned Nigerian music director and cinematographer, has recently undergone a life-saving kidney transplant. His only brother donated one of his kidneys, and the transplant took place on August 26, 2024.

TG Omori expressed his gratitude on social media, saying, “Yesterday my only brother gave me one of his kidneys so I could live again“. He also shared pictures of himself recovering in the hospital, showing his appreciation for his brother’s selfless act. This heartfelt update has brought both reassurance and a deeper connection to his supporters, who were worried about his well-being due to his recent absence from the public eye. Fans stormed his social media pages and accounts with well wishes after he announced.

TG Omori, is a familiar name to Nigerian music lovers. He has been active in the music industry since 2018 and has directed videos for a diverse range of music recording artists, including Olamide, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tekno, Kizz Daniel, Fireboy DML, Falz, Naira Marley, Asake and many other big names in the industry.

Edo State PVC Collection Update as of August 28, 2024: Deadline Looms for September Elections

By
Sekyen Yakubu
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0

With the September elections fast approaching, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State has reported that 1,962,039 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been collected out of 2,501,081 registered voters, representing a collection rate of 78.4%.

However, concerns are growing as over 539,000 eligible voters are yet to collect their PVCs, sparking fears that they may be disenfranchised in the upcoming elections.

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo State, Mr. Johnson Alalibo, urged all registered voters to collect their PVCs before the expiration of the collection deadline, emphasizing that “no PVC, no voting.”

The September elections are crucial, with various political offices up for grabs, including governorship and state assembly seats. Political parties and stakeholders are intensifying their campaigns, but the low PVC collection rate threatens to undermine the electoral process.

Voters yet to collect PVCs by Local Government Area:

– Orhionmwon: 23,145

– Esan West: 20,509

– Esan Central: 18,321

– Etsako West: 16,492

– Uhunmwonde: 14,859

– Ikpoba-Okha: 13,419

– Egor: 12,654

– Oredo: 10,857

– Owan East: 9,421

– Akoko Edo: 7,893

INEC has assured voters that collection centers will remain open until the deadline, and voters are advised to take advantage of this opportunity to claim their PVCs and exercise their right to vote.

Diabetes patients beg Tinubu to subsidise medications, food amid price hike

By
tvafrinet
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0

The National Association of Persons Living with Diabetes has appealed to the Federal Government to subsidise the cost of essential medication and foodstuffs.

The National Coordinator of the group, Bernard Enyia, appealed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Tuesday. Enyia said that diabetic patients were facing a dire situation, due to the rising cost of essential medications and foodstuffs.

He regretted that the present economic challenges worsened their plight and resulted in preventable deaths among the patients. Enyia, who doubles as the Vice President II of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria and Co-Chairman of the National Action on Sugar Reduction Coalition, further disclosed that many diabetic patients were resorting to traditional medicine.

He described the herbal option as risking severe health consequences due to the unaffordability of conventional treatments.

“The cost of foodstuffs and essential commodities, including life-saving drugs, has skyrocketed.

“This has made it extremely difficult for diabetic patients to afford their daily medications,” Enyia said.

He highlighted the limitations of President Bola Tinubu’s recent Executive Order aimed at easing the importation of food and pharmaceutical materials for local production. He said that the measure did not significantly alleviate their plight.

“Diabetes medications are not produced in Nigeria, and the machines used for blood sugar testing are also imported.

“As a result, prices have reached an all-time high,” Enyia added.

He cited an instance with insulin injection which, he said, cost ₦4,000 in 2022 but now goes for between ₦19,000 and ₦24,000. He said the injection lasts for only one week, creating an overwhelming financial burden on the patients.

He further said that the price of syringes used for administering insulin has soared from ₦50 to ₦600, with patients requiring two syringes daily.

“This translates to monthly expenses of ₦36,000 just for syringes, not including the cost of insulin and other necessary medications.

“My monthly expenditure on diabetic care exceeds ₦100,000, with patients experiencing complications facing even higher costs,” Enyia stated.

He said that the alarm raised by the group was intended to create awareness about the financial hardship faced by patients. Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by high blood sugar levels, either due to insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or the body’s inability to respond effectively to insulin.

News Agency Of Nigeria

National Hospital unveils plan to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on medical tourism

By
tvafrinet
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0

The National Hospital, Abuja, has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a state-of-the-art medical facility in Nigeria aimed at reducing the country’s dependency on medical tourism.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Muhammad Raji, announced this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

Raji explained that the proposed facility would offer specialised services such as cardiac surgery, kidney transplants, and orthopedic procedures – treatments that often drive Nigerians to seek care abroad.

“By providing these treatments here, we can keep our patients in the country and offer them the same quality of care,” he stated.

He also revealed plans to create a Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre, a facility currently lacking in Africa.

This, he said, would address the continent’s critical healthcare gaps.

He urged both the government and private sectors to support this vision, highlighting that such a facility would not only improve healthcare outcomes but also contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The CMD, observing that the government could not shoulder the financial burden of healthcare alone, called for increased private sector involvement to bring in much-needed resources and innovation.

According to him, there’s a need for a stronger collaboration between the government, private sector, and philanthropists to address the pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“The government has many priorities, and while health is indeed one of them, we cannot solely depend on the government to cover hospital bills and other healthcare costs.

He raised alarm over the dire consequences of power outages in hospitals, describing the situation as a crisis in itself.

He called for urgent government intervention and the exploration of alternative energy sources to mitigate the impact of power failure on healthcare delivery.

“Hospitals need to operate 24 hours a day with consistent power.

He commended the recent increase in the minimum wage of Nigerian workers, acknowledging it as a positive step for motivating healthcare workers.

He, however, stressed that more still needed to be done to ensure sustainable healthcare financing.

News Agency Of Nigeria

Just in: O.J Simpson’s lawyer debunks rumors that the former NFL star’s ashes have been turned into jewelry

By
Sekyen Yakubu
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0

O.J. Simpson’s ashes have been scattered in a private ceremony, according to his attorney, Malcolm LaVergne. The exact location of the scattering has not been disclosed, but it is reported to have taken place in a quiet, intimate setting with only a few close friends and family members present.

LaVergne stated that Simpson’s wishes were to have his ashes scattered in a way that would avoid drawing attention or creating a public spectacle. The attorney also noted that Simpson’s estate is still dealing with the ongoing legal battle with the Goldman family over the unpaid $114 million judgment.

His longtime lawyer and estate executor, Malcolm LaVergne, approved the process and confirmed that he did not receive any of the jewelry. The total cost for the cremation and death certificates was $4,243.06. LaVergne is still working to liquidate most of Simpson’s assets to tackle his massive debts, which include tens of millions still owed to the Goldman family.

The scattering of Simpson’s ashes brings a sense of closure to his complex and controversial life. While some may see it as an end to a chapter, others may continue to seek justice and resolution in the wake of his passing.

In related news, the Goldman family has filed a motion to obtain Simpson’s ashes, citing their desire to ensure that he is not profiting from his notoriety even in death. However, LaVergne has stated that the ashes have already been scattered, making it impossible for the Goldman family to obtain them.

VDM reacts to celebrities who sent over 100 million naira to Bobrisky

By
Sekyen Yakubu
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0

Very Dark Man (VDM) has called out celebrities like Don Jazzy, Victor Osimhen and Funke Akindele for donating millions to Bobrisky while he was in prison. He questioned their motives, asking if they were sleeping with Bobrisky or if he was pimping them to top politicians. 

VDM also stated that these celebrities can’t even help build boreholes for communities without clean water or send children to schools. He further said that he wasn’t seeking validation from anyone and that there’s no penalty for insult, telling the celebrities to take him to court if they were offended by his remarks. 

VDM’s comments sparked a heated debate on social media, with some users defending Bobrisky and the celebrities who donated to him, while others praised VDM for speaking truth to power.

Some users argued that Bobrisky’s incarceration was a result of his bravery in being himself, and that the donations were a show of support for his courage. Others countered that Bobrisky’s actions were attention-seeking and that the donations could have been better spent on more pressing social issues.

VDM’s remarks also led to a wider conversation about the culture of celebrity philanthropy in Nigeria, with some users questioning the motivations behind public displays of generosity.

In response to the backlash, VDM doubled down on his statements, saying that he was simply telling the truth and that those who were offended should take him to court. He also clarified that he had no personal issue with Bobrisky, but rather was criticizing the culture of celebrity worship and the misplaced priorities of some Nigerian celebrities.

The Flavorful Delight of Ugba Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making this Nigerian Culinary Staple

By
Sekyen Yakubu
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0

Ugba sauce, also known as oil bean sauce, is a popular Nigerian condiment made from oil beans, vegetables, and spices. It’s a staple in many Nigerian households, served alongside dishes like rice, plantains, and yams. Here’s a simple recipe to make delicious ugba sauce at home:

Ingredients:

– 1 cup oil beans (ugba)

– 1 onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon grated ginger

– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)

– 1/2 teaspoon ground crayfish

– Salt and black pepper, to taste

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 2 tablespoons palm oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the oil beans and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and blend into a smooth paste.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Sauté until the onion is translucent.

3. Add the blended oil bean paste, crayfish, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

5. If using palm oil, stir it in during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Remove from heat and let cool.

8. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips:

– Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

– Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking.

– Ugba sauce can be served with a variety of dishes, including rice, plantains, yams, and even as a dip.

Enjoy your homemade ugba sauce!

President Bola Tinubu appoints Adeola Ajayi as the new Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS)

By
Sekyen Yakubu
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0

Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has risen through the ranks to attain his current post of Assistant Director-General of the Service and has served as State Director in Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers and Kogi.

The President expects that the new security chiefs will work assiduously to reposition the two intelligence agencies for better results and charges them to bring their experience to bear in tackling the security challenges bedeviling the country. 

Here are some things to know about Adeola Ajayi, the new Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS). 

Career: Ajayi rose through the ranks to become Assistant Director-General of the DSS. He has served as State Director in Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Kogi.

Experience: He has an extensive background in various key positions within the DSS and a comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s security dynamics.

Role and Expectations: As the new Director-General, Ajayi is expected to continue the DSS’s mission of safeguarding national security, strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, and work in alignment with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

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