Fayose Reveals He Almost Hit Obasanjo with Microphone Over Birthday Remarks

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has recounted a tense encounter with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his 65th birthday, revealing he was so angered by the remarks that he briefly felt like hitting him with the microphone. During the Lagos celebration, Obasanjo addressed their long-standing political feud, calling Fayose “not the best” of his protégés while acknowledging his political accomplishments. In an interview with AF24 News posted on YouTube, Fayose said, “I was enraged. I felt like taking the mic from Obasanjo’s hand and hitting it on his head. This is being sincere.” Fayose explained that he had made efforts to reconcile with political rivals ahead of the event. “Whatever differences we have had in the past, let’s put them behind us. If I have offended you, if you have offended me, let us put it behind us,” he said. He reached out to Obasanjo through mutual friend Osita Chidoka, but stressed that the call was not an apology. “I never called to apologise to Baba. I did not offend him. He was the one who removed me from office. If anybody should apologise, it is he,” Fayose said. Obasanjo reportedly welcomed Fayose warmly before the celebration and confirmed his attendance despite another engagement in Rwanda. Fayose also arranged $20,000 for the former president’s travel logistics, questioning how someone could accept help and then make disparaging comments. The tension peaked when Obasanjo insisted on speaking last at the event, after the Vice President, and requested that Fayose and his wife stand beside him during a speech that lasted one hour and 14 minutes, which Fayose described as filled with subtle jabs. “How do you say such things to a man on his 65th birthday?” he asked, adding that he restrained himself out of respect for the Vice President’s presence. Fayose said his attempts at reconciliation were sincere, but Obasanjo’s actions showed no interest in peace. “If I knew this was how it would end, what do I need Obasanjo for? Am I contesting the election? Do I need his validation? No,” he concluded.

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Ayra Starr Relocates to New York City, Says City Feels Like Home

Ayra Starr has confirmed her move to New York City, describing it as a strategic step to boost her global music career. The 23-year-old singer has been living in the U.S. city for less than two months, citing its vibrant energy and large African community as key reasons for the relocation. In an interview, Ayra Starr explained that New York’s atmosphere closely mirrors her hometown of Lagos, making the transition smooth. “New York reminds me so much of Lagos. So it feels like home. There are a lot of Nigerians here. There’s a huge African diaspora here, so it feels like home,” she said, highlighting the comfort she finds in the city’s familiar cultural rhythm and dynamic pace.

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BBNaija Liquorose Reveals She Wants Nine Kids, Plans Five-Day Wedding Celebration

Former Big Brother Naija star Liquorose has opened up about her vision for family life, revealing she hopes to have nine children. In a conversation with VJ Adams, she discussed her personal growth, aspirations, and evolving views on marriage, offering a rare glimpse into her private life. Liquorose said she once imagined a quiet, private wedding but now envisions a grand, celebratory affair with five days of festivities. “I used to be that girl who could get married and nobody would know,” she said. “At one point, I thought… I want a two-week wedding. I want something loud because it’s going to be a lot. Liquorose is taken! Officially. I have to do that. I have to party for like five days before the wedding. Party as a single girl, just have fun. I want something loud.” She added that amidst the celebrations, she values a private moment with her partner: “But I would have one celebration for myself that nobody will even have to see. It would just be me and whoever the person would be. Just me and him.”

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Amotekun Raises Security in Ondo Boarding Schools, Parades 16 Suspects for Kidnapping and Crime

The Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, has stepped up security measures at boarding schools across the state following intelligence suggesting potential bandit threats. Corps Commander Adetunji Adeleye said on Tuesday that the corps has heightened patrols and surveillance to ensure the safety of students, particularly in schools located in border towns and outskirts. “In light of recent security concerns and reports of kidnappings, we have launched enhanced patrols at all boarding schools in the state,” Adeleye said. “Over the past week, our teams have visited numerous schools and intensified 24/7 security patrols. Our ember month operations at the borders have also been strengthened to protect residents.” During the exercise, Amotekun paraded three suspected kidnappers—Olamiju (35), Udofia, and Miracle—who were arrested at Agbaje camp in Ala-Dada, Akure North LGA while allegedly planning an abduction. In addition, 13 other suspects were presented for various offences, including theft, armed robbery, and violations of the state’s anti-grazing law. Adeleye highlighted the ongoing Operation Le Won Jade, which covers all 18 local government areas of Ondo State. “This operation has significantly disrupted the activities of bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals in the state’s forests,” he said. Among the 34 people arrested in the past week, 16 were paraded, including: Abubakar, 24, for anti-grazing in Ogbese Usman, for stealing a drilling machine Ibuba, for anti-grazing violations Uche, for defrauding POS users Samson, 32, for stealing farm produce Tosin, for robbery and attempted murder Abiola, 25, for attempted murder Samuel, for armed robbery Sunday, 28, Tope, 25, and Dayo, 29, for phone theft Mohamed, for anti-grazing offences Subuloye, for vandalising government property The corps commander reiterated that Amotekun remains committed to protecting residents, securing schools, and maintaining law and order across Ondo State.

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Zamfara State Hosts Mass Wedding for 200 Widows, Orphans, and Underprivileged Women

The Zamfara State Government has organised a mass wedding for 200 widows, orphans, and underprivileged women as part of its 2025 social intervention programmes under the Zakat and Endowment Board. The event, held on Monday, November 24, also marked the conclusion of the board’s yearly activities, which included business grants, debt relief, poultry production training, and computer literacy programmes for vulnerable households. First Lady Huriyya Dauda Lawal said the mass wedding reflects the government’s commitment to empowering widows, orphans, and disadvantaged women. She added that her office provided support items to help the newly married couples start their homes with dignity. “For the fourth quarter of 2025, the Zakat Board has successfully implemented life-changing interventions, including support for 200 female orphans with essential household items like furniture, bedding, and a ₦200,000 dowry to help them begin their marital lives with respect and comfort,” she said. The First Lady further highlighted initiatives such as the settlement of debt cases in Shari’ah courts and correctional centres, giving deserving individuals “a second chance to regain freedom and rebuild their lives honourably.” She noted that 200 small-scale traders, many of them widows, caregivers, and orphans, received ₦50,000 business grants to strengthen their livelihoods. In addition, 100 beneficiaries were trained in poultry production and given starter packs, while 10 orphans and children from disadvantaged homes completed computer literacy courses and received mini-computers. “These efforts demonstrate our vision for a more empowered, self-reliant, and prosperous Zamfara State,” the First Lady said. Habib Balarabe, Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board, explained that the mass wedding and related empowerment programmes are designed to support families lacking resources to establish stable homes. “We organise this event specifically for the less-privileged in Zamfara State. Beyond the weddings, we provide programmes to empower them at home, such as business start-up support,” he said, adding that the initiatives aim to reduce poverty and curb street begging. One of the brides, 17-year-old Zainab Mohammed, expressed gratitude to the state government. Though not an orphan, she said she chose marriage over continuing school. “Honestly, I thank Almighty God and Prophet Mohammed, may the peace of God be with him. I am very happy. I am not an orphan. Honestly, I prefer marriage to going to school,” she said. Each newly married couple received furniture and a cash gift of ₦30,000, while poultry training participants were given starter packs to launch small-scale ventures.

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CBN Proposes Five-Year Ban for Serial Dud Cheque Issuers

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is proposing a policy that would impose a five-year ban on individuals identified as “serial dud cheque issuers.” Under the draft guidelines, a person becomes a serial dud cheque issuer if they issue cheques three times that are returned due to insufficient funds. The CBN outlined the proposed measure in an exposure draft of its ‘Guidelines on the Treatment of Dud Cheques’, released yesterday, which would allow banks and other financial institutions to blacklist such offenders. According to the draft, individuals on the blacklist would be denied access to the cheque clearing system, barred from obtaining credit from any bank, and restricted from opening current accounts during the five-year sanction period. Banks would also be required to impose returned-cheque charges in line with the national Guide to Charges. All commercial, merchant, non-interest, mortgage, and microfinance banks are mandated to enforce the sanctions, retrieve unused cheque leaves, and report offenders’ details to the Credit Risk Management System (CRMS) and at least two private credit bureaux. The guidelines include stricter penalties for repeat offenders. Any person who issues another dud cheque after completing a five-year ban would face an additional five-year sanction for each recurrence. Lifting the ban would only be possible once the sanction period expires or if a financial institution verifies that a report was made in error. Banks are required to update the customer’s status with the credit bureaux and provide formal notification when the sanction ends. The CBN also proposed heavy penalties for non-compliant banks, including a minimum N5 million fine for failing to enforce restrictions and a minimum N3 million fine for opening a current account without checking the customer’s CRMS status.

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Chidimma Adetshina Explains Why She Skipped Big Brother Naija 2025, Eyes 2026 Edition

Former Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has revealed why she chose not to participate in Big Brother Naija 2025. Adetshina explained that her manager advised against joining the reality show, citing her ongoing responsibilities as Miss Universe Nigeria. Although she had expressed interest in BBNaija, she decided to focus on her education, modeling, and acting career. She is currently taking a break from pageantry to prioritize her mental health, addressing past traumatic experiences. Despite missing the 2025 edition, Adetshina plans to join BBNaija 2026. Reflecting on her time in Nigeria, she said: “I really enjoyed my stay in Nigeria, and even now, like I said, once I get my documents sorted, I am going back. Nigeria was really great for me.” She added: “The eight months I spent there were amazing. I feel there is more to explore; there are so many opportunities in Nigeria… so many things I would like to try — runways, acting, and explore many other areas. I really feel there’s more to explore, and I want to establish who Chidimma truly is.” On skipping this year’s BBNaija, she explained: “I also wanted to do ‘Big Brother’ this year, but then my manager was like, ‘No, you can’t do ‘Big Brother’ because you are still Miss Universe Nigeria.’” Nigeria was just WOW . I want also to do Big Brothers. Once I get my papers sorted out , I will go. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/k4ZLBVp5yl — Chidimma Adetshina (@chichi_vanessaa) November 24, 2025

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Atiku Dumps PDP, Officially Joins ADC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the coalition-backed party he is expected to align with ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku made the announcement on Monday through his X handle, posting a photo of himself holding his ADC membership card with the brief caption, “It’s official.” His move follows his July resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had been mired in a prolonged internal crisis.

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