Fola Badmus, Author at Trendbrio.com

Marwa seeks more NASS support, defends N67.5B 2025 NDLEA budget

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago08 mins

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has expressed appreciation to the National Assembly especially the Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs for their commitment to the nation’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking while he appealed for their continued support to enhance the capacity and capability of the Agency to deliver on its mandate. Marwa made the appeal on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th January when he led his management team to defend the 2025 budget proposal of the Agency before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics respectively. He equally thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unrelenting encouragement to the NDLEA. “I wish to first appreciate the honorable chairman, the deputy chairman, and distinguished members of this esteemed committee for your invaluable and consistent support throughout the 2024 fiscal year. This committee, under its able and dynamic chairman, has demonstrated remarkable courage and commitment towards the war against drug abuse. In particular, your effort towards the amendment of the NDLE Act is also highly appreciated. “And I respectfully ask your good offices to continue to assist in our area of critical needs during the appropriation process. Our commands across the federation are contending with significant challenges, particularly lack of accommodation. “I cannot overstate this matter because it all comes to my desk when you get these reports of attacks on our officers and so on and so forth, killing personnel and their families. So, we know that we trust that this esteemed committee will do its best. And we know that there are compelling demands from other MDAs, but the barracks project is critical to the operational efficiency and success of NDLEA. “I must not forget to seize this opportunity to also appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his continuing support and encouragement to the agency. I also wish to reaffirm the agency’s unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with the National Assembly, in particular this esteemed committee, to advance our shared vision of a drug-free Nigeria. With your support, we are confident in our ability to enhance our operations and fulfill our mandate of safeguarding the security of our nation”, Marwa stated in his remarks while pleading for budgetary provision for the ongoing barracks accommodation for the personnel of the agency to enhance their security, dedication and performance. In the budget proposal for 2025 fiscal year, the agency was allocated Sixty-Seven Billion Five Hundred and Twelve Million Five Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand Sixty-Three Naira Eighty Kobo (N67, 512, 564, 063.80), with recurrent personnel cost taking N47, 159,240, 496.80; recurrent overhead N3, 384,332, 017.00 and capital expenditure N16, 968, 991, 550.00. He explained that the recurrent personnel cost reflects the nominal roll of the agency’s staff strength totaling over 14,038 officers, men and women, while the recurrent overhead cost covers the operational expenses of intelligence gathering, arrests, seizures, investigations and prosecutions. The NDLEA boss called for the enhancement of the N16 billion provided for capital expenditure, which has zero allocation for the ongoing barracks project component to enable the agency continue with the provision of secure accommodation for its workforce across the country. Justifying his plea, Marwa said “the agency faces growing challenges, including sophisticated drug cartels, drug abuse and inadequate critical infrastructure. To address these issues, NDLEA has embarked on reforms, including constructing barracks to accommodate its personnel, improve operational integrity and ensure security. Currently, many commands operate from rented facilities, which are inadequate for effective administration. Proper accommodation will enhance staff morale, ensure security, and strengthen the agency’s capacity to execute its mandate” In his remarks, House Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Hon Abass Adigun assured of their commitment to adequate funding to enhance NDLEA’s operational successes. “This committee recognizes the critical role the NDLEA plays in safeguarding our communities from the scourge of narcotics and illicit substances. As we engage in today’s deliberations, we remain committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently, with a focus on measurable outcomes, transparency, and accountability. I urge all participants to contribute thoughtfully as we work together to ensure the NDLEA is well-resourced to fulfill its vital mandate in the new year”, the lawmaker stated. Speaking in the same vein on Tuesday 14th January 2025, Senate Committee chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo congratulated the agency for its outstanding performance in 2024. “We’re all witnesses to the good work you are doing and we are proud of your performance”, the committee chairman stated, assuring of more support to enable the agency function effectively in the new year.

Mohbad’s wife, father clash over DNA test

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago010 mins

Omowunmi, widow of Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has accused her late husband’s father, Joseph Aloba, of avoiding a Deoxyribonucleic Acid test to resolve the dispute surrounding the paternity of the son she had with Mohbad, The Punch newspaper reports. The Magistrates Court, during its sitting on July 9, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, directed both parties to explore an alternative dispute resolution, leading to closed-door negotiations that also failed to yield an agreement. Mohbad’s father had filed the suit to seek a DNA test for his grandson. In a statement in October 2024, a representative of the family’s legal team, Monisola Odumosu, stated that Wunmi had agreed to carry out the DNA. Odumosu added that this was followed by the settlement terms drafted by both parties. Subsequently, the court further ordered that the DNA test be conducted at a mutually agreed-upon laboratory or medical centre within Nigeria. To ensure and ascertain the reliability of the test, the court further appointed some officers to supervise the process of the DNA test. However, a letter from Salawu Akingbolu Chambers, Omowunmi’s legal representatives, signed by Kabir Akingbolu and dated January 9, 2025, stated that Omowunmi admitted to rejecting Mohbad’s father’s choice of UCH Ibadan while he also rejected her choice of Lagoon Hospitals. Omowunmi added that they had suggested the Eko Hospital and Reddington Hospitals show transparency, as stated in their letter of December 11, 2024. However, Mohbad’s father did not respond. The letter said, “We remain Solicitors to the Respondent in the referenced suit and we have her express consent to write this letter to you. It would be recalled that we have exchanged a series of letters on the above but we seem not to be making any progress and it is sad. Suffice it to say that after we have duly responded to your letter dated 5th of December 2024, which we received and acknowledged on the 9th of December 2024, we have patiently waited for your response but nothing of the sort to date. “Although, we objected to your choice of UCH Ibadan because of the fact that the court itself observed for good reason that it is not proper after your client mentioned the same in open court. In the same vein, we have conceded all the same to your objection to us using Lagoon Hospitals even though no tenable reasons were given. “Quite reasonably, in replacement, we chose two other hospitals which are: The Eko Hospital and Reddington Hospitals, just so for us to show that we absolutely have nothing to hide and this was contained in our letter of 11th of December 2024.” Omowunmi stated that, surprisingly, Mohbad’s father’s lawyer went on social media accusing her of not being ready for the DNA test. “To our utter surprise however, instead of you responding to our letter of the above-quoted date, we saw Mr Taiwo Odumosu of counsel, whom we have profound respect for and Counsel to the Applicant, saying on social media that we are the ones who are not ready for the DNA, whereas that is not the case, and we are by this letter denouncing any such misrepresentation Mr. Taiwo Odumosu of counsel must have tainted us with on the social media. As a matter of fact we deserve an apology for such unhealthy allegations,” the letter added. She also lamented that Mohbad’s father defamed her son on social media. “Also, and most unfortunate is the fact that we saw the Applicant on social media about three (3) weeks ago, defaming and maligning Master Liam, and quite in his usual manner, portraying him as a bastard and this is very unacceptable, especially as the court had asked him to go conduct the DNA that he is now obviously and quite surprisingly running away from in an irreconcilable irony. Very laughable,” the letter continued. Omowunmi threatened to carry out the DNA test independently if Mohbad’s father continued delaying the matter. “We want to ask you to promptly take steps or advise your client to do all that may be necessary to ensure the timely conduct of the DNA so that we can make progress. “If your client, however, chooses to continue in this tardy manner and rather prefers the empty social media hype for bad reasons, you will leave us no other option than to conduct the DNA ourselves and publish the same for the whole world to see. We shall inform the court of our position in this regard,“ the letter stated. In a response dated January 11, 2025, from Hillceetee Partners and signed by Emmanuel Oroko, Mohbad’s father denied the allegations, adding that Taiwo Odumosu never stated in any media interview that Omowunmi was not ready for the DNA test. “Your letter dated 9th January 2025 with the above caption has been shown to our Mr Taiwo Odumosu and upon his instructions, we respond as follows. “Mr Odumosu wishes to inform you that there was no time during his media interaction that he mentioned that your client ‘was not ready for the DNA’. What he was saying, which has been misinterpreted, was that the hospitals had yet to respond to enquiries on their readiness to conduct the test. We heard your client express sentiment in that respect after the media interaction. “Mr Odumosu has absolute respect for your office and your client. He would not in any way derogate the professionalism and maturity both law firms have exhibited so far while the case lasted.” Oroko, however, announced through the letter that their chambers would cease representing Mohbad’s father in the matter. “This response is necessary as a courtesy to your good self and to set the record straight as our chambers no longer represent the Applicant, “the letter stated.

Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu pardons 52, commutes death sentences to life imprisonment

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently, and on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, approved the release of 52 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State and the commutal of six death row inmates to Life Imprisonment. According to a statement signed by Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the order was for the immediate release of 35 inmates while others are to be released after serving additional terms of three – six months. According to him, the Prerogative of Mercy is in line with Mr. Governors’ powers under Section 212 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and the commitment of the present administration to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms in the State. The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications brought before it in line with the applicable guidelines with information provided by the Authority of the correctional facilities, the nature of offence the inmate was convicted for, period of incarceration, age, health condition and the behavioural conduct of the inmate. Before their release, the correctional centres are to confirm that arrangements have been put in place for the rehabilitation and integration into the society of the convicted inmates recommended for release. While admonishing the inmates to be of good behaviour, the Commissioner said Mr. Governor’s release order is to be complied with after completion of the administrative process by the correctional facilities.

Guardiola splits from wife Cristina after 30 years

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago01 mins

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has split from his wife Cristina Serra after 30 years together. Barcelona-based outlet Sport reported that the long-term couple called it quits in December. Pep and Cristina are said to have been living separate for the past five years, with the manager remaining in England while Cristina returned to Barcelona where she runs her fashion company. Pep and Cristina are believed to have met when they were 18 while the decorated manager played for Barcelona, but only married in 2014. They share three children together – Maria, 24, Màrius, 22, and Valentina, 17. It comes amid a dip in form for reining Premier League champions Manchester City, who found themselves struggling to remain title contenders for the season. The Sky Blues are hoping that a run of three wins on the bounce in all competitions will help to revive their season after a series of disappointing results.

Eguavoen, Chelle hit Ikenne-Remo for Eagles B, as draw holds Wednesday

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, has arrived at the Ikenne-Remo camp of the Super Eagles B alongside new Super Eagles’ Head Coach Éric Sékou Chelle and the latter’s agent, Sidibe Abraham Brehima. The trio flew aboard a ValueJet Airline CRJ 700 aircraft from Abuja to Lagos on Tuesday morning, and then headed for the Remo Stars’ Sports Institute in the fabled Ogun State town. On Monday, at Chelle’s unveiling, President of NFF Ibrahim Musa Gusau had clarified that Chelle will only be with the Eagles B in supervisory role, while the trio of Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu and Olatunji Baruwa who qualified the team for the African Nations Championship will remain essentially in charge of the team’s preparation and participation at the tournament. Meanwhile, the draw for the final tournament of the 8th African Nations Championship will take place in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday evening. Super Eagles’ Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, is on ground in Nairobi ahead of the ceremony that will hold at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre from 6pm Nigeria time. CAF’s Director of Competitions, Mr. Samson Adamu will be assisted at the draw by Uganda’s Hassan Wasswa, Tanzanian Mrisho Ngasa and Kenyan legend McDonald.Mariga. The names of a total of 19 countries, viz joint-hosts Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, Nigeria, Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Algeria, Niger Republic, Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Angola and Madagascar will be in the pots for the draw ceremony.

CAF postpones CHAN 2024 to August 2025

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) on Tuesday announced the postponement of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 to August 2025. Good progress has been made in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda with the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities for the hosting of a successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024. However the CAF Technical and Infrastructure experts some of whom have been based in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, have advised CAF that more time is required to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities, are at the levels, necessary for hosting a successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024. The President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “I would like to express my deep gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment and the good progress that has been made in building and upgrading the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for hosting a successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024. “I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities will be at the requisite CAF standards for hosting, in August 2025, a very successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.” CAF will be conducting the Draw of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 in Nairobi, on Wednesday 15 January 2025 at 20h00 Nairobi Time. The exact date in August 2025 of the commencement of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 will be announced by CAF in due course.

Sports

Iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre to CHAN 2024 final draw

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago03 mins

The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya will host the draw for the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda 2024 on Wednesday night. The much-anticipated draw will commence at 20h00 local time (17h00 GMT / 19h00 Cairo). It will feature local East African legends Hassan Wasswa (Uganda), Mrisho Ngasa (Tanzania) and McDonald Mariga (Kenya), the latter having been born and raised in Nairobi, as draw assistants. Co-hosts Kenya are making a debut at the CAF African Nations Championship finals, while Uganda and Tanzania have already had a taste of the tournament. Among countries that will headline Wednesday’s draw are defending champions Senegal and two-time winners Morocco. The 32-story KICC will be a fitting stage for what will be a glittering draw ceremony. The building boats an amphitheater and the Tsavo Ballroom, the largest conference chamber of its kind in East Africa. An iconic piece of architectural mastery located at the heart of Kenya’s capital city, the KICC is renowned for its striking cylindrical design and panoramic views of the city. Completed in 1973, it is not only a hub for international conferences, exhibitions, and events but also a symbol of Kenya’s modernity and cultural heritage. It is only befitting that the capital’s signature building stages the draw as the country hosts a continental football tournament for the first time in its history. Nairobi is a major commercial hub in East Africa and known for its tech innovation. It is the regional headquarters for several huge multi-national companies. Nairobi also has several famous, established football clubs who play in the country’s elite league and CAF Interclub competitions, such as Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Tusker and Mathare United.

2024/25 NWFL Premiership MD1 Preview: South-South derbies set to headline opening matchday

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago011 mins

The 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership season is set to kick off on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with an exciting slate of fixtures across eight centres in the country. The opening matchday promises a fierce start, with two South-South derbies taking centre stage, alongside other thrilling matchups as teams begin their quest for glory. Group AEdo Queens vs Abia Angels – Benin City The official opening Star Match of the new season set to be broadcast on NTA and Startimes will feature defending champions, Edo Queens, hosting Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Edo Queens, who claimed their maiden league title last season, also triumphed in the West Africa Zone B (WAFU-B) Women’s Champions League and reached the final of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, ultimately finishing in fourth place. Under coach Moses Aduku, who has been handed a contract extension, the club’s primary focus will be to build on last season’s successes and defend their league title. In contrast, Abia Angels will be hoping to avoid another relegation battle after narrowly escaping the drop last season, surviving by a whisker on goal difference. With Adanna Nwaneri, a former Super Falcons defender, now at the helm, the Umuahia-based side will aim to improve on last season’s performance and start the campaign on a positive note. Edo Queens has been dominant in recent encounters, winning two of the last three league meetings, but Abia Angels pulled off a shock 1-0 victory in Benin City during the 2022/23 season. Ekiti Queens vs Heartland Queens – Ado Ekiti For the first time in top-flight history, Ekiti Queens and Heartland Queens will face off at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti. Ekiti Queens managed to narrowly avoid relegation last season, while Heartland Queens defied expectations by qualifying for the Super Six from Group A. Despite their struggles at the Super Six, Obi Ogbala’s side will be aiming to build on that experience and continue their growth. Ekiti Queens, under new coach Jacob Vandhi, will be hoping to improve on last season’s performance and avoid another relegation battle. Confluence Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies – Anyigba Another exciting matchup features Confluence Queens and Remo Stars Ladies at the Anyigba City Stadium in Kogi State. Confluence Queens finished second in Group A last season, securing a Super Six spot but struggled to make an impact in the playoffs. Their opponent, Remo Stars, had a solid debut season, finishing fifth in Group B, and have been in good form recently, winning the Ogun State FA Cup and reaching the semi-final of the 2024 President Federation Cup. Their success in the Sheroes Cup adds further confidence as they prepare for the new season. Nasarawa Amazons vs Dannaz Ladies – Lafia Nasarawa Amazons will begin their campaign with a home match against Dannaz Ladies at Lafia City Stadium. The Solid Babes finished top of Group A last season but couldn’t replicate that success in the Super Six. They will be determined to return to the Super Six playoffs, starting with a strong result against Dannaz Ladies, who had a commendable debut season in 2023/24, finishing just outside the playoff spots. Group BRivers Angels vs Ibom Angels – Port Harcourt The first of two South-South derbies on Matchday 1 sees Rivers Angels host Ibom Angels in Port Harcourt. Rivers Angels came agonizingly close to claiming an eighth league title last season, finishing second in the Super Six by a single point. With new coach Tosan Blankson in charge, they will be eager to go one better this season and secure that elusive title. Meanwhile, Ibom Angels return to the top flight after a successful promotion campaign, and their new coach, Edwin Okon, will be looking to make a strong start as they aim to retain their top-flight status. Adamawa Queens vs Naija Ratels FC – Gombe In a Northern derby, Adamawa Queens host Naija Ratels at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe. Both teams finished on 17 points last season, with Adamawa Queens emerging victorious in their last encounter, winning 2-0. Naija Ratels, however, will be determined to bounce back and improve on their mid-table finish, aiming for a spot in the Super Six this time around. Benue Queens vs FC Robo Queens – Lafia In a David vs Goliath encounter, newly promoted Benue Queens will face FC Robo Queens at Lafia City Stadium. Benue Queens, fresh off their return to the top flight, will be hoping to make a statement in their debut season. Under the guidance of experienced coach Liadi Bashiru, they will be looking for a positive result to set the tone for their maiden top-flight campaign. On the other hand, FC Robo Queens, perennial contenders in the league, will be hoping to secure a victory to relaunch their bid for a return to the end of the season’s Championship Super Six tournament. Bayelsa Queens vs Delta Queens – Yenegoa The second South-South derby of the day sees Bayelsa Queens host Delta Queens at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa. This fixture is one of the most anticipated of the opening matchday, given the fierce rivalry between the two teams. Delta Queens have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning three of the last eight meetings, while Bayelsa Queens have managed just one victory. Both teams now have new coaches at the helm, with Tosan Blankson guiding Bayelsa Queens and Peter Dedevbo taking over at Delta Queens. This match will set the tone for both teams as they embark on their league campaigns. With so many exciting fixtures on the horizon, Matchday 1 of the 2024/25 NWFL Premiership promises to deliver plenty of action as teams jostle for early points and set their sights on achieving their season goals. Pep Guardiola reportedly splits from wife Cristina after 30 years together Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has split from his wife Cristina Serra after 30 years together. Barcelona-based outlet Sport reported that the long-term couple called it quits in…