News
Peter Obi Calls for Reflection and Rebuilding as Nigeria Turns 64
As Nigeria marks its 64th independence anniversary, Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has called on Nigerians to reflect deeply on the nation’s journey since gaining independence.
In a heartfelt statement, Obi urged citizens, especially leaders, to take this day as an opportunity not only to celebrate but also to engage in sober reflection.
Obi acknowledged Nigeria’s vast resources—natural, human, and material—that position the country for greatness.
However, he stressed that the country’s current state of affairs calls for introspection, especially for leaders whose actions and inactions have contributed to the challenges the nation faces today.
He posed critical questions about Nigeria’s progress in key areas like poverty alleviation, education, and economic stability.
“Have we lifted our people out of poverty, or have we driven more into it? Have we made education accessible to every Nigerian child?” Obi asked.
He noted that despite the rich potential of the nation, Nigeria is underperforming in almost every measure of development, from security to economic productivity.
Obi pointed out that Nigeria ranks poorly in global indices of security, peacefulness, and corruption, with widespread disregard for the rule of law.
Comparing Nigeria to other countries that gained independence around the same time, Obi lamented that Nigeria stands out as a nation in decline, urgently in need of rescue from further decay.
On this day of celebration, Obi urged Nigerians to make a solemn commitment to build a nation free from tribal disunity, religious disharmony, and the state capture that has dragged it into failure.
He called for the creation of a New and Productive Nigeria that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens.
“That is the independence we should celebrate,” Obi said, emphasizing that Nigeria’s greatness remains possible.
News
Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu Presents 3 Trillion Naira As Budget For 2025
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu presents 3 Trillion Naira as the budget for the proposed Appropriation Bill for 2025 to the house of assembly. The assembly meeting was led by Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. The budget is themed Budget of Sustainability and will be a blue print for the commitment to Lagosians.
The ceremony was held in the state house, Alausa, Lagos. With this proposed bill the state government is focusing on environment, education, technology, security and public safety.
News
Diezani Alison-Madueke Seeks Court Approval to Amend Lawsuit Against EFCC Asset Forfeiture
Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has filed a motion to amend her lawsuit challenging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) order for the final forfeiture of her seized assets.
At a Federal High Court hearing in Abuja presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, Alison-Madueke’s counsel confirmed filing the amendment motion and serving the EFCC. Notably, no EFCC representatives appeared in court.
The embattled ex-minister also sought an extension of time to contest the EFCC’s public notice regarding the sale of her confiscated properties, claiming she was denied a fair hearing during the forfeiture proceedings.
The EFCC, however, rejected Alison-Madueke’s allegations, maintaining that the forfeiture cases were lawfully adjudicated over time.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to February 17, 2025, to consider the motion to amend the originating process.
News
Tron Founder Justin Sun Buys $6.2M Banana Artwork, Plans to Eat It
Justin Sun, the founder of blockchain platform Tron, has purchased Comedian, a conceptual artwork by Maurizio Cattelan featuring a banana duct-taped to a wall, for $6.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York.
Initially valued at $1–$1.5 million, the sale exceeded expectations, drawing bids from seven contenders. Originally priced at $120,000 during its 2019 debut at Art Basel Miami Beach, Comedian has sparked global debates about the absurdities of contemporary art.
Sun views the purchase as a cultural statement rather than a simple acquisition. “This bridges art, memes, and cryptocurrency,” he said, revealing plans to eat the banana as part of the artwork’s experiential essence.
Known for challenging societal norms, Cattelan’s works often provoke controversy. Buyers of Comedian receive instructions to replace the banana due to its perishability.
Sun’s acquisition highlights his growing involvement in art and tech intersections, following his $78.4 million purchase of Alberto Giacometti’s Le Nez. While celebrated as an entrepreneur, Sun has also faced legal challenges, including allegations of cryptocurrency manipulation.
The $6.2 million banana reinforces the unpredictable relationship between art, commerce, and culture, embodying modern art’s power to provoke and perplex.
-
Entertainment8 hours ago
Davido Reflects on Life as He Turns 32 and Donates N300M to Orphanages
-
Business5 hours ago
NNPCL Launches Utapate Crude to Increase Nigeria’s Oil Exports
-
News8 hours ago
Man Found Dead in Ogun Hotel After Returning from the U.S.
-
News7 hours ago
MDCAN Praises Tinubu for Resolving UNIZIK Crisis and Supporting Medical Professionals
-
News3 hours ago
Tron Founder Justin Sun Buys $6.2M Banana Artwork, Plans to Eat It
-
Entertainment6 hours ago
“I Really Have A Thing For Short Skirts And Dresses” – Falz Says In An Interview
-
News8 hours ago
ACF Criticizes Tinubu’s Policies, Highlights Northern Challenges
-
News6 hours ago
Nigerian Man Sentenced to Six Years in U.S. Prison for $6M Medicaid Bribery Scam