Compliments of the season! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Following the death of Governor Akeredolu of Ondo State, at least five of his aides tendered their resignations. Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as the new governor. The resignations, including that of the infrastructure and housing commissioner, cited conscience and loyalty to Akeredolu as reasons. Some aides of Akeredolu resigned, expressing reluctance to work with the new governor. There were prior tensions within the cabinet, with some members not cooperating during Aiyedatiwa’s acting governorship. Aiyedatiwa is reportedly searching for a deputy governor, considering options like the Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources.
2. Terrorists operating in Plateau State have issued a fresh threat of attacks on the Pushit community in Mangu Local Government Area. The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Middle Belt Forum, Stanley Kavwam, confirmed the threat, revealing that a letter predicting the attack was received. The warning comes after gunmen attacked 17 communities on Christmas eve, resulting in 196 casualties across Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu Local Government Areas. The identity of the attackers is unknown, with allegations of complicity involving some stakeholders, hindering security efforts to address the ongoing violence.
3. Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has signed into law a bill establishing the Sokoto Community Guard Corps, aimed at addressing insecurity, particularly banditry, in the state. The governor said that the outfit is not intended to compete with the police but is designed to complement existing security efforts. He highlighted the corps’ role in supporting conventional security outfits and urged security agencies to collaborate with and support the community guard corps in ensuring the safety of the populace.
4. Lafarge Africa, a cement producer, has launched impactful projects in its host communities—Ashaka in Gombe State, Mfamosing in Cross River State, and Ewekoro in Ogun State. The projects, part of the company’s annual Community Day celebration, focus on students, farmers, and the elderly. Initiatives include school infrastructure projects, agricultural ecology projects, food palliatives, scholarships, solar borehole drilling, road rehabilitation, clinic conversion, and medical outreach programs.
5. There is increasing anticipation as Afua Asantewaa attempts to break the current Guinness World Record for the longest singing marathon by an individual. The existing record, held by India’s Sunil Waghmare, is 105 hours. Afua began her singing marathon on December 24, 2023, in Akwaaba Village, Accra, and is now into the sixth day of her feat. Notable personalities, including showbiz stars like Mr. Eazi and the country’s vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, have attended the event to show their support, drawing a large crowd.
6. Steve Varsano, the founder of a Jet business, has criticized car influencer Ola of Lagos for his private jet review advertisement. Ola had valued the jet at $16 million in the video. Varsano countered, stating that the jet is overpriced, considering it’s one of the oldest in corporate aviation. He suggested a reasonable price of $5 million, and expressed that Ola of Lagos should refrain from reviewing airplanes.
7. Nigerian singer Johnny Drille has joyfully announced the birth of his daughter, Amaris, through an Instagram post. The child was born on November 17, making her six weeks old. Drille expressed awe at the experience of fatherhood and praised his wife, Rima Tahini, for her strength during the challenging months. The couple had previously announced their marriage on July 4, 2023, with Drille sharing pictures of their wedding on Instagram.
