News

Nollywood actress, Sola Sobowale denies drug trafficking, death rumours

Published

8 months ago

May 1, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Nollywood veteran, Sola Sobowale, has thrown light on the rumour surrounding her alleged arrest for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia.

The 58-year-old thespian recalled that when she left Nigeria for the United Kingdom, lots of negative things were said about her, including reports that she was killed in the Gulf nation

Sobowale stated these in a live chat on the ‘Teju Baby Face Show’ on Tuesday.

“God has compensated me because there were so many things written about me when I left the shores of Nigeria – so many negative things,” Sobowale said.

She, however, said the negative reports did not bother her, saying, “So far I’m at peace with God, then I’m good.

“Remember, when I was in the UK doing my thing, they wrote a lot of things in Nigerian newspapers – from grace to grass.”

She equally recalled how her name was dragged in the mud as reports had it that she was selling food in a London restaurant owned by her elder sister, Kike Oyelami.

“So, I go there anytime I’m off work. I make eba, pound yam and help my sister to serve food. They saw me. They wrote ‘Sola Sobowale now sells eba,” she chuckled.

Sobowale stated these in a live chat on the ‘Teju Baby Face Show’ on Tuesday.

“God has compensated me because there were so many things written about me when I left the shores of Nigeria – so many negative things,” Sobowale said.

She, however, said the negative reports did not bother her, saying, “So far I’m at peace with God, then I’m good.

“Remember, when I was in the UK doing my thing, they wrote a lot of things in Nigerian newspapers – from grace to grass.”

She equally recalled how her name was dragged in the mud as reports had it that she was selling food in a London restaurant owned by her elder sister, Kike Oyelami.

“So, I go there anytime I’m off work. I make eba, pound yam and help my sister to serve food. They saw me. They wrote ‘Sola Sobowale now sells eba,” she chuckled.

The Ondo State-born veteran, noted for her versatility in movie roles, added that some people said she was working as a cleaner in a restaurant in London.

She narrated that she wasn’t displeased with those comments even as she formerly owned a restaurant in Nigeria – Sola’s Kitchen, before finally taking a career in acting.

However, the worst lie, according to the thespian, was when some publications said she had been killed in Saudi Arabia for drug trafficking.

She said sarcastically, “They killed me in Saudi Arabia that I carried cocaine. They got me arrested and there, they amputated my leg, my hand, and I said to them that I’m a star in Nigeria. And because of that, I said they should kill me and they did.”

The actress who starred in the Kemi Adetiba-directed movie, ‘King of Boys,’ noted that when she arrived in Nigeria, she debunked the story, adding that she never knew where Saudi Arabia lies on the map.

Sobowale also noted the significance of parents creating time to tend to their children’s needs while recounting how her parents had cared for her and other siblings.

She credited her parent’s good legacy with having influenced her keen stance on giving proper training to her wards.

The veteran actress affirmed that she gave up her career for her children, saying, “I gave it up. I didn’t even think of getting anything back,” noting that a time would come when she’d have to care for her children

News

Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.

This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.

News

Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.

This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.

During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”

The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.

Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:

Federal Medical Centre, Bida
Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
Federal College of Education, Yola
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Cross River Basin Development Authority
Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
National Examination Council (NECO)
Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
Presidential Amnesty Programme
Galaxy Backbone
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals

Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.

The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.

News

Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for the revitalization and strengthening of the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.

Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam, stated this at the joint sitting of Public Accounts Committees of Senate and House and inauguration of an Adhoc Committee for the reconvening of NAPAC at the National Assembly on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Public Accounts Committees at both federal and state levels.

Formed in 2014, NAPAC comprises 38 chapters nationwide, including the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate, House of Representatives, and all 36 State Houses of Assembly, Rep. Salam noted that the Association has been dormant in recent years, necessitating urgent action to restore its relevance.

He stated, “This Association is a pivotal platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, in recent times, the Association’s activities have been dormant, necessitating the need for a quick revitalization.

“It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the vital responsibility of reconvening the meeting of NAPAC.”

Salam outlined committee’s objectives, including reviving NAPAC’s activities, adopting innovative strategies to combat corruption, and collaborating with anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the media.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships with continental and regional associations such as AFROPAC, WAPAC, and SADCOPAC for capacity building and knowledge sharing.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with collective effort, unwavering commitment, and an unshakeable faith in our nation’s potential, I am confident that we shall succeed,” he added.

In an interaction with journalists, thr Committee chairman, stressed plans to engage with the Auditor General of the Federation and Accountant General of the Federation to address delays in submitting reports on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Of course, Nigerians should expect that we’re going to have more productivity, especially in consideration of the report of the Auditor General,” he said.

He noted that only the 2021 Auditor General’s report is currently before the National Assembly, a situation he described as inconsistent with constitutional provisions. Salam expressed the committee’s determination to ensure Nigeria catches up with the 2022 and 2023 reports by next year.

He added, “We’ll also be able to bring more of these agencies of government in line to ensure that all monies appropriated by the National Assembly are spent judiciously, efficiently, and in a lawful manner.”