National Anthem: Nigeria’s name, flag should also be changed – Mike Ozekhome

Published

8 months ago

May 30, 2024

Rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof Mike Ozekhome, has described Nigeria’s return to the old national anthem as a welcome development.

According to him, the change of the national anthem was long overdue.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Ozekhome said he was elated by Nigeria’s return to the old national anthem, 10 years after he moved a motion for it at the 2014 National Conference.

“Bringing the old National Anthem back is well overdue. It has better lyrics in content and context, like the Senate President said. It is better than the other one,” he said.

“The name Nigeria and the flag should also be changed.”

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed the National Anthem Bill 2024, into law to reinstate the old anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”

Katsina: Bandits kidnap ex-NYSC DG, nine others

Published

2 minutes ago

February 6, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Bandits have reportedly kidnapped the former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brgd. Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, in the early hours of Thursday.

The bandits also killed one person and abducted at least nine others, even as they were said to have ransacked several homes, carting away valuables.

The bandits attacked at 12.30am on Thursday, as eyewitness reports have it that the armed hoodlums stormed the community, shooting sporadically to scare residents.

Our correspondent contacted the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, to confirm the attack but said he “can’t talk now” in an SMS.

Details soon…

News

JUST IN: Reps Committee Propose 31 New States

Published

11 minutes ago

February 6, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has proposed the creation of 31 new states in Nigeria.

If approved, Nigeria will have 67 states in total. The proposal was announced in a letter read during Thursday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chaired the session in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

Under the proposal, six new states would be added to the North Central region, four to the North East, five to the North West, five to the South East, four to the South South, and seven to the South West.

The letter read in part, “The committee proposes the creation of 31 new states. As amended, this section outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled to initiate the process of state creation, which include the following:

1. New state and boundaries

An act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if it requires support by at least the third majority of members.

“2. The House of Representatives, the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and the Local Government Council in respect of the area are received by the National Assembly.

“Local government advocates for the creation of additional local government areas are only reminded that Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, applies to this process.

Specifically, in accordance with Section 8 (3) of the Constitution, the outcome of the votes of the State Houses of Assembly in the referendum must be forwarded to the National Assembly for fulfilment of state demands.

“Proposals shall be resubmitted in strict adherence to the stipulations. Submit three hard copies of the full proposal of the memoranda to the Secretariat of the Committee at Room H331, House of Representatives, White House, National Assembly Complex, and Abuja.

Sub-copies must also be sent electronically to the Committee’s email address at info.hccr.gov.nj. For further information or contact, please contact the Committee Clerk at 08069-232381.

“The committee remains committed to supporting the implementing efforts that align with the Constitutional provisions and would only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines. This is coming from the Clerk of the Committee on Constitutional Review

The proposed new states are Okun, Okura and Confluence states from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa states from Benue; FCT state; Amana state from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi states and Savannah states from Borno and Muri State from Taraba.

Others are New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna State; Tiga and Ari from Kano, and Kainji from Kebbi State; Etiti and Orashi as the 6th state in the South East Adada from Enugu, Orlu and Aba from the South East.

Also included are Ogoja from Cross River State, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers; Torumbe from Ondo; Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun state as well as Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun States.

News

SAD! Veteran Nollywood Actor, Columbus Irisoanga ‘Igbudu’ is dead

Published

14 minutes ago

February 6, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Veteran actor, Columbus Irisoanga is dead.

His family made this disclosure via a statement saying:

“It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we report the passing of Nollywood actor Columbus Irisoanga.

” The talented actor has left this world to be with his fore-fathers beyond, as he passed away in the early hours of today at 1am.

“Columbus Irisoanga was a well-known figure in the Nigerian film industry, having appeared in numerous movies and TV shows that have touched the hearts of many. His performances were always captivating, and his presence on screen will be greatly missed.

“His sudden departure has left his fans and colleagues in shock and disbelief. Columbus Irisoanga will always be remembered for his talent, dedication, and passion for his craft. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Columbus Irisoanga’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

“May he rest in peace and may his soul find eternal peace in the arms of his fore-fathers beyond.

The deceased actor was popularly called Igbudu