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Morenikeji Adeleke, a popular gospel singer, also known as Egbin Orun, is dead.
This was confirmed in an Instagram post on Sunday by her colleague Esther Igbekele
Igbekele expressed shock and sadness, stating, “Egbin Orun departed suddenly without bidding farewell.”
According to Igbekele, they had recently spoken, not knowing of the impending tragedy.
She praised Egbin Orun’s beauty, kindness, and strong support for her ministry.
“I got home from my program to hear about this great loss. Prophetess Morenikeji Egbin Orun you left without saying goodbye..
“We spoke together last week not knowing you are about to embark on a journey to the great beyond. You are such a beautiful and kind-hearted woman and a very good supporter of my ministry.
“I am deeply saddened by your demise but God knows best. You will be greatly missed and your good deeds will continue to linger in our hearts.
“Ah Egbin Orun. Good night! Keep resting in the bosom of Christ. Ah Gone too soon..Yeeee.”
As at the time of this report, the cause of her death remains undisclosed and no official statement has been issued.
Hit the streets after birth…to make ends meet
There is no time the popular cliche: ‘no food for lazy man’, comes closer to the fore than in the daily life of every Nigerian, in these times.
The economy is so telling on Nigerians that survival is more miraculous than strategic.
However, Nigerians, known for resilience, are also strategically plotting to survive by any means.
Though the cliche singles out men, even women have realised that what touches the eye affects the nose, eventually. So, they are also doubling their survival strategies.
To that extent, even pregnant women, who always look forward to three months of post-partum rest, popularly known as ‘maternity leave’, after delivery, now shun the idea. For them, that three months shouldn’t be wasted for a people whose survival depends on what they make daily.
The usual practice, before the economy doubled down hardship on Nigerians, was that women working in private organisations earn a month or two months of post-partum care leave.
Those in government parastatals earn a compulsory three-month pre-natal leave.
But the struggle for survival has made most of them abandon this important aspect of rest to be able to shore up their means of survival.
Economy&Lifestyle has discovered that nursing mothers now spend only eight days after childbirth, to begin their business activities.
Mrs. Beatrice Akere, a hairstylist, said that she resumed work after 10 days of post-partum rest because she had to meet up with her targets for the year, in terms of savings.
“I am a mother of two children. My second child is just two months old. After giving birth to him, I rested for only ten days. Within those ten days, I was still attending to little business.
“After ten days, I resumed work because I am a hairstylist.
“The amount my husband and I spent on hospital bills was too much. But I thank God we are fine.
“I have to start working to be able to meet our target (savings) for the year and also assist him with other bills because the baby was not something we planned for.”
Mrs. Hannah Chukwuma, a seamstress, said she only observed for two weeks as she and her husband could hardly afford money for transport fare to bring her mother from the East to take part in Omugwo.
“You know what we all are experiencing in this country. You can hardly feed and foot bills because the price of everything keeps increasing. I am a receptionist in a hotel and also make women’s outfits as a side hustle.
“After delivery,my mother was to come for my Omugwo. But the transport fare from the East is high. So I told her not to bother coming.
“An elderly woman in my church helped with the bathing of the baby till his christening day.
“I took it up from there and rested for two more days before starting to make outfits which I had collected from my customers a few days before childbirth to avoid disappointing them.
“This is because I have spent their part payment. ”
People in the Eastern parts coined the name Omugwo for postpartum rest .
Omugwo is a traditional rite observed in the East. Here the mother of either the wife or husband is expected to take care of the newborn and mother for three months helping with the house chores, and bathing for the baby and its mother among other things.
At the end of the Omugwo, the mother leaves with various goodies.
But in this economy where there is a continuous rise in goods and services, low salaries, increased unemployment, low sales coupled with the high cost of transportation such rite has entered into oblivion.
Mrs. Foluke Hakeem, whose daughter gave birth in February said she couldn’t visit her daughter for Omugwo until the end of last month.
She noted that her daughter who lives in Abuja said her husband couldn’t afford her transport fare then and she had to just see her grandchildren through video call.
She added: “When I arrived in Abuja, I was shocked to see my daughter going to her place of business with her children after observing post-partum rest for just three weeks.
“I had to help her for a few weeks before I left because my business was also at stake.
“These young women nowadays don’t even know the importance of resting after birth.
“It helps to put the body in shape and allows the mother to regain herself after childbirth.
“Even those who were operated upon during childbirth hardly spend three months which is very very risky to their health.
“I don’t blame them. It is what the country has turned us into.
“Nowadays, you see women being the breadwinner of the family while the husband wastes away in a beer parlor everyday.
“She gets older than her age easily because the blood she has wasted during childbirth can never be regained as she loses blood monthly.
“Some even hardly visit the hospital for check ups after birth all in the name of looking for money.
“Some only attend postnatal schedules in the hospital when the home remedies applied to either the mother or newborn are not effective. Imagine such a risk.
“It is only God that will help us.”
According to the World Health Organization,WHO, the postpartum period is critical in the lives of mothers and babies due to the risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
The Nigeria Demographic Health Survey 2018, showed that only 38 per cent of women and 42 per cent of newborns received a postnatal check in the first two days after birth.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended that postpartum women should have contact with healthcare providers within 24 hours, at day 3, days 10–14 and 6 weeks post-delivery.
It noted that multiple postnatal clinic (PNC) visits will allow assessment and prompt treatment of complications arising from delivery.”
Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, blocked manager Carlo Ancelotti’s request to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham last summer, according to Relevo.
Ancelotti had made Kane his top target ahead of this season.
It is believed signing the England captain was even a bigger priority for him than landing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
Ancelotti was looking to replace Karim Benzema, who left as a free agent for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
But Perez refused to sanction the move, as he has set his sights on signing Kylian Mbappe this year.
Peres was willing to let Madrid play without a real number nine, before signing Mbappe on a free transfer.
Kane ended up joining Bayern Munich and has scored 42 goals in as many games in all competitions, helping Thomas Tuchel’s team to the Champions League semi-finals, where they will come up against Madrid.
Paris St Germain, PSG, were crowned Ligue 1 champions for a record-extending 12th time on Sunday, as their third straight title was wrapped up.
This was following another dominant domestic campaign when second-placed AS Monaco lost 3-2 at Olympique Lyonnais.
PSG, who missed the chance to secure the title on Saturday when they drew 3-3 draw with Le Havre, have 70 points, 12 ahead of Monaco with three games remaining.
“Winning the league is fantastic, but winning Ligue 1 for the twelfth time is even more special for everyone connected to Paris Saint-Germain.
“We’re going to enjoy this moment as a family. And also keep working hard, game after game, until the last moment of the season,” PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi said on the club’s website.
Monaco were the only side left who could prevent PSG lifting the title, but their faint hopes were extinguished in Lyon as they fell to their first defeat in nine games, despite taking an early lead.
The visitors scored with a little over 20 seconds on the clock, with Wissam Ben Yedder tapping home Takumi Minamino’s cross at the back post.
But Monaco were 2-1 down within 25 minutes through goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Said Benrahma.
Ben Yedder brought the sides level again on the hour mark, heading home a floated ball into the box by Youssouf Fofana.
But it was Lyon who found a winner six minutes from time with Malick Fofana scoring from outside the area.
After Saturday’s draw which kept the champagne on ice, PSG manager Luis Enrique was unconcerned, safe in the knowledge that their far superior goal difference meant the title was all but assured.
“We’re champions. I don’t care if there’s a party or not.
“We have a goal difference of plus 29 on the second place, I already feel like champions. Even if we don’t score any more points, we’ll be champions,” the coach said.
The Spaniard, who took over at PSG at the end of last season, was proved right, as they secured their 10th title in 12 seasons without having to play another game.
The champions have suffered just one league defeat this season, against Nice in September and while they made a slow start to their campaign, once they took top spot after matchday 12, they never looked back.
PSG went 3-1 down to relegation battling Le Havre, but a Goncalo Ramos goal late in added time salvaged a point, and extended their unbeaten league run to 26 games, but the manager said that didn’t concern him.
“I don’t care if I’m undefeated. That goal gave us the title.
“That, and for the rage I had because we didn’t play much. We’re missing two titles, we’re going to do everything we can to get them,” Luis Enrique said.
PSG are still involved in the Champions League, and they also have the Coupe de France final against Lyon to come, in what could turn out to be the club’s finest ever season.
Striker Kylian Mbappe is leaving at the end of the campaign, and would love to bow out on a high, and this season is already his best in terms of goals scored, netting 43 times in all competitions.
It has long been PSG’s goal to win the Champions League, but few expected it in the manager’s first season.
Now that the league title is secured, the treble-bid is on, beginning on Wednesday with the semi-final first leg against Borussia Dortmund. (Reuters/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has said their remaining two away fixtures at Fulham and Tottenham will be “difficult.”
Guardiola was speaking after they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 on Sunday.
The result keeps City one point behind leaders Arsenal, although they have one game in hand.
On the remainder of the season, Guardiola said: “Everything can happen, Liverpool have dropped points in the last few games but that can happen to us, can happen to Arsenal, so tough games for everyone. Fulham away and Spurs away will be difficult.
“I would prefer not to have a long week [off] and to play the Champions League semi final.
“But in the circumstances we have two or three days to recover and prepare for all the finals that we have.”
Famous Nigerian singer Divine Ikubor, aka Rema, has insinuated that he is on the same level as Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.
Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido are widely regarded as the biggest Nigerian/Afrobeats artists in the world and are jointly referred to as the “Big 3.”
Rema is now laying claims to the elite list. In a recent X post, the ‘Calm Down’ crooner asserted that he is now in that league when he wrote: “No more Big 3 there’s now a Big 4.”
His post elicited mixed reactions, with many concurring with him while others insisted that despite his stream and chart successes, he needs years of consistency to earn it.
Popular dancehall singer and a former member of the defunct Plantashun Boiz group, Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo aka Blackface, has stated that he does not see the possibility of the group reuniting.
The Plantashun Boiz group, which included Blackface, 2Face aka 2Baba, and Faze, was dominant in the Nigerian music scene from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s. In 2004, the group went their separate ways, and they reunited again in 2007 but later split.
Speaking in a recent interview with Channels TV, Blackface made it clear that there was very little chance of the group reuniting again.
He added that if a reunion was possible it would have long happened.
He said, “I don’t see that [Plantashun Boiz reunion] happening. If it is something that would have happened, the members would have deemed it fit to sit down and discuss going forward. Of which they haven’t done and don’t want to do. I don’t want to cajole someone into doing what they don’t want to do.”
On his relationship with his former bandmates, Blackface said, “I talk to Faze and I talk to brothers of Innocent Idibia [2Baba]. His family are all my friends. But personally me and him we have nothing to discuss. It has to be business. There is no need waiting for who is not ready to be committed to a project.”
In a strategic move to enhance economic growth, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) has announced the creation of a $10 billion Nigeria Diaspora Fund. The initiative is designed to harness the potential of diaspora investments in bolstering the Nigerian private sector.
During a recent press conference, Minister Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite revealed that the fund aims to attract significant foreign direct investment into the country. The government has formed a committee to develop a comprehensive framework for this ambitious project, reflecting a proactive approach to economic revitalization.
Eligibility to manage the fund is a competitive process, and firms interested in participating are required to demonstrate robust credentials. The key requirements outlined by the FMITI for potential fund managers include:
1. Firm Profile: Detailed information on incorporation, ownership structure, management team, performance history, and branch locations.
2. Staff Competency: Evidence of staff expertise relevant to fund management.
3. Investment History: Data on successfully exited investments over the past three years, including strategy, size, and returns.
4. Current Portfolio: Details on existing investments such as sector focus, company descriptions, investment types, targets, terms, and status.
5. Fund Interest Justification: Explicit interest in managing the Nigeria Diaspora Fund, with reasons.
6. Networking Capability: Existing relationships with both local and international investors.
7. Geographic Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and their funding landscapes.
8. Opportunity Profiling: Ability to identify investment opportunities across all Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory.
9. Operational Readiness: Availability to manage and direct funding inquiries nationwide.
10. Application Process: Submission guidelines requiring a combined digital and physical application by May 6, 2024, marked “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: NIGERIA DIASPORA FUND.”
Applications are expected to be sent to the Federal Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Investment at their headquarters on the 12th Floor of the Bank of Industry Building, Abuja. Submissions can also be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information, visit [www.nigeriadiasporafund.gov.ng](http://www.nigeriadiasporafund.gov.ng).
This fund represents a critical step towards leveraging the Nigerian diaspora community’s potential to foster substantial economic impacts through strategic investments.
50kg Bag Of Foreign Rice Now Sells For N57K and N58K As Prices Of Foodstuff Drop In Adamawa, Borno, Yobe (See details)
AFOLABI
Prices of some foodstuffs have recorded a drop in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states.
A survey of the prices conducted by NAN in some markets in Yola, Maiduguri, and Damaturu towns indicated that the prices of some foodstuffs were lower in April when compared to February and March.
In Yola Central Market, a bag of 50kg foreign rice which sold between N80,000 and N85,000 two months ago, now sells for between N57,000 and N58,000, while a bag of 100 kg of beans which sold for N110,000 is now N100,000.
Guinea corn which is another staple food in Adamawa, now goes for N55,000 for a 100kg bag as against N60,000 two months ago.
Malam Suleiman Adamu, a trader in the market who deals in pasta, said a big carton of spaghetti which sold for N13,500 two months ago, now sells for N12,800, while that of Indomie, which sold at N15,000, now sells for N13,500.
Adamu associated the decrease with the recent rise in the value of the Naira and urged the government to sustain the tempo.
Dr Mohammed Tukur, a lecturer at the Adamawa State Polytechnic, Yoĺa, urged the government to put in mechanisms that would control the prices of essential commodities to ensure access and affordability for the citizenry.
In Yobe, a bag of 100kg white beans now costs N75,000 as against N110,000, while that of red beans goes for N95,000 as against N130,000.
Similarly, a bag of 50kg local rice has dropped from N65,000 to N45,000, while a bag of 100kg Guinea corn dropped from N60,000 to N50,000.
Alhaji Abdullahi Garin-Dayi, Chairman of the Grain Sellers Association in the market, said the drop could also be associated with farmers who needed cash to prepare for the next cropping season.
At Bayan Tasha market in Damaturu, the Chairman of the traders association, Alhassan Ibrahim, said a 50kg bag of local rice now sells for N45,000 as against N65,000 while a bag of sugar has also dropped from N80,000 to N78,000.
Ibrahim said that a 25-litre jerry can of cooking oil goes for N44,000 as against N60,000.
In Maiduguri, a 50kg bag of foreign rice goes for N70,000 as against N80,000 while local rice goes for N63,000.
A 100kg bag of maize, which used to sell at N75,000, is now N64,000 while millet retains its price of N64,000, and a sack of onion which sold for N35,000 is now between N15,000 to N15,000.
However, a basket of tomatoes that sold for N9,000 two months ago has risen to N18,000 while a sack of Atargu (pepper) has risen from N52,000 to N65,000. (NAN)
Big Brother Titans reality star Yvonne Godwin has recounted how she destroyed her ex-boyfriend’s car and pilot uniforms for being reluctant to marry her.
She revealed that her pilot ex-boyfriend kept their relationship secret which didn’t sit down well with her.
Appearing on the Cool FM programme, The Big Friday Show With Tach, Yvonne disclosed that when she confronted him about it, he said he was waiting for his elder sister to get married before taking their relationship seriously.
Angered by his excuse, the reality star said she burst his car tires, smashed his windscreen, and poured Jik on all his pilot uniforms.
She said, “One day I confronted him, I told him, ‘You’re hiding something. It’s either you’re married somewhere or… Because why are you hiding me?’
“I caused trouble; I burst his tires, smashed his windscreen, he was a pilot so I poured Jik on all his uniforms. Youthful exuberance. I was young.
“He wasn’t married. He just wasn’t as serious as I was. He wasn’t ready to show me. And his excuse was, ‘You know my elder sister is not yet married.’ He said he wanted his sister to get married first. It didn’t make sense to me.”
Yvonne is currently dating fellow BBTitans reality star, Juicy Jay from South Africa.
[DailyPost]
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If you think some courses are not relevant in Nigeria, I won’t say you’re wrong. Some even argue these courses are what they are, even before the advent of the internet. They’re not just feasible. The propagation of digitisation and technological advancement has made some fields more demanding. Yes, daily discoveries tend to relinquish the importance of so many fields in schools. Notwithstanding, some courses are still doing very well in the labour market—lucrative and relevant. Here is a list of the highest-paying courses in Nigeria you can consider anytime:
1. Law
If you want to study law, you must be very determined and be ready to put in the work. I won’t sugarcoat anything for you because this profession demands a lot of dedication. The aim of studying it should not be “I want to be a lawyer” — rather a question of “what kind of lawyer do you want to be?” You must consider the niche you’ll want to carve using the profession. What would distinguish you from every other lawyer? As a student, Law is a course you’ll never regret studying. It is prestigious and exposes one to different high-earning opportunities. You can’t deny that lawyers are very well respected in Nigeria; one of the reasons is their crucial role in society. On average, good lawyers earn between N1.8 to N18 million yearly.
2. Graphic Design
Technology improvement has made graphic design a formidable way of communicating in businesses, media and advertisement. It is a way of creating designs for a specific purpose that would be visually appealing. Currently, graphic designers are among the most sought-after people in advertising agencies, media organisations and design companies. You don’t have to contemplate; the future is bright, and technology has come to stay — it will only continue to improve. Studying graphic design gives you an edge, and you don’t have to wait until you finish the entire course before making a living. There are many tools available online to practice it. The yearly average salary of an outstanding graphic designer is N1.8 to N3.6 million.
3. Medicine
We cannot erode the fact that, as humans, we need to take medication if the need arises at any point in our lives. Medicine is highly regarded across the world. Even in Nigeria, you cannot be idle; you’ll find a place to work because it is very demanding. Becoming a medical professional and being excellent at it requires rigorous work. But never doubt the reward of this profession; you can decide to be a specialist rather than just a doctor working with organisations, hospitals, and clinic centres. Don’t limit your thinking to what you see around you; this is a high-paying course in Nigeria and it is relevant anywhere in the world. As a specialist, you can earn an average of N1 million to N4.5 million annually.
4. Information Technology
Technology has posed the need to have skilled professionals in companies and organisations. It has made information technology one of the courses that receive the highest pay. It entails knowledge and skills in developing and managing computer systems and networks. These are areas employers are looking for to foster the growth of their firms in meeting and competing well in the world of technological development. This course can equip you to get employment if you aim to be a software developer, database administrator, cyber security and Information Technology manager — the course is a good starting point. Per annum, you can earn between N1.7 to N2.3 million.
5. Electrical Engineering
If you’re interested in electrical control systems, power maintenance, and how telecommunications work, you should opt for this course. This is a field that can always be noticed because electrical power is a necessity. Electrical engineering is a course that would prepare you to work for companies in power generation and distribution, construction, transport networks, renewable energy, etc. You can dedicate your life to this field without regret or doubt. Your prowess will get you better opportunities after graduation. Electrical engineers tend to earn between N1.2 to N3.6 million per annum.
6. Computer Science
Computer science has proven to be one of the highest-paying courses over the years. This field is useful for every sector, even personally — the knowledge you get from it can shape how you handle tasks. You can be a software developer, data analyst, or anything concerning computational principles. You can specialise in artificial intelligence, numerical analysis, programming languages and database systems. The benefits of the course are enormous; you can work in technological companies and financial institutions and even create your own startup. In this digital age, computer scientists will continue to be relevant. Computer scientists earn N900,000 to N1.8 million per annum.
7. Estate Management
If you are interested in real estate, this course is for you. It will equip you to understand the legal use of land and how to manage and develop it. The real estate industry thrives very well in Nigeria; individuals, companies, and corporations hire estate experts to manage or sell their properties. You can be an adviser and investor in estate development. The average yearly earnings for a smart estate manager are around N1.2 million.
8. Petroleum Engineering
As a Nigerian, you should know petroleum is a very lucrative business. This course will enable you to understand every hydrocarbon-related activity, such as crude oil, gas, and other properties. In this sector, the salary structure is very encouraging; you can work for national and international companies. The growing need for energy has placed petroleum engineering as one of the most important and highest-paying courses in Nigeria. You can work as a drilling engineer, reservoir and production engineer. You can earn between N2.4 to N12 million per annum as a petroleum engineer.
Former Arsenal midfielder, Paul Merson, has said the team will beat Tottenham Hotspur in their North London Derby on Sunday.
The Gunners have a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League if they defeat their rivals.
Merson, speaking with Sky Sports, claimed that Mikel Arteta has better players than Spurs.
He said: “I expect Arsenal to win this game because Tottenham will play gung-ho football, almost saying you have a shot and then we have a shot.
“That won’t work against Arsenal – they’ve got better players than Tottenham. They’re a better team, more of a unit and they’ll win the football match.
“I can’t see anything but an Arsenal win knowing how Tottenham like to play.
“They just open the game up and say, ‘we’ll see who can score more goals’. That will be so hard to do against Arsenal, who are a far superior football team.”
[DailyPost]
![[INTERVIEW] I still want godly husband despite my past – 26-year-old sex worker](/media/k2/items/cache/2ec68419dd19fe121cbc4ded4c1e5985_XS.jpg)
A 26-year-old Ebonyi State lady, Chinaza Nwaezere, battling goitre (thyroid enlargement) decided to go into sex work to raise the money for her surgery after two failed businesses in Enugu State. She tells how life has been for her caring for her sick father and six younger siblings with the proceeds from the ‘business’ and why she wants to quit
Where are you from?
My name is Chinaza Nwaezere. I am 26 years old. I am from Abakiliki Local Government Area in Ebonyi State.
Did you go to school?
No, I did not finish secondary school. In fact, I stopped in JSS 1. I could not further my education because it was the period my mother died, and she was the breadwinner of the family.
What year was this?
This was in 2014.
Where is your dad?
My dad is alive, but my mother was the one taking care of the family.
How has life been since your mother’s passing?
Hmm… Life has been hard since she passed, especially as my dad is not really doing his work as a father. Everything is left for me and my siblings to hustle to make ends meet. We are just trying to survive.
When you said your father is not doing enough as a father, what did you mean?
My father is not capable of taking care of us.
Is he sick?
Yes, he is sick. He has been sick for many years, long before my mother’s demise. He has a heart condition, and because of that, he doesn’t do any hard work. He is just always at home because the doctors were very clear when they told him that he must avoid anything that would be classified as hard work. So, it has been me and my siblings struggling for the family.
We came together and gathered some money and opened a foodstuff business for him. That is what he does in Enugu. Although the business is very small and barely makes any profit, at least, my father can come out, interact with people, and make some sales so he will not just be lonely at home. He has been doing this business for a few years.
How many siblings do you have?
We are eight children. I am the second child. I have seven other siblings. Our last child should be around 11 years or so and he is still in school.
You mentioned you have an elder sister; where is she?
She is in Enugu. She is married with kids. She is a fashion designer. The burden of taking care of the family falls squarely on both our shoulders. My dad particularly relies on me so much and I have to do anything I have to do to provide, and all this was part of the reason I started sex work. My dad believed that, even if my siblings would not be able to give him any money for upkeep, I should be able to give him. We are really close.
How have you been able to live up to this responsibility?
Hmmm… It has not been easy. I was into food business. I sold food by the roadside in Enugu, but the business was not going as planned. It was not yielding much profit because the weight of the entire family was on it. It was from that business I took care of seven of my siblings and my father as well. The business collapsed before it even started. I also tried to do baking but it was not profitable to me. The money I was getting was not enough to take care of myself and my family.
It was around that period of my confusion that I was introduced to the ‘hustle’. I started hustling.
What do you mean by ‘hustling’?
I started hookup (sex work) in Enugu but had to relocate to Asaba, Delta State. I didn’t work for up to one week before I relocated to Asaba.
Why?
It was someone who told me to move to Asaba. She said the business there would be more profitable than Enugu. I also wasn’t feeling okay there, because that is where my family is based. I was staying with my dad and had to lie to him every night and I didn’t like it. I had to just decide to either stop it and return to poverty or move to Asaba and make some money.
I had to lie to my dad that I had a job in Asaba. He was so happy. He told me to kneel and he prayed for me before I left. He doesn’t really know what I am doing there.
What year exactly did you move to Asaba?
I moved in January 2024. I have only been in Asaba for four months.
How much have you made in four months?
The thing is that it is not every day I normally go out for this kind of stuff. There is also an issue of police clampdown. They are everywhere here, disturbing us. I had to stop for a while because of the police palaver. They are really disturbing girls here. I was squatting with a friend of mine here but she drove me out of the house, saying that she couldn’t accommodate me if I was not bringing money into the house for some basic things. I became homeless for a while before I got to the place where I am squatting now. I pay N11,000 here every week.
In a month, I may hustle for just two weeks. The money that I get, I will try to save. The money that they are paying me here is not even big.
How much do you charge for your services?
I can tell a man that a night with me is N30,000. They will beat it down to around N10,000. If it is okay by me, I will go with the man.
What is the highest that you have been paid in a night?
The highest? I don’t know. If it is someone that I have looked at from afar and weighed his pocket, I can demand N50,000 or N40,000, and they may beat it down to N30,000 which is my regular charge. But, it is not that simple.
At what point did you notice that you had goitre?
It started developing in my body in 2022. I just woke up and noticed I had a swelling. I thought it was just neck pain or sore throat. I went to a pharmacy and got medication for a case of sore throat. But, it kept growing bigger. I carried it for the entire year and even into 2023. It was in 2023 that the pain became unbearable as the swelling got really bigger. It has been weighing me down. This is the major thing that made me say I must take it out.
It is really disturbing me. It is giving me reactions in my body.
Have you gone to the hospital?
Yes, I have. I did that in 2023. When I got there, the nurses said I would have to see the doctor. That day, I was unable to see the doctor because the crowd was too large. I had to leave. It was the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. But, the thing normally itches me on my skin. Sometimes, it will itch me and I will have to scratch my body even in public. It makes me so uncomfortable. It has also made me develop a difficulty in breathing.
How have you managed to do your sex work in this condition?
It is not really an easy thing for me. Most times, people don’t know I am sick. If I come out at night for my work, some guys will see me and ask me what happened to my eyeballs. My eyeballs are almost popping out of their sockets because of this goitre. If I tell them, they will just give me some money and go and carry someone else. But, some of them may not look at me very well and they will carry me. When I get to the hotel room, the pain in my neck will be much but I have no choice.
Once I lie down with it to start the job, I always feel excruciating pain, but I just deal with it. I brace up and focus on the money I am going to be paid, knowing that, once I gather enough money, I will stop the work. I have just been managing because nobody will feed me.
Sometimes, when the guys in the hotel room notice that I have a swollen neck, they will ask me what the problem is and they’d just give me some money and not touch me. Most of them are afraid that I may have some disease that they may contract. Some are also scared to touch me so I don’t die in their eyes.
How much did the doctors say it will cost to treat you?
Before I relocated to Asaba this January, I went to a private clinic in Enugu, and the doctor, after many tests, said it was a surgery that I required and that it would cost N700,000. This was earlier in the year, and I don’t know if this has increased. I also went to the hospital two days ago to see a doctor and he has done some scans on my neck, and gave me some medication to be taking while waiting for the test results. They said it will go on Monday, they will tell us the next thing to do.
Are your family members aware that this is the kind of work you do to bring in money for their upkeep?
My father and younger siblings are not aware. My elder sister is aware. She has not told me directly that she knows but I know she does. She is a lady, she knows ‘what’s up’. She knows I don’t have any job I am doing so there is no way I will be bringing in money if it is not through sex work. There are some things she tells me that make me really sad.
What do you want Nigerians to do in this matter?
God really knows my heart that this is not what I wish to do with my life. I want to become healthy and go back to my food business and baking. There is no day that I don’t use to pray for God to forgive me and send my destiny helper for me. God finally did it for me when I met this content creator, Comicmiss2, who interviewed me and published it on her Facebook page.
I remember that one prophet came to me when I was waiting for a customer one day and told me that if I didn’t stop this work, I would die untimely from it. I told him that I would not die because God knows it is not my wish or intention to do this work. This is why when most guys carry me, after giving me the money, they will take it and run away.
Are you promising that if the surgery is done, you will not go back to the streets again?
I am promising the whole world that once the surgery is done and I come out, I will quit prostitution. I have even quit since my story went viral and donations started pouring in. There is no gain in this business. No gain at all. I know many girls who have lost their lives on this job.
Doesn’t it scare you sometimes that you may end up dead like one of these girls you speak of?
It does, but what do I do? Life itself is a risk. I have had many bad experiences myself but I am glad I have not lost my life. Some men will carry me, and when I get to the hotel room, they will have sex with me and beat me up after that. Some will even beat me during intercourse because it is the way they enjoy it. Or, is the ones that will sleep with me and still do me fake transfer? More than once, guys have carried me and done fake transfers for me after everything.
One time, one guy carried me and paid me N25,000. While I was sleeping, he opened my purse and stole the money. So, he slept with me and still stole from me. Some will even beat you and collect the money back. Where do I even start? The street is a mixed breed. You will meet good people and bad people. Some people will just give me money and leave the hotel room for me. They will not even touch me.
Most of the girls doing this sex work have stories to tell. None of them likes what they are doing. They have killed many many girls on these streets. Many have gone missing, but God is still keeping me alive. God knows I want to stop it. I would not want my children to go into this business. It is not a good thing. “Hook-up” is not a good thing. Many people are doing it for a reason. I know how many times I have escaped kidnappers and ritualists.
Can you remember any particular incident?
No, I cannot. I don’t want to talk about that.
What advice do you have for people who feel ‘hook-up’ is the only answer?
I pray that God should have mercy on them. There is no life in this business. There is no gain at all. The best option is to quit. The money got from ‘hook-up’ is not good money; it disappears mysteriously. Whatever money they have made from the business, they should use it to do something for themselves. For how long do they want to continue doing it before they settle down? By that time, no man will even talk to you about marriage.
So, that means you still dream of a day when a man would propose marriage to you?
Of course, yes. Yes! I want to get married like other ladies outside there. Most girls get married on these streets. Most prostitutes get their husbands here. Good men! But, I won’t get my own husband from the streets. I want a god-fearing man. I have left ‘hook-up’ totally and god will give me my own good man.
In a not-too-subtle competition for influence, Titilola and Ngozi, the two wives of the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, locked horns, each claiming to be the First Lady of the state.
Titilola, reputed to be the governor’s first wife, proudly bears the traditional title of Yeye Soludero of Ila Orangun in Osun State. She was honoured with the NET Ambassador award in 2023.
The governor’s other wife, Ngozi, from Dimorji Obokwe Mbieri in Imo State, was named the Face of Adire by former president Olusegun Obasanjo. She also recently received the United Nations Peace Ambassador award.
On April 22, 2024, two viral photos of the posters bearing the photos of the wives of the governor welcoming Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to the state went viral on social media.
Senator Tinubu was billed to be in Osogbo, the state capital, the next day for the inauguration of the Alternative High School for Girls at Oke D.O, Ilesha Road.
The inscription on the poster bearing Ngozi’s photo read, “Welcome to the State of Living Spring. Experience the beauty of Osun State’s landscape,” and was signed off with her name as First Lady of the state.
In a separate poster, Titilola also welcomed Mrs Tinubu to the “Official turning of the sod ceremony of the Alternative High School for Girls at Oke D.O, Ilesha Road, Osogbo” signed off as First Lady of the state.
Checks by our correspondent showed that Ngozi and Titilola have the title “First Lady” clearly written on their X (formerly Twitter) bios, with the former conspicuously including the title in her X name.
Netizens differ
As the two fliers by Adeleke’s wives went viral, many social media users described the situation as confusing, while others lauded the First Lady title taken by both women.
A Facebook user, Anthony Alfred, wrote, “There’s nothing like first ladies in one family. The first wife is the first lady and the second wife is the second lady like that till the 700th lady or more. Moreover, when a man marries more than one wife, the office of the First Lady should be scrapped because of limited state resources.
Another Facebook user, OgoAdulawo, wrote, “Traditionally. In Yoruba culture, it is customary for the first wife to hold a position of authority over the other wives. As a result, the first wife is recognised as the foremost lady of Osun State, unless the governor intentionally designates a different individual for the title.
“It is worth noting that this cultural practice is deeply rooted within the social fabric of the Yoruba people and has been upheld for generations. Thus, it is important to acknowledge and respect this tradition’s significance and impact on the Yoruba culture.”
On his part, another netizen, Sirajudeen Abdulazeez, noted that the issue of a governor having more than one wife had never been an issue, so the two fliers inviting Senator Tinubu was not a problem.
“If the governor has more than one as is common with most sane African men then they are all first ladies. This has never been an issue in the country.
“Most northern governors have more than one wife and it has never generated any controversy. Besides, the Osun people are not complaining. Let’s do responsible and issue-based journalism. The women have not said they are fighting or competing. They are both first ladies.”
But another X user, Aderemi Bukola, said there were no constitutional provisions for the office of the first lady, so any political office holder could have as many first ladies as possible.
“One is only good to prevent confusion and scandals,” Bukola.
Flier bearing Ngozi’s photo fake – Gov’s aide
Following the controversy that greeted the two fliers, Governor Ademola Adeleke, through his spokesman, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, disowned the flier which purportedly came from the office of Mrs Ngozi.
Rasheed, in a statement on Monday (April 22, 2024), explained that Titilola was the First Lady, and would be the one to receive Tinubu’s wife during the visit.
He said, “The attention of Mr Governor has been drawn to fake news in circulation about conflict over who among the governor’s two wives is to host the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her official visit to the state tomorrow (Tuesday, April 23, 2024)
“For clarification, Chief (Mrs) Titilola Adeleke, the First Lady of Osun, is officially hosting the First Lady of the republic tomorrow in line with the directive of Mr Governor; there is no confusion on this official position.”
The governor’s aide further stated that the mastermind of the fake flier had been arrested.
“The flier circulating purportedly from the office of Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, the wife of the state governor, is fake news and the person behind it was nabbed and questioned last night.
“The said flier was never authorised by Erelu Ngozi Adeleke. The material was manufactured and shared by elements who wanted to sow discord and create an atmosphere of confusion,” he added.
Mrs Tinubu, Ooni recognise Osun ‘first ladies’
But the President’s wife, while speaking at the event, recognised the governor’s wives as first ladies.
“Let me also reiterate that Osun State was chosen as the location for this school through a transparent and unbiased raffle draw process at a strategic meeting with the state first ladies. So, rest assured that the siting of this school here in Osogbo, emanated from a fair process and it is a divinely guided one,” Mrs Tinubu said.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, also acknowledged the role played by the governor’s wives in being a driving force behind the government.
“We will wait for you (Tinubu) over and over again for us to give you that honour. It’s very obvious that you are a unifier in this country; we can see all our first ladies behind our powerful political leaders, they are all sitting here, very gentle and amiable, they are the driving force behind all these political leaders that we are,” the monarch stated.
Adeleke’s wives not alone
Findings by Sunday PUNCH revealed that several state governors, aside from Adeleke, have more than one wife, but some of whom jointly lay claim to the title of the First Lady.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, is married to two wives, Zainab and Nafisa, who not only jointly run the office of the First Lady of the state, but also oversee two separate non-governmental agencies.
The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has two wives, Zulaihat and Fatima. Zulaihat is reputed to be the state’s First Lady while Fatima has the term, “Wife of the Executive Governor” written on her official Instagram and X profiles.
However, our correspondent sighted several pages and videos on different websites where the title of “First Lady” was used for the governor’s second wife, Fatima.
Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Yahaya, also has two wives – Asmau and Amina. Only Asmau is known as the official First Lady of the state.
Also included is the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who is married to Aishatu and Mariana. His first wife is officially recognised as the state’s First Lady.
Conversely, the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, who has two wives – Mariam and Zainab –stated that his wives “will not be part of the governance” and has not recognised either of them as First Lady.
An X user, MS Ingawa, who claimed to have personally met Radda’s two wives, wrote, “It’s actually funny for people to waste their energy on (an) office with no constitutional mandate to the extent that we measure the governor’s competence or ability based on the selection of the First Lady.
“The office is at the discretion of the elected governor who may choose to officially recognise it or not. Recognised or not, the wife (wives) of the governor will play almost (the) same role.
Ingawa said there had been governors in Nigeria whose wives were not known to the public.
“Some have more than one and nobody cares to know about them or even fight for the office on their behalf. It’s different in Katsina because all the two wives have a media presence. People tend to discuss more about what they see every day.”
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, a lawyer, Segun Oladejo, explained that the title had no constitutional backing but had been merely recognised due to its usage over the years.
“The office of the First Lady of the federation or the state doesn’t enjoy constitutional favour. It became recognised as a result of continuous and long usage by different administrations over the years.
“Coming on the stride of anti-corruption in 2015, (Former president, Muhammadu) Buhari, stated that he won’t have the office because it’s not recognised but we all know what became of it as Aisha used it to the fullest. There can only be one person occupying the office,” Oladejo said.