Yoruba Fuji musician, Alhaji Taye Adebisi, popularly known as Taye Currency, has declared that his popular Fuji colleague, Wasiu Alabi aka Pasuma, is his boss, while referring to his counterpart, Saheed Osupa, as his colleague.

Taye Currency made this known in an interview last week Thursday with Akede Ariya, during which he explained his relationship and how he met Pasuma.

According to him, he had never learned the art of Fuji music from Pasuma, but his love for him was unmatched, stressing the protege’s humility as one of the things that struck him.

He noted that he wasn’t in any altercation with Pasuma, alluding that it was just a mere misunderstanding.

“I met Pasuma in 1993, and since then we have been together. I didn’t learn Fuji music from him, I just love him because he is a humble person. It is not that I’m disrespecting him or anything. I wasn’t his drummer or backup singer. He was in Lagos, and I was in Ibadan. So, the controversy between us was caused by fan reactions. We are not fighting. Those who are insulting us are berating and disrespecting us.

“Anybody who has known each other for 30 years, even as a boss and a worker, is liable to have misunderstandings. We are not the first to have a misunderstanding, but it is our fans who are prolonging it. Pasuma is not a troublesome person, nor am I. So I have asked people the questions repeatedly; how did I insult Pasuma, what did I insult Pasuma with?

“Obesere, who is now a leader for us in Fuji music, is my brother. Saheed Osupa, on the other hand, is my colleague; I know him just as a singer. But Pasuma is my boss because I admit it,” he added.

Recall that in October 2024, the Ibadan-born singer disapproved of fans referring to Pasuma as his ‘father’ in the music industry.

He clarified that Pasuma was more like an elder brother to him and emphasised that he can’t father him.

These remarks ignited a flurry of online discussions, with Pasuma’s fans criticising him for the comments.

However, in a new plot twist, when Taye Currency met Pasuma in Mecca on Wednesday, during the ongoing Umrah 2025, he said his words were misinterpreted and expressed regret for any offence caused by his remarks.

In the viral video, he apologised to Pasuma and anyone hurt by his statements regarding the 56-year-old artist.

He acknowledged the ‘Recognition’ hitmaker as his superior, emphasising that he never insulted him.

He affirmed respect for Pasuma and his commitment to him.

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Barrister Onomen Briggs, on Monday, expressed concerns over incessant vandalism and frequent attack on properties of public schools, charging community leaders, parents, guardians, and all well-meaning citizens to take ownership of school facilities within domains.

Briggs noted that the security and vigilance of the public properties are collective responsibilities, and urged communities to remain alert and report any suspicious activities around school premises to the appropriate authorities.

“These reprehensible acts not only jeopardise the future of our children but also undermine the collective efforts of the government and stakeholders in providing quality education for all.

“Schools are critical institutions for learning and development, and any attack on them is an attack on the future of our state. We will not tolerate these acts of destruction, and we assure the public that the perpetrators of these crimes will be identified and brought to justice,” she said.

Briggs added that the Edo State Government, through relevant security agencies, was intensifying efforts to track down those responsible for the attacks to ensure that they face the full wrath of the law.

She further implored traditional rulers, local government chairpersons, and youth groups to collaborate with security agencies to safeguard educational facilities from further attacks.

“The government remains committed to providing a safe and conducive learning environment for all students in Edo State,” Briggs assured.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Niger State has condemned the appointment of a former APC State Chairman, Engr. Mohammed Jibrin Imam as the Niger State Independent National Electoral Committee, NSINEC.

PDP rejected the appointment in a statement signed by Yahaya Ability, State Vice Chairman and Zonal Chairman, Niger North Senatorial District.

“During the PDP administration, particularly under Governor Engr. A.A. Kure, the State INEC Chairman was Alhaji Maman Auna, a neutral civil servant. Similarly, during His Excellency Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu’s administration, the Chief Servant, it was Alhaji Danlami Dallatu, a neutral person.

“Even during the APC administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, it was Alhaji Baba Aminu, a civil servant, ensuring free and fair elections,” Ability said.

He questioned the governor’s decision, saying, “Why is your own different, imposing your will on the people without carrying everyone along?”

The PDP argued that the appointment undermines public trust and creates fear among opposition parties.

The party emphasized that the Nigerian constitution upholds impartiality in electoral processes.

Ability stated, “No opposition party can confidently participate in elections under an electoral body led by a member of the ruling party.”

The PDP urged Governor Mohammed Bago to reverse the appointment and restore public confidence in the electoral process, to ensure a level playing field for all parties.

The party maintained that Niger State deserves fairness, not a system that tilts the electoral process in favor of one party.

Recall the Governor Mohammed Bago had appointed Engr Mohammad Jibrin Imam to head the NSIEC alongside six others.

They include Barr. M.A. Liman as Permanent Commissioner I, Nasiru Ubandiya as Permanent Commissioner II, Yahaya Idris Abara as Permanent Commissioner III, Capt. Mohammed Baro as Permanent Commissioner IV.

Others are Kabiru Tanko Zama as Permanent Commissioner V, Barr. Amina Guar as Permanent Commissioner VI, and Barr. Ahmed Borgu as Permanent Commissioner VII.

The governor stated that their appointment is subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the fraud and attempted murder case against the Chief Executive Officer of Oak Homes Limited, Olukayode Olusanya, to April 15, 2025.

Justice Musa Kakaki set the date after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence over the admissibility of the defendant’s statement and a petition against him.

Olusanya and his company face four counts brought by the police, including conspiracy, threat to life, obtaining money by false pretense, and stealing.

He was arraigned on November 26, 2024, but pleaded not guilty.

According to the police, Olusanya conspired with Lynda Umeh, the company’s head of sales and marketing, who is currently at large, to defraud a Nigerian-American engineer, Anthony Ugbebor.

The police said that between November 8, 2017, and August 4, 2020, both allegedly deceived Ugbebor into paying N152m, for two three-bedroom apartments at the Oak Residence, Victoria Island, with a promise to hand over possession by February 28, 2019.

However, they failed to deliver the property.

The police prosecution counsel, Supol M.A. Omo-Osagie, further alleged that Olusanya stole the funds and later conspired to murder Ugbebor for reporting him to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other authorities.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Omo-Osagie called the first prosecution witness, Assistant Superintendent of Police Egho Amiebelomo.

The officer testified that the police received a petition from Ugbebor, which led to an investigation.

Amiebelomo recounted how Olusanya initially refused to cooperate with police inquiries, claiming the Assistant Inspector General’s office was “too small” for him.

According to the witness, he was eventually arrested at his office and later released on bail. However, he absconded for months before being rearrested and brought to court.

The prosecution attempted to submit Olusanya’s statement and the complainant’s petition as evidence, but defence counsel, Agboola Adeleke (SAN), objected, arguing that the statement was not taken in the presence of a lawyer or video-recorded, as required under Section 9 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

In response, Omo-Osagie countered that the defence’s objection was misplaced, citing Section 15(4) of the Act, which allows for statements to be recorded with or without video evidence.

He also argued that the petition was a public document and, therefore, admissible in court.

“Sections 100-104 of the Evidence Act 2011, particularly Section 103, stipulate that any document in the possession of a public officer is a public document,” Omo-Osagie stated.

“The petition originated from a private citizen but was officially received and acted upon by the AIG, with official stamps and directives. That makes it a public document, admissible under the law.

“The key question here is whether this document is relevant to the trial of the defendant. Since it is, we urge the court to dismiss the objections raised by the defence and admit the evidence,” he added.

After listening to both sides, Justice Kakaki adjourned the case to April 15, 2025, for ruling on the objections and continuation of trial.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has said that dedication and hard work are the keys to achievement.

In a statement signed by Celestine Toruka, the deputy director and head of Media and Public Relations for the NCPC, the Executive Secretary made this known during the 50th birthday celebration of Mr Solomon Nwachukwu, CEO of Son-Check Tours and a notable figure in Nigeria’s Christian pilgrimage sector.

Celebrating Nwachukwu’s milestone, the NCPC head recognised his significant contributions to the advancement of Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria.

He described turning 50 as momentous, symbolising enlightenment and a positive outlook.
Adegbite commended Nwachukwu for his exemplary character, remarking that he has “paid his dues” and gained the admiration of many.

According to the statement, the event’s highlight was a special prayer session led by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, and Bishop Adegbite.

Dignitaries such as Senator Rev Amos Yohanna from the Adamawa North Senatorial District were also in attendance, alongside friends, business partners, and well-wishers who gathered to honour the celebrant.

The outgoing President of the African Development Bank, AfDB, Akinwumi Adesina, has hinted at running for the position of Nigeria’s president.

The AfDB boss affirmed he is available for national service after his tenure at the bank concludes, specifically stating, “he will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including his own country, Nigeria.”

Adesina, also a former Minister of Agriculture during Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, made this known in an interview with Arise Television’s news host, Rufai Oseni.

According to report Adesina was first elected in 2015 to lead the continental funding institution, which was founded in 1964, and was re-elected President of the AfDB for a second term in 2020.

Adesina stated that the only thing that gives him satisfaction and happiness is seeing the lives of people transform and change.

When asked what’s next for him and whether he would run for president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Adesina answered:

“You know, one of the things that I’m grateful for as a Nigerian: many, many years ago, when I was in graduate school in Nigeria, even after that, I had an opportunity to obtain a US visa. I was given a great visa, and I could have obtained US citizenship.

“And I say, I didn’t want it, not because I don’t like America. My kids are Americans, and they were born there, but I remember telling a colleague of mine that this passport is a Nigerian passport, a green passport.

“I cannot and will never trade it for anything. It gives me a lot of grief wherever I go. You know, with family, my kids are probably asked to go right through, and I’m asked to stay behind. They ask you all kinds of funny questions, where were you born, when do you hope to die? Or any kind of question, just to make sure that you don’t get it.

“But I told this friend of mine that this part—God did not make a mistake in making me a Nigerian. He didn’t make a mistake in making me an African. I will live as a Nigerian, and I will walk by the special grace of God. But that passport, that green passport, will be respected just like everybody else in the world, right?

“You don’t beg for respect. You earn respect. So, when you’re talking about, what will I do after, you know, I started listening to you by telling you that I always believe in the providence of God, the grace of God. I don’t see myself as more than just an instrument in the hands of God to help people.

“Look, the only thing that makes me happy is nothing else than seeing the lives of people transform and change—that’s what gives me satisfaction. And so, as a result of that, you know, I will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country.

“Yeah, you know, I remember one of those songs that I actually like in Nigeria is by my great singer, pop artist, Davido. And I think that song was, ‘I’m unavailable, dem no dey see me. I am unavailable.’

“So, but in the case where it comes to service of any kind, I would ask Davido to change that song—’I am available, they will see me.’

“I will. I’ll be available to serve in God’s hands for anything that God has in store for my life.”

The Director General of the National Productivity Centre (NPC), Dr Baffa Babba Dan-agundi, has called on the Kano State House of Assembly to constitute a fact-finding panel over the land dispute between Bayero University Kano (BUK) and the Rimin Zakara community of Ungogo local government area of the State.

Dan-agundi made the call in statement signed by his his Director of Media and Public Relations, Victor Ainoku.

The NPC Director General who sympathised with the community over the unfortunate incident which led to the death of four persons, said he was aware of the land dispute between BUK and the Rimin Zakara Community where some fraudulent land agents took advantage of that by conniving with some community members to sell the plots illegally.

He said: “Instead of the State Assembly to side with one party, they should constitute a fact-finding committee to know the truth of the matter. That’s how things work, do these people have their land documents and does the land belong to Bayero University?

“The Vice Chancellor of the University is a hardworking person, I believe he is doing all these to protect the institution from the fraudulent land grabbers.

“I’m calling on both the State Assembly and the Kano government to launch an investigation that will bring the truth of the matter to justice.”

“This is not the time to be exchanging words,” he added.

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has debunked the allegations made by some people operating under the aegis of APC youths in Warri, claiming that the executive secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe has sidelined Youths in Warri Federal Constituency in its training programme.

The leadership of APC in the state, in a communique signed by its state publicity secretary Valentine Onojeghuo on Tuesday and made available to journalists after their meeting in Lagos, said the party is unaware of those making the allegations. The party fully supports what the NCDMB boss is doing.

According to them, the training programme is for the youth and the elderly of various ethnic nationalities across the senatorial districts in the state.

“These fallacious claims made by unknown persons masquerading as APC members, which have been widely circulated on social media platforms, are misleading and fail to recognise the diligent process followed in selecting participants for the training program. It is important to clarify that the participants were nominated by the leadership of the respective ethnic nationalities, devoid of any partisan undertone,” he said.

The APC stated further that the information at its disposal reveals that for the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, the list of participants was drawn up with the approval of HRM Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri. At the same time, for the Urhobos, it was President-General Olorogun Ese Gam Owe on behalf of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and Prof. Chris Akpotu for the Isoko Development Union (IDU), which is in line with the inclusive and collaborative approach embraced by the NCDMB under Engr—Ogbe’s stewardship.

The party stated unquestionably that there is no denying the fact that since the appointment, Mr Ogbe has demonstrated consistent commitment to the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of national growth, job creation, and the empowerment of Nigerian youths.

“His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the objectives of the Nigerian Content Development policy, which aims to ensure the participation of all regions in the nation’s economic development, especially in the oil and gas sector,” he said.

Delta State chapter of the APC further observes that the NCDMB’s training program is a testament to the Board’s dedication to providing opportunities for Nigerians across all ethnic groups, irrespective of political affiliations. Engr. Ogbe’s work reflects his allegiance to the developmental goals set forth by President Tinubu’s administration.

Therefore, it urged those behind the unfounded allegations to refrain from engaging in divisive rhetoric that could undermine the positive strides being made under the leadership of Engr: Ogbe and the Federal Government.

It noted that APC in Delta State will continue to support the NCDMB’s initiatives and remain committed to promoting inclusive policies that benefit all citizens.

“We call on the general public to stand with Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who has, without bias, worked to uplift the elderly and youth across all ethnic nationalities in line with the APC-led Federal Government’s values of unity, progress, and national development,” the communique reads.

The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, has called on fuel tanker drivers to adopt anti-spill locks to prevent fuel spills and reduce the risk of explosions.

This is amid the growing number of fuel tanker accidents across the country.

According to The TheNigerian, at least three tanker explosions have occurred recently—two in Niger State and one in Enugu State—resulting in several fatalities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the first batch of the Federal Fire Service Career Progression Training for Chief Superintendents of Fire in Abuja on Thursday, Jaji stated that fuel tanker explosions can be prevented if drivers follow fire safety precautions.

“These incidents are avoidable, and all tankers transporting flammable substances must be fitted with anti-spill locks to prevent fuel leakage during accidents, thereby mitigating explosion risks,” he said.

The Controller General further revealed that his service is working in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to enforce stricter regulations, conduct regular vehicle inspections, and improve driver training programs to boost road safety.

“Our discussions with the FRSC highlight the urgent need for regulatory enforcement, functional fire suppression systems in tankers, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

“It is also crucial that drivers undergo regular professional evaluations to ensure compliance with safety standards,” Jaji added.

Jaji also emphasised the importance of the six-week training program for officers and urged them to take the training seriously, as successful completion is now a prerequisite for promotion within the service.

“Leadership in the fire service demands responsibility, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

“Our ultimate goal is a safer, more resilient, and fire-free Nigeria, and every one of us has a role to play in achieving this vision,” he stated.

Addressing recent allegations regarding unpaid allowances, Jaji assured officers that the service has never withheld training allowances since he assumed office.

“The allegation is not true. I have ensured the payment of training allowances since I assumed office.

“Also, the allegation that you don’t have accommodations for your training is not correct. We accommodated them at the fire academy in Shedda,” he said.

In addition to addressing these concerns, Jaji visited training centres in Kubwa and along Airport Road to assess the conditions of the new recruits in the service.