Nigerian socialite and businessman Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, popularly known as Chief Priest, has reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that criticism from opponents will not weaken his loyalty to the president.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

News reports that the celebrity businessman said attacks against him and other Tinubu supporters would only strengthen their commitment to the president.

Chief Priest explained that his support for Tinubu was influenced by the president’s role in transforming Lagos State and creating an environment that allows businesses to thrive.

In a post on his Instagram page, he argued that Tinubu’s leadership had helped establish an economic environment where entrepreneurs could grow their investments from millions of naira to billions.

He said: “The more they bully us for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the more dedicated we are to love him more. Nobody badder than that man. We are with the best, the biggest, the man that created the Lagos that transformed all our lives. The most working active city in Africa, the centre of excellence. What has your candidate done that you want me to follow him?

“I am following the man that made it possible for us to have a business bay where we transformed millions into billions. Come on, I don’t have an investment in your state. My money is in Lagos, and I am betting on Lagos, and Lagos is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I don’t care how you think about it, I am protecting my investment. I am banking on Tinubu.”

The socialite maintained that his backing for the president was tied to his business interests in Lagos, stressing that he remained confident in Tinubu’s leadership despite the criticism directed at his political stance.

Eight Nigerian soldiers were killed on Saturday when their patrol vehicle ran over a landmine allegedly planted by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists near the Nigeria-Cameroon border in Borno State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The incident occurred on the same day the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, arrived in Maiduguri, the state capital, following an earlier attack on a military base that claimed the lives of 15 soldiers and five members of an anti-jihadist militia.

According to sources, the soldiers were monitoring members of the militia who were clearing bushes along a highway outside Gamboru town when their vehicle ran over the explosive device.

The explosion occurred in Kinuba village, approximately 25 kilometres from Gamboru, killing all eight soldiers travelling in the vehicle.

“All eight soldiers in the vehicle were killed in the explosion,” a military officer in the area said.

The sources blamed ISWAP for the attack, noting that the group operates in the area. Terrorists are known to conceal themselves in bushes along the highway before launching ambushes against security personnel and travellers.

Ibrahim Liman, a member of the anti-jihadist militia supporting the military, also confirmed the casualties.

“The explosive was planted on the dusty road and remotely detonated by a detonating cord,” Liman said.

He added that a militia member supervising the bush-clearing operation sustained shrapnel injuries in the blast.

ISWAP and its rival faction, Boko Haram, have increasingly deployed roadside explosives to target military personnel and civilian road users.

The insurgency, which began in 2009, has weakened from its peak about a decade ago. However, attacks have reportedly increased over the past two years.

The prolonged conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced approximately two million residents across Nigeria’s North-East.

The violence has also spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting the establishment of a regional military task force to combat the insurgent groups.

The Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Health Contributory Management Agency (BASHCMA), Alhaji Ibrahim Ladan Duguri, and four of his children have died in a tragic accident at Yalwan Duguri in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

News reports that Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, confirmed the incident, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

In a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor described Duguri’s death as a major loss to the state, particularly its health sector.

Mohammed noted that the deceased had distinguished himself through his dedication, commitment and passion for improving access to healthcare services for residents.

The governor expressed sadness over the circumstances surrounding the accident and extended his condolences to Duguri’s immediate family, the Duguri Emirate Council, friends, associates, colleagues and the people of Bauchi State.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of Suleiman, one of the late executive secretary’s sons, who reportedly survived the crash.

Reflecting on Duguri’s contributions to the state, Mohammed said the deceased played an important role in strengthening the health contributory management system and supporting efforts to make healthcare more accessible, particularly for less privileged residents.

The governor stated, “As Executive Secretary of BASHCMA, the deceased played an important role in advancing the state’s health contributory management system and supporting efforts to make healthcare more accessible to the people, especially the less privileged.

“His dedication was also evident in his contributions to the state’s medical team during pilgrimage exercises in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where his commitment to the health and well-being of pilgrims was widely valued.”

The statement further disclosed that Duguri was not only a dedicated public servant but also a close friend and former classmate of the governor.

According to Mohammed, the tragedy represents the loss of an accomplished public official, a cherished family member and a trusted ally whose life was characterised by service, loyalty and commitment to humanity.

The governor acknowledged that words could hardly express the depth of grief being experienced by the bereaved family during this difficult period.

He prayed to Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, accept their good deeds and grant Duguri and his children Aljannatul Firdaus.

Mohammed also called on residents to remember the bereaved family in their prayers and offer compassion and support as they mourn their loved ones.

The funeral prayer for the deceased is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the palace of the District Head of Yalwan Duguri.