Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku took to the streets on Monday to raise awareness about the pressing issue of hunger in Nigeria.
The actor staged a solo protest, holding a flag that read “Hunger dey ooo” (meaning ” There is hunger” or “Hunger is real” in Nigerian pidgin English), highlighting the struggles of many Nigerians facing food insecurity.
The protest, which was captured in a viral video, saw Anuku standing alone on a major road in Abuja, drawing attention to the plight of those affected by hunger.
According to recent statistics, over 20 million Nigerians face food insecurity, with many struggling to access basic meals.
With over 220 million people, Nigeria isโฏthe most populated country in Africaโฏand the sixth in the world. It is theโฏtenth-largest producer of crude oilโฏin the world and achieved lower-middle-income status in 2014.
However, around 84 million Nigerians, representing aboutโฏ37 per centโฏof the total population,โฏlive below the poverty line.
Conflict and insecurity, rising inflation and the impact of the climate crisis continue to drive hunger in Nigeria โ with 26.5 million people across the country projected to face acute hunger in the June-August 2024 lean season.
This is a staggering increase from the 18.6 million people who were food insecure at the end of 2023.
Conflictโฏin the North East region has displaced 2.2 million people and left another 4.4 million food insecureโฏin Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. Three million of them are in Borno State, the epicentre of insurgency. Nigeria is subject toโฏperiodic droughts and floods.โฏ
This has had an adverse impact on agricultural output andโฏincreased the vulnerability of populations, especially in rural areas.
In 2023, Anuku said he had been jobless for years.
The thespian, who was reacting to the viral video of him working as a fuel attendant at gas station in Delta State, said despite being a legend, he has been feeding from hand to mouth.
Speaking in a video message making the rounds on social media, Anuku called on the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his fans to come to his aid.
He said, โI have worked for this country. I have attained the height of being a legend. But Iโve had no job for, God knows, how many years. And I expect that Nigerians will also know that I did it all for them.
โI just gonna ask Governor Sheriff [Oborevwori] to please send support to me. And my fans who truly love and appreciate the works Iโve done for them, if you think you truly love me, may God help you all to help me.โ
Diddy denied $77m bail over โpropensity for violenceโ
Sean “Diddy” Combs had his $50 million ($77 million) bail request denied on Wednesday, marking the third time his bid for release has been rejected since his arrest. Combs will remain incarcerated ahead of his May 5, 2025, trial on sex-trafficking charges.
US District Judge Arun Subramanian ruled against the request, citing concerns over Combs’s potential for witness tampering and evidence of prohibited communications while in custody.
“Given the nature of the allegations in this case and the information provided by the government, the court doubts the sufficiency of any conditions that place trust in Combs and individuals in his employโlike a private security detailโto follow those conditions,” the judge wrote. “There is compelling evidence of Combs’s propensity for violence.”
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of using his business empire, including Bad Boy Entertainment, to sexually abuse women. Prosecutors allege he organised “freak offs” involving women and male sex workers, some of whom were transported across state lines.
Prosecutor Christine Slavik presented a 2016 hotel surveillance video showing Combs assaulting former girlfriend Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, as evidence of his violent tendencies.
Combsโs lawyers proposed home confinement at a Manhattan apartment, monitored by private security, with strict conditions barring contact with witnesses or alleged victims.
His lawyer Marc Agnifilo said thereโs a zero per cent chance of Diddy acting violently. Still, he acknowledged a past incident of violence against Cassie captured on video but argued it was unrelated to the current charges. “This was a toxic, loving 11-year relationship,” Agnifilo said.
Prosecutors said Combs violated jail policy by using other inmates’ identification numbers to make unmonitored calls. They argued this conduct underscored the risk of him tampering with witnesses.
Combs has denied wrongdoing, maintaining the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual.
‘Tis the season for Secret Santaโbut not all gifts are created equal. Horror stories of Secret Santas in years gone by include being given a dead aloe vera plant, a rotten banana, a roll of duct tape, and even a pair of Kegel balls!
โSometimes what seems like harmless fun can turn into an HR horror story faster than you can say โnaughty list,โโ say the experts at Indexsy.
โWhile Secret Santa is meant to spread holiday cheer, itโs important to remember that even during festive times, workplace rules still apply.โ
So, before you buy that โhilariousโ gag gift, here are the real rules of workplace gifting.ย
1. Keep It PG, Please
Lingerie, adult toys, or anything you’d blush while buying shouldnโt end up in a workplace gift exchange.
Sure, it might get a laugh, but itโll also get you a stern talk from HR. Letโs keep the holiday spirit… professional.
2. Hygiene Gone Wrong
Deodorant, breath mints, or acne cream might seem useful, but they also scream, โI think you need this!โ
โThese items feel less like thoughtful gifts and more like passive-aggressive critiques, leaving your coworker wondering if you think they stink,โ says Indexsy. โNo one wants their Secret Santa moment to feel like a personal intervention.โ
3. Not The Time For Tough Love
Unless your colleague specifically asked for a kettlebell or a diet cookbook, these gifts can come across as a not-so-subtle way of saying, โYou should work on yourself.โ
Nobody wants their holiday cheer turned into a New Yearโs guilt trip! Let your colleagues enjoy their holiday cookies in peace.
4. The โWowโ That Feels Weird
Buying your coworker an expensive smartwatch or designer bag might seem generous, but it can make others feel awkward or pressured to splurge next year.
Not everyone can afford to reciprocate such extravagance, and Secret Santa is about fun, not outshining the entire office.
5. The Spending Limit Matters
Speaking of price caps, donโt be that person who ignores them. If the spending limit is $20, donโt show up with a $50 bottle of wine.
Breaking the rules might seem like a flex, but it can make everyone else uncomfortable or downright annoyed.
6. The Ghosts Of Gifts Past
That unopened candle from last year or the mug with a slight chip might feel like an easy way out, but itโs a surefire way to make someone feel unappreciated.
Re-gifting is the gift that says, โI forgot about this entirely.โ Secret Santa is about thoughtfulness, not clearing out your junk drawer.
7. Helpful? Maybe. Awkward? Absolutely.
Books like How to Stop Procrastinating or Five Steps To Fix Your Finances might look inspiring on the shelf but feel patronising under the tree.
โEven if your intentions are good, the effect is awkwardโlike youโre saying your colleague is lazy or bad with money,โ says Indexsy. โSelf-improvement is great, but not when itโs gifted unsolicited.โ
8. Letโs Not Start A Debate
Anything involving politics, religion, or polarising celebrities or public figures is a recipe for awkwardness.
Secret Santa is meant to unite coworkers, not spark debates or awkward silences, so save the think-pieces for your book club.
9. Smells Like Trouble
Perfumes and candles are tricky territoryโwhat might smell heavenly to you could trigger headachesโor even allergic reactionsโin others.
โScent is very personal, so itโs hard to gift unless you know for sure what they like,โ says Indexsy.
10. Jokes That Donโt Land
Mocking someoneโs religion, culture, or gender isnโt edgy or cuteโitโs offensive. Gag gifts should be funny for everyone, not just a small subset of people who are the majority or find discomfort amusing.
If you have to ask, โWill this be taken the wrong way?โ The answer is probably yes.
11. Bake With Caution
Your great-auntโs recipe for chocolate-pepper-pickle brownies might be a family hit, but your coworkers are probably less adventurous.
Also, thereโs a strong chance you could be giving your coworker something with an ingredient they donโt like – or worse, one theyโre allergic to.ย
If you really want people to try it, bring the dish in as a gift for everyone to share rather than putting one person on the spot.
12. Gross, Not Great
Fart noise machines, fake poop, or anything involving bodily fluids might seem hilarious… to a five-year-old. Your coworkers? Not so much.
โGifts like these are unlikely to go over well in a professional setting,โ says Indexsy. โUnless your office culture is very lax, these gifts are better left in the joke shop.โ
โChoosing a Secret Santa gift for a coworker doesnโt have to be a minefield. We recommend practical but creative items, like a quirky mug paired with their favourite tea or coffee, a desktop plant to brighten their workspace, or a puzzle or game. Universal crowd-pleasers like cozy socks, gourmet snacks, or fun desk accessories can also be a good call,” Indexsy commented.
โThe key is to give something small that shows youโve put in a little thought without going overboard. You can also think about things people might not splurge on for themselves but would enjoy having.ย
โIf youโre unsure about their tastes, you have two options. You can keep it safe and stick to light-hearted, non-personal gifts, like a calendar or a gift card to a local coffee shop. Or you can ask someone who knows them better if thereโs anything theyโd particularly like.
โRemember, youโre aiming for a moment of joy, not a major statement. Your Secret Santa gift can say, โI hope this brightens your day,โ rather than โI know everything about you.โโ
African Music Takes Over Coachella 2025: Seun Kuti, Remain and More to Perform
The lineup for Coachella 2025 has been announced, and it features an impressive array of African artists. Among the notable performers are Nigerian music sensations Rema and Seun Kuti.
Rema, known for his hit singles “Bad Commando” and “Calm Down,” has been making waves in the music industry with his unique sound and style. His performance at Coachella 2025 is highly anticipated, and fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing him take the stage.
Seun Kuti, the son of legendary musician Fela Kuti, is also set to perform at the festival. As the leader of the Afrobeat band Egypt 80, Seun Kuti has carried on his father’s legacy, blending traditional Yoruba music with modern styles.
Other African artists scheduled to perform at Coachella 2025 include Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie, South African singer Moonchild Sanelly, and Moroccan-American rapper French Montana.
The inclusion of these African artists in the Coachella 2025 lineup is a testament to the growing global recognition of African music and talent. It’s an exciting time for African music fans, and Coachella 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Coachella 2025 is scheduled to take place over two weekends in April 2025. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so fans are advised to act fast to secure their spot at the festival.
Davido Reflects on Life as He Turns 32: “My Eyes Don See Shege”
David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has taken to social media to reflect on his life as he celebrates his 32nd birthday. The award-winning singer and songwriter shared a post on his Instagram handle, stating, “My eyes don see shege,” which roughly translates to “My eyes have seen trouble” in Nigerian Pidgin.
Davido’s post has sparked a mix of reactions from his fans and followers, with many interpreting his statement as a reflection on the challenges he has faced in his life and career. Despite his success and fame, Davido has indeed experienced his fair share of controversies and setbacks over the years.
However, the singer’s statement can also be seen as a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the obstacles he has faced, Davido has continued to thrive and grow, both personally and professionally.
As he celebrates another year of life, Davido’s fans and supporters are wishing him a happy birthday and congratulating him on his achievements. The singer’s birthday post has already garnered thousands of comments and likes, with many praising him for his honesty and vulnerability.
Davido’s 32nd birthday is certainly a milestone worth celebrating, and his reflective post has given his fans a glimpse into his life and experiences. Here’s to many more years of success, happiness, and music from the one and only Davido.
African Military Games: Yemi Alade, Olamide, D’banj to Headline Opening Ceremony
The 2024 African Military Games is set to kick off in Abuja, Nigeria, with a star-studded lineup of performances at the opening ceremony. Nigerian music icons D’banj, Yemi Alade, and Olamide will take the stage, joined by Timi Dakolo, to thrill the audience with their hits.
The Nigerian Army announced the lineup on their social media handle, generating excitement among fans and attendees. The African Military Games is a significant event that brings together military personnel from across the continent, and this year’s opening ceremony promises to be an unforgettable experience.
D’banj, known for his energetic performances, will bring his signature style to the stage. Yemi Alade, with her powerful vocals, will surely get the crowd singing along. Olamide, with his unique blend of hip-hop and Afrobeats, will keep the audience entertained. Timi Dakolo, with his soulful voice, will add a touch of class to the performances.
The performances by these Nigerian music icons will undoubtedly add to the excitement and prestige of the event. With their unique styles and hits, they’re sure to get the crowd energized and entertained.
The opening ceremony of the 2024 African Military Games promises to be an unforgettable experience, with D’banj, Yemi Alade, Olamide, and Timi Dakolo taking the stage. Don’t miss out on the excitement!
Davido Marks Birthday with N300m Donation to Orphanages
Nigerian music superstar Davido is celebrating his birthday in a remarkable way. The award-winning artist has announced that he will be donating N300 million to orphanages across Nigeria.
Davido, who turned a year older on November 21, took to his social media page to share the news with his fans. In a heartfelt post, he expressed his gratitude to God and his fans for their love and support over the years.
As part of his birthday celebration, Davido has decided to give back to the society by supporting vulnerable children in orphanages. The N300 million donation is expected to benefit several orphanages across the country, providing them with much-needed resources and support.
Davido’s philanthropic gesture has been widely praised by his fans and fellow celebrities. His commitment to giving back to the society is a testament to his kind heart and generosity.
The music star’s birthday donation is not his first philanthropic effort. Over the years, Davido has been involved in several charitable initiatives, including supporting education and healthcare projects in Nigeria.
As Davido celebrates another year of life, his fans and well-wishers are celebrating his kindness, generosity, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world.