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Mike Bamiloye – Baba Gbenro’s Last Words To Me Before Hospitalisation

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  Nigerian gospel film director Mike Bamiloye has shared an emotional tribute to the late Moses Korede Are, popularly known as “Baba Gbenro,” following the actor’s passing. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Bamiloye, the founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, revealed what would be Baba Gbenro’s last conversation with him before he was hospitalised. Recounting, Bamiloye said, “When he was being taken to the hospital and we were talking on the phone, he said: “Please, greet my friend for me. Please, Daddy, I will be well, Don’t let this discourage you from calling me on film location o.” Reflecting on Korede Are’s dedication to gospel drama, Bamiloye wrote, “Dr. Korede Are has gone home to rest. Our employer in this vineyard is Jesus Christ. He alone knows our closing time at work.” The tribute post also revealed that Korede Are was working on the set of Abejoye Season 8 and Abattoir 5 before his health took a critical turn. “We were on location of Abejoye season 8, we did not know he was rounding off his assignment in the Vineyard. He was on the film location of Abattoir 5, we never knew he was rounding off. “The Lesson for us all is: When will the Master call you to come home and say: IT IS CLOSING TIME,” Bamiloye said, reflecting on the lesson of his friend’s sudden departure.   The tribute post also revealed that Korede Are was working on the set of Abejoye Season 8 and Abattoir 5 before his health took a critical turn. “We were on location of Abejoye season 8, we did not know he was rounding off his assignment in the Vineyard. He was on the film location of Abattoir 5, we never knew he was rounding off. “The Lesson for us all is: When will the Master call you to come home and say: IT IS CLOSING TIME,” Bamiloye said, reflecting on the lesson of his friend’s sudden departure. Describing the actor’s passing as a “gain for Heaven,” Bamiloye wrote, “He died here and woke up there eternally.” Korede Are, whose memorable role in Abattoir as Baba Gbenro left an enduring mark on audiences, is remembered as a deeply committed servant of God who, according to Bamiloye, has now found peace “resting from series of movie shoots and learning of many lines.” The actor’s death was announced by his colleague, Oluwaseun Adejumobi, on Thursday, who shared the sad news on his verified Instagram account.

EFCC Grants Bail To Yahaya Bello’s Co-Defendants In Alleged N110.4 Billion Fraud Case

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  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (SAN) has granted administrative bail to two men – Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu – charged with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for allegedly diverting the state’s funds. The EFCC had filed a 16-count charge against Bello and the two other defendants, alleging criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4 billion. At the mention of the case yesterday before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, lawyer to the EFCC, Jamiu Agoro, said the order of the court, given on October 3 in issuing public summons against Bello, had not lapsed. Agoro confirmed that the EFCC had granted an administrative bail to Oricha and Hudu, the second and third defendants. He added: “In that wise, we feel it will not be appropriate for us to take proceedings while that 30 days is still running. “So, we have discussed and agreed to come back on November 27, 2024.” The EFCC’s lawyer said the November 20 date, earlier given by the court, was not convenient for the prosecution. He urged the court to grant an application to issue a hearing notice to be served on Bello, the first defendant who was absent in court, and for the notice to be pasted on his last known address. Oricha’s lawyer, Aliyu Saiki (SAN), confirmed that his client had been granted an administrative bail by the prosecution, saying he was not objecting to the application for an adjournment. Hudu’s lawyer, Z. E. Abass, also confirmed the bail grant to his client and agreed to the prosecution’s request for bail. Ruling, Justice Maryanne Anenih granted the request for an adjournment and ordered the issuance of hearing notice to be pasted on the last known address of the first defendant and on a conspicuous place in the court premises. Justice Anenih adjourned till November 27 for hearing the case when Bello is expected to be present in court.  

Four Kogi University Lecturers Dismissed Over Sexual Misconduct

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  The Governing Council of the Federal University, Lokoja, has approved the dismissal of four lecturers on account of examination misconduct and sexual misconduct. Our correspondent gathered that the governing council gave the approval at its Second Council Meeting on Thursday. This is coming on the heels of the investigation following allegations of examination malpractices and sexual harassment levelled against the lecturers last year. The council, under the leadership of Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, appreciated the university management for following due process in the investigation that followed the allegations of examination misconduct and sexual harassment against the lecturers. Ndoma-Egba said, “The council will not tolerate any unethical conduct in the university” and urged the university to quickly process the remaining cases of misconduct pending, especially the one in the Faculty of Science that is trending in the media. While cautioning staff members and lecturers against all forms of molestation of students, the council said no misconduct would be swept under the carpet. It also urged the students always to speak out when they are molested.  

BREAKING: Super Eagles qualify for 2025 AFCON

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  The Super Eagles have secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with two matches remaining in the qualifiers. With 10 points in the bag, the Super Eagles are guaranteed a top-two finish, following a 1-0 victory for Libya over Rwanda in Kigali, Group D. Next up, the Super Eagles will face Benin Republic’s Cheetahs in Abidjan tonight before returning home to complete their qualifying campaign against Rwanda on Monday. Rwanda, with five points and Libya, now on four, cannot surpass Nigeria with just one matchday left for both teams. The three-time African champions were runners-up in the last edition held in Côte d’Ivoire. The 35th Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.  

Three Gubernatorial Candidates Withdraw For Aiyedatiwa

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  Less than 48 hours to the governorship poll in Ondo State, three gubernatorial candidates have stepped down for the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The candidates are: Dr. Ajibola Falaye; Hon. Jenyo Ataunko and Olaide Ibrahim of the Accord Party, the National Rescue Movement and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) respectively. The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ayedatiwa, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan who confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Akure, Ondo state capital, said the endorsement came when the three candidates paid a solidarity visit to the Governor. Speaking on behalf of the candidate, Dr Falaye hinged their decision to back the Governor on his commitment to public service, track record and outstanding performance in office. He said: “We have been watching him, and his doors are always open to all,” Falaye stated, commending the governor for his inclusive approach to governance and for prioritising the welfare of residents.” He pointed to the governor’s record on security, stating, “The state has been experiencing relative peace under his watch, which reflects his commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people.” The Accord Party candidate also noted the shared values of progressive politics and goals that NRM, ADC, and Accord find in alignment with the Aiyedatiwa’s administration. “We see the infrastructural development that has taken place even within this short period. It is clear that the governor is actively working for the people. This Saturday, we will turn our commitment into votes. We will vote for continuity in Ondo State.” In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed deep gratitude for the endorsement, calling it a quality decision made out of goodwill by the candidates and their parties. “I didn’t call for this, but I am grateful that my colleagues in the race have voluntarily identified with my mandate and are ready to mobilise their supporters to vote for the APC,” the Governor said. Aiyedatiwa warmly welcomed the candidates’ decision to unite behind him, describing it as an act of statesmanship. Acknowledging the short time remaining before election, the Governor said: “There’s no time left. I appeal to you all to encourage your members to come out in full force on Saturday and cast their votes for the APC” Benue Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia and the Director General of the campaign, Hon Abiola Makinde, among others, joined Governor Aiyedatiwa to receive the three candidates.

Kano Police Parade 82 Suspects, Recovers Arms, Hard Drugs

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  The spokesperson for the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, on Thursday, paraded 82 suspects at the Command’s Bompai headquarters for various offences. In a press statement, Haruna disclosed that the suspects were arrested between 1st and 14th November 2024. Among those arrested are 13 armed robbery suspects, 13 suspected thieves, 35 suspected thugs, 12 suspected drug dealers, five suspected fraudsters, as well as two suspected motorcycle thieves and two kidnappers. Furthermore, the police spokesperson revealed that one AK-47 rifle, three locally made guns, hard drugs, 10 mobile phones, and other dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspected criminals. According to Haruna, the achievements demonstrated the commitment and dedication of the police towards maintaining law and order in the state. He said, “Our strategies are yielding the desired results. Therefore, the Command will continue to strengthen its multifaceted strategies that focus on community policing. “Other strategies include strategic communication to sensitise the public on security matters, intelligence-led policing, as well as targeted clearance operations that have effectively dismantled criminal networks.” He expressed appreciation for the sustained support of Kano’s Governor, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, towards the police, which has enhanced their operational capacity and ability to serve the people of Kano State.

Mount Zion Gospel Film Star, Baba Gbenro Of Abattoir Series Passes Away

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  The Nigerian gospel film industry is mourning the loss of one of its prominent figures, Moses Korede Are, popularly known as “Baba Gbenro” from the popular Mount Zion series Abattoir. The actor’s death was announced by his colleague, Oluwaseun Adejumobi, who shared the sad news on his verified Instagram account on Thursday. Adejumobi wrote, “Heaven’s Gain Again. A General Has Gone to Rest.” Another tribute came from gospel actor Zoe Adeola, who posted on X, “Rest in peace, Baba Gbenro. Your role in Abattoir will definitely leave a great memory of you in our minds. So painful.” Another colleague and founder of Paramount Ministry, Michael Adelakun, also confirmed to PUNCH Online, saying, “He is dead. Baba has been battling with diabetes for a while now.” However, Adelakun, as of press time, could not confirm the cause of his death. Fondly known as Baba Gbenro, Korede Are was born on 11 June 1959. He grew up in Kano State, Nigeria, where he received part of his early education, later studying in Plateau State before moving to southwestern Nigeria for higher education. After his studies, he completed his National Youth Service Corps programme in Jigawa State. Baba Gbenro was the founder and International President of Calvary Movies Drama Ministry, based in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, which he established on 2 September 1995. Through this ministry, he used drama evangelism to spread the gospel. He also served as the CEO of Calvary Movies Television, an online Christian streaming service dedicated to drama and evangelism. Throughout his career, he collaborated with other notable figures in the gospel film industry, including Toluwalope Israel Adegbo and Evangelist Damilola Mike-Bamiloye. His role in the series Abattoir cemented his legacy in gospel drama, where he became widely known as “Baba Gbenro.”  

Former Ebonyi Commissioner Leaves PDP To Join APC

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A former Commissioner in Ebonyi State, Abia Onyike, has left the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the ruling All Progressives Cong ress in the state. Onyike served as the Special Adviser on Media Relations under former Governor Sam Egwu and as Commissioner for Information during the administration of Martin Elechi. Onyike, a former Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, announced his decision to leave the party that had supported him at a ceremony in Owutu Edda Ward, located in the Edda Local Government Area of the state, on Wednesday. In a statement on Thursday, Onyike said he was joining the APC because of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s perceived restoration of good governance. He said, “My decision to join the APC is because of the need to build a solid alliance of support for Governor Nwifuru, who has taken steps to restore good governance and inclusive politics in Ebonyi State. “Politics is local, and we are driven by our own developmental aspirations in our state. I am joining other progressive forces in the state to sustain and consolidate the current peaceful atmosphere prevalent in the state under Governor Nwifuru.” The Chairman of the APC in Owutu Edda Ward, Mr. Oko Ogbuagu, expressed the party’s happiness in welcoming Onyike to its fold. “Onyike is a tested hand. He is a man of the people, and his entry into our party will enhance its fortunes in future elections,” he said.

Budget 2025: Makinde Presents N678 Billion Proposal To Oyo Assembly

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Adeleke Maria   The executive governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has presented a total sum of ₦678.06 billion (N678, 068 767 332.18) to the Oyo state House of Assembly for legislative consideration and approval for 2025 budget. While capital expenditure as contained in the budget takes 51 percent of the total budget, recurrent expenditure stands at 49 percent. Governor Makinde in his address before presentation on Wednesday, November 13, tagged the 2025 budget “Budget of Economic Stabilization”. According to the budget estimate, N343 billion was appropriated for capital expenditure, which represents 50.59 percent of the total budget, while N335 billion naira budgeted for recurrent expenditure represents 49.4 percent of the total budget. Makinde said N152 billion has been appropriated for the infrastructural development of the state, which he noted took the largest percentage of the budget with 22.4 percent. Also, education received N145 billion, which represents 21 percent of the total budget. Health got N59 billion, which represents 9 percent while agriculture got N18 billion, representing 3 percent of the budget. The governor added that the 2025 budget proposal represents 35 percent increase compared to the 2024. •Details Soon.

Renowned South Korean Actor Song Jae-Rim Has Passed On At 39

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South Korean actor Song Jae-Rim, best known for his role in the K-drama The Moon Embracing the Sun, was found dead at his apartment in Seoul on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. He was 39 years old. Seoul’s Seongdong Police Station confirmed the discovery, stating that no evidence of foul play has been found so far. “Currently, there is no evidence of foul play,” an official from the police station stated. A two-page letter was reportedly discovered at the scene, according to the Korean media outlet Soompi. As of the time of filing this report, the cause of his death has not been disclosed. Song Jae-Rim, who made his debut in 2009 with Actresses, rose to fame for his role as the loyal bodyguard of Kim Jae-woon in The Moon Embracing the Sun alongside Kim Soo-Hyun. He continued to build his career with roles in various K-dramas and films, including Queen Woo earlier this year. He also had two upcoming projects, I’ll Become Rich and Death Business.  

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