Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Popular gospel singer, Tope Alabi, has opened up on the divine circumstances that led to her marriage to music producer, Soji Alabi.

In an emotional recount, the award-winning singer revealed that their love story was never planned but rather orchestrated by God through a series of unexpected events that began during her early years as a movie soundtrack artist.

The union has gone ahead to stand the test of time and remained strong for nearly 25 years.

‘I was already recording soundtracks for movies at that time,’ she recalled. ‘I remember being paid N200,000 by Highwaves Video Mart to record an album. When I got to Soji Alabi’s studio, I was told he no longer worked there and no one knew his whereabouts.’

Determined to deliver on the project, Tope said she proceeded to another studio owned by Soji’s former boss, confident that they could replicate his sound quality. But after completing the album and submitting it to the client, she was met with rejection.

‘Highwaves rejected the music, saying it was of low quality and didn’t meet the standard they knew me for,’ she said. ‘I was so disappointed. I decided to return to Soji’s old studio to ask for his home address, hoping to find him and beg for his help. To my surprise, I met Soji there. I told him I had been looking for him and explained everything that happened.’

According to the gospel star, Soji immediately offered to help, but with a much smaller budget. ‘He asked if I could raise N20,000 instead of the N200,000 I was originally paid. I told him I had nothing on me, and we eventually worked out the project with just N10,000,’ she recounted.

At that time, Tope said her relationship with Soji was strictly professional. She was in an abusive relationship and had no romantic connection with him.

‘I was already living with my ex-partner, who physically abused me at will, but Soji was just a working acquaintance,’ she said. ‘It was after I left that abusive marriage that Soji and I became close as friends. He would take me out for movies, restaurants, and also look after my daughter. From there, we grew so close and eventually got married a year and a half later.’

Managing your money wisely is one of the most important things in gaming and betting. We know that it’s impossible to always be on the winning side, so managing money is the most important element for staying in the game for longer by surviving highs and lows without going broke. Here’s how to control your spending the smart way.

Why Bankroll Management Really Matters?

To start playing games online you’ll need to set a gaming budget, or bankroll. Think of it like a wallet that’s separate from your daily living money that should never include rent money, bills, or savings. The idea is to create a clear line between the money you need and the money you can afford to risk. Don’t mix up the two. Regardless of your luck or strategy, everyone is doomed to fall into a losing streak sometimes. Your bankroll plan is there to prevent you from going bankrupt until your game tactics start paying off. Even the best players in the world could be out of the game quickly if they didn’t have a clear plan before sitting down for the round. Before you start imagining what is the most money won in poker and what will you do if you won that money, manage your bankroll to go the distance in the game and stay for more hands that could bring you big wins.Another reason it matters is mental control. Playing with a clear mind without the stress of thinking about how much is left on your account, you can make better decisions during the game. Being on the last few dollars will increase anxiety and the chances of making irrational and emotional decisions. That’s when the biggest mistakes happen.

Setting the Right Starting Bankroll

How much should your bankroll be? The amount of money you’re willing to lose and forget about. This doesn’t mean that you will lose, but it rather serves to maintain the mindset that, if you do lose, you don’t end up chasing losses or making reckless bets that will wipe your account clean. So, there’s no universal number that anyone can give you, but it rather depends on your comfort level and finances. New and casual players tend to have smaller budgets since they see it as passing the time while having fun, without much investment of time or energy into strategies, keeping track of their spending and keeping an eye on their bankroll. Experienced players usually have bigger accounts to have the necessary buffer to absorb any losses so that they can continue playing uninterrupted.Bankroll also depends on the type of game. For slots you might need a few dollars to keep playing, while table games usually require bigger bets, especially high roller tables where players are betting thousands. The key is matching your bankroll to your game type and risk tolerance.

Divide Funds Smartly

Once you set your bankroll, you shouldn’t use it all at once. The smartest players divide it into smaller portions, called units. Each unit is the amount you’ll bet per game, spin, or round. The usual model is to set a maximum of 5% of your funds for each play.Let’s say the starting balance is $200. By this logic betting $10 per round is acceptable, even if you end up losing several in a row, you will still have plenty in the account to continue the game. Putting everything you have on one hand of poker might seem thrilling but it’s short lived excitement that could end your game fast.

Control Your Emotions

Mixing money with emotions is a bad idea. Players who can’t control their feelings end up chasing losses after a dry spell or get overconfident after a win and put in big bets to rake in even more money. Both lead to a complete disaster eventually. A good money plan helps to stay level headed even when things are not going your way. Win some lose some, is the best approach that is practiced by seasoned players who look at every round as a separate game regardless of the previous results.Having a losing streak should motivate players to take a break. Also, when winning keep the bets within your budget and don’t go all in based solely on your gut feeling. Discipline is what separates those who last from those who burn out quickly.

Setting Win and Loss Limits

Knowing when to stop is one of the most valuable virtues. Everyone, but especially beginners, should set stop losses and wins before they even approach the game. Once you hit preset loss, it’s time to step away for some time, and also if you fulfill the desirable win for the day, walk away from the game before you start losing again. One of the biggest traps in online games is trying to recover from a loss. Once you lose, there is no going back, the money is gone and you should just move on. If you have good bankroll management in place, this is not a life changing loss that will leave you financially crippled. Accept that losses happen. Every player faces them. The goal is not to avoid them completely but to push through.

Using Bonuses and Promotions Wisely

Many platforms offer attractive bonuses and promotions to new and existing players. But be careful. Endless promotions can keep you playing for long stretches of time, which might not be your best choice, or something that you planned. Also, carefully read the fine print since many bonuses have strings attached, such as having a certain number of bets before you can use them, or placing minimum wagers. Always stick to your plan of spending what you can realistically afford, making your bankroll last longer.

Building Long Term Habits

The whole point of having bankroll management in place is to create lifelong habits of having a plan before you start playing. It’s a proven method for so many players. Many paid the price of not having a plan and diving into online gaming unprepared, running on pure emotion and intuition. After a few tries, it became clear that a good plan would take you further.

Alhaji Dr. Mutiu Adewale Badmus, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Al-Haytq Travels and Tours Ltd,and Chairman and Managing Director of Freefly Travel Management turned 49 recently.

Family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond, joined in celebrating this visionary entrepreneur, humanitarian, and role model, whose impact continues to inspire hope and excellence in countless lives.

Over the years, Badmus has built an outstanding reputation as a trailblazer in the travel and tourism industry, transforming Al-Haytq Travels into one of Nigeria’s most trusted and reputable travel brands. His leadership style-anchored on integrity, innovation, and service-reflects his deep belief in hard work, faith, and the power of opportunities.

Beyond his professional achievements, Badmus has distinguished himself through philanthropy and youth empowerment initiatives that uplift communities and create pathways for others to succeed.

His unwavering support for educational development, vocational training, and charitable causes stands as a testament to his compassionate spirit and commitment to nation-building.

At 49, Badmus continues to inspire a new generation of dreamers and doers, reminding Nigerian youth that success is built on discipline, consistency, and the courage to pursue one’s purpose despite challenges. His journey from humble beginnings to national recognition underscores the values of resilience and grace that define true greatness.

Tax administrators across Africa have resolved to strengthen measures for the effective taxation of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs), as part of broader efforts to expand the continent’s tax base and enhance domestic revenue mobilisation.

The resolution was reached at a continental workshop on Enhancing Tax Compliance among High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in Africa, held in Entebbe, Uganda, from October 21 to 23. The event was jointly organised by the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and the International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD).

In her address at the workshop, the Executive Secretary of ATAF, Ms. Mary Baine, urged African tax administrations to approach the issue of taxing the wealthy with determination and innovation.

She said, ‘According to the ATO Report, South Africa, Eswatini, and the Kingdom of Lesotho lead Africa in personal income tax collection, yet most of this revenue still comes from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxpayers.’

Baine pointed out that many tax authorities across the continent continue to face challenges such as inadequate funding, weak data integration, and insufficient use of administrative data for decision-making.

She assured that ATAF remains committed to supporting its members in achieving stronger domestic revenue mobilisation (DRM) in line with the Seville Declaration.

Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner of the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) and Vice Chair of the ATAF Council, Mr. Sam Shivute, called for firm leadership in the enforcement of tax compliance among the wealthy.

Accountant General of the Federation, Shamsedeen Ogunjimi has alleged that some agencies of government were engaging in misconduct in the processing and awarding of contracts in violation of the Procurement Act.

Speaking when he appeared before the House Committee on Procurement, Ogunjimi said the Procurement Act provides that contract should not be awarded when money is not available to pay for it.

He said some of the contracts were awarded without funds to back them up which had created gaps as it contravened the law, adding however that efforts were ongoing to ensure all contractors who had delivered jobs were paid.

Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement, Unyime Idem, tasked the Accountant General to ensure speedy payment of contractors working for the government, while expressing concern over the delay in payment.

He said that the committee received a series of petitions on cases of delayed and none payments for jobs delivered over the past two years, adding that the house had been interfacing with the protesting contractors to ensure calm while efforts were being made to secure payments.

‘The issue of non-payments of contractors funds for the past two to three years now; on a daily basis, as a committee in charge of public procurement, we receive petitions and then protest.

‘So we use wisdom to manage them till today, if not, maybe by now, they would have burnt your office but it took the effort of the committee and the leadership of the House to manage the anger and the protest on the side of the contractors.

‘So the House asked us to also find out why they delay and in some cases, non-payments for the past two years,’ he said.

Idem also requested the accountant general to, in seven days, provide documents to explain alleged infractions in contract award processes in the agency’s budget between 2023 2025.

The Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalization Programme (YEIDEP) has announced the postponement of the business grants disbursement to Batch A applicants, initially scheduled to commence on October 20, 2025.

In a statement, the programme’s Coordinator-General, Comrade Kennedy Iyere, cited complexities in ensuring a transparent, accountable, and accurate disbursement process as the reason for the delay.

He has cautioned applicants against fake news circulating on social media platforms claiming that the disbursement has commenced, warning that internet fraudsters are peddling false information to extort money from unsuspecting individuals.

Real Madrid have almost been note-perfect this season, posting 11 wins from their 12 matches in all competitions, with their only defeat coming away to Atletico Madrid at the end of September.

Xabi Alonso’s side have won eight of their nine league matches, with 24 points seeing them top of the table, two points ahead of second-placed Barcelona, and they recorded a 1-0 victory over Getafe in La Liga last time out.

Los Blancos were also 1-0 winners in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with Jude Bellingham on the score sheet against Juventus to keep the capital outfit perfect in the league phase of the tournament.

Real Madrid have not been at their best this season, already conceding nine times in their nine matches, but they are the second-highest goal scorers in Spain’s top flight this term on 20, four fewer than Barcelona have managed.

Los Blancos have four more games before the November international break kicks in, welcoming Valencia to Bernabeu on November 1, before the small matter of a trip to Liverpool in the Champions League three days later; Alonso’s side will then head to Rayo Vallecano in the league on November 9.

Real Madrid will have revenge on their minds in this match, as Barcelona won all four matches between the two sides last season – across three competitions – including a stunning 4-0 victory at Bernabeu last October.

Barcelona, meanwhile, were also in Champions League action during the week, recording a 6-1 victory over Olympiacos to return to winning ways in the competition, making it six points from their first three matches.

The Catalan outfit were stunned by Sevilla before the October international break, suffering a 4-1 defeat, but they managed to bounce back against Girona last weekend, securing a 2-1 win, before finding the back of the net on six occasions in the Champions League last time out.

Barcelona’s other dropped points in La Liga this season came away to Rayo Vallecano at the end of August, and injury problems have caused the champions issues early in the campaign – their defence has also been far from water-tight, and that will be a cause for concern ahead of this match.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has refuted claims circulating on social media suggesting it misappropriated funds received from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Soccernet.ng reports.

This has arisen following the poor performance of Nigerian football on the continent and on the global stage.

In an official statement by the NFF, they clarified that the funds received from the two bodies [FIFA and CAF] are tied to specific development projects and are subject to regular auditing and financial oversight.

‘The Nigeria Football Federation finds it expedient to reiterate that the monies it receives from the world football-governing body, FIFA and the continental governing body, CAF, like other Federations, are usually tied to specific purposes and not gifts to the Federations,’ the NFF wrote.

The NFF said on Friday that this fresh clarification has become necessary in view of misinformation by some fellows on social media that the Federation ‘collects’ millions of dollars from FIFA on an annual basis, as if such monies were gifts to the Federation.

‘The country’s football-governing body explained that every monies received from FIFA or CAF is tied to a specific purpose, and both FIFA and CAF send their auditors to audit the accounts in which the money is received at the end of every year.

‘The NFF also explained that monies meant for development purposes are usually tied to specific projects and programmes, while the FIFA Forward monies are also properly specified and under strict adherence to financial regulations, compliance, monitoring and auditing at every stage of the project or program.

‘FIFA Forward projects, such as the ongoing NFF/FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, are subjected to strict controls, monitored and verified at every stage of the work.

‘Every stage is verified, assessed and sanctioned before further monies are released to the FIFA-approved consultants, to whom the monies are paid directly.’

Actress Regina Daniels has finally spoken out after a viral video emerged, sparking widespread speculation about her well-being and marriage to Senator Ned Nwoko.

The video, which trended online, appeared to show Regina in distress, alleging she was a victim of domestic violence.

In response to the allegations, Senator Nwoko fired back, accusing Regina of struggling with substance abuse and exhibiting aggressive behavior.

Regina shared a video on Instagram story, seemingly putting the rumors to rest.

The new footage shows Regina looking calm and cheerful on a private jet, surrounded by several individuals.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, on Saturday administered the oath of office to Mr. George Elombi, the new President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

The ceremony took place during the Afreximbank Legacy Conference and Investiture in Cairo.

Edun charged the new President to lead with a vision for an integrated and prosperous Africa, describing the event as a historic and defining moment for the continent and the institution.

‘Elombi, you are no stranger to this institution. You now assume leadership at a defining moment, a time when Africa’s destiny is being rewritten through resilience and innovation,’ Edun said.

‘Your appointment represents continuity, renewal, and a seamless transition from the solid foundation laid by your predecessor sitting right next to you. It is a bold leap toward the future we all envisage.’

Edun, who conveyed warm felicitations from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the people of Nigeria, urged the new President to sustain the Bank’s founding philosophy by deepening its role as a catalyst for Africa’s self-reliance.

‘Mr. President, your ascension is a testament to the founding philosophy that inspired this great institution. You are called not just to lead a bank, but to steward a vision, a vision of a self-reliant, integrated, and prosperous Africa,’ he declared.

The Minister recalled that four months earlier, at the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings, he served as Chairperson during the announcement of Elombi’s unanimous selection as the fourth President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank.

He remarked that: ‘This appointment is not merely a change in leadership; it is the dawn of a new era, a moment that reaffirms Afreximbank’s central role in shaping Africa’s financial sovereignty, its trade future, and, indeed, as Aliko Dangote rightly said, its manufacturing future.’