Nigerian disc jockey Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ, is contemplating switching her taste in men in hopes she might walk down the aisle soon.
Taking to her Instagram story to share photos of an Indian wedding she attended, she wondered if she should marry an Indian man. DJ Cuppy noted how the traditional wedding would be top-tier.
“Maybe I should marry an Indian man. Imagine the trad wedding”.
It is no longer news that the disc jockey’s engagement to British boxer Ryan Taylor hit the rocks. Cuppy found love in his arms in 2022, and the two got engaged just a month after knowing each other. Unfortunately, their relationship was short-lived, as in 2023, they parted ways over undisclosed reasons.
In November, which was supposed to be their anniversary month, Cuppy lamented over how she and Ryan had become strangers.
Finally opening up about their break-up, she noted how she was engaged in 2022 but now is single. Her ex, on his part, revealed why he dumped her, stating that his exes are shit drivers, a statement which didn’t sit well with Cuppy, and she hit back at him.
Early this year, Cuppy described 2023 as the worst year of her life, as she regretted not turning down her fiance, Ryan Taylor’s proposal. She reemphasised that because she couldn’t say no to him, it made her year worse.
Last weekend, DJ Cuppy, while attending a friend’s wedding, expressed hope that her love story will come someday.
In another post, she lamented over her single status, which has led her to write ‘Jesus’ in her emergency contact. According to her, whenever she is filling out forms, and they ask her for an emergency contact, she writes Jesus.
Nollywood actress Kehinde Bankole has gotten the internet talking once again over her appearance at 2024 AMVCA Cultural Day event.
The African Magic Viewers Choice Awards 10th edition kicked off on Friday with a Cultural Day event. Attendees at the event graced the occasion in different exquisite traditional attires.
The event, which was held at Eko Hotel and Suite, had Kehinde Bankole, who showed up in an outfit which showed off her cleavage. The movie star looked quite uncomfortable in the outfit, and this has gotten many talking.
One Technically Correct wrote, “It’s giving last minute no time to plan what to wear
One Xmply Cute wrote, “At this point, Kehinde Bankole’s stylist has to do better
One Queen Abiodun wrote, “What is she wearing?
One Nwam Akarr wrote, “This is not it
One Halarii1 wrote, “With half of your breast outside
One Holarye Enkar Suga Suga wrote, “This breast is not natural
One Pretty Jumie wrote, “She’s not comfortable at all
One Mr Okiks wrote, “Her dressing atimes hurts. What’s this?
One It’s Me Ayinke wrote, “She and Laide Bakare should do better
One Dawisu wrote, “It’s not going”.
This isn’t the first time Kehinde Bankole has been dragged online over her outfits. In October 2023, Kehinde was ridiculed online for her outfit to a movie premiere.
While many celebrities brought their A games to the carpet, Kehinde left many disappointed with her bizarre outfit, as she wore a cut-out dress, which showed off the black bra she wore. Her outfit didn’t sit well with many as they mocked her.
In other news, Bankole had hinted at a personal struggle as she shared a cryptic post via her Instagram page evealing that she had been battling an unspecified personal issue that had worsened by the day.
Giving an update to it, Kehinde noted how it’s okay for one to share the not-so-cool part of their lives with the public. The delectable screen goddess revealed her struggle as she stated that she was putting her shyness aside to receive encouragement from her fans.
“An empowered learner is a strong learner, less susceptible to bullying or abuse,” the school says.
To reduce the incidence of bullying among students, Chrisland Schools, Lagos, has empowered its learners to stay safe and speak up against all forms of bullying.
This is part of the school commemorating its ‘Safeguarding Week’ across all its branches in Lagos and Abuja, according to a statement from the school Thursday.
The statement quoted the Head, Risk, Compliance Safeguarding and Child Protection, Kemi Fajemirokun, as urging parents and their wards to always speak up whenever they see something wrong.
According to the school, the week-long event held every term is designed to empower learners and provide them with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate each term safely and confidently.
Cases of bullying across schools in Nigeria have been on the rise in the past few years and some schools are now taking initiatives to sensitise and empower their learners against the vices.
School sensitises students to speak up against bullying
Recently, another Lagos school, Wellspring College held its maiden anti-bullying campaign involving the students, teachers, and parents to raise awareness about the dangers of bullying and its direct impacts on child development, family values, and social life.
Safeguarding week
According to Chrisland Schools, the safeguarding week is themed, “Promoting total well-being and positive mental health through protection from cyberbullying and general bullying.”
The objective of the week was to raise awareness about the effects; and protection from all forms of bullying, as well as to sensitise students about the importance of speaking up.
The school noted that the activities for the week featured song presentations, playlets, debates, drama presentations, spoken word performances, and talk shows, among others, adding that the safeguarding ambassadors for each level were reintroduced and encouraged to be exemplary in their roles.
Parents’ participation, comments
The statement noted that during one of the sessions, Maureen Ada-Leonard, an organisational psychologist and a parent at Chrisland High School Ikeja, encouraged the learners to communicate with their parents at home and counsellors at school.
Mrs Ada-Leonard emphasised the importance of upholding moral values such as respect, integrity, and responsibility.
She admonished parents at the event on the need for a holistic approach from both home and school in raising a well-rounded child.
Another parent, Opeoluwa Adeyemi, urged learners at Chrisland School Ladipo-Oluwole to remain vigilant, emphasising that bullying can occur not only within the school premises but also outside of it.
She pointed out that “Bullying does not only take place in school; it can happen anywhere. However, its effects can be felt or observed while the child is at school.”
Ensuring safety
In her comments at the grand finale of Safeguarding Week at the school branch in Ikeja, Mrs Fajemirokun explained that the term’s theme was chosen through a questionnaire survey conducted to understand the concerns of the children.
According to her, the chosen theme will resonate throughout the term, noting that “an empowered learner is a strong learner, less susceptible to bullying or abuse.”
“This commitment to safety is evident in the involvement of parents who are part of the safeguarding committee of each school. We are raising children who will be global leaders. So, if you ‘see something’, ‘say something’ and ‘do something’,” she said
The first term’s safeguarding week focused on ‘The Duty of Care’, that is, the responsibilities of staff in ensuring the children are well cared for, protected, and safeguarded while in school.
Hours ago, Korra Obidi had started a GoFundMe campaign to get support for her legal fees. The mother of two cried out for help after her ex-husband, Justin Dean, obtained image rights protection from Meta to stop her from featuring their children on Facebook. According to her ex, he doesn’t want their kids to be on social media again and wants her to stop using them to create content on social media.
Korra called on celebrities to help with legal fees, stating that her ex’s actions would jeopardise her livelihood as a content creator.
Reacting to it, Ka3na stated that if she wanted to solicit support, she should do so with her full chest. She questioned why she had to make a statement asking celebrities who throw money around to help her.
She described her statement as uncalled for as she urged such celebrities to help her.
“If you want to solicit support, do so with your full chest; which one be “If you are a celebrity that throws money around?” that statement is so uncalled for. Oya make all the celebrities who throw money around go support”.
Days back, Justin had expressed his displeasure that his 4-year-old was twerking at him and thought it was cute. He went on to state that innocent children should be protected.
Reacting to it, Solomon Buchi questioned why he married a woman who twerks 24/7. He noted how men sometimes marry to explore and be adventurous without considering their wives would also be the mothers of their kids.
Recall that Justin Dean filed for divorce from Korra Obidi in March 2022, a few weeks after they welcomed their second child. Their divorce was quite messy on social media as they dragged each other and spilt their dirt. Their divorce was finally finalised on November 19, 2022, with both of them sharing joint custody of their two daughters.
In an Instagram post weeks back, Korra raised concerns as she revealed that she has been suffering in silence for 2 years since her divorce. She added that she doesn’t want to wait till the worst happens, and she is assured that help will come her way.
Social media users are divided after Big Brother Naija’s former housemate Venita Akpofure emerged as the winner of the Best Female Dressed category at the just concluded AMVCA Cultural Day.
Kemi Filani reported that the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards 10th edition kicked off on Friday with a Cultural Day event.
Attendees at the event graced the occasion, beautifully dressed in different exquisite traditional attire. Captivating the audiences were BBNaija Neo and his cousin, Venita, Tacha, Liquorose, OAP Do2dtun, Kunle Remi, Iyabo Ojo and a host of others.
After a tough battle, Venita and her cousin Neo Akpofure emerged the Best Dressed at the event. While Neo won the Best Male Dressed category, Venita won the Best Dressed Female. This would be the second time in a role she has won the category, as last year, she, alongside Yemi Cregx, emerged the winner.
Neo and Venita Akpofure wins Best dressed Male and Female at the #AMVCA Cultural Day
Many weren’t pleased with Venita winning the award for the second time in a role, as some noted how Liquorose was better dressed than her.
One Dammys Hub wrote, “Venita again this year. Wow
One Lady Ayneth wrote, “No now Saga and Liquor deserve this oh
One It’s Blessing wrote, “Neo did justice to his attire. I was expecting Liquor to win Best Female. All the same, they are
One Onaga Sandae wrote, “Liquor looked better abeg
One Spencer wrote, “They get luck
say Bob dey prison, him for win both gënders
One Ukwen wrote, “Neo well deserved, but for Venita, I can’t say
One Mariez Official wrote, “Neo, yes, but not Venita
One Dehbombomm wrote, “How? They didn’t see Liquorose?”.
A day back, Nigerian celebrity stylist and designer Toyin Lawani of Tiannah Empire had called out the AMVCA over their lack of theme each year. She noted how AMVCA has never declared a theme for their event, as she questioned why people wouldn’t dress how they like when they don’t give a theme.
In other news, Veteran icon Idowu Philips, popularly known as Mama Rainbow, had bagged a new title at the AMVCA Night of Icons.
Mama Rainbow, who shared clips from the event on Instagram, expressed gratitude for her fame since 1942 till date. At the event, the actress bagged the name ‘mother of artists’, which she included in her caption.
In a recent development, relationship coach Skuki peeshaun has countered Apostle Femi Lazarus’ statement on women not being able to control their emotions when they are on their period.
Recall that earlier today, Kemi Filani had reported that Apostle Femi Lazarus had revealed that a menstrual cramp should not be a reason for a woman to have mood swings.
He had noted how Esther and Deborah in the Bible had been able to accomplish a lot even while going through menstrual cramps. However, there were a lot of varying comments that met this statement as some women who go through hormonal changes reacted to this negatively.
Among the people who countered him is relationships coach Skuki peeshaun. He took to Instagram to reveal that it was normal for a woman to be dramatic.
He expressed that when a man is cranky or anxious, most times his anxiety is external and psychological. But when a woman is anxious, her anxiety can be external and psychological like a man’s, but she has the extra burden which is internal and biological.
He also further stated how a woman can go to bed very happy and wake up tense, short tempered for reasons she does not even know, while other times she can be overly happy and nurturing for no visible reasons.
He went on to reveal that while a lot of women are dramatic to the extreme, their biology should never be downplayed because it has a major impact on their mood. In his words, he had this to say.
“When a man is crasky or anxious, his anxiety is 100% external and psychological (which means he is worried about an issue and it is working him up) But when a woman is anxious, her anxiety can be external and psychological like a man’s, but she now has an extra burden, which is that her anxiety level can also be INTERNAL AND BIOLOGICAL and this is caused by the hormonal variations women go through every 28days.
“A woman can go to bed very happy and wake up, tensed, short-tempered for reasons she doesn’t even know. Other times she can be overly happy and nuturing for no visible reason. Yes, it is true that many women are dramatic to the extreme, but we can not downplay the impact a woman’s biology has on her mood.. unannounced.”
“We have to let men know that it is normal for a woman to dramatic to a certain extent, when she displays this off-moods, he shouldn’t argue with her or talk her down, he simply needs to stand his ground and be firm.. but no scolding or arguing.
His assertiveness would calm her down again, Infact that is what she came for in the first place. His masculine firmness. If we go with this narrative, we would encourage men to snap back and nag whenever their woman is having this NORMAL-MOOD-SWINGS. And when a man responds that way, it adds to his woman’s anxiety. They’ll now be like 2 women arguing!”
Mr Akanmu is one of the five Africans and the only one from an African-based tertiary institution selected for the 2024 cohort of the award.
Nigerian student, David Akanmu, has been selected as one of the beneficiaries of the 2024 Knight-Hennessy Scholars Award at Stanford University.
According to theannouncementon the website of Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University, the 2024 cohort comprises 90 students from 30 countries who will pursue degrees in 45 graduate programmes across all seven graduate schools at Stanford University.
Mr Akanmu was the Best Graduating Student (BGS) at the 54th convocation ceremonies of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) held in January.
The student, who graduated with a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0 in Civil Engineering, is one of five Africans and the only one from an African-based tertiary institution selected for the 2024 cohort which is the seventh and largest cohort since the inception of the award.
UNILAG reacts
In reaction to the news, UNILAG in a statement Thursday signed by the Head of Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, said the university has “underscored its position as an international springboard for success.”
UNILAG noted that Mr Akanmu is the third UNILAG graduate to receive the Knight-Hennessy Scholar Award.
Knight Hennessy scholars
The university statement further noted that for over five decades, it has provided qualitative and research-oriented education to Nigerians and all those who have entered its domain in search of knowledge.
“The University has built a legacy of excellence, and has been instrumental in the production of top-range graduates and academia that have had tremendous impact, directly or indirectly, on the growth, development and international recognition of Nigeria,” it said.
About award
The UNILAG graduate will pursue a Ph.D. in Energy Science and Engineering at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.
Among the 2024 scholars, according to the Knight Scholars, 47 per cent hold a non-U.S. passport, 49 per cent of U.S. scholars identify as a person of colour, and 11 per cent have served in the U.S. military.
It noted that the scholars earned undergraduate degrees at 60 different institutions, including 12 international institutions, adding that 22 per cent are the first in their family to graduate from college.
“With each new cohort of scholars I am even more encouraged about the future,” the Stanford University president emeritus, John Hennessy was quoted to have said,
“The challenges our world faces are only growing more complex, which validates the importance of our mission here.”
About Knight Hennessy Scholars
Knight-Hennessy Scholars is a multidisciplinary, multicultural graduate fellowship program spanning all seven schools at Stanford University.
The scholars receive up to three years of financial support to pursue graduate studies at Stanford while engaging in experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world.
Scholars are selected based on their demonstration of independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
The Knight Scholars also announced that the application for the 2025 cohort of Knight-Hennessy Scholars will open on 1 June 2024, and is due on 9 October 2024.
Deeper Life High School has set a remarkable standard in academic excellence as it announced that 174 of its students across the nation scored 300 and above in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This was announced via the school’s official Facebook page, highlighting their students’ exceptional performance despite the overall low-scoring trend reported by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The school’s post revealed, “Despite JAMB’s announcement that only around 0.5 per cent of candidates nationwide scored 300 and above in the 2024 UTME, an astounding 174 students of DLHS exceeded expectations with flying colours by scoring 300 and above.”
This announcement comes after JAMB disclosed that a significant number of candidates, 1,402,490 out of 1,842,464, failed to score at least 200 out of the maximum 400 marks in the examination.
Highlighting individual successes, the school mentioned that the highest scorer among its students, Ayeyemi Ibukunoluwa, achieved an impressive 362 points out of 400.
This follows the school’s record of producing the top scorer in the previous year’s UTME, where Umeh Kamsiyochukwu scored 360 points.
The remarkable results have drawn significant attention and praise from the public on social media.
Thomas Ewa, a Facebook user, commented, “Congratulations all. It takes godliness, discipline, and commitment to achieve such great results.”
Another user, Olumu Peace, expressed pride in Ayeyemi’s achievement, saying, “Congratulations Ayeyemi. Delta Campus is proud of you.”
In his reaction, Ajayi James applauded the school for its consistent performance, remarking, “This is quite incredible, congratulations to the DLHS family. Leadership with Distinction!”
Amidst the celebrations, JAMB’s registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, highlighted that the UTME is considered “only a ranking examination,” explaining the board’s decision not to disclose the names of the highest-scoring candidates in the just-concluded examination.
Furthermore, he cautioned against the validation of printed result slips, stating that the results are not issued in any paper format at the moment.
Former Manchester United striker, Andy Cole, has reflected on how he and his teammates used to see Arsenal during United’s dominant era.
Andy Cole said he and his Manchester United teammates used to laugh at Arsenal because of how the Gunners used to celebrate when they finished in the top four.
According to Cole, the reverse is now the case as Arsenal have turned into Premier League title contenders while Manchester United are struggling to finish in the top five.
Currently, Manchester United are sitting in the 8th spot on the league table with 54 points in 35 games, 13 points away from 4th-placed Aston Villa.
As for Arsenal, they are battling with Manchester City for the league title. They are currently second on the league table with 83 points in 36 games, two points below first-placed Manchester City.
Ahead of Manchester United vs Arsenal clash at Old Trafford, Andy Cole who seemed dispirited said the Red Devils are now so far away from competing for major honours.
“Arsenal used to finish fourth and celebrate like they’d won the league. We used to laugh at them, but that’s where we are. Of course, it is hard”, Andy Cole said according to the Mirror.
“It’s hard because I never saw United in this position, I have got to be brutally honest.
“Ultimately, the team that I was involved in, left a legacy for players who want to come to the club, try to emulate us and do the same thing. Sometimes I look at the team now – and the teams previously – and you scratch your head, because you’ve got to understand what United is all about.
“It’s about winning, it’s about competing, it’s about being involved in, and pushing for, major honours, especially in the domestic game. But we are so far away.”
Nollywood actress cum media personality, Dorcas Shola Fapson, popularly known as Ms DSF, has recounted how a man said he could not date her after discovering that she lost her mother as a child.
She made this known during an interview on the latest episode of the ‘Bahd and Boujee’ Podcast, co-hosted by reality star Tolanibaj and Nollywood actress, Moet Abebe.
Ms DSF said the man told her he could not date someone who wasn’t raised in “a two-parent household,” adding it was the craziest thing that someone had told her.
She said: “The most craziest thing that someone has ever said to me was when I told a guy that I lost my mum as a child and he said he could never date me.
“He said that he can’t date someone who wasn’t raised in a two-parent household. And I get that but could I have prevented my mum from dying? Is that my fault?”
Reacting, one of the hosts, Moet Abebe, said she has had a similar experience.
She said, “I can relate because someone has also told me that before. The reason was because he was also raised by a single parent. So, according to him, he didn’t want a child from someone with a similar upbringing. That was his excuse but I didn’t think it’s a reasonable excuse.”
Nigeria currently runs a unitary policing system controlled by the federal government
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has said his opposition to state policing in Nigeria has not changed but he concedes to the stance of President Bola Tinubu who is promoting state policing, which many believe may help address some of the security challenges facing the country.
Nigeria currently runs a unitary policing system controlled by the federal government. However, President Tinubu and state governors recently agreed on the need for states to have their police and agreed to work together to implement it. Discussions are ongoing and there would be a need to amend some of Nigeria’s laws to accommodate state police.
In 2012, Mr Bagudu, then a senator, said Nigeria was not ready to operate state police. His main argument, similar to that of many critics of the proposal, is that it would be abused by state governors, many of whom have shown the penchant to be intolerant of criticism.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu [PHOTO CREDIT: Ademola Popoola – Premium Times]
Despite serving as a state governor for two terms (in Kebbi, 2015-2023) and now as a minister, Mr Bagudu said his position has not changed but he defers to the stance of his principal, President Tinubu.
“President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands dissent,” Mr Bagudu told PREMIUM TIMES in an exclusive interview. “I’m not changing my view. I agree with him. But I have the right to express my view.”
Mr Bagudu indicated that the Tinubu administration is pushing the policy because some government officials raised superior arguments to his.
“I’m not flip-flopping. I was opposed to it as a senator, but superior argument and logic emerged,” the minister said.
At a recent dialogue on state police organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review last month, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also opposed the idea of state police.
Mr Egbetokun, instead, proposed that the Nigerian government should merge the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Commission (NSCDC) as departments under the federal police to increase its manpower as well as funding.
“I was at a dialogue on state policing,” Mr Bagudu said. “Even the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives spoke about many issues that need to be appreciated in order that we can do it right. So it’s not even whether for or against, there are issues about state police and that is what is important.”
The state police bill currently before the National Assembly seeks the removal of police from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list.
The exclusive list contains all items that only the federal government can act upon while the concurrent list contains issues that both the federal government and state governments can act on.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu during the Interview [PHOTO CREDIT: Ademola Popoola – Premium Times]
In the last assembly, the state police bill was rejected by the lawmakers, who felt that state governors may abuse state police. However, in the face of rising insecurity and the support of the president, there seems to be a favourable disposition to the bill by the current assembly.
In the interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Bagudu also spoke about the economy, budget ‘padding’ of President Tinubu’s first full-year budget by the National Assembly, the 2023 elections that brought Mr Tinubu to power and other matters.
Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has come forward to defend Rivers State Governor Similaye Fubura, asserting that the governor is being targeted by political adversaries.
According to Secondus, these opponents are agitating because of Fubura’s refusal to grant them unrestricted access to the state’s financial resources.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, Secondus pointed fingers at Nyesom Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, accusing him of instigating Governor Fubura’s political challenges.
“The unyielding feud and contentious behavior of Wike have not only undermined Fubura but have also cast the entire state in a negative light,” said Secondus.
Secondus elaborated on the nature of the political tension within Rivers State, describing it as a battle against corruption and the pilfering of state assets.
He commended Governor Fubura for his integrity and determination to protect the state’s treasury, despite facing considerable opposition.
Secondus said, “Wike has been Governor for eight years and is now Minister of the FCT. As Minister, what, has he (Wike) attracted in terms of Federal projects to our dear State since he assumed office? Perhaps misery, grief, and anguish. As Governor he had supervised the exit of investors from the state due to his draconian policies.
“He had on an occasion mentioned that he is capable of causing crisis and he is not far from the truth, as he is causing an unfathomable crisis in Rivers State.
“Mrs Patience Jonathan and I worked for his emergence as governor, have we ever breathed down his neck? Instead what we get is disrespect and insults.
“ I can attest to Dr. Odili’s performance as Governor being the State PDP chairman then. I hasten to say without any fear of contradiction that he is the best governor of Rivers State in this dispensation.
“Wike claims that our revered Dr. Odili made him but in his characteristic manner, he publicly ridiculed the Odili’s without any justification. He owes them an unreserved apology and he should do so publicly.
“These media attacks against the political leaders of Rivers State are unwarranted and diversionary.
“For the records you should account for the three hundred million dollars($300m) you collected from the NNPC for the Ogoni Oil well and the cash refund made by the Saipem oil and gas company and subsequently account for your eight-year tenure of over N4Trillion realized, mismanaged and squandered. Rather than trying to cover your inadequacies through media attacks.”
These attacks, he stressed, might dovetail into a national crisis if not properly checked.
While appealing to President Bola Tinubu to reign in the FCT minister, Secondus added, “I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to prevail on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to stop overheating the Rivers State political atmosphere and allow Fubara to work. Whatever Wike thinks he is It must be stressed that Rivers people made him.”
The political crisis in Rivers State has continued to deteriorate despite President Tinubu’s intervention last year.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has ordered an immediate relocation of the legislative business of the state House of Assembly to Government House in Port Harcourt.
The relocation order is contained in the state’s official Gazette, Executive Order of the Rivers State Government 001-2023, Channels Television reported.
The order came about 24 hours after Victor Oko-Jumbo, a lawmaker loyal to the governor emerged as a new factional speaker of the assembly and a few hours after hours after a High Court in the state barred the pro-Wike speaker and 24 other lawmakers from parading themselves as members of the assembly.
The order also came a few days after Mr Fubara declared that Rivers State had no House of Assembly and a day after the governor visited the legislative quarters where the pro-Wike lawmakers were holding sitting.
The complex which housed the Rivers assembly was demolished last year after a section of it was set ablaze in the aftermath of a failed attempt to remove the governor from office.
The gazette reads, “That on 29 October 2023, a fire incident occasioned by unknown persons burnt and damaged the hallowed chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“That the Hallowed Chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly in its present state is unsafe and constitutes a threat to the lives of the staff and the Honourable members of Rivers State House of Assembly and thus not conducive for the business and proceeding of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“That it is expedient to carry out urgent repairs, renovation, and reconstruction of the burnt and damaged chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“That it is further reasonable to ensure that the business and proceedings of the Rivers State House of Assembly are not impeded and frustrated.
“Now therefore, I, Mr Fubara the Governor of Rivers State this 30th day of October 2023, Pursuant to the powers vested in me under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) hereby issue, order, and direct that all proceedings and business of Rivers State House of Assembly shall temporarily take place at the Auditorium, Admin Block, Government House, Port Harcourt until the repairs, renovation or reconstruction of the chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly are completed.”
The relocation and other related events that happened before it have further worsened the already hostile relationship between Mr Fubara and the pro-Wike lawmakers.
The lawmakers have been at loggerheads with Mr Fubara after the governor fell out with Mr Wike last year.
Mr Wike, the immediate-past governor of the oil-rich Rivers, was instrumental to the emergence of Mr Fubara as governor but the duo fell out shortly after Mr Fubara assumed office as a result of the battle over the control of their party’s structure in the state.
The feud deteriorated despite the intervention of President Bola Tinubu who brokered a peace deal between Messrs Wike and Fubara after the seats of Mr Wike-backed lawmakers were declared vacant following their defection to the APC.
The Nigerian Army has reacted to the viral audio-visual footage of soldiers protesting over overcrowding and poor feeding of detained soldiers in custody at the 8 Division Garrison detention facility in Sokoto State.
Some people info gathered that a soldier identified as Lcpl Charles Ekefure with service No: 17NA/76/1660 was reportedly shot following complaints by some detained soldiers who broke out of their guardrooms in the facility.
According to SaharaReporters, the incident occurred on Thursday, May 9, at the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto amid the soldiers’ clamour for better food and improved living conditions.
Reacting to the incident in a statement on Saturday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja had instituted an appropriate investigation into the incident to determine whether it was an isolated or widespread situation in similar detention facilities.
Nwachuukwu stated this in a statement titled: “Nigerian Army’s response to viral audio-visual footage of soldiers protesting overcrowded cells, poor feeding.”
He described the incident as quite unfortunate and an embarrassment to the sound administration efforts of the Chief of Army Staff, which he said was not in line with his leadership style.
The statement read in parts: “The Army Headquarters has taken note of a report and audiovisual recording circulating on social media produced by some of its personnel held in custody at the 8 Division Garrison detention facility.
“Undoubtedly, the Sokoto barracks detention facility incident is quite unfortunate and an embarrassment to the sound administration efforts of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), to say the least, and in line with his leadership style, the COAS has instituted an appropriate investigation into the incident to determine whether it is an isolated or widespread situation in similar detention facilities.
“While the service regrets and has gleaned some lessons from the incident, it will however not condone the manner the inmates expressed their purported grievance. Mutiny and conduct prejudicial to service order are grievous misconducts and this very incident epitomises such.
“As such, as Army, on the one side, goes ahead to implement the COAS directive to look into the state of all NA detention facilities, as detainees’ lives also matter, the Service shall not shy away from appropriately sanctioning the soldiers involved in the unruly behaviour in its Sokoto detention facility for failing to exhaust all available options to channel their complaints to the appropriate authorities and if it was discovered they did and nothing was done, necessary administrative actions will be taken against anyone found to have failed to discharge his/her duties effectively.
“While the Service is mindful of its subjective oversight engagements by statutory bodies, it remains primarily a responsible, self-regulating professional body. As such, the Service remains committed to ensuring that everyone, even those found guilty of aiding terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits, and are awaiting confirmation of their sentencing, as it has been discovered in the Sokoto case is accorded a relatively decent life until their judgment is confirmed and executed.
“This commitment underscores the NA’s dedication to upholding professional standards and maintaining a just and fair system.
“The NA appreciates all Nigerians for their concern and support as well as pledge to remain focused on its drive to defeating security challenges facing the nation in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies.”
“In light of the ongoing audit, Dana Air has made the decision to temporarily disengage some staff members pending the conclusion of the audit,” a statement said.
Dana Air on Saturday announced that it has disengaged some of its staff members amid an operational audit being conducted by the nation’s regulatory authorities.
The airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Ezenwa, made this known in a statement Saturday morning.
The airline noted that the audit, currently underway, is a collaborative effort between Dana Air and the authorities to ensure compliance with all necessary standards and regulations.
“In light of the ongoing audit, Dana Air has made the decision to temporarily disengage some staff members pending the conclusion of the audit,” Mr Ezenwa said.
“This decision has been made to ensure efficient management of resources and to facilitate a thorough review of operational procedures.
“The Management of Dana Air extends its sincere appreciation to all staff members for their resilience and dedication during this period of uncertainty. It recognises the difficulties that staff have had to endure and assures them that every effort is being made to resolve the situation promptly.”
The statement said that Dana Air reaffirmed “its commitment to full cooperation with the authorities to facilitate a smooth and expedited resolution” of the audit process.
It added that the airline remains committed to providing updates and support to its staff throughout the process and while these challenges are being addressed, it has commenced talks with lessors and are currently engaging stakeholders on the progress made so far.
“Dana Air therefore urges for calm and understanding from our very dedicated staff for their altruism and stakeholders,” the airline said.
Background
Last month, PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) of Dana Airlines with immediate effect.
The directive was contained in a letter issued and endorsed by the NCAA Acting Director General, Chris Najomo, in Abuja. It said the action was based on “elevated safety concerns” posed by the airline.
The airline suspension came less than 48 hours after an aircraft (MD82 with registration marks 5SN-BKI) belonging to Dana Air experienced a runway incursion upon landing at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos from Abuja.
According to the airline, all the 83 passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft were evacuated safely.
“We are relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or fear as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism,” the airline said, adding that the country’s investigation Bureau and NCAA had been properly briefed about the incident.
Meanwhile, it was the second time within two years that the NCAA would suspend the airline’s AOC over safety violations. In 2022, the airline’s operation was halted after the outcome of a financial and economic health audit carried out on the airline by the regulatory authority came out negative.
On Saturday, the airline said its management is working diligently to address any concerns and is preparing a restart plan that will ensure the safe and efficient resumption of operations.
“Dana Air is confident that with the continued support of its staff and stakeholders, it will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than ever,” the statement said.
Stadiums offer a temporary escape from the economic grind for football fans but rising costs and dwindling revenues are threatening the clubs
Nigeria’s economic downturn casts a long shadow on the country and has driven up the prices of everything, from food to fuel and managing a football club.
But some fans of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), like Segun Adeboye, though grappling with the rising cost of living, are still intent on feeding their passion for their local football clubs.
Adeboye, an ardent 3SC of Ibadan (also called Shooting Stars) supporter, has seen it all at the Lekan Salami Stadium. He once lost a tooth in an altercation with security officials during a match of the Shooting Stars at the stadium in Adamasingba.
He has been mobbed by desperate ticket sellers on matchdays and sometimes it is a cause of irritation just to get a ticket amidst the argy-bargy.
Getting a cool beer is always a welcome respite, calming his nerves before the match. On the days when victory is secured, Adeboye floats home, oblivious to the hardships of the day, or even the next.
Passionate Shooting Stars Masscot during a matchday at Adamasingba [PHOTO CREDIT: Shooting Stars SC Facebook]
NPFL ritual
The Adamasingba Stadium offers a temporary escape from the grind of their daily economic struggles. As one passionate fan declared, “I would rather go without food and spend my hard-earned cash to buy a 3SC match ticket.”
When there are no NPFL home matches, the sprawling city seems to hold its breath. In Ibadan, NPFL league matches are no joke. Shooting Stars are more than just a football club; any untoward happenings or news about the club can spark an uprising.
And the Adamasingba Stadium is more than just a sports venue. It is a sanctuary for the fans.
The surroundings assume a carnival-like atmosphere on matchdays, with vehicles contributing to the cacophony of noise with their horns to announce the home team’s arrival at the stadium.
Shooting Stars are woven into the city’s fabric; their struggles resonate deeply. Despite harsh financial realities within the NPFL (evidenced by low ticket sales), fans fill the stadium to cheer for their beloved team. On the most recent matchday, 3SC secured a thrilling 2-0 victory.
Ripple effects
For Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna Central District, it is his dream to return to stadiums to watch local matches.
“I wanted to develop a habit of visiting our stadiums to watch our local league matches, as we used to do in the 80s and 90s. The problem is that to enter the stadium and come out, one has to settle thugs.
“And one is also advised to remove all valuables in the car while setting it in the parking lot. Concentrating on watching these matches is difficult. I hope the NFF will do something about this,” Mr Sanni wrote on his verified Twitter account last year.
Clubs prioritise fans
Nigeria is facing dire economic challenges. Inflation is at its highest level in decades, the removal of subsidies on petrol has led to a huge increase in the prices of goods and services while unemployment and underemployment remain very high. All of these also affect the country’s football clubs who, however, have to make sacrifices to be able to keep the fans in the stadium.
In northern Nigeria, where attendance is traditionally high, clubs like Doma United FC of Gombe maintain their matchday gate fee at N100. Club official Mark Malele explains that they prioritise fan presence over profit.
In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, the club’s image maker said the Savannah Tigers are not raking in profits from gate takings.
“No, there hasn’t been any increase. Just the normal price. Where we have the popular side, spectators come in and pay a hundred naira and in the VIP stands, spectators pay two hundred naira, so there has been no increase because people troop in to watch our matches. The only thing that has affected attendance at our matches is maybe a dip in form,” he lamented.
Mr Makele said a proposal to raise the gate fees encountered significant resistance from some members of the board, who feared that it might deter fans from attending matches.
“Gombe State is not as rich as other states in the South-south or the South-west,” he said. “We take into consideration the people that come to watch our matches. We don’t want people to boycott our matches because they feel our ticketing is high. It has always been like that.”
The Savanah Derby between Doma United and Gombe United usually attracts a full house
“We thought of increasing it at the end of last season but we felt if we increased, people would start boycotting our matches so we said no, we should continue with this until the end of this season.
“The only time that people get more interested in coming is when Doma United is playing, maybe Gombe United. That is a Savannah derby, and also when Kano Pillars come visiting. That is when you see people trooping in very well to watch our matches. It (low gate fees) is not a problem for us. It’s something we will be looking at, at the end of the season,” he posited.
He lamented that the country’s economic hardship was taking its toll on the club.
“It’s not easy, especially as it’s a privately owned club. What we spent last season on matches cannot be compared to what we’ve spent so far this season because it is a full season and not an abridged league like we had last season. Now this season is one that you travel week in, week out.
“You travel for away matches, you deal with logistics at home and all these things are not as easy as they seem. We are just trying to manage what we have on the ground to see how we can finish this season.
“It has affected us in one way or another, especially when it comes to transportation. And you know the prices of fuel and electricity affect accommodation. Hotels have also increased their accommodation charges, so it has affected us a lot. Looking at the prices of food items, we had to review the feeding allowances of the players at the end of last season.
“Now that the prices of commodities are still on the increase, we are still taking a look at that because if you are giving someone N1,000 to eat one meal in a day now, it can’t buy one meal so it’s definitely something that is affecting us right now,” Mr Makele added.
The club’s only consolation, according to Mr Makele, remains the presence of fans in the stands, which, according to him, has been a major source of inspiration for both players and officials of the clubs who see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Finding alternative funding
The story is not different in the South-east, where league matches are popular, with the likes of Enugu Rangers sticking to its old ticket price.
In the words of the chairman of the club, Amobi Ezeaku, Rangers FC is owned by the people and only they can decide when match ticket increment can be enforced.
“This club belongs to the people. Our ticket prices have not increased,” Mr Ezeaku told PREMIUM TIMES
“When we get back to Enugu, the popular stand remains at N500, the corner stand is N2000 and the VIP stand is N5000 and we don’t intend to increase that.
“Don’t forget that when we came on board a few months ago, we got a shirt sponsorship of about N50 million and we are also talking with other institutions that can help us to cushion the effect of the economic hardship.
“The government is trying and some individuals are trying and supporting the club. We don’t want the fans to feel the heat of having to pay more for tickets. Everything is good,” the Rangers CEO added.
Rangers CEO, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku (2nd from right) with the M.Ds of the new partnering companies.
On the club’s plan for its players and officials in the light of the new economic realities, he said: “We have some sponsors and the players and officials have their contracts; we have to respect the sanctity of these contracts and we have to give kudos to the governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, who has made sure that all the contractual obligations on the part of the government are met.
“Rangers are on top of the table and a lot of interest is being given to the club. The economic hardship notwithstanding, we have devised a means to make sure we cushion the effect of the nationwide economic struggles.”
The cheering news, according to Mr Ezeaku, is that the fans have continued to turn up during league matches.
“What we have now in Enugu is a replica of what we saw in 2016. What we have recorded on the average is a spectatorship of 5500.
“There are days we go above. The game against Shooting Stars last year was over 7000. We hope that during and after the game on Sunday we will get up to 10,000 and that going forward we will be getting 15 – 20,000.
“We know the mentality of some of the fans who have not yet come to the stadium. When they think the club will carry the trophy, they will come. Remember, in 2016, we had to close the gate and put a flat screen outside because the stadium was filled and we had to devise a means of meeting their needs. After this game, Enyimba, Bendel Insurance will come around and we will see how it goes,” he concluded.
Akwa United are already feeling the heat after their gate ticket was pegged down from N2000 to N1000 and they were forced to throw the gate open for fans who could not afford the fees, no thanks to the harsh economy.
The club’s media officer, Mfon Patrick, told PREMIUM TIMES that having more fans in the stands supersedes the club’s desire to rake in profit from the sale of match tickets.
Fans at the Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium during the Akwa United v Kano Pillars match.
“At the start of the season, our tickets were N2000 or N1000, but at some point, we reduced it because we needed more fans at the stadium. Now our gate is open to fans who don’t have money.
“It (the economy) is affecting everything, but we are not doing too well in the league, so we need fans’ support. That’s one of the reasons. The economy is affecting everything; going for matches, fueling vehicles, hotel bills, etc. We put our fans first because they are an integral part of the team and they bring the boys up. It’s part of the team’s strategy to get more fans into the stadium.
“There is no match day that we have less than 7000-10000. Talking about players’ welfare, once we travel for matches, the feeding money has been increased,” he said.
The situation appears worse for Sunshine Football Club of Akure, whose biggest achievements to date are semi-final appearances in the 2011 CAF Confederation Cup and the CAF Champions League a year later.
For a club once managed by Kadiri Ikhana, Argentine Rodolfo Zapata, not forgetting Paul Ashworth, the NPFL title has continued to elude the Akure side.
Languishing in 18th place on the league table with 36 points from 31 matches, Sunshine Stars needs no soothsayer to inform them that increasing the gate fee would be suicidal.
The critical situation was worsened by the death of Rotimi Akeredolu, a technical staff member of the team, in a road accident. And with the state’s attention shifted to the upcoming governorship election, Sunshine are fighting not to hit rock bottom.
“For our matches, there are not many fans so we try to remove fees. It has been free for the last 20 matches now,” the club’s media officer, Michael Akintunde told PREMIUM TIMES.
“Of course, the economic downturn has affected fans’ turnout during home matches. The fans were many, and we had double or triple what we used to have during our last match against Enyimba. It seems the fans are selective as well.”
Fans at the Lekan Salami Stadium during a matchday [Photo Credit Shooting Stars SC Facebook]
Cutting costs
“To cut costs, officials and players’ travelling are now reduced. For instance, in the match in Ibadan and Abuja, unlike before, when 27 players would embark on the trip, only 22 were in Ibadan and some would be dropped for Abuja. Unlike before, where almost 30 people will go. Everything is being beaten down.
“The economy is not too good at this time, but basically we have been trying and the more they watch good football, they will forget the poor economy,“ Mr Akintunde said.
Lobi United, despite enjoying great support from the Benue State government, are also feeling economic pains.
“We usually throw our games open simply because of the present hardship, which has caused an increase in fuel and other commodities. We don’t charge our fans. We want our fans to come and watch and we are going to do so for the remaining three home matches. We have four away and three home games to end the league.
Contrary to popular belief, instead of rinsing after brushing, you can skip the rinse and get to enjoy some health benefits.
Everyone brushes their teeth daily. That is the norm and the usual dental routine is brushing our teeth and an automatic reflex: rinsing our mouths with water.
While this is what most of us are used to, recent research has given some compelling reasons to reconsider this habit.
Contrary to popular belief, instead of rinsing after brushing, you can skip the rinse and get to enjoy some health benefits. This means after brushing, you spit out, rinse your toothbrush and you are done.
Why you shouldn’t rinse your mouth after brushing
Are you still wondering why you should be doing this? Here is why you may want to think twice before reaching for that glass of water after brushing.
1. Maximises the effect of fluoride in your toothpaste
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is commonly found in most toothpaste. It helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
Many toothpaste brands contain fluoride, and the fluoride concentration in these toothpaste is carefully formulated to provide optimal protection against cavities. However, when you rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, you wash away much of the fluoride left behind by the toothpaste, which reduces its effectiveness.
When you do not rinse, you allow the fluoride to remain in contact with your teeth for a longer period. This maximises its benefits.
2. Protect your teeth better
One of the most common causes of tooth problems is plaque – a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and usually leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Toothpaste is designed not only to remove plaque, but also to leave behind a protective layer that helps prevent its reformation.
This protective layer can be disrupted when you rinse immediately after brushing, diminishing its ability to shield your teeth from harmful bacteria. But then, when you do not rinse, you enable the active ingredients in toothpaste to continue working, providing prolonged protection against plaque buildup.
3. You’re getting value for your money
Toothpaste comes at a price and we do not get it for free. To get full value for your money, it is better to not rinse after brushing, at least, the toothpaste gets to do its full job on your teeth. Besides, you get to save water while brushing.
You might be wondering, you have been rinsing after brushing all your life and your teeth seem fine. Well, your teeth might be fine but it costs nothing to add an extra layer of protection as research shows that those who do not rinse after brushing have higher fluoride content in their mouths at the end of the day.
Using mouthwash to rinse is also not a better alternative to not rinsing with water as toothpaste contains more fluoride than your everyday mouthwash, so you get more value when you do not rinse.
Not rinsing might seem weird at first, but the more you do it, the more you get used to it and get better oral health. So why not give it a try?
You’ve been love-bombed and now ghosted, what is going on?
Has someone ever showered you with affection, attention, and grand gestures, only to have it followed by a mysterious disappearance?
It happens… quite often in fact. This confusing and hurtful pattern is known as love bombing and ghosting.
Let’s unpack these terms and discuss the possible reasons behind this behavior.
What is love bombing?
Love bombing is an emotional downpour, where someone showers you with affection, attention, gifts, constant communication and declarations of undying love at an unusually rapid pace. It feels like you’ve found your soulmate overnight—a dream come true.
<img class="image lazyloaded imgWithMetaData" title="A man who showers a lady with excessive gifts may be a love bomber [Quora]" src="data:;base64,” alt=”A man who showers a lady with excessive gifts may be a love bomber [Quora]” width=”602″ height=”401″ data-original=”https://ocdn.eu/pulscms-transforms/1/t7kktkpTURBXy8xNGRhYjM5Y2YwMzQ2MmFjODNlMWJmYmFhNTNkNTc3ZS5qcGeRlQLNAlrNAZHCww” />
A man who showers a lady with excessive gifts may be a love bomber
Unfortunately, this seemingly intense connection fades off as quickly as it starts. A genuine emotional connection is not supposed to move that fast.
Signs you’re being love bombed
Excessive affection and compliments: You feel like you’re on cloud nine, constantly told how amazing you are, and flooded with affection. You start hearing unreal sentences like “Please eat for me” or “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before; you’re my soulmate” being thrown your way within the first few days. Lies from the pit of hell!
Moving too fast: Declarations of love, talk of a future together, and demands for exclusivity happen prematurely. Real relationships take time to develop, so if things seem to be moving at an unusually fast pace, it is a red flag.
Need for constant contact: Text messages and calls come non-stop. They intertwine your lives together in such a short period.
Intense emotional responses to your boundaries: If you try to slow things down or express discomfort, they react badly, making you feel guilty or responsible.
What is ghosting?
Ghosting is a vanishing act, where someone abruptly cuts off all communication without explanation, ignoring calls, texts, and any attempts at communication.
I recently encountered a guy who, within the first few hours of chatting, professed love and a desire for marriage. It seemed strange, considering we had just met that same day. When I asked how certain he was about all these feelings, he responded with “I just know you’re special.” That’s love bombing.
The next morning, I woke up to a lengthy “endearing” message on WhatsApp that I couldn’t relate to. When I asked if it was a mistake and expressed my confusion, his response was a flimsy reason: “That’s how you make me feel, baby.” Oh, we’re calling ourselves baby now? Okay. I simply said “Thanks” to end that conversation, and the next thing this guy came up with was “What would you do if we were alone together?”
Long story short, I told him I wasn’t interested in any sexual conversation and he reacted to the messages with a thumbs-up emoji. As expected, I never heard from him again. I wasn’t surprised in the least. Love bombers are “ghosters” 90% of the time.
Statistics on ghosting
Studies suggest that ghosting is surprisingly common, with a 2015 survey revealing that nearly 80% of adults have been ghosted at some point. And, with the rise of technology, it is easier than ever to ghost without closure.
What ghosting includes
Abruptly stopping communication: No texts, calls, or replies to any form of contact.
Unfriending or blocking you on social media.
Avoidance in places you both frequent.
Providing no explanation for their sudden disappearance.
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80% of adults have been ghosted at some point in their lives
7 possible reasons they love bomb and ghost you
This hurtful behaviour has been coined as “ghost bombing.” Understanding why someone would do this can bring clarity and maybe closure to those who have experienced it.
Narcissistic tendencies: They crave control and adoration, using love bombing to manipulate you for their own needs, then discard you when they’re done.
Commitment phobia: They fear intimacy and commitment, so they pull away when things get serious.
Fear of conflict: They avoid confrontation and choose silence over a difficult conversation.
Avoidant attachment: They have a pattern of pushing people away to protect themselves from emotional hurt.
Attention seeking: They enjoy the initial excitement of a new relationship but lose interest quickly.
Found someone else: They simply met someone else and decided to go for that instead.
Change of heart: Their feelings probably changed, and they lack the courage to communicate their change of mind.
Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances like life events, relocation, job changes, or personal crises can unexpectedly cause them to withdraw from a relationship.
Don’t feel pressured to continue talking if it doesn’t feel right.
We’ve all been there. You meet someone new, the sparks fly, and you start texting and chatting like crazy. Maybe you even go on a date or two. Things seemed fun at first, but then you realised it wasn’t quite the connection you were looking for. It happens!
Maybe you’re just not clicking, or maybe you’ve met someone else who seems like a better match. Whatever the reason, you know it’s time to move on. But how do you do that without disappearing into thin air, leaving them wondering what happened?
Ghosting, where you just stop talking to someone completely, might seem like the easy way out. But it’s actually pretty rude. The other person might be confused, hurt, or even worried.
Before you send that message, you need to figure out why you want to leave the talking stage in the first place. Why don’t you want to continue talking? Are there any specific red flags? Are you simply not feeling the spark? Being clear on your reasons will help you communicate your decision effectively. Here are some common reasons people might want to exit the talking stage:
Lack of interest: Maybe the conversations feel forced, or they’re not the person you pictured yourself with. It’s okay! It happens.
Different values: You might discover your views on important things don’t align. It’s better to address this early on than later.
Too soon for commitment: Maybe you just started talking and want to focus on other areas of your life before getting romantically involved.
Meeting someone new: If you’ve clicked with someone else, it’s okay to be respectful and end things with the first person.
Now that you know why you want to exit, it’s time to craft your message. Here are some key points to remember:
Don’t sugarcoat it. Be direct and explain your reasons in a simple way.
Even if you’re not interested, be respectful. Remember, they put themselves out there too.
Avoid using confusing phrases like “I need some space” or “I’m not looking for anything right now.” It might leave them wondering.
If you enjoyed your time getting to know them, let them know!
Here are some examples:
Communicate your decision to leave the talking stage instead of ghosting
“Hey [Name], I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you these past few weeks. However, after some reflection, I don’t think I’m looking for a romantic relationship right now. I wish you all the best in your search!”
“Thanks for taking the time to chat with me [Their name]. I’ve realised I’m looking for someone who shares my passion for [Your interest]. Wishing you the best!”
Bonus tip: If you’d rather avoid a long text, a simple “It was nice getting to know you, but I don’t see a romantic connection” is fine too.
The other person might be disappointed, confused, or even angry. It’s okay, you don’t owe anyone a date or a relationship. It’s okay to say “no” and move on.
![The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu [PHOTO CREDIT: Ademola Popoola - Premium Times]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-10-at-19.09.26_03930f1b.jpg?resize=720%2C390&ssl=1)
![The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu [PHOTO CREDIT: Ademola Popoola - Premium Times]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-10-at-19.09.25_d0e2f4ab.jpg?resize=720%2C393&ssl=1)
