Entertainment
FG claimed no money for varsities but built railway to Niger –ASUU
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has again blamed the Federal Government for the ongoing strike in public universities.
The union’s National President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, stated in an interview with our correspondent that the government “went to sleep” for eight months after it completed negotiations with the union in May 2021.
According to him, ASUU waited for actions from the government to no avail.
Sunday PUNCH reports that ASUU had on Monday, March 14, 2022 announced an eight-week rollover of its four-week warning strike, which ended a day earlier.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, Osodeke explained that the union embarked on the eight-week rolling strike to give the Federal Government “more time.”
He said, “The initial idea was that the government would have met all the demands within the four weeks. But since the government said they could not meet up with our demands in four weeks, we said let us give them eight weeks. We just don’t want to declare an indefinite strike. Let us hope that in eight weeks, they meet up so that schools can return to normal and there will be an improvement in the system.
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“All they have done is to make promises like they had done in the past. For our members, if you have made promises in the past that you did not fulfil, why should we believe you again? If the government was serious about these problems, within four weeks the problems would have been solved.
“We say release the white paper, release the revitalisation fund for universities and sign the agreement, these things should not have taken four weeks if they were serious.
“In 2021, ASUU did not go on strike and I’m sure you are aware of that. We completed negotiations in 2021, did we go on strike? Between May 2021 and February 2022, that is eight months, for them to go and look at what we discussed; did we go on strike during this period? No, but the government went to sleep.
“For eight months, the government went to sleep and when ASUU went on strike, they came up.”
When asked for his reaction to claims by the Federal Government that there were no funds to meet the demands of the union, Osodeke said, “The government said there is no money but they have money for elections. Between education and election, which one is much more important? They constructed a railway from Kaduna to Niger Republic, is that more important than education?
“They claim there is no money, but the President increased the duty tour allowance and you see them travelling from one country to another. Does that prove that there is no money? Who are the ones benefiting from the DTA? Aren’t they political office holders? But the one that concerns the ordinary Nigerians, they claim they don’t have money. It is not correct; it is just the issue of priority”.
PUNCH
Entertainment
Nollywood Actress Laide Bakare Sets Strict Dating Rules: No Men in Her Home
Nollywood Actress Laide Bakare Sets Strict Dating Rules: No Men in Her Home
Nollywood actress Laide Bakare has opened up about her approach to dating, relationships, and personal boundaries, revealing why she does not allow men she is seeing to visit her home unless there is a serious commitment such as marriage.
Speaking during an interview with fellow actress Ayo Adesanya, Bakare emphasized the importance of self-respect, responsibility, and clear boundaries in relationships. She expressed that while she can like, appreciate, and respect a partner, she does not subscribe to being “in love” lightly.
“I do not love, I like. I appreciate. I respect,” Bakare said, explaining that liking someone allows her to value companionship without blurring emotional boundaries or creating unrealistic expectations.
On the subject of dating logistics, she stated firmly that a man should not have free access to her home. “How will that work? You people are dating and the man will be coming to your house without marriage? It has never happened,” she questioned. She stressed that personal space is sacred and should be shared only when trust and commitment are established.
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Bakare further noted that she expects a partner to take responsibility in the relationship by hosting her in his own space, even if it is rented or modest. “In his house, he’s the man. You should be responsible. You should carry me to your house,” she said, underscoring that a man’s ability to provide and host reflects maturity and seriousness.
The actress clarified that these rules are not about rejecting companionship but about protecting her peace and emotional well-being. By setting boundaries, she believes that relationships are built on respect, accountability, and clarity of intentions.
Social media reactions to Bakare’s remarks were mixed. While many fans praised her for championing self-respect and healthy dating standards, others debated whether her approach was too traditional for modern relationships. Entertainment commentators have noted that her statements contribute to a broader discussion on privacy, dignity, and emotional safety in dating, particularly in the context of celebrity culture.
Bakare’s comments have sparked conversations about the need for personal boundaries and deliberate choices in romantic engagements, highlighting that true respect and commitment should precede access to intimate spaces.
Nollywood Actress Laide Bakare Sets Strict Dating Rules: No Men in Her Home
Entertainment
Blessing CEO Defends Breast Cancer Fundraiser Amid Backlash
Blessing CEO Defends Breast Cancer Fundraiser Amid Backlash
Nigerian social media influencer Blessing CEO has addressed critics demanding refunds from her breast cancer fundraising campaign, insisting that donations were voluntary and defending her decision not to share her medical test results publicly.
Blessing first disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis in January and appealed to the public for financial support to cover her surgery and treatment. While many supporters contributed, some critics accused her of faking her illness to solicit funds, and a few have demanded refunds online.
In a viral video posted on Thursday, Blessing explained that the planned surgery has been delayed due to backlash. She said additional medical tests and post-surgery care have increased the overall cost, and that seeking financial support early was a precaution to avoid delays at a more critical stage of her condition.
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The influencer emphasised that she cannot share her cancer test results online due to privacy regulations and patient confidentiality. She added that even if disclosed, most online critics would not be able to correctly interpret the medical information.
“If I show you the result, can you interpret it? Show me one cancer patient who came to the internet to show their results. Because I came out and said lovers help me,” she said, highlighting the voluntary nature of donations.
Blessing also stressed that many critics commenting on her fundraising lack knowledge about cancer and patient privacy, and reiterated that supporters who understand the situation have contributed willingly. “If you do not trust me, do not give me your money. If you do not want to give, keep your money. I do not put a gun to your head to give me your one naira,” she added.
Supporters have defended her approach, noting that medical crowdfunding is a common practice in Nigeria, where high treatment costs and limited insurance coverage make financial assistance necessary for many patients. Experts also emphasise that sharing medical results publicly is not recommended, and privacy and transparency must be balanced carefully when fundraising online.
The controversy has sparked a broader discussion on digital fundraising for medical treatment, patient privacy, and the responsibilities of influencers in sharing personal health journeys online. Blessing CEO maintains that her decision is aimed at protecting her privacy while ensuring she can access necessary care.
Blessing CEO Defends Breast Cancer Fundraiser Amid Backlash
Entertainment
Madam Saje brokers peace in Akindele–Abraham feud
Madam Saje brokers peace in Akindele–Abraham feud
Veteran Nollywood actress Fausat Balogun has intervened to settle a brewing rift involving leading actresses Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham and Iyabo Ojo, bringing a swift resolution to a controversy that had stirred conversations across the entertainment space.
The disagreement, which recently played out in the public eye, was triggered by an incident at a movie premiere hosted by Iyabo Ojo.
During the event, Akindele was perceived to have ignored a greeting from Abraham — a moment that quickly went viral and fuelled speculation of a deepening divide among some of Nollywood’s most influential figures.
The situation gained further traction after Iyabo Ojo weighed in, hinting that underlying tensions may have stemmed from earlier remarks by Abraham about feeling sidelined in the industry — comments believed to have conflicted with a prior understanding between her and Akindele.
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The development reignited discussions about rivalry, recognition and unspoken competition within the Yoruba film circle.
Such disputes are not entirely new in Nollywood, where collaborations, endorsements and box office rivalry often place top actors under intense public scrutiny.
Social media has also amplified minor misunderstandings, frequently turning them into major talking points that shape public perception of celebrities and their relationships.
Amid the growing buzz, Madam Saje stepped in, leveraging her status as a respected industry figure to de-escalate tensions.
In a video shared on Instagram, she confirmed that she had engaged all parties involved and successfully mediated peace among them.
“I have taken up the matter since yesterday. I’ve resolved it and ordered them to take it off social media. I made them realise that their matter should no longer be discussed on social media again,” she said.
Her intervention appears to have restored calm, reinforcing calls within the industry for unity and discretion, especially among high-profile actors whose influence extends beyond the screen.
Madam Saje brokers peace in Akindele–Abraham feud
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