Mohbad’s death, Mr Ibu’s health…top news in Nigeria in 2023
An eventful year 2023 was for Nigerians. Filled with good, bad and ugly news. A sense of hope and a sense of loss amid controversies, from the world of entertainment to politics.
From Mohbad’s death and Mr Ibu’s health to Cardoso’s appointment, here are Nigeria’s top 10 news stories of the year.
1. Mohbad’s demise
27 years old fast rising star, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, also known as Mohbad, passed on on the 12th of September 2023 amid multiple controversies.
These controversies encompassed various issues, including an accusation of bullying from former label boss Naira Marley and Sam Larry.
Additionally, there were allegations of murder, drug use, a yet-to-be-determined cause of death, the need for a DNA test for his surviving son, a suspiciously rushed burial, an autopsy delay, and an ongoing police trial that remains inconclusive.
2. 2023 general elections
The presidential election held on the 25th of February, witnessed an unprecedented move. Labour Party’s Peter Obi, APC’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and PDP’s Atiku Abubakar emerged as top contenders, breaking the two-party stronghold of APC and PDP.
The results favoured Tinubu. However, allegations of rigging, ballot box snatching, thuggery, and other grievances arose, causing tension nationwide.
3. Hilda Baci
27 years old Hilda Baci became a Nigerian sensation following Guinness World Record attempt for the longest cooking marathon (cook-a-thon) in May.
Her success unseated the previous record holder, Lata Tandon, after cooking for 100 hours, surpassing the 87hours set record. This achievement has sparked a trend in Guinness World Record attempts, with others joining and continuing to join the endeavour.”
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4. Mr Ibu’s health
62-year-old genius veteran actor, Mr. John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu in October caused Nigerians to be worried, alarmed, start a blame game and adopt all other expressions to show their concern after revealing his health status.
The ailment was not disclosed, however, a bedridden Ibu on the verge of tears, and with a bloated stomach begged Nigerians to save him from having his leg amputated.
Well-meaning Nigerians including Vincent Otse ‘VeryDarkMan’ rallied around to put a smile on the face of one who once did the same for them. You can call it Ibu’s earthly reward.
Nonetheless, that motion-aligned body part turned a blind eye to the sacrifices of Nigerians deciding that it was time to part ways.
5. Simon Ekpa
The self-acclaimed prime minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) organization with a penchant for declaring sit-at-home, during the election period especially, did not hold back, ordering Nigerians in Eastern Nigeria to boycott the presidential election, instigating fear. However, he was arrested a day before the election.
6. Ministerial list:
2 months and a half after the elections Tinubu’s released the long-awaited ministerial list which was received with mixed reactions. With names like Nyesom Wike on the list, it appeared to be a ‘thank you’ list in some quatres.
Wale Edun however seemed to merit his position as the finance minister, as well as some others according to people’s opinion.
7. Seun Kuti
Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo’s last child does not know how to steer clear from trouble. Seun trended after he slapped a policeman who he accused of wanting to kill him.
The incident which sparked outrage landed him in jail but not for a likely cause that Fela would have been jailed for.
8. Fuel subsidy:
‘Subsidy gone‘ was the phrase that caressed the ears of Nigerians at Tinubu’s inauguration. This announcement birthed an almost immediate fuel scarcity, a 300% spike in fuel price, and transportation difficulties which eventually affected all sectors.
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9. Tribunal judgment
Obi and Atiku felt cheated by INEC and vowed to get back their mandate and they meant business. INEC, Tinubu and even Chicago State University were implicated in the case. However, a supreme court judgement rendered their efforts futile on October 26, dismissing their cases and affirming Tinubu’s win.
10. Yemi Cardoso
Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso was on 16th September nominated by Tinubu as acting Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and on 22 September assumed office. His position is crucial to the Nigerian economy given its current state. He succeeded Godwin Emefiele.
