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Ex-Super Falcons Star Turned Man Appeals For N69m To Enable Him Bear Children
James Johnson, formerly known as Iyabo Abade during her tenure as a Super Falcons player from 1997 to 2000, is now seeking financial assistance from the Nigeria Football Federation.
Johnson, a confirmed hermaphrodite, is in need of N69.7 million for a corrective surgery that would enable him to bear children.
His journey began with a sex change operation in the United States in 2004, supported by then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
The plea for assistance follows a history of unsuccessful efforts to address the condition, resulting in Johnson’s exclusion from the women’s national team.
Hermaphroditism, a condition characterized by the presence of both male and female reproductive organs, is more commonly observed in animals than in humans, making Johnson’s case particularly rare and complex.
Johnson disclosed that he reached out to the NFF for financial support last year to undergo the crucial surgery but has not received any response from the football body.
Expressing his deep desire for completion of the surgery and the opportunity to have children, the 40-year-old emphasized that achieving this milestone would bring him immense fulfillment.
He said “Anytime I think that I can’t father a child’ yet, I feel broken, that’s why I wrote to the federation for financial assistance. The NFF president Ibrahim Gusau is a man with a listening ear and hopefully, through him, the federation can help me achieve my dream.”
In a letter titled ‘Appeal for financial assistance to enable me finalize my surgery of transforming from an intersex person (possessing both male and female organs – hermaphrodite) to a fully fledged man so that I can father a child’, addressed to the NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau, Johnson outlined his urgent need for financial support.
The letter dated April 4, 2023, read, “My President, I am using this medium to passionately appeal to you for God and humanity sake, to use your good office to assist me financially to enable me travel to the United State of America where I did the 1 & 2 phase of surgery (Midway Hospital Medical Centre, Los Angeles) for the surgery and treatment of the 3rd and 4th phase of my transformation to a full fledge man so that I can father children.
“The total cost of the surgery and treatment is one hundred and sixty thousand dollar ($160,000) equivalent to sixty nine million seven hundred and fifty thousand naira (N69,750,000:00).”
The letter to Gusau added, “I was born hermaphrodite i.e both female and male organs and was brought up as a female. I love football and played very well, that led to my selection to play for the Super Falcons in 1997.
“During my days of playing, an issue ensued that led to a test, which confirmed that I am a hermaphrodite, 70% male and 30% female. This led to terminating my appointment as a female player.
“The NFA (Nigeria Football Association) instructed that I should go for sex corrective surgery. The then Minister of Federal Capital Territory Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in 2004 sponsored my trip to the United State of America to undergo the sex corrective surgery.
I was told that I’m going to undergo four phases of surgery. The first and second phase was done and I was invited to join the Flying Eagles in camp in 2005. I was coached by Samson Siasia, but I was dropped due to overage.
“I was able to sign up with NEPA Football Club of Abuja, from there I signed for Plateau United of Jos. I later went on to sign up with Crown Football Club of Ogbomoso in Oyo State, where I was discriminated against and humiliated.” Johnson added
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TCN Completes Relocation Of 8 Towers, Ends Power Rationing In Abuja
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV transmission towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV transmission line, bringing relief to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This development, completed three days past the scheduled deadline, has also restored full bulk power to the 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, enabling the resumption of normal power distribution in the area.
In a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the company explained that the relocation became necessary due to the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) road dualization project along the Southern Expressway.
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The relocation work began on January 6, 2025, and involved dismantling and reconstructing the affected towers, as well as restringing power cables to ensure uninterrupted power flow.
To facilitate this, a planned power outage was implemented from January 6 to January 20, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria is pleased to announce the restoration of full bulk power to its 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, effective Thursday, January 23, 2025,” the statement read.
“This restoration follows the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line (Southern Expressway route), necessitated by the Federal Capital Development Agency’s road dualization project along the Apo axis.”
TCN thanked residents and electricity consumers for their patience during the period of power rationing, noting that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) can now resume normal electricity supply to customers in the affected areas.
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Davido Is Richer Than His Billionaire Father – Ibrahim Chatta Claims
Renowned Nollywood actor, Ibrahim Chatta, has sparked conversation by claiming that award-winning singer Davido is richer and more influential than his billionaire father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke.
Chatta made this statement while addressing the importance of respecting individuals in positions of authority, regardless of their age. He argued that accomplishments, not age, determine who an elder is. Using historical references, Chatta cited Alexander the Great, who achieved incredible feats before his death at 33, as an example of youthful greatness.
“God purposely placed some certain people in some positions, but you guys are looking at their age. It’s not about the age; any younger person that possesses things that belong to elders, is an elder,” Chatta said.
The actor emphasized that Davido’s wealth and influence surpass those of his father, despite Dr. Adeleke’s established status as a billionaire. Chatta highlighted the global recognition and adoration Davido commands, describing the singer as someone who garners immense loyalty and admiration.
“I was just looking at the numbers of people surrounding Davido the day I sat with him, I was just seeing how people were ready to be killed just to get to him. He is an elder. Davido’s father is a billionaire that has been doing big things before the singer’s arrival. His father is rich but not as Davido. If his dad is passing by, you might not recognise him, but if Davido passes here, a stampede will happen.”
Chatta’s remarks have stirred reactions across social media, with many debating whether fame and influence should outweigh wealth in defining success.
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Rita Edochie Praises Donald Trump, Calls Him ‘Angel’
Veteran Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, has expressed her admiration for Donald Trump, claiming that the entire world wishes for a leader like him.
The actress made this statement while celebrating Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Edochie shared her unwavering support for Trump, despite facing criticism for her stance. She revealed that she is often referred to as “Mama Trump” by detractors but remains unfazed by their remarks.
READ MORE: Trump Dismisses Four Biden-Appointed Officials, Signals More Shake-ups
“January 20, 2025, marks a historic milestone as Trump takes oath of office as the 47th President of the United States. As you begin your new term, I wish you immense wisdom to tackle the challenges facing our nation,” Edochie wrote.
Describing Trump as an angel, she added, “After all, the entire universe wishes they had an Angel like Donald Trump to be their president.”
The actress also expressed her desire to see a leader in Nigeria who embodies Trump’s qualities, stating, “I do wish a man in the likeness of Trump be sworn into the Nigerian Executive Offices one day.”
Edochie’s comments have sparked discussions online, with many applauding her loyalty while others remain critical of her views.