In a recent interview on the Today show, Microsoft co-founder and one of the richest men in the world, Bill Gates opened up for the first time about his relationship with Paula Hurd.

The 69-year-old shared his happiness, saying, “I’m lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula. We’re having fun, going to the Olympics, and enjoying many great experiences together.”

Paula Hurd, a philanthropist and developer, was previously married to former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd until his passing in 2019.

Gates and Hurd were first spotted together in 2022 and made their relationship official in early 2023. They have been seen together at various events, including the Paris Olympics, the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony, and Anant Ambani’s wedding.

In an interview with the Times of London, Bill Gates acknowledged that his divorce from Melinda French Gates after 27 years of marriage remains the biggest regret of his life.

While he expressed greater happiness in his current life, he candidly admitted that the divorce was an incredibly difficult period for both him and Melinda, lasting for at least two years.

In the aftermath of the divorce, Bill Gates acknowledged his shortcomings, admitting to causing pain to Melinda during their marriage.

He specifically mentioned an incident involving an affair with a Microsoft employee, stating, “I certainly made mistakes, and I take responsibility.”

He emphasised that delving into specifics was not constructive but acknowledged the harm caused.

Another significant factor contributing to the separation was Bill’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Governor of Cross River State and Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Senator Bassey Otu has congratulated his Kwara State counterpart, Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, on his 65th birthday anniversary.

Otu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, and made available to PUNCH Online on Wednesday, described the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum as his personal friend and lover of Cross River State and Nigeria.

The governor said the visionary leadership of Abdulrazaq in the NGF and his unwavering commitment to the growth and progress of all parts of Nigeria are truly worthy of mentioning on this auspicious occasion of his birthday.

He said, “Your physical presence during our annual Africa’s biggest street party, Carnival Calabar, in December 2024 added colour to the event and cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

“On behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, I congratulate Your Excellency, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON, the executive governor of Kwara State and the Chairman of the NGF, on the occasion of your birthday.

“As you celebrate these three scores and five, I pray that the Almighty Allah grants you continued good health, wisdom, and strength to fulfil the vision you set for Kwara State and overall commitment to nation-building. Once again, congratulations Your Excellency.”

The last may not have been heard over the crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly as two members of the House, Hon. Lanre Afinni and Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu are currently being detained at the DSS office in the State.

According to an impeccable source from the House, the two are facing interrogation in connection with the removal of Hon Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker.

Obasa was removed as Speaker by the majority of the members on January 13 and replaced with the former Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.

In solidarity with their colleagues, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Mojeed Fatai with some other members of the House stormed the DSS office to secure their release.

Details later…