BREAKING: Monday is Eid-El-Filtr, Sultan declares

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Monday as the first day of Shawwal.

He made the declaration after receiving no positive sighting claims from members of the National moonsighting committee and other Emirates.

Olubadan’s brother tackles Makinde over withdrawn Senate ticket

The senator representing Oyo South Dr. Kola Balogun has challenged Governor Seyi Makinde to publicly confirm that he withdrew his ticket because of poor performance and failure to relate with party leaders in the senatorial district.

Corps Members Narrowly Escaped Death As Bus Goes Up In Flames In Warri

Over thirty Corp members serving in Delta state escaped being burnt to death in a fire outbreak that happened in a fuel station on Thursday, April 28th.

According to reports, the corpers who served in Warri were on their way to Asaba for their passing-out-parade (POP) when the coaster bus they boarded stopped by the gas station to get fuel.

I was just ‘catching cruise’, says lady in ‘sleeping with dog’ viral video

The lady who made a viral TikTok video claiming she slept with a dog for N1.7million has said she was merely “catching cruise,” a slang for joking.

The slim, light skinned woman with TikTok user ID @Veegodess has been trending on social media after saying there was no big deal about bestiality.

2023: Faleke, Babachir Lawal, pick N100m form for Tinubu, say he remains the man to beat

Member, House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal constituency, James Faleke and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Mr Babachir Lawal on Friday led thousands of members of the Tinubu Support Groups (TSG) to pick a N100 million presidential Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Soludo seeks establishment of Bayern Academy in Anambra

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has urged Bayern Munich FC of Germany to consider establishing an Academy in Anambra as part of an effort to deepen the game of football in Nigeria.

Soludo made the request while welcoming the Bayern Munich technical team who were in the state for the National Youth Cup on Saturday.

The governor who spoke through Tony Oli, chairman of Anambra Sports Development Commission, said the state was happy to have provided a good football stadium which qualified the state to play host for the programme.

Sallah: Wamakko distributes wrappers, cash to women in Sokoto

In line with his annual gestures to the less-privileged during sallah festivities, Senator Aliyu Wamakko has distributed wrappers and cash to no fewer than 10,000 women as special package for sallah celebrations.

The gesture, which he extended to young girls, ladies and old women, was to cushion the effects of economic hardship on these categories of persons in the state and help them celebrate the festivity in joy and ease.

Lagos cancels Wednesday public holiday

The Lagos State Government on Friday clarified that it only approved May 2nd and 3rd as public holidays to celebrate the 2022 International Workers’ Day and the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

The state government urged its workers to disregard its earlier circular which approved three straight days as public holidays.

SPORTS: Why our football is at lowest level – Akpoborie

One of the iconic figures of Nigerian football is Jonathan Akpoborie. He was one of the lads that won the FIFA/JVC U-17 World Cup in China in 1985. In fact he scored one of the goals against the then Western Germany in the finals.

That set of the Golden Eaglets became the first team from Africa to win a FIFA organised tournament. Jonathan graduated to play for both the U20 and the senior national teams, the Flying and Super Eagles respectively.

POLITICS: Dapo Abiodun’s blast from the past

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, is in the eye of a gathering storm, regarding his eligibility to seek re-election in 2023.

Although he has declared his intention to run for a second term alongside his Deputy, Noimot Oyedele, the governor has to deal with an avalanche of questions about his eligibility.

SPORTS: Klopp signs new Liverpool contract

     Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is energised by the prospect of leading a “fresh” club to      further glory after extending his stay at Anfield until 2026.

Negotiations over a two-year contract extension took little time and he is now looking forward to building on the incredible foundations he has created since arriving in October 2015.

The speed and timing of the agreement — plus extensions for his key assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz — came as something of a surprise.

It has come at a time when the club is embroiled in the quest for an unprecedented quadruple.

Canada plans to reopen embassy in Ukraine

According to the local media report, Joly told the Senate foreign affairs and international trade committee that her objective was to do so in the coming days or weeks. 

“We just need to make sure that there is a secure environment for staff and also we’re looking at what our other Five Eyes colleagues and allies are doing,” she said. Canada closed its embassy in Kiev on Feb. 12 and relocated diplomatic staff to the western city of Lviv. 

2023: Ken Nnamani declares for presidency, slams APC N100m nomination fee

Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, on Friday, formally threw his hat into the 2023 presidential ring, ending speculation that he is interested in succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari by May next year.

Declaring his interest at a brief ceremony in Abuja, the All Progressives Congress member said he is running for the highest office in the country to improve on the legacies of the president.

Nnamani, who turned 73 last November, said he is in the race to solve Nigeria’s problems and would not make any excuses; adding that his leadership pedigree and scorecard as a senate president speak for themselves.

ENTERTAINMENT: Portable mocks ex-promoter, Kogbagidi..

Controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has shaded his former promoter, Quadri Taoreed aka Kogbagidi, over his London trip.

The Nation Community reported that the Zazzu crooner was recently sponsored to London by popular business, Emeka 'E-Money' Okonkwo, where he will be performing at three separate events.

However, after spending his first day socializing with his fans in London, Portable, in a new Instagram post, berated his ex-promoter for refusing to sponsor his trip to London.

Fans gifts Burna Boy brassieres at New York concert

Some very excited female fans of Burna Boy gave him their bras during his historic concert at Madison Square Garden in New York.

On Thursday night, the ‘African Giant’ crooner delivered a colourful performance of some of his hit songs at the sold-out concert.

In now-viral videos of the event, the ‘Ye’ singer could be seen collecting several bras of female fans amid cheers from the audience.

NYSC loses 2 corps members, 12 to repeat service year in Kano

The NYSC State Coordinator, Hajiya Aisha Tata-Mohammed, made the disclosure during the Passing-Out-Parade of 1, 936 Batch “A” Stream II Corps members, on Thursday in kano.

She said that two corps members lost their lives during the service year while 12 others had their service year extended for violating rules and regulations.

Muhammad commended the state government and the people of the state for the moral support accorded to the corps members during their service to the state.

I’m getting married soon-Davido

Afrobeats star Davido has revealed plans to get married soon.

The “E choke” crooner stating the reason for his decision noted he’s tired of being a player.

The DMW boss made this known via his insta story late Thursday where he shared few TikTok videos.

He shared a video where he could be seen coming out of his Lamborghini Aventador after parking it in his garage with the caption: “I think I’m gonna get married soon, cos….

‘He may have colleagues not mates’, fans react to Burna Boy’s historic performance at MSG

The Afro-fusion pioneer has officially become, not just the first Nigerian music star to headline at the Madison Square Garden, MSG, New York, but also, the first to sell it out his wildly anticipated “One Night In Space” show at New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden yesterday on YouTube.

Burna Boy had a historic night at the Madison Square Garden as he performed to a cheering crowd at the venue and fans have taken to social media to share their reactions.

Polygamy: Don’t bother contesting for president in 2023 —Fans tell Yul Edochie

 

Celebrities and fans have continued to verbally attack Yul Edochie for secretly taking a second wife to the detriment of his first wife, May Aligwe whom he has been married to for 16 years.

Their union has been blessed with four children, three boys and a daughter.
The popular actor shocked many Wednesday, after he unveiled the birth of his son by his second wife, Judy Austin Muoghalu to the world.

Since his post on Instagram immediately went viral, the actor has been receiving backlashes from different quarters, with many warning him not to bother to contest for any elective position in 2023, as they will not vote for him.

His first wife, offended by the post, took to the comment section and wrote: “May God judge you both.’

Also, reacting to the development, actress Georgina Onuoha said she’s lost for words at this moment even though she’s usually good with words.’

I’m not a drug baron — Obi Cubana; reveals source of wealth

Chief Obinna Iyiegbu,  popularly known as Obi Cubana, has said he is not a drug baron as is being insinuated on some online media platforms.

In a statement, yesterday, Cubana warned those using his picture to illustrate drug baron reports to desist from doing so or prepare to face legal action.

Cubana insisted that he is a reputable businessman with a verifiable interest in several sectors of the economy and warned that any attempt to rubbish his reputation will be challenged in the law court.

POLITICS: How I became Vice President — Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, recalled how he became the All Progressives Congress, APC, running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, saying he was shocked when he got the news from Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Osinbajo,  who enthused that in terms of preparation for the office of President in 2023, he was the most prepared to take over the mantle of leadership of the country from President Buhari, spoke to State House Correspondents at a breaking of fast (Iftar) in his Aguda residence in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, last night.

ECONOMY: IMF warns Nigeria, others of hunger-induced unrests

 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned Nigeria and other Sub Saharan countries against hunger-related social unrests as a direct consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which combined with inflation, rising debt poses a major threat to economic growth in the region.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned Nigeria and other African countries of the possibility hunger-related social unrests ahead, as a direct consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

This was contained in its Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Economic Outlook released in Washington DC, United states of America, yesterday.

Africa is said to depend on Russia and Ukraine for about 50 percent of its wheat import.
The Director, African Department, Mr. Abebe Selassie who virtually briefed the press said: “Food price increases will hurt the most vulnerable and may add to social tensions, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected states. Food security is already a critical issue across the Sahel.

SPORTS: Ronaldo earns Man Utd draw against Chelsea

 Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 17th goal of the season to earn Manchester United a point after David de Gea had frustrated Chelsea with several superb saves.

The visitors were thoroughly dominant in the first half at Old Trafford but were unable to find a way past De Gea, who made saves from Kai Havertz and N’Golo Kante.

But Chelsea finally broke the deadlock midway through the second half when Marcos Alonso volleyed home from an angle.

The Blues’ celebrations had barely finished as Manchester United responded within a minute, Nemanja Matic playing a brilliant ball into the box and Ronaldo taking a touch before thumping a shot into the net.

I don’t mind being Yul Edochie’s third wife – Amanda Chisom

Lifestyle blogger Amanda Chisom has said she doesn’t mind becoming the third wife of popular actor Yul Edochie.

With many reacting differently to the news of Yul Edochie’s second wife and infant son, the communication consultant via her Facebook page has now signified interest in assuming the actor’s third wife if need be.

Amanda Chisom commended Yul’s action as she noted embracing polygamy means going back to the original African roots.

FG declares May 2, 3 Public Holidays for Workers’ Day, Sallah

The Federal Government has declared Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd May 2022 as Public Holidays to mark this year’s Workers Day and EIdel-Fitr Celebrations.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore disclosed this in a statement issued Thursday night in Abuja.

He said the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government. 

The statement congratulated workers across the country on this year’s celebration.

“Ogbeni Aregbesola commended workers for their hard work, diligence and sacrifice, noting that their efforts are largely responsible for the greatness of the country and the respect Nigeria now commands in the comity of nations.

“Labour is the very essence of humanity. We are alive because we work and only the dead is incapable of working” , the statement added.

The minister enjoined workers to imbibe the culture of productivity, saying “the end of work is productivity. It is productivity that leads to the satisfactory provision of goods and services and wealth creation. It is, therefore, the path to national and individual prosperity”.

He urged workers to raise the bar of their trade-in line with the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration’s drive to rev up the vehicle of governance and make all the people of Nigeria derive maximum benefit from the nation.

'Girls who sleep with married men have a special place in hell' - BBNaija's Ifuennada

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Ifuennada has proposed that any lady having an affair with a married man should have a special place in hell.

The actress turned reality TV star made this known via her Instagram Stories on Thursday, April 28, 2022.

Single girls who date/sleep with married men in monogamous marriages have a special; place in hell. You can always say no to their advances, but selfishness has you out here hurting your own gender," she wrote.

BBNaija's Ifuennada says girls who sleep with married men have a special place in hell

She also advised married men who go after single women to also use protection.

Yul Edochie: Polygamy is dangerous – Cubana Chief Priest

Yul Edochie, Nollywood Actor, Producer and Director, has indeed been criticized by social media users for unveiling his son and naming Judith Austin a second wife.

It all started yesterday, when he announced the birth of his lovely son, Star Dike Munachimso Yul-Edochie. Happy with the event Yul opined: “It’s time for the world to meet my son.

“His name is Star Dike Munachimso Yul-Edochie. Born by my second wife @JudyAustin and I love him so much, just as much as I love my other children.”

Minutes after his statement, May Edochie, popularly known by many, as his wife said: “May God judge you both.”

After reading her comment, social media users in Nigeria began to condemn Yul’s action. Many faulted his action while few defended him.

Among those who spoke against polygamy was a billionaire businessman, Cubana Chief Priest, who on Thursday averred that polygamy is dangerous.

His words:  “Polygamy Is Dangerous, It’s A Huge Problem That Ends Up Destroying An Entire Generation With The Hate, Competition & Jealousy That Comes With It.

“You Can Number Houses, Businesses, Cars, Jewelries, Side Chicks Etc, But Pls Never You Number Wives, It’s So Painful & Hurting. Do Unto Others What You Want Them To Do Unto You.

Don’t Bring War To Your Own Home, Home Should Be A Place Of Absolute Peace. POLYGAMY is War !!!”.

Credit: Vanguard 

Unknown gunmen kill suspected cultists in Abia

 There is panic in Aba, Abia State, over the killings of some young men suspected to be members of the dreaded Aro Cult Group by unknown gunmen.

Residents told Vanguard that corpses of the suspected cultists litter in areas like Over Rail, Cemetery road, Omuma road, Apostolic Road and Nwangwa Street, Onitsha road , Ama Ogbonna, as the killings have become a daily affair.

Attempted murder: Fani-Kayode’s ex-wife, Precious Chikwendu others to be re-arraigned tomorrow

 A Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, fixed Friday, April 29, for re-arraignment of Precious Chikwendu, on allegation of attempted murder of her former husband, a former aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, and children.

Chikwendu, alongside others, will be re-arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo on a 14-count charge. Others are Emmanuel Anakan (first defendant), Prisca Chikwendu (third defendant) and Osakwe Azubuike (fourth defendant), while others are said to be at large.

The defendants were earlier arraigned before the court on February 14 on 13 counts.  Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter shortly after the police prosecutor, John Ijagbemi, applied for the amended charge to be read to the defendants for them to take their plea.

But the judge said that the re-arraignment would not go on yesterday and adjourned till April 29 for the defendants to take their plea.

Credit: Vanguard 

Train attack terrorists release picture of baby born in captivity

 Terrorists, who kidnapped passengers after attacking an Abuja-Kaduna route train, have released the picture of a baby that was delivered by one of the women they kidnapped from the train.

According to sources, the mother was eight months pregnant when she was abducted by the terrorists on March 28.

She and one other woman were said to be pregnant when the 63 passengers were abducted.

“The picture of the new girl was released on Wednesday evening by the terrorists group suspected to be Ansaru, a breakaway group of Boko Haram.

Yul’s dad, Pete Edochie mum as Nigerians dig up old comment on polygamy

Nollywood veteran, seasoned administrator and broadcaster, Chief Pete Edochie, also know as Godfather, is considered by many as a ‘Legend’

Many Nollywood fans grew up watching Pete Edochie on their TV screen, and he is known for using parables.

He came into prominence in the 1980s when he played the lead role of Okonkwo in an NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s all-time best selling novel, “Things Fall Apart”.

Edochie, who publicly endorsed his son, Yul, for the 2023 Nigerian presidential election was dragged by many after his son announced his second wife.

Pete’s old post condemning polygamy was dug out by Nigerians.

SPORTS: Top football agent, Mino Raiola dies after brief illness.

Top football representative, Mino Raiola has died at the age of 54 following an illness, according to reports in Italy.

Raiola is known for representing ‘big name’ players like Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Erling Haaland.

He underwent surgery for an undisclosed illness in Milan back in January.

His condition after the surgery was said to be stable and he was expected to rehabilitate at home.

He was in the news in recent times over a potential move away from Borussia Dortmund for Norwegian forward, Haaland.

Court dissolves 8-year-old marriage over husband’s nagging

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A Grade ‘A’ Customary Court in Mapo in Ibadan, on Thursday, dissolved an eight-year-old marriage between a housewife, Mujidat Rafiu, on grounds of constants nagging from her husband, Saheed.

Delivering judgment, the President of the court, Mrs S.M. Akintayo pronounced the marriage dissolved, citing lack of  peace as the reason.

Akintayo granted custody of the two children to Rafiu.

She ordered Saheed to pay N10,000 as the children’s monthly feeding allowance.

Both the petitioner and the respondent shall be jointly responsible for the education and welfare of the children.

ICYMI: Sokoto Deputy Gov, 10 Commissioners, SSG, Chief of Staff resign

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has accepted the resignation of his deputy and twelve other key portfolio holders in his administration.

At the top of the list is the Deputy Governor, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan Iya, who was also the Overseer of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The remaining Commissioners are those hitherto manning Ministries of Finance, Environment, Youths and Sports, Lands and Housing; as well as Careers and Security: Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, Hon. Sagir Bafarawa, Hon. Bashir Gorau, Hon. Aminu Bala Bodinga and Col. Garba Moyi (rtd) respectively.

2023: Osinbajo’s declaration and the viciousness of attack dogs.

 By Olu Fasan

DAMNED if you do, damned if you don’t! That saying captures the dilemma Vice President Yemi Osinbajo faced on whether or not to run for president next year. If he decided to run, as he now has, he would be viciously attacked, as he now is. If he decided not to run, he would disappoint millions of people and expose himself to eternal ridicule.

Truth is: since his party, All Progressives Congress, APC, has not micro-zoned its presidential ticket to the South-East, which it should have done, it would be utterly irrational if Osinbajo didn’t run for president. Think about it: Osinbajo has been vice president for seven years, serving twice as acting president, Nigeria’s de facto president, to worldwide acclaim.

In December 2018, I spoke at an international business conference organised by Global Trade Review in London and heard business leaders saying that the best periods during President Muhammadu Buhari’s first term were when Professor Osinbajo was acting president.

Credit: PunchNG 

Border reopening: Clearing agents knock FG, say closure disastrous.

 CLEARING agents operating in the nation’s maritime sector have taken the Federal Government to the cleaners over the recent re-opening of four land borders.

The Federal Government had, on Friday, approved the second phase of the reopening of the remaining four land borders at Idiroko, Jibia, Kamba and Ikom.

This is coming a few years after shutting the land borders due to the incessant smuggling of arms and different contraband goods.

In December 2020, the Federal Executive Council re-opened the country’s four major land borders, which were Seme, Ilella, Maigatari and Mfun.

The newly re-opened borders bring the number to eight.

However, in a circular signed by the Deputy Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Enforcement and Inspection, E.I Edorhe, recently titled, ‘Re-opening of Four Additional Nigerian Border Posts’, the NCS directed all Customs formations and Joint Border Patrol Teams to ensure proper manning in compliance with extant operational guidelines.

The circular read in part, “Sequel to the presidential directive dated 16 December 2020 granting approval for the phased reopening of land borders namely, Mfum, Seme, Illela and Maigatari borders across the country, I am directed to inform you that four additional borders stated below have been approved for re-opening.

News: PunchNG 

Iwobi targets Chelsea scalp as Everton battle relegation.

 

Ahead of their game against Chelsea at Goodison Park on Sunday, Alex Iwobi has insisted that Everton will give their all as they continue their fight to avoid relegation at the end of the season.

The Toffees currently find themselves on the wrong side of the EPL log as they occupy the 18th position after a disappointing campaign.

It has been tough for the club from Merseyside, who have only won eight league matches this season, lost 19, and have 29 points from 32 games.

They sit just above Watford and Norwich City on the Premier League table with a game to play.

Iwobi remains defiant, saying Everton will do everything to ensure they remain in the Premier League, starting with the game against Chelsea on Sunday.

“It’s not going to be easy but we’re ready for it,” Iwobi told Everton TV.

Strangers advised me to kill my son – Kuchi Kuchi singer, Jodie

971-2020 The Punch news

Joy Eseoghene Odiete, Nigerian gospel artist simply known as Jodie, was once a household name in the Nigeria music scene after her popular song, Kuchi Kuchi, was released in 2010.

Several years after her absence, the Kuchi Kuchi crooner has come out to reveal reasons why she has not been producing music as before.

In a series of posts on her Instagram page, @jodiegreat, the singer disclosed her struggle as a mother of a child with special needs.

Born with cerebral palsy, Jodie’s son Chinua, clocked six on April 9, 2022.

Taking care of her child, she claimed, has been financially and emotionally draining to the point where she has resorted to begging.

In the posts she titled “Open Letter to Nigerians,” the songstress sought help for mothers who resort to extreme means to care for their children with special needs.

“I am not a lazy person. I sang a song, Kuchi Kuchi in 2010, which Kings and Queens have listened to and enjoyed.” She wrote on Wednesday, “I am using the soft spot that song may have created to make this appeal. In the past six years, I have hawked beaded jewellery in offices. I have sold hair care products. I have begged. I have borrowed.

10 die in Lagos-Ibadan road crashes, FRSC blames speeding.

 Ten people have lost their lives in separate accidents on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

In the first incident, four persons were burnt to death when a commercial bus caught fire at the Fidiwo, Ogun State end of the road.

The Ogun State Public Relations Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, Florence Okpe, said the crash occurred around 2.25pm on Tuesday at Ogunmakin.

 She said four deaths were recorded from the crash, adding that the victims were “burnt beyond recognition.”

Missing Abuja corps member found dead

 Female National Youth Service Corps,NYSC, member declared missing on April 14 in Abuja, has been found dead, her body mutilated.

NYSC on their social media handles, Stephanie Se-ember Terungwa Edward Achado’s body was found in her NYSC trousers, with some of her body parts removed by the killers.

“May God judge you both” – Yul Edochie’s wife reacts as he announces second wife and son

Veteran Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie’s first wife has reacted to news of his second wife and son.

Yul’s wife, May has birthed four children for him. Three of his children are boys and the first child is a 17 years old girl who is currently in the university.

Yul went ahead to pay his second wife’s bride price after she gave birth to another son for him.

The actor made the announcement via his official Instagram page, in the post he shared pictures of his baby boy and stated that he loves the boy as much as he loves his other kids.