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‘Why I left the Real Madrid Club’ – Zinedine Zidane


Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has written an open letter explaining why he decided to step down as the club’s manager.

Zidane has delivered three Champions League cups and two La Liga titles across two separate spells at Santiago Bernabeu, but decided to resign at the end of this season following the club’s first trophyless campaign since 2009-10.

Zidane has now come out to explain the main reasons behind his departure while blasting club president Florentino Perez claiming “I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need”.

Zinedine Zidane pens open letter to Real Madrid fans explaining why he left the club

Spanish publication AS have published Zidane’s open letter to supporters.


The letter reads: “Dear Real Madrid fans, for more than 20 years, from the first day I arrived in Madrid and wore the white shirt, you’ve shown me your love. I wanted to write this letter, to say goodbye to you and explain my decision to leave the coaching job.


“I’m going, but I’m not jumping overboard, nor am I tired of coaching. In May 2018 I left because after two and a half years, with so many victories and so many trophies, I felt the team needed a new approach to stay at the very highest level. Right now, things are different. I’m leaving because I feel the club no longer has the faith in me I need, nor the support to build something in the medium or long term. 


“I understand football and I know the demands of a club like Real Madrid. I know when you don’t win, you have to leave. But with this a very important thing has been forgotten, everything I built day-to-day has been forgotten, what I brought to my relationships with the players, with the 150 people who work with and around the team. 


“I’m a natural-born winner and I was here to win trophies, but even more important than this are the people, their feelings, life itself and I have the sensation these things have not been taken into account, that there has been a failure to understand that these things also keep the dynamics of a great club going. To some extent I have even been rebuked for it.


“I want there to be respect for what we have achieved together. I would have liked my relationship with the club and the president over the past few months to have been a little different to that of other coaches. I wasn’t asking for privileges, of course not, just a little more recollection. 


“These days the life of a coach in the dugout at a big club is two seasons, little more. For it to last longer the human relationships are essential, they are more important than money, more important than fame, more important than everything. They need to be nurtured.


“That’s why it hurt me so much when I read in the press, after a defeat, that I would be sacked if I didn’t win the next game. It hurt me and the whole team because these deliberately leaked messages to the media negatively influenced the squad, they created doubts and misunderstandings. 


“Luckily I had these amazing lads who were with me to the death. When things turned ugly they saved me with magnificent victories. Because they believed in me and knew I believed in them.”


Zidane went on to directly address the media to do more to preserve the sanctity of the game and protect the players.


“I’d like to take this opportunity to send a message to the journalists,” he added. 


“I’ve given hundreds of press conferences and unfortunately we have spoken very little of football, though I know that you love football, this sport that brings us together. 


“However, and without any desire to criticise or lecture, I would have liked the questions not to have always been about controversy, that we might have talked more often about the game and above all the players, who are and always will be the most important thing in this sport. Let’s not forget about football, let’s care for it.”

By Terry W.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s fiancée Georgina Rodriguez speaks on Cristiano’s transfer rumours

Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, has provided a response to claims the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will leave Juventus this summer.

The 36 Juventus striker is fast approaching the final 12 months of his contract with the Turin giants, and there are rumours he’s to depart Italy for Portugal.

The Portugal international has been linked with his other former clubs Real Madrid and Sporting Lisbon, while Paris Saint-Germain harbor long-term interest.

But Rodriguez has poured cold water on claims her long-term boyfriend could leave the Allianz Stadium.

Cristiano Ronaldo

According to Spanish outlet Marca, the model was quizzed on Ronaldo’s future while in the north-eastern city of Jaca over the weekend, and responded: “He is staying.”

Rodriguez’s comments come after Juventus vice-chairman Pavel Nedved and managing director Fabio Paratici said Cristiano Ronaldo was staying put.

“We’ve decided to keep Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s the best player in the world and we are holding on tight,” said Paratici in March.

“We have a project that we started from last season, one game will not change our views or our strategy.

“This line continues and we are very happy with what we’ve done, so we’ll continue working to improve.”

Earlier this month, Nedved said: “Pirlo and Ronaldo will stay at Juventus,” although the club subsequently backtracked on half of that declaration by sacking the latter.

By Jide N.

Sergio Aguero, Manchester City Striker, signs with Barcelona on a two-year contract

Sergio Aguero has completed a move to Barcelona after his exit from Manchester City, the Spanish club have announced.

The Argentina International left Manchester City following the expiry of his contract at the end of the season and has joined Ronald Koeman’s side on a deal until the end of the 2022-23 season. 

The 32-year-old striker will be presented at the Nou Camp with club president Joan Laporta on Monday evening, May 31, and will officially join on July 1. He will have a release clause of €100 million.

Barca have said in a statement on their official website: “FC Barcelona and Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero have reached an agreement for the player to join the Club from 1 July when his contract with Manchester City expires. 

“The player will sign a contract until the end of the 2022-23 season and his buy out clause is set at 100 million euros.”

Aguero made his final appearance for City as a substitute during their 1-0 Champions League final loss against Chelsea on Saturday in Porto.

He will now travel to Argentina to join his national side for their World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.

By Jide N.

Another INEC office set ablaze in Imo State

Another office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have been set ablaze in Imo State.

The INEC office at Okwudor in Njaba Local Government Area of the state was burnt down on Sunday morning, May 30, less than 24 hours after Atta police station, customary and high courts were burnt down in the same local council.

INEC Public Relations Officer in the state, Mrs. Emmanuella Opara has already confirmed the incident. 

By Jide N.

WhatsApp: We won’t delete accounts after (15th May)

WhatsApp has said it won’t delete accounts of users that do not accept its new privacy policy after May 15. The company said this on Monday.

In January, the company rolled out a new privacy policy, which dealt mainly with businesses using WhatsApp to send and store consumer text.

However, poor communication regarding what the update entailed prompted backlash, as most people thought the company wanted to share their personal data with parent company, Facebook. WhatsApp later delayed this update until the May 15.

A statement on the company’s FAQ said, “For the last several weeks, we’ve displayed a notification in WhatsApp providing more information about the update. “After giving everyone time to review, we’re continuing to remind those who haven’t had the chance to do so to review and accept. After a period of several weeks, the reminder people receive will eventually become persistent.”

The company has said that users will encounter limited functionality on the app until they accept the privacy update after May 15.

Users won’t have access to their chat lists, but will be able to answer incoming phone and video calls. If notification is enabled, users will be able to tap on them to read or respond to a message or call back a missed voice or video call.

After a few weeks of limited functionality, users won’t be able to receive incoming calls or notifications and WhatsApp would stop sending messages and calls to the phone.

By Murtala D.

Italian Catholic priest, Leaves Kenya After 50 Years With Only 2 Bags

Italian Catholic priest, Father Adolf Poll has received plaudits from far and wide while leaving Kenya with only two bags, 53 years after he was posted to the East African country.

The celebrated priest is famously known as Father Alleluia Omogoka -a nickname he earned while serving at the Catholic Diocese of Kisii.

On Tuesday, May 25, the humble father flew back to Italy after spending almost his entire life on missionary work in Kenya.

Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, Malindi wished him well in a statement released before his departure. The commission stated that “Fr Adolf, 80, packed all his personal belongings acquired during his more than five decades of Priestly Ministry in Kenya, fitting in just two small bags, and started his journey back home in Italy for retirement.”

Fr. Adolf was ordained as a priest in his home Diocese of Bolzano-Brixen, Northern Italy in 1966. He then left his hometown, South Tyrol at the border of Italy and Austria in December 1968 to serve as a missionary priest in Kenya, East Africa.

He was first posted at the Catholic Diocese of Kisii where he served for 31 years, from 1969 to 2000 and became a favourite among the locals.
On Pentecost Sunday 2001, Fr. Adolf was transferred to the Catholic Diocese of Malindi where he served for 20 years until his departure.

The priest celebrated his farewell mass at Witu-Kipini Parish in the Central Deanery of Malindi Diocese on (Pentecost) Sunday, May 23. Fr. Adolf will celebrate his 81st birthday in early June 2021.

“May you never miss heaven Padre in Jesus name. Almighty Father, May he be with you at the end of his journey on earth. Remember all his good deeds and forgive all his shortcomings through Christ Our Lord Amen,” Rachel Ogbu prayed.

“A good priest. He is still remembered in Kisii Diocese specifically Nyamagwa Parish for his selfless service. Mungu ambariki.,” Stephen Okibo added.

“This is the very Father who assisted me in 1992 during tribal clashes when he was at Nyamagwa, Kisii. I wish I could meet him before he left for his home,” Gichana Rowlands remembered.
Catholic Justice and Peace Commission, Malindi quoted Luke 9:3-6 as a testament to his exemplary dedication to teaching, preaching and serving in Kenya.

He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”

So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.

Source: kenyans.co.ke

Arteta, Arsenal Boss, Could Replace Koeman At Barcelona

Barcelona football club’s presidential hopeful, Joan Laporta has lined up Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as replacement for Ronald Koeman, according to RAC1.

Presidential favourite Laporta had publicly backed the current manager to remain at Camp Nou.

But should Koeman leave either by sack or mutual consent, Laporta has identified current Arsenal boss as the one to take over at Camp Nou.

Recall that Laporta had recently officially announced the individuals he will work with should he win the elections that will take place later this month.

Laporta, a former President of the club, along with his running mate Rafael Yuste, announced that former Barca goalkeeper, Victor Valdes and Mateu Alemany would work with them if they emerge winners.

Laporta, a former President of the club, is the favourite to win the elections.

By Terry W.

Nigerian Govt. No Longer Able to Protect Nigerians, Says Northern Elders Forum

John Shiklam in Kaduna, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), yesterday, in a strongly worded statement, concluded that the federal government was no longer able to protect her citizens against the marauding criminals in different parts of the country.

The prominent northern group, however, called on the Nigerian citizens to organise themselves better and raise their level of vigilance against the criminals, even as it worried that the current level of insecurity in the region might affect its already poor education especially, for the girl-child.

Against this backdrop, the NEF has called on the governors particularly, those from its region, to explore avenues that could give them more powers to be able to secure citizens within the confines of the constitution of the land.

Relatedly, the Kano State government has directed the immediate closure of some tertiary institutions in the state in view of the current security situation in the state.
Condemning the recent abduction of 317 school children in Zamfara State, NEF in a statement in Kaduna by its Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed said, Nigerians had “lost faith that government will reverse the successes of criminals against defenceless citizens.”

According to NEF, “It has become painfully obvious that the federal government is unable to muster the will or the capacity to limit exposure of Nigerians to violent criminals.”
It noted that the “Northern Elders Forum shares the profound shock and outrage of Nigerians at the spate of kidnappings of boarding school children in different parts of the North.

“Apart from the likelihood of similar abductions re-occurring as bandits engage in copy cat crimes in a region that is basically unprotected, these abductions will severely damage the poor state of education in the North, particularly girl-child education.”
Urging the citizens to organise themselves and raise their levels of vigilance, NEF pleaded with them to resist the temptation to take laws into their hands but improve the manner they work with security agencies.
Unfortunately, NEF held the view that the development had left the governors to quarrel over causes and strategies to adopt in tackling the bandits, claiming that many of them were “taking steps that have dubious legal foundations, most of which merely compound the security situation.

“In spite of assurances from the federal government that it will end banditry and kidnappings, the life of the Nigerian is becoming more endangered by the day, and citizens have lost faith that governments will reverse the successes of the criminal against defenceless citizens.
“The forum advises particularly Northern governors to explore all lawful avenues to improve the security of citizens. While they should improve their support to the military, the police and security agencies, they should also explore avenues, which give them more powers to secure citizens within the confines of the constitution, which gives states powers to establish policing structures, including those with specialisation such as forest rangers should now be pursued as a matter of national priority.”

Specifically, NEF called on the governors to explore issues that aid the spread of banditry at local and community levels and resolve them, urging them to also “intensify multi-pronged approaches to ending banditry and kidnappings, including measures, which prevent the continuation of these criminal activities by those who show a genuine willingness to stop.”
However, NEF maintained that, “Bandits, who refuse to submit to mediation and cessation of criminal activities should be treated in accordance with the laws of the country.”
It also appealed to parents not be discouraged from sending children to school, even as it called on governments at all levels to take firmer measures in securing schools.

Speaking on the closure of some tertiary institutions in Kano State, Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, listed the schools to include PMK College of Advance and Remedial Studies Tudun Wada, School of Environmental Studies Gwarzo, School of Rural Technology and Entrepreneurship Development (SORTED) Rano and Audu Bako College of Agriculture Development (ABCOAD), Dambatta.
According to the statement reads, “With this instruction, all students of the affected schools are advised to vacate the campuses as soon as possible”.

The state government had on Friday ordered the closure of 12 boarding secondary schools on the outskirts of the metropolis over increasing abduction of students in some parts of the northern states by bandits.
Mr. Muhammad Sunusi Kiru disclosed this in a short audio message announced on radio stations in the state, saying the closure became necessary due to the rising number of abduction of school children in neighboring states.
The closed schools are located in Ajingi, Sumaila, Jogana, Kafin Maiyaki and Gaya, among others.

By Jide N.

Glenn Roeder, Former Premier League Manager Is Dead

A former English Premier League (EPL) manager, Glenn Roeder, is dead.

Roeder, who has coached Newcastle United and West Ham United in the past, died at the age of 65.

Newcastle United made the announcement in a tweet via its Twitter handle on Sunday night.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player and manager, Glenn Roeder, at the age of 65.

“The thoughts of everybody at #NUFC are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Glenn,” Newcastle tweeted.

Roeder made 193 appearances for Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

The former defender was in Arsenal’s academy before joining Leyton Orient in the early 1970s.

By Terry W.

Ahmed Gulak, Former Presidential Aide to Goodluck J. shot dead in Owerri

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former aide to ex-President, Goodluck Jonathan, has been killed by unknown gunmen in Imo state. 

Gulak was shot dead on Saturday night, May 29, by unknown gunmen while returning to Abuja from Owerri, Imo state capital.

The state police command is yet to comment on this development.

By Jide N.

Several Online Drug traffickers arrested and 107kg cocaine were seized by NDLEA in Abuja

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA have launched fresh raids on online drug traffickers in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, during which a young lady and her boyfriend as well as eight others were arrested and assorted drugs recovered from them.

Femi Babafemi, the Director, Media & Advocacy of the anti-narcotics agency, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, May 30, said the first suspect, 28-year-old Ese Patrick who sells her illicit substances through Instagram account; Ese’sOvenSecret, was tracked and arrested with some pieces of brownies ordered online by NDLEA undercover agents, on 21st May, 2021 and delivered by herself and her boyfriend in a Mercedes Benz car.

A follow up operation at her residence led to the seizure of 400 grams of Arizona weed, which she uses in baking the brownies.

Further investigation led to the arrest of one Iyama Patrick, with 450 grams of Arizona weed. He supplies Ese the cannabis she uses.

A day earlier, a motorcycle belonging to a courier company, Sky Port was abandoned by a despatch rider in Wuse zone 4 upon sighting NDLEAs outpost in the area. The motorcycle was later found to contain several pinches of crack cocaine (a.k.a Challie), and some envelopes of Arizona meant for delivery.

Another online drug trafficker, Peter Nkejika was arrested on Monday 24th May 2021 following an arrest of a despatch rider with some quantity of Loud, a highly psychoactive variant of cannabis. Each portion of loud costs N30, 000 and the rider was caught with 17 portions for delivery.

Also on Tuesday 25th May, NDLEA operatives intercepted two online drug transactions and arrested two despatch riders with some quantities of cocaine and Loud already packaged for delivery recovered from them.

In all, five despatch riders and a lady, Dolapo Benjamin who owns motorcycles involved in door to door distribution of drugs and drug based edibles; cakes and brownies were arrested while six despatch motorcycles involved in door to door drug distribution were seized.

Also seized from them were assorted drugs; Cocaine, Crack /Challie, Molly/ Ecstasy, Skunk, Brownies and Loud, which is the most expensive psychoactive variant of cannabis in town.

In a related development, on the 27th May 2021, operatives intercepted 30 compressed parcels of cannabis, heading to Ningi, Bauchi state, as well as Rohypnol and Tramadol meant for the FCT.

The drugs weighing 105.5 kilograms were seized along Gwagwalada- Abuja road, in a luxury bus. Three persons were arrested in connection with the exhibits, while two more despatch motorcycles were seized with some quantities of cocaine and cannabis on Saturday, May 29 as the raids across the FCT intensify.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) of the agency have intercepted 445 grams of Methamphetamine going to New Zealand and concealed inside USB chargers and hair attachments, with another 450 grams of cannabis sativa going to UAE and concealed inside local soap containers at a courier company in Lagos.

In the same vein, 125 grams of heroin concealed inside academic thesis books was seized at another firm while 2kg of cannabis sativa hidden inside tractors balloon was intercepted at another courier company also in Lagos.

Following the latest arrests and seizures, Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has directed the FCT Command of the Agency to immediately embark on stop and search of commercial despatch riders across the nations capital city to curb the online drug trafficking trend in the FCT.

He also commended the Commander, Mohammed Malami Sokoto, his officers and men for the recent successes and sustaining the offensive against the latest trend in illicit drug trafficking in the nations seat of power.

The NDLEA boss also commended officers and men of DOGI for their vigilance and commitment to work.

10 online drug traffickers arrested, 107kg cocaine seized as NDLEA launches fresh raids in Abuja
10 online drug traffickers arrested, 107kg cocaine seized as NDLEA launches fresh raids in Abuja
10 online drug traffickers arrested, 107kg cocaine seized as NDLEA launches fresh raids in Abuja
10 online drug traffickers arrested, 107kg cocaine seized as NDLEA launches fresh raids in Abuja
10 online drug traffickers arrested, 107kg cocaine seized as NDLEA launches fresh raids in Abuja
10 online drug traffickers arrested, 107kg cocaine seized as NDLEA launches fresh raids in Abuja

By Jide N.

Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister, weds in a secret ceremony

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has married his fiancee Carrie Symonds in a secret ceremony at Westminster Cathedral.

Johnson, 56, and Symonds, 33, who have a child together, said their wedding vows at London’s main Roman Catholic church in central London on Saturday afternoon, May 29, in front of a small group of family and friends.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said on Sunday morning, May 30: “The Prime Minister and Ms Symonds were married yesterday afternoon in a small ceremony at Westminster Cathedral.”

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, marries fianc?e, Carrie Symonds, in a secret ceremony

This is the first time a British leader has married in office in 199 years.

Photos of the newlyweds show them smiling at each other in the garden of 10 Downing Street. The bride wore a white dress and a floral headband and the groom wore a black suit and blue tie, with a white rose in his buttonhole.

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, marries fianc?e, Carrie Symonds, in a secret ceremony

The prime minister’s office said that the couple would celebrate with family and friends next summer.

This is Boris Johnson’s third marriage, and Carrie Symonds’s first. They announced their engagement in February 2020, the same month Johnson reached a divorce settlement with Marina Wheeler, his childhood friend with whom he has four children. They separated in 2018.

By Jide N.

Colonel Assimi Goita named as country’s transitional President by the Mali’s constitutional court

Colonel Assimi Goita, leader of the post-coup junta in Mali has been named as the country’s transitional President by the constitutional court. 

The ruling issued late on Friday May 28, said Assimi Goita would “lead the transition process to its conclusion” and carry the title of “president of the transition, head of state”.

The court said Goita who led the first coup last August, which saw the elected President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta forced out of office, was named as the transitional President due to the “vacancy in the presidency”.

On Monday May 24, the two men tasked with steering the country back to civilian rule, interim President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane were detained by soldiers. Col Goita said that both men had failed in their duties and were seeking to sabotage the country’s transition. They were released on Thursday May 27 after resigning.

Friday’s ruling raised the stakes as West African leaders prepared to meet on Sunday May 30 to decide how they would respond to the takeover, which regional and Western governments fear could exacerbate instability in northern and central Mali and undermine a regional fight against armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS).

Goita had originally been named vice president with other key posts given to fellow army officers. Earlier on Friday, in his first public comments since seizing power, Col Goïta defended his actions. 

He said; 

 “We had to choose between disorder and cohesion within the defence and security forces, and we chose cohesion.”

Goita said a new prime minister would be appointed within days, and that elections would still go ahead next year as planned. 

By Jide N.

Lagos Govt still crying over #EndSARS protest losses

#ENdSARS

The Lagos State Government says it it is still counting its losses from the #EndSARS protest that was hijacked by hoodlums in October 2020.

The hoodlums went on rampage destroying public facilities in the state. The protest was organised by young people to call for the end of police brutality across the country.

Speaking during a press briefing to commemorate the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s-led administration on Tuesday, May 25, the Special Adviser to the governor on Parastatals Monitoring Office, Afolabi Ayantayo said the state suffered heavy damage to critical public property which nearly brought it to a standstill economically. 

“The parastatals were not spared, their assets were either stolen or destroyed. To determine the level of the damage of the parastatals, the office carried out on-the- spot assessment of destroyed and stolen assets of  parastatals.  

The report of the assessment has been forwarded to Mr. Governor. It is pertinent to mention here that 20 parastatals were affected in varying degrees which  include Lekki Concession Company, Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Public Works Corporation, Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory, Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Lagos Bus Service Limited, Lagos Television, Lagos Internal Revenue Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority,, among others.

We are still assessing and compiling the data. The special committee set up by Mr. Governor to come up with total assessment of losses suffered is still working on the total estimate and is yet to submit full report,” Ayantayo said. 

By Jide N.

A-29 Super Tucano, Aircrafts use to fight against Boko Haram are in pocess (photos)

A delegation from the National Assembly have visited Embraer Defence Security Incorporated (EDSI), manufacturers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) A-29 Super Tucano aircraft.

The Nigerian Air Force shared photos from the visit on Twitter. It was also gathered that the NASS team visited the company in the US to assess the progress work on the aircraft. The visiting team which also included Honourables Babajimi Benson, Shehu Koko, Abubakar Maki and Honourable Abass Adigun were received on arrival at Jacksonville, Florida by the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the USA, Air Commodore Jibrin Usman, the Lead Foreign Liaison Officer on the A-29, Air Vice Marshal Sule Lawal and senior management staff EDSI.

On arrival at EDSI yesterday, 27 May 2021, the NASS team led by Senator Michael Nnachi, were briefed on the progress of work on the NAF A-29 Super Tucano programme and the scheduled date of delivery.

Nigerian Airforce Spokesperson, Edward Gabkwet further revealed that while briefing the NASS team, Colonel Authur Ford of the United States Air Force Fighters and Advance Aircraft Directorate stated that 10 out of the 12 aircraft were ready for delivery while 2 were undergoing modification and integration to NAF specific operational configuration.

He went on to state that 6 of the aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Nigeria in July 2021 while the remaining 6 will be delivered before the end of October 2021. The NASS team was assured that the aircraft, expected to play critical roles in the fight against insurgency and criminality, would be delivered as planned.

Senator Michael Nnachi who commended EDSI for the quality of work on the NAF A-29 Super Tucano, however queried the long duration of time from the date of full payment to expected date of delivery, which he estimated to be between 3 to 4 years.

In response, the Col Ford informed the team that the long duration was due to the challenges of configuring the aircraft to fit NAF’s required specifications.

Nigerian lawmakers visit US company where aircrafts used in fight against Boko Haram are manufactured (photos)
Nigerian lawmakers visit US company where aircrafts used in fight against Boko Haram are manufactured (photos)
Nigerian lawmakers visit US company where aircrafts used in fight against Boko Haram are manufactured (photos)
Nigerian lawmakers visit US company where aircrafts used in fight against Boko Haram are manufactured (photos)

By Jide N.

Gennaro Gattuso recruited by Fiorentina as their new manager after he was axed by Napoli

Gennaro Gattuso has been confirmed as the new head coach of Fiorentina.


Gattuso only left his role at Napoli two days ago after failing to secure Champions League qualification, with the team ending the season fifth in the standings, one point behind fourth-placed Juventus.


The 43-year-old’s last game in charge of Napoli was the 1-1 draw with Hellas Verona on Sunday.


He replaces Giuseppe Iachini, who confirmed he would leave Fiorentina at the end of the season in an open letter on March 21, ending his second spell in charge of the club.


‘Dear Rino, I am happy to have spent almost two seasons with you. Thank you for your work and I wish you success wherever you go. A hug also to your wife and children,’ De Laurentiis wrote after the match.

Gattuso’s Napoli contract was set to expire in June. Fiorentina, meanwhile, finished down in 13th position.


He will take over as Fiorentina boss from July 1, with club president Rocco Commisso confirming the news on the club’s website.

By Terry W.

Donald Trump claims ‘absolute immunity’ in defense against new Capitol riot lawsuit

Former US President Trump has said that “absolute immunity” and the First Amendment protects him against a new civil lawsuit charging him with inciting the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol.


Hours before a mob infamously attacked the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, Trump held a rally in Washington urging his supporters to “fight like hell”.


Following the attempted insurrection, Trump was impeached for a second time by the Democrat controlled House of Representatives but acquitted by the Republican controlled Senate.


Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), one of the many lawmakers who had to flee to safety while Capitol riot occurred, filed a civil lawsuit against Trump for his role in the riot but Trump’s defense lawyer has now said his speech urging his supporters to “fight like hell” is protected by the First Amendment, and the former president cannot be held legally accountable for any actions taken while he was in office.


“The claims against former President Trump directly contravene the absolute immunity conveyed on the President by the Constitution as a key principle of separation of powers,” Attorney Jesse Binnall wrote in the D.C. federal court filing.


Binnall asserted that Trump had every right to advocate for Congress to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.


“Trump was free to advocate for the appointment and certification of electors … even though the President does not directly participate in those congressional acts,” Binnall wrote.


The court filing is Trump’s first legal response to the lawsuit .


Swalwell claims the former president, his son Donald Trump Jr., Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) and Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani all incited the riot and conspired to prevent Congress from certifying President Biden’s election win.

By Lucky B.

A Nigerian native doctor, has called out his baby mama for beating his mother

A Nigerian native doctor, Ossy Opara has called out his baby mama for beating his mother. 

In a Facebook post addressed to his children, Ossy noted that they (children) may not get to see their grandmother again because her “health is failing her as a result of the beatings she received” from his baby mama, Blessing, while she was ill. 

Promising that his children will hear about how he was a “daredevil”, the native doctor promised not to indict himself in any way. 

He wrote; 

Ikechukwu Opara, Chukwuemeka Opara, and Munachimso Opara. Happy children’s day to you my sons.

This is the last children’s day that you will celebrate with me by proxy in an inhumane way. It is likely that you may not meet your grandmother (my mom) alive when you come back, I tried to make you see your grandmother today (her health is failing her as a result of the beatings she received from your mother Blessing ontop her health condition). I tired so hard and made calls that I wasn’t supposed to make, all for the love of family. The internet never forgets.

I will not indict myself in anyway, but you will hear the story of how your father is a Daredevil, you will look at me and be proud to have a father, an only son that conquers multitude of brethren. Ochubara dike n’ohia, that’s what you will call me.

It is a challenge, and a promise. A mortal one, till I die.

Nigerian native doctor calls out his baby mama for beating his mother

Prior to this, Ossy had narrated how his plans of celebrating children’s day yesterday May 27, with his kids was stopped by the family of his baby mama who demanded that he comes to their family house for the visit. 

He claimed that they “want to him when to talk and when to leave” and allegedly “set him up again.”

He wrote; 

27th of may (Children’s day).

2 weeks ago (early notification), this father has been demanding that his children be peacefully brought out for him by those who have seized them. This father wants to celebrate children’s day with his children and return them afterwards, and must be able to be with them again whenever he wishes to. This father will not be made to do it inside that house at world bank where he was tagged a kidnapper. This father’s session with his children will not be regimented and supervised again.

Information reaching me is that the Okechukwu family wants me to come to their family house to see my children, they want to monitor my stay with my own legitimate children, they want to tell me when to talk and when to leave, they want to know what I will discuss with my children, they want to know if they will beat my children afterwards, and they want to set me up again.

IF MY DEMANDS ARE NOT MET, then this father has been DARED and PUSHED to the wall.

Newton’s 1st law states that, if a body is at rest or moving at a constant speed in a straight line, it will remain at rest or keep moving in a straight line at constant speed unless it is acted upon by a FORCE. This postulate is known as the law of inertia.

Newton’s 3rd law states that,

for every ACTION in nature there is an equal and opposite reaction. In other words, forces result from interactions.

Let the world take note.

Enough said, good night.

Nigerian native doctor calls out his baby mama for beating his mother

By Lucky B.

Tough times forces Prostitutes to accept foodstuffs as payment for their services

Prostitutes in Dema Growth Point, Zimbabwe are reportedly now accepting buckets of maize and cups of beans as payment from their cash-strapped male clients.

Some of the sex workers who spoke to New Zimbabwe, appealed to the government and other organisations for low-interest loans to start income-generating projects to fend for their starving families.

One of the sex workers who only identified herself as Alice, said; 

“Gone are the days when we used to charge US$5 for the whole night. These days even one dollar is accepted, so that you are able to buy vegetables and tomatoes and cook something for your starving children.”

Alice disclosed that she has three children, one of which is in Form 4. The child needs ZIMSEC (Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council) registration fees while the other kids are in Grade 7 and Grade One.

She added; 

“I now even accept a bucket of maize or cups of dried beans as payment for sex services. At least I am assured that my kids will have porridge.”

Another sex worker only identified as Mavis said she could have opted to be a house helper. She however said locals don’t pay. 

The sex workers who spoke to the publication, were attending a Key Affected Populations (KAP) workshop meant to find ways of reducing HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The seminar was convened by the National Aids Council (NAC) at Dema Growth Point.

By Lucky B.

Matthijs de Ligt, Juventus defender, explains why he won’t take the Covid-19 Vaccine

Juventus defender, Matthijs De Ligt has explained why he won’t get vaccinated against Covid-19 despite contracting the disease earlier this year.


The 21-year-old Netherlands international tested positive for the virus in January and missed two Serie A games while in self-isolation before recovery. 


The defender has now teamed up with Frank de Boer’s men ahead of Euro 2020 this summer after helping Juventus finish in a Champions League spot. 


In an interview with ESPN.nl, he confirmed he had taken the decision not to receive a Covid-19 jab, insisting everyone should be in charge of their own bodies.


 “I have not taken a vaccination, it is not mandatory. I think you should be in charge of your own body. The risk of infection is always there. I try to come into contact with as few people as possible outside the Dutch national team.”


The Dutchman, who played 36 games in all competitions for Juventus also 
 played down rumours linking him with a move to Barcelona. 


“I am very happy at Juve. I feel like a fish in water,” said De Ligt.


“I feel good on the pitch and appreciated. Would they let me go? There are plenty of clubs that have money problems, but you should ask the club.

“I don’t know. These [Barcelona rumours] make no sense now. That is not important to me and nobody has informed me about it.”

By Jide N.

UK Police seize over £5million cash in Britain’s biggest ever money laundering raid and arrest drug gangs (photos)

UK police seized more than £5million of criminal loot during a raid on a luxury two-bedroom flat in Britain’s biggest ever cash raid.


The huge cash seizure followed an operation launched in August 2019 by a pro-active team from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command targeting the organised crime networks, Sun UK reports.

Police arrest drug gang and seize over ?5million cash in Britain?s biggest ever money laundering raid (photos)


The money launderers were jailed on Friday, May 28 for their role in moving monetary profits from drugs and guns.


The laundering network’s £3,500 luxury apartment in a swanky gated estate in Fulham, South West London, was filled with stacks of bank notes being laundered for gangsters.

Police arrest drug gang and seize over ?5million cash in Britain?s biggest ever money laundering raid (photos)


Police have revealed that lots of cash were stockpiled by launderers during the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 as the launderers were unable to transfer the cash out of the country.

Police arrest drug gang and seize over ?5million cash in Britain?s biggest ever money laundering raid (photos)


Latvian teacher Sergejs Auzins, 46, Russian socialite and DJ,  Ruslan Shamsutdinov, 36, and Iranian Serwan Ahmadi, 35, admitted conspiracy to conceal, disguise, convert, transfer or remove criminal property from the UK.


Auzins was seen meeting a cocaine baron being kept under surveillance and was followed back to the Porteus Apartments development in Britannia Road, Fulham.

Police kept watch on the flats and on 5 June 2020 Shamsutdinov was seen leaving the flats with heavy bags which he placed into a nearby car with a hiding tray under seats.

He was detained and the bags were found to be filled with £600,000 in cash.

Police then swooped on the first-floor flat he had come from and found it filled with a further £4.5million.

Ahmadi was arrested on 14 July in Edmonton, North London, in possession of £59,980 in a bag he was carrying and a further £198,665 was recovered at his nearby home.

Auzins was arrested the next day at his home in Rochester and a further £14,435 in cash was seized.


Shamsutdinov was sentenced to 45 months, while Auzins got 40 months on the basis of laundering only £2 million of the total amount discovered.


Ahmadi was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 150 hours unpaid community work.


The total amount of money seized was £5,082,026.17


Prosecutor Daniel Fugallo told Harrow Crown Court: “Inside were bundles of cash in various rooms, boxes under beds, in wardrobes, and laid out on the floor.


“It had the appearance of being very organised, with money in £5,000 or £10,000, with a number of bundles being carried together in carrier bags or boxes.

“Amounts such as 100 or 200 were found written on a number of these bags, when removed these represented a number of thousands within the bag in question.”


Met detective superintendent Jason Prins, “There was literally money everywhere in this flat.

“There was cash in cupboards, drawers and under the beds.

“By the front door there were bags of cash which looked like they were going to be away somewhere.”

By Jide N.

Chelsea beats Manchester City 1-0 to win 2020/2021 UEFA Champions League (Photos/Videos)

Chelsea football club of England have won its second Champions League title on Saturday, May 29, 2021, beating Manchester City, 1-0, in in Porto, Portugal.


In a totally dominating display by the Blues, Chelsea showed more quality on and off the ball, showed more pace, panache and perseverance as they inflicted a third straight win this season on Pep Guardiola’s team.

image 25


A first-half goal from summer signing Kai Havertz, the most expensive player in Chelsea’s history, was enough to earn Thomas Tuchel’s side victory in front of thousands of fans at Porto’s Estadio Dragao in Portugal even though tbr thrilling final was marred by a knee injury to 36 year old Chelsea defender Thiago Silva and a head injury to City’s playmaker, Kevin De Bruyne.

image

Chelsea we’re so brilliant tactically that Raheem Sterling had a terrible night facing Reece James. De Bruyne lost the midfield war with Kante while Chilwell and Rudiger made Mahrez and Bernardo look like kindergarten players.

Defeat was yet another bitter disappointment for Manchester City who although won the English Premier league have spent multimillions in player and staff acquisition to clinch the champions League.


But for Chelsea it was their first win since 2012, crowning their season with the highest trophy in European club football.

By Terry W.

Pep Guardiola is the LMA Manager of the Year

Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola has been named the League Managers’ Association manager of the year. 

Guardiola led City to a third Premier League title in four seasons, 12 points clear of nearest rivals Manchester United, and a fourth consecutive League Cup.

The club also won this season’s Carabao Cup and will face Chelsea in the Champions League final on Saturday.

The five other managers in contention were Leeds’ Marcelo Bielsa, Norwich City’s Daniel Farke, Chelsea Women’s Emma Hayes, David Moyes of West Ham and Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers.

“I am delighted to win the LMA manager of the year award for the second time,” said Guardiola, who previously won it in 2017-18.

“It is, for me, such a special trophy to win because it is voted for by my fellow managers. An award like this is only possible though if a manager is surrounded by top professionals.

“My players have been fantastic – their dedication and professionalism never wavered, even in a season that has been the most challenging we have ever faced.

“And my staff are also deserving of the highest praise. I am so lucky to have a team of people who give everything they have every single day to make sure Manchester City are the best we can be.

“This award is dedicated to and shared with them.”

LMA Executive Committee member Sir Alex Ferguson added: “As well as being a truly gifted manager and leader, you always display admirable humility and composure and I am sure your family must be very proud of you.”

By Terry W?.

Yahoo Yahoo Boy arrrested for trying to buy N44m Range Rover with Bitcoin

A suspected internet frauster who allegedly tried to buy a Range Rover worth N44million with Bitcoin, has been arrested by the EFCC. 

The suspect identified as Tobiloba Aramide Ogundiyan is accused by the EFCC’s Advance Fee Fraud Section of committing online fraud and converting his loot into cryptocurrency.

A statement released by the agency read; 

Ogundiyan acquired his ill-gotten wealth from internet fraud, layered it into a Bitcoin account and finally integrated it by approaching a car shop owner in Lekki to purchase a Range Rover Vela P380 2018 model worth N44,000,000 ($97,626 USD in Bitcoin) sometime in March 2021. 

The anti-graft agency said the suspect and seven others were arrested by the commission’s Lagos operatives on May 18, 2021 at River View Estate, Lekki, Lagos for alleged computer-related fraud.

Other suspects are Samson Alabi Afolabi; Adebayo Dolapo Olumide; Daniel Boluwatife Akinwunmi; Moses Segun; Kelechi Thankgod Felix; Adeleke Godwin Tofunmi and Adewale Dapo Victor.

Exhibits recovered include electronic gadgets (handsets, laptops), exotic cars, expensive jewelleries and antiques etc. 

The EFCC said in the course of its investigation, it found that apart from computer-related fraud, some of the suspects had completed the three stages of money laundering i.e. placement, layering and integration.

By Kingsley U.

Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, launches gospel music featuring his wife, Judith singing in spirit n truth (Video)

Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has released a gospel music featuring his wife, Judith. A video shared online shows the couple singing in spirit and in truth.

Watch the video below:

By Jide N.

Ex.Bayern Munich defender, David Alaba, signs a five-year contract with Real Madrid

Real Madrid have confirmed they signed David Alaba from Bayern Munich on a five-year contract.

The announcement of the signing of the 28-year-old Austria International, who had also been linked with several English Premier League clubs, comes a day after Zinedine Zidane quit as Real coach. 

“Real Madrid has reached an agreement with David Alaba, who will be linked to the club for the next five seasons,” Madrid said in a statement.

Real Madrid confirm signing of Bayern Munich defender David Alaba on five-year contract

Alaba will be presented as a Real player after Euro 2020, the statement added.

The Austria international has been hugely successful at Bayern, having won two Champions League trophies and 10 league titles among other silverware.

Alaba had said in February that he would leave Bayern when his contract expires at the end of the season after 13 years with the German club.

By Jide N.

Imo State Government pleads with its residents to Ignore IPOB’s ‘sit-at-home’ order

The Imo state government has asked residents of the state to ignore a sit-at-home order issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on May 29 and May 30.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, while speaking in Owerri, the state capital on Thursday, May 27, said residents of the state can go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation, adding that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to ensure safety and freedom of movement.

“Imo residents should disregard these messages as they have no consequence whatsoever. They should go about their normal businesses without any fear of molestation.

Let our people be rest assured that the government has put all necessary security measures in place to ensure the safety and freedom of movement of all Imo people on these dates and after” he said

Speaking on the alleged shoot-at-sight order given by the government to security operatives, the state commissioner said it was the handiwork of rumour mongers and enemies of the state. According to him, only criminals have something to worry about the security measures put in place in the state and innocent residents have nothing to fear.

“Just when the government has successfully brought the state back to normalcy, these vicious enemies have contrived another rumour to the effect that security agents have been instructed to shoot and kill Imo youths extra judicially.

I am here to urge my dear Imo youths to ignore this baseless rumour of them being targets of intimidation or assault by security agents, as the originators of this rumour are those who have vowed to make Imo ungovernable.

I am, therefore, using this medium to appeal to our parents and guardians to rein in their children and wards against any form of demonstration in this volatile time.

Those who are stoking the embers of this crisis will not put forward their children to be part of the battle. That is why my fellow parents should not allow their children to be Cannon fodder in a purely mindless matter.

Once again, the government has not given any order for either the arrest or killing of innocent Imo youths. So, law-abiding citizens should go about their legitimate businesses without any fear or panic,” he said

By Jide N.

Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea MD, recounts a horrific team bus terror attack that occured while he was coach of Dortmund

Chelsea manager Thomas Thuchel has revealed why he can approach such a heavy test of nerve and character – the UEFA Champions League – with a measured sense of calm.


 According to Tuchel, facing Manchester City in the final in the biggest match in European football does not fear him because he has faced death.


In 2017, while coach of Borussia Dortmund, Tuchel walked away unhurt after three pipe bombs were hurled at the team bus on its way to a Champions League quarter-final in 2017.

Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel recalls horrific team bus terror attack that occured while he was coach of Dortmund


The criminal who was responsible, Sergej Wenergold, was to make millions if the share price of the club fell as a result of the barbaric act.


Eventually he was caught and Tuchel insists an event that should have left him mentally scarred barely registers in his thoughts nowadays.


Recalling the near death experience,Tuchel, 47, said: “It did not catch me like it caught others, I have to say. Even today I do not feel the danger that we’ve been in.


“I can still see the nails sticking in the bus, I can see the nails sticking around where I sat.


“I heard that the nails went over 50 metres and then into other windows of houses and stuff.


“Hopefully, it will not catch me up some day but I don’t think about it when I go on a bus or through a crowd. And I’m not waiting for it. I don’t want it to come.


“But it was absolutely surreal. I was in court later to meet the guy who admitted to doing it. I even felt sorry for him a little bit.


“I could not even feel anger, like ‘Wow, what could you have done?’.


“My wife constantly tells the story that I went home late, of course. I drove home. I texted her that ‘everything is OK, don’t worry’.


“She was in the stadium, then went home and my manager was there.


“They were quite freaked out and I came home a little bit like a robot, not talking too much about it.


“I was in front of the TV watching Barcelona against Juventus because it was a Champions League night. She was thinking, ‘That’s a bit weird’.


“The biggest impact for me was the next morning when I saw my players and they were waiting for me in my office. That was when I really realised. ‘Wow, this is…’


“Maybe I am hiding it. It’s still there but it did not have the huge impact that you maybe can imagine.”


Tuchel was a centre-back for SSV Ulm in southern Germany when his knee-cartilage issue struck in 1998. That forced him to end his playing career at just 25. He has now revealed how the experience humbled him and prepared him for life and management.

He said: “I did not have a good insurance policy for my injury, so the money I saved I spent on my rehabilitation because I tried to come back for more than half a year.

“I had to accept it was impossible and started to study economics in Stuttgart as I had no other ideas.


‘Falling out of this bubble, with nobody taking care of me, taught me a tough lesson.


“While studying, I wanted to earn some extra money and so went to work in a bar like a normal student.


“First of all I was a glass collector. The next step was serving because I was safe enough with the tray. I was the guy to get them from the bar and take them to people’s tables, either for free or double the price, depending on my mood!


“Maybe after two or two-and-a-half years, I was behind the bar. Maybe not looking like Tom Cruise — but I felt like Tom Cruise.


“It taught me a lot. Until then I was this kid who was a bit better than the other kids, so you end up going to Augsburg, a bit of a bigger club, and you’re a little bit famous.


“Then you play maybe for the Under-18s of Germany and you have some days off school.


“Then become professional in the second division and I was living in this bubble. I got a lot of attention, a lot of positive feedback, a lot of my self-confidence from all that.


“Falling out of this bubble, with nobody taking care of me, taught me a tough lesson.


“Overcoming my pride to go into a bar — because now we can talk and laugh about it — but taking the first step to admitting I needed some extra money and to step out there and to go into ten or 12 cafes and bars to ask, ‘Do you need help?’.


“There was some pride to swallow but it was good.”


Talking about Chelsea’s chances in the final against City on Saturday, Tuchel said


“We will have fun, we will have a lot of fun, of course. But I love it when other people are happy. It means more to me at Christmas that I have good presents for others.


“I’m not the guy to dance on the table but I will be so super-happy if we win and I see my team, my staff, the families…


“And when I feel what it means to my family and to people around my family — to my grandma and others.


“This is huge for me and, if we go out, we will have fun — I’ll not drink still water all night.”

By Jide N.

Former Minister, Diezani, forfeited Jewelries worth N14.4B – Abdulrasheed Bawa says

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, today May 28, disclosed that the jewelry forfeited by the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke is worth N14.4 billion.

Bawa made the disclosure when he appeared before the House of Representatives committee.

”Jewelry forfeited from the former minister has been valued by relevant government agencies and the estimated value of the jewelry is 14.4 billion naira.”he said

Bawa noted that the estimated value of the houses seized and forfeited from Diezani is $80 million and that all the assets are in the custody of the commission and have not been sold.

The House of Reps committee is assessing the status of all recovered loot moveable and immovable assets from 2002-2020 by agencies of government.

Diezani was a serving Minister under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

By Francisca C.

England footballer, Jesse Lingard’s customized Richard Mille WristWatch stolen from dressing room while playing on the pitch

England footballer, Jesse Lingard’s customized watch was stolen from West Ham’s dressing room during a game.


The thief struck as the on-loan Manchester United midfielder, 28, played in the Premier League defeat to Everton on May 9.

His cureent club West Ham say they have no idea how a thief sneaked into the heavily-guarded dressing room during a game and despite all efforts by players and staff to search the room on May 9, the watch wasn’t found.


Lingard has a collection of expensive watches and the one stolen is specially designed by Swiss maker Richard Mille.


Rooms at the West Ham’s Stadium are only accessible to players and senior officials and are constantly monitored by CCTV and also patrolled by security, so the case is a mystery to police.


A source said: “Jesse was devastated, but nobody can believe it.


“It’s completely unheard of for something to be stolen from inside the players’ dressing rooms during a game.


“Security at the stadium is top class. There are staff guarding the tunnel and all those areas — as well as CCTV all over the place.


“Of course everyone has searched high and low but it appears it has definitely been taken, and there was no option but to call in the police.


“Everyone is gutted for him, he loved that watch and thought it would be safe.


“It goes without saying Premier League footballers are well paid, and many of them have expensive items including clothing and ­jewellery.


“But it would just never occur to anyone that it could be taken from there. It’s a real shock.”


A West Ham United spokesperson said: “The incident happened a month ago and the Club took all appropriate steps at the time.


“While we will continue to assist with the matter, we are unable to comment further as this is now part of an ongoing police investigation.”

By Jide N.

See the Photos of the US-based man killed by Abia vigilante he hired to secure him and his project

The US-based man killed by the Abia vigilante he employed to keep him safe has been pictured.

The man, identified as Enyinnaya Mark Ogbonna, is said to have returned to Nigeria to invest and was building a gas station .

He hired a member of the Abia State vigilante group, Okorie Chukwuma, as a security guard.

However, Chukwuma is said to have shot Enyinnaya dead, buried him in a shallow grave, and absconded with his Toyota Venza.

He was caught in Port Harcourt, while allegedly trying to sell the car, and was paraded by the Rivers State Police Command.

Photos of the US-based man killed by Abia vigilante he hired to secure him and his project

Friends have gone online to mourn Mark Ogbonna.

Photos of the US-based man killed by Abia vigilante he hired to secure him and his project
Photos of the US-based man killed by Abia vigilante he hired to secure him and his project
Photos of the US-based man killed by Abia vigilante he hired to secure him and his project

By Jide N.

Neymar reacts as he denies sexual assault allegations he tried to force on company’s employee

Neymar has hit out at Nike for claiming he was dropped for ‘refusing to cooperate’ in an internal sexual assault investigation involving himself and an employee. 


The alleged incident reportedly occurred in 2016 when the Brazilian forward was in New York City for a marketing event with Nike.


Nike later announced they sacked the Brazilian winger last year over the incident. 


The PSG star had a lucrative £78.6m sponsorship deal with Nike, which was due to run until 2022, but ended his partnership with the American brand last September before signing a money-spinning deal to become the new face of Puma. 


Nike did not disclose a reason at the time for dropping Neymar, who they had first signed as a 13-year-old, but have now revealed the early end to their endorsement deal came about following an investigation into allegations that the 29-year-old had sexually assaulted a female employee.


According to The Wall Street Journal, the Nike employee alleged that in 2016 Neymar attempted to force her to perform oral sex in his hotel room while in New York City for a promotional event and after taking off his underwear had tried to block her from leaving the room before chasing her down the hallway.

Neymar, 29, has denied the allegations against him and posted an angry Instagram post, branding Nike’s claims over their contract dispute as a lie.


The post read: ‘I really don’t understand how a serious company can distort a business relationship that is supported by documents. Written words cannot be modified. They are very clear. They leave no doubt!


‘Ever since I was 13 years old, when I signed my first contract, I was always warned: don’t talk about your Agrements (sic). Agreements are confidential! Contradict this rule and state that my contract was terminated because I did not contribute in good faith to an investigation, is an absurd lie.


The statement from Neymar continued: ‘The WSL story is very clear. In 2016 it seems that they already knew about this event. I didn’t! In 2017 I traveled again to the USA for another advertising campaign, with the same people, and nothing was told to me, nothing changed!


‘In 2017, 2018, 2019 we made trips, advertising campaigns, countless shooting sections. And they told me nothing. Such a serious matter and they did nothing. Who is truly responsible?

‘I was not given the opportunity to defend myself. I was not given the opportunity to know who this person was that was allegedly offended. I don’t even know her. I’ve never had any kind of relationship or approach with this person. 


‘I didn’t even have a chance to talk to her, to know the real reasons for her pain. That person, an employee, was not protected. I, a sponsored athlete, was not protected.’  

Update: Neymar hits back at Nike as he denies sexual assault allegations he tried to force the company

A spokeswoman for Neymar also said: ‘Neymar Jr. will vigorously defend himself against these baseless attacks in case any claim is presented, which did not happen so far.’

She also added that Neymar and Nike had ended their 16-year association for commercial reasons.

By Terry W.

US comedian, Bill Cosby denied parole after failing to participate in ‘sex offender’ therapy program

US comedian, Bill Cosby was denied parole in his sex assault case this month due to his failure to complete a prison program for sex offenders, the Pennsylvania Parole Board has said.

Cosby, 83, was convicted in 2018 of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand at his suburban Pennsylvania mansion in 2004.


He was later sentenced to three to 10 years in state prison.


The comedian isn’t eligible for release until Sept. 25 at the earliest, but the board starts interviewing candidates three to five months in advance and spoke to Cosby by video conference on May 7, board spokeswoman Laura Treaster told the NewYork Daily News on Thursday.


Laura Treaster said they denied his parole following the interview.


In a letter detailing its decision, the board cited Cosby’s failure to complete the therapy, failure to develop a parole release plan and a “negative recommendation” from corrections officials.


The next time Cosby goes before the board, officials will look to see whether he has “successfully participated in/successfully completed a treatment program for sex offenders and violence prevention,” the letter shared by Treaster said.


Cosby’s longtime spokesman, Andrew Wyatt, said the decision “was not a surprise” after Cosby refused to participate in what he called a “sexually violent predator” course.


“Mr. Cosby has vehemently proclaimed his innocence and continues to deny all allegations made against him,” Wyatt said Thursday.


 “Today, Mr. Cosby continues to remain hopeful that the Pennslyvania State Supreme Court will issue an opinion to vacate his conviction or warrant him a new trial.”

By Jide N.

Pankeeroy gives reasons why he was arrested by EFCC after regaining freedom

Instagram comedian, Pankeeroy has explained why he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after regaining freedom. 

It was widely reported that the comedian was arrested alongside 34 others in April 2021, by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for alleged involvement in computer-related fraud.

However in a statement released shortly after he regained freedom, Pankeeroy whose real name is Nwagbo Oliver Chidera claimed that he was arrested based on discreet information that he is a digital currency enthusiat. His lawyers however said he was released “as there was no form of nexus linking him to the purported commission of the investigated crime”. 

Thanking his fans for their support, the comedian also stated that none of his properties were seized by the anti-graft agency. 

Pankeeroy
Pankeeroy

By Jide N.

South African Serial Rapist sentenced to 1,088 years in prison

A Pretoria high court on Thursday May 27, sentenced a convicted serial rapist who raped and robbed 56 women across Pretoria suburbs for five years, to 1,088 years in prison. 

33-year-old Sello Abram Mapunya was convicted on Wednesday May 26, for 41 rapes and 40 separate house breakings and house robberies, as well as assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm, robbery and theft.

Mapunya who committed the crime while he lived with his girlfriend, eight-year-old son and four-year-old daughter in Pretoria, attacked women in Tshwane’s suburbs of Nellmapius, Mamelodi, Silverton, Olievenhoutbosch and Atteridgeville.

His youngest victim was 14. She was attacked while walking home with a friend in Olievenhoutbosch. His eldest victim was 55.

Mapunya who was initially charged with 101 different crimes began his crime spree in 2014 and it ended in March 2019 after he was arrested by detectives from the serial electronic crimes investigation unit. 

Judge Papi Mosopa sentenced the convict to 1,088 years in prison, after he was found guilty of 41 rapes, 40 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and 40 counts of housebreaking.

Mosopa said none of the sentences would run concurrently. He sentenced Mapunya to life terms for raping his teenage victim and three other women who he raped multiple times. 

Condemning “evil” to an eternity behind bars, Mosopa said Mapunya was “hell bent” on infringing on society’s most vulnerable and their right to dignity and security. “He failed to show any remorse,” said Mosopa.

Serial rapist sentenced to 1,088 years in prison

His youngest victim, Refilwe Selamolela who is now 19 and agreed to be identified, said she had spent years asking herself why men raped and hurt women.

Selamolela said; 

“I want to ask men out there to stop hurting us and ask them to protect us, love us and provide for us and our children. For so many years I have suffered, crying every time I hear of another woman who has been raped.

“Today, I just thank God and the justice system for bringing this man down, for sending him away to jail for the rest of his life.”

Serial rapist sentenced to 1,088 years in prison

Thuleleni Mtsweni, who was beaten over the head with a hammer and raped by Mapunya in her Nellmapius home, said some victims had almost lost their lives.

Mtsweni said; 

“It was the worst experience of my life, but that is now over. Today is a victory, not just for those of us who survived the terror this man unleashed, but for all women out there who are victims of similar crimes.

“We, as survivors, fought for our voices to be heard. We fought for the voices of all women to be heard. We stood here in court and have now watched the man who tortured us go down. He went down because of our bravery to speak out.”

By Kingsley U.

England Euro 2020 squad revealed, see list

Gareth Southgate has named his provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2020. with maiden call-ups handed to Ben White, Ben Godfrey and Aaron Ramsdale.

The England manager also included injury doubts such as Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson, and Kalvin Phillips ahead of his final team announcement on June 1, when he will cut seven players from his squad.

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has also been included, despite his absence from England’s last international camp.

Full squad

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Manchester United), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield United).

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Ben Godfrey (Everton), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Ben White (Brighton).

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (West Ham), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton).

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Mason Greenwood (Manchester United), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).

By Terry W.

Nigerian Govt. declares additional 132 travellers wanted for violating the Covid-19 quarantine law

Additional 132 persons have been declared wanted by the federal government for violating COVID-19 guidelines.

The announcement was made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha on Thursday May 27, few days after 90 persons were also declared wanted for same offence.

Recalling how the PSC on COVID-19 issued a Travel advisory for Passengers arriving in Nigeria from Brazil, India and Turkey on 1st May, 2021, Mustapha noted that such precautionary measures are necessary step to mitigate the risk of importation of variants of the virus.

The 132 violators have been declared Persons of Interest (POI) on account of posing considerable danger to overall public health and for the violation of Nigeria COVID-19 travel protocol by evading the mandatory seven-day quarantine for persons arriving from restricted countries.

Mustapha said; 

“Under the new measures, passengers arriving from/or that have visited any of these three countries within 14 days prior to the visit to Nigeria, are required to follow mandatory arrival quarantine and testing protocols in designated facilities.

“Members of the public are by this notice advised that these persons of interest constitute an immediate health hazard to the society. They must therefore transport themselves safely, to the nearest state public health departments within 48hrs of this notice for immediate evaluation and call the Port Health Services, Federal Ministry of Health on 08036134672 or 08032461990 for further directions.

“The PSC shall in addition, take further steps to sanction these violators. These steps include: Disabling their travel passports for a period not less than one year; Cancelation of visas/permits of foreigners that have abused Nigeria’s hospitality, and prosecution under the 2021 Health Protection Regulations.”

By Jide N.

Tolu Ogunlesi, Presidential aide, gives reasons why a Major General was chosen as the new Chief of Army Staff

Tolu Ogunlesi who is the Special Assistant to President Buhari on Digital and New Media, has given a reason why a Major General was chosen to replace Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, the immediate past Army Chief who died in a plane crash last Friday, May 21.

President Buhari on Thursday, May 27, announced Maj. Gen. Faruk Yahaya as Attahiru’s replacement.

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, via her Twitter handle, questioned the appointment of a Major General as the new Chief of Army Staff. She wrote

”Does this appointment of a Major General as Chief of Army Staff by @NGRPresident mean we shall lose some of the best of our Senior Officers of the @HQNigerianArmy ? I hope not.”

Tolu saw her comment and responded, explaining why a Major General was picked.

Presidential aide, Tolu Ogunlesi, explains why a Major General was chosen as the new Chief of Army Staff

By Lucky B.

Killer #Fulani #herdsmen slaughter over 36 persons including students in #Benue #community

Gunmen suspected to Fulani herdsmen attacked Shikaan Mbagena Kpav community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, killing at least 36 residents. 

It was gathered that the assailants stormed the community in the early hours of Thursday, May 27 and slaughtered the victims including some students of the College of Education, Katsina Ala.

#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community

The gruesome massacre has sparked outrage among Nigerians on social media who condemned what they termed ongoing silent “genocide” in Benue State.

The hashtag, #BenueUnderAttack is currently trending with many calling on the federal government and security agencies to put an end to killings by marauding herdsmen.

Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw said gory photos emerging from the community has dampened her spirit. 

“Much as I am trying to focus on other things.. The images of bodies lain on the floor in huge numbers has dampened my spirit somewhat.. Why does life mean nothing in Nigeria? To our rulers?? Too much blood shed….too much, God #BenueUnderAttack” she wrote. 

“About 36 persons were killed just yesterday in Benue state, There’s serious genocide going on in Benue state. How long will the people suffer this? Insecurity in the state is at it apex. RETWEET AND PASS IT ON, LET THE WORLD KNOW.”  a Twitter user wrote.

Another said: “So after eliminating the TIV Tribe, so who’s next? Who is next? Because no one would tell me there is no agenda for coordinated & continuous ethnic cleansing in this country. It’s not just #BenueUnderAttack but #ChristiansUnderAttack I can’t be mincing words with y’all.”

“There is ethnic cleansing going on in Benue State, but we are deafeningly silent. Hundreds are being killed, and thousands are compelled to flee their homes! Benue is under attack!! “

Jamal said: “The pictures are so gory. It is sad that these vulnerable were killed in their homeland by invaders. But to see how they were butchered like cattle evokes a deeper emotion. No one should die like this. #BenueUnderAttack”

“As the killings keep rising and nothing substantial is being done, we all in Benue State and the entire Middle Belt may end up losing our lives, our identity and our land if we fail to rise up now! This is a genocide and must be referred to as such!! #BenueUnderAttack”

Benue First: “It is not a crime to Live! It is not a crime to come from Benue! Stop the Genocide in Benue! Nigerians, stand up for Benue! Don’t let our basket get empty! Retweet & pass the message please!#BenueUnderAttack”

“Fulani Herdsmen Attack on the good people have brazen and unprovoked with villages and communities attacked and razed at night leading which can be described as a genocide and you can Agree with me we’re Certainly Targetted”

“Has the government given immunity to Fulani herdsmen in this country ? They are killing the indigenous occupants of Benue state and nothing is still being done. This is pure Genocide #BenueUnderAttack”

“Nigeria is burning more and more everyday and our government is just gonna keep acting without urgency like all is well. How many more people do these herdsmen need to kill before action is taken ? Hundreds of people 1 night ?? I’m sick #BenueUnderAttack”

#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community
#BenueUnderAttack: Outrage as suspected Fulani herdsmen slaughter 36 persons including students in Benue community

By Jide N.

Ex. President, Goodluck Jonathan, visits President Buhari in the State House Abuja

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, paid a courtesy visit to President Buhari in the statehouse Abuja today May 28.

See more photos below

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, visits President Buhari in the state House Abuja
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, visits President Buhari in the state House Abuja
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, visits President Buhari in the state House Abuja
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, visits President Buhari in the state House Abuja
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, visits President Buhari in the state House Abuja

By Jide N.

AdaJesus’s funeral today (photos)

The remains of comedienne, Mmesoma Mercy Nnadi aka Ada Jesu, have been laid to rest at her husband’s village in  Umuakum Ejemewuru, Oguta L.G.A. Imo State today May 28.

Ada Jesus who had been battling with a protracted Kidney ailment, suffered a cardiac arrest on Tuesday April 20, and died on Wednesday, April 21.

She left behind a daughter she had with her husband, Kingsley Nnadi.

May her soul rest in peace, Amen.

See more photos below

First photos from the funeral of comedienne, AdaJesus (photos)
First photos from the funeral of comedienne, AdaJesus (photos)
First photos from the funeral of comedienne, AdaJesus (photos)

By Jide N.

A woman or girl is raped every 15 minutes in India: Woman fighting for her life after being gang raped and left hanging naked from an electricity pole in India

A woman is reportedly fighting for her life after she was beaten, gang raped and left hanging naked from an electricity pole in India.


The victim was left for dead after she was reportedly ambushed by a group of men as she went to an open toilet during a wedding celebration at her home.


She was later found hanging from the pole in the village of Chakhabib Rudhiya in the northern state of Bihar on Tuesday, May 25.


Villagers rushed her to hospital after she was discovered unconscious and in a critical state.


It has been reported that the woman was targeted after she used an open toilet.


Acccording to India Today, she was allegedly dragged away by the men who took her to a deserted area where she was raped and beaten.


The men allegedly threatened to kill her if she resisted, and stole her jewellery, according to the report.


After they thought the woman was dead, they hung her body from an electricity pole.


She was taken to a hospital in the town of Dalsinghsarai, before being referred to another hospital for treatment.


The woman, whose name hasn’t been revealed, is in a critical condition and is unable to speak.


Seven men are being questioned in connection to the incident , but arrests have been made yet.


The men who are labourers who were hired to set the tents up for the wedding were tracked down by horrified villagers and handed over to the police.


In India, one rape case is reported every 15 minutes according to federal data. 

By Jide N.

Kanye West spotted for the first time in months amid rumours dating model Irina Shayk

Kanye West has been seen for the first time in months amid rumours he’s dating model Irina Shayk.

The rapper, 43, has stayed away from the public eye since it was confirmed in February that he and Kim Kardashian, 40, were officially divorcing.

The last time he was spotted publicly was on March 4.

But he was seen out again amid rumours of him and model Irina Shayk dating.

The Yeezy designer attempted to remain incognito in the city as he wore an all-black look and was accompanied by a security guard. He entered the building holding onto a pair of blue trainers while chatting on the phone.

Kanye West spotted for the first time in months amid rumours he

According to DeuxMoi, a source revealed that: “Kanye West is now secretly dating Irina Shayk aka Bradley Cooper’s baby mama.”

Meanwhile, Irina, 35, looked fashionable on Wednesday afternoon, May 26, as she ran errands in New York City amid rumours she’s dating Kanye.

Kanye West spotted for the first time in months amid rumours he

By Jide N.

Emmanuel Macron, French President, has publicly acknowledged France’s role in the 1994 genocide of Rwandans

French President, Emmanuel Macron has publicly acknowledged France’s role in the 1994 genocide of Rwandans but stopped short of apologizing.


In a statement  on Thursday, May 27,  following a visit to the Gisozi memorial in the Rwandan capital Kigali, Macron acknowledged France’s “overwhelming responsibility” in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and said only the survivors could give “the gift of forgiveness.”

French president Emmanuel Macron seeks forgiveness for France


“France did not understand that, while trying to prevent a regional conflict, or a civil war, it was in fact standing by the side of a genocidal regime,” 


Macron’s admission is strongest public admission of responsibility from a French leader till date.


“By doing so, it endorsed an overwhelming responsibility,” 

“On this path, only those who went through the night can, maybe, forgive us, give us the gift of forgiveness,” Macron concluded.

Rwandan President Kagame praised French President Macron’s speech, saying it was a “major step” in the relationship between the two countries.


“France and Rwanda are going to relate much better, to the benefit of both our people,” Kagame said, even if “the relationship between the two countries will never be entirely conventional.”


Macron’s words “were something more valuable than an apology: they were the truth,” Kagame added.


“Politically and morally, this was an act of tremendous courage,” Kagame said.


While the French president said his country was “not complicit” in the genocide because killers were not French, he vowed that “no suspected genocide perpetrator will be able to avoid justice” because “recognizing our past is also – and above all else – continuing the work of justice.”


Relations between France and Rwanda have long been overshadowed by France’s involvement in the genocide.


In 1994, around 800,000 mainly ethnic Tutsis were killed by Hutu militias supported by the Rwandan government. France had been accused of supporting the Hutu regime.

By Jide N.

Anambra: Dad arrested for allegedly defiling his three daughters

A 48-year old man has been arrested and paraded for allegedly defiling his 3 daughters in Anambra state.

Thomas Igbo from Ikolo, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State was paraded by the Anambra State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for alleged child defilement.

image 23

Mr Igbo, who lives in Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra state, with his wife and four kids, is accused of sexually abusing his three female children aged 8 years, 4 years and 18 months.

image 24

The suspect allegedly confessed to sexually abusing his eldest daughter but denied molesting the remaining two, although his 4-year-old daughter allegedly confirmed the molestation to Child Protection Network, the human rights group that facilitated the arrest.

A medical report from the Ntasi Centre, General Hospital Enugwu-Ukwu also confirmed that the three children have been molested multiple times.

The suspect insisted he only had intercourse once with his eight-year-old daughter and blamed his action on alcohol.

The State Commandant, NSCDC, Mr David Billie said the investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to Court immediately the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) ends its strike and the court resumes full activities.

Narrating how the abuse was discovered, Mrs Okwuchukwu Chukwuenyem, the Spokesperson for Child Protection Network, said the case was brought to their notice after a neighbor noticed the behavior of the man.

According to her, the man was in the habit of taking the children separately on daily basis, mostly between 9pm and 10:30pm but what made the neighbor suspicious was when he was allegedly heard asking the children in Pidgin English, “e sweet” to the neighbor’s hearing.

World Bank approves $700M credit for hygiene, water, sanitation and services in Nigeria

The World Bank has approved a $700 million loan for the Nigeria Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Programme (SURWASH).

In a statement released Thursday, May 27, the World Bank said the loan will provide six million people with basic drinking water services and 1.4 million people access to improved sanitation services.

According to the release, the approval was granted on May 25, and the credit facility will also help deliver improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services to 2,000 schools and health care facilities, and assist 500 communities to achieve open defecation-free status.

The projects are part of the Federal Government’s National Action Plan (NAP) for the revitalisation of Nigeria’s water supply, sanitation, and hygiene sector.

The statement reads: “In 2019, approximately 60 million Nigerians were living without access to basic drinking water services, 80 million without access to improved sanitation facilities and 167 million without access to a basic handwashing facility.

“In rural areas, 39 per cent of households lack access to at least, basic water supply services, while only half have access to improved sanitation and almost a third (29 per cent) practise open defecation, a fraction that has marginally changed since 1990.”

Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, said the programme’s centrality to the human capital agenda and its potential to influence key human capital outcomes could not be overemphasised.

He said this was because access to WASH was an important determinant of human capital outcomes, including early childhood survival, nutrition, health, learning and women’s empowerment, all of which in turn affected labour productivity and efficiency.

“Participating states will be able to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. This will help to keep more girls in school, create employment and reduce open defecation, while developing greater resilience to the impact of climate change and conflicts between different land and water users,” he said.

The SURWASH programme is performance-based and participation is open to all states in Nigeria based on their commitment to specific reforms in the sector.

It would support the Federal Government to enact necessary policy reforms and usher incentives for state and local governments, service providers, technical assistance providers and community-based organisations to effectively deliver sustainable services in the sector.

The bank said it would also support a package of investments to expand access to and increase the use of WASH services in urban, small towns and rural areas.

By Jide N.

Neymar accused of trying to coerce a Nike employee to have oral sex

PSG star Neymar Jr has been accused of trying to force a female Nike employee to perform oral sex on him in a hotel room before being dropped by the sportswear brand.

The alleged incident reportedly occurred in 2016 when the Brazilian forward was in New York City for a marketing event with Nike.

The employee was reportedly trying to arrange events for Neymar Jr and his team, according to the Wall Street Journal who claim to have seen documents and have spoken to people familiar with the matter.

The Nike employee filed a complaint in 2018 and Nike hired an independent legal firm to investigate the allegation.

Neymar denies the allegation. His spokeswoman told the Journal: “Neymar Jr. will vigorously defend himself against these baseless attacks in case any claim is presented, which did not happen so far.”

Neymar Jr and Nike officially parted ways after 15 years of working together last year though his contract with the sportswear company was not due to expire for another eight years. No  reason was officially given for the Brazilian footballer’s departure.

Hilary Krane, Nike’s general counsel, told the Journal: “Nike ended its relationship with the athlete because he refused to cooperate in a good faith investigation of credible allegations of wrongdoing by an employee.”

Back in 2019, Neymar Jr faced an allegation of rape but prosecutors closed the case, citing a lack of evidence.

By Jide N.

iHeartRadio Music Awards 2021: Taylor Swift, Roddy Ricch, etc win big; See complete list of winners

On Thursday night, May 27, the iHeartRadio Music Awards took place with performances from The Weeknd with Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars with Anderson

Demi Lovato, Brandi Carlile and H.E.R. took the stage to honor legendary singer, Elton John as he was given the to iHeartRadio Icon Award while an all star tribute to his greatest hits was rendered.

Usher hosted this year’s star-studded event, which kicked off from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

The Weeknd won, Male artist of the year and song of the year with hit track ‘binding lights’ , while Taylor Swift won ‘Best pop album’. Other winners include Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion and Roddy Ricch.

See the full list of winners below.

Song of the Year
WINNER: “Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
“Circles” – Post Malone
“Don’t Start Now” – Dua Lipa
“ROCKSTAR” – DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch
“Watermelon Sugar” – Harry Styles

Female Artist of the Year
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
WINNER: Dua Lipa
Megan Thee Stallion
Taylor Swift

Male Artist of the Year
Harry Styles
Justin Bieber
Post Malone
Roddy Ricch
WINNER: The Weeknd

Best Pop Album
WINNER: Taylor Swift – folklore

Alternative Rock Album of the Year
WINNER: Machine Gun Kelly – Tickets to My Downfall

Rock Album of the Year
WINNER: AC/DC – Power Up

Country Album of the Year
WINNER: Luke Combs – What You See Ain’t Always What You Get

Dance Album of the Year
WINNER: Diplo – Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, Chapter 1: Snake Oil

Hip-Hop Album of the Year
WINNER: Lil Baby – My Turn

R&B Album of the Year
WINNER: Jhene Aiko – Chilombo

Best Duo/Group of the Year
BTS
WINNER: Dan + Shay
Jonas Brothers
Maroon 5
twenty one pilots

Best Collaboration
“Go Crazy” – Chris Brown & Young Thug
“Holy” – Justin Bieber featuring Chance the Rapper
“I Hope” – Gabby Barrett featuring Charlie Puth
“Mood” – 24kGoldn featuring iann dior
WINNER: “Savage” (Remix) – Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé

Best New Pop Artist
24kGoldn
blackbear
WINNER: Doja Cat
JP Saxe
Pop Smoke

Alternative Rock Song of the Year
“Bang!” – AJR
“Bloody Valentine” – Machine Gun Kelly
“everything i wanted” – Billie Eilish
WINNER: “Level Of Concern” – twenty one pilots
“Monsters” – All Time Low featuring blackbear

Alternative Rock Artist of the Year
AJR
All Time Low
Billie Eilish
Cage the Elephant
WINNER: twenty one pilots

Best New Rock/Alternative Rock Artist
Ashe
Dayglow
WINNER: Powfu
Royal & The Serpent
Wallows

Rock Song of the Year
“Death By Rock And Roll” – The Pretty Reckless
“Patience” – Chris Cornell
WINNER: “Shame Shame” – Foo Fighters
“Shot In The Dark” – AC/DC
“Under The Graveyard” – Ozzy Osbourne

Rock Artist of the Year
AC/DC
Five Finger Death Punch
Ozzy Osbourne
Shinedown
WINNER: The Pretty Reckless

Country Song of the Year
“Even Though I’m Leaving” – Luke Combs
“I Hope” – Gabby Barrett
“Nobody But You” – Blake Shelton with Gwen Stefani
“One Margarita” – Luke Bryan
WINNER: “The Bones” – Maren Morris

Country Artist of the Year
Blake Shelton
Luke Bryan
WINNER: Luke Combs
Maren Morris
Thomas Rhett

Best New Country Artist
Ashley McBryde
WINNER: Gabby Barrett
HARDY
Ingrid Andress
Jameson Rodgers

Dance Song of the Year
“Head & Heart” – Joel Corry x MNEK
“ily (i love you baby)” – Surf Mesa featuring Emilee
“Lasting Lover” – Sigala & James Arthur
“Rain On Me” – Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande
WINNER: “Roses” (Imanbek Remix) – SAINt JHN

Dance Artist of the Year
Anabel Englund
Diplo
WINNER: Marshmello
Surf Mesa
Tiësto

Hip-Hop Song of the Year
“High Fashion” – Roddy Ricch featuring Mustard
“Life Is Good” – Future featuring Drake
“ROCKSTAR” – DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch
“Savage” (Remix) – Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé
WINNER: “The Box” – Roddy Ricch

Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
DaBaby
Lil Baby
Megan Thee Stallion
Pop Smoke
WINNER: Roddy Ricch

Best New Hip-Hop Artist
Jack Harlow
Moneybagg Yo
Pop Smoke
Rod Wave
WINNER: Roddy Ricch

R&B Song of the Year
“B.S.” – Jhené Aiko featuring H.E.R.
WINNER: “Go Crazy” – Chris Brown & Young Thug
“Heat” Chris Brown featuring Gunna
“Playing Games” – Summer Walker
“Slide” – H.E.R. featuring YG

R&B Artist of the Year
Chris Brown
WINNER: H.E.R.
Jhené Aiko
Snoh Aalegra
Summer Walker

Best New R&B Artist
Chloe x Halle
Lonr.
Mahalia
Skip Marley
WINNER: Snoh Aalegra

Latin Pop/Reggaeton Song of the Year
“Caramelo” – Ozuna
“Dákiti” – Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez
“Hawái” (Remix) – Maluma & The Weeknd
“RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)” – Black Eyed Peas & J Balvin
WINNER: “Tusa” – KAROL G & Nicki Minaj

Latin Pop/Reggaeton Artist of the Year
Bad Bunny
WINNER: J Balvin
KAROL G
Maluma
Ozuna

Best New Latin Artist
Chesca
Jay Wheeler
Natanael Cano
Neto Bernal
WINNER: Rauw Alejandro

Regional Mexican Song of the Year
WINNER: “Palabra De Hombre” – El Fantasma
“Se Me Olvidó” – Christian Nodal
“Sólo Tú” – Calibre 50
“Te Volvería A Elegir” – Calibre 50
“Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo” – Lenin Ramírez featuring Grupo Firme

Regional Mexican Artist of the Year
Banda Los Sebastianes
Calibre 50
WINNER: Christian Nodal
Edwin Luna y La Trakalosa de Monterrey
Gerardo Ortíz

Producer of the Year
Andrew Watt
Dr Luke
Frank Dukes
Louis Bell
WINNER: Max Martin

Songwriter of the Year
Ali Tamposi
Amy Allen
WINNER: Ashley Gorley
Dan Nigro
Finneas

Best Lyrics: *Socially Voted Category
WINNER: “Adore You” – Harry Styles
“Before You Go” – Lewis Capaldi
“Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
“cardigan” – Taylor Swift
“Don’t Start Now” – Dua Lipa
“everything i wanted” – Billie Eilish
“I Hope” – Gabby Barrett featuring Charlie Puth
“If The World Was Ending” – JP Saxe featuring Julia Michaels
“Intentions” – Justin Bieber featuring Quavo
“Life Is Good” – Future featuring Drake

Best Cover Song: *Socially Voted Category
“Adore You” (Harry Styles) – Lizzo cover
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” (Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons) – Shawn Mendes cover
“Fix You” (Coldplay) – Sam Smith cover
“Heart Of Glass” (Blondie) – Miley Cyrus cover
WINNER: “Juice” (Lizzo) – Harry Styles cover

Best Fan Army: *Socially Voted Category
#Agnation – Agnez Mo
#Arianators – Ariana Grande
#Beliebers – Justin Bieber
#BLINK – BLACKPINK
WINNER: #BTSARMY – BTS
#Harries – Harry Styles
#Limelights – Why Don’t We
#Louies – Louis Tomlinson
#MendesArmy – Shawn Mendes
#NCTzens – NCT 127
#Selenators – Selena Gomez
#Swifties – Taylor Swift

Best Music Video: *Socially Voted Category
“Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
“Don’t Start Now” – Dua Lipa
WINNER: “Dynamite” – BTS
“Hawái” – Maluma
“How You Like That” – BLACKPINK
“Life Is Good” – Future featuring Drake
“Rain On Me” – Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande
“WAP” – Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion
“Watermelon Sugar” – Harry Styles
“Yummy” – Justin Bieber

Social Star Award: *Socially Voted Category
Dixie D’Amelio
Jaden Hossler
LILHUDDY
Nessa Barrett
WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo
Tate McRae

Favorite Music Video Choreography: *Socially Voted Category
WINNER: BTS – Son Sung Deuk
“34+35” (Ariana Grande) – Scott & Brian Nicholson
“Do It” (Chloe x Halle) – Kendra Bracy & Ashanti Ledon
“Honey Boo” (CNCO & Natti Natasha) – Kyle Hanagami
“Physical” (Dua Lipa) – Charm La’Donna
“Rain On Me” (Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande) – Richy Jackson
“Say So” (Doja Cat) – Cortland Brown
WAP” (Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion) – JaQuel Knight
“Bop” (DaBaby) – Coach Cherry & DaniLeigh

TikTok Bop of the Year (New Category): *Socially Voted Category
WINNER: “Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
“Lottery (Renegade)” – K CAMP
“Savage” – Megan Thee Stallion
“Savage Love” (Laxed-Siren Beat) – Jawsh 685, Jason Derulo
“Say So” – Doja Cat
“WAP” – Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion

By Jide N.

“Love & Hip Hop” star, Erica Mena files for divorce from Safaree less than two years after wedding

Erica Mena, 33, who is currently expecting her second child with Safaree, 39, has filed for divorce.

The “Love & Hip Hop” star filed for divorce from Safaree last Friday, May 21, in Fayette County Superior Court in Georgia, TMZ reports. It is the same courthouse where they formally tied the knot in October 2019.

She filed on the grounds of the marriage being “irretrievably broken”.

According to the documents obtained by TMZ, Erica is asking for primary physical custody of their 1-year-old daughter, Safire Majesty, but she’s willing to share joint legal custody with Safaree.

She also wants child support, in addition to the Fayetteville, Georgia, home they currently share.

The news of the split comes after the couple announced that they were expecting another child together. Erica also has a 14-year-old son, King Javien Conde, from a previous relationship.

Only weeks ago, Safaree had written a post, saying getting married is one of his biggest mistakes. His wife Erica hit back, calling him the most selfish, vain, and inconsiderate person.

Prior to that, as 2020 ended, Safaree took to Twitter to hint at going into the new year a single man. He then tagged divorce court to the post. He later apologized for it.

Hence, when the couple announced they were expecting another child, it came as a surprise but Erica defended her marriage.

She wrote at the time: “Granted, there’s been mistakes made, immaturely, but a marriage is a marriage… And unfortunately, there’s been mishaps. In any marriage, s**t happens. When you’re in the public eye, my husband and I have both realized that things should be kept in.”

By Lucky B.

Akon’s SUV stolen as he pumped gas into the vehicle

Senegalese-American singer, Akon’s car was stolen from a gas station on Monday night, May 24 in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta.

The car was reportedly stolen as the singer was pumping gas into his car.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Akon stopped at a Quiktrip gas station to fill his white Range Rover up with gas. He left the car running with the keys inside the vehicle, so he could fill up the gas tank. Before he was done, however, he noticed someone taking off with his car, which held valuables, including a $25,000 diamond necklace, a Louis Vuitton bag and his iPhone.

Akon called police, who arrived at the gas station at 11:59 p.m. He told authorities that a dark-colored sedan followed his SUV when it made a right onto Sidney Marcus Boulevard. Surveillance footage of the theft confirmed his account.

A police report stated that the video showed the sedan as it pulled into the station right next to Akon’s SUV.

“Shortly after, you can see the suspect get out of the passenger seat of what looks to be a black, four-door BMW sedan, get into the driver’s seat of the victim’s vehicle and drive off with the black BMW following right behind,” the report read.

Since his phone was left in the vehicle when it was stolen, Akon reportedly used the FindMyPhone app to track his phone and find his car. He was first led to Lawton Street in southwest Atlanta, but when police went to that location, they were unable to find it. The second time around, after the app determined the vehicle was in Forest Park, it was recovered by the Forest Park GA Police Department and returned to Akon on Tuesday morning (May 25).

No arrests have been made in connection with the theft of his car.
By Jide N.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus: UEFA opens Super League proceedings against could hand the clubs two-year Champions League ban

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus over their attempts to launch a breakaway Super League.

The clubs are the only three of the original 12 to have not distanced themselves from the project despite heavy criticism from fans and football pundits.

“Following an investigation conducted by UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors in connection with the so-called ‘Super League’ project, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus FC for a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework,” UEFA said in a statement.

“Further information will be made available in due course.”

The European football body’s statutes include a section on “prohibited groupings” of clubs or leagues forming without UEFA’s permission or outside its control.

The Super League was launched with 12 clubs as founding members, but nine of them Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid — have since backed out and reached a deal with UEFA.

Last month, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin warned the clubs that “if they say we are a Super League, then they don’t play Champions League, of course.”

UEFA’s move raises the prospect of the three clubs being sanctioned, with some reports suggesting they face expulsion from UEFA competitions such as the Champions League for a period of two years.

By Jide N.

Meet our New Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya

President Buhari has appointed Major General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff.

He takes over from Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru, who died in an air crash last Friday, May 21.

Prior to his appointment, Major General Yahaya was the General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army and the incumbent Theatre Commander of the Counter terrorism Counter Insurgency military outfit in the North East code named Operation HADIN KAI.

By Jide N.

Lagos State Govt seals Chinese factory over death of young worker

The Lagos State Government has sealed the Mingy Trading Company Limited, located at No 11, Ila Orangun Street, Ijegun-Egba, Satellite Town, for violating the State’s safety rules that led to the death of a teenage worker.

TM had reported that 17-year-old Babatunde Abdulrahmon died after he was sucked into a mixing machine on the day he resumed work at the factory. 

Update: Lagos State Govt seals Chinese company over death of 17-year-old worker

Speaking during the sealing of the company on Thursday, May 27, the Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, affirmed the commitment of the State Government to ensure the safety of lives and property of its citizens.

Narrating the event that led to the death of AbdulRahmon, the Director-General disclosed that the fatality occured due to violation of safety precautionary measures. He said the teenage worker was employed and immediately exposed to a mechanical and electrical manufacturing equipment without training and personal protective equipment. In the process of operating the equipment, he lost his life.

“There was also very clear evidence of poor housekeeping, lack of safety signage, poor factory layout for emergency management, very poor recruitment process with no documented training records, poorly installed electric cables and poor record keeping.” he stated.

“On no account should any company employ an underage person to operate a mixer or grinding machine without proper training and use of personal protective equipment”.

He reiterated the importance of having a tested electrical wiring system, appropriate safety signage, good housekeeping and a clean environment devoid of infractions and hazards to lives of workers.

Imploring organisations to value lives above monetary gains and adopt best practices, the DirectorDirector-General maintained that a culture of safety first should be an individual and collective responsibility.

Mojola declared zero tolerance for safety violations and warned that punitive measures will be taken against organisations found culpable with an assurance that extant safety Laws will be applied.

He urged members of the public to report incidents and infractions regularly to the Lagos State Safety Commission in the bid to have a safer Lagos for the citizens. 

Update: Lagos State Govt seals Chinese company over death of 17-year-old worker

By Lucky B.

Kim Kardashian reacts to the rumour of sleeping with Travis Baker before he started dating her sister Kourtney

Kim Kardashian has reacted to the reports that she once had sex with Travis Baker when he was still married and this led to his divorce before he went on to date her sister, Kourtney Kardashian.

Kourtney and Travis’ relationship has been sizzling, with the couple constantly posting romantic photos and x-rated information about their relationship.

As the relationship progressed, Travis Baker’s ex-wife, Shanna Moakler, came out to say that she divorced Travis because she caught him having an affair with Kim and he’s now in love with her sister Kourtney (read here).

Kim has now been forced to deny this claim. She said on her Instagram Stories that she and the musician have been “friends” for years.

A follower asked Kim: “Did you hook up with Travis Baker?”

She responded: “NO! False narrative! We’ve been friends for years and I’m so happy for him and Kourt.”

Kim Kardashian reacts to reports that she once had sex with Travis Baker before he started dating her sister Kourtney

By Kingsley U.

Zimbawean Police ‘arrests’ suspected thief who pretends to be a ghost

A suspected burglar who pretends to be a ghost to rob houses has reportedly been arrested in Zimbabwe. 

According to a Zimbawean Facebook user, General Chiwenga Wisdom, who posted the photos on Thursday, May 26, the suspect specialises in breaking into houses during the night wearing a skeleton costume and pretending to a ghost. 

According to him, whenever the house owners see the ‘ghost’ they flee leaving him behind to cart away their valuables.

Police
Police
Police
Police

By Lucly B.

Karim Benzema arrives at France’s Clairefontaine base for Euro2020 (Photos)

Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema has arrived at France’s Clairefontaine base for his first call-up since 2015.


The 33-year-old joined the squad at France’s Clairefontaine training centre on Wednesday May 26, looking happy and relieved despite his alleged sex-tape blackmail of former team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.


The striker is accused of pressuring Valbuena in 2015 to pay blackmailers who threatened to reveal an intimate video in which Valbuena featured. The scandal led to his ban from the France national team since November 2015.  
 

EURO 2020: Karim Benzema arrives at France

His six-year exile from the national team over his alleged role in a blackmail plot came to an end last week when he was recalled by Deschamps for this summer’s delayed European Championship.


“It’s a non-event,” insisted Deschamps. “That it interests people on the outside, OK, but for me he is happy to be here, it’s been a long time, he’s refound his footing with the other 21 players.


“He is coming into a group that knows each other, but he has earned his place same as the other players.”

EURO 2020: Karim Benzema arrives at France

On Tuesday Benzema told sports daily L’Equipe that he wanted to win a trophy with France now that he is back in the fold for the first time since 2015.


The striker has 27 goals in 81 international appearances and was last week named as this season’s best French foreign-based player by the country’s players’ association.


He scored 29 goals this term for Real Madrid, passing 20 league goals in all three seasons since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus in 2018.

EURO 2020: Karim Benzema arrives at France

By Terry

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