The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that beginning from June 1, it will be demanding the assets declaration form of all bankers across the country.
The chairman of the antigraft agency, Abdulrasheed Bawa, disclosed this while speaking to state house correspondents in Abuja today March 16 after a meeting with President Buhari.
He explained that the commission took the decision as a result of concerns raised on the roles played by bankers in the fight against corruption because criminals would always want to have access to the proceeds of their crime. He noted that bankers would be asked to declare their assets and the commission would ensure that all employees in the nation’s banking industry comply with the directive.
”The assurance that I am going to give Nigerians going forward is that we will do our best to ensure that this country is free of economic and financial crimes.
We understood that the tail end of every financial crime is for the criminals to have access to the funds that he or she has illegitimately gotten and we are worried about the roles of financial institutions.
God willing, we hope that all financial institutions, particularly the bankers will declare their assets as provided for by the law in accordance with the Bank Employees, Etc. (Declaration of Assets) Act.
The EFCC come the 1st of June 2021 will be demanding for the declaration of asset forms filled by the bankers” he said
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed ?6.98 service charge on Nigerians for all USSD transactions.
A statement jointly signed by the apex bank and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and released today March 16, says customers will pay a flat fee of N6.98 per transaction every time they use USSD services from March 16.
The deal was part of an agreement reached with banks following a disagreement between banks and telecom firms over USSD and other text message transaction requests.
“Effective March 16, 2021, USSD services for financial transactions conducted at DMBs (Deposit Money Banks) and all CBN-licensed institutions will be charged at a flat fee of N6.98 per transaction,” the statement partly read.
This replaces the current per session billing structure, ensuring a much cheaper average cost for customers to enhance financial inclusion. This approach is transparent and will ensure the amount remains the same, regardless of the number of sessions per transaction.
To promote transparency in its administration, the new USSD charges will be collected on behalf of MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) directly from customers’ bank accounts. Banks shall not impose additional charges on customers for us of the USSD channel.”the statement in part reads
The CBN said the charges were part of the agreements after banks and telecommunication operators met on Monday March 15, to discuss the ?42bn debt owed mobile operators by banks.
The Federal Government had last week asked telecommunication operators to put on hold, their impending suspension of USSD services over the debt owed by banks.
The United States mission in Nigeria has contacted all immigrant visa applicants whose applications were affected by the travel restrictions imposed by former President Donald Trump.
This followed the Presidential Proclamation signed by President Joe Biden on January 20, 2021, titled, ‘Ending discriminatory bans on entry to the United States.’
Trump had suspended entry into the United States of certain nationals, based on visa type, from various countries, including Nigeria in 2020 under Presidential Proclamations 9645 and 9983.
But the US mission in a statement on Tuesday March 16, said its Consulate-General in Lagos has already contacted all immigrant visa applicants whose applications were affected and is prioritizing the processing of these pending cases.
It noted that media reports claiming “Nigerians denied visas on or after January 20, 2020, can re-apply for free” were inaccurate, adding that the proclamation announcement applies only to certain immigrant visa cases, and did not apply to tourist, business, student, or other nonimmigrant visas.
The statement titled, ‘United States Mission in Nigeria prioritizes immigrant visa applicants refused under Presidential Proclamation 9983,’ read in part, “On January 20, 2021, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation titled, ‘Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to the United States.’
“This ended the travel restrictions under Presidential Proclamations 9645 and 9983 that had suspended entry into the United States of certain nationals, based on visa type, from various countries to include Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, this proclamation banned entry for certain immigrant visa categories. The US Consulate -General in Lagos has already contacted all immigrant visa applicants whose applications were affected and is prioritizing the processing of these pending cases.”
The mission further disclosed that the consular sections in Abuja and Lagos are gradually restoring routine visa operations in accordance with COVID-19 safety mitigation protocols.
It said the validity of nonimmigrant visa payments (known as the MRV fee) has been extended till September 30, 2022, to allow all applicants who were unable to schedule a visa appointment as a result of the suspension of routine consular operations an opportunity to schedule and/or attend a visa appointment with the already paid fee.
“Non-immigrant visa applicants who were previously refused and would like to apply again will need to submit a new visa application (DS-160) and pay a new visa application processing fee,” the mission stated.
The statement titled, ‘United States Mission in Nigeria prioritizes immigrant visa applicants refused under Presidential Proclamation 9983,’ read in part, “On January 20, 2021, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation titled, ‘Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to the United States.’
“This ended the travel restrictions under Presidential Proclamations 9645 and 9983 that had suspended entry into the United States of certain nationals, based on visa type, from various countries to include Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, this proclamation banned entry for certain immigrant visa categories. The US Consulate -General in Lagos has already contacted all immigrant visa applicants whose applications were affected and is prioritizing the processing of these pending cases.”
The mission further disclosed that the consular sections in Abuja and Lagos are gradually restoring routine visa operations in accordance with COVID-19 safety mitigation protocols.
It said the validity of nonimmigrant visa payments (known as the MRV fee) has been extended till September 30, 2022, to allow all applicants who were unable to schedule a visa appointment as a result of the suspension of routine consular operations an opportunity to schedule and/or attend a visa appointment with the already paid fee.
“Non-immigrant visa applicants who were previously refused and would like to apply again will need to submit a new visa application (DS-160) and pay a new visa application processing fee,” the mission stated.
Moderna has begun testing its COVID-19 vaccine in young children.
The biotech firm announced on Tuesday, March 16, the first participants in a study of children between 6 months and 12 years old received doses of its COVID-19 vaccine. Moderna collaborated with the National Institutes of Health and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority on the study.
Moderna plans to enroll 6,750 participants in the US and Canada in the trial, called the KidCOVE study. Researchers will evaluate the safety of the two-dose vaccine given 28 days apart.
The US has not approved a COVID-19 vaccine for people under 16 years old. Researchers prioritized adults in initial vaccine trials, as severe COVID-19 illness in children is rare.
According to Cleveland Clinic, clinical trials in children differ from those in adults because of the increased layers of protection – both parents and children must agree to participate. Immune systems also vary depending on the age of the child, resulting in more complex trials relative to adult studies.
“We are encouraged by the primary analysis of the Phase 3 COVE study of mRNA-1273 in adults ages 18 and above and this pediatric study will help us assess the potential safety and immunogenicity of our COVID-19 vaccine candidate in this important younger age population,” Moderna CEO Stphane Bancel said in a press release.
Spain is set to become the first country to experiment with a 32-hour workweek, which would allow workers to spend less time at the office without any change in pay.
With 8 hours of work put in per work day (9 – 5), this means 4 work days per week, rather than the standard 5 work days per week.
The test run was proposed by Más País, a left-wing party that has argued that longer hours don’t necessarily lead to higher productivity.
Más País is now in talks with the government to figure out the exact details of the arrangement.
According to Spanish media outlets, the pilot program is intended to reduce employers’ risk by having the government make up the difference in salary when workers switch to a four-day schedule.
“Spain will be the first country to undertake a trial of this magnitude,” Héctor Tejero, of Más País, told the Guardian. “A pilot project like this hasn’t been undertaken anywhere in the world.”
The experiment is expected to cost about 50 million euros and last three years.
According to the Guardian, it could begin as early as this year.
Exactly what the pilot program will look like is unclear. An individual with the industry ministry told the Guardian that nearly every detail was still up for negotiation, including how many companies will be involved.
For years, advocates for a four-day workweek have argued that lesser work hours could lead to more productivity and a better work-life balance.
In May 2020, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern suggested employers should consider the switch to a four-day week “if that’s something that would work for your workplace.”
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the suspension of the operations of AZMAN Air
NCAA Director-General, Captain MUSA Nuhu, who disclosed this to newsmen said the suspension came on the heels of the recent incident involving an Azman aircraft that had a burst tyre on landing at the Lagos airport on February 16, 2021 as well as other incidents involving the airlines aircrafts. Nuhu said the NCAA acted in pursuant to Section 35 (2) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2006 and Part 1.3.3.3 (A) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2015.
He explained that the suspension is to enable the authority conduct an audit of the airline to determine the root cause of the incidents and recommend corrective actions to forestall recurrence.
“We regrets the inconvenience this action may cause to the public, particularly to Azman air passengers but the need to ensure the safety of Air Transport and protect the public interest, cannot be compromised.
We will continue to ensure compliance to its regulations in the interest of safety and will viewed any violations seriously.” Nuhu said
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been recalled to Sweden’s squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers, five years after retiring from international football.
The AC Milan striker has been included in the squad for the games against Georgia on March 25 and Kosovo three days later, as well as a friendly against Estonia on March 31.
The 39-year-old, who scored a national record 62 goals in 112 games for Sweden between 2001 and 2016, will become the oldest player in the history of the Swedish national team if he plays.
Ibrahimovic took to social media to confirm the return, tweeting a picture with the caption: ‘The return of the God’.
In a statement, Sweden coach Janne Andersson said: “First and foremost, he is a very good football player, the best we have had in Sweden.
“It is, of course, very fun that he wants to come back. In addition to what he can contribute on the pitch, he has incredible experience and can contribute it to other players in the team.”
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday March 16, released a report which revealed that the country’s inflation rate rose from 16.46 per cent in January 2021 to 17.33 per cent in February 2021.
The latest inflation rate is said to be the highest recorded in four years. The NBS which also disclosed that food inflation rose to 21.79 per cent in February compared to 20.57 per cent recorded in January 2021, added that it is the highest point since the data series began over a decade ago.
Headline inflation increased by 1.89 per cent from 1.83 percentage points, month-on-month.
The urban inflation rate on the other hand increased by 17.92 percent (year-on-year) in February 2021 from 17.03 percent recorded in January 2021, while the rural inflation rate increased by 16.77 percent in February 2021 from 15.92 percent in January 2021.
On a month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 1.58 percent in February 2021, up by 0.06 the rate recorded in January 2021, while the rural index also rose by 1.50 percent in February 2021, up by 0.04 the rate that was recorded in January 2021 (1.46) percent.
The agency said the rise in the food index was caused by an increase in prices of Bread and cereals, Potatoes, yam and other tubers , Meat, Food production, Fruits,Vegetable, Fish and Oils and fats.
The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve months period ending February 2021 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve months period was 14.05 percent, showing 0.43 percent point from 13.62 percent recorded in January 2021.
Queen Elizabeth’s husband and Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip left King Edward VII’s hospital in central London where he had been recovering after heart surgery, four weeks after first being admitted.
Buckingham Palace has now confirmed that he’s been discharged from the King Edward VII’s Hospital, after photos shared online showed that he was driven away from the private hospital on Tuesday morning March 16.
The statement read;
“The Duke of Edinburgh has today been discharged from King Edward VII’s hospital and has returned to Windsor Castle, following treatment for an infection and a successful procedure for a pre-existing condition.
“His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII’s hospital and St Bartholomew’s hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes.”
Prince Charles on the other hand said he is “thrilled” his father is out of hospital, telling reporters on a visit to Finsbury Park mosque in London that he has “spoken to him several times” since he was discharged.
Philip, 99, the nation’s longest-serving consort was admitted on 16 February and two weeks later, was moved to St Bartholomew’s hospital in the City of London where he underwent the heart procedure on 3 March.
After that, he was transferred back to King Edward’s to recuperate and to continue his treatment. He has spent 28 nights as an inpatient, his longest ever stay.
Concern for his welfare has been heightened because of his advanced age. He has been treated for heart problems in the past and, in 2011, was taken to hospital by helicopter from Sandringham after suffering chest pains as the royal family was preparing for Christmas. He was treated for a blocked coronary artery at Papworth hospital in Cambridgeshire and underwent a minimally invasive procedure of coronary stenting.
The federal government of Nigeria said 8,000 Nigerians have been given the Covid-19 vaccine so far, including President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and none has reported any adverse effect since the vaccination began last week.
A number of countries have suspended the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine due to concerns over reported negative effects.
However, the federal government yesterday, March 15, assured Nigerians of its safety.
It said no case of side effects of the vaccine such as blood clotting has so far been reported in the country.
The number of countries that have suspended AstraZeneca vaccine increased yesterday with France, Germany, Spain and Italy joining the long list.
But the World Health Organisation (WHO) advised countries using the vaccine to continue with its rollout.
Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, at the media briefing by the Presidential Taskforce on the Control of COVID-19 on Monday March 15, in Abuja, said the Federal Ministry of Health was impressed by the cooperation received from Nigerians since the commencement of the vaccination.
Reacting to reports of alleged blood clotting as side effects of AstraZeneca vaccine in some European countries, Ehanire said: “Since the rollout on Friday, March 5, vaccination has been uneventful and no adverse health events have been recorded in Nigeria.
“I am pleased to say that their excellencies, the president and vice president, as well as strategic leaders who have taken the vaccine along with frontline healthcare workers, are all doing very well.”
He added: “I assure everyone that the vaccine is safe. NAFDAC is collaborating with WHO, manufacturers and partners to evaluate other vaccines and also add to our portfolio of vaccines.”
The Executive Director of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, also said over 8,000 Nigerians had been vaccinated without any single report of serious adverse effect.
Shuaib said: “As part of COVID-19 vaccine launch, which commenced last week across the country, over 8,000 Nigerians have been immunised so far. We have not received any official report of serious adverse effects from any of those who have been vaccinated.”
On the state of deployment of the 3.94 million doses, Shuaib said so far, all the states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, had been supplied with doses of the vaccine except Kogi State, which is yet to repair its storage facility damaged during the EndSARS protests.
Italian prosecutors have opened a manslaughter investigation after a music teacher died on Sunday, March 14, a day after receiving AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine.
The judiciary in Biella on Monday opened a preliminary probe into the death of 57-year-old Sandro Tognatti, whose cause of death is still unknown.
Authorities said there is no link to AstraZeneca’s vaccine at this stage and the probe is intended to establish what killed him.
This comes after Italy temporarily banned the use of all AstraZeneca vaccines amid fears it causes blood clots, with France and Germany also enacting bans and saying they are waiting for European regulators to give guidance.
The European Medicines Agency said last week that there is no reason to halt the use of the jab and that ‘the benefits outweigh the risks of side effects’, but its investigation is continuing and another report is due Thursday.
On Monday March 15, Italy imposed fresh lockdowns, with 13 of the country’s 21 regions now in a ‘red zone’ meaning schools, restaurants, shops and museums have to close, and people cannot leave their homes except for work, health or other essential reasons.
Another seven regions were also declared ‘orange zones’, meaning shops and beauticians can remain open except during a night-time curfew, while all other venues have to close and travel outside the local area is restricted. Just one region, Sardinia, is in a lockdown-free ‘white zone’
Hip Hop Mogul, Diddy has congratulated Burna Boy on his Grammy Award.
At the 63rd Grammy Awards on Sunday, March 14, the Nigerian singer won his first Grammys with the album ‘Twice As Tall’ after being nominated for the ‘Best Global Music Album ‘ category.
His Twice as Tall album won the award over records by Antibalas (FU Chronicles), Bebel Gilberto (Agora), Anoushka Shankar (Love Letters), and Tinariwen (Amadjar).
In a congratulatory message on Instagram, Diddy, who was one of the executive producers of the Album, wrote: “YOU DID IT KING!!!!!!!!! @BURNABOYGRAM #TWICEASTALL.”
meanwhile,
President Buhari has congratulated Nigerian music star Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, whose entry won the “Best Global Music Album” category in the 2021 Grammy awards, saying he has made notable contributions in the field of music which the world has come to recognize.
A statement released by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, quotes the President as saying
“Congratulations to Burna Boy on being conferred the 2021 Grammy, the world’s most prestigious musical awards. He has made notable contributions in the field of music which have brought glory to Nigerians at home and abroad. We are proud of his path-breaking achievements”
The President also congratulates Wizkid who emerged as a joint winner of the Grammy Awards in a different category.
President Buhari acknowledged the efforts of forerunners like King Sunny Ade and Femi Kuti whose creative exertions earned them Grammy nominations, paved the way and brought Nigerian music to global reckoning.
The President believes that the record-breaking musical achievements are a recognition of the Nigerian creative talents and the awards will open doors to other aspiring citizens.
A Nigerian Catholic missionary priest, Reverend Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, has backed the Vatican’s stance on same-sex unions, saying that homosexual acts are contrary to the natural order.
It will be recalled that the Vatican on Monday, March 15, said that the Catholic Church would not bless same-sex unions. Read HERE
In the statement published in seven languages and approved by Pope Francis, the ortholoxy office, the Congretion for the Doctrine of the Faith said that “the blessing of homosexual unions cannot be considered licit, adding that “there are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God’s plan for marriage and family.”
In his reaction, Fr. Ugwu said that Article 2357 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church already made it explicitly clear that homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered”
“Priests Cannot Bless Same-sex Unions: The teaching of the Catholic Church on homosexuality is not new. That the Pope recently described it as “sin” and that same sex union cannot be blessed in the church is not new. I don’t know why people were surprised. What exactly were they expecting?” he wrote.
Read it….
“2357 Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that “HOMOSEXUAL ACTS are INTRINSICALLY DISORDERED.”
“They are CONTRARY TO THE NATURAL LAW. THEY CLOSE THE SEXUAL ACT TO THE GIFT OF LIFE. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and SEXUAL COMPLEMENTARITY. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN THEY BE APPROVED.”
Four men have been executed by hanging in Iran for gang-raping a woman in front of her husband who they tied up and made to watch the horrific scene.
The wicked attack took place while the couple were climbing a mountain in the Khorasan Razavi province of Iran.
After an extensive police investigation, the men, Ruhollah Javidi Rad, Mohammad Sayadi Baghansgani, Mohammad Hosseini and Mohammad Watandoost were hanged on Monday, March 16 according to Iranian media.
The rapists were identified by police and were charged with the kidnapping and rape of a woman and with threats of violence towards a man.
The defendants had tied the man’s hands and feet together before sexually attacking his wife in front of him.
The Criminal Court of Khorasan Razavi sent the case to the Supreme Court where the four men were sentenced to death by hanging in Mashhad Central Prison.
In Iran, it’s a rare occurrence for men to be prosecuted over sexual crimes as the laws are normally structured to work against rape victims who often face counter charges of adultery, indecency or immoral behavior after reporting a sexual assault.
Accused rapists are usually only convicted with the testimony of four male witnesses, or a combination of male and female witnesses.
Iran is one of six countries in the world to execute people found guilty of rape, and the Iranian regime executes more people per capita than any other country.
More than 250 executions were carried out in the country in 2019.
A terrified grandma is begging for help after capturing a “demon” standing over her grandchild’s bed just days after the toddler was heard warning an invisible person to “go away”.
Tory McKenzie, 41, set up a motion-activated camera at her son’s house after complaints his two-year-old daughter, Amber McKenzie, was talking to an unseen person in the middle of the night.
Grandma
The grandma checked her camera’s app four days later to find an image of a creature standing close to the sleeping child and her seven-month-old brother Michael McKenzie.
The grandma said the creature had “a horn on its head and long claws”.
The demon
The creature was captured standing awkwardly, looking upwards just before 3am.
Tory says the discovery has left her fearing for her grandchildren’s lives.
When she tried to rid the house of the “evil presence” by burning oils, she claims cabinets and curtains opened and closed and music began to play by itself.
Tory, a mother-of-five from Las Vegas, Nevada, shared her story via a paranormal Facebook page to ask for advice.
People were horrified and warned her to sell the house as they agreed the creature looked demonic.
Some said the photo is fake and the grandma hit back, insisting she just wants to protect her family and does not have the technical knowhow to have changed the image.
The family have recorded orbs floating around the children’s bedroom, but the new image, captured in January 2021, has caused their father Ryan to take Amber and Michael out of their room and into his.
Orbs floating around the children’s cot
Grandma Tory said: “It was so shocking when I saw it. I had to do a double take. The first thing I saw was horns on its head, so you immediately think it’s the devil or a demon.
“When we caught videos of the orbs we thought it was a family member looking after the kids, but that picture, I have no idea. It’s terrifying.
“I showed the kids and my 13-year-old son was scared by it. I ran over to the house and showed my eldest son. We were just in shock and he couldn’t explain it either.
“Everybody was asleep, so it couldn’t have been my son or his partner. We have still shots of him in there and it looks nothing like that. I know that it’s something supernatural.
The children’s father in the room
“Ryan has moved the kids out of their room and into his room. Nothing bad has happened to them yet, but it’s the fact that it could.
“The two-year-old isn’t scared of [the figure] and thinks it’s her friend, but one night she told it to ‘go away’.
“For the most part everybody’s been supportive, suggesting what to do and who to speak to. I just want to get rid of whatever it is.
“I’m not that talented when it comes to technology to fake the photo, and I didn’t share it on my own page so it’s not like I was trying to get attention from it.”
Tory says the two-bed condo is only around 20 years old, so she’s surprised it would harbour such a dark presence.
Tory, a cardiologist lives with her four other children Jonathan McKenzie, 19, Melissa McKenzie, 17, Travis McKenzie, 16, and Nicholas McKenzie, 13, a few minutes’ walk away from Ryan and his partner Alicia Johnson.
The police in Anambra state have uncovered a baby factory operated in the Otolo Nnewi area of the state.
A statement released by Mohammed Haruna, spokesperson of the state police command, states that the baby factory which is operated as a brothel was uncovered during an investigation into the recent attempted kidnapping of a four-year-old boy.
LIB had earlier reported that on March 11, there was a report at the Area Command Headquarters, Nnewi, that a four-year-old child of St Joseph’s School, Otolo Nnewi, was returning home from School in the company of his siblings when two men on a motorcycle grabbed the child and zoomed off with him. However, the child was rescued by some commercial motorcyclists who pursued and eventually arrested the suspects at Akamili Community, Nnewi.
Haruna said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects who were beaten to stupor by an angry mob (one has been confirmed dead), were sent by One Gladys Nworie Ikegwuonu, presently at large, who operated the baby factory and a brothel where she keeps young girls and gets them impregnated after which she sells the children to her waiting customers.
The police spokesperson gave the names of the two suspects arrested as Abuchi Ani, ‘M’, aged 32 years, of Ohazora, Ebonyi State, and Emeka Ikegwuonu, ‘M’, 49 years, of Akabukwu, Nnewi, Anambra State. He also gave the identities of the four pregnant young girls as
(i). Chisom Okoye, ‘f’, 20 years, of Mgbaneze Isu, Onicha LGA,. Ebonyi State
(ii). Chinecherem Clement, ‘f’, 18 years, of Agbaebo Isu of Onicha LGA, Ebonyi State.
(iii). Blessing Ogbonna, ‘f’, 21 years, of Nkwagu Isu of Onicha LGA, Ebonyi State.
(iv). Blessing Njoku, ‘f’, 21 years, of Mgbaneze Isu of Onicha LGA, Ebonyi State, all residing at Cool Joint bar Nnewi.
Haruna added that the command is intensifying efforts to arrest the principal suspect in order to bring her and other accomplices to justice.
The Nigeria Bureau of Statics has released a new report which revealed that the country’s unemployment rate jumped from 27.1% in the second quarter of 2020 to 33.5% in fourth quarter of the same year.
The agency placed underemployment rate at 22.8% in Q4 2020 (28.6% in Q2 2020) while the total of unemployment and underemployment was put at 40% in Q4 2020 (35.2% in Q2 2020).
It read;
“The number of persons in the economically active or working age population (15 – 64 years of age) during the reference period of the survey, Q4, 2020 was 122,049,400.
“This is 4.3% higher than the figure recorded In Q2, 2020, which was 116.871,186.”
The number of persons in the labour force, that is people within ages 15 -64 who are able and willing to work was placed at 69.675,468.
The report added;
“This was 13.22% less than the number persons in Q2, 2020. This number, those within the age bracket of 25-34 were highest. with 20,091_695°r 28.8% of the labour force.
“The total number of people in employment (people with jobs during the reference period was 46.488.079. Of this number. 30.572.4.40 were full-time employed (i.e.. worked 404 hours per week), while 15,915,639 were under-employed (Le., working between 20-29 hours per week) this figure is 20.6% less than the people in employment in Q2.2020.”
The unemployment rate among rural dwellers was 343%, up from 28.2% in Q2, 2020, while urban dwellers reported a rate of 31.3% up from 26,4%.
Underemployment among rural dwellers declined to 26.9% from 313%, while the rate among urban dwellers decreased to 16.2% from 23.2% in 2020.
The NBS report read;
“The unemployment rate among people aged 15- 34years was 42.5% up from 34.9%, while the rate of underemployment for the same age group declined to 21.0% from 28.2% in Q2, 2020. These rates were the highest when compared to other age groupings.”
The Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, and Queer (LGBTQ) community is currently trending on Twitter and this is after the Vatican issued an order that priests and other Catholic Church ministers should not bless same-sex unions and that such blessings are “not licit” if carried out.
On Monday, March 15, the Vatican’s doctrinal office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), issued the ruling in response to questions and moves in some parishes to impart such blessings as a sign of welcome to gay Catholics since the Church does not permit homosexual marriage.
Pope Francis approved the response, the CDF said, adding that it was “not intended to be a form of unjust discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite”.
It said such blessings were not permissible even though they were “motivated by a sincere desire to welcome and accompany homosexual persons” and help them grow in the faith.
The CDF note said that since marriage between a man and a woman was a sacrament and blessings are related to the sacrament of marriage, they could not be extended to same-sex couples.
“For this reason, it is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, or partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage (i.e., outside the indissoluble union of a man and a woman open in itself to the transmission of life), as is the case of the unions between persons of the same sex,” it said.
The order is now attracting criticism from members and supporters of the LGBTQ community on Twitter.
Read tweete below…
James Martin, SJ, a Catholic priest in the US, also took to Twitter to share an uplifting message with his LGBTQ friends over the Vatican’s order.
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea’s leader, has warned the Biden administration against “causing a stink at its first step”, barely hours after the White House said it had not received a response from Pyongyang since it started reaching out to the hermit nation in February.
North Korea enjoyed a much better relationship with the previous Trump Administration as Trump and Kim met twice and even regularly exchanged letters.
Both sides have not communicated in over a year since then and security experts now believe North Korea is a nuclear powered nation as the country has been upgrading it’s nuclear program despite sanctions from the United Nations.
Following the White House’s admission that it has been trying to reach out to North Korea since last month, Kim Yo Jong, who is the country’s second leader has now warned the US.
“We take this opportunity to warn the new US administration trying hard to give off powder smell in our land,” she said in a statement, according to the country’s state news agency.
“If it wants to sleep in peace for (the) coming four years, it had better refrain from causing a stink at its first step,” she said.
The warning comes as the US and South Korea conduct scaled-down, simulated military exercises and US Secretary of State Tony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin touched down in the region for meetings with their Japanese and South Korean counterparts.
Legendary boxing champion, Marvin Hagler‘s wife is speaking out to address claims that it was the COVID-19 vaccine that caused his death
Kay Hagler announced the death of boxing icon on Saturday, March 13, but the announcement followed a claim from rival boxing legend, Thomas Hearns that stated without proof that Hagler had been hospitalized from adverse reactions to “the vaccine.”
Now, Kay Hagler has come out to set the record straight. She took to Hagler’s Facebook fan page, the same medium through which she announced the death on Saturday and seemingly dismissed Hearns’ “stupid” claims
“I was the only person close to him until the last minute , and I am the only person that know how things went not even his family know all the details and I do NOT accept to read some stupid comment without knowing really what happen,” Kay Hagler posted on Monday morning. “For sure wasn’t the vaccine that caused his death. My baby left in peace with his usually smile and now is not the time to talk nonsense .”
Kay Hagler also said her husband hated funerals and therefore there will be no funerals or church celebrations.
Read the full statement below.
I would like to speak with my heart to all of you. I apologize if my English is not written correctly but I hope everyone understands me in this difficult moment .
After 31 years the love of my life is gone and my life without him no longer makes sense ,but I can feel him next to me even now and he’s telling me not to give up and be strong for him .
Thank you for your love , he loved people so much, he loved you all he was happy when he read your comments he was a special person the most beautiful person i had ever met in all my life .
I was the only person close to him until the last minute , and I am the only person that know how things went not even his family know all the details and I do NOT accept to read some stupid comment without knowing really what happen . For sure wasn’t the vaccine that caused his death . My baby left in peace with his usually smile and now is not the time to talk nonsense .
Marvin hated funerals and therefore there will be no funerals or church celebrations he wants to be remembered with a happy smile but I would be happy if each of you can light a candle for him .However there is something special that I will do because it was his wishes and you will be informed at the right time by me I just need time .
The nomination list for the 93rd annual Academy Awards has
been released.
“Mank” leads the pack with the most nominations with 10. The film also garnered the most Golden Globes nominations last month but left that ceremony empty-handed. The film is competing for best picture alongside “The Father,” “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Minari,” “Nomadland,” “Promising Young Woman,” “Sound of Metal” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”
Monday’s announcement also marks the first time that two actors of Asian descent were nominated in the best actor category. Steven Yeun garnered a nod for his work in “Minari” and Riz Ahmed earned one for “Sound of Metal.” Ahmed is also the first Muslim nominee in the category.
2021 also is the first year that two women have been nominated in the directing category. Chloe Zhao is nominated for her work on “Nomadland” and Emerald Fennell is nominated for “Promising Young Woman.”
American actress, Viola Davis is the most-nominated Black actress ever, with four nominations, and the only Black woman with two best actress nominations.
Late actor, Chadwick Boseman is nominated in the category for best actor.
Here are the nominees:
Best picture
”The Father”
“Judas and the Black Messiah”
“Mank”
“Minari”
“Nomadland”
“Promising Young Woman”
“Sound of Metal”
“The Trial of the Chicago 7”
Best actress
Viola Davis, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Andra Day, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”
Vanessa Kirby, “Pieces of a Woman”
Frances McDormand, “Nomadland”
Carey Mulligan, “Promising Young Woman”
Best actor
Riz Ahmed, “Sound of Metal”
Chadwick Boseman, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Anthony Hopkins, “The Father”
Gary Oldman, “Mank”
Steven Yeun, “Minari”
Best animated feature
”Onward”
“Over the Moon”
“A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon”
“Soul”
“Wolfwalkers”
Best director
Lee Isaac Chung, “Minari”
Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman”
David Fincher, “Mank”
Chloe Zhao, “Nomadland”
Thomas Vinterberg, “Another Round”
Best cinematography
”Judas and the Black Messiah”
“Mank”
“News of the World”
“Nomadland”
“The Trial of the Chicago 7″
Best production design
”The Father”
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
“Mank”
“News of the World”
“Tenet”
Best sound
”Greyhound”
“Mank”
“News of the World”
“Soul”
“Sound of Metal”
Best visual effects
”Love and Monsters”
“The Midnight Sky”
“Mulan”
“The One and Only Ivan”
“Tenet”
Best film editing
”The Father”
“Nomadland”
“Promising Young Woman”
“Sound of Metal”
“The Trial of the Chicago 7″
Best international feature
”Another Round”
“Better Days”
“Collective”
“The Man Who Sold His Skin”
“Quo Vadis, Aida?”
Best documentary short subject
”Colette”
“A Concerto is a Conversation”
“Do Not Split”
“Hunger Ward”
“A Love Song For Latasha”
Best documentary feature
”Collective”
“Crip Camp”
“The Mole Agent”
“My Octopus Teacher”
“Time”
Best original screenplay
”Judas and the Black Messiah”
“Minari”
“Promising Young Woman”
“Sound of Metal”
“The Trial of the Chicago 7″
Best supporting actor
Sacha Baron Cohen, “The Trial of the Chicago 7”
Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah”
Leslie Odom Jr., “One Night in Miami”
Paul Raci, “Sound of Metal”
LaKeith Stanfield, “Judas and the Black Messiah”
Best animated short film
”Burrow”
“Genius Loci”
“If Anything Happens I Love You”
“Opera”
“Yes People”
Best live-action short film
”Feeling Through”
“The Letter Room”
“The Present”
“Two Distant Strangers”
“White Eye”
Best costume design
”Emma”
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
“Mank”
“Mulan”
“Pinocchio”
Best hair and makeup
”Emma”
“Hillbilly Elegy”
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
“Mank”
“Pinocchio”
Best original score
”Da 5 Bloods”
“Mank”
“Minari”
“News of the World”
“Soul”
Best original song
”Husavik (My Hometown),” “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga”
“Fight for You,” “Judas and the Black Messiah”
“Io Se (Seen),” “The Life Ahead”
“Speak Now,” “One Night in Miami”
“Hear My Voice,” “The Trial of the Chicago 7”
Best adapted screenplay
”Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”
“The Father”
“Nomadland”
“One Night in Miami”
“The White Tiger”
Actress in a supporting role:
Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”
Glenn Close, “Hillbilly Elegy”
Olivia Colman, “The Father”
Amanda Seyfried, “Mank”
Yuh-Jung Youn, “Minari”
Correction: Best picture nominees for the 2021 Academy Awards are “The Father,” “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Mank,” “Minari,” “Nomadland,” “Promising Young Woman,” “Sound of Metal” and “The Trial of the Chicago 7.” An earlier version misstated the titles.
President Buhari today Monday, March 15 played host to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the newly appointed Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), at the statehouse Abuja.
During their meeting, an elated President Buhari told the former Finance Minister that despite the robust support Nigeria gave to her candidacy for the position as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, she earned it.
“You also earned it. We are happy you made it, but you earned it with your record of performance both at home and abroad.”the President said
He congratulated her for putting Nigeria more on the world map.
”I congratulate you, as well as the country. I know you will represent us so well.”he said
President Buhari lauded Nigerian women once again, pointing to key positions they hold like Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and many others. He said the same way, the government would encourage the youths, “so that they can be ready for the challenges of the future.”
The new WTO DG thanked President Buhari for the pulsating support she received from her own country in the race for the position.
“You nominated me, you wrote hundreds of letters, called up hundreds of world leaders. Without your personal and direct intervention, it may not have worked. The people of Nigeria also supported me massively. The youths were wonderful, always encouraging, backing me up on social media.
“Mr President, the world recognizes what you have done. Since its establishment, only men have led the WTO. Now, a woman has emerged for the first time, and she’s a Nigerian. We are so honoured,” Dr Okonjo-Iweala said.
She apprised the President of the opportunities for Nigeria in the global organization, as well as the challenges, stressing that “WTO will do more to help Nigeria, but we need to add value to our products in order to trade more. We should exploit all the opportunities in front of us.”
She added that the support and leadership of President Buhari will help her a lot in her position as DG.
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala assumed office on March 1, 2021 as the first female DG of the World Trade Organization.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signed the bill for the Prohibition of Unlawful Societies and Cultism of 2021 into law approving 21-year jail term for convicted cultists in the State.
The State’s House of Assembly, in February, passed the anti-cultism bill, which also stipulates 15-year jail term for anyone found guilty of abetting cultists and residents who willfully allow their properties to be used as meeting points by cultists.
Sanwo-Olu assented to the bill at the swearing-in event for newly appointed members of the State’s Public Procurement Agency Governing Board and two Permanent Secretaries held at Banquet Hall in the State House, Alausa, on Monday, March 15.
At the event, the Governor also signed three other bills into law. They are Lagos State Audit Service Commission (Amendment) Law of 2019, Lagos State Public Procurement Bill of 2021 and Coronavirus Pandemic Emergency Law of 2021.
The anti-cultism law repeals the Cultism (Prohibition) Law of 2007 (now Cap. C18, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015) and provides for more stringent punitive measures, as well as makes its application all-encompassing and applicable to the general public, as against the restriction of the previous law to students of tertiary institutions.
Sanwo-Olu said the State had suffered the negative effects of unlawful societies and cultism, stressing that the new law sought to make parents more responsible and show more interest in the up-bringing of their children and wards to ensure that they do not become a burden to the society.
A Nigerian woman, Idy Williams and her husband have welcomed a set of twins after ten years of marriage.
Facebook user, Ifeoma Uchenna shared the good news along with photos of the new mother and her twins on her page last week.
“Indeed what God cannot do doesn’t exist. After 10 years of marriage, God finally answered my aunt and her husband with a set of twins. Am really happy and grateful to God” she wrote.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has filed a lawsuit against the federal government over the implementation of the controversial Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.
Recall that the Companies and Allied Matters Act that President Buhari signed into law on August 7, allows the regulation of religious bodies and charity organisations by the registrar-general of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and a minister, and also gives the commission power to suspend the trustees of an association or a religious body and appoint an interim manager or managers to coordinate its affairs.
CAN’s general secretary, Joseph Daramola in a statement released on Monday March 15 said the Christian group filed a lawsuit against the federal government over some “satanic section of the controversial and ungodly law”.
Daramola said;
“The association resolved to go to court after all attempts to convince the federal government why it should not intervene or interfere with the management of the Church in the country through any of its agencies failed.
“The satanic section of the controversial and ungodly law is Section 839 (1) &(2), which empowers the Commission to suspend trustees of an association (in this case, the church) and appoint the interim managers to manage the affairs of the association for some given reasons, is unacceptable.”
Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have finally signed a lucrative two-fight deal for the biggest clash in British boxing history for the undisputed heavyweight title.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed to Sportsmail that all the paperwork has been completed, exchanged, and signed for two mega-fights, with the first scheduled for this summer.
A date and venue is expected to be finalised in the next three weeks to a month, with late June or early July the prime options for the opening showdown.
Hearn told Sportsmail: ‘All sides have now put pen to paper on what will be the biggest fight in boxing.
‘We will now collectively look at the best site deal. We have had a lot of offers and now we will go over the details and see what works the best for this historic fight.
‘The agreement is for two fights and getting the names on contracts is a huge step. We will hopefully be in a position to confirm details on where and when in the next month.’
The split for the first fight will be an even 50-50, with the winner going on to command 40-40 of the purse for the rematch. Each fighter will be looking to become the first to hold the undisputed crown since Lennox Lewis.
Hearn and Fury’s camp, led by Bob Arum and Frank Warren, have reportedly received lucrative site proposals from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the US, and Australia, among others for the locations.
The money-spinning two-fight deal will eclipse Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao as the most lucrative bout in the sport’s history. Both Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, are set to earn £100million each as part of the eye-watering purse.
Hearn revealed the break-through on Monday when he exclaimed ‘the hard bit is now over the line’ giving fans the excuse to now get excited about the fight finally coming to fruition.
‘We’d like to get a site deal confirmed in the next month,’ Hearn added.
‘We’ve already had approaches from eight or nine sites. The offers have come from multiple countries in the Middle East, from Asia, Eastern Europe, and America.’
‘The hard part is always getting everybody to put pen to paper but this was a major effort from all parties to get this over the line.
‘You had rival promoters, rival networks and rival fighters.
‘I actually feel we’ve done the hard part. Speaking for myself, Anthony and his team at 258 management, I know how hard we’ve worked hard these last couple of months and I just feel that this fight is so big it’s not a difficult sell.’
Hearn added: ‘This is the biggest fight in boxing and one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
‘It will be a major, major win for a country that wants to showcase itself.’
Avatar has retaken the highest-grossing film of all time spot after it was re-released in China.
The sci-fi epic debuted in 2009 and held the global box office number one title for a decade until it was overtaken by Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame in 2019.
It was re-released in China, the world’s biggest movie-watching market and now it’s total sales pushed above the $2.8bn (£2bn) mark this weekend.
Disney owns both Avengers and Avatar films after the company bought entertainment assets from Fox in 2019.
It also owns the Titanic movie, which is third on the list of highest-grossing movies.
“We are proud to reach this great milestone, but Jim (James Cameron) and I are most thrilled that the film is back in theatres during these unprecedented times, and we want to thank our Chinese fans for their support,” said Avatar producer Jon Landau.
James Cameron, director of Avatar is currently working on four sequels to Avatar. The next film, which has been delayed several times, is currently scheduled for release in December 2022.
Former US President, Donald Trump has said that he could face the cancel culture “like Piers” if he publicly comments on the Meghan Markle and Prince Harry interview.
The revelation came when Trump’s senior adviser Jason Miller appeared on the podcast War Room, presented by former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon.
Mr Miller said that the former president told him he could “make a little news” by telling the public his thoughts about the Oprah interview with Meghan and Prince Harry that included several bombshell revelations about life as royals.
Mr Miller said when recounting the conversation with Mr Trump;
“When I was talking to the president this morning … he’s like, ‘Yeah, she’s no good. I said that and now everybody’s seeing it. But you realise if you say anything negative about Meghan Markle you get cancelled. Look at Piers.”
Trump was referring to Piers Morgan, the polarising host of Good Morning Britain who left his job after he said during a segment that he didn’t believe a word Meghan said in the Oprah interview, including her struggle with suicidal thoughts.
Following the admission and a series of complaints to ITV, including a formal one submitted by Meghan, it was announced that Mr Morgan had left the morning show.
Mr Trump had previously called Meghan “nasty” when asked about comments made by the Duchess of Sussex that referred to him as “misogynistic” and “divisive”.
Super Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho scored his first hat-trick for club and country as he scored three goals in Leicester City’s 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United on Sunday, March 14.
Sheffield, threataned by relegation and with a new manager went to the King Power Stadium, hoping to fight, but were blown away by Leicester, a team on fire this season in the premier league.
Iheanacho, who has been experiencing a resurgence in his career, put Leicester City up in the 39th minute after a Jamie Vardy’s assist, the first time he’s scoring in three consecutive league games in his career.
In the 64th minute, Ayoze Perez doubled his side’s advantage after some good football from Marc Albrighton.
in the 68th minute, Iheanacho got his second goal after receiving a first time pass from Jamie Vardy.
His third goal came in the 78th minute from a assist from National teammate Wilfred Ndidi assist.
Just 30 yards from goal, Kelechi put a low shot past a helpless Ramsdale.
In 80th minute, Ethan Ampadu scored an own goal.
Watch his post match interview below
🗣 "To all the mothers in the world for taking care of us, I wish them all happy mothers day."
The four-day funeral activities for late industrialist, benefactor, business guru, Defender of Christian Faith and philanthropist, late High Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs was brought to a fitting and glorious climax on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at his home town, Abonnema, headquarters of Akuku Toru local government area of Rivers State.
The array of personalities at the funeral ceremony conducted by eminent men of God across various denominations underlined the grace and blessings God showered on the deceased, who represented many things to different people across the world.
As early as 8 am, guests from across Nigeria were already arriving Abonnema, in a signpost what was to come, as the ancient York City, popularly referred to by indigenes, witnessed one of its largest gathering in recent history.
The entire city was agog to celebrate one of its most illustrious sons, who brought honour, dignity, reverence, colour and recognition to the people.
The procession from the Oruwari Briggs House to the venue for funeral service was nothing short of a whole community showing love and admiration for one of its own, as practically every compound showed solidarity with various flags representing families and generations.
In his homily at the funeral service, the Special Assistant (Special Duties) to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Supervising Pastor for Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, Pastor Belemina Obunge spoke of the need to set priorities in life and for such purpose to be fulfilled.
According to him, there is the need to live a life of value and significance, pointing out that “without understanding purpose in life, abuse was imminent,” especially as we have to give an account of lives to our creator.
Quoting scriptures from John 4:13-14 and Ephesians 2:10, Obunge, who is also the RCCG’s International Youth Pastor, spoke of the significance to create a positive impact while alive, adding that such legacies have to be something unforgettable.
He tasked those present leave behind positive legacies like the late O.B Lulu-Briggs, stressing that “we must inspire others and have a purpose to be like Christ.”
Bishop Emeritus of the Niger Delta Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt Rev Gabriel Pepple prayed for the family left behind by their patriarch.
In her tribute to the deceased, wife of Nigeria’s President, Hajia Aisha Buhari praised the philanthropic gestures of late O.B Lulu-Briggs, who she said was quite close to the first family.
Hajia Buhari, represented wife of Minister of State (Petroleum), Mrs. Alayingi Timpre-Sylva, tasked the family to take solace in the fact that they were capable of keeping the flag flying and prayed God to bless and give the family peace.
Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan went down memory lane, recalling how he came in contact with the late Lulu-Briggs, pointing out that it was sad losing him.
He stressed that the deceased, who was a father to all, touched lives in so many ways, just as he prayed for Dumo Lulu-Briggs and his siblings to be able to fit into the legacies their father left behind.
Humbled by the outpour of the show of love from dignitaries across all divides, the chief mourner, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs expressed deep gratitude and promised to do all within their powers to sustain their father’s legacies.
According to him, “And he will always say to you, that to thyself you must always be true and as day follows night, that which will be will be. He taught me that love is not an exchange. So you don’t love because you expect to be loved in return; that love was an act of faith, that you just do it because you have to do it expecting nothing in return and you’re doing it because you believe in God.
“And from his story, it is very clear that your background is not the reason your back is on the ground. That you can get moving. So on behalf of the Lulu-Briggs family, I thank all of us, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Nyesom Wike, Mrs. Aisha Buahri, Ministers, men of God, traditional rulers, friends of my father, and all those who have spoken very glowingly of my father.”
Dignitaries that attended the occasion include Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo; former Cross Rivers State Governor, Donald Duke; former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia; Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi (represented by Dr Dawari George), Ministers of State (Petroleum), Timipre Sylva and his Mines and Steel counterpart, Dr. Uche Ogah; Secretary to Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo and former Managing Directors of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Timi Alaible, Joi Nunieh, Bassey Henshaw.
Others include the Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo, HRM, King Dandeson Jaja; Chairman of Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Edet Okon Etim; Managing Directors of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo and his Access Bank counterpart, Herbert Wiggwe; Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Bobmanuel; Ambassador of Nigeria to Jamaica, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno; wife of former Bayelsa State Governor, Mrs. Margret Alamieyeseigha; immediate past Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, among others.
Abonnema Stood Still For Late High Chief O.B Lulu-Briggs As Mortal Remains Arrived
The mortal remains of late High Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs, OON, DCF, DSSRS, the Iniikeiroari V of Kalabari Kingdom and Paramount Head of Oruwari Briggs House of Abonnema had on Friday, March 12, 2021, arrived in Port Harcourt.
The Head of Young Briggs House and Chief Mourner, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, joined by other family members, were on hand to receive the mortal remains of the late philanthropist, politician, benefactor, industrialist, and oil mogul at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
The convoy later moved to Buguma, headquarters of Asari Toru local government area for a brief stopover before transporting the mortal remains via the sea to Abonnema, headquarters of Akuku Toru local government area amidst boat regatta from different houses and groups.
The atmosphere in Abonnema became charged when the chiefs and others sighted the boat conveying the corpse from Buguma.
It was indeed a glorious ceremony as the people and invited guests struggled to catch a glimpse of the mortal remains of one of their most illustrious sons, coming home after over two years of his demise.
It was obvious that the ancient city had not seen such a sea of heads in recent history as everywhere was practically on lockdown.
Different groups, male and female, youth, and the elderly performed in many areas, signaling that they were united in paying their last respect to such a graceful soul.
The journey of taking the mortal remains of late High Chief O.B Lulu-Briggs to the family’s compound expectedly took a long time as the whole town lined up along the streets to witness and be part of the history that was being created.
The Oruwari Briggs hall and all the highrise buildings shone brightly with freshly painted coatings in the glowering rays of soft evening sunshine and as Opu-da’s procession hearse entered through the gates booming cannon shots exploded with a resounding satisfaction to herald the arrival of the great man.
A magnificently built stage hosted the mass choir for the Christian wake keeping which featured a full church service, the 200-man choir, and other harmonious groups from the community. Tearful Tributes were given by the Staff of Monipolo and from the Children to round off the Christian wake.
And then the live bands took over with the ubiquitous good old time MC Sagastus, and several entertainers of yore who reigned in famous hangouts and nightclubs.
They included Sir Perry of the Ozigizaga fame; Rastaman Bob Kelly, the reggae master who rolled out Bob Marley tunes including the famous ‘One Love”; Baba Tony Grey who sent the audience down memory lane as he thrilled with his konga and rendered some famous Rex Lawson tunes; Chief Elenwa of the Garden City Band; Positive Man and Captain Hart, who belted out several old Ghana classics made popular by JB Danquah and Henshaw, amongst others.
US President Joe Biden has declined joining the growing calls for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s resignation.
Seven women have now accused Cuomo of sexual harassment, allegations he denies.
Cuomo was first accused of harassment in February, when Lindsey Boylan, a former top-level aide, wrote in an essay that the governor touched her without her consent and frequently made inappropriate comments about her appearance.
Ms Boylan accused Mr Cuomo of kissing her on the lips and asking her to play strip poker while on his private jet.
Several more women have come forward with allegations. The most serious allegation, that Mr Cuomo groped an unnamed woman beneath her blouse, was referred to police.
On Friday March 12, Jessica Bakeman, a former statehouse reporter in Albany, accused Cuomo of repeatedly touching her. She wrote in New York magazine: “He uses touching and sexual innuendo to stoke fear in us. That is the textbook definition of sexual harassment.”
But despite the allegations, Biden is standing by his fellow Democrat, at least for now.
Asked whether Cuomo should resign, Biden said: “I think the investigation is under way and we should see what it brings us.”
Cuomo, 63 has denied assaulting or abusing anyone
“I did not do what has been alleged,” Cuomo said last week. “I never harassed anyone, I never assaulted anyone, I never abused anyone.”
Other senior party members have called for Cuomo to step down and the New York State Assembly Speaker has given the go-ahead for an investigation into the allegations made against Mr Cuomo, an act that might see him impeached.
Democratic senators for New York, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, said Mr Cuomo had “lost the confidence” of New Yorkers.
On Sunday March 14, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, said “what these women have said must be treated with respect. They are credible and serious charges.”
“The governor should look inside his heart – he loves New York – to see if he can govern effectively,” Ms Pelosi told ABC’s This Week.
Power couple, Beyoncé and Jay-Z showed up in style for the 63rd Grammy Awards on Sunday night, March 14.
The pair rocked all-black ensembles to the event which took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Beyonce put on a busty display in a black leather Schiaparelli off-the-shoulder minidress, as she made a surprise appearance with husband Jay-Z at the 63rd Grammy Awards, where she became the most awarded singer and female artist.
The 39-year-old mother of three complemented the look with long black leather gloves, featuring metallic gold nails. She also showed off her hot legs in black pantyhose, as she finished the ensemble with a pair of ornate black and gold earrings.
Beyoncé picked up four honors, including best R&B performance for “Black Parade,” best music video for “Brown Skin Girl” as well as best rap performance, and best rap song for “Savage,” with Megan Thee Stallion, making her the most decorated female artist ever at the Grammys.
The 28-time Grammy award winner said that she was “so honored” and “so excited” when accepting her history-making award.
“As an artist, I believe it’s my job and all of our jobs to reflect the times so I wanted to uplift, encourage and celebrate all the beautiful Black queens and kings that continue to inspire me and inspire the whole world,” she said. She also thanked her three children and congratulated her eldest, Blue Ivy Carter, for her very first Grammy win at age nine for “Brown Skin Girl.”
Meghan Thee Stallion and Cardi B gave an electrifying performance at the 2021 Grammy Awards and their moves have people talking.
The two artists performed their song, “WAP” on a super-sized bed while making sexual moves.
They twerked and strutted as they performed a strip club-themed version of the song, featuring a pole, high heel, and ending with the two rappers writhing together on the giant bed.
Some have called it one of the most memorable Grammy performances of all time. However, a number of people slammed it for being too sexual.
Watch the video below.
CARDI B & MEGAN THEE STALLION – WAP AT THE #GRAMMYs
Burna Boy has won his first Grammys after being nominated in the Best Global Music Album category of the awards.
His Twice as Tall album won the award over records by Antibalas (FU Chronicles), Bebel Gilberto (Agora), Anoushka Shankar (Love Letters), and Tinariwen (Amadjar). The win marks Burna Boy’s first Grammy Award after being nominated last year.
Burna Boy won the award months after the Recording Academy announced plans to change the name of Best World Music Album to Best Global Music Album, saying it’s a step toward “a more relevant, modern, and inclusive term.”
Pop Queen, Beyonce made history at the 63rd Grammy Awards on Sunday night, March 14, as she earned her 28th win, making her the show’s most-decorated female artist.
The American singer picked up four honors, including best R&B performance for “Black Parade,” best music video for “Brown Skin Girl” as well as best rap performance, and best rap song for “Savage,” with Megan Thee Stallion.
She beat Alison Krauss’ previously held record of 27 wins. Beyoncé is now tied with Quincy Jones for the second-most Grammy wins, while conductor Georg Stolti holds the record with 31 Grammys.
While accepting the award for best R&B performance for “Black Parade,” Beyoncé said she was “honored” and “so excited” to get her 28th award.
“Thank you guys. As an artist, I believe it’s my job and all of our jobs to reflect the times,” she said. “I wanted to uplift and encourage all of the Black kings and queens who inspire me and inspire the whole world … I can’t believe this happened, it’s such a magical night.”
American Hip-hop legend, Nas won his first Grammy on Sunday, March 14, after 13 nominations across more than two decades.
The 47-year-old rapper from the Queens borough of New York City won Best Rap Album for his 13th album, “King’s Disease.”
The album beat out “Black Habits” by D Smoke, “A Written Testimony” by Jay Electronica, “Alfredo” by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist, and “The Allegory” by Royce da 5′9”.
“King’s Disease,” released in August 2020, was headlined by the lead single “Ultra Black,” an unapologetic celebration of Black culture in America.
The 63rd annual Grammy Awards held on Sunday night. March 14.
It was hosted by Trevor Noah from the Los Angeles Convention Center, just across the street from the award show’s usual location at the Staples Center.
Due to the pandemic, there was no live audience for the Grammys this year, except for a limited number of performers and nominees.
Performers at the event included Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion.
Below is the full list of winners, including Beyoncé who picked up the 28th Grammy win of her career, breaking the record for the most Grammy wins ever by a female artist and most Grammy wins ever by a singer.
Record of the Year
“Everything I Wanted” — Billie Eilish — Winner
“Black Parade” — Beyoncé
“Colors” — Black Pumas
“Rockstar” — DaBaby featuring Roddy Ricch
“Say So” — Doja Cat
“Don’t Start Now” — Dua Lipa
“Circles” — Post Malone
“Savage” — Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé
Album of the Year
“Folklore” — Taylor Swift — Winner
“Chilombo” — Jhené Aiko
“Black Pumas” (Deluxe Edition) — Black Pumas
“Everyday Life” — Coldplay
“Djesse Vol. 3” — Jacob Collier
“Women in Music Pt. III” — Haim
“Future Nostalgia” — Dua Lipa
“Hollywood’s Bleeding” — Post Malone
Song of the Year
“I Can’t Breathe” — H.E.R. — Winner
“Black Parade” — Beyoncé
“The Box” — Roddy Ricch
“Cardigan” — Taylor Swift
“Circles” — Post Malone
“Don’t Start Now” — Dua Lipa
“Everything I Wanted” — Billie Eilish
“If the World Was Ending” — JP Saxe featuring Julia Michaels
Best New Artist
Megan Thee Stallion — Winner
Ingrid Andress
Phoebe Bridgers
Noah Cyrus
Chika
D Smoke
Doja Cat
Kaytranada
Best Pop Solo Performance
“Watermelon Sugar” — Harry Styles — Winner
“Yummy” — Justin Bieber
“Say So” — Doja Cat
“Everything I Wanted” — Billie Eilish
“Don’t Start Now” — Dua Lipa
“Cardigan” — Taylor Swift
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
“Rain on Me” — Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande — Winner
“Un Dia (One Day)” — J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny & Tainy
“Intentions” — Justin Bieber featuring Quavo
“Dynamite” — BTS
“Exile” — Taylor Swift featuring Bon Iver
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
“American Standard” — James Taylor — Winner
“Blue Umbrella” — Burt Bacharach & Daniel Tashian
“True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter” — Harry Connick Jr.
“Unfollow the Rules” — Rufus Wainwright
“Judy” — Renée Zellweger
Best Pop Vocal Album
“Future Nostalgia” — Dua Lipa — Winner
“Changes” — Justin Bieber
“Chromatica” — Lady Gaga
“Fine Line” — Harry Styles
“Folklore” — Taylor Swift
Best Dance Recording
“10%” — Kaytranada featuring Kali Uchis — Winner
“On My Mind” — Diplo & Sidepiece
“My High” — Disclosure, Aminé and Slowthai
“The Difference” — Flume featuring Toro y Moi
“Both of Us” — Jayda G
Best Dance/Electronic Album
“Bubba” — Kaytranada — Winner
“Kick I” — Arca
“Energy” — Disclosure
“Planet’s Mad” — Baauer
“Good Faith” — Madeon
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
“Live at the Royal Albert Hall” — Snarky Puppy — Winner
“Axiom” — Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah
“Chronology of a Dream: Live at The Village Vanguard” — Jon Batiste
“Take the Stairs” — Black Violin
“Americana” — Grégoire Maret, Romain Collin & Bill Frisell
Best Rock Performance
“Shameika” — Fiona Apple — Winner
“The Steps” — HAIM
“Stay High” — Brittany Howard
“Not” — Big Thief
“Kyoto” — Phoebe Bridgers
“Daylight” — Grace Potter
Best Metal Performance
“Bum-Rush” — Body Count — Winner
“Underneath” — Code Orange
“The In-Between” — In This Moment
“Bloodmoney” — Poppy
“Executioner’s Tax (Swing of the Axe)” — Power Trip
Best Rock Song
“Stay High” — Brittany Howard — Winner
“Kyoto” — Phoebe Bridgers
“Lost in Yesterday” — Tame Impala
“Not” — Big Thief
“Shameika” — Fiona Apple
Best Rock Album
“The New Abnormal” — The Strokes — Winner
“A Hero’s Death” — Fontaines D.C.
“Kiwanuka” — Michael Kiwanuka
“Daylight” — Grace Potter
“Sound & Fury” — Sturgill Simpson
Best Alternative Music Album
“Fetch the Bolt Cutters” — Fiona Apple — Winner
“Hyperspace” — Beck
“Punisher” — Phoebe Bridgers
“Jaime” — Brittany Howard
“The Slow Rush” — Tame Impala
Best R&B Performance
“Black Parade” — Beyoncé — Winner
“Lightning & Thunder” — Jhené Aiko featuring John Legend
“All I Need” — Jacob Collier featuring Mahalia & Ty Dolla $ign
“Goat Head” — Brittany Howard
“See Me” — Emily King
Best Traditional R&B Performance
“Anything for You” — Ledisi — Winner
“Sit On Down” — The Baylor Project featuring Jean Baylor & Marcus Baylor
“Wonder What She Thinks of Me” — Chloe x Halle
“Let Me Go” — Mykal Kilgore
“Distance” — Yebba
Best R&B Song
“Better Than I Imagined” — Robert Glasper featuring H.E.R. & Meshell Ndegeocello — Winner
“Copland: Symphony No. 3” — Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor (San Francisco Symphony)
“Lutos?awski: Symphonies No. 2 & 3” — Hannu Lintu, conductor (Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra)
Best Opera Recording
“Gershwin: Porgy and Bess” — David Robertson, conductor; Angel Blue & Eric Owens; David Frost, producer (The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; The Metropolitan Opera Chorus) — Winner
“Dello Joio: The Trial at Rouen” — Gil Rose, conductor; Heather Buck & Stephen Powell; Gil Rose, producer (Boston Modern Orchestra Project; Odyssey Opera Chorus)
“Floyd, C: Prince of Players” — William Boggs, conductor; Keith Phares & Kate Royal; Blanton Alspaugh, producer (Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra; Florentine Opera Chorus)
“Handel: Agrippina” — Maxim Emelyanychev, conductor; Joyce DiDonato; Daniel Zalay, producer (Il Pomo D’Oro)
“Zemlinsky: Der Zwerg” — Donald Runnicles, conductor; David Butt Philip & Elena Tsallagova; Peter Ghirardini & Erwin Stürzer, producers (Orchestra Of The Deutsche Oper Berlin; Chorus Of The Deutsche Oper Berlin)
Best Choral Performance
“Danielpour: The Passion of Yeshua” — JoAnn Falletta, conductor; James K. Bass & Adam Luebke, chorus masters (James K. Bass, J’Nai Bridges, Timothy Fallon, Kenneth Overton, Hila Plitmann & Matthew Worth; Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus & UCLA Chamber Singers) — Winner
“Carthage” — Donald Nally, conductor (The Crossing)
“Kastalski: Requiem” — Leonard Slatkin, conductor; Charles Bruffy, Steven Fox & Benedict Sheehan, chorus masters (Joseph Charles Beutel & Anna Dennis; Orchestra Of St. Luke’s; Cathedral Choral Society, The Clarion Choir, Kansas City Chorale & The Saint Tikhon Choir)
“Moravec: Sanctuary Road” — Kent Tritle, conductor (Joshua Blue, Raehann Bryce-Davis, Dashon Burton, Malcolm J. Merriweather & Laquita Mitchell; Oratorio Society Of New York Orchestra; Oratorio Society Of New York Chorus)
“Once Upon a Time” — Matthew Guard, conductor (Sarah Walker; Skylark Vocal Ensemble)
Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance
“Contemporary Voices” — Pacifica Quartet — Winner
“Healing Modes” — Brooklyn Rider
“Hearne, T,: Place” — Ted Hearne, Steven Bradshaw, Sophia Byrd, Josephine Lee, Isaiah Robinson, Sol Ruiz, Ayanna Woods & Place Orchestra
“Hynes: Fields” — Devonté Hynes & Third Coast Percussion
“The Schumann Quartets” — Dover Quartet
Best Classical Instrumental Solo
“Theofanidis: Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra” — Richard O’Neill; David Alan Miller, conductor (Albany Symphony) — Winner
“Adés: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra” — Kirill Gerstein; Thomas Adès, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra)
“Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas” — Igor Levit
“Bohemian Tales” — Augustin Hadelich; Jakub Hr?ša, conductor (Charles Owen; Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks)
“Destination Rachmaninov – Arrival” — Daniil Trifonov; Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor (The Philadelphia Orchestra)
Best Classical Solo Vocal Album
“Smyth: The Prison” — Sarah Brailey & Dashon Burton; James Blachly, conductor (Experiential Chorus; Experiential Orchestra) — Winner
“American Composers at Play – William Bolcom, Ricky Ian Gordon, Lori Laitman, John Musto” — Stephen Powell (Attacca Quartet, William Bolcom, Ricky Ian Gordon, Lori Laitman, John Musto, Charles Neidich & Jason Vieaux)
“Clairières – Songs by Lili & Nadia Boulanger” — Nicholas Phan; Myra Huang, accompanist
“Farinelli” — Cecilia Bartoli; Giovanni Antonini, conductor (Il Giardino Armonico)
“A Lad’s Love” — Brian Giebler; Steven McGhee, accompanist (Katie Hyun, Michael Katz, Jessica Meyer, Reginald Mobley & Ben Russell)
Best Classical Compendium
“Thomas, M.T.: From the Diary of Anne Frank & Meditations on Rilke” — Isabel Leonard; Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor; Jack Vad, producer — Winner
“Adès Conducts Adès” — Mark Stone & Christianne Stotijn; Thomas Adès, conductor; Nick Squire, producer
“Saariaho: Graal Théâtre; Circle Map, Neiges, Vers Toi Qui Es Si Loin” — Clément Mao-Takacs, conductor; Hans Kipfer, producer
“Serebrier: Symphonic Bach Variations; Laments and Hallelujahs; Flute Concerto” — José Serebrier, conductor; Jens Braun, producer
“Woolf, L.P.: Fire and Blood” — Matt Haimovitz; Julian Wachner, conductor; Blanton Alspaugh, producer
“Adès: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra” — Thomas Adès, composer (Kirill Gerstein, Thomas Adès & Boston Symphony Orchestra)
“Danielpour: The Passion of Yeshua” — Richard Danielpour, composer (JoAnn Falletta, James K. Bass, Adam Luebke, UCLA Chamber Singers, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra & Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus)
“Floyd, C.: Prince of Players” — Carlisle Floyd, composer (William Boggs, Kate Royal, Keith Phares, Florentine Opera Chorus & Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra)
“Hearne, T.: Place” — Ted Hearne, composer (Ted Hearne, Steven Bradshaw, Sophia Byrd, Josephine Lee, Isaiah Robinson, Sol Ruiz, Ayanna Woods & Place Orchestra)
Best Music Video
“Brown Skin Girl” — Beyoncé, Saint Jhn & Wizkid Featuring Blue Ivy Carter — Winner
“Life Is Good” — Future Featuring Drake
“Lockdown” — Anderson .Paak
“Adore You” — Harry Styles
“Goliath” — Woodkid
Best Music Film
“Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” — Linda Ronstadt — Winner
“Beastie Boys Story” — Beastie Boys
“Black Is King” — Beyoncé
“We Are Freestyle Love Supreme” — Freestyle Love Supreme
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker, Angel Di Maria was withdrawn during Paris Saint-Germain’s defeat to Nantes on Sunday March 14, after he received news that his home had been robbed with members of his family present.
Di Maria had played well and was helping PSG push to take the lead back when the club’s sporting director Leonardo signalled communication to Pochettino on the sidelines.
Pochettino immediately withdrew Di Maria and went with him into the dressing room before returning minutes later to oversee the rest of his side’s match.
PSG players seemed shaken by the news hence their intensity reduced during the game and they ultimately lost as they also heard at the end of the game that team-mate Marquinhos’ parents had also been victimised by home intruders.
Years back Di Maria’s family was left traumatized by a robbery incident during his time at Manchester United .
“It’s not an excuse but there was a drop in energy,” Pochettino said after the match.
“We talked about things other than football after the game in the locker room.”
“The truth is that the first period we controlled the match, but after the equalizer, we had trouble and we were not strong enough to hang onto this match.”
A Prophet is now feared impotent after being stabbed with a piece of a broken beer bottle by a gold panner who caught him having sex with his wife in their home.
It was learnt that the incident occurred at Zananda Village under Chief Nhema’s area in Shurugwi, Midlands province, Zimbabwe.
B-Metro reported that Waraidzo Mapuranga was a frequent worshipper at a church owned by Richard Mbaya who is popularly known as Madzibaba Richy, before they became close.
Sunday Madamba who began suspecting his wife was having an affair with the Prophet, had an altercation with him after he came home unexpectedly and heard his wife moaning. A source told the publication;
“He first threw several punches to his wife and intensified his assaults with booted feet before he turned to Madzibaba Richy. He violently pulled him and kicked him all over the body before he struck him several times with a beer bottle on the head.
“And things took an even more sinister turn when he broke a beer bottle and used its pieces to stab Madzibaba Richy on his back and manhood.”
It was also gathered that the Prophet has not had an erection since then and it is feared that the injuries might be permanent as he is also having trouble urinating.
Mapuranga who confirmed the incident, however debunked allegation of her getting caught having sex with Madzibaba Richy.
“What you heard is untrue. When my husband came home, he just found Madzibaba Richy in the house conducting some prayers. How can we have sex in the presence of the children? He was just incensed why I had invited him without his consent,” said Mapuranga before she hung up her phone.
Residents of Nenohwe Village in Zimbabwe have reportedly been left in shock after a woman was caught at her friend’s house breastfeeding a giant snake.
The Manica Post reported that Gogo Nenohwe was spotted by a 12-year-old girl as she breastfed the snake while uttering names of fellow villagers whom she wanted her pet to deal with.
Following the allegation, the two elderly friends Gogo Savie Nenohwe and Gogo Ethel Sithole have been arraigned before a Chief Mutambara court on charges of witchcraft. The key witness narrated the incident in court on Saturday March 13.
She said;
“I saw Gogo Nenohwe breastfeeding a very big snake which had a red cloth and beads tied around it. After breastfeeding it, she took out a plate of food and fed the snake. I did not see what food she was feeding it, but I heard her muttering names of fellow villagers and telling the snake to deal with them.”
It was alleged that after the young girl reported the incident to Gogo Sithole and realized that she was not taking any action, she told other villagers.
The village head, Molline Nenohwe who was subsequently notified of the incident then took the issue to Chief Mutambara. The two women were then summoned to the traditional leader’s court.
When Gogo Sithole was asked if she took any action after the minor brought the matter to her attention, she said she could not travel to the chief’s court to make a report. She said;
“I did not have money to bring the matter to your court. I also did not confront Nenohwe because I knew that once I confronted her, I would need to bring the matter before the chief’s court, yet I couldn’t do that at that moment.”
Gogo Sithole’s niece, Maria also disclosed that she used to share a room with the snake. Maria said;
“I used to sleep in the room where Gogo Nenohwe was seen breastfeeding the snake. The snake stays in that room. I stopped using the room because of that and begged my aunt to move me to another room. Sometimes the snake comes out to bask in the sun.”
Other villagers in Nenohwe Village also said they have come across a giant snake that has a red cloth tied around it. There are now efforts to capture the snake and bring it to the traditional ruler’s court.
Gogo Nenohwe remained tight-lipped during the hearing and refused to entertain the media after the court session.
Oby Ezekwesili has said the Nigerian-State is the greatest obstacle to its citizens and is dragging them down.
The public analyst added that the Nigerian state is broken and “when leaders like @MBuhari embed prejudices and all forms of biases into Governance of country of diverse people they fertilize the wobbly Nigerian-State to enter final stages of collapse.”
She tweeted: “The Nigerian-State is dragging down Nigerians. The Nigerian-State is the greatest obstacle to Nigeria and Nigerians becoming. The Nigerian-State is broken and cannot deliver more than it is currently doing. The construct of the Nigerian-State must be RENEGOTIATED. It must.
A 38-year-old woman, Ruka Tayo and her friend, Jimoh Abiola, 35, were arraigned before an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 12, for beating up her former husband’s new wife.
Tayo and her co-defendant allegedly beat up the complainant at the residence of her former husband in Ikorodu, five years after their divorce.
The two defendants are standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit an offence and assault. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.
The Prosecutor, ASP Gbemileke Agoi, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on Feb. 26 at about 4:p.m at Road 7, Mowowole Estate, Oreta Igbogbo area of Ikorodu.
Agoi alleged that the defendants conspired together and beat up the complainant, one Mrs Adeyemi Morenikeji, at her husband’s residence because she married the former husband of one of the defendants.
According to him, the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 412 and 172 of Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.
The Magistrate, Mrs R. A. Onilogbo, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N50,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
She adjourned the case till March 31, for mention.
A Ghanaian man has called the FBI to report his fraudster friend who refused to split money they made from fraudulent activities.
The Ghanaian man identified simply as John, alleged that his friend steals people’s identities which they use in filing for unemployment with the US government to get paid.
He added that they file for unemployment in all US states and have made over $9m from the fraudulent act. John accused his friend of refusing to share the money 50/50 as agreed.
He identified his friend as Ruph Awuni and also disclosed that he lives in Chicago
Senator representing Borno south district, Ali Ndume has shared his thoughts about the current state of country.
The lawmaker who spoke at a press conference on Saturday March 13, stated that the country is at the brink of collapse and Nigerians don’t seem to understand the seriousness of the situation.
Recounting the history of crimes in the country, Ndume said;
“The fundamental thing that keeps the country going is security and welfare of the citizens. That’s why our constitution clearly states that the purpose of government is security and welfare of the citizens. You know these two key things are now under threat in Nigeria.
“At the beginning, it started like a joke, staring from small stealing and all that. That culminated into armed robbery. In the early 70s in this country, you hardly hear of armed robbery. I remember when we were in secondary school. One of the first armed robbers that was executed at the beach in Lagos was Oyenusi; they call him ‘rob and kill’. Over 30,000 people gathered at the beach to watch his execution with his colleagues. The next one that was famous was that of Anini. But other than that, before today, armed robbery was a small crime in Nigeria.
“You see people involved in banditry, kidnapping, and of course, the insurgency that has bedevilled the north-east for the past 11 years now, to the extent that in Maiduguri now, once it’s 5 o’clock, you cannot go in or come out of Maiduguri. From all angles. By 10 o’clock, Maiduguri is shut down. You can’t go anywhere. In fact, this is even an improved situation.
“We hear of kidnapping, banditry, and all sorts of crime these days. The nation is at the brink of collapse. The unfortunate thing is that Nigerians, from top to bottom, still trivialise, tribalise or give the situation religious colouration, and we’re now in this sorry state.”
Ndume who further stated that the country’s problem is so much, added that the solution is with Nigerians.
He added;
“The situation is terrible and whenever there is a forum like this, I think there is the need for us to talk and proffer solutions. I, as a legislator with experience going to 20 years now, I must confess to you that I’m confused. I’m truly confused. The problem in this country is so much today, that the solution to it is only with us.
“Unfortunately, Nigeria is one of the religious countries. So, most of us now resort to God. We say ‘let us pray’, and we see the pastors and imams are thriving. Tomorrow, most of you will flock to churches to raise up your hands and start shouting to God. Well, it’s good.
“I’m a Muslim, a dedicated one, but I believe God will only answer your prayers if you genuinely confess your sins and you truly believe in God and you truly do your own bit. If you do your own bit rightly, then God will help you. But if you just sit there, perpetuate criminality, tribalism and other sentiments, and then you expect God to solve your problem, then, you’re wasting your time.”
North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-Un has snubbed attempts by US President, Joe Biden to reach out and open up lines of dialogue over increasing nuclear threats posed by North Korea to its neighbors and the broader international community.”
Biden’s administration launched secret attempts last month to reach out to North Korea through multiple channels, according to a Saturday, March 13 report by Reuters but thus far Pyongyang has been unresponsive.
News of the outreach comes as lawmakers and key US allies are eagerly awaiting details about Biden’s North Korea policy, which they expect will be announced publicly in the coming weeks when the administration has completed a policy review.
It is believed that North Korea is now a nuclear capable country capable of launching nuclear attacks on it’s neighbors, Japan and South Korea but whether their nuclear bombs can reach the United States Mainland is still not confirmed by the US.
Reports say Biden attempted to reach out to Kim to reduce the risks of escalation between both countries.
It should also be noted that it’s been over a year since the North Korean government had any communication with the US, and that was when Donald Trump was in power.
“To date, we have not received any response from Pyongyang. This follows over a year without active dialogue with North Korea, despite multiple attempts by the US to engage.” An unnamed US official told CNN in response to the Reuters report.
According to the US official, the new United States’ policy towards North Korea will include ”evaluation of all available options to address the increasing threat posed by North Korea to its neighbors and the broader international community.”
During the new NK policy review process, the Biden administration has consulted with former government officials with experience in North Korea policy, including officials from the Trump administration.
“We look forward to completing our intensive, multi-stakeholder policy review in the coming weeks,” the official said.
Recently, US Satellite imagery showed North Korea has taken steps to conceal a facility that US intelligence agencies believe is being used to store nuclear weapons.
Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez have denied report of calling off their engagement and going seperate ways.
The couple said this in a joint statement they released on Saturday March 13, after report of their engagement getting called off went viral.
In the statement they released, J.Lo and A-Rod stressed that they are “working through some things.” They also described the report as “inaccurate”.
The Love Don’t Cost a Thing singer and Rodriguez began dating in early 2017 and announced their engagement in March 2019. An unnamed source told People magazine the pair never officially broke up, but had talked about it.
The source said;
“They never officially broke up and talked about it but are still together. They hit a rough patch. But were not broken up.
“She’s working in the Dominican Republic and he’s in Miami so it’s tough seeing each other especially with quarantining and Covid.”
Boxing legend, Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler is dead at the age of 66.
His wife, Kay whom he had five children with confirmed his death in a Facebook post she shared on Saturday evening, March 13. She wrote;
“I am sorry to make a very sad announcement.
“Today unfortunately my beloved husband Marvelous Marvin passed away unexpectedly at his home here in New Hampshire.
“Our family requests that you respect our privacy during this difficult time. With love, Kay G. Hagler.”
The American, widely regarded one of the greatest boxers ever, reigned as the undisputed middleweight world champion between 1980 and 1987. His 12 title defences rate as the third-longest ever championship reign, while his six years and seven months with the belt is the second-longest tenure for a middleweight.
A boxing Hall of Famer, Hagler was named Fighter of the Decade (1980s) by Boxing Illustrated and twice named Fighter of the Year (1983 & 1985) by The Ring magazine.
Hagler went 55-1 as an amateur, including winning the United States National Championship at middleweight in 1973. But he chose to turn pro rather than seek Olympic fame and was forced to take the long road toward gaining respect and riches by being forced to repeatedly prove himself inside the ring.
He legally changed his name to ‘Marvelous’ in 1982, after becoming annoyed that American commentators were not using his nickname.
Oxford-AstraZeneca has been forced to defend its Covid-19 vaccine after several European nations including Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Bulgaria and even Asian nation Thailand paused the roll out of the vaccine following reports it could be connected to blood clots.
Bulgaria joined Denmark, Norway and Iceland to suspend the use of the vaccine pending investigations into safety.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov ordered a halt to all inoculation until the European Medicines Agency “rejects all doubts” about the vaccine’s safety, according to a government statement.
The move came in response to reports of blood clots in a few inoculated people in Denmark, including one fatality.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, canceled plans to publicly get the AstraZeneca shot this weekend and the country also delayed its rollout.
“When there is an adverse event, we don’t need to be in rush,” said Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, a senior member of the country’s vaccination committee.
AstraZeneca has responded. In a statement the vaccine maker said there is “no evidence of an increased risk” of blood clots, and European and UK medicines regulators have each said the link between the vaccine and blood clots has not been confirmed and that rollouts should continue.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health said the country has also reported cases of blood clots shortly after receiving a Covid-19 vaccination in Norway but “mainly in the elderly where there is often another underlying disease as well.”
Other countries, including Austria and Italy, have suspended specific batches of the vaccine.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has said that it did not recommend suspending use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, stating that there is “no indication” the vaccine caused the blood clots in the people who received the vaccine. The agency told countries they could keep rolling out the shot while investigations take place.
“The vaccine’s benefits continue to outweigh its risks and the vaccine can continue to be administered while investigation of cases of thromboembolic events is ongoing,” the agency said.
Health agencies of the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Mexico and Nigeria are still administering the vaccine, saying it’s safe.
Football star, Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to recent criticism about him after his club Juventus were knocked out of the Champions League by Porto this week.
The 36-year-old’s future has become the subject of speculation since the Champions league exit and Juventus former President called him an ‘expensive mistake’ asking the club to sell him as he hasn’t been able to deliver the Holy Grail of Champions League he was signed for.
Ronaldo, 36, joined Juve from Real Madrid in 2018 and has scored 92 goals in 121 appearances in all competitions.
He has now posted a reassuring message for Juventus supporters, insisting that he is focused on achieving the club’s goals for the rest of the season despite their Champions League exit.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Ronaldo wrote:
“More important than the number of falls you take in life, is how fast and how strong you get back on your feet… true champions never break!
“Our focus is already in Cagliari, in the Serie A struggle, in the Italian Cup final and in everything that we can still achieve this season.
“It’s true that the past belongs in museums (I should say!), but fortunately, football has memory… and so do I! History can’t be deleted, it’s written every single day with resilience, team spirit, persistence and lots of hard work.
“And those who don’t understand this, will never achieve glory and success.”
Today, March 13, Ivory coast and Crystal Palace winger, Zaha became the first Premier League player to stop taking the knee.
‘Taking the knee’ is a public show of defiance against discrimination of any kind by footballers which involves kneeling down before football matches.
It started since 2020 following the killing of black American George Floyd at the hands of White policemen.
Although Zaha remains fully committed to the fight against racism, he says he feels the message being sent by sportspeople has become diluted, with plenty still suffering online racial abuse.
He suggests that a fresh approach is required.
In the match against West Brom on Saturday March 13, his first start since having injury last month, Zaha refused to kneel, while all the other footballers, coaches and officials took a knee.
A statement from Zaha explaining his actions read: “My decision to stand at kick-off has been public knowledge for a couple of weeks.
“There is no right or wrong decision, but I feel kneeling has just become a part of the pre-match routine and whether we kneel or stand, some of us continue to receive abuse..
“I know there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes at the Premier League and other authorities to make change, and I fully respect that, and everyone involved.
“I also fully respect my team-mates and players at other clubs who continue to take the knee.
“As a society, I feel we should be encouraging better education in schools, and social media companies should be taking stronger action against people who abuse others online – not just footballers.”
Khloe Kardashian has penned down a sweet birthday message to her rumoured fiancee and child’s father, Tristan Thompson.
Khloe, 36, called Tristan the one who is “meant to be” as she shared a picture of him on Instagram to mark his 30th birthday.
In the photos Khloe shared, Tristan is seen with his arm around her waist as they celebrated his birthday together.
Her caption read: “The ones that are meant to be are the ones who go through everything that is designed to tear them apart and they come out even stronger than they were before,
“Thank you for showing me everything you said you would. For the father you are.
“For the best friend I have in you. I’m thankful that I can do absolutely nothing with you and it feels like everything.
“I hope you know today and everyday how loved you are by me and so many.”
Tristan responded: “I love you soo much Koko. Let’s keep building amazing memories!!!”
BBNaija’s Erica wept for joy on Saturday night, March 13, as her fans gifted her a three-bedroom apartment as one of their birthday presents to her as she turned 27.
Erica was asked to cut a ribbon to open an apartment where they told her they stored all her gifts. Shocked by their request, she went on to cut the ribbon and was surprised to see the many gifts lined up in the house for her.
The high point was when one of the leaders of her fan group presented the key of the house to her. The apartment was purchased through a lawyer.
Erica could not hold back her tears as the gift was presented to her.
AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez has revealed how his teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic castigated him for being overweight on his return from holiday.
Hernandez, 23 has been a key player Milan this season, making 33 appearances in all competitions.
He has however revealed he was not in the best shape when he reported back to the club after holiday and that football star, Zlatan Ibrahimovic didn’t waste time in telling him off.
Hernandez told Sportweek : “He gave us courage, gives us lots of advice and sometimes even scolds us – but always to motivate us.
“When I came back from vacation, he told me: ‘Where are you going with 90 kilos here?’ I was a bit fatter…
“But he also told me that I am strong and that I have to become the best, but that I have to work hard.
“We follow him, and in training we give everything, always. All together. It has been an incredible year, we are having an incredible year. And the credit belongs to everyone.”
Zlatan is known for his controversial statements as he recently told Basketball star, Lebron James to stay off politics and focus on sports.
Ibrahimovic aged 39, has scored 14 goals in the Italian league this season.
AC Milan sit second in the table but trail Inter by six points
