The Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike burst into ‘Tongues’ on Monday as he issued another strong warning to those attempting to undermine him in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Wike, who was in Aba, Abia state to commission the Okezuo Abia Flyover along the Aba -Enugu Expressway in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, and the rehabilitated Aba-Owerri Road in Aba South Local Government Area of the state, disclosed that nobody could break his relationship with his allies.
A statement issued by his media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, read in part; “When I read on the pages of newspapers. They say some people are making attempts to break my rank, I say to myself that they don’t understand the modus oparandi of what we are doing.”
“If they understand the modus operandi of what we are doing, they won’t waste their time. If you like go and meet Ikpeazu, if you like go and meet Seyi (Makinde), if you like go and meet Ortom (Samuel), and if you like go and meet Ugwuanyi (Ifeanyi), I pity them. People think that relationship can be bought with money.”
“Look, nobody should bother about any abuse on me. I’m too much for it. I don’t even know when I’m abused. If they like, let them put everything on social media and abuse me, at the end, we will know who is relevant or not at the appropriate time.”
“Politics is not to go on the pages of newspapers. Politics is not to go and buy slot on television and speak. It is who will deliver at the appropriate time. That is what is key. If you like abuse me from now until tomorrow, it’s your business.”
In an apparent jibe at the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Wike said; “Now, what’s the problem, we say, my brother, you have shared and given to Atiku; you shared and given Okowa, you shared and given Saraki, which one have you given to Ikpeazu?”
“What Ikpeazu and company are saying is that when you are sharing Senate President to so and so person, which one have you given to Abia,” he said.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said the aggregate Value Added Tax (VAT) was reported at N600.15 billion for Q2 2022.
This is according to the VAT Q2 2022 Report released in Abuja yesterday.
According to the report, this shows a growth rate of 1.96 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis from N588.59 billion in Q1 2022.
The report said the local payments recorded were N359.12 billion, while foreign VAT payments contributed N111.13 billion in Q2 2022.
It said on a quarter-on-quarter basis, electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply recorded the highest growth rate with 116.47 per cent, followed by accommodation and food service activities with 42.44 per cent
“On the other hand, activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies had the lowest growth rate with 42.39 per cent.
“This was followed by activities of households as employers, undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use with 36.57 per cent.”
In terms of sectoral contributions, the report showed the top three largest shares in Q2 2022 were Manufacturing with 33.08 per cent, information and communication with 18.98 per cent, and mining and quarrying with 10.60 per cent.
“On the other hand, activities of households as employers, undifferentiated goods- and services-producing activities of households for own use recorded the least share with 0.03 per cent. “This was followed by activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies with 0.05 per cent; and water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities with 0.13 per cent.”
The report, however, said, on a year-on-year basis, VAT collections in Q2 2022 increased by 17.16 per cent from Q2 2021.
The report brought to the fore the ongoing legal battle between the Rivers State Government and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over the right to collect VAT in the state.
The Rivers State Government had urged the Supreme Court to set aside the Court of Appeal’s September 10, 2021 ruling ordering it and the FIRS to maintain status quo on the issue of VAT collection, the subject matter of a pending appeal.
It had also urged the apex court to disband the panel of the court, which gave the interim order and order another one to be constituted to hear the case.
The three-member panel of the Court of Appeal which issued the order being challenged at the Supreme Court by the Rivers State government was headed by Haruna Tsammani.
Miffed by the order, the Rivers State Government, through its Attorney-General’s office, approached the Supreme Court to seek an order nullifying the decision of the Court of Appeal and the reassignment of the appeal to a new panel.
Meanwhile, the federal government had unveiled strategies to bolster tax revenue for the 2023 fiscal year. This is even as it plans to bring more businesses into the tax net in the coming year while deploying technology to block leakages in already taxed businesses.
Part of these strategies as highlighted in the 2023-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy paper is to expand the list of bodies and institutions collecting taxes for the government to include telecoms companies, banks and other financial institutions, companies in construction, aviation sectors, among several others.
Already, the Budget Office of the Federation had revealed that it would begin the implementation of its proposed excise duties on telecommunication services and beverages in 2023.
This is in spite of criticism and even rejection of the proposed telecoms tax by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, who supervises the telecoms sector.
Reece James has signed a bumper new Chelsea deal worth at least £ 250,000 per week.
The agreement for the 22-year-old is a six-year deal and will make James the highest-paid defender in Chelsea’s history.
James said: ‘I am over the moon with my new contract and I’m thankful for the fans, the new ownership and everyone involved in the club. I cannot wait to see what the future holds, and I am sure we will have the chance of winning many trophies.
‘I grew up supporting this club and I’ve been here since I was a six-year-old. I put pen to paper on a new deal because this is the club I want to be at. I’d like to say a special thanks to the fans, I am here to stay and we have a bright future ahead of us.’
Owner Todd Boehly said: ‘We are thrilled to give Reece a new long-term contract at Chelsea. He is an outstanding player and a true Chelsea man, and we are all looking forward to watching him continue to flourish at Stamford Bridge.’
Sportsmail reported last month that Boehly wanted to introduce a US-style contract policy for players under the age of 25, locking them into deals for as long as seven years.
New signings Marc Cucurella and Carney Chukwuemeka signed up for six years and Wesley Fofana for seven.
Armando Broja also extended his Chelsea stay by six years when he signed a new deal on Friday.
James is now set to follow with the finishing touches being put to his extension today.
Mason Mount and Edouard Mendy are two others also in talks over new Chelsea deals.
James made 37 appearances in that campaign across all competitions and 47 the following season. He featured in 39 games last season, scoring six goals and contributing 11 assists.
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has warned the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) against allowing the governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike leave the party because it will jeopardize the chances of the party in the 2023 presidential elections
In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele, urged the party leaders and presidential candidate, Abubakar Atiku to find ways to make peace if they want to win the election.
Speaking about Wike, Primate Ayodele made it known that he will sink and lose political relevance if he leaves the party, while urging him and other governors planning to work against the party to seek divine direction rather than relying on their physical strength.
For the APC, Primate Ayodele revealed that the party will continue to have an internal crisis and that the northern group will come out with another joker that will cause ethnicity disagreement towards the election.
He further reinstated the danger of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for Nigeria, making it known that it will cause future problems for the country if it succeeds.
Also speaking on the chances of the Labour Party, the man of God warned the party to be careful of big names that will decamp into the party because some of them don’t mean well for them.
He mentioned that the candidate, Peter Obi can bring up surprises in the election but his camp still has a lot to do.
‘’Some people will decamp to the Labour party to destabilize the party, they must be careful of big names decamping to the party. Peter Obi can bring surprises in the election if APC and PDP does not wake up. The camp of Peter Obi still has a lot to do, they are only pursuing their goals ordinarily.’’
Furthermore, Primate Ayodele revealed that some big wigs in the APC and PDP will go into political extinction after 2023 as some sitting governors will lose their seats in 2023. He also mentioned that not all politicians that won the primaries will witness the election.
He then urged Nigerians to pray for the preservation of some important personalities in the country.
“Not every politician will witness 2023, some big wigs in the PDP and APC will go into political extinction after 2023. Some sitting governors will lose their seats in 2023. Not every politician that won the primary election will witness the election.’’
“Let us pray for TY Danjuma, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Ibrahim Babaginda, Alex Duduyemi, Arthur Eze, Olu Falae. The Governorship advisory council in Lagos should pray so they won’t lose anyone to health challenges.’’
Former federal lawmaker, Patrick Obahiagbon has said that the Labour Party won’t get 25% of votes in 24 states across the country.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, Obahiagbon said though the upcoming presidential election will be keenly contested by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it has thrown up three major presidential candidates.
He said;
“Only two major political parties are coming into this election. The two major political parties are the APC and the PDP.
“But that asseveration notwithstanding, I make bold to assert that even though this election is going to be contested by two major political parties, the election is throwing up three major presidential aspirants.”
Obahiagbon stated that those backing Obi’s presidential bid are Nigerians who have become “completely tired” of the current political class. The former lawmaker also applauded Obi’s courage and sincerity “to want to cleanse the Nigerian system”.
He added;
“I do sincerely hope that Nigeria’s parasitic political class are learning the necessary lessons that have greeted the emergence of Peter Obi.
“A favour that his supporters refer to as Obidient movement but which I choose to describe as the emerging, surging political sirocco of the Obi.
“Nigerians and particularly Nigerian youths have become completely dissatisfied and languorous as to the failings and frailty of the entire Nigerian political class be it APC, PDP NNPP etc.
“This is the statement that Nigerians and Nigerian youths are making. They made that first statement which galvanise into the protest that led to the end SARS debate.
“The Peter Obi movement is a resurgence and emergence of that dissatisfaction.
“Can Peter Obi ride on the crest and wave Nigeria’s disappointment into the comfortable bowels of the Aso Rock Villa? I say no. I don’t see that.
“I don’t see how the Labour Party can muster 25 percent in about 24 states in this election.”
A 22-year-old lesbian has revealed that she has slept with over 100 women.
The lady who sat for an interview with Ghanaian YouTuber, Arnold, revealed that she’s a sex addict who is attracted to women.
The lady said she was introduced to the homosexual lifestyle and sex toys at the age of 14 by a married woman she formerly lived with. She also said that she’s proud of her same-sex preference and has converted some good girls into bad ones.
She further stated that it is unfortunate that she isn’t blessed with money otherwise she wouldn’t use men for anything.
The lesbian said;
“Right now if I have money I won’t use a man for anything. Because of money, I will sleep with men because I need it. Right now if I have my money I won’t use a man for anything.
“I am addicted to sex, lesbian sex. I have slept with plenty of women. I have slept with up to 100 women and I have also had sex with multiple women at a time. Some of the women are not willing to date. They just come and go.”
She also disclosed that she doesn’t stay in one neighbourhood for more than two years.
The lady added;
“I don’t stay in one place for a long time. If I stay in one place for two years I won’t stay there again. I don’t like area girls and I have done about 100 girls. It’s nice oo. If you try it you will enjoy it.”
The Paris prosecutor’s office has opened a formal judicial investigation into allegations by Paul Pogba that he was the target of extortion attempts and threats from an organised gang, prosecutor Laure Beccuau said on Friday, September 2.
The formal probe follows preliminary investigations and will look into allegations of blackmail by an armed gang, kidnapping, and membership of a criminal conspiracy, Beccuau said in the statement.
Pogba has been the target of extortion by childhood friends since March and paid 100,000 euros ($99,510.00) to that group in the spring, a source close to the preliminary investigation told Reuters on Wednesday.
The French prosecutor told Reuters on Monday that the initial investigations had been entrusted to the OCLCO, a unit within the judicial police tasked with investigating organised crime.
The extraordinary saga began last week when Pogba’s eldest brother Mathias released a bizarre video on social media to vow he would soon make a series of ‘great revelations’ about the World Cup winner.
He said during the video: ‘The French, English, Italian and Spanish public, as well as my brother’s fans and even more so the French team and Juventus, my brother’s teammates and his sponsors deserve to know certain things.
‘In order to make an informed decision if he deserves the admiration, respect, and love of the public.
‘Whether he deserves his place in the French team and the honour of playing in the World Cup. If he deserves to be a starter at Juventus.
‘If he is a trustworthy person, that any player would want to have at his side.’
Shortly after the post was made, the Juventus midfielder released a statement – signed by his lawyers, his mother Yeo Moriba, and current agent Rafaela Pimenta – admitting that Mathias’ videos were ‘unfortunately no surprise’.
The statement read: ‘They (the videos) are in addition to threats and extortion attempts by an organised gang against Paul Pogba.’
‘The competent bodies in Italy and France were informed a month ago and there will be no further comments in relation to the ongoing investigation.’
Mathias’ outburst was followed by the former Manchester United star reportedly telling French authorities that he was held hostage by a gang armed with assault rifles in an attempted blackmail plot.
It is believed the gang demanded £11million from the French midfielder for ‘protection services’ stretching back 13 years, including the time he spent in Manchester.
Mathias hit out at the 29-year-old for his ‘lies’ and claimed to have ‘explosive information’ concerning fellow World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe, before accusing his brother of using a witch doctor to cast a spell on the PSG forward.
Mbappe has since been in contact with Paul – who denies the claims – and Mathias to gain the perspective of each of the brothers, according to RTL.
The outlet claims that the 23-year-old superstar called the Pogba brothers on Thursday to ask why he had been specified in the scandal.
French football president Noel Le Graet has since given Paul Pogba his full support.
Le Graet told L’Equipe: ‘This case is in the hands of the police. An investigation is underway. At this point, I won’t make any further comments other than to show my support for Paul Pogba.
‘Paul is a man I hold in high esteem, he’s highly appreciated by the entire Federation.
‘He has always been exemplary for the France team for almost ten years after having shone in all of the youth teams. I hope to see him again very soon, on the pitch and in great shape.’
The Weeknd cancelled the second part of his sold-out shows in Los Angeles after losing his voice few minutes after he started performing.
TMZ reported that SoFi Stadium was packed with 70,000 fans and fans couldn’t see the singer for over 15 minutes when the band started playing “Can’t Feel My Face.”
He was reportedly backstage as the song played, trying to figure out what to do because had had no voice.
The publication reported that while the singer performed his previous song, he yelled and apparently blew out his vocal cords.
After the band finished playing the new song, The Weeknd came onstage and told the crowd, “It’s killing me,” but the show had to abruptly end because he had no voice.
He said “I can’t give you the concert I want to give you,” promising everyone would get their money back and he would reschedule soon.
The Weeknd was profusely apologetic and clearly emotional. This was a big part of his After Hours Til Dawn Tour, and he knew how much the show meant to his fans.
The crowd applauded him after the disclosure for being transparent. After leaving the venue, he tweeted;
“My voice went out during the first song and I’m devastated. Felt it go and my heart dropped. I promise I’ll make it up to you with a new date.”
A Grade I Area Court in Kubwa, Abuja, has dissolved a 19-year-old marriage between a businessman, Lukman Abdulaziz and his wife Rashidat, over irreconcilable differences.
The Judge, Muhammad Adamu, dissolved the marriage following Abdulaziz’s prayer for confirmation of his divorce in accordance with the Islamic laws.
Mr Adamu said that in Islam a man has the power to divorce his wife saying that Rashidat told the court that she had observed her “Iddah”.
He said Ms Rashidat was no longer Mr Abdulaziz’s wife and advised them to find time and discuss about the upkeep of their four children.
The judge said that the court would issue a certificate of divorce.
Earlier, Mr Abdulaziz told the court that he has not been able to resolve issues with his wife and had divorce her, praying the court for confirmation.
“She does not observe her daily prayers and does not like my family members. I asked her to follow me to the village so that we can resolve issues on why she dislikes my mother and she refused.
“I pronounced divorce to her on June 6 and she has observed her iddah. I am no longer interested in the marriage and have informed her parents,” he said.
Ms Rashidat in response told the court that Mr Abdulaziz told her on Aug. 27, that he had not been making love to her for the past three months because he wanted a divorce.
”He said he would fend for our four children but wanted me to leave his house because he wanted to sell it.
“I told him the house belongs to my children because I built the house with him, it is not his house,” she said.
Mr Julius Abure, National Chairman of Labour Party (LP) on Thursday inaugurated an 11-man committee to drive the party’s Disapora movement .
Abure, while inaugurating the committee in Abuja said that the move was to strengthen collaboration among people and galvanise support for the party ahead of 2023 general election.
He added that the committee would also recommend to the national chairman, the creation of diaspora chapters and monitor their activities.
The chairman said the committee would organise fund-raising activities among others.
He said, “I have the honour to inaugurate the committee we have put in place on diaspora.
“The parties has enjoyed overwhelming supports from Nigerians across the world and even non Nigerians alike.
“This has resulted in a situation where there is clamour for the party to establish chapters across the world.
” There has also been the clamour of people who wants to contribute to the growth and development of the party, arising from this course, are the necessity to have these activities coordinated.”
Abure said that the party therefore, decided to put up the committee made of 11 distinguished Nigerians to drive the process.
He urged the committee to carry out their duties in good faith without fear or favour, be transparent and accountable.
Mr Chibuike Amadichi, Chairman, Diaspora Committee ,thanked the party for the privileged to lead the committee.
Amadichi said that the 2023 is a special electioneering year because it is an election that all Nigerians both home and in Diaspora are fully involved in to see the birth of a new nation .
“Few months ago, they said Labour Party had no structures, but today, Labour Party is not only building structures nationwide in Nigeria, but also advancing its frontiers beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“This diaspora committee will work tirelessly to reposition our great party and build a new partnership with our people in diaspora especially in the major countries of the world like USA, UK, Canada, Germany, South Africa just to mention but a few
” I can say without mincing words that our people in diaspora are willing to identify with Labour Party and also ready to support the party and its presidential candidates
“I want to assure our Nigerians in diaspora that come next year 2023,Labour Party will form a new government that will midwife a new Nigeria with a man of proven integrity and competent as the president,”he said
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) said poor salaries and a lack of a conducive working environment forced many medical doctors and health workers to leave Nigeria for other countries with better remuneration.
NMA National President, Dr Uche Ojinmah stated this in an interview with newsmen on Thursday during the opening ceremony of the 2022 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association held in Gombe.
He said doctors in Nigeria are underpaid and lack the basic equipment and conducive environment to work, hence they choose to leave the country for greener pastures, a development that causes the shortage of manpower in the country’s health sector.
Dr Ojinmah also decried the underfunding of the healthcare facilities by the Nigerian government, decrying that the country is yet to implement the 2001 Abuja declaration that recommended the allocation of 15 per cent of the budget to the health sector.
“In 2001, all the heads of states in Africa gathered in Abuja and held a meeting on how to improve the health sector. And at the end, they had a declaration that 15 per cent of the annual budget of every nation should be dedicated to health care.
“Unfortunately, since that time, Nigeria, the country that hosted the meeting could not implement that declaration. So, it is obvious that they know what to do to make it better, but maybe for political reasons, they are not,” he decried.
Dr Ojinmah noted that in order to improve health indices in the country, there was the need for government to increase funding for the health sector through the provision of equipment and adequate manpower in all the health facilities across the country.
He also emphasised the need for medical personnel to be well remunerated and provided with a conducive environment to practice their profession, “So as to reduce the massive brain drain that has hit the medical profession.”
The NMA president added that the association was disturbed over the activities of quacks among medical doctors, saying the association was collaborating with directors of medical facilities to rid the health sector of quackery.
Manchester City football club of England have completed the signing of Swiss- Nigerian player Manuel Obafemi Akanji from Borussia Dortmund.
The centre-back had failed to make an appearance for Dortmund this season before joining City and was into the final year of his contract but has now signed a five year deal with City.
Akanji, 27 told the club website on Thursday, September 1: “I am delighted to be here and can’t wait to get started.
“City have been one of the best teams in Europe over the last few seasons. They are brilliant to watch, play an exciting brand of football and compete for trophies year in, year out, so coming here feels like the perfect next step in my career.
“Pep Guardiola is an exceptional manager and this is an exceptional squad of players, so this is an exciting opportunity for me.
“I am really looking forward to testing myself in the Premier League and I will do everything I can to help this Club be successful.”
City have four senior centre-backs in their squad already, but Aymeric Laporte has yet to make an appearance this season due to injury. Ruben Dias, John Stones and Nathan Ake have been used by Guardiola so far in 2022-23.
Akanji joined Dortmund from Basel in 2018 and had been a first-team regular since his arrival. He made 36 appearances in all competitions last season.
Akanji becomes City’s fifth summer signing, following Kalvin Phillips, Stefan Ortega, Sergio Gomez and Erling Haaland.
Former Malaysian first lady, Rosmah Mansor has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty on Thursday, September 1, of soliciting and receiving bribes during her husband’s corruption-tainted administration, a week after he was imprisoned over the massive looting.
Rosmah was convicted on a charge of soliciting 187.5 million ringgit ($42 million) and two charges of receiving 6.5 million ringgit ($1.5 million) between 2016 and 2017 to help a company secure a project to provide solar energy panels to schools on Borneo island.
The court sentenced her to 10 years in prison on each charge, to be served concurrently, and a total fine of 970 million ringgit ($217 million). She will be allowed to remain free on bail pending her appeal to higher courts.
High Court Judge Mohamed Zaini Mazlan said prosecutors proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Rosmah corruptly solicited bribes and received money as a reward for herself. He said her defense was a “bare denial, devoid of credible evidence.”
Earlier, Rosmah made an emotional plea from the dock, saying she was saddened and felt she wasn’t given justice. She said she had never solicited any funds or taken a single cent while she was heading charity foundations during her time as the prime minister’s wife.
She also decried as political persecution the events that led to Najib being jailed and her family being made to suffer.
“I do not even know the cost of the project. So I am just telling the truth and nothing else but the truth,” she said. “If that’s your conclusion, I surrender to God.”
Defense lawyer Jagjit Singh later told reporters that the amount of the fine was the largest ever in Malaysia’s history. He said Rosmah was shocked and upset, and that they plan to appeal to higher courts.
Under the law, each charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of five times the bribes solicited and received.
Her conviction comes after her husband Najib began a 12-year prison term last Tuesday after losing his final appeal in one of the five graft cases against him involving the multibillion-dollar pilfering of 1MDB.
Before the verdict, Judge Zaini also rejected Rosmah’s application to disqualify him after an alleged guilty judgment leaked online. Police said the leaked document was work done within the court’s research unit and was not the judgment, but Rosmah’s defense said they lost confidence the judge could be fair.
Najib and Rosmah have been hit with multiple charges of graft after the shocking ouster of his United Malays National Organization in the 2018 elections, fueled by public anger over the 1MDB scandal.
Her former aide, who was jointly charged with Rosmah but later testified for the prosecution, told the court that many businesspeople lobbied Rosmah for help to secure government projects.
The court also heard that she spent 100,000 ringgit a month ($22,300) to hire online propagandists to deflect criticism of her lavish lifestyle.
After Najib lost power, police raided family residences and seized hundreds of boxes of luxurious Hermes Birkin handbags, 423 watches, 14 tiaras, and other jewelry plus cash estimated at more than 1.1 billion ringgit ($246 million).
During her trial, 23 prosecution witnesses testified but only two defense witnesses were called, including Rosmah. She told the court she was never involved in government affairs and that her former aide was a corrupt liar who had used her name to solicit bribes and pocketed the money himself.
Rosmah has also been charged with laundering illegal proceeds and tax evasion linked to 1MDB in another trial that hasn’t started.
1MDB was a development fund that Najib set up after taking office. Investigators allege more than $4.5 billion was stolen from the fund and laundered by Najib’s associates through layers of bank accounts in the U.S. and other countries to finance Hollywood films and extravagant purchases that included hotels, a luxury yacht, artworks, and jewelry.
Corona Virus also known as Covid 19 has taken the world by surprise, this is similar to how the virus looks
Two people have died from mystery pneumonia in Argentina with others hospitalised amid fears of a new viral outbreak.
Health officials in the South American country said they were infected with ‘pneumonia of unknown origin’.
According to Mail Online, the cases are among eight health workers and one ICU patient treated at a private hospital in Tucumán, Buenos Aires.
Officials are concerned because Covid, influenza, and hantavirus have all been ruled out.
It comes two-and-a-half years after reports of unexplained pneumonia began to leak out of Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It turned out to be Covid.
The first six patients started exhibiting symptoms between August 18 and 22.
Of the last three cases, two are receiving hospital treatment and one is being monitored at home
Luis Medina Ruiz, Tucumán’s minister of health, told local media: ‘What these patients have in common is the severe respiratory condition with bilateral pneumonia and compromise in [X-ray] images very similar to Covid, but that is ruled out.’
He said the patients were tested for more than 30 bugs including ‘Covid, cold, influenza of both type A and B’ all of which came back negative.
Samples have been sent to Argentina’s National Administration of Health Laboratories and Institutes for further analysis.
The hospital has been locked down and contacts of patients are being traced and isolated.
Fidelity Bank Plc has entered into a binding agreement for the acquisition of 100 per cent equity stake in the United Kingdom arm of Union Bank Plc following a letter of ‘No Objection’ issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
This was revealed in a statement issued by Fidelity Bank and signed by its company secretary, Ezinwa Unuignoje, through the Nigeria Exchange Group to the investing public yesterday.
Union Bank UK commenced operations from the heart of the city of London in 1983 to provide competitive banking services, including; Personal Banking, Trade Finance, Treasury Management, and Structured Trade and Commodity Finance which it offers to individual and corporate clients.
Commenting on the agreement, the managing director and chief executive, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said: “this transaction aligns with our strategic plan of expanding our service touchpoints beyond the Nigerian market and providing straight-through services that meet and exceed the needs of our growing clients.
“The diverse service bouquet and business model of Union Bank UK offered a compelling synergy, and we hope to build on the existing capacity to create a scalable and more sustaining service franchise that will support the wider ecosystem of our trade businesses and diaspora banking services.”
The transaction Is subject to the approval of the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA} of the United Kingdom.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Arabambi Abayomi, has bragged about the amount of support the presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, is receiving across Nigeria.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that speaking in Lagos, Abayomi dismissed insinuations that the Obi movement is just a passing fad.
“We are not a social media political party,” Daily Trust quotes Abayomi as saying on Wednesday.
“The people that are conducting our rallies across the states are human beings. We are the new phenomenon, the uncommon political party that will move our nation from consumption to production.
“As I speak now, with the number of support groups that have registered with their Voters cards and telephone numbers, we have 22 million Nigerians with us. And we are expecting more before December.
“Nigerians are yearning for change; they have gone through a lot and they know the person they want to lead them.
“You can see that all across Nigeria, the movement is so massive because Peter Obi is the only pan-Nigeria candidate who the people trust. These are Nigerians asking for positive change.”
An American man has expressed how heartbroken he was after discovering that his 6-year-old daughter is not his.
The man who shared photo of the DNA result, revealed that he went into debt and dropped out of school to become a full time dad.
Daniel Robinson disclosed that he has been a single father for four years and just discovered that he’s been lied to and manipulated for six years. He added that his baby mama and half of her friends knew.
He wrote;
Tired. I’ve kept my peace as long as possible but I feel like it’s time to tell my story. I’ve loved this little girl while she was still a fetus inside of her mother. I dropped out of school to be a full time father. I worked whatever hours possible. I even became a SINGLE FATHER for 4 years! I’ve went into debt, I gave my absolute all, even scrapped change for wipes. Only to find out 6 years later that I had been being lied to and manipulated. She knew and half of her friends did too. I am hurt and angry. No I am NOT okay.
Erik ten Hag claims Manchester United are closed for business and wantaway superstar Cristiano Ronaldo will remain at the club this summer.
‘It is clear,’ Ten Hag said when quizzed on if Ronaldo is staying at the club despite making clear his desire to move to a club in the Champions League.
‘We need quality players. You need more to cover all the games to keep the consistency going.’
Ten Hag says Man Utd business is done. He says “clear” Ronaldo part of his plans and Wan-Bissaka “will stay”. “So this squad, we will go from September to minimum January but we will play with this squad this season
Telecommunications companies in Nigeria will from September 1, 2022, begin to earn more from calls terminating on their network from outside the country.
The Nigerian Communications Commission has set $0.10 as the new fixed International Termination Rate
The ITR, which is the rate paid to local telecom operators by international operators to terminate calls in Nigeria, was increased from the $0.045 initially presented in December last year as a floor price to $0.10.
The Commission added that international operators were mandated to pay local operations in dollars.
On the reason for backtracking on the floor price to a fixed price, the NCC noted: “While the Determination had set a floor price at $0.045 and gives the MNOs room to negotiate on commercial terms with carriers, there were related indications that MNOs took advantage of this latitude to engage in discriminatory pricing that favours their related international carrier partners to the detriment of the Nigerian transit/IDA operators.
“To check the incidence of such anticompetitive disposition, it was agreed by all parties at the meetings that a fixed rate should be adopted by the Commission, in place of the floor rate which had provided a platform for negotiations with various carriers at a rate above the floor.
” It was further agreed that the present Determination should be amended to include this new fixed rate. This position was further underscored by the fact that the floor price of $0.045 while being the lowest in Africa, does not support predictability and monitoring, with a little positive impact on a healthy national balance of payment position.”
While noting that a fixed rate would ensure transparency in pricing by all, and support the Commission’s effort to monitor compliance by all operators, the Commission added that:
“To give effect to this, representatives of MNOs and IDAs had initially proposed a fixed ITR at $0.08 and $0.15 respectively, for Commission’s consideration. However, after a thorough evaluation, the Commission resolved to peg the rate at $0.10.”
Super Eagles striker, Umar Sadiq is close to finalising his move from newly promoted La Liga club U.D Almeria to Real Sociedad.
According to Italian transfer journalist, Fabrizio Romano, the Nigerian striker is set to complete a move to Sociedad for a fee of €20 million.
“[Umar] Sadiq to Real Sociedad, done deal as expected. Negotiations are completed around €20m — he will travel soon for medical tests,” Romano stated via a tweet.
He added that the deal to transfer the 25-year-old from Almeria to Sociedad will be signed and concluded later today.
Romano also disclosed that Sadiq is considered the ideal replacement for Alexander Isak at Real Sociedad.
Isak has left a void in Real Sociedad when he joined English club Newcastle United for a record €70m.
Following his departure, the Spanish club identified the Nigeria international to replace Isak at the club.
The European Union(EU) has announced it would be suspending visas for Russian citizens in an effort to limit border crossings from Russia to the EU as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate.
European foreign ministers reached political consensus to fully suspend the visa facilitation agreement between the European Union and Russia. The agreement will now have to be approved by all member states at the European Council level.
“Since mid of July, we have seen a substantial increase on border crossing from Russia, in the neighboring states. And this has become a security risk for these neighboring states,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said during a press conference in Prague on Wednesday, August 31.
Borrell said that the bloc agreed to significantly reduce the number of new visas issued by EU member states to Russian citizens.
Borrell added that EU member states have seen “many Russians traveling for leisure, shopping, as if no war was raging in Ukraine.”
“We are not business as usual, it cannot be business as usual,” he added.
“It’s going to be more difficult, it’s going to be longer the process. And consequently, the number of new visas will be substantially reduced,” he added
In response, Russia warned the EU of consequences over the suspension.
According to state news agency RIA Novosti, Russia will decide what to do in retaliation.
“Violation, circumvention or withdrawal by the EU from the visa facilitation agreement with Russia won’t be left without consequences. We will decide for ourselves whether the measures will be symmetrical, asymmetric or something that the EU does not expect,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told the news agency.
“If Brussels decides to shoot itself in the foot again, then it is their choice,” he said
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 02: WizKid performs during the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 at FNB Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100)
Nigerian Grammy award-winning singer, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun popularly known as Wizkid has again made Nigerians proud with his latest achievement.
Naija News reports that the Recording Industry Association of America on Tuesday, 30th August 2022 announced the Gold Certification of Wizkid’s fourth studio album, ‘Made In Lagos’ after it sold over 500,000 copies in the United States.
With such an incredible feat in his career, Wizkid has become the first and only Nigerian and African artist to have his album sell above 500,000 copies in the United States.
The biggest song of the album was ‘Essence’ remix featuring American Pop star Justin Bieber and Afrobeats superstar, Tems.
Recalls that the Grammy nominated ‘Essence’ was awarded the Best Collaboration Award at the 2020 BET Awards as Wizkid became the first ever African artiste (alongside Tems) to win a major BET award category.
The song also enjoyed an impressive level of success in the United States, as it peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is two-time platinum.
The Grammy-nominated album featured hit tracks and contributions from Tems, Burna Boy, Damian Marley, Skepta, Ella Mai, H.E.R., Buju, “Essence” remix featuring Tems and Canadian singer Justin Bieber and many more.
Chelsea midfielder, N’Golo Kante is set for a shock transfer move to Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG are keeping a close eye on Kante’s contract situation at Chelsea.
Kante has just one year remaining on his current contract with Chelsea, and it is unknown whether the west London club are going to offer him an extension.
Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel, is very keen for the France World Cup winner to stay at Stamford Bridge but has admitted that his age, injury history and wage demands will be important factors.
PSG are monitoring this situation, according to The Times, which could result in a transfer offer before the summer window closes on September 1 or the next.
Alternatively, PSG could wait to take Kante on a free transfer next summer.
Kante joined Chelsea from Leicester City back in 2016.
A 19-year-old girl has died after she was set on fire by a man whose marriage proposal she rejected.
Ankita Kumari died on Sunday, August 28, days after she was doused with kerosene through her house window while she was sleeping and set on fire.
The Class 12 student, a Hindu living in the Dumka district of the eastern state of Jharkhand refused to marry the accused, a Muslim man living in the same locality, so he attacked her on Tuesday, August 23.
The man who carried out the horrific crime was arrested along with the person who supplied the petrol.
The accused was photographed smiling in police custody, just hours after the victim died on Sunday.
According to the statement given to an executive magistrate, Ms Kumari said the accused called her and threatened her life.
She said: “He called me again around 8pm on Monday and told me that he would kill me if I did not talk to him.
“I informed my father about the threat after which he assured me that he would talk to the man’s family on Tuesday. After having our dinner, we went to sleep. I was sleeping in another room.
“On Tuesday morning, I experienced a sensation of pain on my back and could smell something burning. I found him running away when I opened my eyes.
“I started screaming in pain and went to my father’s room. My parents doused the fire and took me to the hospital.”
Former Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das said: “A woman was burnt to death but the chief minister is maintaining silence. Isn’t it a politics of appeasement?”
Hardline Hindu groups have called for the death of the accused.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad, or the World Hindu Council, said the majority Hindu community are prepared to hit the streets and protest if action is not taken sooner.
“Today, there is a dire need to create a safe environment for women in the country”, Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the main opposition Congress party, said on Twitter.
Ms Kumari was filmed saying from her hospital bed: “He should die the way I am dying today.”
An emergency medical technician (EMT) in Delaware County is facing charges after allegedly exposing a “semi-conscious” woman under his care in the back of an ambulance and snapping photos of her breasts.
Kevin Hakeem Pressley, 24, an employee with the Brookhaven Fire Co. Ambulance, was arrested Saturday, August 27, for lifting up a semi-conscious woman’s sports bra and taking pictures of her in the back of an ambulance, police said on Monday, August 29.
Pressley was among the emergency personnel tasked with rushing the woman, who was experiencing chest pains, from an urgent care center in Brookhaven to Crozer Chester Medical Center around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 25, police said.
During transport, Pressley — while caring for the victim in the back of the ambulance — reportedly exposed the woman’s breasts and took photos of her while she was in a “semi-conscious state.”
Pressley was charged with indecent assault, invasion of privacy, harassment and disorderly conduct.
He was arraigned on $100,000 bail and is being detained at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Glen Mills.
Investigators received information that he previously worked for other medical providers, and Brookhaven police are now asking any other potential victims to contact their department with the information.
Actor/singer Tyrese’s courtroom showdown with his estranged wife, Samantha Lee Gibson, wrapped up Tuesday evening, August 29, in Georgia with the judge ordering him to pay $10,690/month in child support.
Recall that the estranged couple who share a daughter, Soraya, got married on Valentine’s Day in 2017 after their first meeting in 2015.
Samantha filed for divorce from the six-time Grammy nominee in September 2020, and claimed Tyrese had locked her out of the house. He has repeatedly denied the accusation.
Ruling on the case on Tuesday August 30, the Judge said the $10k/month payment dates back to when Samantha first filed for divorce in September 2020; which means he owes his ex a lump sum of $209k.
The judge who also advised Samantha and Tyrese not to bad mouth each other in front of Soraya, added that Tyrese should be happy if his ex moves into a nicer house, because it means a better standard of living for his daughter.
After Tyrese revealed he had been making Samantha’s car payments for 2 years, the judge knocked off $46k, bringing the lump sum down to $169k.
Asides ruling that neither party will pay spousal support, Tyrese also got their Range Rover, while Samantha got their Land Rover. The Judge also granted Samantha’s petition for a divorce, which means both of them are now single.
Mario Balotelli has reportedly agreed on personal terms over a switch to Swiss side FC Sion.
The Italian striker is set to move to the 11th different club of his career just days after he nearly came to blows with his current manager Vincenzo Montella.
Transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a full agreement is in place to join the Swiss Super League side. He added that the 32-year-old will undergo a medical in Sion on Wednesday morning August 31, before the deal is completed.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker joined Adana Demirspor on a three-year deal in July 2021.
Just 13 months, he is leaving the Turkish Super Lig side amid his furious row with Montella could have a big part to play in his exit.
Following Adana Demirspor’s 1-0 Turkish Super Lig victory over Umraniye on Saturday, Balotelli provoked an angry reaction from the Italian manager.
The striker appeared to make a comment that angered the Demirspor manager to react angrily, and had to be restrained by staff and players.
The Italian scored 19 goals for the Turkish side last season, his second-highest return in a season after the 24 he netted for Nice in 2017-18.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has declared a comprehensive, total and indefinite strike action beginning on Monday, August 29, 2022.
ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke announced this in a statement on Monday night, August 29, after the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Union held in Abuja.
He said: “Following extensive deliberations on Government’s response to the resolution of 14th February, 2022 so far, NEC concluded that the demands of the Union had not been satisfactorily addressed. Consequently, NEC resolved to transmute the roll-over strike to a comprehensive, total and indefinite strike action beginning from 12.01a.m. on Monday, 29th August, 2022.”
The statement read: “The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) held an emergency meeting at the Comrade Festus Iyayi National Secretariat, University of Abuja, Abuja on Sunday, 28th August, 2022. The meeting was called mainly to review developments since its last resolution that rolled over the nationwide strike action for another four weeks starting from 1st August, 2022.
“NEC observed with regret that the Union had experienced a lot of deceit of the highest level in the last five and half years as the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) engaged ASUU in fruitless and unending negotiation without a display of utmost fidelity. In 2017, the Federal Government constituted a committee to renegotiate the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement under the chairmanship of Dr. Wale Babalakin. After three years of fruitless negotiation, Dr. Babalakin was replaced in December 2020 with Professor Emeritus Munzali Jibril.
“The Renegotiation Committee produced and submitted a draft agreement to the Federal Government in May, 2021. It is sad that, until 14th February, 2022 when the ongoing strike commenced, the Federal Government made no significant efforts to either sign the agreement or commence implementation. It was only after the commencement of this strike that the Federal Government reconstituted the committee with Professor Emeritus Nimi Briggs appointed Chairman to lead the Government Team.
“NEC recalled that, before meeting with our Union, the Nimi Briggs Committee confirmed to ASUU in writing that it was consulting with all relevant stakeholders in order to aggregate Government’s position/offer. After intensive bargaining, ASUU came to a compromise with the Professor Briggs-led Team leading to the submission of the second Draft Agreement to the Federal Government in June, 2022 for consideration and approval for signing by the two parties within one week.
“This was done in line with the principle of collective bargaining. Shortly after and against all expectations, however, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, and later his Minister of State, Festus Kayamo, alleged that the Union chased away representatives of government agencies and thereafter fixed unreasonable and unimplementable salary package for its members. They claimed that the government would need to borrow 1.6 trillion Naira to implement the Draft Agreement; a claim that is not only malicious but contrived to blackmail the Union.
“Subsequently, some miserable, unilateral, and insulting take-it or-leave-it offers of between N30, 000 and N60,000 monthly salary were thrown at the Union. This was obviously an attempt to abrogate the principle of collective bargaining which has guided ASUU engagements with Federal Government since 1981.
“NEC noted that ASUU and other well-meaning Nigerians have expressed serious disappointment by and consternation on the attitude of the Government conveyed by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who had deliberately misinformed the public and reduced the current struggle of ASUU to the payment of withheld salaries, claiming that all other contentious issues had been resolved. For the avoidance of doubt, however, none of the issues that forced our Union to resume the suspended strike as listed in the December 2020 FGN-ASUU Memorandum of Action (MoA) has been satisfactorily addressed by the Government to date.
“The draft renegotiated FGN-ASUU Agreement (second draft) remains unsigned; the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) has not been adopted and deployed to replace the discredited Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS); and the White Papers on Visitation Panels to Federal Universities, if ready as claimed by Government more than six months ago, are nowhere to be found.
“Similarly, Government has not delivered on the promised balance of one tranche of the Revitalization Fund more than one year after, the outstanding two tranches of the Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) have not been released; and nothing has since happened on the promised support for amendment to the Law of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to stem the tide of proliferation of universities especially by the State Governments.
“NEC was utterly disappointed in agents of Government, especially the Minister of Education, for the deliberate falsehood and misrepresentation of facts aimed at scoring cheap political gains. It is disheartening to imagine that a Minister whose responsibility it is to resolve the crisis can overnight turn round to lead in this ignoble enterprise of distorting facts and misleading Nigerians.
“The disdain with which the Minister of Education handled questions about the ongoing ASUU strike at his distasteful Press Conference on Thursday, 18th August, 2022 lends credence to the widespread suspicion that the current Government never believed in saving public universities from the misfortunes that have befallen Nigeria’s public primary and secondary schools.”
Napoli head coach, Luciano Spalletti has ruled out the chances of Victor Osimhen joining Manchester United from the Italian club.
Osimhen has been linked with Manchester United who are willing to offer €100m and Cristiano Ronaldo on loan with most of his salary paid.
“He wants to play the Champions League with this (Napoli) squad,” Spalletti told DAZN.
“Osimhen gave his response, via his agent, saying he wants to play the Champions League and he wants to play it with this squad.”
On whether he will change his starting lineup ahead of his side’s game against Lecce on Wednesday, Spalletti said, “I have not changed the starting XI because they did very well. If there are no problems, I see no reason to change.
“The issue of squad rotation will be later when we have a game every three days.
Speaking about Osimhen’s contributions to the club, he said;
“He cares about his teammates, he chases down opposition players to help out and is a very strong focal point in attack. Having him at our disposal with that mentality is the best we could ask for.”
Employees who perpetrate fraud through stealing in the workplace have been labelled as “Workplace Rats” in a new book, which has just been released to the public. The book which admits that poor business model and financial management contribute to business failures specifically identified stealing as a major cause of bankruptcy in organisations.
The book asserts that some employees and executives within the lowest and highest rung of the organizational ladder are pilfering, who often exploit any cavity within the system to generate unearned income for selfish ends. It refers to such employees as Workplace Rats.
The book which reveals motives, schemes, intrigues and tactics deployed by fraudulent employees to rip off employers, also contains ways and how organisations can prevent Workplace Rats from executing their dishonest and unethical practices at the workplace.
Written by Dr Michael Owhoko, renowned author and journalist, the book is entitled, Workplace Rats. It was published by Exceller Books, and it is currently on sale on Amazon, Banes and Nobles and major bookstores worldwide.
“Fraudsters in organisations are likened to rats at the workplace because they leave in their trail, the destruction of valuables and capital through fraud and unethical practices, resulting in most times, bankruptcy or liquidation. Like rats, their actions invoke pain as they never add value to anything. Wherever rats are found, there is a complete threat to material order. They destroy by consuming all valuables within sight”, Owhoko disclosed in the new book.
According to him, “Like rats, there are people in organizations whose only motive is to perpetuate selfish agenda through methods that advance their interests, even if it is at the expense of the organization. They have a prick-proof conscience that does not respond to malevolence, attendant destruction, losses and pains resulting from their actions.”
The author said further that Workplace rats are not limited to employees alone. “They are also found among entrepreneurs, business executives, politicians and top government functionaries, including civil and public servants.”
Indeed, the book is a must-read not only for entrepreneurs, business leaders, government officials and business influencers but for all Nigerians with the potential to establish their own businesses in the country.
About the Author
Dr Michael Owhoko is a Lagos-based journalist and author who has mostly worked in the banking, oil and gas, and media industries where he held senior and management positions. He earned degrees in political science and mass communications, and he is the author of The Language of Oil & Gas; Career Frustration in the Workplace; Nigeria on the Precipice: Issues, Options and Solutions; The Future of Nigeria; and Feminism: The Agony of Men. He can be reached at www.mikeowhoko.com.
President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to eight bills passed by the National Assembly.
In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Nasir Illa, on Monday, listed the bills as Counselling Practitioners Council of Nigeria, Civil Aviation Act, Nigerian Metrological Agency, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and Nigerian Council for Management Development. Others are National Institute of Credit Administration, Chartered Institute Of Social Work Practitioners and Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria.
The statement, which did not indicate when the bills were signed, gave the highlights of the new laws as follows:
Counselling Practitioners Council of Nigeria, 2022
The new entity has the responsibility of advancing the study, training and practice of counselling profession.
Also, the body is charged with the responsibility to determine the standard of knowledge and skill to be attained by persons seeking to become registered members of the counselling profession.
Civil Aviation Act, 2022
This Act repealed the Civil Aviation Act, No. 6, 2006 and enacts the Civil Aviation Act, 2022. The legislation establishes rules of operation and divisions of responsibility within the Nigerian civil aviation system in order to promote aviation safety and security.
In addition, it seeks to ensure that Nigeria’s obligations under international aviation agreements are implemented, and consolidate the laws relating to the regulation of civil aviation in Nigeria.
Meteorological Agency (Establishment) Act, 2022
The Act repealed the Nigerian Metrological Agency (Establishment, etc.) Act, No. 9 of 2003 and enacts the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Establishment) Act and provide for comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the regulation of meteorology in Nigeria.
The body has the sole authority to approve, licence, certify and regulate the establishment of meteorological stations for meteorological observations.
Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act, 2022
The Act repealed the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act Cap. P17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and enacted the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022.
The Pharmacists Council is charged with the responsibility, amongst others, of regulating and controlling the education, training and practice of pharmacy and related matters in Nigeria.
Nigerian Council for Management Development Act, 2022
The Act repealed the Nigerian Council for Management Development Act and the National Centre for Economic Management and Administration Act and enacts the Nigerian Council for Management Development Act, 2022.
National Institute Of Credit Administration (Establishment) Act, 2022
The institute has the power to regulate credit management practice and set standards and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become professional credit managers in Nigeria.
Chartered Institute Of Social Work Practitioners (Establishment) Act, 2022
The Institute is charged with the responsibility for training and registration of persons aspiring to become Social Work Practitioners in Nigeria and determine the standards of knowledge and skill to be attained by persons seeking to become registered as chartered social work practitioners.
The body also has the power to establish and maintenance of register of corporate members, fellows, associates, honourary fellows, and the publication of the list of registered members.
Advertising Regulatory Council Of Nigeria Act, 2022
The Act repealed the Advertising Practitioners (Registration, etc.) Act, Cap. A7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and enacts the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act, 2022
The legislation makes provision for the regulation and control of advertising, ensure the protection of the general public and consumers, promote local content and entrench the best international practices.
THE International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said over 14,000 out of 25,000 people who have been reported missing in Nigeria are children.
The organisation disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday in commemoration of International Day of the Disappeared.
The organisation said 64,000 cases of disappeared persons have been reported across Africa.
Yann Bonzon, Head of the Delegation for the ICRC in Nigeria, said, “There are over 35 active armed conflicts in Africa today; thousands of people, including children cross borders, the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea in search of safety and a better life each year. Such movements often entail great risk, including the risk of disappearance. Documented cases of missing persons are on the rise; however, the ICRC warns that the actual figures are much higher.
“Sadly, the almost 14,000 children registered does not capture the full scope of this often-neglected and tragic humanitarian issue. There is no doubt that there are more children whose fate remains unknown.”
The statement noted that during displacement, children face risks such as exploitation, violence, mental distress and disappearance.
“Many also end up alone, with no news of their families’ whereabouts. The ICRC has more than 5,200 documented cases of unaccompanied children in Africa.”
“Having the right policies in place can save lives. It is an essential step to protect migrants and families of missing persons. This is a question of humanity and human dignity,” said Patrick Youssef, the regional director for ICRC in Africa.
“Families of the disappeared face immense pain and obstacles that often transcend generations. They are stuck in limbo, unable to move forward or grieve. The search for their loved ones never ends.”
According to the statement, from January to June 2022, the ICRC together with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), assisted in the exchange of 1,250 Red Cross Messages containing family news and reunited 31 separated children/unaccompanied minors with their families while 440 phone calls were provided to families to maintain family contact.
In addition, families of 377 persons received information about the whereabouts or fate of their loved ones and 146 families of missing persons received psychosocial, economic, legal and administrative support through the Accompaniment Program for Families of the Missing.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised an alarm of Nigerian politicians seeing elections as war.
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of the INEC, Festus Okoye who spoke at the inauguration of the Election Crisis Communication Team (ECCT) organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) on Monday August 29, added that while INEC enjoys media coverage, there is still room for strengthening the communications system of the commission.
Okoye said;
“As a result of the way elections are pursued by politicians, elections are almost akin to war. It is almost like a perennial crisis.
“However, the commission has also been doing a lot that is under-reported, shrouded in sensationalism or even misinterpreted by the general public. As we experience increasing incidents of misrepresentation of the commission, either out of insufficient appreciation of the constitutive legal instruments underlying the work of the commission; inadequate understanding of the work of the commission or other sundry issues around political positioning and contest for power.”
He also disclosed that Nigerians would elect candidates for 1,491 constituencies, comprising one presidential constituency, 28 governorship elections, 109 senatorial districts, 360 federal constituencies and 993 state assembly seats for the 2023 elections.
Okoye added;
“In preparations, INEC would be involved in recruiting and training staff and managing the logistics for their deployment to 176,846 polling units, spread across 8,809 electoral wards, 774 local government areas, 37 states of the federation and the FCT.
“This is in addition to applying strategic approaches to ensure the printing and collection of PVCs by registered voters and replacing lost cards before the 2023 general election.
“These tasks are better appreciated when one reasons that the projected voter population for the 2023 general election is about 95 million, which is over 20 million more than the combined voter population of the other 14 countries in West Africa.
“The commission is expected to perform these duties exceptionally despite the myriad geographical challenges that characterize the country, especially poor transportation systems.”
Cristiano Ronaldo’s team-mates at Manchester United celebrated when he informed the club he wants to leave this summer, ESPN reports.
With the transfer window set to close this Thursday, it is looking unlikely that the 37-year-old might get his wish.
Ronaldo’s 24 goals in all competitions last season was not enough to qualify United for the Champions League, a competition he desperately wants to continue playing in.
While fans are split on whether Ronaldo’s departure would be a positive thing for new manager Erik ten Hag, his team-mates appear to have made their minds up.
Majority of the squad reacted with joy when it emerged in July that the legendary No.7 wanted to leave, as he’d become a “pain in the a***.”
Ten Hag has handed Ronaldo only one start this season and that was in the humiliating 4-0 drubbing at Brentford.
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has promised to expose politicians who plan to continue the looting of Nigeria’s treasury even as he revealed that some politicians canvassing for votes to win 2023 presidential election do not mean well for the country.
The governor boasted to have privileged information on the plans of such politicians, saying he will reveal their identities at the appropriate time so that Nigerians can reject them at the polls.
Wike stated this at the flag-off of internal roads at Rumuesara, Eneka town in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Monday.
He said: “Some other people are busy, putting themselves together on how they will take over leadership in Nigeria to loot the remaining ones these other people have already kept.
“I’m privileged to know and at the appropriate time I’ll tell you who these people are. You need to know what is happening in Nigeria. Forget about all these people running around saying they want to rescue or save you. Just watch to see what is going to happen next.
“All of us should be calm concerning what is happening in PDP. In fact, nothing has happened yet. But by the grace of God, something will happen,” Wike added.
He pointed out that while his administration continues to flag-off and inaugurate projects for Rivers people, detractors keep sponsoring negative media campaigns against him noting that despite such negative media comments, his administration has not relented in offering good governance to strengthen the relationship with the people of Rivers State.
He observed that it would be difficult for seasonal politicians who have never done anything to better the lot of Rivers electorate to come to them and solicit their votes.
“Look at us concentrating in giving our people good governance. What is good governance? Good governance is making the people to be happy. Good governance is providing infrastructure for the people. Good governance is not about party. Providing good governance is about leadership. We are here everyday flagging off projects, commissioning projects even though our tenure is coming to an end.
“Now that I have come to Eneka to provide this basic infrastructure, I can come back to Eneka and ask you to follow me, let us go there or let us stay here. Do they have what it takes to come and talk to you? Can they come and talk to you?
“It is somebody that hears from you that you have also hear from. This one you’ve not provided anything for my people, you’ve not asked them what they want, then you want to tell them where to vote.
“So, it is us that will come and meet you and say see where you’ll vote. And I know based on our relationship, since we have not deceived you, we have not told you lies, you will follow us at the appropriate time”, Wike told Eneka people.
The governor used the occasion to rename the Igwurata-Eneka Road, the Sam Mbata Road, promising that the State government will accord due recognition to the paramount ruler of Eneka before the end of his tenure in 2023.
The divorce proceedings of actor Tyrese Gibson and his estranged wife Samantha Lee took a different turn on Monday August 29.
TMZ reported that things got heated in court on Monday as Samantha was grilled by Tyrese’s attorney, Tanya Mitchell Graham, about some of her expenses from 2 years ago, including $1,740 for cosmetics.
At the hearing, Tyrese stated that he does not want to pay Samantha, 31, spousal support, and further requested that their prenup be enforced. He also requested joint physical and legal custody of their three-year-old daughter, Soraya Gibson, as well as final say on non-medical emergencies for the child.
Tyrese in court documents claimed that Samantha’s request for $20k in monthly child support, was ‘unreasonably high.’
The actor who wants to keep their 2016 Range Rover, added that he is willing to let Samantha hang onto one of their SUVs: a 2017 Land Rover Discovery.
Samantha filed for divorce from the six-time Grammy nominee in September 2020, and claimed Tyrese had locked her out of the house. He has denied the accusation.
Tyrese who is also a musician pointed to ‘being raised in broken homes with with no example of what being a husband or father is’ as contributing to the demise of his second marriage and claimed ‘black families and marriages are under attack’ at the time.
He said in a separate statement that he and Samantha, who he met in 2015, will ‘remain the best of friends and strong co-parents.’
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Brazilian attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta.
Paqueta, who turned 25 on Saturday August 27, has joined the Hammers from French club Lyon on a five-year deal, with an additional one-year option, according to the club’s website.
West Ham’s new number 11 said: ‘I am extremely happy to be here. I hope it’s the beginning of an enjoyable journey. I hope my time here is successful.
‘Last season, West Ham had a very good season and I hope they continue to enjoy more and more good seasons in my time at the Club.’
‘I am excited to pull on the West Ham shirt and show the fans what I can do, to help my team-mates and the Club.’
The 24-year-old becomes David Moyes’ eighth summer signing at the London Stadium.
Paqueta has 33 caps and seven goals for Brazil and has already played more than 100 games in Serie A and Ligue 1 since moving to AC Milan from Flamengo in 2018.
Bola Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he is in the 2023 presidential race to impact the lives of Nigerians positively.
In a tweet on Monday, the former Lagos governor said he is in the race to answer “a higher calling” which is his love for Nigeria.
“We are not here to do what is comfortable. We are here to do what is right for our people and our country,” the tweet reads.
“We are here to answer to a greater, higher calling. That calling is the love of Nigeria. We dare not miss this chance because we cannot be sure of another.”
The APC candidate, whose choice of running mate elicited criticisms in different quarters, has been meeting with political bigwigs to gain their support ahead of the 2023 elections.
Last Tuesday, he had a meeting with Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, in France. The latter is reportedly pondering on whether to back the APC candidate in the 2023 presidential election.
As part of his plans for Nigeria, Tinubu said if elected, he would embark on modern infrastructural development across the country, institute financial reforms, and eliminate crimes.
A woman suffering from dementia died after the California senior citizens home she lived in served her dishwashing liquid instead of juice, the home said.
Gertrude Elizabeth Murison Maxwell was one of three residents at Atria Park Senior Living Facility in San Mateo rushed to the hospital after they drank the caustic liquid.
The employees involved have been suspended as the home investigates internally and cooperates with local authorities, the facility said.
Atria said in a statement to KRON-TV: “We have been working with local authorities, who have informed us that one resident passed away. Our sincerest condolences are with the family.”
One source told NBC Bay Area the dishwashing liquid might have been confused with grape juice.
“There may have been a mistake,’” the source involved in the investigation told the local NBC affiliate. “A jug of grape juice is what somebody thought they had picked up and poured into glasses, but it was some sort of cleaning fluid.”
The victim’s daughter, Marcia Cutchin, told the local television station that the senior home told her family the substance given to her mother was an “alkaline cleaning solution that eats protein.”
Maxwell suffers from dementia and was not able to feed herself, Cutchin said.
She added that when her mother arrived at the hospital, she had “severe blistering of her mouth and throat and esophagus”.
“Many people, like my mother, you have to hold a cup to her mouth and tip it into her mouth,” Cutchin told KRON-TV.
The television station reported San Mateo Police were investigating and had no additional information.
Maxwell is survived by eight children and 20 grandchildren.
Persistent brain drain by doctors is depleting the country’s medical care expertise and taking the country farther away from the recommended number of doctors…
Persistent brain drain by doctors is depleting the country’s medical care expertise and taking the country farther away from the recommended number of doctors per population, medical associations and experts have said.
Their position faulted the claim by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire that Nigeria has a sufficient number of medical doctors despite the brain drain.
The minister during a briefing on Tuesday stated that there were enough medical doctors in the country and that the number of doctors produced annually exceeds the number leaving the country.
But the umbrella body of medical doctors in the country, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other stakeholders said the claim by the minister was far from the truth.
The NMA insisted that just about 30,000 medical doctors were currently practising in Nigeria out of the about 80,000 registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) from 1960 to date.
The NMA also revealed that Nigeria currently has a doctor-to-patient ratio of one doctor to 4000-5000 patients instead of the one doctor to 600 patient ratio recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Daily Trust reports that the spate of brain drain in the health sector, which has led to a shortage of manpower with attendant burnout, payment of hazard allowance, and outstanding Medical Residency Training Fund, was part of the reasons the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had issued a two-week ultimatum to the federal government to address or it would embark on industrial action.
Findings by our reporter also reveal that many doctors in the country continue to troop to recruitment interviews or centres by foreign governments to leave the country for greener pastures.
A large number of those seeking to leave the country are consultants with different specialties in the field of medicine, thereby causing manpower shortages in the health facilities.
The minister of health had said: “At the moment we have heard complaints of doctors who are now leaving the system but there are actually enough doctors in the system in the country because we are producing up to 2,000 or 3,000 doctors every year in the country, and the number leaving is less than 1,000. It is just that the employment process needs to be smoothened.”
He said the ministry was working with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to have a one-for-one policy of employment.
“So if one doctor resigns today and goes abroad, we will employ one doctor. If it is one nurse, we replace it with one nurse. So, if we adopt a one-for-one replacement we are not likely to have a shortage.
NMA faults minister’s claim
However, the President of NMA, Dr Uche Ojinmah said there are only 20, 000 to 30,000 medical doctors currently practising in Nigeria out of the about 80,000 registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) since 1960 to date.
He said that Nigeria has a doctor-to-patient ratio of one doctor to 4000-5000 patients instead of the one doctor to 600 patient ratio recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
He said out of the about 80,000 on the MDCN register since inception some have died, retired, joined politics, emigrated, or are no longer practising, or had joined other careers.
He said if there were enough doctors in the country, primary health care centres in the country would not have been empty of doctors.
The NMA president said when there is a bias in a sample, there is bound to be mistaken, adding that the minister was talking about replacement in Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres without considering General Hospitals, PHCs, and mission hospitals.
He said even if the number of doctors emigrating out of the country equals the number produced annually, the quality of specialists leaving cannot be replaced by the fresh graduates produced that year.
According to him, most of those leaving have often finished youth service or practised for at least two years, and cannot be replaced by fresh graduates in the hospitals.
“I am a consultant hematologist of 15 years standing, if I leave today, will I be replaced with a fresh graduate?” he asked.
He said that even if all of the doctors registered with MDCN to date, were still practicing, they could not adequately take care of Nigeria’s 200 million people.
He added that the magnitude of the brain drain of doctors is the fact that the General Medical Council of Britain (GMC) licensed 226 Nigerian doctors in a space of one to two months, adding that the number in a year could best be imagined.
“Nigeria should be importing medical doctors just like Europe and America are doing but we misplace priorities. If we are paying medical doctors well in Nigeria and have good facilities, doctors will come from Ghana, and the Gambia to work here. There was a time that doctors were coming to practice in Nigeria.”
He called on the government to improve remuneration for health workers and fund and open more medical schools where doctors can do house jobs so that the country could produce more doctors to take care of its needs.
The NMA also in April this year said that Nigeria lost over 9,000 medical doctors to the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America between 2016 and 2018.
The association said the loss left Nigeria with only 4.7 per cent of its specialists to service the health care needs of the population, adding that this does not paint the country in good light.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. Godiya Ishaya, said there is no way Nigeria will have enough medical doctors even if the whole doctors that have registered with MDCN in the country since its inception were practising.
He said the manpower shortage from a brain drain for instance led to the shutting down of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State last Friday.
“In fact, FMC Owo is on strike over manpower shortage. The remaining doctors are now overworking to cater to the teeming patients and they are breaking down frequently as a result of that,” he said.
Dr. Ishaya said an average of between 200 to 300 of his colleagues leave the country every two months, adding that last year alone, close to 1,500 emigrated to the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, as they have not been counting those who leave for Canada, United States, and other countries.
He said even the doctors produced yearly by the country are not been employed by the government.
“How many of the doctors being produced or graduating from the school has the Federal Ministry of Health employed, and how many are exiting out of the country?
“That is the reason we are calling for the employment of doctors to replace those who have emigrated out of the country.”
While applauding the efforts of the head of the service for forwarding requests to replace exiting colleagues through the Federal Ministry of Health, he said the process is currently marred by delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks such that before a colleague is replaced many more have exited again.
He said: “We fought for the replacement policy, we went on strike over acute manpower shortage, and while at the National Assembly, a lot of bottlenecks were identified.
“There was a committee being moved to be inaugurated but since we suspended the strike we have not heard anything.
“The Federal Ministry of Health should have pushed through with the committee. Before you write the chief executive, go to offices for verification, (and each of these offices takes three months each), it will take a minimum of six months to achieve the replacement.
“So if we allow the bureaucratic process to go on and five doctors exit and need to be replaced, before the process is concluded, maybe another 10 doctors would have exited. By the time they get replaced the deficit will still remain, and that is why we have been fighting it,” he added.
Also, the immediate National President of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Prof. Ken Ozoilo in an interview with Daily Trust said that his association observed that while these countries (where doctors are migrating) have put in place measures to recover their health systems, including boosting personnel by luring our members with lucrative conditions of service, the Nigerian government has not put in place every serious measure to retain this highly skilled manpower.
He said the link between the dilapidated state of the economy; poor remuneration, inadequate health infrastructure/equipment, and highly volatile security situation are also factors forcing doctors to emigrate.
“The current security challenges in Nigeria threaten the very fabric of our existence and should be a cause for concern for all well-meaning Nigerians. The current brain drain that has increased exponentially in recent times is also partly fuelled by the need to flee this insecurity,” he added.
Victor Osimhen’s super agent Roberto Calenda, has reacted to reports of a swap deal between his client and Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Reports emerged in Italy on Friday, August 26 that Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes is working on a deal to bring Osimhen to Manchester United and Ronaldo to Napoli on loan.
According to the report, Napoli demanded €120m before a deal could be struck with the Nigerian.
However, Calenda has now stated on Twitter that there are no ongoing negotiations with Manchester United regarding his client .
“No ongoing negotiations, no swap deals. Osimhen is a Napoli player and wants to play in the Champions League with his Napoli side after conquering it on the pitch with pride along with his teammates and the coach.” Calenda wrote on his Twitter handle Friday evening, August 26.
The 23-year-old Edo native joined Napoli from Ligue 1 club, Lille three years ago and has scored scored 30 goals in 64 appearances for the Partenopei.
A man of God of Nigerian descent, Pastor Jerry Eze has been recognised and acknowledged by one of the biggest international media outlets, CNN as a prayer warrior and religious leader with strong global influence.
Pastor Jerry kicked-off a prayer programme on his YouTube channel at a time when the world was battling with Covid-19 and global lockdown.
Early in the morning around 7am Nigerian time, Christians from all over the world made it a necessity to join Pastor Eze on his YouTube channel to witness his passionate prayer session and be blessed by it.
According to CNN, With more than 90,000 peak concurrent viewers, Eze’s daily broadcasts rank among the most streamed globally on YouTube, according to the analytics website Playboard, which collates data for YouTube channels.
His YouTube platform also ranks second among gospel channels with the most live viewers worldwide behind Brazilian preacher Bruno Leonardo.
His self-named YouTube channel has over 880,000 subscribers as of this and his broadcasts have garnered more than 122 million views over a three-year period, according to figures from his channel.
Pastor Jerry Eze is a convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Lead Pastor at Streams of Joy International. He is a strong believer that “What God Cannot Do, Does Not Exist”, little wonder lots of people all over the world share amazing testimonies while engaging with him on YouTube.
The 40-year-old preacher and prayer warrior was born on August 22, 1982 in Bende Local Government area of Abia State. He was raised by a petty-trader single mother and his education was funded by a couple who were in love with active participation in church activities in his younger age.
Pastor Eze’s success on YouTube has placed Nigeria on the map of countries with the successful preacher on YouTube.
Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it has arrested a cleaner, Ohiagu Sunday, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, through its Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi. The statement is titled: “NDLEA arrests Lagos Airport cleaner who leads drug syndicate: raids car shop, recovers drugs, launches manhunt for motor dealer; seizes tons of narcotics”.
According to the statement, the suspect leads a drug syndicate at the international wing of the airport.
The suspect was arrested on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, following the arrest of an intending passenger on an Air Peace flight to Dubai, UAE. The passenger, one Obinna Jacob Osita, was arrested with three bags, two of which contained eight blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 4.25kg concealed in cassava product, gari and crayfish.
“One other member of the airport syndicate who works with Ohiagu has also been arrested while operatives are after another suspect,” the statement said.
The anti-narcotics agency noted that its investigations have revealed that a Dubai-based drug dealer recruited Obinna, a 42-year-old native of Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State to traffic the drugs. He allegedly equally contracted Ohiagu, a 34-year-old airport cleaner from Orlu West Local Government Area of Imo State to create access for the unhindered passage of the trafficker.
The statement partly read, “The drug syndicate bust, which is the first drug arrest at the new terminal of the MMIA comes on the heels of the seizure of a consignment of bottles of Viju and Fearless energy drinks used to conceal skunk for export to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) through the NAHCO export shed on Monday, 15th August.
“A freight agent has already been arrested in connection with the seizure,” the statement read. Meanwhile, Babafemi noted that an attempt by a syndicate to export illicit drugs through the Lagos airport on Wednesday, August 24, was foiled during an outward clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline to Oman via Addis Ababa.
It noted that during the clearance, a suspect identified as Jonah Chukwuemeka was arrested with a total of 1,995 Tramadol tablets with a gross weight of 900 grams hidden and packaged as locust beans in his luggage.
“The bag containing the illicit substance was handed over to him at the airport by one Olagunju Abbas who was promptly arrested. “Packs of Tramadol 225mg containing 119,500 capsules were Thursday 25th August transferred to NDLEA by the Nigeria Customs, cargo wing of MMIA. The consignment had come in through Ethiopian Airline from Pakistan.”
In another development, the agency’s spokesman said its operatives on Saturday raided a car shop, Bolak Motors at Ewela bus stop, Oshodi, where bags of 615.2kg cannabis were recovered along with nine vehicles.
He said efforts were ongoing to track the car dealer, Alhaji Ismail, who was said to be at large.
“No fewer than eight suspects were arrested and bags of illicit drugs seized from them when Akerele area of Agege, Shogunle and Mafoluku areas of Oshodi, Fagba area of Ogba, Ipodo area of Ikeja and lyana Ipaja park were raided in the state.
“In Yobe state, two suspected fake security agents taking 14kg cannabis to Maiduguri, Borno state were intercepted along Potiskum- Damaturu Road.
“While Adetula Olarenwaju was arrested with four blocks of the substance on Thursday, 25th August on his way from Lagos, Sadiq Garba returning from Gombe was nabbed with 22 blocks of the substance on Saturday, 27th August,” the statement added.
Two US warships are currently passing through the Taiwan Strait, amid ongoing military tensions between China and Taiwan, the US Navy has announced.
It is the first time US warships will engage in Maritime operation since tensions between Taiwan and China escalated following a visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan earlier this month.
China reacted to the visit by holding large-scale military drills in the Taiwanese strait claiming to be instigated by the interference of the US in internal Chinese affairs.
Beijing views such actions as provocative and maintains that the island of Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory even though China has never ruled Taiwan in 70 years.
The US Navy said in a statement on Sunday August 28 that the transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrated the “United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific”.
“These ships transited through a corridor in the strait that is beyond the territorial sea of any coastal state,” the statement added.
Taiwan’s defence ministry said the ships were sailing in a southerly direction and that its forces were observing, but that “the situation was as normal”.
On Sunday, the Chinese military responded saying it was monitoring the two vessels’ progress, maintaining a high alert, and was ready to defeat any provocation, Reuters news agency reports.
A 74-year-old man from Kogi State identified as Mallam Muhammad Awal, has married for the first time.
Awal wedded 45-year-old divorcee, Mallama Rahmat Muhammad, in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital on Sunday, August 28.
Speaking to journalists on why he had stayed this late before getting married, the septuagenarian said lack of money discouraged him from approaching a woman for marriage.
“I have always been afraid I might fail in my duty of care to a spouse if I married and it is something I fear and don’t want to joke with. I am also afraid of separation from my spouse. I know if I fail to take care of her, she might either leave me or cheat on me with another man, which I would not like. So, to avoid all of that, I dismissed the idea of marriage altogether. But now, Allah has made this a reality.” he said.
On whether he has ever approached a woman to proposition marriage before, he said; “I have… Many. This was when I was much younger. Many of them looked down on me, mostly because of my financial status. But I thank God it is in the past,”
On what attracted him to his new wife and whether he would sire children with her, he said;
“Apart from the fact that she is beautiful, she is also down-to-earth, understanding, religious and rooted in the marital institution. Only Allah knows if we are going to have children. You never know what the Almighty can do. It is not in our hands, but His hands.”
On her part, Rahmat said that it was destined that they would end up as a couple.
“Allah has a reason for bringing us together and my prayers is for him to bless us and give us peace and understanding in our home.” she added.
@Julesv0923 who shared her story on TikTok, revealed that her mother opened up on her affair while she was on a trip to Mexico.
A lady has narrated how she discovered that her mother was pregnant with her boyfriend’s baby, TM reports.
The lady in the video disclosed that she felt she was going to have a sibling but was shocked after being told that the man responsible for the pregnancy was her boyfriend at the time.
Chelsea football club of England have reached an agreement with Leicester City over the transfer of defender, Wesley Fofana.
The the agreed fee is £70m plus add-ons, but the detail of the structure of payments, and exact terms of add-ons are still to be decided, according to Sky Sports.
Sky Sports say the personal salary terms between Fofana and Chelsea are expected to be agreed quickly while Leicester are now looking at possible replacements.
Leicester city manager, Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Thursday that Fofana, who missed last weekend’s defeat to Southampton amid transfer interest from Chrlsea would also be unavailable for Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.
“He won’t be available for the weekend and has trained with the U23 squad,” Rodgers told reporters ahead of Saturday’s game.
“My concentration is on the players that we have, and the team. I can’t lose energy. If something will be done, it will be done with the clubs. Until that happens we just have to work with what we have.”
Rodgers added: “Hopefully [there will be some transfer business done between now and the end of the window]. That would be really good for the team to be able to do that, to improve the squad is always important. But until that changes, we will work with what we have.”
Rodgers said earlier in the week Leicester had rejected a third bid from Chelsea for Fofana and expressed his hope the situation be resolved soon.
A third Chelsea bid for Fofana, worth £70m in total, was immediately rejected earlier this week.
Chelsea previously had two bids in excess of £60m rejected. The new bid of £75m total was submitted on Thursday, August 25 and accepted on Friday, August 26.
Chelsea played Leicester on Saturday afternoon, August 27.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has unveiled the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code for its eNaira, indicating that Nigerians without internet-enabled phones can use eNaira for transactions.
The decision by the apex bank to use the USSD as the offline channel for the eNaira was based on an understanding of the unique features of our economy, taking into account the fact that, as of right now, about 50% of adult Nigerians are not bank customers and are therefore not eligible for formal financial services.
The eNaira’s first phase was concentrated on banked customers, while the second phase is on financial inclusion, according to Emefiele, who made this revelation at the grand conclusion of the eNaira Hackathon.
In order to promote financial inclusion and give Nigerians access to unlimited opportunities through financial services, the new code *997# was introduced.
What the CBN is saying
Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor, represented by Folashodun Adenisi-Shonubi, deputy governor of operations, inaugurated the USSD transaction code on Thursday at the eNaira fair 2022, in Kano.
“It captures the slogan ‘same naira, more possibilities’, and designed to positively impact lives of Nigerians, and transform the economy.”
“The eNaira is expected to enhance inclusion, support poverty reduction, enable direct welfare disbursement to citizens, support a resilient payments ecosystem, improve availability and usability of central bank money,” he said.
In addition, it would lower the cost of processing cash and boost the effectiveness of cross-border transfers, according to Emefiele.
He estimates that 35.9% of Nigerians do not have access to formal financial services, and around 45% do not have bank accounts.
However, he claimed that 86 million of Nigeria’s 106 million adults, or nearly 81% are mobile phone owners.
“In addition, there are 150 million mobile subscribers in Nigeria, according to NCC, June 2022.
“Therefore, eNaira seeks to leverage the huge opportunity mobile telecommunication presents, as a distribution channel, for the offering of digital services to the underserved and unbanked population,” he said.
A supporter of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ukamaka Ejezie aka Mama Biafra, has been released from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
IPOB’s lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, confirmed this in a series of tweets.
The 80-year-old woman was reportedly arrested during a court appearance of IPOB’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court, Abuja on May 18.
“I am very delighted to inform you all that Mrs Ukamaka Ejezie (Mama Biafra) has regained her freedom.
“She is now out of the DSS dungeon,” Ejiofor wrote.
He added that they were not relenting in their bid to ensure “every prisoner of conscience” is released including Kanu.
According to him, “We in the legal team, are doing everything legally permissible to make it happen, we are not resting on our oars at all, be assured.”
Instagram star Iranian Hulk, real name Sajad Gharibi, has removed dozens of images from the social media platform over claims that they have been photoshopped.
The move comes in the aftermath of his defeat in the boxing ring by Kazakh boxer Almat Bakhytovich, which was described as “embarrassing” following an opening-round stoppage last month.
Footage of the fight suggested that Gharibi did not possess the physique displayed in his Instagram photos which showed him looking so big and sculpted. His looks helped him Garner over a million followers on Instagram plus interviews on different western media publications.
During the fight last month, he struggled to even keep himself up or throw any punches.
Since the fight, Gharibi has been deleting photos of himself that showed off his incredible size, and by Thursday, August 25 had only 14 posts on his page.
The remaining photos and videos on his feed show the Iranian Hulk to be much more human in his appearance.
Ahead of the fight, his trainer Hamzeh Moradian had said Gharibi was “too shy” to spar in public, and there were even suggestions he would pull out of the bout.
Moradian told the Daily Mirror: “When we talked, I told him that there is no way Sajad can fight. I said that I don’t mean to intervene, but I think it’s better if it’s canceled.
“When they tried to cancel it, they realized that they can’t do it, because they had to pay a penalty.”
“There are rules anyways, and people working in sports know that it’s not possible to cancel such events and he had to attend.”
Earlier this year, boxer Martyn Ford canceled a scheduled fight against Gharibi over fears about the Iranian’s mental health.
In photographs of the pair, Ford was also clearly larger than his billed opponent — another indicator that Gharibi’s online photos had been doctored.
“He was not what I expected,” Ford said. “I think he’s just fooled the world with photoshop, if I’m honest. Seeing him in real life is not as impressive as seeing him in pictures. So ‘disheartening’ I think is the word. He was tiny.”
Watch how he was beaten at the fight last month
Somebody please pay Iranian Hulk to never step foot inside a boxing ring again pic.twitter.com/Ip3IH4wiyc
— Bowls,Beers,Brawls (@Bowl_Beer_Brawl) July 31, 2022
British Airways is reportedly considering stopping flights to Nigeria from December 1, 2022, as the trapped $464m foreign airlines’ fund crisis lingers in the country.
The airline has reportedly closed its inventory, meaning travel agents would not be able to issue fresh tickets for their clients, but individuals can buy tickets only online, only in dollars.
It is speculated that the decision was taken to mitigate the effect of blocked funds as foreign airlines plan to take drastic action including suspension of flights to pressure the Nigerian Government to release their funds.
Emirates Airlines had already announced that it would suspend flights to Nigerian from September 1 over the same issue as the UAE carrier has over $85m trapped in Nigeria.
Daily Trust reported that the National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) confirmed the development with regards to British Airways.
Members of the association were told not to issue or pay for tickets beyond December following the new development and deadline issued to Nigerian government by British Airways.
The memo read;
“The National Executive Council of NANTA just concluded a business meeting with British Airways and British Airways conveys assurance that it remains committed to servicing the needs of travel agencies in Nigeria.
“As members may be aware that British Airways closed inventory this morning, please be informed that, this inventory closure is a necessary action taken by British Airways to mitigate increase of their trapped funds.
“However, British Airways provides reassurance that it is still flying in and out of Nigeria and is currently seeking earnest solutions to address the demands of its customers.”
Travel agents were also told that tickets can only be issued online with payment made in dollars.
The second memo read;
“The above message is the new development with regards to British airways. Tickets will be issued in USD henceforth and only online.
“They have also given the Nigerian government a deadline in December. By which time if payment isn’t made, they will stop all flights into and out of Nigeria.
“Please do not pay for or issue tickets beyond December. We will update you as soon as we receive any new developments.”
Pharmaceutical company, Moderna has said it is suing rival, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech for patent infringement in the development of the first Covid-19 vaccine.
Morderna, which is US based, alleges that the mRNA technology it developed before the pandemic was copied.
In a statement, Moderna said Pfizer/BioNTech copied two types of its intellectual property. One involved an mRNA structure that Moderna says its scientists began developing in 2010 and were the first to validate in human trials in 2015.
The second alleged infringement involves the coding of the spike protein on the outside of the virus itself.
“We are filing these lawsuits to protect the innovative mRNA technology platform that we pioneered, invested billions of dollars in creating, and patented during the decade preceding the Covid-19 pandemic,” Moderna chief executive Stephane Bancel said.
The lawsuit, which is seeking unspecified financial damages, was filed in the US and Germany.
Pfizer said it was “surprised” by the action and would defend itself against the allegations.
Moderna, which was only formed as a company in 2010, was an early developer of the mRNA technology used commercially for the first time in Covid vaccines.
The vaccine uses a molecule of genetic code called messenger RNA to generate an immune response.
The RNA trains the body to fight off the real virus when it comes into contact with it.
Early in the pandemic, Moderna said it would not enforce its patents to help other drug companies develop their own jabs, particularly for low- and middle-income countries.
But in March 2022 it said rivals such as Pfizer and BioNTech would have to respect its intellectual property rights.
Patent lawsuits are common in the development of new technology and Moderna itself is being sued for alleged patent infringement in an ongoing dispute with the US National Institutes of Health.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has asked the people of the South-East to be burying their dead ones within three days as it was done in the olden days claiming that is contributing to the major problems of Ndigbo in recent times.
These were made known in a statement by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, on Wednesday.
According to the group, the present habit of keeping dead bodies more than three days, months and years in the mortuary has had dire effects on Igbo land and contributed to the moral decadence and all manner of evil that have taken root.
The group said the only corpses that should be allowed to stay in the mortuary for more than the stipulated period were those under investigation or with court-related matters.
The statement read, “Our ancestors were burying their dead ones within three days and that is our culture and it helped our ancestors spiritually. Igbos have a very rich and spiritually-based culture which our ancestors maintained from the beginning of time.
“The present habit of keeping dead bodies more than three days and even months and years in the mortuary has had dire effects on our land and contributed to the spiritual weakness of the Igbo Nation and of the entire Biafraland, moral decadence and all manner of evil that have taken root in our land.
“Now that IPOB has come to realise that this alien practice of keeping the dead on land rather than committing it to mother earth has had a very negative impact on our people and upon our land, it has therefore become very imperative to urge our people to revert to the old practices that had very positive effects upon our well-being, both spiritually and otherwise.
“After some thorough investigation, we have come to the realisation that all the reasons given by our people which caused the unnecessary delay in burying our dead within a short period are neither cogent nor important enough. These reasons are all man-made mostly monetary conditions from the bereaved families, traditional rites, churches and Umunna.
“Our people have turned burial into a carnival and asking families to pay levies or debt for their dead ones. This is an abomination and must be stopped forthwith.
“As it was in past, bereaved families should be allowed to commit their dead ones to mother earth while a date for the burial ceremony is fixed for a later date as well as whatever levies that need to be collected.
“But using reasons of non-payment of burial levies to stockpile corpses in the mortuaries is what IPOB doesn’t want again in our territory. Our people should revert to our old healthy tradition of burying the dead and do the needful at specific times within their reach.
“IPOB will engage church leaders, town unions and traditional rulers and Umunna on this regard. We are advising them to prepare their minds on this clarion call because IPOB will develop a strategy of curtailing the excessive use of mortuary in our region.
“This strategy may include compelling the shutdown of so many mortuaries littered all over our land. The only dead bodies that can be allowed to stay longer in the mortuary are those in court or under police investigation.
“Igbos are shrinking in life because we dishonour the dead by keeping dead bodies in mortuaries for too long than necessary in these mortuaries. Any nation, tribe or family that keeps the dead without putting the corpse into the dust is causing a disservice to themselves.
“The Igboland has been turned into a gigantic mortuary where corpses are dumped with the accompanying dire consequences to our land and this attitude and practice must stop forthwith.
“Owners of mortuaries in our land must start planning for another business. We are not against those engaged in the mortuary business but we are against keeping dead ones longer than necessary because we are planning to march and we cannot keep dead bodies unburied before we match.
“IPOB is encouraging our people on the need to accord respect to our departed beloved ones by burying them immediately. In the olden days, our ancestors embalmed the dead in the house and buried within three days.
“Ndigbo were not cowards and lazy but today our land is devastated and destroyed completely by unknown gunmen and IPOB will not allow that to continue.”
Arsenal and Côte d’Ivoire striker, Nicolas Pepe has joined French Ligue 1 club, OGC Nice on a season-long loan deal.
Pepe is the latest Arsenal player to go on loan following in the foot steps of Nuno Tavares, Pablo Mari and Folarin Balogun.
The arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City and the presence of Saka on the wings meant it was always gonna be tough for Pepe to play consistently this season hence the club’s decision to send him on loan.
The Gunners confirmed the loan deal on their Twitter handle on Thursday.
“Nicolas Pepe has joined Ligue 1 side OCG Nice on loan for the 2022/23 season,” the statement read.
“The 27-year-old joined us from French side Lille at the start of the 2019/20 season and has made a total of 111 appearances for us in all competitions, scoring 27 goals.
“The winger notably ended his debut season being in the starting line-up for the 2020 FA Cup Final, setting up the winning goal in our 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
“Nico has been a regular in the Ivory Coast national team since making his debut in 2016, being a part of his country’s squad at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017, 2019 and 2021. He has made 34 appearances for Ivory Coast, scoring nine goals.
“Everyone at Arsenal wishes Nico well in France with Nice next season.
“The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”
