Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from April, 2021

There is a lot to tell the Pope if you take your luck too far, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to either resign or be impeached is ungodly - APC tells Mbaka

The All Progressives Congress has threatened to report Father Ejike Mbaka to Vatican and the Pope following his recent call for President Muhammadu Buhari to resign or be impeached.    Recall that the Enugu-based Catholic Priest had asked the National Assembly to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari if he fails to resign over increased insecurity in the country.   However in a statement released by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC Yekini Nabena on Friday April 30, Mbaka was told that he is supposed to use “all known spiritual means of averting crisis rather than threaten a democratically elected government for his own personal benefit while pretending to be speaking for the people”.   The ruling party which described the call for impeachment/resignation as ungodly, told Mbaka to leave political messages for politicians. He was also asked to emulate the likes of of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church

CBN sacks all First Bank directors including Chairman of First Bank, Ibukun Awosika and the Chairman of First Bank Holding, Oba Otudeko; reinstates Adeduntan as MD/CEO

The Central Bank of Nigeria  (CBN)   had queried the Board of the bank for removing Adesola Adeduntan as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and appointing Gbenga Shobo as MD/CEO designate without regulatory approval.   Recall that on Wednesday, April 28, the directors of the bank at its board meeting, removed Adeduntan as its MD and announced the appointment of Gbenga Shobo as its new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. The board of directors stated that Shobo's appointment was with immediate effect and is subject to all regulatory approvals. Read here.   However, at a press briefing held today, April 29, Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the CBN, queried the board of directors' decision to remove Adeduntan without due consultation with regulatory authorities. Emefiele reinstated Adeduntan as the managing director and chief executive officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited.   In a letter sent to the bank, the CBN said it was not aware of any wrongd

Amputee hawker apologises to Nigerians for lying; accuses her grandma of trying to blackmail her for money

Mary Daniel, the amputee hawker who has recently been accused of not being completely truthful about her condition, has apologized to Nigerians.   The 27-year-old single mother received N25million donations from Nigerians who were moved by claims that she lost her leg in an accident that claimed the life of all passengers, including her parents.   However, it's been claimed that there was no accident and she was amputated "from birth", a claim she denies. It was also reported that her father is still alive.   Speaking to SaharaReporters, Mary said she made a mistake by saying her father was dead, but she did so because the man abandoned her.    Mary denied claims that her presence in Oshodi was staged to garner sympathy.   She said she's been hawking for a while to make ends meet.   She explained that she used to hawk in Onitsha, Anambra state, from where she moved to Asaba in Delta state and then to Lagos.   She also denied claims that she had been receiv

Lagos state hands over amputee sachet water hawker to her kinsmen

The Lagos State Government says it has handed over the amputee sachet water hawker, Mary Daniel, to leaders of Igala Community in Lagos State.   Princess Aderemi Adebowale, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Civic Engagement, made this known in a statement signed by Mr Sola Ogunmosunle, Director, Public Affairs Department, Office of Civic Engagement, on Thursday, April 29, in Lagos.   Adebowale said that the state government would continue to protect all residents in the state, especially the vulnerable.   Mary Daniel, 27, who went viral and received donations from Nigerians, had been in the custody of the state government in the past two weeks.   Adebowale said the state government did this to shield Daniel from possible fraudsters who might target the funds donated to her by well-meaning Nigerians.   She said that Daniel was handed over to a committee comprising the representatives of the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, and a Non-

Body of 17-year-old girl recovered in Kwara river

The teenager reportedly drowned in Asa river, along Harmony Estate Bridge, Kulende Area of Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.    Men of the State Fire Service were summoned to the scene on Wednesday, April 28, and removed her dead body from the river.    Head of Media and Publicity of the Fire Service, Mr Hakeem Adekunle, who confirmed the incident described it as unfortunate.   He said that her corpse of the girl who is yet to be identified has been handed over to the DPO of E' Division, at Kulende Estate Area. 

El Risitas, the man behind ‘Spanish Laughing Guy’ meme is dead

Juan Joya Borja, who was a Spanish comedian and actor popularly known as El Risitas died at the age of 65.    Borja found global fame with his infectious laughter when he was interviewed on a Spanish variety show called “Ratones Coloraos” in 2007.   He died on Wednesday afternoon, April 28 at the Virgen del Rocío Hospital in Seville after a relapse of his disease, according to sources consulted by the ABC Sevilla.    The comedian was admitted for health issues last year. In March 2021, he thanked fans for organising a fundraising campaign to buy him an electric mobility scooter after one of his legs was amputated. 

FG declares Monday public holiday

The Federal Government has declared Monday, May 3 as public holiday to mark this year’s International Workers Day Celebration.   Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore and released on Thursday April 29.   Aregbesola congratulated Nigerian Workers on witnessing this year’s celebration, and also commended them for their patience, understanding and support in driving the policies and programmes of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in its determination to move the country to the next level of socio-economic development.   Calling for more dedication and patriotism from all Nigerian Workers and the Labour Unions, the Minister stated that the challenges of the moment will soon be over as the government is committed to the security of lives and property of all Nigerians.   The statement read;    “Government is putting

CCTV never showed Baba Ijesha defiling the victim. He may be released on Friday- police source says

There are indications that embattled Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju Omiyinka, aka Baba Ijesha, who was recently arrested over allegations of molesting a minor, may be released from custody on Friday, April 30. A police source who spoke with Punch said the ongoing strike action by members of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria has prevented courts in the state from sitting and this has prevented the police from arraigning the suspect. The police source said Baba Ijesha could not be detained indefinitely without trial. The source added that investigation into the case shows the actor did not defile the victim, adding that when she was questioned, the victim confirmed the same. The senior police officer said “There was no case of defilement, people are just talking out of sentiment. They are not talking from the point of law. We interviewed all parties involved in the case for three hours today (Wednesday). The mother complained that her child was at the age of seven when she was

Lagos withholds N25million donation after detecting lies in viral amputee hawker's claim

The Lagos State Government has withheld the donations made to the viral amputee hawker after discovering that she ''lied'' about her condition.   Mary Daniel, who claims she sells sachet water in Oshodi, was discovered by kind hearted Nigerians after her story was shared online and she immediately went viral.   The single mother claimed she lost a leg in an accident that killed all passengers, including her parents, when she was a teenager.   She added that life became hard and she dropped out of school to fend for herself by selling on the street.   She said during an interview that she is an orphan with a baby and an aged grandmother to fend for.   Her story touched Nigerians and different people made donations of about 25 Million Naira to her.   This prompted the state government to step in to prevent criminals from taking advantage of her sudden fortune. However, the state government has now discovered inconsistencies in her story, The Nation reports.  

INEC announces date for the 2023 general elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, made the announcement during a one-day public hearing on the National Electoral Offences Commission (Establishment) Bill 2021, organised by the Senate Committee on INEC on Wednesday April 28.   According to Yakubu, the 2023 general elections will hold on Saturday, February 18, 2023. “By the principle established by the Commission, the 2023 General Elections will hold on Saturday, 18th February, 2023, which is exactly one year, nine months, two weeks and six days or 660 days from today. We hope to release the timetable and schedule of activities for the general elections immediately after the Anambra Governorship election scheduled to hold on 6th November, 2021. In order to do so, there should be clarity and certainty about the electoral legal framework to govern the election. We are confident that the National Assembly will do the needful in earnest.”he said 

Insecurity: This is not time to impeach president buhari - senator sani musa says

  Senator Mohammed Sani Musa has said that impeaching President Buhari because of the deplorable state of security in the country will only throw the country into more crisis.   Musa who represents Niger East in the Senate, said this during an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, April 27. According to him, this is not the time for a motion seeking the impeachment of President Buhari.   When asked why he and his colleagues have not moved to remove the President from office following the alarming rate of insecurity in the country, Musa said; “You and I know what impeachment is all about. It’s another crisis into another crisis. Why do we need that now? What we need is solution. We need this country to come back to where we were in terms of peace. I will rather prefer a situation where all the operations of government is directed at security. Anything we are going to do in this country, should be towards tackling insecurity. We are not safe. No leader, from councillor

The remains of Dorothy Tirnom Yohanna Saidu, one of the abducted students of Greenfield University Kaduna, has been laid to rest today April 28.

Dorothy and an unspecified number of students were abducted by the bandits on April 20. On Friday April 23, the state government announced it had recovered the bodies of Dorothy and two other students.  On Monday, April 26, the state government also announced it had discovered the remains of two more abducted  students of the University. 

Police investigate brutal murder of a widow in Abia as gateman flees

The Abia State Police Command has launched manhunt for a fleeing gateman after a widow was brutally murdered in Umuahia.   The victim, Mrs Queeneth Alozie, a retired nurse from the Federal Medical Centre FMC Umuahia, was allegedly slaughtered on Sunday morning, April 25, by yet-to be identified assailants.    Until her death, Mrs Alozie was the wife of a late Dr. Alozie from Isingwu Umuahia, the owner of the popular Obioma Hospital at School Road Umuahia.   She was living alone in their mansion opposite the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia, BCA as the children are all based abroad.   It was gathered that the slain widow had recently employed the fleeing gateman from her maternal home in Mbaise.    According to reports, the older security man returned from church on that fateful day and attempted to enter the compound but the gate was locked from behind.   "I called his (gateman’s) phone number many times and his line was switched off. I then called that of my madam, th

Ryan Giggs to appear in court today charged with coercive control and assaulting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville 'and her sister'

  The former Manchester United footballer and Wales manager, 47, is accused of causing actual bodily harm to his ex-girlfriend, PR executive Kate Greville, 36, at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.   He has also been charged with the common assault of a woman in her 20s, understood to be Ms. Greville's younger sister during the same alleged incident.    Giggs faces an additional charge of engaging in coercive or controlling behaviour against Ms. Greville in their relationship between December 2017 and November 2020.   He is due to appear today at Manchester Magistrates' Court for his first court appearance in the case.   Giggs has been released on bail ahead of the court appearance. The star denies all claims made against him.    Following the announcement of the charges on Friday, Giggs denied the allegations as he stated: 'I have full respect for the due process of law and understand the seriousness of the allegations.   'I will

Nigeria has collapsed, Governors are running to Abuja to take photos with the President - Wike

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has raised an alarm of the country being in a deplorable state.    The Rivers state Governor who spoke on Tuesday April 27 during an interactive session with some traditional rulers, political leaders, and other stakeholders at the government house in Port Harcourt, said Governors are running to Abuja to take photos with the President instead of tackling the challenges in their state.   Wike also accused Governors under the All Progressives Congress (APC) of being insincere with their claims that their party has solved the problems of hunger and unemployment.   He said;    “Nigeria has totally collapsed. Look at today — what happened in Nasarawa and Benue states; how they slaughtered people on the road. See what is happening in Niger state and the APC governor there is crying, saying he has been talking to the federal government but nobody has listened to him. And that Boko Haram has come to take over the state, which is closest to Abuja

Gunmen raze Federal High court Abakaliki

The Federal High Court complex in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, has been attacked by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.  The assailants stormed the court complex in the early hours of Tuesday April 27, shooting sporadically before setting the library and security sections of the building on fire. The building is located along the Enugu/Abakaliki Highway opposite the state People’s Democratic Party (PDP) State office. No death was recorded but two of the three security guards on duty were said to have sustained minor injuries. The South-East has been experiencing violent attacks by gunmen in recent times. 

Minister of communications isa pantami, raises alarm over plans by some personsto release doctored videos against him

The embattled Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has alleged that some of his detractors are planning to release some doctored videos that will tarnish his image. The Minister has been in the eye of the storm after old videos of him showing support for terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, surfaced online recently, which led to calls for his resignation. He has since recanted his support for the groups, saying he made them as an immature teenager. In a statement released by his media aide, Uwa Suleiman, the Minister said his office has receipts of credible intelligence of the next stage of his detractors to release videos to injure his image. “We are in receipt of credible intelligence that the same forces, who have been championing a well-coordinated and richly funded campaign against Pantami, are now unto the next stage of their diabolic project. This time round, the forces of evil are shopping for willing partners as well as their usual avenues to rel

Man allegedly stabs cousin to death over N150 in adamawa

A 38-year-old man, Kelfari Jediel, has been arrested in Adamawa for allegedly stabbing his uncle's son, Parambiu Alexander, 20, to death while fighting over N150.  The incident happened at Fotta community in Gombi Local Government Area of the state after the duo were paid for a job they had carried out.  The father of two, who is being quizzed at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the state Police Command in Yola, said he and the deceased were engaged in a plaster job on April 14.  The duo shared the money they were paid after completing the job, however, he was supposed to give the deceased a balance of #150 but decided not to do so. According to the suspect, Parambiu kept insisting that he must give him the money. His refusal to give him the money led to a quarrel between them.  He explained that a woman heard them fighting over the balance and settled the matter by giving Parambiu the sum of N150.  Kelfari further narrated that after the woman left, the d

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku fine for £7,000 for 'unsportsmanlike behaviour with provocative phrases' during their Milan derby bust-up

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku have been fined for unsportsmanlike conduct after the pair clashed during January's Milan Derby at the San Siro. The strikers, who play for AC Milan and Inter respectively, had a bust-up during the Coppa Italia quarter-final, which Inter won 2-1 after Ibrahimovic was later sent off.  The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said on Monday that Ibrahimovic had been fined 4,000 euros (£3,477), Lukaku 3,000 euros (£2,608), AC Milan 2,000 euros (£1,738), and Inter 1,250 euros (£1,086). The former Manchester United stars exchanged insults during the match and Lukaku had to be restrained by his teammates at the end of the first half after being left infuriated by Ibrahimovic's comments. Lukaku appeared to call the Swedish veteran a 'son of a b****' as well as shouting 'f*** your wife' while Ibrahimovic reportedly said 'Go do your voodoo s***, you little donkey' during the exchange.  Both players were fined for uns

Five police officers killed as hoodlums attack another police station in Imo

The hoodlums attacked the Okigwe South Area command on Monday April 26.   Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Orlando Ikeokwu, said one of the officers is yet to be accounted for. He added that the command's building wasn't razed.   The attack comes days weeks after hoodlums stormed the state headquarters as well as the state's correctional center and released several inmates. 

Nine police officers and two vigilante members killed by bandits in Kebbi

Bandits on Sunday April 26, killed a divisional police officer and eight other officers in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State for trying to repel them.    Two vigilante members who responded to a distress call with the officers, were also killed by the bandits.    Police spokesperson in Kebbi, Nafi’u Abubakar told Premium Times that the bandits had launched an attack at Makuku and surrounding villages in Sakaba council area. Abubakar said;    “Upon arrival in the area, the police engaged the criminals in a fire fight. Unfortunately, the the DPO and eight of his men and two vigilante members paid the supreme call defending their fatherland."   Sakaba LGA which shares boundary with troubled Zamfara and Niger States, has lately witnessed bandit attacks in Kunduru, Bajida and Rafin Gora where many livestocks were rustled. 

Anambra State Government imposes curfew on Igbariam, Aguleri, Umueri, Nteje, Awkuzu and Umunya communities after 9 are killed

Anambra State government has imposed curfew on 6 Anambra communities after 9 people were killed and others injured by unknown armed men.   The curfew was imposed on Igbariam, Aguleri, Umueri, Nteje, Awkuzu And Umunya.   In a statement, the Secretary to Anambra state government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu said the curfew which begins today, Monday, 26th April, 2021, is between 7pm and 6am daily.   The statement advised Anambra indigenes and residents of the state living in these communities to obey the curfew order,  as security personnel are on strict orders to enforce the curfew.   Earlier today, it was reported that residents and students in the affected communities were fleeing as they feared for their lives. 

Kim Kardashian rumoured to be dating CNN presenter Van Jones

  There are speculations that the reality star, 40, is romantically linked to the CNN presenter,52, as they have been working together as close friends during her four-year law apprenticeship.   This comes two months after the mother-of-four filed papers to divorce her estranged husband, rapper Kanye West.    On Sunday April 25, New York Post columnist Cindy Adams fueled the rumors as she noted he is 'so left,' he 'maybe even influenced her politics.'   'I will not wait while everybody tells me I don’t know what I’m talking about,' she went on.    Van Jones ended his marriage to his wife of 14 years, Jana Carter, in 2019. 

Nigeria ranked third worst in global good governance index

  At the inaugural Chandler Good Government (CGGI) Index launched on Monday April 26 in Singapore, Nigeria was ranked the third-worst in global good governance index.    34 indicators which are organized into seven pillars: leadership and foresight; robust laws and policies; strong institutions; financial stewardship; attractive marketplace; global influence and reputation; and helping people rise are used in the ranking which taps into 50 publicly available global data sources such as the World Trade Organisation, United Nations and World Bank.   Nigeria scored 0.319 points to sit at 102 out of 104 countries on the league table which measures 104 governments’ effectiveness and capabilities in almost 90 per cent of the world’s population.   Finland topped the table with 0.848 points ahead of Switzerland and Singapore. Zimbabwe was Nigeria’s runner up followed by Venezuela at the bottom of the log. Mauritius with an Index score of 0.5670, took the 38th spot and is also Afric

Bandits kill two more abducted Greenfield university students

Suspected bandits have killed two more abducted Greenfield University students.   The state's Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan disclosed this today April 26. He said the university has been informed of the development. He however did not disclose the identities of the killed students.   The incident comes days after three of the students were killed by the bandits.   Aruwan's statement reads; “On a sad note, security agencies have just reported to the Kaduna State Government the recovery of two more dead bodies of Greenfield University students, killed by armed bandits today, Monday 26th April 2021. The retrieved corpses have been evacuated to a mortuary, and the university has been notified of the development. The Government of Kaduna State under the leadership of Malam Nasir El-Rufai is saddened by this evil perpetrated against innocent students abducted while pursuing their education for a glorious future. The Government sends it

Kaduna state government pays condolence visit to families of Slain greenfield university students, insist on non-negotiation with bandits

The Kaduna State Government has paid condolence visit to the families of the three students of Greenfield University who were killed by bandits. Sadiq Yusuf Sanga, Precious Nwakacha, Dorathy Yohanna, all 300 Level students of Accounting,  International relations, and Cybersecurity departments were abducted on Tuesday, April 20. Their bodies were found at Kwanar Bature village, a location close to the university on Friday.  The delegation led by the Kaduna Commissioner of Education,  Shehu Mohammed, visited the families of the students in Jaji, Barnawa, and Sabon Tasha areas in Igabi and Chikun Local Government Areas on Monday, April 26.  According to Channels TV, While consoling the parents of the deceased students over the unfortunate incident,  the Commissioner reiterated the state government’s position not to negotiate with bandits. "There are due processes for one to follow to seek redress. For somebody to take arms against his fellow citizen is unconstitutional an

US Secretary of state have virtual meeting with buhari over security and economy

The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken will be having a virtual meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday April 27, as confirmed in a statement released by the US State Department on Monday April 26.  The duo will be talking about security and economic issues in Blinken’s first virtual trip to Africa.  Blinken will also meet with Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama to “reiterate the value of bilateral relationship and discuss issues of shared importance.” The statement read; "Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will embark tomorrow, April 27, on his first virtual trip to Africa, where he will visit Kenya and Nigeria and engage with young people from across the continent. Secretary Blinken will begin his virtual travel to Africa meeting with Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) alumni. In a “Ten Questions with Tony” event, YALI alumni will have an opportunity to engage with the Secretary on a range of topics, including the role of you

NBC suspends channel tv for speaking with IPOB

Channels Television has been suspended by the National Broadcasting Commission which also slammed a N5 million fine against the news agency for allegedly breaching the broadcast code.   Acting Director General of the Commission, Prof. Armstrong Idachaba who referred to Channels 7pm live broadcast programme of Sunday, 25th April, 2021 in the letter addressed to its Managing Director, accused the TV station of allowing a leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) to make secessionist and inciting declarations on air without caution or reprimand by the station contrary to the broadcast code.   Idachaba alleged that the station allowed its IPOB guest to make derogatory, false and misleading statements about the Nigerian army despite being proscribed by a court of law. 

Suspected thief nabbed while attempting to steal car from church in Akwa Ibom

A suspected car thief was caught while attempting to steal a Toyota Camry from a church in Afaha Oku, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Sunday, April 24.   It was gathered that the suspect succeeded in unlocking the car with a master key and was about to abscond with it when he was caught, severely beaten and handed over to the Police.     According to an eyewitness, Oduononwi Abidiak, the car belongs to a visitor who came for a child dedication service. His report below:   "God today prove Himself a mighty God at Hill Top Church of Christ Afaha Oku, Uyo as he put to shame the devil.   "The pictures you are seeing here shown a young guy who almost absconded with a Toyota Camry belonging to a visitor who join us at HillTop Church of Christ, Afaha Oku for a child dedication service while service was ongoing. He was caught after he succeeded unlocking the car with a master key and trying to move.   "He was invaded by the youth of the community, who beat him to

NBA star, Tristan Thompson accused of cheating on Khloe Kardashian again

  Hip-hop podcast host, Adam22 interviewed 4 girls, who call themselves The Blackout Girls, on the No Jumper podcast. The interview eventually turned to sexual experiences they had recently.      During the conversation, one of the girls, Hayden, turns to her friend, Sidney, to ask a question.   She says, "How was Tristan Thompson’s di-k?"   Sidney initially appears embarrassed but finally answers.   She said, "It was a peek-a-boo di-k but baby it was good."   Sidney then goes on to spills details of her alleged hookup with Thompson.    She claims, "I did not know he was in a relationship. He told me he was not in a relationship anymore."   Sidney also claims she, "talked and hung out" on multiple occasions with Tristan.   One of the friends asked Sidney when the alleged encounter took place and Sidney said she believes it was in January or February.    She claims to have asked him if he was really single and she says Tristan told her

How accountant shot by robbers died after allegedly being rejected by Lagos hospitals

An accountant who was shot by robbers in Lagos died after allegedly being rejected by hospitals.   Odiri Onosigho, 32, was waiting at the First Gate bus stop, Festac, in the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, on April 15, when he was shot by robbers trying to collect his phone.   His sister, who spoke to Punch, narrated how he died after Lagos hospitals allegedly rejected him due to a lack of police report.   On the fateful day, Odiri and his friend, Michelle, were at the bus stop around 6am, waiting to board a bus to work.   While waiting, robbers appeared suddenly and shot Odiri in the chest while dispossessing him of his phone.   Passers-by and commuters ran to safety and when Michelle returned to search for Odiri, she found him lying on the ground in a pool of his own blood.   Odiri’s elder sister, Atarhe, told Punch that efforts to resuscitate him proved abortive as the hospitals that Michelle and some good Samaritans rushed him to for treatment alleged

Anthony Hopkins, 83, becomes oldest star to win Best Actor Award at 2021 Oscars

Hopkins won the Best Actor honor at Sunday's Academy Awards for his starring role in The Father.    The Welsh actor made history on April 25, with his second Oscar victory, becoming the oldest star to win an Academy Award for Best Actor award after becoming the oldest Best Actor nominee when the 2021 Oscar nominations were announced in March.    He beat out fellow nominees Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal), Chadwick Boseman (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom), Gary Oldman (Mank), and Steven Yeun (Minari).   Presenter Joaquin Phoneix, who won the category last year for his performance in Joker, accepted the award on an absent Hopkins' behalf.   Anthony Hopkins won his first at the 64th Academy Awards, earning the Best Actor award for his iconic performance as an expert psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter in the 1992 psychological thriller The Silence of the Lambs.   See list of some winners below. Best Picture "Nomadland" — Winner "The

Palace of Igwe Ifitedunu in Dunukofia razed by unknown gunmen

The palace of Igwe Ifitedunu in Dunukofia local government area of Anambra State, has been razed down by unknown Gunmen. According to reports, gunmen stormed the palace in the early hours of today, April 26, setting it ablaze.   This attack comes barely 48 hours after gunmen also attacked the country home of the Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma, razed vehicles, and killed two of his security personnel. 

Boko Haram reportedly slaughters residents including school teacher, eleven members of a family in Geidam, Yobe

Many residents including a school teacher and eleven members of a family have been reportedly killed since Boko Hram terrorists invaded Geidam town, the headquarters of Geidam Local Government of Yobe State, on Friday evening, April 23.    Speaker of The Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN) Yobe State Chapter, Amb. Usman Ibrahim Geidam, who shared photos of some of the victims, said many other residents were injured and properties razed since the invasion.    "Indeed, nothing one could do to escape death. However, I became weak enough over the recent tragedy and trauma that befall us, as is not going to be easy, one single family in my home town Geidam local government loosing 11 soul in the house. While fasting, people remain indoor for over 3days,"   "May the Almighty Allah grant the departed souls eternal rest, give the deceased family and all of us the fortitude to endure such a great loss. Ya Allah ya rahaman,ya rahim,ya Gafur, answer our call and enrich us w

Gunmen attack Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho's home in Ibadan

The Ibadan, Oyo state home of Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho, was attacked by yet-to-be-identified persons on Monday April 26.   Olayomi Koiki, media aide to the Yoruba nation agitator made the announcement in a Facebook post. ''“Chief Sunday Igboho’s house came under attack this mor ning 26th April 2021 around 2am with heavy gun shots.''he wrote   In a viral video shared on Facebook, Koiki claimed that the residence of the activist was besieged by men of the Nigeria Army with the aim of arresting the activist.    ''There is a situation right now where the Federal Government of Nigeria tried to invade our residence. We are telling the world that the war that the Federal Government is waiting for might start today. The war that the Federal Government think they are expecting from the Yoruba people; let’s tell the whole world. As I speak to you, there is an ongoing incident but we are more than capable. We cannot be caught unguarded. You cannot threate

Update: Woman who set boyfriend's house ablaze in Benue claims he doesn't give her transport fare after visiting him

The woman who is said to be pregnant, claimed that he does not give her transport fare back to her village after every visit despite her condition.   LIB reported that the incident happened in Achusah area of Makurdi, the state capital on Wednesday afternoon, April 21, while the boyfriend was away at work.    Speaking to DailyTrust,  a witness who simply gave his name as Joseph, said the woman who frequently visited the man from her village complained that he does not give her transport fare back home.   She said that on several occasion she relied on her relatives to return home even now that she is pregnant for him.                                                              Joseph, who could not exactly ascertain the names of both lovers added that the lady had claimed they quarrelled on Tuesday night after she demanded transport fare to return to the village but partly settled the matter.   "Then the following morning, she waited for him to go to work, brought out

Oxford scientists behind the Covid-19 vaccine reveal breakthrough vaccine against malaria which is more than "75% effective"

Researchers from the University of Oxford have developed the world's most effective malaria vaccine, making them the first to achieve the World Health Organisation-specified 75 percent efficacy goal. Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of mosquitoes - specifically infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The Oxford researchers who are behind the Oxford-AstraZeneca Astrazaneca Covid-19 vaccine,  have reported findings from a Phase IIb trial of a candidate malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, which demonstrated 77 percent efficacy over 12 months of follow-up. The scientists hope the vaccine can be approved for use within the next two years. Adrian Hill, who is director of the Jenner Institute and Professor of Vaccinology at the University of Oxford, said: 'With the commitment by our commercial partner, the Serum Institute of India, to manufacture at least 200 million doses annually in the coming

55-year-old woman gives birth to triplets after many years of marriage

Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government  Area of Bayelsa State, went agog few days ago after a 55-year-old woman gave birth to triplets.      Mrs  Tegbe Awusaziba was delivered of the babies through caesarean section after many years of marriage without a child.   Members of the community trooped out to celebrate when they received the news of Mrs. Awusaziba’s delivery. Both the babies and their mother are said to be in good health.   Speaking to journalists, Mrs Awusaziba said she did not believe the pregnancy was real at the initial period due to her age, and expressed appreciation to God.   Meanwhile, the Personal Assistant to the SA to Bayelsa State Governor on New Media, Preye Sinclair Emmanuel, shared photos from the celebration in Otukpoti community on April 17. 

Presidency says it stands behind Pantami

The Presidency has declared its support for the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami.  There have been calls for Pantami to resign because of his past statements and actions showing his support for Islamic extremist views.  The presidency described the call for Pantami's resignation as an orchestrated attempt to "cancel" him.  In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the Presidency alleged that the recent calls for the sack or resignation of the minister is being sponsored by the opposition and some unnamed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies.  According to the statement, Pantami made enemies because he tried to put Nigeria first and had initiated plans and policies that would profit the public.  It acknowledged that the comments made by Pantami were wrong and in bad taste but said the minister had repented from the views and also apologised

Singer, Kehlani comes out as lesbian

The 'Good Life' hit maker says she's the last one in her family to know she's gay.   Kehlani disclosed this on Thursday, April 22.   She said in a video: "I am gay ga-gay gay gay!!!"   Kehlani says she's been trying to have intimate conversations with her family and friends about coming out, but she says they are hardly shocked.   She said her loved ones told her they've known for a while because "the f**king closet was glass."   She previously hinted at being gay during a recent Instagram Live when she casually said she finally knew she was lesbian. At the time, people thought she might have been joking, but now Kehlani's saying it clearly.   Kehlani has a 2-year-old daughter, Adeya Nomi, with her ex, guitarist Javie Young-White. She has also dated some famous men, including YG and NBA star Kyrie Irving.

Nigeria overtakes Congo as worst in global access to electricity

Nigeria has overtaken the Democratic Republic of Congo with the highest number of citizens that lack access to electricity.    World Bank Group officials who made the announcement during a virtual engagement with power reporters in Abuja on the Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP), said Nigeria has 25 percent of people without access to electricity.   The international financial agency's officials revealed that while electrification in the country has been growing at 1.1% yearly since 2010, it has not kept pace with the population growth of 3% yearly. This has increased the deficit by 3 million people to 85m which is 57% of the population.   The group said;    “Nigeria now has the largest number of unelectrified people globally and the trend is worsening; of the electrified, the supply is very unreliable with widespread blackouts. “Nigeria now has 25% more unelectrified people than the 2nd most unelectrified country (DRC – in absolute terms).”    WBG Practice Manager,

President joe Biden tells U.S. emphasises to fly gay pride flag on some pole as U.S flag, revoking trump's policy

The US government under Joe Biden has communicated to its embassies all over the world to fly the Gay Pride flag on the same flagpole as the U.S. flag in support for LGBTQ rights.   Secretary of State Antony Blinken  issued a blanket authorization for U.S. diplomatic outposts around the world to fly the Pride flag, a move that is in start contrast to Trump's administration State Department which was run by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. In diplomatic cables sent to diplomatic posts around the world, Blinken gave authority for diplomats to fly the Pride flag before May 17, which marks the international day against homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia, as well as June, which in the United States and many other countries is Pride month. The cable contained a clause though, saying the authorization is not a must and chiefs of mission who run each embassy or consulate can choose whether to fly the Pride flag or showcase other symbols connoting support for LGBTQ righ

Lady and her boyfriend arrested for stealing and selling children

31-year-old Titilyo Kudaisi and her boyfriend, Oluseyi Akinsete were nabbed in Ondo after stealing a six-month-old baby at Odo-Ota Sawmill area in Ilorin, Kwara State. It was gathered that while Kudaisi carried out the act after the child's parents left the house, her boyfriend stood guard.   Upon being interrogated, she confessed to selling two babies in Imo State for N500, 000 and N300, 000. She also claimed she was introduced to the business by her boyfriend.   She said;    “We went to steal the child from his parents’ house in Ilorin, Kwara State. “It’s my boyfriend who’s aware of the movement of the boy’s mother. After surveying the environment, we now moved in to steal the toddler. “I met my boyfriend who lured me into the business in Lagos where I was living. He invited me to Ilorin, and I went to meet him with my only child who is three-years-old. Though, the father of my child is late. “After arriving Ilorin, he convinced me that we should sell my baby, a boy w

Cardi B to launch her own makeup and cosmetic line as she trademarks "Bardi Beauty."

The 'WAP' rapper having filed paper work to trademark "Bardi Beauty," will launch her products on April 16, according to new report from TMZ. According to the report, Cardi’s company is set to offer makeup, fragrance, skincare and both hair and nail products . Cardi has previously teamed up with Reebok, Fashion Nova and Steve Madden, but with this move is set to join other Hollywood celebrities like Rihanna, Kylie Jenner and Kanye West in the fashion/beauty business.