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 Saheed Osupa prepares for Neon Color Party In May, Lagos will come alive as Fuji star Saheed Osupa takes centre stage for the ‘Saheed Osupa Neon Color Party.’ The much-anticipated concert, which promises an evening of music, rhythm and fun, is organised by Olabanji Adelana’s Lawbell Entertainment, a Canada based outfit. According to Adelana, “Neon colour night With Saheed Osupa Live’ in May this year will be spectacular, because it will also feature colourful hip hop artistes like, Tony Tetuila, Ice K, Eskay Lala, King Action 1, King Muzet and more.” This is coming after the entertainment firm had worked with Sir Shina Peters, Abass Akande Obesere, Sule Alao Malaika, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Azadus, Ice K, and others. Lawbell Entertainment was established in 2019 and plans to achieve more on the entertainment scene in Canada, Nigeria and across the world.

 Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala leaves Barcelona for US club CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala has left Spanish club FC Barcelona Femini for the US National Women’s League team, Bay FC. Barcelona announced her departure in a statement on Thursday. They wrote: “An agreement has been reached between FC Barcelona and Bay FC from the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States of America for the transfer of Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala, whose contract was set to end on 30 June 2024. The Club appreciates Asisat’s commitment and professionalism over the five-year period she wore the Barca jersey.” Oshoala signed for Barca in 2019 from Dalian Quanjian. She has since won 14 trophies as a Blaugrane.

 Why we closed shop, by BDC operators Bureau De’Change (BDC) operators in Abuja said they were frustrated by the rate at which the official exchange rate was catching up to their rate. Worried that they would run out of business, the BDC union instructed its members to close shop on Thursday, February 1. Mallam Ibrahim at Wuse Zone 4 told the Nation that their union decided out of frustration when it became obvious that they couldn’t compete with the official rate. Speaking in pidgin English, Mallam Ibrahim said: “The Naira just de go up. The official rate has fallen so much that it’s almost the same as what we offer here. There’s no profit in selling dollars anymore.” “The shop closure only lasted for a few hours. As officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed Wuse Zone 4 to arrest both sellers and buyers of Forex. While the streets around the Forex market appeared deserted, transactions continued behind closed doors. When contacted again in the aftern...

 “Let me be this year” – Erica tells trolls Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Erica Nlewedim, has berated trolls who criticised her for sharing a video of herself dancing on a pole. The reality star’s post received mixed reviews and faced heavy trolling. Erica urged trolls to redirect their focus on themselves, emphasizing her disinterest in pursuing celebrity status any longer. She promised to bless her trolls with one hundred thousand naira if they provided evidence of their negative comments and issued a public apology. She said: “Please leave me alone this year, I really have no interest in engaging with you people who don’t like me, leave my posts for people who do and focus on things you actually like, y’all were complaining about being broke I’m sure insulting me hasn’t fixed your problems, focus on that. “All it takes to make haters become a$$ kissers is for me to announce I’m doing a giveaway, have some shame this year, if you don’t like me please don’t engage with me. “...

 I’ll marry man with Shallipopi vibe – BBNaija’s Phyna Big Brother Naija reality star, Josephina Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has revealed her ideal man. According to her, she wants to marry someone as “lively” as the singer and not a quiet person. She emphasized that she wants to marry someone compatible given her lively nature. Speaking in a recent Instagram live session with fans, Phyna said: “I want to marry a lively person like me, someone that you wouldn’t easily know that we are husband and wife. I want to marry someone that is my spec, someone that we are alike. Someone who has a Shallipopi vibe.” Speaking further Phyna said she prefers to marry an Edo or Yoruba man, stressing that she can’t marry an Igbo man because “their family are too involved in their business.” She said she initially wanted to marry a quiet man but she later changed her mind.

 ‘I’ve taken enough vaccine against criticism’ – Super Eagles coach Peseiro hits critics Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has hit out at critics ahead of his side’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal clash against Angola on Friday evening.  Peseiro had received criticism from fans and pundits in recent months. Some even suggested prior to the 2023 AFCON tournament that the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, should not renew his contract with the Super Eagles. However, when asked how he is handling criticism, Peseiro told reporters at his pre-match press conference on Thursday ahead of Nigeria’s clash with Angola: “I am 63; maybe 20 years ago, it will affect me. “I have taken enough vaccine against criticism.”

 Oyo govt orders reopening of 21 schools closed for 10 years Oyo State Government on Thursday in Ibadan ordered the reopening of 23 schools that have been under lock and key for the past 10 years over boundary crisis. The schools were located in the Atiba, Afijio, Oyo East and Oyo West Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. The decision to reopen the school followed a meeting by Oyo the state’s Deputy Governor, Mr Bayo Lawal with stakeholders to fashion out ways of resolving the age-long land dispute. Lawal, who is also Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, charged the chairmen of the four LGAs to ensure security and peace in their domain. “If there are any breaches of security, the chairmen will be held responsible,” he warned. The Deputy Governor equally stated that the Ministry of Education would oversee the schools after reopening. “The Ministry will do whatever is required to put the children back to school,” he added. Lawal also enjoined the members of Oyo State Hous...

EFCC Seeks Arrest of Ex-NDDC Boss, Tuoyo Omatsuli for Alleged N3.6bn Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, prayed Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos to issue a warrant of arrest to compel a former Executive Director on Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC,  Tuoyo Omatsuli to attend his trial over an alleged N3.6bn fraud. Omatsuli , alongside Francis Momoh, Don Parker Properties Limited and Building Associates Limited, were initially standing trial on an alleged case of conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N3,645,000,000 (Three Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-five Million Naira) before retired Justice Saliu Saidu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos. One of the counts reads: "That you, Engr Tuoyo Omatsuli, Don Parker Properties Limited, Francis Momoh and Building Associates Limited, between August 2014 and September 2015 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honou...

 N109bn Fraud: Court Admits Evidence against Ex-AGF in Trial-within-trial Justice Yusuf Halilu of the  Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  High Court, ,  Maitama, Abuja on Thursday, February 1, 2024, admitted new evidence against  former Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris in a trial-within-trial. Idris,  first defendant in a 14-count charge bordering on gratification, abuse of office and money laundering to the tune of over N109 billion, in a sudden twist,  claimed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) obtained his statement under duress, necessitating a trial-within-trial to determine the veracity of his claim. He is standing trial alongside three others: his company, Mr. Godfrey Olusegun Akindele and Mohammed Kudu Usman.   During today’s sitting, Hayatuddeen Ahmad,  First Prosecution Witness, PW1, informed the court that Idris freely volunteered his statement to the Commission and was neither pressured ...

 Florida woman being charged with attempted homicide after attacking husband over receiving a postcard from a woman he dated 60 years ago.  71-year-old Bertha Yalter is being charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery on a person over 65 and tampering with a victim. The incident that led to Bertha's husband suffering bruises, lacerations and open bite wounds on his arms and stomach began with a trip to the mailbox. When checking the mail the day of the incident, Bertha discovered a postcard addressed to her hubby from an ex flame he was in a relationship with 60 years before. It should be noted here, Bertha and the victim have lived in holy matrimony for 52 years. Responding officers described the victim as extremely fragile and added they have cell video of the entire encounter as evidence. At one point in the video, Bertha can be seen trying to smother her husband also. Bertha is being held without bond. *Officers deemed her mentally sound.

 An 85-year-old Indiana man lays down his own life to save his wife from vicious dogs. According to authorities, Pastor William Mundine saw his wife running into their Indianapolis home from 3 dogs on Tuesday. Pastor Mudine, fearing for his wife's safety, exited the home to intervene. Thankfully, Williams' interference helped his wife make it safely inside, unfortunately William did not. Upon exiting the home he was attacked by the 3 dogs. Sadly, the attack went on until a responding officer fired a shot at one of the dogs. Animal Control was then able to secure the dog, who they say is in stable condition. A short time later, they were able  capture a second dog. They are still looking for the 3rd and Indianapolis Police are sharing pictures of the dogs while asking for the public's help identifying the owner of the dogs. Neighbors say the dogs have been running loose for weeks. They have reportedly been involved in at least one other attack. William was transported to a l...

 Wayne County, Illinois deputy saves a man whose car was submerged during police chase.  Deputies in Wayne County initiated a traffic stop around 1:45 a.m. Saturday morning. The driver, 33-year-old Christopher Downen, refused to pull over and a police chase ensued.  Downen reportedly drove down a rural road where his car became submerged in floodwaters due to the recent rain. As the car slipped below the surface Downen was able to bust out of the back window and yell to the officer he couldn't swim before slipping below the surface.  The officer immediately slipped into rescue mode and dove into the water. He was able to swim to the vehicle and recover Downen, dragging him back to dry land. A vial containing fentanyl pills was found on Downen. He was taken to a local hospital before being released to Wayne County Jail.  Downen is being charged with possession of a controlled substance and aggravated fleeing. Good job, Deputy. Downen is fortunate he was able to b...

THE NEW AFRICA CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR MYCOTOXIN AND FOOD SAFETY FUT MINNA IS POISED TO REDUCE CASES OF CANCER  IN NIGERIA. The Director Africa Centre of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety Federal University of Technology Minna Niger state Professor Hussaini Anthony Makun has expressed optimism that the commissioning of  the centre will helped to reduce current increase in cases of cancer and other diceases in Nigeria. He stated this after the commissioning of the multi million naira edifice at the Gidan Kwano campus of FUT Minna. Professor Hussaini Anthony explained that already masters and phd students from twelve African countries are currently on capacity building and research using the state of the earth equipments at the centre to prevent and control any poison from our food. According to him mycotoxin are those harmful substances that causes cancer of the liver and kidney diseases which the centre is poised to removing all forms of antibiotics from our grains thr...

 PRESS RELEASE ADDENDUM: EKITI INCIDENT: PRESIDENT ORDERS IGP TO APPREHEND PERPETRATORS As Ekiti Governor, Senate Leader Meet IGP Following the recent security situation in Ekiti State, and an earlier statement where the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, ordered strategic deployments to deal with the incidents, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has ordered the IGP to ensure that all the perpetrators are apprehended and caused to face the full wrath of the law. This was made known during the visit of the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, to the Inspector General of Police at the Force Headquarters today 1st February, 2024 to address the incidents in a bid to finding a lasting solution to them. The IGP has expressed the unrelenting commitment of the Force to addressing the challenge, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought ...

 Education: Bayelsa Govt clears WAEC, NECO fees for 2011 Model Schools Students The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has approved funds for payment of West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) Senior Secondary School’s Certificate examinations fees for Two Thousand and eleven (2011) students of the 13 Government Model Secondary Schools across the state participating in the examinations in 2024.  The approval is in continuation of the established practice of the Governor in the last four years.  The state Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ayibaina Duba stated this in a press release in Yenagoa.  Hon. Ayibaina Duba disclosed that the annual payment of WAEC and NECO examinations is part of the Prosperity administration’s deliberate investment in education and human capital development which has been one of the major thrusts of the Senator Douye Diri administration in the last four years.  Ac...

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES ALIKO DANGOTE ON THE AWARD OF NATIONAL ORDER OF THE LION BY SENEGAL President Bola Tinubu congratulates Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, on the award of the National Order of the Lion by President Macky Sall of Senegal. The award is the highest order of Senegal and will be bestowed on the foremost businessman on February 2, 2024. President Tinubu applauds the industrialist for his enterprise and ingenuity, creating jobs and opportunities for many in Nigeria and across West Africa, as well as contributing to their economies, which the award further affirms. The President commends Mr. Dangote and wishes him the very best in his endeavours. Chief Ajuri Ngelale  Special Adviser to the President  (Media & Publicity) February 1, 2024  

 Ogun Constitutes Ambassadors To Intensify Efforts On Investment Drive Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has inaugurated a 12-man committee of Ogun Invest Ambassador Network to create a robust and seamless working relationship between government and investors, for businesses to thrive. Governor Abiodun, during the inauguration and orientation course for the ambassadors, at Ogun Invest Office, Isheri, in Ifo Local Government Area of the state, said the initiative was a landmark in the history of the state, as it would make a huge difference to the growth of current and potential investors willing to do business in the state. He explained that the ambassadors would be responsible for enlightening investors on how to harness the opportunities that abound and what they stand to gain by doing business with the state, adding that their role is pivotal in building bridges, fostering collaboration and attracting investors that would propel the state to new heights. Governor Abiodun, ...

 EFCC Clarifies Its Chairman’s Disclosures about Alleged Money Laundering by Religious Leaders    The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to some misleading reports,  commentaries and analyses by sections of the media,  particularly Arise News, regarding the disclosure by the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede about money laundering practices involving some religious sect leaders in Nigeria.   At the Commission’s public  engagement on  Youth, Religion and the Fight Against Corruption on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 in Abuja, the Chairman had frowned at the conduct of some religious sect leaders whom he accused of being complicit in money laundering.   “As I’m standing before you, there is a matter we are handling, a pyramid scheme that involves over N30 billion fleeced from Nigerians.    Along the line, some people died, some victims collapsed and all of that. We were able to trace over ...

Court Jails Actress Six Months for Spraying, Stepping on New Naira Notes Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, February 1, 2024, convicted and sentenced one Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, an actress, to six months imprisonment for  spraying and stepping on the new Naira notes at a social event in Lagos. She was first arraigned on February 13, 2023 by the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on two-count charges, to which she pleaded “not guilty”. She was subsequently granted bail on February 15, 2023. One of the court reads: “That you, Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, on the 28th day of January, 2023, at Monarch Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos , within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing during a social occasion tampered with the sum of N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same in the said occasion and you thereby committed an offence con...

 KWSG Open Tunde Flyover's service lanes for use Kwara State Government has opened the second service lane of the Tunde Idiagbon Flyover in Tanke to ease  traffic along that axis. The state Commissioner for Works Abdulqowiyu Olododo stated this in Ilorin during a facility tour of the bridge and other road projects in some parts of the metropolis. He said the residents of the community have  shown  understanding throughout the cycle of the  project . The Commisssioner noted that the  officials of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) had recently certified that the flyover is safe for public use. Abdulqowiyu explained that what is left are just road marking, painting of the walkways and Kerbs, which does not disturb the free flow of traffic. One more photo below. 

 YouTube Removes TB Joshua's Emmanuel TV Channel Following BBC Documentary In response to the recent sexual assault allegations against Prophet TB Joshua, the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), YouTube has taken down the church's primary channel, Emmanuel TV. This channel was used to broadcast the religious activities of the church. The removal follows a controversial documentary by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) highlighting allegations of torture and rape associated with TB Joshua. YouTube cited a violation of its policy as the reason for terminating the channel, specifically mentioning the breach of hate speech policies. The platform has strict guidelines against cyberbullying, harassment, and, notably, harassment against survivors of sexual violence. In a documentary released earlier this month, former associates accused TB Joshua of both sexual and physical assault during his lifetime.

 Daddy Freeze trolls Yul Edochie as lady narrates how he miraculously healed her during his Ministerial service Media personality, Daddy Freeze has trolled Nollywood actor and pastor, Yul Edochie following the testimony of a lady who listened to his Ministerial service. The lady narrated how Yul healed her during his recent ministerial service, revealing how she followed Yul’s sermon and received an instant miracle. She went on to state that before the ministerial event she had been having an elongated purging stomach and on the day of the service she had believed in a miracle and had stayed consistent till the end. She stated that she was miraculously healed after his sermon and encouraged the actor to continue his service. Reacting to it, Yul expressed how overjoyed he was to hear her testimony as he gave all Glory to God. He stated that he isn’t surprised because God told him He will do great things through him. Taking to his comment section in a now-deleted post, Daddy Freeze n...

 Ashabi Simple shows off her gain as she deletes Portable’s memories from her Instagram Nollywood actress Akinyanju Omobolarinde, better known as Ashabi Simple has reportedly deleted all her Instagram memories with her baby daddy and singer Habib Okikiola also known as Portable. Thus move followed the heavy backlash Ashabi Simple was subjected to on social media after Portable called her out for granting an interview about their relationship. A very controversial Portable slammed his baby mama for making it seem he is only interested in her when he has other wives and baby mama. He bashed her for disrespecting his first wife in the interview. Following this, Ashabi Simple yanked off all the posts of Portable from her page, a move that many see as a retaliation for her disrespect on social media. The actress shared a photo of her son on her Instagram story where she noted that the young boy is her gain. Months ago, Ashabi disclosed that she is unbothered by Portable’s ways of flaunt...

 Update: Benue man marries three women same day A Benue man, Tersugh Aondona, has married three women, Blessing, Nancy and Sulumshima, on the same day in Benue State.   The wedding was held on Wednesday night, January 31, 2024, at Lante Kukwagh Comprehensive Secondary School, Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of the state. More photos below. 

 Anambra Lawmakers Urge State Government To Ensure Full Utilisation Of Ogbaru  Ultra Modern Park  By Anastasia Agunwa/Chizoba Okeke/Gloria Abugu The Anambra State House of Assembly has urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to direct the State Commissioner for Transport and the Chairman, Anambra State Urban Regeneration Council to ensure the full utilisation of Ultra Modern Terminal Park, Ogbaru for its specified purposes. This was sequel to a motion sponsored by the member representing Ogbaru I constituency, Mr. Noble Igwe and seconded by Mr. Golden Iloh representing Ihiala II constiuency during plenary on January 30. The Speaker of the House, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze who presided over the plenary had moved for the adoption of the motion while the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes. Speaking on the motion, Igwe expressed concern that the park was no longer being used for loading and off-loading of vehicles meant to bring sanity within the Upper Iweka axis. Igwe, the D...

NIGERIAN ARMY HELD THE 31ST EDITION OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS SEMINAR IN ILORIN The Nigerian Army held the 31st edition of the social media influencers seminar at De Peace Hotel and Suite along University of Ilorin, Tanke, Ilorin Kwara State on 31 Jan 24. The event recorded large attendance and participation of social media influencers, online bloggers and vibrant youths across all the tertiary institutions in Ilorin and environ.  The Theme for the Seminar is “Emerging Trends on Social Media: Impact on National Security” is organized to bring to the fore the emerging trends on social media that could impact national security, and the roles social media influencers, bloggers and online media players could play in the management and usage of the technologies to the benefit of Nigeria in particular and humanity in general. The GOC 2 Div, Maj Gen BA Alabi was the Special Guest of Honour and other invited guests from sister services and other security agencies.  In his opening re...