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 Clock Ticking On Biden As Pressure To Quit Race Increases A recent poll found nearly two-thirds of Democrats think Biden should quit the race. The walls appear to be closing in on the POTUS. Nancy Pelosi, Hakeem Jeffries, Chuck Schumer and Adam Schiff are about as influential as you can get within the Democratic Party. It is now being reported that Barack Obama, the former president, seen as an elder figure of the party now, has expressed concern about Mr Biden. Both men are said to have had an up-and-down relationship. The Washington Post said Mr Obama had told allies in recent days that Mr Biden’s path to victory has greatly diminished, and that he needs to seriously consider the viability of his candidacy. While not all of the above have publicly called for Mr Biden to step down, the fact they’re not denying reports of private conversations is notable. Ms Pelosi in particular is a battle-scarred politician who plays a good game of 3D chess. She doesn’t want to be accused of dis...

 Bob Newhart, the deadpan accountant-turned-comedian who became one of the most popular TV stars of his time after striking gold with a classic comedy album, has died at 94. Jerry Digney, Newhart's publicist, says the actor died Thursday in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses. Newhart, best remembered now as the star of two hit television shows of the 1970s and 1980s, launched his career as a standup comic in the late 1950s. He gained nationwide fame when his routine was captured on vinyl in 1960 as "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart," which went on to win a Grammy Award as album of the year. Bob Newhart, the deadpan accountant-turned-comedian who became one of the most popular TV stars of his time after striking gold with a classic comedy album, has died at 94. Jerry Digney, Newhart's publicist, says the actor died Thursday in Los Angeles after a series of short illnesses. Newhart, best remembered now as the star of two hit television shows of the 1970s a...

 Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan fired up an excited crowd with his WWF antics and references at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Thursday. The former reality star called on voters to support Donald Trump, another veteran of reality TV, as he led the crowd in chants of “USA! USA!” and hammed it up for the cameras. Taking to the stage to his wrestling theme tune “Real American”, Hogan roared: “Well, let me tell you something brother!!” – one of his biggest catch phrases during his professional career. “What happened last week...when they took a shot at my hero....They tried to kill the greatest president of the United States!” he bellowed. “Enough was enough!!” As he spoke, he threw off his suit jacket and tore a black tank top in half to reveal a bright red Trump/Vance shirt underneath. Hogan was one of many hype acts brought on during the final night of the RNC. He was followed by both Kid Rock, and UFC president Dana White. Remarking on the atmosphere in the...

 Dubai princess Shaikha Mahra divorced her husband through Instagram post. Shaikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has announced her divorce from her husband, Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, via Instagram. Read below. 

  The Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, says the Federal Government and the leadership of the Organised Labour have agreed on ₦70,000 as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers. The minister said the agreement was reached at a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Thursday in Abuja. “We are happy to announce today (Thursday) that both the Organised Labour and the Federal Government have agreed on an increase on the N62,000 minimum wage. The new national minimum that Mr President is expected to submit to the National Assembly is ₦70,000,” Idris said. The minister was flanked by NLC President Joe Ajaero, TUC boss Festus Osifo, Labour Minister Nkiruka Onyejeocha, and other officials from both sides. Watch video below. 

 Governor Yusuf Flag off Distribution of Over N1 billion Worth of Free Fertilizers to Smallholder Farmers in Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Thursday unveiled the distribution of free fertilizers worth over one billion naira to smallholder farmers including females and People with Disabilities in the state.  A statement by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Spokesperson to the Governor, said the initiative was in fulfilment of Governor Yusuf's campaign promise to improve livelihood through investment in Agribusiness.  Governor Yusuf had during his campaign activities towards the 2023 elections promised to champion Agricultural transformation through the provision of quality and affordable Agricultural inputs as contained in his 70-page blueprint presented to the good people of Kano titled "My Commitment for Kano" Besides, the Dawakin-Tofa revealed that over a billion naira worth of NPK fertilizers that were distributed to 52,800 smallholder farmers across the 44 Local Governm...

 French authorities are clearing the streets of Paris ahead of the Olympic Games, according to NGO Le Revers de la Medaille, or "the other side of the medal". It says they've expelled 12,500 people from tent cities and squats in the past year - a 40% rise from the same period two years ago. In a press conference in Paris on Tuesday (July 16), migrants and Roma shared their experiences of forced eviction. The clearing-up of squats was facilitated by a new law passed in 2023, which also imposes large fines and prison sentences for illegal occupation. At least 3,000 people were affected by squat closures last year, according to a Reuters investigation. Authorities have denied the squat evictions were connected to the Olympic Games. Many were offered places in other parts of France, following a push by the government this year to clear the streets of the Paris region. The NGO’s spokesperson Paul Alauzy says tourists this summer will experience a, quote, “postcard Paris” with ...

 Ye, the musician formerly known as Kanye West, is facing a new lawsuit in California federal court claiming he misused other artists' music in two songs from his hit 2021 album "Donda." The group Artist Revenue Advocates said in the lawsuit, opens new tab filed on Wednesday that Ye used a track created by musicians Khalil Abdul-Rahman, Sam Barsh, Dan Seeff and Josh Mease in the songs "Hurricane" and "Moon" without permission and without paying them, despite crediting them as songwriters and producers of the songs. Attorneys for the plaintiffs and spokespeople for Universal Music Group (UMG.AS), opens new tab -- Ye's former record label, which released "Donda" -- did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit on Thursday. Representatives for Ye could not be reached for comment. The lawsuit said the musicians include Grammy Award winners who have worked with other rap artists including Eminem, Drake and Kendrick Lamar. ...

 PRESS RELEASE OIL THEFT: IGP APPOINTS NEW COMMANDER FOR PETROLEUM TASK FORCE, RESTRUCTURES TEAM FOR EXCELLENT SERVICE DELIVERY Speaks Tough on Economic Sabotage. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, in his continuous effort to combat pipeline vandalism and oil theft, has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Bayonle Kafar Sulaiman, as the new Commanding Officer in charge of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum And Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB). The new Commander, who has exhibited his prowess in similar taskforce operations, was previously Squadron Commander, Police Mobile Force 20, Lagos. As Commanding Officer of the IGP-STFPIB, the IGP has ordered him to lead the task force on the mission to combat illegal activities in the petroleum industry, including oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.  The Inspector-General of Police has also condemned in serious terms the trend of oil theft, pipeli...

 Russia, Congo Sign Memo of Cooperation on Nuclear Power, Hydroelectric Cooperation Russia and Congo-Brazzaville have signed memoranda of cooperation in the fields of peaceful nuclear energy and hydropower, state company Rosatom stated. Nikolay Spassky, the company's Deputy General Director and Head of the International Activities Department, made a working visit to Congo, where he held talks with the country's Minister of Energy and Hydraulics, Emile Ousso, and concluded the agreements. In late June, President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso announced plans to expand Russian-Congolese energy cooperation, saying that such agreements had been reached during negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU RECEIVES AMBASSADORS, CALLS FOR ENHANCEMENT OF ECONOMIC VALUE IN BILATERAL RELATIONS President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja called for the enhancement of the economic value of bilateral relations between Nigeria and partner nations. The President spoke when he received Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors of Portugal, Jorge Adao Martins Dos Santos; the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Biu Quoc Hung; and the State of Kuwait, Salim Khalifa Mohammed Almuzayen, at the Presidential Villa.  The President expressed his appreciation for Nigeria's long-standing relations with Portugal and the shared interest in the areas of trade and culture, as well as partnership in oil and gas, which has translated into gains for both countries. “It is good to have you in Nigeria. I am happy you are familiar with Nigeria and the environment. I believe that with your presence, our bilateral relations will be further improved. I am happy you are ...

 Italy’s competition watchdog launched an investigation yesterday into luxury fashion groups Armani and Dior for unfair commercial practices over allegations they used suppliers that underpaid and overworked their staff. As part of the probe, the AGCM watchdog and the Guardia di Finanza financial police on Tuesday carried out inspections at the headquarters of Giorgio Armani SpA and G.A. Operations SpA as well as Christian Dior Italia Srl. The investigation comes after units of Armani and Dior were separately placed under judicial administration earlier this year following concerns over labour law violations by subcontractors. measures in place to minimise abuses in the supply chain”. In June, a Milan court ordered that another top fashion company be placed under judicial administration, for what police said was a failure to prevent labour exploitation within its supply chain. The company was widely reported to be Manufactures Dior Srl, a unit of Christian Dior Italia. According to...

 Residents Wail As Kaduna Govt Demolishes Illegal Structures The Kaduna State Urban and Planning Development Authority (KASUPDA) has embarked on the demolishing of ‘illegal structures’. This action to many concerned residents and stakeholders, though legal, has come at a very critical time when the victims and other Nigerians are groaning sequel to the raging hyperinflation and other economic conundrums. A cross-section of the victims and residents lamented to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the demolition was like adding salt to an injury. “Such obnoxious actions are capable of aggravating insecurity in the state and the country in general,” one of them said. Malam Aliyu Sahabi, a former shop owner at the popular NAF Junction told NAN, “We are really now very confused as I have been operating here for close to two decades. “As for the elderly people like us, some of us can be patient but what about the youth? Some of them can resort to crimes” Another victim, Hajiya Raliya M...

 Reps Slash Salaries By 50% Over Nationwide Hunger Members of the House of Representatives have agreed to cut their salaries by 50 percent for six months as part of their solidarity and sacrifice to support the economic hardship and hunger Nigerians are going through at the moment. This followed the adoption of an amendment to a motion’s prayer moved by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on the need for lawmakers to sacrifice 50% of their N600,000 monthly salaries to support Nigerians in view of the hardship in the land. Kalu’s amended prayer was to a motion by Rep Isiaka Ayokunle calling on proponents of the planned nationwide protests to jettison the idea and engage the government in dialogue. The deputy Speaker said the salary cut is to be used to support federal government’s efforts to address rising cost of food stuffs in the country with the view to ameliorating the hardship Nigerians are going through. Daily Trust reports that by slashing their salaries b...

 India passenger train derails, overturning carriages A passenger train derailed Thursday in India’s northern state of Uttar Pradesh and medics were dispatched to the site, a local medical officer said, with footage of the accident showing several overturned carriages. The Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed in Gonda district, near the Hindu holy city of Ayodhya, at around 2:30 pm (0900 GMT), Indian media reported. Chief Medical Superintendent of Gonda District Hospital, Anil Kumar Tiwari, told AFP that a team of medics had been rushed to the accident site. India’s railway network remains the main form of travel in the vast country, but it is poorly funded and deadly accidents often occur. Last year nearly 300 people were killed when a passenger train collided with a stationary goods train, with the derailed compartments then striking another fast-moving passenger service.  India’s worst-ever rail accident occurred in 1981, when a cyclone blew a train off its tracks and into...

 Rudeboy breaks silence on arrest by EFCC Nigerian singer Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy  has revealed his source of wealth after his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC. Recall that Rudeboy and his elder brother, Jude Okoye, were arrested by the anti-graft agency recently. Speaking after his release, Rudeboy, in a post on his Instagram story, clarified that he isn’t a thief. Revealing his source of wealth, he stated that his good music pays him quite well. Sharing the EFCC eagle logo, he wrote; “Eagle eyes, all cleared. I no thief ohh. Na just good music de pay. Now let’s get back to the music next week!! New music!! Vitamin D.” RudeBoy is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, dancer and performer, who split up from the famous PSquare group. The singer, who struck out on his own, later revealed that it took him a long time before he adjusted to performing alone. As a solo artiste, Rudeboy released his official solo debut songs in 2017, which include s...

 Fans react as Davido storms Osun with Chioma's SUV wedding gift Nigerian superstar singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has arrived in Osun State with the car he and his wife, Chioma, received as a wedding gift a month ago. Recall that the couple was gifted a brand new SUV during their wedding in June, which many assumed was a present from Davido to Chioma. Videos circulating online show Davido with the new GN8 MVP car at an event in Osun State. Some clips capture his arrival in his hometown with heavy security, while others show him with his billionaire father, Deji Adeleke, his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, family members, and Yoruba actors like Laide Bakare and Sanyeri. As expected, Osun State residents gathered around him, chanting his praises and his catchphrase, 001. Here are some reactions: Sir Nero posted: “Is he already driving the car he bought for his wife?” Beyond Spring Skincare Spa posted: “I thought the car was a gift for his wife, Chioma. ...

 Falz speaks on relationship with Simi Popular Nigerian rapper and singer, Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz the Bhad Guy, has opened up about his relationship with singer, Simi. Simi and Falz sparked dating rumours after releasing a joint EP titled, ‘Chemistry’ in 2016. Speaking in a recent interview with Hip TV, Falz stated that what they had wasn’t beyond a sonic relationship. He recalled how he reached out to Simi after hearing her breakthrough song ‘Jamb Question’ and her their musical chemistry inspired more future collaborations. “I met Simi 2013 or 2014. I reached out to her first time I heard ‘Jamb Question’ to let her know I’ve written a verse for the remix that we’ve not yet discussed,” he recalled. “And we went on to do it, shot the video and from then onwards, every other track was so natural. She’s family, we really really clicked musically and we just had to really explore that. It was beautiful.” In May, Simi had also revealed that what she has with Falz is inten...

 Ndume: It appears Tinubu has resolved to do one term in office – Lukman A former National Vice Chairman North-west of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, has said that the sack of Senator Ali Ndume as the Chief Whip of the Senate and his expulsion from the party was an indication that President Bola Tinubu has resolved to do one term in office. Recall that on Wednesday, Ndume was removed as Chief Whip of the Senate and replaced with Senator Tahir Monguno following a directive contained in a letter sent to the APC Caucus in the Senate signed by APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje and National Secretary, Senator Basiru Ajibola, over alleged rabid outbursts against the president. Lukman, in a statement issued Thursday titled, “Fanatical Mindset,” lamented that everything is being done to suspend free speech in the country, adding that it was almost as if the country were back in the Abacha era, or even worse. The former APC chieftain said as it is, personal liber...

 Senate moves to establish Local Government Electoral Commission A Bill seeking to establish a federal agency for the conduct of local government elections on Thursday, July18, scaled first reading in the Senate. The Bill titled, “Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024” was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, (APC – Niger East).

 “My Journey With Fibr0ids Isn’t Over 😭" - Actress Ini Dima-Okojie Reveals That Her Fibr0ids Have Returned Three Years After Undergoing Surgery, Asking For Prayers 🙏 From Her Fans 😍 Popular Nollywood actress, Ini Dima-Okojie has opened up about her struggles with fibr0id tum0rs 😭 In a video shared on Instagram, she revealed that despite undergoing invasive surgery in 2020, the condition had re-surfaced. The ‘Blood Sisters’ actress explained that instead of opting for another surgery, she chose a holistic approach to manage the symptoms. In Her Words; “My Fibroid Journey! I never imagined I’d be sharing this again after my last update on 30/12/2020, but here I am. “My journey with fibroids isn’t over...recently learned they’ve returned. I’ll let you listen to the details in the video,” The movie star also expressed her determination to raise awareness about fibr0ids and support other women going through similar experiences. The thespian further revealed her plans to sponsor sca...

 ICPC Arraigns 3 Staff of Ekiti State Teaching Hospital for Forgery The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned three staff members of Ekiti State Teaching Hospital over allegations of forgery and deceits. The three-staff members, Mr. Fatuki Adebayo Paul, Mr. Babalola Idris Adebayo and Mr. Afolayan David Ayodele were arraigned before Justice Lekan Ogunmoye of the Ekiti State High Court on Wednesday. ICPC, in a charge number: HAD/02ICPC/2024 arraigned the trio on a six-counts charge bordering on forgery of a document contrary to and punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code Act Cap C28 LFN 2004, and knowingly and corruptly giving a document with false information with intent to deceive the principal, contrary and punishable under Section 17(1)(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. All of the three defendants, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them. Counsel for the defendants,...

 Nigeria drop to 39th in FIFA ranking, Spain, England move up Nigeria’s Super Eagles have dropped again by one spot in the FIFA World Ranking to place world 39th in the July ranking. In the ranking table by the world football governing body, the Nigerian team still maintained the 1,498.93 it had in June. Recall that Nigeria suffered a massive drop in the June ranking from 30th to 38th after lacklustre performances in the World Cup Qualifying matches. The drop on the global stage in July however did not affect the team’s position on the continental stage as the 5th behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and Cote d ‘Ivoire. On the global scene, three continental competitions and a plethora of international friendlies have been served up in June and July, with no fewer than 125 matches having been contested across the globe. Having successfully defended their CONMEBOL Copa América crown, Argentina (1st) tightens their grip at the top of the pile. France (2nd) are still their closest challenge...

 Abiodun Names Kemta-Idi Aba-Somorin Road After Wole Soyinka  Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has named the 12.5 kilometres Kemta-Idi Aba-Somorin road in Abeokuta, after the Noble Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. Governor Abiodun, who spoke at a reception organized by the state government to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Noble Laureate, in Abeokuta, on Wednesday, said the naming of the road after the world renowned playright was as a result of his achievements in the academia and literature that has brought honour not only to Ogun State and Nigeria, but the black race. Abiodun said that apart from using his writings to expose human conditions, Prof. Soyinka also showcases the rich and beautiful African culture to the outside world. "Prof. Wole Soyinka is a towering figure in literature and a Noble Laureate whose works have echoed across the world. A shining star of our great nation, his life and work are great testaments as a great genius. His intellectual prowess a...