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 NFF confirms collapse of Labbadia deal, names Eguavoen as caretaker coach The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) blamed the “stringent regulations of German tax authorities” for the collapse of Bruno Labbadia’s appointment as Super Eagles head coach.  On Tuesday, NFF announced Labbadia as the Eagle’s new coach. The federation said an agreement had been reached with the German, adding that he would take over the team immediately. On Friday, however, there were reports that the 58-year-old tactician has pulled out of the deal. The reports said the manager cancelled the deal because of the “public rush” to announce his arrival. In a statement, NFF confirmed the development and cited “tax issue” as the cause of the contract collapse In a statement, NFF confirmed the development and cited “tax issue” as the cause of the contract collapse. Ibrahim Gusau, NFF president, said the tax details “came up” after both parties had reached “an agreement in principle.”

 Gabonese leader Nguema marks one year since coup General Brice Oligui Nguema, the transitional president of Gabon, oversaw a military parade and other events on Friday to commemorate the first anniversary of the coup that ousted the Bongo dynasty, according to AFP. Oligui, 48, who deposed president Ali Bongo Ondimba on August 30, 2023, moments after Bongo was proclaimed the winner in a presidential election, arrived at the parade standing on the back of a military vehicle. In a speech, Oligui outlined initiatives for economic revitalisation and infrastructure development, acknowledging the challenges faced by the Gabonese people. "Infrastructure is obsolete and almost non-existent in some provinces, the unemployment rate is very high," Oligui said. "There are too many evils that overwhelm the Gabonese," the former head of the presidential guard, dressed in his red uniform, said on Friday. "We decided to put the country under construction, to relaunch economic ...

 Cameroon's Media Leader Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison  Amadou Vamoulke, the former head of Cameroon Radio and Television (CRTV), has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Special Criminal Court in Yaoundé. Accused of embezzling 2 billion FCFA, a figure that was originally 16 billion FCFA, his case has sparked debate and concern. Many believe the charges against Vamoulke are baseless. Human rights groups and legal experts argue that the accusations were fabricated. A thorough audit of CRTV's accounts showed that the funds in question were actually debts owed to the broadcaster. Barrister Akere Muna, who knows Vamoulke personally, described him as a man of integrity and transparency, known for his honest management at CRTV. Vamoulke's case has caught global attention, with the United Nations and organizations from over 40 countries calling for his release. His imprisonment is viewed by many as a troubling reflection of Cameroon's political climate, where corrupti...

 Zelensky Fires Air Force Commander A Day After F-16 Jet Crash President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Ukraine's Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk on Friday, according to a presidential decree. The dismissal was announced just a day after the Ukrainian military reported that an F-16 jet crashed and its pilot died while repelling a major Russian strike on Monday. "I have decided to replace the commander of the Air Forces... I am eternally grateful to all our military pilots," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address. He did not give a reason for dismissal but mentioned that personnel must be protected, and that there was a need to strengthen the command level. “We need to protect people. Protect personnel. Take care of all our soldiers,” Zelensky said in an address minutes after the order was published. He said Ukraine needs to strengthen its army on the command level. Ukraine's General Staff said that General Lieutenant Anatoliy Kryvonozhka would tem...

 Why I did BBL — Mercy Eke Big Brother Nigeria star Mercy Eke has explained why she did her Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). She revealed this when during an appearance as a guest on the latest episode of the Love is a Game show. Mercy Eke shared details about her cosmetic procedures,  revealing both the challenges and her ultimate satisfaction with the results. She said “To be very truthful at first it was because of the trend. I did my body in 2018. I think at the time it was just the trend maybe peer pressure, everyone is doing it . Because I actually had a good form, my body was not that bad I had a beautiful slim body but the stomach was a little too big then. I was really scared infact I didn't tell my mom because I didn't want anybody to discourage me so it was me and my two other friends, we just planned it. We paid and we did it together ,the three of us at the same time. After the surgery you get to have your body massaged, I think that's the painful part and then the f...

 Rema Performs "Calm Down" For The Oba Of Benin Rema , Divine Ikhubor, is currently in Benin City, Edo State for his Homecoming Concert. Arriving in his beloved hometown of Benin, Edo State, just days before his much-awaited homecoming concert, Rema was on a mission to reconnect with his heritage and honor those who have paved the way before him. The concert, set for August 30 at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, was announced in July, sparking excitement across the nation. In a display of deep respect and cultural homage, Rema’s journey was not just about his music—it was about celebrating the land that shaped him. He met with the Governor of Edo state and also rubbed shoulders with the city’s elite, showing his gratitude to the dignitaries who have supported his meteoric rise. But the real pinnacle of his homecoming was his visit to the palace of the Oba of Benin, where Rema took his acts of reverence to new heights.  With a deep bow, he knelt before the Oba, paying the ...

 TZANEEN- Nkowankowa Taxi Drivers Dress Up to Celebrate Women’s Month, bringing laughter and joy to commuters, as well as embracing and appreciating women. In a heartwarming and humorous tribute to Women’s Month, the taxi drivers at Nkowankowa Taxi Rank brought smiles to the faces of commuters as they dressed in women's attire to honor the occasion. The drivers didn’t just stop at clothing; they fully embraced the spirit of the celebration by borrowing clothes from their wives, girlfriends, and daughters. To complete their look, many even added makeup, turning the taxi rank into a vibrant and joyful scene. It also sparked conversations about the importance of gender equality and respect for women, making it a meaningful and memorable celebration. More photos below. 

 Cuba honours Wole Soyinka with national medal Miguel Diaz-Canel, president of Cuba, has conferred a national medal of honour on Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate. The Haydee Santamaria Medal was bestowed on Soyinka at the Casa de las Americas in Havana, Cuba, on August 23. In a statement issued by the Cuban presidency, Diaz-Canel said Soyinka’s visit to the country is “very significant, it is the visit of a brother who has always fought for just causes”. The president said awarding Soyinka the medal is an expression of many feelings for Cuba, adding that the Haydee always harped on the importance of culture to revolution. “With you, we share ideas, dreams, commitment to human improvement,” Diaz-Canel said. Jorge Fornet, director of the Centre for Literary Research of Casa de las Americas, said awarding Soyinka the Haydee Santamaría Medal, which has been previously received by many of the most outstanding figures of Latin American, Caribbean and other world intellectuals, “is an act of ...

 Al Ahli agree to sign Victor Osimhen for €80m Italian club Napoli and Saudi club Al Ahli have reached an agreement on the transfer of striker Victor Osimhen to the Arab club. According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, the “club to club deal done for €75/80m total package.” Romano wrote on X: “BREAKING: Napoli reach total agreement with Al Ahli for Victor Osimhen! “Club to club deal done for €75/80m total package, Al Ahli have already booked a medical. “Four year contract worth €25/30m per season net to Osimhen + RELEASE clause. Evening Roundup: Stories making waves in The Nation - The Nation0:01 / 1:00 “Final green light up to Victor.”

 Fresh trouble for jailed Ekweremadu in UK over new case A former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for human trafficking last year, is under investigation by the London Metropolitan Police in a new case linked to him. A documentary, titled: “Daniel vs Ekweremadu,” showed that the police are investigating a case involving Ekweremadu, although details of the case are scarce due to the ongoing investigation. Part One of the two-part docu-series was released on August 23; it is written and directed by award-winning filmmaker and TV host, Chude Jideonwo. In an email to the producers, a spokesperson to the police, Alexandra Meek, as shown in the documentary, explained the basis of the investigation. She said: “With regard to the live investigation, which is linked – On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime arrested a woman on suspicion of conspiracy to exploit for the purposes of organ harvesting. “The woman, ...

 DSS gets court order to freeze 20 bank accounts of female suspected terrorist The Department of State Services (DSS) has secured an order from the Federal High Court in Abuja to freeze 20 different bank accounts linked to a suspected female terrorist, Aisha Abdulkarim. The accounts, domiciled in eight different banks, are to remain frozen for a period of 60 days to enable the secret police to carry out forensic investigations into the alleged acts of terrorism by the bank account operator. Justice Peter Lifu issued the order for the freezing of the accounts following an ex-parte application brought and argued before him by the DSS. Also linked with the alleged acts of terrorism are Yehusa Idris and Abdullahi Babayo Umar, who have been taken into custody by the security agency following their arrest in different locations. The DSS’s ex-parte application was argued by its lawyer, Yunus Ishaku Umar, who informed Justice Lifu that the freezing order was needed by the DSS to enable its...

 Ogoga proscribes traders association in Ikere Ekiti The Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, in the headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu, has proscribed all traders’ associations in his domain and community. While declaring the proscription of all the traders’ associations in Ikere Ekiti on Monday, the traditional ruler described as unacceptable the activities of the associations’ incessant fixing of prices of goods and services in the community. Oba Adejimi said traders should be allowed to set the prices of their goods and trade without any association or coercion in the market. During a meeting with the traders in his office, as well as the leader of Sand Quarry Suppliers, Ogoga explained that the constitution guarantees freedom of association, stressing that no individual should be mandated to join any trade group. Explaining further, he stressed that the complaints of the people over the hike in prices of commodities, specifically food, were heartbreaking, w...

 Again, Police summon NLC President Ajaero The Police have again summoned the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, and the General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, to appear at the Force Headquarters on September 5, 2024. The new invitation is coming barely 24 hours after Ajaero honoured the Police’s invitation over alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion and cybercrime. This time around, the police invited the NLC President and the General Secretary to answer questions over alleged criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause breach of public peace, and malicious damage to properties.

 LG secretariat set ablaze by gunmen in Anambra A large group of gunmen has attacked the Ogbaru Local Government Secretariat in Anambra State early Friday morning. Reports indicate that the assailants, who arrived at the secretariat in the early hours, set fire to several buildings on the premises. These included a town hall designated for traditional rulers and other administrative structures. This marks the second attack on the Ogbaru LGA in the past two months, with a similar incident occurring on June 15, 2024. Although there have been no reported casualties so far, witnesses described the assailants firing indiscriminately into the air, causing widespread panic among local residents. Concerns about security in Ogbaru have intensified following recent events. Sources noted that a security guard was killed days ago due to gunshot wounds sustained from a recent attack, and there have been other violent incidents in the area, including the shooting deaths of two young men on Augus...

 Trafficking of Fake Passports: 12 Cameroonians and 3 Congolese Arrested in Brazzaville According to the Congolese media, an operation to dismantle a network trafficking false passports has led to the arrest of 12 Cameroonians and 3 Congolese in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.  The suspects were presented to the media on August 28, 2024 and are currently being prosecuted for their involvement in the case. According to the public prosecutor, André Oka Ngakala, trafficking false passports is very common in Congo. The investigation, opened following a discovery at the Brazzaville documentation centre, revealed that foreign nationals were using illegal means to obtain Congolese passports. The 15 suspects were taken into custody before being referred to the public prosecutor. They will be tried before the courts of the Republic of Congo for their involvement in this network trafficking in false passports.

Nigerians should learn from this, this means that the Cameroonians based in Germany can participate in elections from their country of origin  Cameroonians residing in Germany are called upon to go to the Embassy of Cameroon in Berlin to register on the electoral lists. The communiqué signed this August 30 by by Cameroon’s ambassador to Germany, NDOCKI Victor says the office will be opened for final registrations on Saturday, October 31, 2024 from 10:00am to 2:00pm.  

 I’m recovering from failed kidney transplant, TG Omori updates fans Award-winning cinematographer and music producer, ThankGod Omori, popularly known as TG Omori, announced on Friday that he has been recuperating from the stitches of his failed kidney transplant. He mentioned that although he cannot express his gratitude to God with a backflip, he is getting better and will continue the fight. While acknowledging the outpouring of love from his fans, he expressed his eagerness to bounce back and produce new music videos to delight his supporters. In a post on his X account on Friday, Omori wrote, “Up and grateful, O Lord. (Sadly, I can’t backflip.) Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes. “I’m healing now from the stitches of the failed one, I’ll continue the fight. I’ve been on it for the past year or two, and I can’t back down now. “Love you all so much. Can’t wait to create new, crowded music videos for you all.” MAGIC FM previously reported that the music producer had a ...

  Captain Kelechi Ndukwe becomes first Nigerian to command US Navy War Ship A Nigerian-American, Kelechi Ndukwe has been promoted to the rank of Navy Captain from Commander. He is the first Nigerian to have a command of US Navy War Ship. As the first Nigerian-American to command the ship, the new role is the zenith of his over 20-year career in the US navy, which started with him working as an auxiliaries officer in 2003, a year after obtaining a master’s degree in national security and strategy studies from the US Naval War College. In 2021, Kelechi took over as the commanding officer of USS Halsey (DDG-97), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer. Before he took over from DeVere J. Crooks who had commanded the ship since November 2019, he had been serving as the second-in-command. The USS Halsey (DDG 97) is not the first US navy ship Ndukwe will be commanding. From 2013 to 2015, the graduate of chemical engineering was the commanding officer for the USS Devastator (MCM 6)...

 Onyeka Onwenu  buried today; details revealed. Onyeka Onwenu will be buried today, Friday, August 30, in Lagos. The music icon, popularly called Elegant Stallion, died on July 30, 2024, at Reddington Hospital, Ikeja, after collapsing following her performance at the birthday party of Dr Stella Okoli, the Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals. She was 72 years old. The funeral service, as announced by the family, will take place at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, followed by a private burial at a vault in Ikoyi, CKN News reports. A funeral flyer stated that the Service of Songs is scheduled for 10 -12 noon while the burial, 2-4pm. In an opinion piece in 2021, Onyeka Onwenu revealed how she will prefer to be buried. “Do it quickly, quietly and privately,” she said at the time. She is survived by her two sons.

  Prince William and Harry reunited at their uncle's funeral At their uncle's funeral,Prince William and Prince Harry reunited following the Duke of Sussex’s covert trip to the UK. A close friend of the family expressed their happiness at confirming both princes were there. Lord Fellowes, 82, passed away on 29 July. He was married to Princess Diana’s older sister and served as Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary for several years. It is believed to be the first time that the two brothers have publicly seen each other since King Charles’ Coronation last May. William and Harry were present to bid their uncle farewell, but they were not seen interacting. The princes went to their mother Diana's brother-in-law, Lord Robert Fellowes’ funeral discreetly. In Snettisham, Norfolk, they were rumoured to have sat separately at the rear of the church. Harry is based in the US. Sources close to him had earlier stated he wouldn't be there. Another source described how they only go...

 Gunmen kill students in Yobe School  Gunmen, believed to be Boko Haram insurgents, have attacked Faudiya School in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State killing some students.  The school is associated with the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), a Shiia sect in Nigeria. According to sources who spoke to Daily Trust, the attackers struck in Hausari quarters in Geidam LGA around 3:44am on Friday. They entered the school while the students were sleeping. “The incident occurred at around 3:44 am, when the gunmen invaded Faudiya School a well known Shiite school in Geidam.” “They (gunmen) attacked the school when these youth were asleep and brought them outside and shot them dead. The source said.  Another source from the vigilantes command told Daily Trust that three members of Shiia sect were killed while one sustained injuries. The Yobe State Police Command confirmed the incident, and the Assistant Director of the Public Relations Unit of Operation Lafiya Dole Se...

 NNPC set to transfer Warri, Kaduna refineries to private operators The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has officially announced its plans to seek collaborations with reputable and trustworthy operations and maintenance firms to oversee the operations of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC).  This decision was communicated in a statement released on Friday through the company’s official ‘X’ handle. "NNPC Ltd is actively seeking partnerships with reputable and reliable Operations & Maintenance (O&M) companies to manage the operations of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), with the objective of ensuring reliability and sustainability to fulfill the nation's fuel supply and energy security obligations," the statement read. The Warri Refinery, situated in Delta State was commissioned in 1978, and is a complex conv...

  Police Exhume Bodies of Kidnapped Marine Hunters in Akwa Ibom The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has exhumed the bodies of marine hunters from the Ministry of Internal Security and Inland Waterways who were kidnapped, murdered, and buried by notorious criminals in Unyenghe, Mbo Local Government Area. The command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, disclosed on Friday that the bodies were discovered in shallow graves after the police received information about the crime. “The command’s operatives, upon getting the information, embarked on a hot chase of the suspects and arrested the following suspects: Anthony Archibong, Emmanuel Emmanuel Otoyo, Daniel Edet Okon, Eniete Harry Tom, and Joseph Okon,” John said. The police also arrested the Village Head of Utit Antai, Chief Okon Asuquo Eteokpo, who was allegedly providing spiritual fortification for the suspects. John added, "Chief Okon Asuquo Eteokpo, said to be their ally and spiritual fortifier, was arrested alongside the suspects, and ...

  Abuja Community Demands Justice After Government Demolition After Government demolished over 200 homes in Nuwalege, a rural community along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road in Abuja, has left many families homeless and demanding compensation. The demolition, executed by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) at the request of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), was intended to make way for an extension of the Presidential Air Fleet. However, residents claim they were not given adequate notice or compensation. "They demolished our house in January. There was no information prior to the demolition," said Wisdom James, a displaced resident now living in Zamani. "They didn’t tell us when they would be coming. They didn’t pay us anything," he added. Contrary to the residents' claims, Muktar Galadima, the Director of the FCT Department of Development Control, stated that a two-month notice was given before the demolition. "We informed the resid...

  Israeli Military Kills Hamas Leader in Jenin Amid Escalating West Bank Operations The Israeli military has announced the killing of Wissam Hazem, the head of the Palestinian armed group Hamas in Jenin, along with two other fighters, during an ongoing major operation in the north of the occupied West Bank. According to a military statement, Israeli security forces "encountered and eliminated" Hazem in a vehicle, followed by airstrikes that targeted "two additional terrorists" attempting to flee. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed the deaths, stating that the three men were killed overnight near the town of Zababdeh, southeast of Jenin. Additionally, Palestinian media reported that Israeli forces had withdrawn from Tulkarm after causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in the city's refugee camps. Although the Israeli military has not commented immediately on these reports, it previously stated that five members of armed groups, includin...

 LAGOS TASKFORCE CRACKS DOWN ON MISCREANTS ALONG LEKKI-EPE EXPRESSWAY The Lagos State Taskforce has commenced a comprehensive operation aimed at ridding the Lekki-Epe Expressway of miscreants and suspected criminals who have been terrorizing motorists and residents in the area. The operation, which took place across key locations including Chisco Roundabout, Elegushi, Ikate Roundabout, and Marwa Bus Stop, was executed following series of complaints lodged by concerned motorists and residents through the Agency’s feedback channels. These individuals reported an alarming rise in criminal activities, particularly during rush hour, where hoodlums would lie in wait at inconspicuous spots along the expressway to pounce on unsuspecting passersby and motorists. Speaking on the operation, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, under special directives of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade emphasized the agency's commitment to ensuring the saf...

 Residents Block Kaduna NNPC Gate Over Toxic Chemical Release, Call For Government Intervention Residents of communities near the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) facility have blocked the entrance to the gate in protest over a toxic chemical release that has killed plants in the residential areas. The chemical, released since Wednesday, has caused widespread damage to vegetation and raised concerns about the health and safety of residents. The protesters, demanding immediate action from the NNPC to address the issue, have vowed to continue blocking the gate until their demands are met. The incident has sparked outrage and concern among community members, who are calling for compensation for their crops killed by the chemical release. One of the residents, Prince Abello Simon, who spoke to newsmen, said, "We are unhappy about the release of this chemical. It has been killing all the crops in our communities. It will be challenging for crops to grow in the future. In ...

 GOV SOLUDO APPROVES THE CERTIFICATION OF FIVE MINERS Following the environmental pollution and degradation caused by unauthorised mining activities in Anambra State and the consequential damage to our roads, constructed with tax payers money, mining was necessarily suspended. A special Committee on Mining Reform was subsequently set up Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, Governor of Anambra State to emplace best standard of practice and screen operators for his approval. The process has been completed and the Governor has approved the Certificate of five (5) miners to resume their mining operations, but in strict compliance with newly prescribed modus operandi. Prospective operators in the State are enjoined to comply with the requirements for mining to enable them seek and obtain the Governor's approval to commence their operations. Signed *PAUL NWOSU* Commissioner for Information,  Anambra State. August 29, 2024

 ‘It’s enough,’ Senate vows to move against blackmailers The Senate has warned the public against what it described as “vicious attempts” to tarnish its image and that of its leadership. The Senate’s position was contained in a statement on Friday by the Senate Leader’s Directorate of Media and Public Affairs. The statement titled “Senate frowns at false claims against Bamidele, mulls stiffer action,” expressed concern over what it described as recent efforts to undermine public trust in the National Assembly. The Senate, while reacting to a petition against its leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said it would no longer treat cases of cheap blackmail against it or any member of the Red Chamber with levity. The statement noted that the latest incident involves a petition addressed to the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN). The petition said to have been signed by Convener of the Public Procurement Transparency Group, Davi...

 Meet the fearless eight officers of the Marine Command, NDLEA who have earned special promotions and commendations from the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer.  Their extraordinary bravery and unflinching commitment to duty led to the interception of 60 jumbo bags of illicit drugs smuggled into Nigeria via sea in Lagos.  This groundbreaking amphibious operation is just one out of Gen Marwa's many feats in NDLEA. Bravo to our gallant officers. More photos below.