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  Diana Ross makes surprise Grammys appearance, gives Kendrick Lamar trophy for 'Not Like Us' Music royalty graced the Grammys 2025 stage during Sunday night's awards ceremony as Diana Ross walked in. Pop sensations such as Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Beyonce, and more were all indeed starstruck watching Ross on stage as she received an instant standing ovation from the audience. Ross took to the stage to present the award for song of the year − one of the night's most coveted prizes. In a glamorous getup from Dolce & Gabbana with a white tulle cape over a dress with shining silver discs reminiscent of her '70s ensembles, Ross delivered inspirational words to a city in mourning. The Grammys took place in Los Angeles, which has been ravaged by wildfires in recent weeks, leading the Recording Academy to pivot focus to a more benefit-concert-like format. "May this moment remind us all of the power we hold," Ross told audiences, some of whom wore blue...

 Chris Brown just won his first Grammy in over 12 years for his album 11:11 Chris Brown won his first Grammy Award in more than a decade at the 67th awards ceremony on Sunday, becoming a two-time Grammy winner. The singer earned the award for Best R&B Album for 11:11 (Deluxe), released in April 2024. It is the extended edition of his eleventh studio album, 11:11. Brown last took home a Grammy in 2012 when he won in the same category for his record F.A.M.E. The 35-year-old was also nominated for Best R&B Performance for his track “Residuals” and Best African Music Performance for “Sensational.”

 Alleged $6bn Fraud: EFCC Re-arraigns Agunloye on  Seven Amended Charges The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, February 3, 2024 re-arraigned a former Minister of Power and Steel Development, Olu Agunloye on seven- count  amended charges bordering on fraudulent award of contract and official corruption  before Justice J.O Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  High Court, Apo, Abuja. The re-arraignment was sequel to the amendment of the earlier charges dated January 10, 2024   Count one read “That you, Olu Agunloye, whilst being the Minister of Power and Steel on or about the 22nd of May, 2003 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court awarded a contract titled "CONSTRUCTION OF 3,960MW MÅMBILLÅ HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION ON BUILD, OPERATE AND TRANSFER BASIS" to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited without any budgetary provision, approval and cash backing and you thereby committed an offence con...

 SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES TEMS FOR WINNING GRAMMY AWARD   Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, for winning the 67th Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance.  The Governor said the award is a prestigious recognition that highlights Tems’ exceptional talent and contribution to the music industry not only in Nigeria and the African continent but also on the global stage.  Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said the 29-year-old Tems has achieved a milestone with the international recognition at the 67th Grammy Award.  It would be recalled that Openiyi won the Best African Music Performance Award during the Grammy Award held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, United States, on Sunday. She emerged victorious in a fierce competition, defeating strong conten...

 LAWMA INTENSIFIES ENFORCEMENT WASTE CLEAN-UP ACROSS LAGOS … Urges Residents to Stop Patronising Cart Pushers The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has intensified its enforcement and clean-up operations across the state to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and maintain environmental sustainability. The Agency’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin emphasised LAWMA’s unwavering commitment to keeping Lagos clean, noting that the monitoring and enforcement team had been mobilised to ensure compliance with waste management laws of the state. He said, “LAWMA remains resolute in stamping out illegal waste disposal and environmental violations. Our Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Anti-Cart Pushers Squad has been actively dislodging illegal waste operators who contribute to the degradation of our environment. We urge residents to desist from patronising them and instead work with registered PSP operators for proper waste disposal.” Gbadeges...

 LSSC ADVOCATES INCLUSIVE SPORTS, ATHLETES' DEVELOPMENT The Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, has emphasised the role of the Commission in propagating inclusivity and encouragement of young talent development across various sports. Fatodu made the statement at the grand finale of the Lagos State U-20 Volleyball Club Championship held recently at the Volleyball Court of Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The four-day novel initiative was designed to bring different clubs together from the state to hone their skills, build a formidable team, measure the level of their performances and also serve as a rare opportunity for the young stars to compete among themselves. Speaking further, Fatodu explained that the Commission is creating an enabling environment for those in various places or schools who did not have the opportunity to be part of those who qualified for competitions like the National Youth Games. "Similarly, we're deliberate about ...

 EFCC Arraigns MD for Alleged  N144m  Hajj Pilgrims Fraud in Gombe The  Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  has arraigned the Chief Executive Officer,  CEO,   MB Lugga Global Travels and Tours Limited, Mustapha Mohammed before Justice TG.Ringim  of the Federal High Court sitting in Gombe, Gombe State on  three -count charges bordering on intent to defraud and obtaining by false pretences to the tune of  N144, 162, 500( One Hundred and Forty- Four Million One Hundred and Sixty Two Thousand and Five Hundred Naira). Count one of the charges reads: "That you, Mustapha Mohammed , male adult, while being the Chief Executive Officer of MB Lugga Global Travel and Tours Limited and Nazifi Sale Idris (now at large) sometimes in 2024 at Gombe, Gombe state within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to defraud falsely obtained through your personal Access Bank plc account number 0...

 EFCC Arraigns 29 Chinese, 10 Filipinos, Three Others for Alleged Internet Fraud in Lagos   The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, February 3, 2025, arraigned 29 Chinese, 10 Filipinos, one Malaysian, one Indonesian and one Pakistani before separate Federal High Courts sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.   They were arraigned alongside a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., before Justices Ayokunle Faji ; D.I. Dipeolu; Alexander Owoeye and C.J. Aneke, respectively.   The suspects are members of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024, in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC.   They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, impersonation, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft, among others.   The defendants are: Zh...

 Al-Shahab suspects abduct 5 Kenyan officials in border region Five Kenyan local government officials were abducted Monday in an ambush by al-Shabab terrorists in Mandera County near the border with Somalia, police have confirmed, Xinhua reported. Mandera South police commander Julius Njeru confirmed the attack and said the administrators were traveling from Wargadud to Elwak town for duty when they were attacked and hijacked along the way. The police and witnesses believe the local administrators, locally known as chiefs, were driven to Somalia because the area is near the main Kenya-Somalia border. Kenyan President William Ruto is expected to tour the northern region this week, prompting security operations. Njeru said a major operation was mounted after the incident in which the attackers who were waiting are said to have fled to Somalia. Police believe the attackers had prior information on the movements of the administrators. Mandera County has been a hotbed of militants targe...

 Seattle woman facing murder charges after fatally beating her 14-year-old... for not doing chores. An unidentified 29-year-old woman was arrested when police made a shocking discovery inside of her home. The initial 911 call came in at 2:15 p.m., on Thursday, January 30th. Once at the home, authorities discovered an unresponsive 14-year-old boy. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital where he sadly passed away. As police questioned the mother, the heartbreaking truth began to emerge. The mother told police she had been spanking the child with an extension cord for not doing his chores, when the child went unresponsive.  As more information was gathered, officials learned that the beating had lasted for around an hour. The mother told investigators the child had become unresponsive when she had shoved him against the wall and he struck his head. She said she had waited 5 minutes before calling 911 after the boy lost consciousness.  The mother would not leave the jail f...

 WHO Chief counters Trump criticisms behind US pullout The World Health Organization’s chief hit back Monday at US President Donald Trump’s reasons for pulling the United States out of the WHO — and again urged Washington to reconsider. The United States is by far the WHO’s biggest donor and its withdrawal will leave a major hole in the organisation’s budget and its ability to respond to global public health threats. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus went through, in turn, the reasons given by Trump’s executive order to withdraw from the organisation, signed within hours of his return to office on January 20, and outlined what the UN health agency was doing in each field. “We regret the decision and we hope the US will reconsider,” Tedros told the opening of the WHO’s executive board meeting.

 Spurs agree deal to sign Bayern Munich forward Tel Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to sign France Under-21s forward Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich. The structure of the transfer is yet to be confirmed - and it is unclear if it will be a permanent or loan deal. The 19-year-old reportedly rejected Spurs earlier this month but is now expected to move to north London. A picture was posted by his agent Gadiri Camara on Monday appearing to show them both on board a private jet. Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 on Sunday at Gtech Community Stadium for their first league win in eight Premier League matches. Ange Postecoglou's side sit 14th in the table but are in the last 16 of the Europa League and the Carabao Cup semi-finals. On Thursday, Tottenham play the second leg of their semi-final at Liverpool after Spurs won the first leg 1-0. If the Tel deal is completed, it would be the club's second in two days after they announced the signing of Austria defender Kevin Danso on loan from ...

 Kano Assembly Imposes ₦25,000 Fine for Public Spitting, Urination, and Littering The Kano State House of Assembly has passed a law imposing a ₦25,000 fine on individuals caught spitting, urinating, defecating, or dumping waste on streets and under bridges in the state. The legislation grants authority to the agency responsible for city beautification and recreational area management to enforce the new rules. Speaking after Monday’s plenary, Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Dala emphasized the need to maintain cleanliness in Kano, aligning it with global standards. He noted that additional penalties are also included in the law for offenders. The Assembly also held a second reading of a bill to amend the Kano Waste Management and Environmental Sanitation Authority Act, which seeks to create an Assistant Executive Governor position.

 Sokoto Hajj Agency Seeks Deadline Extension from NAHCON As preparations for the 2025 Hajj intensify, the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has revealed that at least 1,700 intending pilgrims have made their initial deposits. Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, the agency’s acting secretary, Alhaji Ladan Ibrahim, confirmed that NAHCON has allocated 5,216 seats to the state. He expressed optimism that more applicants would complete their payments before the final deadline. Ladan highlighted key preparations, including securing accommodations in Mecca and Medina, finalizing catering services, and setting up camp facilities. He also noted that the state has so far remitted over ₦5 billion to NAHCON. Despite these efforts, he urged NAHCON to extend the payment deadline, particularly to accommodate intending pilgrims from rural areas. “In previous years, payments were accepted even after Ramadan. If NAHCON grants a two-week extension, we are confident that all allocated seats...

 Belgium Swears in Bart De Wever as New Prime Minister Conservative leader Bart De Wever was sworn in on Monday as Belgium’s new prime minister, following a hard-fought coalition deal that marks a significant rightward shift in the country’s politics. After seven months of negotiations, De Wever became the first nationalist from Dutch-speaking Flanders to hold the position. His coalition has pledged stricter measures on irregular migration, reinforcing his law-and-order stance. The 54-year-old, who has moderated his previous calls for Flanders’ independence, took the oath of office before King Philippe in Brussels before heading to an EU leaders' meeting on defense and transatlantic relations. De Wever reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment to increasing its defense spending to NATO’s two-percent GDP target, up from the current 1.3 percent, stating that Europe had been complacent on security matters and that Russian President Vladimir Putin had “woken us up.” Amid trade tariff threats fro...

 EU, Plateau State Collaborate on Hydropower Project To address the ongoing energy crisis, the European Union has announced a partnership with the Plateau State government to explore small hydropower generation. The Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, revealed this on Monday during an assessment visit to Assop Falls, a site estimated to have the potential to generate around 2MW of electricity. Stefanowicz emphasized the EU’s collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Power to diversify electricity generation by incorporating small hydropower solutions. This initiative aims to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy for Plateau State, supporting agro-processing activities and economic growth. She also stated that the EU is working with the state government and relevant stakeholders to assess the technical, financial, and environmental feasibility of the project. Managing Director of the Plateau State Energy Corporation...

 NBA Cracks Down on Fake Lawyers, Arrests Two in Delta The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) intensified its efforts against fake legal practitioners on Monday, leading to the arrest of a suspected fake lawyer, Tega Ikupa, in Effurun, Delta State. Ikupa was caught while preparing a Deed of Conveyance using the seal of a Sapele-based lawyer, Israel Onoge Esq. His sister-in-law, alleged to be an accomplice, was also arrested. Both suspects were taken into custody at the Ebrumede Police Station. The arrest took place at the premises of Magistrate Court 1, Effurun, following the intervention of lawyers from the Warri, Effurun, and Udu branches of the NBA. Upon discovery of the forged seal, the lawyers contacted Onoge, who confirmed he had not authorized its use. During interrogation, Ikupa admitted that the documents were provided by his sister-in-law, who later confessed that a surveyor in Adeje Community, Okpe, prepared them for ₦80,000. The police have since launched an investigation, ...

 FG Allocates N4.8bn for HIV Treatment in Nigeria The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a budget of N4.8 billion on Monday for the treatment of HIV patients in Nigeria. This decision comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's recent move to suspend financial aid to countries for HIV treatment, among other issues. Ali Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, made the announcement while briefing journalists following the Council meeting, which was chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Pate explained that the approved funds would be disbursed over four months to ensure the continued care of individuals living with HIV, even with the support of international partners. Regarding the U.S. policy shift on HIV and tuberculosis aid, Pate noted that the Nigerian government is focusing on transforming the health sector through domestic financing. He added that a committee has been established, with representatives from the Ministries of Fi...

 South Africa rejects US criticism over Expropriation Law South Africa has dismissed criticism from the US president regarding its recently enacted land reform legislation, TRT Afrika reported. The US president, in a social media post on Sunday, threatened to cut off funding to South Africa due to the country's land expropriation law, which he claimed unfairly treats certain classes of people. South Africa says its newly signed expropriation act, which allows it to take ownership of land from private property owners, was common practice across the globe, after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would cut off funding to South Africa, citing land confiscations. Trump said, "South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY," Trump said in a Truth Social post. "I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!" Controversial bill The South African government c...

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Executive Secretary, Usman Yusuf, on a five-count amended charge of alleged fraud. Yusuf appeared before Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kuje, Abuja, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. The charges against Yusuf include using his office to confer undue advantages to himself between 2016 and 2017, and awarding contracts without following due procurement processes. Specifically, he's accused of sanctioning the purchase of a vehicle for N49,197,750 instead of the authorized N30,000,000, and awarding a contract worth N10.1 million to GK Kanki Foundation for training that only 45 people attended. Yusuf's counsel, O.I Habeeb, requested that his client be remanded in EFCC custody pending the hearing of the bail application. However, Justice Nwecheonwu pointed out that once Yusuf was arraigned, he ceased to be in EFCC custody. Th...

 NELFUND Disburses N20bn for 192,906 Students’ School Fees The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disbursed over N20 billion in institutional fees to tertiary institutions nationwide, benefiting 192,906 students, the agency announced on Monday. In a statement from its management in Abuja, NELFUND refuted claims that N104 billion had been disbursed, clarifying that the actual amount stands at N20.07 billion as of February 3, 2025. The Fund has also provided additional financial support, distributing over N12.8 billion in stipends to 169,114 students, with each receiving N20,000 monthly. Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, NELFUND assured the public of continuous updates on loan disbursements. The student loan scheme remains a key initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Established under the Access to Higher Education Act, NELFUND oversees loan applications, disbursements, and recovery, ensuring financial support for low-income students in tertiary insti...

 NCAA Summons Kenya Airways Over Viral Passenger Incident The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned Kenya Airways to its Abuja headquarters following a viral video showing a heated altercation between a Nigerian passenger and a Kenya Airways agent in Nairobi. The dispute, captured on social media, involved passenger Gloria Omisore, who was traveling from Lagos to Manchester with layovers in Nairobi and Paris. In the video, Omisore accused the airline of mistreating her during a 17-hour layover and demanded food, accommodation, and sanitary supplies. Kenya Airways responded by claiming Omisore was denied boarding to Paris due to a lack of a SCHENGEN Visa and refused an alternative route through London. The airline also alleged that Omisore reacted inappropriately by throwing used sanitary pads at staff members. NCAA Director of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, criticized both the airline's unprofessional conduct and Omisore's behavior, citing Part 19 of the NCAA...

 Pakistani Taliban Claims Killing of Polio Vaccination Guard Amid Rising Attacks The Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for the killing of a police officer assigned to guard polio vaccinators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The officer was shot dead by gunmen on a motorcycle in Jamrud town on Monday, the first day of a nationwide polio immunization drive. Despite the attack, authorities confirmed that the vaccination campaign remains ongoing. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government's commitment to eradicating polio. Pakistan, one of the last countries where polio remains endemic, has witnessed an increase in polio cases and militant attacks targeting health workers and their escorts.

 Toyin Tofade: First Black Female President of a U.S. College, Leading Transformative Change Dr. Toyin Tofade made history in July 2022 as the first Black female president of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS). Since assuming office, she has introduced transformative initiatives to strengthen the college’s future. Under her leadership, ACPHS launched a strategic plan and ACPHS Online in March 2024, restructured academic units, implemented a leadership program, and fostered an entrepreneurial mindset. Her efforts have significantly boosted enrollment, with total applications rising by 18.58%, deposits increasing by 35.03%, and transfer admissions soaring by 714.29%. Additionally, ACPHS expanded its academic offerings, introducing seven new degree programs. Before ACPHS, Dr. Tofade held key leadership roles at Howard University, the University of Maryland, and UNC hospitals. She has been a trailblazer in pharmacy leadership, serving as the first Black woman presid...

 Arabian glow! Tiwa Savage’s Saudi move leaves fans in awe (Photos) Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage has once again sent social media into a frenzy after sharing a glimpse of her time in Saudi Arabia, with fans showering her with admiration and royal titles. The singer, whose post simply read “Live Simply”, racked up over 91,000 likes in just two hours, including a nod of approval from Nollywood actress Mide Martins. But it wasn’t just the likes that stole the show—her comment section turned into a vibrant fanfare of love, fire emojis, and cultural nods. From “Hajia Savage ❤️❤️” to “Her royal gorgeousness ,” admirers couldn’t get enough of Tiwa’s Arabian adventure. One fan even playfully nudged, “All that’s left is your Arab money Prince ”, while another greeted her in Arabic with “As-salamu alaykum ”. Dressed in effortless elegance, the ‘Somebody’s Son’ hitmaker seems to be embracing the serenity of the Middle East while keeping her global fanbase captivated. Whether it’s a vacation, a...

  A young man in Yobe who spends six years living inside cave of a baobab tree. In Gudi town of Fika local government, Yobe State, Northeast Nigeria, a young man identified as Muhammadu chooses to spend his life inside cave of a baobab tree nearly the town to avoid having misunderstanding or quarrelling with   anyone in the town. As he said, he has been sleeping inside the cave comfortably for the past six years. More photos below.

 2027: ‘North-Central will not join any coalition with North-East, North-West’ Ahead of the 2027 general election, the North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has declared that the North-Central zone will not go into any coalition with the North-East and the North-West. There are speculations that ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar, former governors of Kaduna and Rivers states, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, and Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi, are planning to join forces against President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The speculations heightened after the opposition politicians criticised Tinubu’s government and the ruling APC at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, held on Monday, 27th January 2025, in Abuja. El-Rufai at the event urged opposition parties to unite and form a broad coalition to challenge the APC and protect democracy in the country. In a statement made available to journalists on Saturday in Abuja, ...

 Trump Trade War: Nigeria, Others Risk Imported Inflation The tariff and imminent trade war orchestrated by US President Donald Trump against Canada, China and Mexico may heighten imported inflation for Nigeria and some African countries. Economic and financial experts say Trump’s action could also cause a fall in the price of crude oil. Trump had on Saturday signed an executive order, imposing new tariffs, including a 25 percent duty on all imports from Mexico and most products from Canada, along with a 10 percent tariff on goods imported from China. According to the Trump administration, the tariffs are aimed at curbing the flow of drugs and undocumented immigrants into the US. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the sweeping tariffs he imposed on Mexico, Canada and China may cause “some pain” for Americans. In swift response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced retaliatory tariffs, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced “far-reaching” levies tar...