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 Atiku Condemns Arrest of Sowore, Labels It a "Shameful Abuse of Power" Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has vehemently criticized the recent arrest and alleged brutal treatment of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Team, describing the incident as a “shameful abuse of power.” In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Atiku expressed dismay over what he termed a blatant violation of democratic principles and human rights. Sowore, a prominent activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, was reportedly arrested under controversial circumstances, with allegations of excessive force used by the police operatives during the operation. “This arrest and the brutal treatment meted out to Omoyele Sowore represent a dangerous assault on free speech and the fundamental rights of Nigerians,” Atiku stated. “Such actions by law enforcement agencies are a s...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE ( Re-issued) PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES  CEO, TWO COMMISSIONERS FOR NERC President Bola Tinubu has nominated  Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat as the new Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Engr Ramat, 39, is an electrical engineer and administrator, with a PhD in Strategic Management, among other qualifications. President Tinubu also nominated two commissioners for the NERC.  They are Mr Abubakar Yusuf, Commissioner of Consumer  Affairs and Dr Fouad Olayinka Animashun, Commissioner of Finance and Management Services.  All nominations are subject to Senate confirmation. The commission's acting chairman will continue to hold his position until the confirmation of the new chairman-designate.  Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) August 7, 2025

 First Lady Donates ₦110 Million to Families of Deceased Kano Athletes In a compassionate gesture, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has donated ₦110 million to support the families of 22 Kano athletes who tragically lost their lives in an accident earlier this year. Sanusi Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson for the Kano State governor, announced on Thursday that each affected family received ₦5 million through the First Lady’s intervention. The funds, disbursed under the Victim Support Fund, aim to ease the financial burdens and support the recovery of the bereaved families.

 NIGERIA'S CHIAMAKA NNADOZIE AMONG 2025 BALLON D'OR YACHINE TROPHY NOMINEES.  Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named among the top female goalkeepers in the world as a nominee for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Yachine Trophy.

 I was removed as governor for refusing to make Chris Uba my deputy – Ngige Makes shocking revelations Former  Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, has said that his removal from office in 2006 was rooted in his refusal to appoint prominent political figure and powerbroker in the state, Chris Uba, as deputy governor. Senator Ngige, who was Minister of Labour and Employment under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, also said that he is still a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, even though he said he is on sabbatical. Speaking in an interview in Abuja, Ngige said he never had regrets about his removal, describing the turn of events as divinely orchestrated. “I know those who were removing me. They showed their hands. They gave me conditions, and I said I won’t do them,” Ngige said. The former Minister of Labour and Employment recalled a meeting brokered by the late Senator Ibrahim Mantu, who conveyed the condition directly from the p...

 PRESS RELEASE LOCATIONS OF REGISTRATION CENTRES FOR THE NATIONWIDE CONTINUOUS VOTER REGISTRATION (CVR) AND FURTHER UPDATE ON PARTY REGISTRATION  The Commission held its regular weekly meeting today, Thursday 7th August 2025. Among other issues, the meeting reviewed preparations for the resumption of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and further update on the registration of new political parties. Locations of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) centres  As earlier announced by the Commission, the CVR will resume on 18th August with the online pre-registration. The in-person registration option will follow a week later on 25th August 2025. Thereafter, the two processes will continue simultaneously for a year until 30th August 2026.  The exercise will hold in 811 centres made up of our 774 Local Government, 37 State and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) offices nationwide from 9.00am to 3.00pm (Monday to Friday) every week with the exception of nati...

 Assemblies of God pastor reveals how Ghana First Lady prevented Prez Mahama from travelling in the helicopter that day Rev. Dr. Stephen Wengam of Assemblies of God, Ghana, has responded to claims that his church “saved” President Mahama’s life by keeping him from boarding the helicopter that c,rashed on August 6. Wengam explained that Mahama was originally scheduled to represent Ghana at Côte d'Ivoire’s Independence Day.  However, his wife, Lordina Mahama, reportedly urged him to stay and attend a national church event instead. Due to that decision, the President sent Defence Minister Dr. Omane Boamah in his place—he tragically lost his life in the crash.  “We did nothing,” Wengam said, reacting to viral praise and attributing the turn of events to divine providence, not human planning.

 Kenya Defence Forces Aircraft C,rashes in Nairobi Residential Area, Casualties Feared  A Cessna Citation 560, a light aircraft, crashed into a densely populated residential area in Githurai, Nairobi, on Thursday, according to Kenyan authorities. Several are feared dead in the accidentt. According to reports, the aircraft involved in the c,rash is suspected to belong to the Kenya Defence Forces. Authorities reported that the aircraft departed from Wilson Airport en route to Hargeisa but lost communication with air traffic controllers at approximately 12:17 pm. A video from the c,rash site has surfaced on social media showing a huge crowd gathered around a burning aircraft. Emergency responders, including military personnel and police officers, arrived swiftly to cordon off the area and control the gathering crowds. The incident occurred in proximity to a military installation, with nearby personnel providing immediate assistance. Githurai 45 Sub-county Police Commander Maurice...

  BODIES OF HELICOPTER CRASH VICTIMS IN GHANA RECOVERED The Ghana Armed Forces has recovered the bodies of eight victims that died in a military Z-9 helicopter crash in the Adansi-Akrofuom area of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday morning.  The air mishap claimed the lives of two federal ministers, military personnel, and aviation experts. The bodies were recovered and flown by a Ghana Air Force helicopter to the Air Force Base in Accra where senior government officials received them. The names and portfolios of the victims are listed below: 1. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence 2. ⁠Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Environment, Science and Technology 3. Muniru Mohammed – Acting deputy, National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture 4. Samuel Sarpong – Vice- Chairman, National Democratic Congress 5. ⁠Samuel Aboagye – Former parliamentary candidate 6. Peter Baafemi Anala – ⁠Squadron leader 7. ⁠Manaen Twum Ampadu – Flying officer 8. ⁠Ernes...

 Mother and Three Children Drown During Cleansing Ritual in Mamelodi Quarry Dam A family cleansing ritual turned into a tragedy on Sunday evening when a mother and her three adult children drowned in the Delfie Quarry Dam in Pienaarsport, Mamelodi, Gauteng. According to police reports, a 51-year-old woman, her 36-year-old daughter, and two sons in their twenties entered the dam as part of a traditional cleansing ritual. Sadly, they never resurfaced. The alarm was raised by a seven-year-old girl, the youngest member of the family, who did not take part in the ritual. She alerted others when the four failed to come out of the water. The South African Police Service (SAPS) diving unit was immediately called to the scene. On arrival, divers recovered the bodies of the mother and daughter floating on the surface. However, due to the dam’s depth and poor visibility, the two sons could not be found on Sunday. The recovery operation resumed on Monday, 04 August 2025, and divers managed to ...

 Ghana's President Mahama replaces ministers killed in helicopter crash Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has appointed acting ministers to the portfolios of Defence, and Environment, Science and Technology, following the tragic death of the substantive ministers in a helicopter crash on Wednesday, TRT Afrika reported. Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in a statement, announced that Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson will assume additional responsibility as Defence Minister, while Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah has been tasked to act as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology until further notice, according to Ghana News Agency reports. The announcement follows the demise of Ghana's Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed in a helicopter crash alongside six other people on Wednesday morning. Victims’ famil...

 France Football Unveils 2025 Ballon d’Or Nominees France Football, the prestigious organizers of the Ballon d’Or, announced the shortlist for the 2025 award on Thursday, revealing a star-studded lineup of football talent. The nominees, selected by prominent journalists across Europe, were shared across France Football’s social media platforms. The list features standout players including Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), and Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal). Other notable names include Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund), and Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan). Analysts predict a fierce competition for this year’s award, with Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, and Kylian Mbappe emerging as frontrunners. The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Théâtre du ...

 NIMC Introduces New Restrictions on NIN Self-Service Portal Access The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced new restrictions on its self-service modification portal, limiting access to the specific browser and device used during account registration. The announcement was made in a press statement issued on Thursday by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of the Commission’s Corporate Communications Unit. The measure aims to enhance the security of the National Identification Number (NIN) system and protect user data. “Your self-service account is uniquely tied to the browser and device used during registration. Access to your account is therefore limited to that specific browser on that particular device,” the statement read. Users attempting to log in from a different browser or device may face access issues. NIMC also cautioned that clearing a browser’s cache could reset its identity, potentially locking users out of their accounts. “If this occurs, the account will ...

Kano gov gives land, N5m to families of 22 deceased athletes Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has donated N5 million and a plot of land to each of the families of the 22 athletes who died in a tragic auto crash while returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State. The athletes, who represented Kano at the festival in June, won six gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze medals before their demise in Dakatsalle town, Bebeji Local Government Area, about 50km from Kano. The deceased included athletes, coaches, a journalist, medical staff, drivers, and mechanics. Governor Yusuf’s Special Adviser on Information Strategy, Ibrahim Adam, confirmed the gesture in a statement via Facebook on Wednesday. “The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has donated a plot of land and N5 million to each of the 22 families of the deceased Kano athletes,” he wrote.

 NAFDAC Director-General Assures Safety of GMO Foods with Proper Protocols The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has affirmed that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food are safe for human consumption when proper safety protocols are followed. She made this statement during an interview on Thursday. “GMOs are genetically modified foods when it comes to food, and they are not bad for us. They’re not. They are not bad for us, depending on what type of foods they are and whether these safety considerations have been taken,” Adeyeye explained, emphasizing that the safety of GMO foods hinges on the type of food and adherence to safety measures. Adeyeye highlighted the role of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) as the primary authority responsible for ensuring the safety of GMO foods in Nigeria. She noted that NAFDAC collaborates closely with NBMA through a Memorandum of Understanding...

 Air Force bombs bandit wedding in Zamfara, dozens killed The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched a deadly airstrike on a gathering of armed bandits attending a wedding ceremony in Zamfara State, killing dozens and injuring many others. The airstrike took place on Tuesday, August 5, at Asaula Hills in Yankuzo Ward, Tsafe Local Government Area. Sources told Zagazola Makama that the wedding brought together armed bandits from different camps, including those from Faskari and Kankara in Katsina State and other areas in Zamfara. The bandits had gathered in the rocky hills for a mass wedding celebration. Field operatives confirmed that around 2:44 pm, over 100 motorcycles carrying heavily armed men were seen at the location. A fighter jet was quickly deployed, and by 4:00 pm, the Air Force struck. “The wedding brought together bandit factions from Faskari and Kankara LGAs in Katsina State, and other enclaves across Zamfara. Dozens were neutralised instantly, while many others were cri...

 Nigeria rewards thieves with govt appointments – Kano Emir, Sanusi The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has expressed concern over the loss of moral values in Nigerian society, especially how people in power are treated. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Sanusi said the country must stop honouring people who have stolen public funds by giving them more opportunities in government. He explained that when a society respects wealth no matter how it is made, and rewards those known to have stolen money, it creates a system that continues to promote corruption. “A society in which material wealth, no matter how you get it, is respected, is glorified, where people who are known to have stolen money get rewarded with ministerial appointments, that society will continue to reproduce itself.” Sanusi criticised the way people who misuse public office are treated, saying they are often celebrated instead of being held accountable. “We don’t have a sense of disg...

 Despite being successful, I still don’t have husband – DJ Cuppy laments DJ Cuppy, a popular disc jockey and daughter of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, has lamented that despite her career and academic accomplishments, she’s yet to find a husband at 33. She lamented that even the suitors who have been approaching her have spelling problems. This is a major concern for her, as she once admitted that she struggles with spelling despite attending Oxford University. On her X handle, she wrote, “Making it big… but mother of Dúdú and FünFün, no husband, with plenty suitors in my DMs and none can even spell Pomeranian.” DJ Cuppy recently revealed that she always reminds God that she is still single whenever she sees other people’s wedding photos online. She has been very vocal about her desire to get married since her shocking engagement to British boxer Ryan Taylor was called off in 2023.

 Stuck astronaut Butch Wilmore retires from NASA less than five months after long space mission Butch Wilmore, one of NASA’s two astronauts who experienced an unexpected extended space mission, has retired from the agency less than five months after returning to Earth. NASA confirmed Wilmore’s departure on Wednesday. Wilmore and fellow astronaut Suni Williams launched last summer aboard Boeing’s first crewed flight, which was initially planned as a weeklong visit to the International Space Station. However, the mission stretched to over nine months due to Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft malfunctioning and returning empty. Wilmore and Williams ultimately returned to Earth in March aboard a SpaceX capsule. Wilmore, 62, had previously retired from the Navy. Williams, 59, also a retired Navy captain, remains with NASA and recently participated in a summer reading event at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Selected as an astronaut in 2000, Wilmore completed three missions totaling 464 ...

 CPAP use for sleep apnea may raise heart health risks If you’re considering a CPAP machine to manage sleep apnea, be aware that it might not be beneficial for everyone. A recent comprehensive analysis reveals that while CPAP therapy can reduce heart risks in severe cases, it may actually increase cardiovascular dangers for some patients with milder symptoms. Researchers reviewed data from over 3,500 individuals across multiple clinical trials and found that those with severe sleep apnea—characterized by significant drops in blood oxygen or sharp increases in heart rate—experience notable reductions in heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death risks when using CPAP. However, for patients with less severe sleep apnea who do not experience daytime drowsiness, CPAP might raise the chance of serious heart problems by as much as 30%. Experts suggest this could be due to the machine’s air pressure causing lung strain or disrupting sleep, both of which may negatively impact heart heal...

 Texas Senate bars trans people from using bathrooms and domestic abuse shelters The Texas Senate approved a sweeping bill Wednesday that would bar transgender individuals from using restrooms and domestic abuse shelters that align with their gender identity, citing women’s privacy concerns. Senate Bill 7, introduced by Republican Sen. Mayes Middleton, passed by a 19-2 vote. The measure mandates that all state political subdivisions—including cities, counties, and school districts—require people to use multiple-occupancy public restrooms corresponding to their sex assigned at birth. This bill joins a wave of similar “bathroom bills” seen nationwide since North Carolina’s 2016 law, all aimed at restricting transgender rights by enforcing use of facilities based on birth sex. Middleton argued the bill does not deny anyone access but requires adherence to “biological sex,” as defined in the legislation. However, Democrat Sen. Judith Zaffirini challenged whether this narrow definition ...

  WAEC Discovers Technical Glitches in 2025 WASSCE Results, Urges Candidates to Re-Check After 24 Hours The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has identified technical issues in the recently released 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, prompting a temporary suspension of access to the result checker portal. In a statement issued by its Public Affairs Department on Thursday, WAEC revealed that the glitches were detected during an internal review of results for Mathematics, English Language, Biology, and Economics. The issues stemmed from a new paper serialization initiative aimed at curbing examination malpractice, a practice aligned with global assessment standards. Following public outcry, WAEC has taken swift action to address the errors, temporarily disabling access to the results portal. The council assured candidates that the technical problems are being urgently resolved, with corrections expected to be completed within 24 hours. Ca...

 Peter Obi Sounds Alarm on Nigeria’s Education Crisis, Urges Urgent Investment in Schools Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate Peter Obi has described Nigeria’s education sector as facing a crisis of “immense magnitude,” calling for immediate national action to address the issue. Speaking on Thursday, Obi emphasized the urgent need for functional classrooms over neglected or low-priority infrastructure projects. Reacting to a recent Universal Basic Education Commission report, Obi highlighted that over 20 million Nigerian children are out of school, with many enrolled students unable to read or write. He also cited the latest West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, which he described as reflecting “the worst academic performance in five years,” with only 38 percent of students passing. Obi criticized the misallocation of national resources, lamenting that “trillions” are spent on infrastructure projects with minimal developmental imp...

 LASG ORDERS HOSPITALITY BUSINESS OPERATORS TO GET APPROVAL FROM LASPA, LASTMA The Lagos State Government has directed all operators in the hospitality business, such as hotels, event centres and night clubs, to secure the approval of both the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), to ensure effective parking and traffic management. The directive was contained in a joint statement signed by the General Manager, LASPA, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu and the General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Bakare-Oki Olalekan, at the Parking Authority office. It noted that the development became necessary to effectively rid the State of all forms of indiscriminate parking of vehicles and traffic congestion generated by the activities of the various hotels, event centres and night clubs in Lagos. The General Managers charged owners of hospitality businesses operating in Lagos to ensure compliance with the State Parking and Traffic regulations by registering...

 TEEN, 14, CALLS POLICE AFTER ENDING PARENTS' LIVES A 14-year-old boy identified as Trevor Lee shot and killed his parents before calling the authorities to report and surrender himself.  The incident happened on Monday at Silver Point and County Road 220 in Clay County, Florida, after an argument between Trevor and his parents. After shooting 44-year-old David Lee and 45-year-old Brandi Smith inside the home, Trevor called the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to report the incident and said he would be found at a nearby local church. Sheriff Michelle Cook said Trevor was arrested without incident and the assault weapon which belonged to the family was recovered. He has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder.

 Sudan accuses UAE of barring planes from landing The United Arab Emirates has banned Sudanese planes from landing at its airports, Sudan's state news agency quoted its Civil Aviation Authority as saying, in the latest sign of tension between the two countries, Reuters reported. The UAE also barred a Sudanese airliner from taking off from Abu Dhabi airport, the Sudanese authority said. Sudan's authority voiced surprise at the reported decision and said it was following up with airlines to reprogramme reservations for passengers arriving in and departing from the Gulf country. Abu Dhabi authorities did not immediately comment on the Sudanese statement. Sudan cut diplomatic ties with UAE in May 2025 Sudan cut diplomatic relations with the UAE in May, saying the Gulf nation was aiding the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) with supplies of advanced weaponry in the country's devastating civil war that broke out in April 2023. The UAE has repeatedly denied such charges.

 Foot remains found at Utah lake identified as man missing since 1997, officials say Remains of a human foot found inside a hiking shoe on the shore of Fish Lake in south-central Utah have been identified as belonging to David White, a man who went missing in 1997, officials confirmed. The shoe was discovered in May, and investigators determined it was a hiking boot manufactured in 1996 and sold for only one year. This detail helped connect the find to White’s cold case disappearance from September 1997. White had planned to go fishing with friends and rented a hotel room nearby. When his friends canceled, he went fishing alone. His boat was later found drifting on the lake with no one aboard. A shoe and hat were also found floating in the water, suggesting where White may have fallen in, but there were no witnesses at the time, leaving the circumstances a mystery until now. The initial search for White lasted five days but yielded no further evidence. “This case has been on the mi...

 Kelly Clarkson postpones Vegas residency after ex-husband falls ill Kelly Clarkson has announced she is postponing her Las Vegas residency again due to her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock’s illness. On Wednesday night, Clarkson shared on Instagram, “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.” She did not specify the nature of Blackstock’s illness. Clarkson and Blackstock were married from 2013 until their divorce in 2022. They share two children, River, 10, and Remington, 8. In her post, Kelly said she is canceling the remaining August concert dates and apologized to fans who had purchased tickets, expressing gratitude for their “grace, kindness, and understanding.” This marks the second time Clarkson has delayed her residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace since it began on July 11. Earlier, she canceled her first two shows in early July due to vocal strain from rehea...

 Eddie Palmieri, Grammy-winning Latin jazz pioneer, dies at 88 Eddie Palmieri, a groundbreaking figure in rumba and Latin jazz, has died at age 88. His passing was announced Wednesday evening by Fania Records. According to his daughter Gabriela, Palmieri died earlier that day at his New Jersey home after an extended illness. Palmieri was a pianist, composer, and bandleader known for his innovative approach to Latin music. He was the first Latino to win a Grammy Award and went on to receive seven more throughout a career that spanned nearly 40 albums. Born in New York’s Spanish Harlem in 1936, Palmieri began piano lessons early but briefly pursued percussion before returning to the keyboard. “I’m a frustrated percussionist, so I take it out on the piano,” he once explained. His first Grammy came in 1975 for the album “The Sun of Latin Music,” which was the first Latin production to win the award. Throughout his career, Palmieri fused salsa, funk, soul, and jazz into a distinctive so...

 Italy approves longest bridge ever to link Sicily  The Italian government announced Wednesday its approval of a new bridge project to connect the mainland with the island of Sicily. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Matteo Salvini shared the news on X, confirming that construction of the bridge over the Strait of Messina—the narrow stretch of water between Calabria on the mainland and Sicily—has been greenlit. Salvini described the project as historic, writing, “Together, we write history with a work that will benefit Italy from South to North.” He also posted a video detailing the bridge, which will be a suspended single-span structure approximately 2.28 miles long, making it the longest bridge of its kind worldwide. The design includes six lanes for vehicles and a railway track. The bridge will connect Villa San Giovanni in Calabria to Messina in Sicily, with an estimated cost of about $15.6 billion. However, the plan has drawn criticis...

 US Homeland Security lifts age restrictions for joining ICE  U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is removing age limits for new applicants. The change aims to allow more individuals to qualify to join ICE in its efforts to apprehend criminals such as murderers, pedophiles, gang members, rapists, and other illegal offenders. Previously, applicants had to be at least 21 years old, with additional age caps for certain roles—criminal investigators had to be no older than 37, and deportation officers no older than 40. With the new policy, those age restrictions have been lifted entirely, allowing people as young as 18 to apply and removing any maximum age limits. Applicants must still pass medical and drug screenings, as well as a physical fitness test. The agency also announced increased funding, enabling new hires to receive up to $50,000 in signing bonuses, student loan repayment options, higher pay fo...

 OBESERE URGES FUJI MUSICIANS TO UPHOLD GENRE’S INTEGRITY AMIDST K1 AIRPORT INCIDENT PK1st De Legend, Alh Abass Akande Obesere Agbaakin Abobagunwa of Yoruba Land Abass Akande Obesere, has called on his colleagues to uphold the integrity and global image of Fuji music following the recent incident involving King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.   Speaking in reaction to the widely reported airport altercation, PK1ST described the incident as “unfortunate” and a wake-up call for Fuji musicians to live responsibly both on and off the stage.   He stressed that Fuji music is now a globally recognized genre, and those who represent it must act as worthy ambassadors at all times.   “Fuji music is a huge brand that has been accepted worldwide. As ambassadors of this great genre, our conduct must reflect the values and prestige we have worked hard to achieve,” Obesere stated.   He further called ...

 K1 DENIES DISORDERLY BEHAVIOUR WITH VALUEJET AIRLINE  Nigerian Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly called K1 De Ultimate, has refuted claims that he disrupted the operations of ValueJet airline in Abuja on Tuesday. In a rebuttal signed by his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, K1 said FAAN distorted the facts that he displayed unruly conduct that beached aviation safety or brought alcohol to board ValueJet airplane. "We wish to categorically state that this narrative is not only exaggerated but also misleading," Rasheed said.  "The substance in question — which was wrongly sensationalized — was nothing more than plain drinking water, given to him at the airport lounge while he waited to board the aircraft." K1 claimed that the Head of Airport Security, FAAN and NCAA officials, as well as the Managing Director of ValueJet apologized to him and begged to fly him to Lagos free of charge, a gesture he declined.

 SUPER FALCONS STAR, DEBORAH ABIODUN, GIVES GIFTS TO STREET KIDS  Super Falcons midfielder, Deborah Abiodun, on Wednesday doled out sporting kits and cash gifts to random kids at the National Stadium in Lagos. Abiodun, 21, currently plays for Dallas Trinity FC in USA’s Women’s Super League and is on loan from top-flight Washington Spirit. She started with Rivers Angels FC of Port Harcourt before travelling overseas to study at the University of Pittsburgh. During her visit in Lagos, she gave out shin guards, socks, and footballs to promising kids at the stadium. She also encouraged them to be of good character so as to rise faster in life.

 DAVIDO IS MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN NIGERIA - ASA ASIKA  Davido's music manager, Asa Asika, said his principal is probably the most influential person in Nigeria and maybe in Africa.. “Davido is probably…I don’t care what anybody says, I think David is the most influential person in Nigeria,” Asika said. The manager said Davido has a cult following around the world and he has private access to highly exclusive meetings and venues abroad.  Asika added that his team works hard to obtain lucrative deals that align with Davido's image and ideals without compromising his vision. 

 IRAN HANGS SCIENTIST SPYING FOR ISRAEL A nuclear scientist accused of espionage for Israel was executed by hanging on Tuesday. Roozbeh Vadi worked at the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran and was alleged to have fed information to Israel. According to government sources, Vadi was recruited online by Mossad and met with the Israeli intelligence service a few times, ultimately feeding them classified data that led to Israeli assassination of another Iranian nuclear scientist. Following the 12-Day War in which Israel devastated Iran with hundreds of airstrikes, the Islamic nation has continued to crack down on citizens suspected of spying for Israel.

 LAWYER GIVES NBC 30 DAYS DEADLINE TO REGULATE BIG BROTHER NAIJA  A human rights lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has given the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) 30 days to ban Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) or restrict its audience reach. Idam said BBNaija Season 10 which kicked off on July 28 promotes obscenities, indecency, and profane content that audience below 18 can watch and imbibe to the detriment of society. The lawyer said the show is "characterised with brazen exhibition of real-time obscene and pornographic actions" and that"the danger such a programme poses to public decency and morality" is high.  "The NBC is by this letter urged to within 30 days regulate the “Big Brother Naija” programme by permitting it only to be aired on highly restricted channels, reversed for its target audience and also prohibiting the sharing or dissemination of the explicit contents by the host company, on social media. “Take notice that in the event of failure to comply with...

 ‎PRESS RELEASE ‎NPF CAUTIONS AGAINST LOBBYING FOR SPECIAL PROMOTION ‎ ‎Cautions Public to be Wary of Online Publicized Falsehoods ‎ ‎The Nigeria Police Force has observed with concern the growing wave of lobbying and unofficial requests directed at the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission by certain officers seeking special promotions. This surge follows the recent approval of accelerated promotions for a number of deserving officers who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service. ‎ ‎The Force wishes to categorically state that these accelerated promotions were not arbitrary but were part of a well-structured reward system, set up by the police leadership, aimed at recognizing officers who have demonstrated outstanding performance, uncommon bravery, professional excellence, and commitment to duty and the officers who benefitted were those who met the standardized guidelines for such accelerated promotion. The recent exercise does not signify t...