Happy New Year! These are the media highlights trending across the globe;
- President Bola Tinubu is set to address Nigerians on New Year’s Day at 7 am through a nationwide broadcast. Television, radio stations, and electronic media are encouraged to connect to Nigeria Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria for the transmission.
2. Lagos State Government has denied involvement in the demolition of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Shopping Complex at Computer Village, Ikeja. Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso clarified that POWA ordered the demolition, and dismissed claims of government interference as false. The Nigeria Police Force asserted that the planned demolition and reconstruction are in good faith and for the common interest.
3. Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has started supplying crude oil for the trial operations of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited, which is expected to benefit 12 states by producing petrol and other products. Experts believe the Port Harcourt and Dangote refineries could lower refined product costs but may not lead to a significant price drop. The NNPCL plans to finish the second phase in 2024, achieving a refining capacity of 150,000 barrels per day.
4. Erivona Yoma, a 47-year-old man, has been arraigned before the Yaba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on three counts of felony, obtaining money by false pretense, and stealing. He is accused of defrauding Pally Agro Nigeria Limited of N20 million under the pretext of purchasing and supplying planting materials and soya beans, but allegedly used the money for personal purposes. Yoma, who had been on the run, appeared before Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun, and the charges are punishable under various sections of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria 2015.
5. Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat, 34, has been found dead in Kenya, with local reports suggesting he was murdered. Kiplagat, known for representing Uganda in the 3,000m steeplechase at international events, was discovered in a car on the outskirts of Eldoret in the Rift Valley. Authorities have launched an investigation.
6. Nollywood actor Zack Orji is in critical condition in Abuja’s National Hospital after reportedly slumping in the toilet weeks ago. Fans and celebrities expressed concern as a viral video circulated, showing Orji in a challenging state. Tests are ongoing to determine the cause of his illness, with reports stating he is unable to walk or talk. Confirmation from the Actors Guild of Nigeria’s National President, Dr. Emeka Rollas, is yet to be obtained.
7. Popular Nigerian actor Kunle Remi joyfully announced his marriage to partner Tiwi on January 1, 2024, via Instagram, sharing striking photos of the couple.
