Author: Doris Emmanuel

President Muhammadu Buhari mocked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its planned return to power in 2023. Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, the Nigerian leader described the opposition party as a “failure”. President Buhari stated that whenever he hears the abbreviation “PDP”, what comes to mind is “failure”. During the interview, some teasers were thrown at the president and the first teaser was on Nigeria’s youths. Responding, Buhari said; “I wish when they go to school, when they work hard, when they have a degree, they don’t do it thinking government must give them a job”. “You…

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Paris Saint-Germain and Argentine forward Lionel Messi has tested positive for Covid-19 and has begun self-isolating. PSG made this known in a statement released on its official website on Sunday. The French club said Messi was one of four players to test positive for the virus ahead of a French Cup match against Vannes. PSG said Messi will miss Monday’s cup tie and will likely also be sidelined for the club’s first Ligue 1 match since the winter break, at Lyon next Sunday. The other players to test positive were full-back Juan Bernat, back-up goalkeeper Sergio Rico and teenage midfielder…

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The Popoyemoja Palace has confirmed that the remains of the late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji will be buried today. The monarch died at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State. The palace disclosed this in a statement released through its Director of Media and Publicity, Adeola Oloko, titled, “Olubadan passes on, to be buried today”. The statement read, “The 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 has joined his ancestors. “Oba Adetunji, 93, passed away in the early hours of this morning at the…

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The family of the late Dowen College student, Sylvester Oromoni has released autopsy reports, which shows that the late 12-year-old died of “acute lung injury due to chemical intoxication in a background of blunt force trauma.” Late Sylvester Oromoni had died under controversial circumstances in November 2021 after he was reportedly bullied by five schoolmates who tried to lure him into cultism. The incident had sparked outrage from concerned Nigerians who demanded justice for the 12-year-old boy. However, an autopsy released to the public on Saturday by Clement Vhriterhire, a Consultant Pathologist at the Central Hospital in Warri, Delta State said…

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The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, is dead. It was gathered that the Yoruba traditional ruler joined his ancestors in the early hours of Sunday at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State. The Oba was aged 93-years-old. Adetunji ascended the throne in March 2016 following the demise of his predecessor Samuel Odulana Odungade. Prior to his coronation as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji was the Balogun of Ibadan land Oba Adetunji, who was the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan, was a successful businessman.

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China’s President, Xi Jinping said his nation has so far contributed two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organisations.The President in his 2022 New Year Address through China Media Group and the Internet, said: “In my phone calls and virtual meetings with foreign leaders and heads of international organisations, I have heard many times plaudits for China’s fight against COVID-19 and contribution to the global COVID response. “To date, China has provided two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organisations, insisting that: “Only through unity, solidarity and cooperation…

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Bandit terrorists have released two more kidnapped students of Bethel Baptist High School at Maraban Damishi in Kaduna State. Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, made the disclosure on Saturday. He disclosed that one of the students was freed on December 28, 2021, while the other student was released on January 1, 2022. Hayab stated that only one student is still with the bandits, adding that efforts are being made to secure the release of the student. The CAN chairman in Kaduna, therefore, revealed that a total of 120 students of Bethel…

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The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has given Nigerians an additional reason to be optimistic in the new year 2022. This is as the President promised that in the year 2022, his administration will provide more jobs for Nigerians. Buhari made the declaration as part of his new year message to the people of the country where he declared that the government plans to leverage on ICT platforms to create more jobs for Nigerians. He added that more foreign investors are expected to invest in the country’s economy which will result in more job opportunities. “In the year 2022 and going forward,…

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan was at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday to see President Muhammadu Buhari. Both leaders met about 3 pm behind closed doors inside the Council chamber. However, the agenda of the meeting was not made known as of the time of filing this report but might be connected to Jonathan’s activities as ECOWAS Special Envoy to Mali. Jonathan is leading mediation talks even as Mali remains under military rule following the August 2020 coup that ousted President Ibrahim Keita. The former president, who is also part of the West African Elders Forum, was in The…

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Former Presidential aspirant under the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the President-General, Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, SCSN, Dr. Ibrahim Datti Ahmed, is dead. The elder statesman, who was one of the first generations of medical doctors in Kano reportedly died in the early hours of Thursday morning at the age of 83 years after a protracted illness. It was recalled that the renowned medical practitioner had in 2013 declined to serve on the committee constituted by President Goodluck Jonathan to mediate with members of Boko Haram. Dr Datti Ahmed had on that momentous moment accused the federal…

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Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen has been confirmed positive with COVID-19 infection. The Italian club revealed the player’s Coronavirus test result on Thursday. The development is coming amid contention by Napoli on whether to or not allow the Nigerian player to represent his home county in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations games about to kick off in 10 days in Cameroon. Osimhen, however, is now in self-isolation as his status is being checked as recommended. An official statement released by Napoli read: “Napoli has announced that Victor Osimhen has tested positive for Covid-19 but is asymptomatic. Dr. Tartaro was due to…

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Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has assured manufacturers in the country that the federal government would take appropriate measures to improve access to foreign exchange (forex) for importation of raw materials and machines that are not readily available locally. Buhari gave the assurance on Wednesday, in response to a request by the leadership of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). MAN had, during an advocacy visit to State House, Abuja, appealed to the government to take steps to ensure that the real sector contributed more to the Nigerian economy. In a similar vein, the Nigerian Association Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines…

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Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed on Thursday said the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has recorded huge progress and achievements in the year 2021 despite many economic and political challenges. The Minister made the submission while addressing a press conference on Thursday in Lagos State, the nation’s commercial capital city. Mohammed in his submission, highlighted one hundred (100) major achievements recorded by the Buhari government. He added that the list is not exhaustive and the government is not relenting. Mohammed listed areas of security, economy, infrastructure (rail, road, etc), job creation, and others as part of achievements recorded…

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President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina has said his principal can end insurgency before the end of his tenure in 2023. Adesina said the Buhari government would take out those behind insurgency within the next 17 months remaining. Speaking with Channels Television, the presidential spokesman recounted how the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka was taken out after 28 years of rebellion. According to Adesina: “Nothing is impossible. I always refer to the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka. “That rebellion lasted for 28 years. But one day, the mastermind of that rebellion was taken out and that was the automatic ending…

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Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, Senator Rochas Okorocha’s son-in-law, who was arrested by security agencies in a church service at St Peter’s Anglican Church Umunwokwe Village Eziama-Obaire Nkwerre LGA of Imo State, has been released unconditionally. The 2019 governorship candidate of Action Alliance, AA, did not spend a night in custody. According to a release signed by Nwadike Chikezie, Special Adviser Media to Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, “I have spoken with him and he extended his greetings to all of us out there. “While we await police report on why the abduction and arrest, we call on everyone to remain calm and focused…

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President Buhari rejects Electoral Act Amendment Bill President Muhammadu Buhari during the week failed to sign the 2021 Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law. President stated reasons he declined assent to the bill in a letter forwarded to Senate President Ahmad Lawan, which will be read during Tuesday plenary. One of the reasons given by the President is that assenting to the bill would cause trouble among the political parties in the country. Another reason given by the President is that the direct primaries mode of picking candidates by political parties in the amended Electoral Act was dangerous to the political atmosphere.…

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South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon Archbishop Desmond Tutu, has died on Sunday at the age of 90. His death was announced by the country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, in a statement to newsmen. “The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa,” he said in a statement. Ramaphosa said the Nobel Peace prize laureate had helped bequeath “a liberated South Africa”. He described Tutu as “an iconic spiritual leader, anti-apartheid activist and global human rights campaigner”. Ramaphosa said Desmond Tutu was…

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Senate President Ahmad Lawan has expressed hope that President Muhammadu will sign the 2022 appropriation bill next week. Lawan made this known in an interview with State House correspondents after meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday. The Senate and the House of Representatives had earlier in the week passed the 2022 budget and increased the estimate to N17.13 trillion. Speaking with reporters, Lawan said the National Assembly is optimistic that the president will sign the bill into law next week. The Senate President disclosed that the National Assembly has done well in passing the appropriation bill before…

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Manchester United on Wednesday announced the appointment of a new coach, Ewan Sharp. Sharp will work with Manchester United’s interim manager Ralf Rangnick as part of his coaching staff at Old Trafford. The Red Devils disclosed this in a statement via their website. The statement read in part, “Manchester United’s interim manager Ralf Rangnick has made a new addition to his staff. “Ewan Sharp has been working at Lokomotiv Moscow, alongside Rangnick, and is arriving as an assistant coach/analyst for the Reds. “The Scotsman has previously worked with New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC, while also having a two-year…

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The Senate has passed the 2022 Appropriation Bill of N17.126 trillion. This followed the adoption of the recommendations of the report of Senate Committee on Appropriation at plenary on Wednesday. Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had on Oct. 8, presented the 2022 budget proposal of N16.391 trillion to the joint session of the National Assembly for approval.

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President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated Nigeria’s National Development Plan 2021-2025 to succeed the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP 2017-2020). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president presented the document to the public shortly before the commencement of the virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held at the council chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday. While presenting the document, the president was assisted by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State; as well as Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Zainab…

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Tuesday released the list of 63 match officials who will officiate at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated for Cameroon. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the list consists of 24 referees, 31 assistant referees and eight video assistant referees (VARs) from 36 countries. Only one of the listed officials was however from Nigeria, Samuel Pwadutakam, and he will work as an assistant referee. NAN reports that the tournament, which has Nigeria’s Super Eagles as one of the 24 participating teams, will kick off on Jan. 9 and end…

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday officially communicated his rejection of the Electoral Act 2010 Amendment Bill to the National Assembly. Buhari’s letter was read by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; and Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the opening of plenary on Tuesday. The letter, which was dated December 13, 2021, was titled, ‘Withholding of Assent to Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021.’ The letter read, “Further to the letter dated 18th November, 2021, forwarded for presidential assent, the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021, as passed by the National Assembly, I have received informed advice from relevant…

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The United States is set to become the world’s biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter in 2022, surpassing Qatar and Australia, and may hold that title for years to come. In a year when China and other large economies in Europe and Asia scrambled to source enough supply for heating and power generation, the United States was sitting on a bevvy of supply – one that will grow in coming years. Global LNG demand has hit record highs each year since 2015, due mostly to surging demand in China and the rest of Asia. Much of that global appetite has…

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has disclosed that the country is presently experiencing a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The centre revealed that the country has recorded a 500% increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks across the country. In a statement on Monday signed by its Director-General, Ifedayo Adetifa, the NCDC said the spike in the number of the new cases was caused by the Delta and Omicron variants. The statement reads: “Nigeria has recorded a 500% increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks across…

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Bandit kingpin, Bello Turji has reportedly written a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle and the Emir of Shinkafi. According to Turji, he would like to meet with traditional and religious leaders in the country, adding that Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, should be part of the meeting. The bandit leader described Gumi as the one who understands bandits. The letter which was shared by the bandit reads, “We are grateful to God who has given us this opportunity to bring this message to the Emir of Shinkafi, through the Governor of Zamfara state, Alh Mohammed Bello…

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The Federal Government has applauded the United Kingdom over the planned removal of Nigeria and ten other countries from the travel red list. The ten African countries on the list are Nigeria, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. The Secretary of Health, Sajid Javid, had announced that the UK is scrapping the red list for international travel from 4am Wednesday, December 15. Speaking at the UK parliament on Tuesday, Javid said the travel red list for countries is no longer working in stopping the spread of the new Omicron variant. He asserted that the UK…

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The Debt Management Office (DMO) has published Nigeria’s total public debt as of September 30, 2021. The Data which includes the total external and domestic debts of the Federal Government, thirty-six (36) state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), shows that Nigeria’s public debt was N38.005tn or $92.626bn at the end of Q3 2021. A statement by the DMO, said the increase of N2.540tn when compared to the corresponding figure of N35.465tn at the end of Q2 2021 was largely accounted for by the $4bn Eurobonds issued by the government in September 2021. According to the DMO, the issuance…

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Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, on Tuesday officially removed Gabonese striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the club captain. The development was confirmed in a statement released on the club’s official website on Tuesday afternoon. The statement reads, “Following his latest disciplinary breach last week, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will no longer be our club captain, and will not be considered for selection for Wednesday’s match against West Ham United. “We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed. “We are fully focused on tomorrow’s match.” Recall that Aubameyang was dropped in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory…

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