Author: Francis Francis

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has officially completed his loan move to Aston Villa, releasing a statement to express his gratitude to both clubs. In the statement, Rashford thanked Manchester United and Aston Villa for facilitating the loan deal, which is set to keep him at Villa Park for the remainder of the season. Rashford revealed that he had received interest from several clubs but ultimately chose Aston Villa due to their impressive performances this season and the manager’s ambitions. The 25-year-old striker expressed his admiration for the way Villa have been playing, citing it as a key factor in…

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has called on Nigerians to use the season of joy and goodwill typified by the Christian Festival of Christmas to reflect on the values of unity, peace, and selflessness and work for the country’s sustainable progress and development. Governor Oborevwori made the call on Wednesday while speaking to journalists after the Christmas service at the Living Faith Church in Asaba. The governor, who was joined at the Christmas service by his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, and other family members, emphasized the need for citizens to place national interest above personal or sectional aspirations in order…

The Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Bankole Ajibotafe, has reiterated the Ministry’s mandate towards ensuring the empowerment of young entrepreneurs for effective service delivery in their chosen profession across the State. He disclosed this at a one-day workshop organised for 100 young entrepreneurs on business development to enhance the growth of their businesses in Lagos State. Ajigbotafe, represented at the event held at the Lagos State Debt Management Office, Ikeja, by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Biodun Onayele Permanent Secretary, stated that the Ministry will continuously implement programmes to ensure that no one is left behind in…

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has been inducted into the Urhobo Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments in the governance of the state.  The induction took place during the 93rd Urhobo National Day Celebration 2024/Grand Reception for the Governor held on Saturday, at Urhobo House, Uvwiamuge, Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state. At the epochal event, Governor Oborevwori was conferred with the title of “Omorotomo of Urhoboland” by the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers led by the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1. The Governor, at the occasion, said the…

Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC) has organised a workshop to sensitise the Gym operators in the state towards building a safety culture that safeguards lives and protects the fitness space, reiterating its concern about the safety of gym users, operators and all stakeholders. Speaking at the workshop held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos with the theme: “Essentials of Safety in the Fitness Industry”, the Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola said that the engagement becomes imperative as more individuals are now embracing a healthy lifestyle through physical exercise which has given a boost to the…

President Bola Tinubu yesterday, congratulated Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, on her unanimous re-election as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Recall that the renowned development economist and global finance expert made history in 2021 as the first African and first woman to lead the 164-nation-member WTO. Her first term as the seventh Director-General of the WTO will expire on August 31, 2025, while the second term begins September 1. In a statement, the Nigerian leader noted with delight that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous appointment for a second four-year term demonstrates…

The Lagos State Government has commenced construction work on the Epe Mixed Development Scheme and Labour City. This is in line with one of the pillars of this administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda of making Lagos a 21st Century Economy. This was disclosed today by the General Manager, New Towns Development Authority (NTDA), Tpl. Olakunle Aboyeji during a Stakeholders’ meeting on the commencement of the construction of the schemes held at Epe Resort in Epe Local Government Council, Epe, Lagos State. The General Manager, who sought the cooperation of the residents, said the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to sensitise and solicit…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to tackle smuggling of migrants and trafficking of persons. This was revealed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo at the private screening of Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) Observatory infomercial documentary, “Know Before You Go: The Dark Web of Migrant Smuggling in Nigeria”  in his Office in Abuja. The documentary is a joint initiative of the Nigeria Immigration Service and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and supported by the Government of Canada. Tunji-Ojo reiterated that, “as a government built on a premise and principle of renewed hope, we…

 The Delta State Government has congratulated Queen Success Oke Umunagho from Patani Local Government Area on her emergence as the winner of the Queen of Delta @33 pageant.  The prestigious event, held recently, showcased the talents and beauty of young women from across the state. Queen Success Oke Umunagho was crowned the winner, taking home a brand-new vehicle and a cash prize of one million, five hundred thousand Naira (1,500,000). The pageant aimed to promote cultural heritage, empowerment, and tourism in Delta State. Mr. Emmanuel Osazuwa, Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, congratulated Queen Success on her well-deserved win. He…

A Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi presided over  by Justices M.S.Abubakar and R.J.Egbe has convicted and sentenced ten internet fraudster to various jail terms. They were prosecuted on a one-count separate charge bordering on obtaining by false presence and possession of fraudulent documents by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Directorate. In a statement today, the EFCC said the convicts are: Abugu Clement Kelechi, Samuel Moses Ogbonna, Samuel Sylvester Ogbu, Scott King David,Esua Ablaku Peter, Obinna Ejike, Austine Okwori, Clement David Onoja,Austine Nyagou Bur and Henry Adah Abah. The charge against Abugu Clement Kelechi reads: That…

The Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Festus Ahon, said Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration is addressing hunger and poverty headlong with massive investments in human capital development.  Ahon disclosed this in a statement in reaction to a critic who described the state government’s recent donation of operational vehicles to the police and other security agencies as a misguided priority. According to him, “Governor Oborevwori has empowered over 200,000 Deltans in different categories of human capital development and has also employed thousands of Deltans in teaching and other endeavours in the civil service. “The provision of operational vehicles to the…

The Delta State Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum said current persecution of former Governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa, was driven by the fear of opposition and mischief makers of his rising profile. Speaking during a solidarity visit to the former governor at his Asaba residence, the group’s spokesman, Comrade Ovie Umuakpo, said that recourse to petitions and media trial against Okowa was because of the politics of 2027. Umuakpor commended the former governor for his achievements during his tenure and pledged that the group would remain loyal and committed to his leadership. He said: “Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders…

In a bid to address the dual challenges of HIV and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, in collaboration with UNAIDS, has developed a policy document for addressing Gender-Based Violence and HIV/AIDS in the state. The policy document, tagged “Lagos State Guidelines for Addressing the Intersection of Gender-Based Violence and HIV/AIDS” sets out guidelines to provide practical strategies, tools and actionable steps to integrate HIV and AIDS into GBV response. Presenting the Policy document at a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Dr.…

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu has urged women and youth to take a more active role in the fight against corruption and other social vices in Nigeria. The ICPC Chairman, in his welcome address at a one-day workshop for women and youth on corruption prevention with the theme: “Women and Youth Alliance Against Corruption” held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja on Thursday highlighted that women and youth disproportionately experience the effects of corruption in society. He stated that the Conference was put together as a pivotal…

The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL), in a bid for comprehensive engineering education towards applicable technological advancement in the built industry, has collaborated with the Lagos State University (LASU). Speaking during a recent meeting between the two bodies at the Conference Hall of LASU, Ojo Campus, the General Manager of LSMTL, Engr. Olayinka Abdul disclosed that to enhance the materials test processes in averting building disasters within the Ojo – Badagry axis, there is a need to erect a Materials Test edifice within the Ojo Campus of the Institution, adding that it will also create an opportunity for…

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s aide and Social Commentator, Ossai Ovie Success has joined the growing list of those knocking Priscilla, the daughter of Nigerian actress, Iyabo Ojo over some recent pictures she shared on social media. In the pictures, Priscilla could be seen with the Tanzanian man in loved-up positions while they were both semi-dressed. Sharing the pictures on Facebook, Ossai described the act as an act of fornication, knocking Priscilla for poor parental upbringing. Ossai posited that her parents should be held responsible for her ill actions. Ossai wrote: “I am highly disappointed at Iyabo Ojo daughter When a young…

The bill to establish the Delta State Film and Censorship Board has been sent to the House of Assembly. The governor dropped the hint on Thursday while declaring open the 2024 Delta State Creative and Entertainment Summit. Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, at the occasion, Governor Oborevwori disclosed that the setting up of the Film and Censor Board has become necessary following the recognition of Asaba by the United Nations, Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) as a creative city. The governor who noted as germane, the theme of the summit, “Advancing Delta State Economic Growth through the…

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of 25 internet fraudsters before seven different judges, sitting in Federal and State High Courts, respectively in Ibadan, Oyo State and Osogbo, Osun State. The convicts are: Tomiwa Olumide Ayodele, Adeniyi Kehinde Nuhu, Adeniyi Warris Adegbola, Toyeeb Abayomi Ijadunola, Isiah Akinyele kehinde, Oluwadunsin Johnson Alabi, Muis Lawal Gbolahan, Adeyinka Kola Adeleye, Sodiq Iyanu Babatunde, Ojo Blessing Adeniyi, Akinrinwoye Victor Olamide, Olaloye Olanrewaju Kinsley, Daniel Olashile Maiye and Omolade Opeyemi Oluwaseyi. Others include: Olamide Adekunle Adeoye, Kazeem Makinde Olawale, Malik Olamilekan Ayoade, Emmanuel…

In a recent post on X, former Nigerian Senator Shehu Sani raised concerns over the contrasting decisions of Western and Chinese firms operating in Nigeria. Sani pointed out that while many Western multinationals are shutting down their businesses in the country, citing economic issues or a hostile business environment, Chinese firms continue their operations unabated. “Some Western multinationals are shutting down their businesses in Nigeria citing economic issues or hostile business environment. I still wonder why Chinese firms aren’t closing down; the Chinese are even present in the bandit-infested villages of Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, and Nasarawa mining for gold, gypsum,…

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, said the state government was working with the construction giant, Julius Berger, to redesign and remodel the Effurun roundabout to provide cloverleaf and road expansion in the busy corridor.  Governor Oborevwori disclosed this to newsmen shortly after inspecting the flyover under construction at PTI junction in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state. The Governor, who said he was impressed with the job done so far on the projects, expressed optimism that Julius Berger would deliver the job on schedule. On the road expansion, Oborevwori said both parties were trying to redesign and remodel…

In a display of wealth disparity, Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, has sparked outrage by spending a staggering N900 billion (approximately $220 million) on his son’s wedding celebration, while millions of Indians struggle to make ends meet. The extravagant wedding between Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta, which lasted several days, featured elaborate decorations, high-end entertainment, and a guest list that included celebrities and business moguls. However, the ostentatious display of wealth has drawn criticism from many, who argue that it perpetuates income inequality and highlights Ambani’s disconnection from the masses. According to reports, nearly half of India’s population lives on…

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called for enhanced and consistent commitment to whistle-blowing by Nigerians from all walks of life to tackle the menace of economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption. He made this call in Abuja while addressing stakeholders in the anti-graft war who converged at the Unity Fountain to commemorate the 2024 African Anti-Corruption Day. According to him, the fight against corruption has become more compelling owing to its increasing threat to individual, corporate and national quest for growth and development. He charged Nigerians to be more prepared…

The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam has reiterated the commitment of the federal government to ensure the safety and security of the citizens through the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and best practices in the field of security with the Republic of Turkiye. He made this known during the visit of the Turkiye Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ambassador Hidayat Bayraktar to the Headquarters of the Ministry in Abuja The Minister acknowledged the challenges and complex security in the country noting that it is through collaborative efforts and shared experiences that they can effectively address them. “Your visit serves…

Social commentator and aide to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ossai Ovie Success, has condemned Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike’s, recent boasts about influencing the 2027 senatorial elections. Success expressed disappointment and concern in a Facebook post over Wike’s statements, citing hubris and disdain for democracy. Wike had publicly declared his intent to ensure Senator Kinigbe Ireti’s defeat in 2027, sparking outrage and accusations of reliance on rigging. Success emphasized that Wike’s confidence in removing a senator reeks of arrogance and disconnection from the citizens he serves. “No human should ever think they have the power of God,”…

Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) has concluded a comprehensive two-day training programme for officers of the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) to ensure orderliness and efficiency in the State’s parking system. The training aimed to equip the officers with essential local intelligence and critical thinking skills crucial for effective law enforcement in communities across Lagos State. The Head of LETI, Mrs. Abiola Adeyinka, while speaking on the essence of the training, underscored the complexity of law enforcement and the importance of adequately training officers to carry out their duties with professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights. She emphasised…

Lagos State Government has urged public servants to maintain good hygiene to avoid contracting cholera or other water and airborne diseases. The Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola gave the advice today at the monthly walk for fitness exercise organised for public servants in the state. According to Oyegbola, the State government is working assiduously on how to ensure a safe environment for residents, adding that the present administration is committed to the well-being of the public servants and Lagosians across the State. She urged the public servants to always take the constant practice of walking for safer…

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Nicholas Agbo Ella has said that the Ministry will focus on diversifying the energy mix by investing in renewable energy, hydrogen development with an enhanced regulatory framework to attract private investments.  Amb. Ella stated this at a Town-Hall meeting with the staff of the Ministry in Abuja yesterday. To actualize this, the Permanent Secretary stated that the Ministry had taken significant steps in developing a hydrogen policy to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix and contribute to global efforts in reducing carbon emissions, adding that, the policy framework is aimed at  establishing hydrogen as…

Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has charged people with albinism to focus more on preventive tips against skin cancers and other skin diseases by ensuring they protect their skin from the sun and promptly report any skin issues to the hospital for early treatment. The General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, made the call on Saturday at the awareness walk organised by the Albinism Association of Nigeria in commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day held at Jibowu, Yaba. Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by the Director of Social Development and Integration in the Agency, Mr. Akeem Kilani, said it…

Directors of Administration and Human Resources in the State Public Service have been advised to be on top of their games to achieve exceptional performance in the modern-day administration and human resource practice, by embracing technology and innovation. Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro gave this admonition at the HR Sensitization exercise held recently at Alausa and organised by the State Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation (OTCI), adding that the theme for the exercise; “Empowering HR Leaders: Driving Exceptional Performance in the State Public Service”, is geared towards addressing one of the most vital areas through which…

In a decisive move to restore order and ensure the free flow of traffic, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded about 25 commercial and 15 private vehicles operating illegal garages and causing road obstructions around Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota areas of Lagos. The operation, led by LASTMA Head of Enforcement, Mr. Kayode Odunuga under the directives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, specifically targeted illegal garages that have been a persistent source of congestion and inconvenience for residents and commuters. Speaking on the exercise, the Special Adviser confirmed that the operation,…