The recent stage performance of the song ‘Only Fine Girl ‘, by Afrobeats sensation Spyro has come under heavy criticism by music enthusiasts. The singer performed the song during an event at the Harvesters International Christian Centre, on Sunday 17 December 2023 alongside other Nigerian music stars in attendance. The performance of the hit track, ‘Only Fine Girl’ has been greeted with mixed reactions as most netizens criticized the connection of the song to Christian values. Following the singer’s performance some critics also took to social media to chide the lead pastor of the church, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, for allowing…
Author: Kabido Pius
One Sekinat Soremekun, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos State. The 75-year-old was arrested in the Ishodi area of Lagos State on December 15, 2023 for alleged possession of illicit drugs. Confirming the arrest in a statement released on December 17,2023, spokesman for the anti-drug agency, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the suspect was found with quantities of cannabis and litres of codeine syrup. He said that the grandma revealed that her son, Segun, who is now on the run gave her the illicit substances to sell on retail. “Operatives in Lagos…
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the outbreak of Dengue fever in Sokoto State on Saturday 16th December 2023. A statement endorsed by the Director General, Ifedayo Adetifa, NCDC noted that that so far, there are 71 suspected cases, 13 confirmed cases, and zero deaths reported in the following Areas -Sokoto South (60 cases), Wamako (three cases) and Dange Shuni (one case). It was gathered that most of the suspected cases affected persons between the age range of 21- 40 years old. Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus and transmitted to…
The International Organisation for Migration has revealed on Saturday 16th December 2023 that no fewer than 61 illegal migrants have been declared missing and presumed dead after their boat sank off Libya’s coast in the latest migrant tragedy off North Africa. In a statement issued by the IOM in Libya, a large number of migrants were said to have lost their lives as a result of high waves that impacted negatively on their vessel after it left Zuwara, on Libya’s northwest coast. Authorities of the IOM disclosed that most of the victims of the earliest incident, who consisted of women…
International Afro beat star, Ayodeji Balogun popularly known as Wizkid has made an interesting return to stage after months of staying off stage mourning his late mother Jane Dolapo Balogun Wizkid gave a sterling performance in Saudi Arabia, marking his first public appearance and concert in six months, having lost his mother four months ago. Morayo Jane Balogun, died earlier this year as a result of high blood pressure and hypertension. Six months after, ‘Big Wiz’ as fondly called by his fans made a spectacular comeback to the spotlight with his recent performance in Saudi Arabia. This concert is coming few…
High Court 1 in Minna presided by Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, has sentenced one Stephen Jiya, to death by hanging for the killing of his biological mother, Mrs. Comfort Jiya. It would be recalled that Mrs. Comfort Jiya, a former Principal of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Sabon Wuse and Maryam Babangida Girls’ Science College, Minna, died after she was set ablaze by her middle-aged biological son, Stephen Jiya. It was gathered that the deceased was in her kitchen at her residence in Darusalam Area of Minna, when her son, reported to be a drug addict,…
According to the New York City-based auction house Sotheby’s, Lionel Messi’s six striped blue and white shirts including one jersey worn during the World Cup’s final match was sold for a whopping $7.803 million. The set of jerseys were worn in Argentina’s group stage matches played against Saudi Arabia and Mexico, the knockout round clashes with Australia, Croatia, and the Netherlands, and the final against France. The only jersey said to have been missing from the collection is the one from Argentina’s group-stage win over Poland. The New York City-based auction house earlier projected that the jerseys would break a…
Four additional commissioners have tendered their resignation from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cabinet amid the political tussle between the rivaled FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Among the four commissioners who resigned are, Commissioner for Works, Dr George-Kelly Alabo; the Commissioner for Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs Inime Chinwenwo-Aguma; the Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu; Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Woke. In their resignation letter, the commissioners all thanked the governor for giving them the opportunity to serve in the Rivers state executive arm. Recall that the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney…
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has on Thursday 14th December 2023, signed into law, the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N800bn. The governor is signing this a day after he presented the budget estimates to four lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Edison Ehie. Held in the conference room of the Governor’s Office at the Government House, the bill of N800, 392,485,433.01 billion has a Recurrent Expenditure of 361,598,242,570.85 and a Capital Expenditure of 410,266,485,090.64. It was gathered that Fubara had during his presentation to the assembly said the N800 billion budget for the 2024 fiscal…
Jumia technologies has revealed plans to halt its food delivery services by the end of December 2023. The E-commerce platform will also terminate services across other African countries to include Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, Ivory Coast Tunisia Uganda and Algeria. The Company’s CEO, Francis Dufay, made this known on Wednesday 13th December 2023. He said that the company will now refocus on its core physical goods business and payment platforms. Dufay stated that the company will focus on physical goods business where where it realize that there’s huge potential for growth, with a path to profit making. The company’s CEO said…
Amidst fervent interest by some high ranking European football clubs, Super Eagle football star Victor Osimhen has in principle, renewed his agreement with his current football club, Napoli. Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday 13th December 2023 that the workaholic striker will sign a one-year extension to his current deal, taking it to 2026 with a fresh release clause. Expected to be around €130 million, the release clause would make the 24-year-old footballer the most expensive player in Italy and one of the most expensive in the world if it is sealed. Romano said; “Napoli reach an agreement…
The World Bank has revealed that the Tinubu led federal government may still be paying for fuel subsidy, taking into account that fuel prices are currently not cost-reflective in the country. That bank stated that the price of petrol should be around N750 per litre more than the N650 per litre currently being paid by Nigerians. This was disclosed during a presentation of the Nigeria Development Update, December 2023 edition titled, ‘Turning The Corner (from reforms and renewed hope, to results) on Wednesday 13 December 2023 in Abuja, by the bank’s Lead Economist for Nigeria, Alex Sienaert. During the event,…
Hours after the mass defection of PDP lawmakers to the ruling APC, The Fubara-led administration in Rivers State has begun the demolition of the State House of Assembly building on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, for reconstruction. It was reported that the edifice was leveled down without any item been taken out of the building. Recalled that the legislative arm of the state has been involved in a serious backlash following the mass defection of these lawmakers believed to have been loyal to the FCT Minister and said to be plotting the impeachment of the sitting governor,…
The Adamawa state police command has confirmed the death of a 22-year-old lady identified as Florence Vandi, who took her own life by consuming a poisonous substance. The deceased, an indigent of Michika LGA, who is a resident of Viniklang in the Girei Local Government Area, was said to have committed the suicide following the death of her boyfriend. Spokesperson of the Adamawa state police command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, who confirmed the incident, stated that the late Florence Vandi took the unfortunate action a few hours after the death of her boyfriend, Nuhu Boniface who had passed on during a…
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has disclosed that candidates for its Direct Entry examination would undergo cognitive and verbal reasoning tests starting from 2024 examination year. Speaking on Monday 11th December 2023 during a virtual meeting with Commissioners of Education from the Federation’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, said that It is an intelligent test that will measure the candidate’s current cognitive skills. He stated that it will not be the usual subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Government, Physics, etc. “As from 2024, JAMB will conduct Aptitude Test for all Direct Entry…
One Sadiq Idrissu, has been arrested by the Nigerian police in Adamawa state for allegedly shooting his mother to death who he accused of witchcraft. The 30 years old Sadiq who hails from Boga community in Gombi Local Government Area, Adamawa state opened fire on his biological mother on the 5th of December, 2023. The accused person admitted to have committed the crime. He said that he does not regret his action but instead, sympathized with his father for marrying and staying with her for all along. “I killed my mother because she appeared to me as a witch. People…
International award-winning music star, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has revealed plans to gift N100 million to children for Christmas. The Lagos state born indigene of Ogun state announced this in a post on his Instagram story on Monday 11th December 2023. Big Wiz as fondly called by his fans disclosed that the yuletide gifting will start from the Surulere area of Lagos State. The afro beat singer added that he is doing this in honor of his late mum, Juliana Morayo Balogun, who passed on August 18, 2023. “100M for the kids for Christmas! Lord bless us all start…
Seven students of the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) in Nasarawa State, who were abducted four days ago, have regained their freedom. Abducted students of the Federal University Lafia have been released by their abductors. The students regained their freedom on Sunday December 10, 2023, through the joint effort of the Nigerian military and other security operatives. President of the Student Representative Council, Ibrahim Ogabo, confirmed their release in a phone conversation with Channels Television on Monday 11th December 2023. The students, which comprised of three females and four males, are currently been attended to at the University’s…
Suspected bandits have abducted a woman and her three children including a six-months-old baby in an attack at the Zone 5 segment of the Kubwa Extension 2 Relocation Estate along Arab Road in the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday 10th December 2023. Sources say that the gunmen stormed the area between the hours of 8pm and 9pm shooting sporadically causing tension and dispersing residents. A resident who preferred anonymity noted that the area is usually prone to such act of kidnaping during yuletide seasons. “This kidnapping has become a regular occurrence here every December. If you remember very well, last…
Director General of the Department of State Services Yusuf Bichi has revealed that plans are in top gear for the secret police to begin the production of its own Unmanned Ariel Vehicles(drones), AK-47s and more weapons that can possibly be sold to other security agencies and also used to boost operations of the service. Bichi made this known in Abuja on Saturday 9th December 2023, during the graduation ceremony of the Executive Intelligence Management Course(EIMC) where 16 participants were in attendance. Stressing the need for the services to begin the production of what it consume, the spy master stated that,…
Report says that hundreds of Hamas terrorists surrendered to Israeli forces in northern Gaza Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. According to the Times of Israel, the terrorists turned themselves in after being chased back by the advancing Israel Defense Forces near Jabaliya. In a photo, dozens of the Hamas men were seen lined up on a street in rows with their hands over their heads. They were stripped to just their underwear as they lined them up before the the IDF troops. Another picture shows the Hamas members in the back of an Israeli military vehicle. Sources estimated that more than…
Days after the Appeal Court’ three-member panel led by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, voided the verdict of the Tribunal that declared PDP’s David Emmanuel Ombugadu winner of the March 28th governorship election in Nasarawa State and restored the mandate of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, protesters under the aegis of the Indigenous People of Nasarawa State have continued to occupy Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital in vehement rejection of the Appeal Court’ judgment. In an exclusive interview with a Community Developer and one of the key actors in the protest, Kefas Elisha Tigga, The News Chronicle’s Correspondent, Kabido Pius, took a closer…
Authorities of the University of Ilorin Kwara state has succumbed to pressure by the Student Union management of the institution to reduce the tuition fees paid by students. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University, Prof Abayomi Omotesho, made this known after holding talks with the students’ Union headed by President Joseph Ologundudu. Addressing the issue on its X handle, the institution revealed that the revised fees, differing by course, now stand between N114,720 and N215,820 for new students and N52,700 and N91,430 for returning students. This adjustment represents a reduction from the previous rates, initially ranging from N138, 240…
Report reaching The News Chronicles has it that at least 33 persons, including herders and farmers, have been killed in several attacks carried out on three villages in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State. It was gathered that the attacks which were said to have started on Sunday, December 3rd 2023, left 21 persons dead in Garbatau village, 10 in Ganfeto, and two in Hawan mata communities of Bali LGA. As at the time of filing this report it was not clear the reasons behind the attacks. Sources say that the attacks forced many residents, including herders, to flee…
Prof Usman Yusuf, has condemned the accidental Kaduna bombing that resulted to many loss of lives. Recall that on Sunday 3rd of December 2023, villagers in Tudun Biri community Igabi LGA of Kaduna were commemorating the Maulud Nabbiy (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) when the Nigerian Army erroneously stroke bombs in their midst, killing dozens. Speaking in an interview with Arise TV the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), stated that the optics for the Nigerian Army as well as the presidency is not good. “You closed the borders along all the seven Northern states because you want to…
A resident of Dutun Biri community, Idris Dahiru, has said that 34 of his family members were killed in the unfortunate incident that occurred on Sunday, December 3rd 2023. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Idris revealed that the twin bomb blast exploded without any warning adding that as at the time the first explosion blew up in the middle of Maulaud celebrants, those that were not affected quickly rushed out to evacuate the casualties and assist affected persons when the second bomb was eventually dropped killing dozens. “Our annual Maulud celebration was shattered by unexpected airstrikes. The first…
Former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Prof. Isa Pantami has on Monday 4th December 2023 expressed sadness over the Nigerian Army drone that accidentally killed dozens of Maulud celebrants in Dutun Biri, village Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. While condoling with the families of those who lost their lives in the horrible explosion, Pantami condemned the act calling on the Tinubu led administration to do the needful and bring those behind the killing to justice. He said that the killing of over 150 lives was more than a mistake adding that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice. “Around…
Following a bomb blast which occurred on Sunday night, killing about 30 villagers in Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local government Area of Kaduna state, the Nigerian army has claimed responsibility for the incident. In a statement, the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan, revealed in a statement on Monday that the Army has claimed responsibility for the tragic incident. The statement reads in part; “The Kaduna State Government has received briefings on Sunday night’s attack which left several citizens dead and others injured. In a meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor,…
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbase has described as careless, unfortunate and unpatriotic, the comment made by the member representing Gwaram Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, Yusuf Galambi regarding the 2024 budget presentation by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Recall that Galambi a member of the NNPP disclosed in an interview with the BBC Hausa that Tinubu presented “empty boxes” for a budget. Galambi noted that the president only came out to play to the gallery and was not prepared for budget defence. The NNPP parliamentarian was also quoted as saying that as against previous times, Tinubu…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced April 1st 2024 for the commencement of payment of the new minimum wage for federal government workers across the country. The Minister of Information and Orientation Idris Muhammed disclosed this in an interview on Thursday 30th November 2023. He said the current minimum wage of thirty thousand naira would cease to exist from March 2024. According to him, this is coming on the heels of an analysis of the 2024-2026 Fiscal Framework budgets which indicated that the Tinubu’s government plan to spend N24.66tn on salaries. As earlier announced, president Bola Ahmed Tinubu had agreed…
