PEN TO THE WORLD

Aggrieved members of the factional All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara have defected to the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defectors are loyal supporters of the two serving ministers from the state, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, as well as Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, the Minister of State for Transportation, among other APC cheiftains in the state. Mr Rasak Alabi, the Kwara South Senatorial Chairman of factional APC group, announced their defection to the SDP on Saturday in Ilorin at a news conference attended by members from the 16 local government areas of the state. Alabi said: “Consequent upon the wishes of our numerous supporters and the majority of Kwarans, we announce to you today the official defection and mass movement of supporters and party members from the APC to the SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY (SDP). “Seated here with us are the 193 ward chairmen, 16 local governments chairmen, and al

The Imo West Senator, Ike Ekweremadu, on Saturday, said the southeast needs an extra state because the region is shortchanged. Ekweremadu explained that an extra state would enable the southeast to “match with the rest of the country in terms of opportunities and national assembly.” Speaking during a town hall meeting in Enugu State, the former Deputy Senate President, said the southeast is shortchanged in the area of resource control. Ekweremadu pointed out that the region stands at a disadvantaged position during voting and resource distribution at the National Assembly. According to Ekweremadu: “The number [in the national assembly] is lopsided, because of the way the states were created. "Right now, the south-east has just five states while others have six and seven. With the senate, we have just fifteen [lawmakers], while some have 18 and some 21. “So when it comes to voting and resource distribution, we are shortchanged. If you go to the house of representatives,

Nollywood veteran, Pete Edochie has said presidential aspirants like the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC cannot be Nigerian president because they are too old. Speaking with BBC Igbo, Edochie said the former Lagos State governor has been in power for a long time and should consider resigning. The aged actor also decried the marginalisation of Southeasterners politically and their inability to produce a president since the country returned to democracy. He said the Asiwaju of Lagos should leave power so that the youths who are healthier and are capable of moving the nation forward will take over. He said, “Many people like Tinubu are too old and too weak to run for the presidency. He has been in power for a long time until he was made the leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. “But he should leave the position for those who are younger and healthier. Let’s be honest. “Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba are the major ethnic groups in the country. Only

Will Smith on Friday tendered his resignation from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences after  he slapped Chris Rock  for making a joke about his wife, Jada at the Oscars award. The actor who has already apologized for his actions, admitting that his behaviour was “unacceptable and inexcusable” and left him “embarrassed” said he will fully accept all consequences for his conduct. In a statement, he issued in response to the Academy, Smith said he was heartbroken because he not only betrayed the trust of the Academy but deprived other nominees and winners of the award of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. "The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home.” 'He further stated that he wants to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose has declared his support for former Deputy Governor of the State and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2018 election, Prof Kolapo Kolade-Eleka for the Ekiti South Senatorial seat. Fayose, who made this declaration during a town hall meeting with PDP stakeholders in Ise/Orun Local Government today, said his endorsement of Prof Olusola-Eleka will however not prevent other members of the party from contesting the primary election. He said “The endorsement of Eleka is in the interest of the PDP and it will not shut the door against anyone. “It is our position that Ikere Ekiti, being the second largest town in the State, cannot be left bare in the scheme of things. “Therefore, Senator Biodun Olujimi, the present occupier of the seat should see this decision beyond the personal ambition of any individual. More so that she has benefitted immensely from the party by going to the House of Representatives and Sena

Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has frowned at the emergence of Iyiola Omisore as the national secretary of the  APC   at the party’s just-concluded national convention. Mr Soyinka, a professor of Comparative Literature, said in a statement Saturday that Mr Omisore’s  new position in the ruling party  puts paid to any re-investigation into the murder of Bola Ige, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. “With the emergence of the said prime suspect as National Secretary of the Ruling Party, is the Inspector-General of Police equipped to confront political obstacles in a resumption of investigation? “Is there any guarantee that the result will see the light of day?” Mr Ige was shot dead in his home in Ibadan on December 23, 2001. He was 71. Last December, during the 20th anniversary of Mr Ige’s death, Mr Soyinka urged President Buhari to  reopen his murder case   and bring the perpetrators to book. Mr Omisore had been a key suspect in the

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said winning the Premier League is his priority after the Reds went top of the table for the first time this year thanks to a 2-0 win over Watford. Diogo Jota and Fabinho got the goals at Anfield as Klopp’s men moved two points ahead of Manchester City, who travel to Burnley later on Saturday. The visit of the Hornets kicked off a huge month for Liverpool as they remain in the hunt for a historic quadruple of trophies. A potential title decider away to City next weekend falls in between both legs of a Champions League quarter-final against Benfica before another meeting with City in the FA Cup semi-finals. “The Premier League is the most important competition,” said Klopp, whose side lifted the League Cup in February. “A big two months (ahead) hopefully. This week can decide a lot about how May will be. “The boys created a top-class basis and now we have to use it.” Klopp could afford the luxury of leaving Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane on the bench

The Foxes star missed the two games against the Black Stars and is set to be out for the June international break. Wilfred Ndidi is likely not to make a return to the Super Eagles squad anytime soon. Ndidi missed Nigeria's World Cup playoff games against Ghana after picking up an injury in Leicester City's UEFA Europa Conference League clash against Rennes. The midfielder's absence was felt as Nigeria missed out on World Cup qualification via the away goals rule. The three-time African champions  do not have the time to dwell on the disappointment , though, with the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations starting in June. However, they are likely to be without the services of Ndidi. The 25-year-old has been  ruled out for the season , and it is unlikely he is fit for Nigeria's games in June. The Super Eagles will be hoping to bounce back from the disappointment of missing out on World Cup qualification by starting the 2023 AFCON qualifiers

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has blamed the power outage at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on fierce wind and storms. FAAN also apologised to the affected passengers and other airport users who experienced the sudden darkness. The apology was contained in a statement issued by FAAN’s acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs,  Faithful Hope-Ivbaze  on Saturday, April 2, 2022. The statement read , “FAAN wishes to apologise to passengers and other airport users that witnessed a temporary power outage at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 2315hours yesterday, April 1, 2022. “The outage, which was as a result of yesterday’s rain, that came with very fierce winds and storms, a natural occurrence, affected one of our feeders, and consequently resulted in the temporary disruption of power supply at the D wing of the airport. “However, our engineers quickly discovered the fault, and liaised with the Ejigbo duty/area c

President Muhammadu Buhari has counselled youths to learn from music legend, Ebenezer Obey. He is the General Overseer of the Decross Gospel Mission and the President of Ebenezer Obey Evangelistic Ministries. Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina relayed Buhari’s message on the occasion of Obey’s 80th birthday. The leader hailed the celebrant for using his art to fly Nigeria’s flag around the world, “bringing joy to people with his sonorous voice and didactic songs, for over six decades”. Buhari said Obey’s music has been a blessing to many, garnering tremendous recognition and adulation nationally and internationally. He highlighted Obey’s countless gold discs and many platinum discs, leading to being honoured with the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2001. “The President urges the younger generation to borrow a leaf from the musician, who was formally ordained into the ministry on his 50th birthday on the 3rd of April, 1992”, the statement added. Buhari wished the ce

Will Smith has resigned from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences following his viral Oscars slap. The actor says he is heartbroken for betraying the trust of the Academy. The actor on Friday announced in a statement that his actions were inexcusable and deprived other nominees and awardees from celebrating. " My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,"  the statement read. “ The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home,”  the statement continues. “I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken." Smith further revealed that the resignation was to put the focus back on the people who truly deserved it. Smith went viral on Sunday after he slapped Chris Rock at

Showmax has announced media personality Toke Makinwa as the host for the premiere of the most anticipated reality show, The Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOLagos). Toke is no stranger to the entertainment industry. She has hosted numerous events, owns a TV show, a radio show, and a YouTube vlog, Toke Moments, where she discusses relationships and lifestyle. The Real Housewives of Lagos follows the opulent lives of six of the most glamorous women in Lagos, Nigeria. The women include Carolyna Hutchings, Laura Ikeji-Kanu, Chioma Ikokwu, Toyin Lawani-Adebayo, Iyabo Ojo, and Mariam Timmer. The event will take place today, and it promises glitz and glam in the true Lagos style. Themed Eko Glam, the premiere will be attended by big names in the entertainment industry, and multi-awarded DJ Neptune will be holding it down with the music. Speaking on the announcement, Toke Makinwa said, “I am a big lover of reality series. Hosting the premier event of the Lagos edition of the internatio

Bandits have attacked Kofar Gayan low-cost housing estate in Zaria, Kaduna State, kidnapping a customs official, Muawiyya Gambo Turaki, his son Khalifa and eight others. Police spokesman Muhammad Jalige was yet to get details of the incident at the time of filing this report, but residents told  The Nation  that the bandits invaded the area around 9.00pm on Wednesday. This is the second time Kofar Gayan is attacked in the last six months. In the first attack, the wife of a customs official and another woman were kidnapped, later freed after N15million ransom was allegedly paid. A resident of the community, Yishau Aisha, said, “The abductors were eight in number and came on foot with sophisticated weapons. They struggled to speak Hausa language to us; their language of communication was Fulani. Source: THE NATION

Spain and Germany have been drawn together in Group E for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup. Spain, winners of the 2010 edition will face 2014 winners Germany for their second group game at the 2022 World Cup finals in the acclaimed Group of Death. Asia's most-successful country, Japan, were also drawn in Group E with the final spot in the Group is to be decided between Costa Rica and New Zealand. Costa Rica and New Zealand will play the second Intercontinental Playoff in June to determine the last members of Group E. Spain and Germany will meet on Sunday, November 22, 2022, with Germany playing Japan on Matchday 1 while Spain faces either Costa Rica or New Zealand for their first match. Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Group E Spain Costa Rica/New Zealand Germany Japan  Spain and Germany have met 25 times in all competitions with the Germans having a slight edge with 9 wins against Spain's 8 wins while both countries have played 8 draws. However, the Spanish side

Popular Nigerian comedian, Debo Adedayo, known as Mr Macaroni, has raised alarm over threats on his life for protesting against the Lekki tollgate reopening. Mr Macaroni raised the alarm in a Twitter post. The Lekki tollgate was closed in October 2020 following the army’s crackdown on unarmed #EndSARS protesters. However, the Lekki Concession Company (LCC) after 17 months announced that tolling activities will resume at the gate on April 1. Mr Macaroni, who has been actively involved in the #EndSARS protest, had earlier kicked against the reopening, adding that it was an injustice to victims. Reacting to a tweet that threatened him, Macaroni wrote: “This is one of many threats I receive regularly. Nigerian police and Lagos State government. I love you, and I know you love me too.” Source: DAILY POST

Popular Nollywood actor, Dejo Tunfulu is dead. His death was confirmed by his friend and fellow actor, Kunle Afod. He, however, failed to reveal the cause of his death. Popular radio presenter, Adeyemi Olabode, also mourning his death wrote on his Facebook page: “I saw the post about your demise and hurriedly called your line so you can debunk the ‘April fool’ news, but alas! Your son picked it. “You were so kind and down to earth. “You are one of the few I do lean on in the entertainment industry. I cannot do without disturbing you with my weekly BC messages on Whatsapp. So we would not be able to speak again Egbon. "So our plans won’t be again? Rest in peace Dejo Tunfulu.” Source: DAILY POST

Even though Nigeria did not qualify, Davido will perform at the 2022 FIFA World Cup draw. Nigerian American singer, songwriter, and record producer David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido is featured on the soundtrack for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The 29-year-old, will feature on the soundtrack despite the Super Eagles of Nigeria failure to qualify for the tournament is Qatar. Davido is on the track with American R&B singer and social media personality Trinidad Cardona. Another artist featured on the track is American J-R&B singer Aisha. The name of the track is titled Hayya Hayya (better together) which is set to debut on Friday, April 1, 2022. The track is produced by RedOne, and at the draw ceremony the song will be performed live for the first time live-streamed globally today. It is a huge achievement for Davido among his afro beats peers as he continues to represent the country on the global stage. Meanwhile, the final draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar

An Improvised Explosive Device ( IED) planted in the Rigasa community of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was successfully disabled by the police on Thursday. The Command’s Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) swung into action and successfully defused the explosive, without any loss of life or property. This was disclosed in a statement by Mohammed Jalige, the spokesperson for the state police command. He said, “The IED was planted in the area by yet-to-be-identified persons. It was sighted by residents of the area at about 07:50 hours, who promptly reported to the police.” However, he said that in a swift response, the Command’s Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) swung into action and successfully defused the explosive, without any loss of life or property. He added that the Acting Commissioner of Police, DCP Maiyaki M Baba thanked the residents of the area for their vigilance and for promptly reporting the incident.  He assured that the command would always

  Nigerian singer,  Innocent Idibia  aka  2Face , has suggested that former Head of State, General  Sani Abacha  never intended to steal Nigeria's money compared to the current level of corruption in the country. The 46-year-old singer expressed the belief that the former Head of State may have 'kept' the purported Abacha loot away from the actual thieves. 2Face maintained that it would have been impossible for Nigeria to recover the so called loot if Abacha really had the intention to steal the funds. Taking to his Instagram Story, 2Face shared an image of the late dictator with the caption:  “If to say Abacha actually thief this money we for no fit recover am, abi na only me they think this thing. “I think he (Abacha) tried to keep it away from these thieving hands (my personal opinion) if not please tell me what has become of the recovered funds? Aluta continua abi.” The former Head of State purportedly stole Nigeria's money running into billions of dollars but died

A pressure group, the Kwara4Kwara Movement, on Thursday, raised the alarm over the massive influx of bandits and kidnappers to the state from the neighbouring Niger State. The group said the criminals invaded the northern forests of the state to cause mayhem. Speaking at a news conference in Ilorin, the convener, Kwara4Kwara Movement, Mr Abdulrasheed Akogun, stated that the alarm became necessary in view of the incessant attacks on residents of the state in recent times. Akogun stated, “Kwara shares boundaries with Niger State, which is currently witnessing a surge in banditry; it is a no brainer that Kwara as a neighbouring state to Niger is vulnerable to insecurity externalities. “The manifestation of these is the attack recorded on some Kwara North communities by people suspected to be bandits.” He said people in various parts of the state had paid over N700 million as ransom to secure their loved ones from bandits between 2019 and 2022, lamenting that some of the victim

Augustine Eguavoen has stepped down from his position as the Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser with immediate effect, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced on Thursday. Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF General Secretary, announced this in a statement by the Federation’s Communications Department. He said the development was a consequence of the failure of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup billed for Qatar. Sanusi stated further that the NFF has in the meantime withdrawn the two-and-a-half-year contract offered the team’s coaches. “In addition, we have terminated the appointment of the entire members of the technical crew of the team with immediate effect,” he said. The NFF General Secretary added that a new technical crew would be announced for the team after a proper review. “The new technical crew is to lead the new charge of reinvigorating the Super Eagles to face future challenges appropriately.” He then expressed the Federation’s apprec

Repairing the damaged portion of the Abuja-Kaduna rail track may take about two weeks following the extent of the damage,  Daily Trust  has learnt. This followed the initial evaluation of the extent of damage in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on a train on Monday which left nine people dead. It was also learnt that the NRC engineers and those of the China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC) have been mobilised to assess the extent of the damage and the level of repair works to be carried out. But from all indications, passengers on the axis may have to wait for about two weeks before the resumption of the train service as no fewer than 1,200 rail sleepers would be replaced. When contacted last night, the managing director of NRC, Fidet Okhiria, said, “We are looking at two weeks because we have to repair the tracks.” Okhiria also assured that the NRC would deploy the integrated surveillance and communication equipment as soon as the corporation got

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday asked all Nigerian polytechnics to adhere strictly to the admission policy of 70:30 ratio in favour of science and technology-based programmes. Buhari said during the 20th convocation ceremonies of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State. The combined convocation witnessed the graduation of 10,358 graduands in the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, and conferment of fellowship award of the institution on Lagos West Senator, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, aka Yayi. The president who was represented by Dr Adeleye Adeoye, Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions, Federal Ministry of Education, said Nigeria relied on the polytechnic system for the production of “Globally competitive manpower for the industrial development and economic growth of the country.” Source: DAILY TRUST

Murja Suleiman Zubairu, the mother of the slain five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar, has narrated an encounter with the self-confessed killer of her child. The five-year-old pupil was murdered after she was abducted on her way from school. Daily Trust  had reported how Abdulmalik Tanko, proprietor of Noble Kids Academy, the school the deceased attended confessed to killing her with N100 rat poison. While testifying as the seventh prosecution witness on Wednesday, the 38-year-old Murja narrated how she took Hanifa to her Islamiyya school on December 4, 2021. She said around 5:30pm when the school closed, a daughter of one of their neighbours ran to their house to tell them that one man had taken Hanifa away in a tricycle. She quoted the girl as saying that Hanifa told them the man was her uncle (male teacher) when they tried to stop her from entering the tricycle. “Among those we were searching for Hanifa with, there was one of her teachers and I asked her if there was any other u

The management of the Technical University, Ibadan, Oyo State, has dissociated itself from claims made by United States-based Professor, Godwin Sadoh alleging non-payment of salaries and contract breach. Sadoh had alleged that Afolabi Oladapo, a former Head of Service of the Federation breached a contract he had with him when he was the acting Pro-Chancellor of the university. According to the don, he was recruited from the United States under the Nigerians in Diaspora Scheme to assist in creating a music programme that would be rooted in 21st-century music technology, for the university, which was under construction at the time. He added that Afolabi went as far as conscripting him to create the academic programme for all the departments in the College of Agricultural Sciences, from the first year to the fourth year, including the intensive summer curricula.  Reacting to the allegations in a statement, Akeem Lasisi, the university's public relations officer debunked th

The All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Abudullahi Adamu says God helped him to win the March 26 convention. The former Nasarawa Governor spoke on Wednesday at the APC national secretariat after the handover by Yobe Governor, Mai Buni. Buni led the Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) since 2020 after the removal of Adams Oshiomhole. “It is only through God that we have emerged as the NWC. It is not our doing, but the doing of Almighty God who made all this possible. “A month ago, I didn’t know I will become the chairman of APC. Here I am today, receiving the instrument. “Only God can do this. It is not my personal wisdom nor my charisma. There may be elements on the way.” The lawmaker thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to the development of the party. Adamu also hailed the leaders for ensuring his emergence and prayed God to reward them. The chairman noted that the APC would begin work on the 2023 general elec

  …as Ghana send Eagles out of World Cup race Irate fans invaded the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola Stadium destroying everything in sight immediately after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Ghana on Tuesday, which ended the Super Eagles dream of reaching a seventh World Cup appearance in Qatar in November. Ghana qualified for the World Cup thanks to the away goal rule after the first leg at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi ended goalless. Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen made four changes to the team that earned a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi Friday, with Ademola Lookman on for Moses Simon, while Dennis Simon replaced the injured Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka taking the place of Kelechi Iheanacho and Calvin Bassey made his full debut ahead of Zaidu Sanusi. Despite the Eagles bright start in front of a fully packed 60,000 capacity Abuja stadium, the Black Stars took the lead through captain Thomas Partey in the 11th minute, the Arsenal midfielder unleashing a fierce low drive

  The House of Representatives’ Committee on Police Affairs has invited the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, over the non-implementation of the 20 per cent salary increment for officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force by the Federal Government. The Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Mr Ekpo Nta; and the Director-General of the Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, are also to appear before the committee. The Chairman of the committee, Bello Kumo, directed the committee’s clerk to write those invited on the issue during a public hearing on three bills in Abuja on Tuesday. The legislation are titled, ‘A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020 to Regulate the Powers of the Police to Promote Effective Collaboration between Police and Other Security Agencies and to Provide for the Operational Framework for Community Policing in Nigeria; A Bill for an Act to Amend

An early goal from Thomas Partey condemned the Super Eagles to a 1-1 aggregate defeat on Tuesday night in Abuja The Super Eagles of Nigeria have failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after losing on away goals to Ghana. Although the match ended 1-1 in Abuja Tuesday and 1-1 on aggregate, the away goal by Ghana secured the World Cup ticket for the Black Stars. Ghana qualified for the World Cup for a third time after a 1-1 result against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. Ghana took the lead through Thomas Partey’s long-range shot which somehow found a way past Francis Uzoho in the 10th minute. It had undertones of the goal that beat Maduka Okoye at the Nations Cup in January. That goal counted double in the event that the match ended 1-1. The Eagles thus faltered at the last hurdle with almost everything in their favour after holding the Black Stars to a barren draw last Friday in Kumasi. Coach Eguavoen made five changes to the first