Monday, March 29, 2021

Referee apologises to Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal for disallowed goal vs Serbia

Dutch referee Danny Makkelie has offered Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal an apology after disallowing the striker’s goal against Serbia.

Portugal had to settle for a 2-2 draw in their 2022 World Cup qualifying clash after Ronaldo was denied a last-gasp winner by the match officials.

Replays showed that the Juventus striker’s shot had crossed the line before Aleksandar Mitrovic was able to clear the ball away, but Makkelie waved play on after consulting with his linesman, which he has now admitted was the wrong decision.

“As per FIFA’s policies, all I can say is that I apologised to the national coach, Fernando Santos, and to the Portuguese team for what happened,” Makkelie told Portuguese publication A Bola. “As a referee team, we always work hard to make good decisions. When we are in the news in this manner, it doesn’t make us happy at all.”

Ronaldo was furious after seeing his goal chalked off, having produced an finish after latching onto a perfectly flighted Nuno Mendes pass.

There were still a few seconds left to play after the stoppage time incident, but the Portugal captain refused to continue after remonstrating with the linesman.

Ronaldo threw his armband to the ground before storming down the tunnel, and explained his reaction in a social media post after the game.

“I always give and will give everything for my country, that will never change,” he said on Instagram. “But there are difficult times to deal with, especially when we feel that an entire nation is being harmed.”

Santos also vented his anger post-match, with the Portugal boss insisting that VAR must be used at international level in order to avoid a repeat of Saturday’s controversy.

“It is not permissible that, in a competition like this, there is no VAR or goal-line technology,” said Santos. “The ball was half a metre inside the goal, there was no obstacle between the goalkeeper and the goal line. It was very clear.

“The referees make mistakes, they are human, but this is what VAR exists for.”

Ronaldo and co have to dust themselves down quickly ahead of their next Group A clash away at Luxembourg on Tuesday night. As it stands, Portugal are second in the pool on goal difference behind Serbia, who are scheduled to face Azerbaijan next

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

NSCDC arrests 16 for ‘illegal’ oil bunkering

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reported the arrest of 16 persons including a 45-year old mother of four in Abia State for allegedly engaging in illegal oil bunkering.

The state commandant of the corps, Mr Vincent Ogu, stated this while briefing newsmen at the command’s headquarters in Umuahia, the capital on some of its recent achievements.

He explained that, “The suspects were arrested at different locations across the state for offences bordering on oil bunkering and illegal dealings in petroleum products.”

He said Babangida Saleh, Abubakar Ibrahim, Bukar Ali, and Mohammed Mohammed were arrested, while conveying about 30,000 litres of suspected petroleum products in a truck with Reg. No. GYA611XA.

“Lawrence Ahmed, Johnson Akinrinola and Ofo-Obong Francis were arrested, while conveying 10 drums of suspected petroleum products concealed in cellophane bags in a Volkswagen Bus with Reg. No EZA879XA.”

Ogu further added that that Daniel Ikechukwu and Ugochukwu Alozie were allegedly conveying 20,000 litres of petroleum products in a truck with Reg. No. NSR311SA, when they were arrested by the corps.

“Elijah Peters, Lawal Ibrahim, Haruna Zuberu and the mother of four, Chinyere Ezeali, were arrested in Aba on February 26 for their alleged involvement in oil bunkering, using a truck with Reg. No. DKA353XP.

The commandant, alleged that the suspects did not have the licence to deal in petroleum products, adding that the trucks and other vehicles lacked the permit to be used for conveying the commodities.

Ogu warned the youths to shun crime, criminality, and vandalism, “Any attacks on the critical national assets and infrastructure is an attack on the economic wellbeing of every Nigerian and we will resist it.”

He used the opportunity to announce that the command had secured five convictions at the Federal High Court, Umuahia within the five months of his assumption of office as the 10th state commandant.

While some of them confessed to the crime, Ezeali, who claimed that she deals on household utensils near Obehie in Ukwa West local government area, denied any involvement in illegal in petroleum products.

The mother of four, therefore, explained that she was waiting for her friend by the roadside in the area, when military operatives posted to the area arrested her and later handed her over to the NSCDC.

Senate embarks on three-week Easter break

The senate has embarked on a three-week Easter break to resume plenary sessions on April 13

The upper legislative chamber announced the break after Wednesday’s sitting.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan said the recess is in line with the senate rules and does not stop the various committees from carrying out their functions.

“The senate will proceed on its Easter break but our committees will continue to do their work. The Easter break will last from March 25 to April 13” he said.

“The committee considering the petroleum industry bill is working very hard to ensure that we receive the report as soon as we resume plenary.

“Our committee on the review of the 1999 constitution under the chairmanship of the deputy senate president is working round the clock likewise so many other committees.

“This is just for the plenary to be closed but of course our committees will continue to work. The senate is hereby adjourned to April 13.”

Saturday, March 20, 2021

I would be first Oyo governor to hand over to successor

Governor Seyi Makinde has said that he would make history in Oyo State to be the first governor to hand over to a successor.

Makinde said this on Saturday at the Inauguration of the 8th President of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide.

He noted that no governor in the state has ever handed over to his successor after the expiration of his tenure.

“No governor has ever handed over to his successor in this state,

“Baba Lam Adeshina didn’t hand over to his successor.

“Former Governor Ladoja didn’t hand over to former Governor Adebayo Alao Akala.

“Akala didn’t hand over to Abiola Ajimobi and Ajimobi didn’t hand over to me.

“But I’m standing in front of the altar of God, I will be the first governor to hand over to my successor.

He commended the smooth process that led to the inauguration of the new CAC President.

Makinde pointed out that Nigeria is at a crossroads.

He said priority should be given to ending the crisis of division in the nation.

Gunmen kidnap traditional ruler in Ogun

A traditional ruler, Oba Tajudeen Omotayo, the Oba Alade Meta of Imope land, a community in Ijebu Igbo area of Ogun State was on Saturday abducted by some yet to be identified gunmen.

Available details of the circumstances in which the traditional was abducted are still sketchy.

But sources from the town said the Oba left his palace around 11 am with his butter colored special utility vehicle with plate number W 3J9 Ogun for Ijebu-Ode.

And on his way back home around 3:00pm, the unknown gun men accosted him at Okeeri of area of Imope and took him away leaving his vehicle on the road

How I was attacked by gunmen - Benue governor

Governor Samuel Ortom has explained how he was attacked by armed men he said were about 15 and how his security operatives prevented them from killing him in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State on Saturday.

Briefing journalists in Makurdi, Ortom said he was inspecting a farm at a river bank on Tyo Mu along Makurdi/Gboko road when the gunmen descended on him and his entourage.

But he said his security details responded quickly to the attack and were able to repel the assailants, thus giving him cover to return to safely return to his vehicle.

He added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, the police and DSS have mobilised to the forest between Tyo-Mu and Abinse where the armed herdsmen were camped to flush them out.

Ortom also called for the arrest and prosecution of the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

The group had at a meeting in Yola reportedly called for Ortom’s assassination.

He added that he will send petition on the attack to President Muhammadu Buhari and the security chiefs through his his lawyers

Cross River governor threatens to dump PDP

Senator Ben Ayade, the Cross River state governor, has sent a strong message to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that he stands on the fence and ready to dump the party if not given his due respect and recognition.

Speaking in Calabar during the visit of Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state to him, Ayade said that because he plays politics with ethics, his style is being mistaken for weakness.

He said the time has come when he will put his foot down and take a decision on the bases of what will prosper the collective well-being of his people.

Addressing Governor Mohammed, Ayade said, “I cannot blind myself to the challenges of PDP and decide not to know what to do at the right time for their [Cross River people] sake.

“I know you are somebody that doesn’t take injustice. One single injustice they will see a new Cross River state.”

He threatened that one single injustice against him and his followers, “and I say it as a warning because it does appears that your party seems to celebrate people who threaten and stress them.”

Ayade stated that; “all councillors [in the state] are PDP, council chairmen are PDP, all House of Assembly members are PDP, all commissioners are PDP, and all the National Assembly members except one are PDP: all of them are under my leadership”.

He assured Mohammed that where ever he goes he would follow him because they have the same cause of direction for the people.

“I am happy you have created an opportunity for a melodrama. So today I am seated and dancing on the fence. Indeed that’s true.

“And so I speak with righteous anger for the continuous annoyance and nuisance orchestrated on our innocent by external factors. But I just hope this ends today

“And so please as I leave you with some holy whispers, which will be very strong, firm and clear, it’s a harbinger of trouble”

“While I believe in ecclesiastics of peace, I believe in the catechism of good faith but I also believe in respect for the supremacy of an office.

Concluding, Ayade said; “So if you take a catalytic combination of all I have said, it tells you that there is the need for a guided caution and at some persons going forward as a people, as a party.

“I think the time has come when all of us will gather and say enough is enough.”

Friday, March 19, 2021

List of All of Lionel Messi's World Records Till Date

One thing that is pretty certain now is that Lionel Messi is a freak of nature.

The Argentina is now already the Barcelona player with the most goals, most games, most titles and most wins in the club's 121-year history.

However, he has a pretty huge catalogue of other records that will surely boggle your mind.

Here's a list of all of them....

Messi is the only player in history to win the Ballon d'Or, FIFA World Player, Pichichi Trophy and Golden Boot in the same season. It happened in the 2009/10 campaign.

Messi has won 6 Ballon d'Or crowns. They came in the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2019. No player in history has won more.

Messi is also the youngest player to win three Ballon d'Or crowns. He was 24 years, 6 months and 17 days old when he won the third on January 9, 2012.

Messi has also claimed the most number of Golden Shoe accolades. He has won six. They came in the 2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.

Messi has also scored the highest number of goals in official competitions in a domestic season. He scored 73 goals in 2011/12 (50 in the League, 14 in the Champions League, 3 in the Copa del Rey, 3 in the Spanish Super Cup, 1 in the European Super Cup and 2 in the Club World Cup).

Messi is also the all-time top goalscorer in a calendar year (January to December). He scored 91 official goals in 2012. With Barcelona, 84 (59 in the League, 13 in the Champions League, 5 in the Copa del Rey and 2 in the Super Cup) and with the Argentine national team, 12. He also managed another 5 in friendlies with Barça, which would see the figure rise to a total of 96 goals

The Barcelona maestro also scored the most number of International goals in one year. He scored 25 goals in 2012 (13 in the Champions League and 12 with the Argentine national team), and shares the record with Vivian John Woodward, who scored 25 in 1909.

Messi is also the top goalscorer in history for one club. As of March 18, he has 661 goals, surpassing the 643 that Pelé scored with Santos between 1956 and 1974.

Longest scoring streak in La Liga. He scored 33 goals in 21 consecutive matches from matchday 11 to 34 in the 2012/13 league season.

Top scorer in a European League since the establishment of the Golden Shoe trophy in the 1966/67 season. Set the record by scoring 50 goals in La Liga 2011/12.

Messi is the only player who has scored against the most teams in the Champions League. He has scored against 36 different opponents, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo's 35.

Youngest player to score 100 goals in official matches for FC Barcelona. He reached the figure on January 16, 2010, when he was 22 years old

Youngest player to score 200 goals in official matches for FC Barcelona. He reached the figure on November 1, 2011, when he was 24 years old

Top scorer in the European Cup / Champions League. He has 120 goals, almost 100 more than all his main pursuers

Only player in the history of the club who has scored in six official competitions in one year. Messi scored in all six competitions in 2011, equaling the feat achieved by Pedro Rodríguez in 2009

Player with the most goals scored in an edition of the Champions League. Leo Messi scored 14 goals in the 2011/12 Champions League. The record for the competition is held by Cristiano Ronaldo, who made it 17 in 2013/14

How and Why You Need to Stop Masturbating?

Masturbating is normal for every man, instead, considered healthy. It is absolutely humane to do it because it boosts sexual pleasure and maintains a healthy sex life. However, this must not become an addiction. A fun activity that boosts sex drive should not turn out to be an uncontrollable affair to deal with. So, how to stop masturbating and why do you have to is what this article will look at.

Are You Masturbating a Lot?

How do you know that you’re overdoing it? It can affect the way you think, act and feel in society. You will witness behavioural changes that can affect your surroundings. You wouldn’t want to get into such a situation, would you? The first step to stop it by accepting the fact that you have this problem and then move ahead to finding solutions to curtail it. Here are some pointers that could indicate the very fact that you are excessively masturbating.

Skipping work, school and social gatherings to masturbate.
An uncontrollable urge to do it.
Plan to do it wherever needed.

NOTE: Everyone masturbates and it is a healthy phenomenon to do so. People who have a satisfied as well as unsatisfied sex life masturbate. All you need to keep in mind is that you do not overdo it.

Interesting Facts About Masturbation

Here are some interesting facts that will give you an insight into this topic and its other facets.

Men who ejaculate five times each week have fewer risks of developing prostate cancer.

Masturbation does not cause shrinking of the penis, decreased sex drives, infertility or blindness.

Women in their late 20s masturbate a lot.
Masturbation improves your sex life.
More men masturbate than women.

Why Do People Masturbate?

It is absolutely normal to masturbate and there are a lot of reasons why people do it. Here is why most individuals do it.

Release stress
Lack of sex
Understanding their body better
Relationship issues

How to Stop Masturbating?

If masturbation becomes difficult to handle it means that you have a problem and here are simple tricks that will help you control it.

1. Say ‘NO’ to Pornography

Pornography is a mental driving agent for people who masturbate a lot. This affects a person mentally such that it shapes the way they think and act in society as a whole. Avoid pornographic images, videos and searching for websites that can get you back in that thinking.

2. Do Something New

Diverting your mind and doing something else is one way that will help you. Consider picking up a new hobby and this can replace the time spent on masturbating. Begin working on your personal goals and write it down in a personal diary. Tell yourself that you will achieve it and it does keep you strong. This will help you place your energy on other things and never leave you thinking of masturbating.

3. Consult a Doctor

You need to talk your problem out. You also need to understand that you cannot fight it alone. A healthcare specialist will provide you with a set of guidelines that will help you go about the problem. This can affect you mentally and leave you suffering from an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that can make things worse for you. Make it a point to talk to a psychologist or a therapist.

4. Socialise a Lot

Did you know that few people socialise because they feel lonely? Yes, an ideal mind can do a lot more harm than you can ever think off. Socialising keeps your mind focused and diverted. So make it a point to socialise with family, friends OR hit the gym to keep your body more productive.

5. Regular Exercise

Regular exercising can keep you mentally strong. Simple exercises such as running, swimming, walking and jogging can increase positivity and keep your focus straight. It beats stress levels and keeps your head calm. Simple exercises for 30 minutes every day will do you good.

Psychology Behind Excessive Masturbation

Excessive masturbating is a sign of a prevailing mental condition that can cause behavioural disorders. An intense feeling of guilt after masturbation is one sign of masturbation being an addiction. This can lead to increased levels of alcohol consumption. Thus masturbation becomes a problem if it is compulsive or you tend to force yourself to do it. It is fine to do it, but don’t let it consume you.

Does Masturbation Have Side Effects?

Yes, excessive masturbation does come with a lot of side-effects both physical and metal.

Physical side effects: Physically speaking, excessive masturbation can result in Edema, guilt feeling and skin irritation. Edema refers to body parts swelling due to infection or inflammation. Gripping the penis tightly can cause swelling that can be dangerous. It can cause skin tears and skin irritation. It can also lead to extreme feelings of guilt that can make the person feel sad or feel negative about themselves. This could lead to depression, phobia and also affects the way he/she behaves in society.

Mental side effects: Psychologically speaking, excessive masturbation is the fight on the inside. Your perception on certain phenomena begin to change and you would witness behavioural changes such as religious views being deferred, poor sexual communication, unnecessary sexual conflicts with your partner and relationship issues.

NOTE: Consult a doctor before this sickness consumes you. Remember that doing it is healthy and good for every human, but excessively doing it can cause further complications.

Kanye West is not the richest black man in America - Forbes

The global media company and American business magazine, Forbes has frowned at reports that American rapper, Kanye West is the richest black American.

Forbes focuses majorly on listing and ranking in areas like business, investment, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and marketing.

The magazine took to its official Twitter account @forbes on Friday.

It wrote, “No, Kanye West is not the richest black American. On Wednesday, multiple outlets reported that Kanye West is the richest black person in America, worth as much as 6.6 billion dollars’’.

The news comes after Bloomberg reported that his sneaker brand, Yeezy as well as Yeezy Gap, which had yet to sell one stitch of clothing have a combined value of as much as 4.7 billion dollars.

“The publication mentioned without going into full details an additional 1.7 billion dollars in assets and it is not true, based on our calculations.

“Forbes estimates he is worth less than a third of that, or 1.8 billion dollars. That’s a big jump from last May when Forbes first pegged his net worth to be 1.3 billion dollars, but nowhere near as much as the purported 6.6 billion dollars,’’ Forbes said.

The magazine noted that Vista Equity’s Robert F. Smith remains the richest black person in the U.S. with an estimated worth of 6 billion dollars.

It also said that Aliko Dangote of Nigeria with 11.8 billion dollars’ worth was the richest black person in the world.

“The sky-high estimate is the latest of West’s attempts to inflate his net worth in the past, he said that Forbes was purposely snubbing me.”

“In actuality, it is nothing personal. The Bloomberg story cites a UBS report on his businesses, the same document Forbes saw earlier this month.

“The bank made a number of assumptions based on projected future earnings, particularly for Yeezy Gap, which hasn’t even been inaugurated yet.

“Bank documents like this are well-known for painting best-possible-scenario future valuations.’’

West had been influential in the 21st-century development of mainstream hip hop and popular music.

He was first known as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records in the early 2000s, producing singles for several mainstream artists before he joined a solo career as a rapper.

West released his debut album: “The College Dropout’’ in 2004 to critical and commercial success.

He founded the record label GOOD Music and had released different songs.

Why I was sacked as CJN - Justice Onnoghen

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, on Friday, stressed that Nigeria as a nation may not record any meaningful achievement in life until they are able to free the nation’s judiciary from the stronghold of politicians.

Onnoghen who spoke publicly for the first time since his removal from office two years ago, attributed his sack to political manuevre.

The former CJN, who was speaking at the unveiling of a book titled ‘Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, Practice, Procedure, Forms and Precedents’, by a legal luminary, Chief Ogwu James Onoja (SAN), attributed his sack to political intrigues.

Onnoghen revealed that prior to his removal, he was accused by the executive of having met with former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, preparatory to the 2019 general elections.

According to Onnoghen the rumour was thick and spread fast, but he decided not to react to it because he never travelled to Dubai or held any meeting with anybody, including Atiku.

The former CJN however said that he was surprised that despite the fact that the Federal Government had all the machinery to investigate the allegation of the rumoured meeting with Atiku, it never did so, rather opted to go after him and his office.

Onnoghen said that he was not surprised when all of a sudden, his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal was arranged, even when he had not been invited to defend the allegation or any wrongdoing.

He said that the action of the government against him got to the peak when in the course of the trial and when parties had joined issues, an ex-parte was suddenly brought in, and what followed was his illegal and unlawful suspension as the CJN.

“Prior to suspension, I was confronted with no allegation. There were rumours that I met with Atiku in Dubai. As I am talking here today, I have never met Atiku one on one in my life. As if that was not enough, I was also accused of setting free, high-profile criminals, whereas I seized to be a High Court Judge as far back as 1978.

“In Supreme Court, I did not sit alone, we sat in panel. In all these rumours and outright accusations, I was not given opportunity to defend myself.

“Let me make it clear that the office of the CJN was not for Onnoghen but for all Nigerians who had sworn to guide and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic.

“As I have said severally, judicial officers must be courageous. And I want to beg all serving judicial officers not to be discouraged by what happened to me in the hand of the executive arm of the government.

“Emerging brand Nigerian judges should not go the direction of injustice because without courageous judges, Nigeria is doomed. Democracy will be dead.

“Here, let me sound this note of warning that the appointment of judicial officers must never be allowed to be politicized, otherwise, democracy and democratic governance will be dead.

“During my tenure, the problem of Nigeria was not the Nigerian judiciary, but those who had no regard for the rule of law. We must therefore be committed to the rule of law and dispense justice without fear or favour.

“Truth stands, crush it, it will stand because it is truth”, Onnoghen added.

He said his ordeal in 2019 was not the first, adding that at a point during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime, a Commission was set up and that he was indicted of wrongdoing, even when he was not invited or allowed to appear before the Commission to defend himself.

Onnoghen however said because former President Obasanjo was a leader who listened to advice, the matter was referred to the NJC for review.

He said at the council, truth surfaced before he was appointed to the Supreme Court.

He urged legal practitioners to be courageous enough to stand by truth by defending the rights of Nigerians because only Justice can rescue Nigeria.

The former CJN said if the judiciary was not freed from political manipulation, the dispensation of justice according to the rule of law will be a mirage.

According to him, Nigeria is structured on the rule of law and any democracy not founded on the rule of law is a dictatorship.

Onnoghen emphasised that justice is possible when “you know who is dispensing justice”, adding the surest way to guarantee justice and democracy is to adhere to the rule of law.

“It’s only when the rule of law prevails that you can get justice”, he said.

Monday, March 15, 2021

'The Story is Far From Over' - Cristiano Ronaldo's Promise After Going Past Pele's Goal Record

Portugal and Juventus superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo is widely considered as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, with the striker breaking/creating numerous records during his career so far.

Ronaldo was at it again after netting a hat-trick for Juventus in their 3-1 win over Cagliari in the Serie A on Sunday, to move to 770 goals in his illustrious career so far. The 36-year-old has only now opened up on breaking Brazil legend Pele's disputed record of 767, having exceeded his official number of 757 earlier this year.

“The last few weeks were filled with news and stats considering me the world’s top scorer in football history, overcoming Pele’s 757 official goals. Although I’m thankful for that recognition, now it’s time for me to explain why I didn’t acknowledge that record until this moment," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.

“My everlasting and unconditional admiration [for Pele] led me to take into account his 767 score, assuming his nine goals for Sao Paulo State Team, as well as his single goal for the Brazilian Military Team, as official goals.

"The world has changed since then and football as changed as well, but this doesn’t mean that we can just erase history. Now I can’t wait for the next games and challenges! The next records and trophies! Believe me, this story is still far from being over. The future is tomorrow and there’s still a lot to win for Juventus and Portugal!"

The Portugal skipper who was linked with a move away from Turin following the Bianconeri's exit at the hands of Porto in the Champions League, has been his usual brilliant self in front of goal, scoring 95 goals in just 122 games for them in all competitions.

SANWO-OLU APPROVES 21-YEAR JAIL TERM FOR CULTISTS, SIGNS ANTI-CULTISM BILL INTO LAW

•Governor Appoints Two Permanent Secretaries, Members of Procurement Agency Governing Board

•Three Other Bills Signed Into Law

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signed the bill for the Prohibition of Unlawful Societies and Cultism of 2021 into law, approving 21-year jail term for convicted cultists in the State.

The State’s House of Assembly, in February, passed the anti-cultism bill, which also stipulates 15-year jail term for anyone found guilty of abetting cultists and residents who willfully allow their properties to be used as meeting points by cultists.

Sanwo-Olu assented to the bill at the swearing-in event for newly appointed members of the State’s Public Procurement Agency Governing Board and two Permanent Secretaries held at Banquet Hall in the State House, Alausa, on Monday.

At the event, the Governor also signed three other bills into law. They are Lagos State Audit Service Commission (Amendment) Law of 2019, Lagos State Public Procurement Bill of 2021 and Coronavirus Pandemic Emergency Law of 2021.

The anti-cultism law repeals the Cultism (Prohibition) Law of 2007 (now Cap. C18, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015) and provides for more stringent punitive measures, as well as makes its application all-encompassing and applicable to the general public, as against the restriction of the previous law to students of tertiary institutions.

Sanwo-Olu said the State had suffered the negative effects of unlawful societies and cultism, stressing that the new law sought to make parents more responsible and show more interest in the up-bringing of their children and wards to ensure that they do not become a burden to the society.

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONGRATULATES NIGERIAN AFROBEATS STARS BURNA BOY, WIZKID

President Muhammadu Buhari congratulates Nigerian music star Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, whose entry won the “Best Global Music Album” category in the 2021 Grammy awards, saying he has made notable contributions in the field of music which the world has come to recognize.

"Congratulations to Burna Boy on being conferred the 2021 Grammy, the world’s most prestigious musical awards. He has made notable contributions in the field of music which have brought glory to Nigerians at home and abroad. We are proud of his path-breaking achievements,” he said.

The President also congratulates Wizkid who emerged as a joint winner of the Grammy Awards in a different category.

President Buhari acknowledges the efforts of forerunners like King Sunny Ade and Femi Kuti whose creative exertions earned them Grammy nominations, paved the way and brought Nigerian music to global reckoning.

The President believes that the record breaking musical achievements are a recognition of the Nigerian creative talents and the awards will open doors to other aspiring citizens.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

March 15, 2021

Friday, March 12, 2021

Femi Fani-Kayode beat me in my pregnancy, hit my mum’s head - Ex wife precious

The estranged wife of Femi Fani-Kayode, Precious Chikwendu, has stated how the former aviation minister “habitually beat” her up while she was pregnant with their first child.

The marriage of the duo crashed in 2020 as Chikwendu alleged domestic violence claims and Fani-Kayode reacted by accusing Chikwendu of infidelity and the separated partners are fighting for the custody of their children.

Chikwendu had earlier filed an affidavit-backed statement of claim in court, showing her allegations against Fani-Kayode as she countered his accusations.

She stated that Fani-Kayode constantly beat her during her first pregnancy and described her “then unborn babies as cockroaches.”

Chikwendu disclosed that she had been cuffed, stripped, and sedated on the directive of the ex-Minister on one occasion.

“While I was pregnant with the first child, FFK was habitually beating and mostly punching my stomach. Anytime he was angry, describing my unborn babies as cockroaches or ‘a thing’ that he would knock off my belly,” she wrote.

“In one of these attacks and kicking on my tummy, my late mom and my sister visited, and they threw themselves in between us to stop him from further attacks. In his anger, he hit my mum in the head.

“FFK ended up accusing my sister of assault and got her detained at a police station for coming in-between his punches and me. Whenever I resist his humiliation and beating, he will deploy his bodyguards to wrestle me down.

“In most cases, he called CSP Aisha Yusufu, the then DPO of Asokoro Police Station who would come with her team to harass, handcuff, arrest or lock me behind the counter for hours until Femi was satisfied I have been punished.

“My siblings were locked up countless times. He would boast of his connections to the government. During one of his domestic abuse with the DP Aisha and her team from Asokoro police station, FFK instructed that they handcuff and strip me naked.

“It was done in the presence of his domestic staff, bodyguards and attached VIP police officers. They injected me with a strange substance, and I lost consciousness. I woke up in a facility, which they later told me is a hospital.”

She also refuted the claim that she had an affair with any married man and she also stated that it was the ex-Minister who brought strange women.

Chikwendu described Fani-Kayode as “overly controlling,” saying that he always had four police officers and three bodyguards following her around.

She added: “I’m very afraid for my life. He keeps threatening me. I petitioned the police but nothing has been done yet. After two heartbreaks, I made one wrong decision, believing that an older man will love and make me happy.

“All I did was love FFK, fight for him and gave him sons he never had. I did everything for him. I was his barber, editor, nurse (before and after he had his presumed COVID-19), chef, image-maker, and stylist without limit.

“Physical and verbal abuse was what I got for all these sacrifices, lies, all sorts of inhumane treatment, and now attempting to keep my tender age children away from their mother.”

Gunmen abduct 39 students from school in Nigeria

Kaduna state government has said further checks in the wake of the attack by armed bandits on the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Igabi LGA indicated that 39 students are currently unaccounted for.

In a statement issued by Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, said the missing students included males and females.

The statement said: “In an earlier update, citizens were informed that troops rescued 180 persons following an attack by armed bandits on the College late Thursday night, with about 30 still missing. The number of missing students is now confirmed to be 39, comprising 23 females and 16 males.

Aruwan said the state government, “is maintaining close communication with the management of the College as efforts are sustained by security agencies towards the tracking of the missing students.

FG launches Special Cash Grant for rural women in Yobe

Federal government has on Friday Flag-off Special Cash Grant for Rural Women in Damaturu, Yobe State capital.

Launching the programme, the Minister of Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq said that “we gather to provide support to citizens of our beloved country. I am delighted to have you all converge on this venue for purpose of flagging off the Federal Government’s cash grant for rural women, which is a significant social protection programme of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, aimed at uplifting the most vulnerable groups out of poverty”.

According to her, since the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration in 2015, Government has paid more attention to protecting and promoting the plight of the poor and vulnerable in the country.

This she said informed the decision to initiate the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) as a strategy for enhancing social inclusion and protection of the most vulnerable segments of our society.

“The NSIP, made up of CCT, N-Power, GEEP, National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, YESSO and CSDP is one the largest social protection programmes in Africa. Since its introduction in 2016, it has impacted positively on the lives of the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria. I have personally witnessed the life-changing experiences of people below the poverty line and those that are vulnerable to shocks that have now made a positive turn around after benefiting from the programmes”.

Farouq further disclosed that the Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with the World Bank designed and developed a safety net programme for Nigeria under the platform of the National Social Safety Net Project (NASSP).

The Conditional Cash Transfer Programme commenced in September 2016 with the aim of responding to deficiencies in capacity and lack of investment in human capital of poor and vulnerable households.

The Programme is designed to deliver timely and accessible cash transfers to beneficiary households with the following objectives, Improve household consumption, Increase in utilization of health and nutrition services, Improve school enrolment and attendance.

Others are, Improve environmental sanitation and management, Encourage household financial and asset acquisition, Engage beneficiaries to attain sustainable livelihood.

“The CCT programme provides targeted monthly based cash transfers of N5,000 to poor and vulnerable households, with the sole aim of graduating them out of poverty”.

“Your Excellency, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Yobe State has received a total sum of N980,070,000.00 (Nine Hundred and Eighty Million, Seventy thousand naira only) from the Federal Government Conditional cash transfer programme from inception till date impacting the lives of 24,814 Poor and Vulnerable Households (PVHHs). Your Excellency, 6 LGA’s are currently benefiting from the Federal Government CCT programme in Yobe State. They are Fika, Geidam, Yunusari, Bade, Jakusko, Nangere LGA’s”.

“I must note at this point, that the social register is being expanded to cater for more poor and vulnerable households in Yobe State”.

The Minister also revealed that the Special Cash Grant for Rural Women programme being flagged off today was introduced in 2020 by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development as part of President Mohammadu Buhari’s social inclusion and poverty reduction agenda, including the realization of the national aspiration of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years. It is designed to provide a one-off grant to some of the poorest and most vulnerable women in rural Nigeria. A grant of N20,000.00 will be disbursed to over 150,000 poor rural women across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The grant is expected to increase access to financial capital required for economic activities.

“A total number of 3,400 beneficiaries are to benefit from the cash grant of 20,000 each to uplift the socio-economic status of the rural women in Yobe State”.

“It is our hope that the beneficiaries of this programme will make good use of the opportunity to increase their income, enhance their food security, and contribute towards improving their living standard. I am also optimistic that with the support and cooperation of Your Excellency and other stakeholders present here, we can lift 100 million out of poverty by 2030 as envisioned by President Muhammadu Buhari”.

Responding, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni represented by his Deputy Idi Barde Gubana thanked the federal government for the support to the people of Yobe State.

South Africa’s Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini passes on

Goodwill Zwelithini, the controversial but revered king of South Africa’s Zulus, has died at the age of 72 after spending weeks in hospital for diabetes treatment, his palace announced.

The king wielded great influence among millions of Zulus through his largely ceremonial and spiritual role despite having no official power in modern South Africa.

“It is with the utmost grief that I inform the nation of the passing of His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini … King of the Zulu nation,” the palace said a statement signed by Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a powerful veteran politician who is also a Zulu prince.

The king was admitted to hospital last month for diabetes.

“Tragically, while still in hospital, His Majesty’s health took a turn for the worse and he subsequently passed away in the early hours of this morning,” the statement said.

“On behalf of the Royal Family, we thank the nation for your continued prayers and support in this most difficult time.”

Born in Nongoma, a small town in the southeastern Kwa-Zulu Natal province, Zwelithini ascended the throne in 1971 during the apartheid era at the age of 23, three years after the death of his father.

Nigerian government rejects petrol price hike by agency

The Minister of States for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has disowned the increase in the price of petrol as announced earlier by the Petroleum Products Pricing Agency, PPPRA.

Mr Sylva said neither he nor President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the decision to increase the retail price to N212 per litre.

The increase by the PPPRA late Thursday, contradicting the NNPC’s earlier assurance that the price of petrol would be maintained, sparked outrage across the country Friday.

The NNPC insisted its position had not changed and the PPPRA later deleted the post from its website.

In a statement sent to newsmen Friday, Sylva said the government could not have lied and called the PPPRA announcement “completely untrue”. He apologised for “distress and inconvenience, the unfortunate information might have caused.”

Read his full statement below:

Dear Nigerians, you are by now very aware of the news trending that the federal govt has increased the price of petrol to N212.6 per liter.

Irrespective of the source of that information, I want to assure you that it is completely untrue. Neither Mr. President who is the Minister of Petroleum Resources, nor my humble self who deputise for him as Minister of State, has approved that the pump price of petrol should be increased by one naira. I would therefore urge you to disregard this misleading information.

You are all aware that for the past few months the govt has been in consultation with organized labour to find the least painful option to respond to the global rise in the price of crude, which in turn has inevitably led to increase in the price of PMS. It is unthinkable that govt would unilaterally abandon these discussions and act in the manner suggested by the information under reference.

Cynicism and deceit have never been the trademark of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

I would like to equally assure you that the engagement with organized labour and other stakeholders will continue even as the calculations to arrive at a reasonable price regime are being done; all in good faith, and you will be availed of the final outcome at the appropriate time. Until then, all marketers are strongly advised to maintain the current pump price of PMS before the emergence of this unfortunate information. Those who may want to take advantage of this unfortunate misinformation to extort Nigerians should not give in to such temptation as there are regulatory mechanisms that govt can enforce to protect its citizens.

In conclusion, I want to sincerely apologise to all Nigerians for any distress and inconvenience, the unfortunate information might have caused.

Thank you,

Timipre Sylva
hmspr.
12.03.2020

Monday, March 1, 2021

NAS demands end to bandits’ attack on Nigeria

The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has berated the Federal Government and states in Northern Nigeria for allowing bandits free reign in the region.

According to the organisation, it is not enough for the government to rejoice over the release of school children without ensuring that the perpetrators face the consequences of their action.

It has therefore demanded for a clampdown on bandits and kidnappers terrorizing Northern Nigeria.

The group in a statement by the NAS Capoon, Mr Abiola Owoaje, titled: ‘Bandits Siege on Nigeria: Enough of the Empty Rhetoric’ stated that the recent kidnap in Kagara in Niger State and Jangebe in Zamfara State “has again put in sharp focus the deteriorating security situation in the country, and the discernible scandalous incapacitation of government and security agencies in tackling the issue of terrorism and banditry in Northern Nigeria.”

Owoaje who noted that Nigerians have had enough of perfunctory statements which remain largely ineffectual called on President Muhammadu Buhari to live up to his responsibility as the Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces and give “appropriate matching orders to security agencies to arrest the unbridled decline into anomie especially in northern Nigeria.”

“The bandits through their activities have declared war on Nigeria and its people. Therefore the Nigerian government must respond robustly and decisively to put an end to this cyclical show of shame. Terrorist bandits have invaded Nigeria from within and the government and its security agencies cannot continue this comatose rhetoric of zero effectual action. Kidnapping under the guise of banditry has become a lucrative industry in Nigeria. It is utterly defeatist to negotiate with or appease the criminal elements behind it. Is ransom reward not the purpose of kidnapping in the first place? So how exactly does the government think that delivering ransom and red carpet celebrity to criminals will stop the criminality?

“We call on the Federal Government and the various state governments to end all forms of negotiations directly or by proxy with these reprehensible gangs, and clamp down on them using legitimate and determined compelling force of law and justice. It is incumbent on the Nigerian government to make it clear in unmistakable actionable terms that it would no longer condone kidnapping of school children and other citizens by crushing these networks of terrorists, kidnappers and bandits.

“While the release of the kidnapped school children of Kagara and Jangebe is cheering news, the government must deploy all necessary forces towards apprehending these criminal elements and put them on trial for their crimes against the Nigeria state. This is what is expected of a serious leadership. Appeasement hardly discourages criminality. It only rewards the murderous. In the same vein, rhetoric’s is not a viable solution for defending the territorial and security integrity of a country. Nigerians have had enough of the rhetoric. Nigerians are fed up with this continued disregard for the life and security of Nigerians,” Owoaje said.

Ondo governor suspends NURTW, RTEAN, orders unions to vacate motor parks

Ondo State Government has suspended both the National Union of Road transport workers, NURTW, and the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria, RTEAN in the state.

The Senior Special Assistant to the governor on special duties and strategy, Dr Doyin Odebowale, said that the suspension was with immediate effect.

Odebowale attributed the suspension to recent leadership crisis within the two unions

He directed the leadership of both unions to vacate motor parks across the eighteen local government areas of the state and to stop collecting dues from taxi drivers and other motorists across the state.

Odebowale also directed taxi drivers to revert to the old price of N50 per drop across the state.

He explained that new tickets would be purchased directly from the state government and no more from the unions.

The Governor’s aide said “every attempt to make life difficult for the masses would be restricted by the state government.

He added that security agencies had been notified to effect timely arrest and prosecution of the defaulters.

Recall that the state government had directed residents of the state to reject the hike in taxi fare introduced by the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.

Also, Commercial Drivers operating under the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) rejected the hike in transport fares in Akure metropolis and other parts of the state pitching them against the NURTW.

The NURTW increased the transport fares from N50 per drop to N100.

The state government dissociated itself from the reported hike In daily ticket by taxi drivers from #250 to #700 which the union said necessitated the upward review of taxi fare.

The Special Adviser to Governor on Transport, Tobi Ogunleye, said the government was not part of the increase.

Ogunleye blamed the drivers union, NURTW for inflicting pains on the people.

“I don’t know how they arrived at that but I want to distant this government out of that. The government by our position we don’t have the authority and power to intervene in business of any union.

“The issue of #700 per ticket is strange to us, it’s quite embarrassing.

“From history, NURTW had not been yielding anything for the state, Okada rider, Tricycle drivers have always yielded an appreciable revenue for the government and they did not increase their fare.”

Ogunleye who said that the union increased its taxes to government coffers this year posited that people could reject any price that is not favourable in a civil manner.

The hike also pitched the NURTW against the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).

Commercial Drivers operating under Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) vowed to maintain the old rate of #50 per drop.

Its state chairman Mr Adewale Bolarinwa who gave the directive while reacting to the outcry over an increase in the ticket and taxi fare described the increment as inhuman.

Bolarinwa alleged that some hoodlums suspected to be agents of the NURTW have started attacking RTEAN members for not joining in the hike of the transport fare.

He insisted that his members would continue to charge the old fare.

The state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had described the hike as ”importunate, inconsiderate, inhuman and insensitive action of the NURTW in a morbid rush to generate revenues that may ultimately find their way into the private pockets of a few privileged allies of the governor.

According to the party’s Acting Director of Media and Publicity, Leye Igbabo “Ondo State workers are already under the yoke of salaries that are not only irregular but reduced by 50 per cent.