Ridoola's blog

Peters joins the list of celebrities who have now become pastors or religious leaders. Nigerian music veteran Sir Shina Peters has been ordained as a Bishop. The music star was ordained by the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Lagos. The Afro Juju star was ordained at a ceremony held at a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in the Iju area of Lagos on Saturday, January 30, 2021. www.instagram.com Peters took to his Instagram page where he shared a video from the ordination. "Bishop with the swagger. God above all," he captioned the video. Born Oluwashina Akanbi Peters in Ogun State, in 1958, the music star's career in music began at a young age when he played with friends. The music veteran rose to prominence in the 1980s after he released his first album Ace ( Afro-Juju Series 1 ). Sir Shina Peters dazzled fans at the GidiFest 2019 [Pulse] The album went on to garner awards for Peters including the artist and album of the Year at the Nigerian Musical Awards . H...

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said that the demand for oxygen by coronavirus patients has increased to 400 cylinders per day. Sanwo-Olu made this known on Sunday in a statement in which he updated residents on the management of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state. He reiterated that oxygen was free in all Lagos State-owned COVID-19 treatment centres. “Considering that oxygen demand has spiked to between 300 and 400 cylinders per day across state-owned treatment facilities, the government is working hard to ensure availability. “To this end, a second oxygen plant is under construction at the Gbagada General Hospital and will come on-stream within the next seven days. “It is expected that this will boost the in-house capacity and availability of oxygen across all state government-managed treatment centres ," the governor said. Sanwo-Olu said that the Lagos State Government was making efforts to transform the state-owned isolation centre in Gbagada into a fee-payi...

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recorded 685 new cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number of infections in the country to 131,242. The NCDC disclosed this on its official Twitter handle late Sunday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the number of cases recorded on Sunday is the least the NCDC has reported in the past four weeks after confirming 576 cases on Jan. 2, 2021. The latest update takes the country’s infection tally to 131,242, the sixth-highest in Africa behind Ethiopia, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and South Africa. The agency sadly announced eight coronavirus-related deaths in the past 24 hours, taking the country’s number of deaths to 1.586. It stated that the new cases were reported across 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory （FCT）. NCDC said that Lagos state recorded the highest number of the new cases with 355 infections, while Kaduna, Nasarawa， and Kano confirmed 58, 46 and 40 new cases respectively. Amongst ...

The recently acquired Netflix Original will premiere on February 14, 2021. Ahead of the Valentines' day premiere of Hamisha Daryani Ahuja's directorial debut, 'Namaste Wahala' comes its official trailer. The latest insight into the romantic comedy teases fans with some of the highly anticipated drama it promises. ALSO READ: 'Namaste Wahala' to premiere on Netflix as an original It showcases its lead acts, Ini Dima-Okojie and Indian TV and film actor Ruslaan Mumtaz alongside Joke Silva, Richard Mofe-Damijo and Hamisha Daryani Ahuja in supporting roles. 'Namaste Wahala' follows the story of a Nigerian and Indian couple who fall in love amid their cultural differences. Watch the trailer: Namaste Wahala | Official Trailer | Netflix ' ridoola.blogspot.com

FG says the Third Mainland Bridge will be opened by 12 midnight of January 31. The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mr Olukayode Popoola, on Sunday, said that the total shutdown of the Third Mainland Bridge would be lifted at midnight of Jan. 31, 24 hours ahead of schedule. Popoola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the telephone that the contractor was able to complete the repair works on the bridge on Saturday, hence the lifting of the total closure at midnight. “The casting of the expansion joints was completed on Saturday. Therefore, the Third Mainland Bridge will be opened by 12 midnight of Jan. 31. “Motorists can start plying the bridge as from 12 midnight,” he said. While thanking road users for their understanding, Popoola said that the reopening had been communicated to the Lagos State government and all relevant agencies to ensure seamless traffic on the highway. NAN recalls that Popoola had, on Jan. 27, announced a three-day total shutdown of the bridge from ...

The governor says the marshals will ensure strict compliance of all COVID-19 protocols in Kano. Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has inaugurated 2,000 marshals to sensitise and enforce COVID-19 safety protocols in the state. During the inauguration in Kano on Sunday, January 31, 2021, Ganduje said that there was a need to tackle the virus with all seriousness. He added that non-compliance to safety protocols had been identified as a huge challenge to curbing the spread of the virus. Ganduje also noted that the marshals, some of whom are environmental health workers, would work with security agencies, paramilitary and mobile court in the state to ensure strict compliance of all COVID-19 protocols. He said “ the major challenge we are facing is non-compliance to the COVID-19 protocols by the public and we have engaged in public enlightenment, but government must take measures using security agencies and marshals to ensure strict compliance.” The state Commissioner for Healt...

Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has commiserated with the families of the students who died in an auto crash in Yauri, Kebbi State, on Jan. 30, 2021. AbdulRazaq described the incident as devastating in a statement made available to News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Ilorin on Sunday, He also commiserated with the families of 20 people who died in another accident along Bode-Saadu-Jebba Expressway, saying the development was sad. The statement said, “ The governor mourns with the parents and families of all those affected in these accidents. “He prays the almighty God to repose their souls and comfort the families they left behind. It was indeed a very sad day. “ He also prays for speedy recovery for those injured. The government is following up with every detail concerning the students who were injured in the Yauri accident.” The statement added that a government delegation, which comprises a director and medical doctors, had been sent with an ambulance to visit the students in ...

The governor says this will end the incessant farmers-herders crisis in the country. Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has called for the enactment of a law that will put an end to the movement of cattle by herdsmen from the northern part of the country to other parts. Ganduje argued that this would help to address the herdsmen-farmers clashes and cattle rustling in the country. The governor said this in an interview with journalists after governors elected on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) had a lunch with President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday, January 30, 2021, in Daura Katsina State. He said, “ My advocacy is that we should abolish the transportation or trekking of herdsmen from the Northern part of Nigeria to the Middle Belt and to the Southern part of Nigeria. “There should be a law that will ban, otherwise we cannot control the conflicts between herdsmen and farmers and cannot control the cattle rustling which is affecting us greatly.” Ganduje also...

Irabor and the Service Chiefs will also pay courtesy visits to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Ibn-Garbai and Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, on Sunday paid his first operational visit to the Theatre Command in Maiduguri. He was accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao and the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo. Irabor, along with his team, was received by Maj.-Gen. Farouq Yahaya, Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Abdul Khalifa, the General Officer Commanding, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army and other principal staff officers of the Military Command and Control Centre at the Headquarters of the Air Task Force. Abdul Khalifa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in an interview, that the CDS would be meeting with the Service Chiefs, Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Chiefs of Training and Operations from the Defence ...

Lagos Caretaker Chairman of the APC says many members of opposition parties have shown interest in the ruling APC. The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos says some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and others have indicated interest to join the party in the ongoing membership registration and revalidation. Alhaji Tunde Balogun, Lagos APC Caretaker Chairman, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. Balogun said the APC was prepared to register all members of opposition parties who had shown willingness to join it. “Our doors are open to all members of political parties who want to join us. We expect some PDP members, who really are willing to join us in developing Lagos to do so. “Many of them have been showing interest and we are prepared to register them from the PDP to the AA and others. We are happy to accept them into the progressives, ” Balogun said. The caretaker chairman urged all APC members across the length and bre...

Kaisha says she's shocked at the rumours of her kissing Kiddwaya. Former housemate of popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, Kaisha Umaru has denied kissing colleague, Kiddwaya during a birthday party. Some of the former housemates from the fifth season of the reality TV show had gathered to celebrate one of their own, Praise, on his birthday. The reality TV star took to her Twitter page on Sunday, January 31, 2021, where she debunked the rumours that she kissed Kiddwaya. twitter.com "So I woke up to “Kidd kissed Kaisha last night “ How??? Oh yes I had too much to drink at Praise’s birthday party last night and I don’t remember kissing Kidd so where’s this coming from?" she tweeted. twitter.com "Kidd’s ritual of pouring drinks into our mouths is not new and we all know how playful he is. Kidd is like a brother to me and I have never imagined kissing Kidd! Never!!! It’s my fault that I was careless last night; I had too much to drink." She went ...

FG says high profile corruption cases are currently under investigation and prosecution. The Federal Government says Nigeria’s low rating in the 2020 Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (TI-CPI) do not truly reflect the great strides by the country in its fight against corruption. This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. The minister said Nigeria’s anti-corruption agenda which had placed great emphasis on corruption prevention measures and the building of integrity systems remained on course. He said the implementation of the various reforms, especially in the Ease of Doing Business was expected to yield positive outcomes in the country’s corruption perception and other relevant assessments in the next 12 to 24 months. ” For instance, following the release of the 2019 TI-Corruption Perception Index, the government initiated reforms to improve on Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business in...

Lawson said he did not extract any bullets from the patients he treated. Dr Babajide Lawson, trauma and orthopaedic surgeon with Reddington Hospital in Lekki, Lagos has affirmed that the hospital treated a large number of persons who sustained injuries after soldiers shot at #EndSARS protester at Lekki tollgate in October 2020. Lawson said the hospital’s facility at Lekki was “literally overwhelmed” by the crowd of wounded persons, adding that some of the victims had to be transferred to the Victoria Island branch of the hospital. The surgeon gave the account while appearing before the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry probing the alleged killing of protesters who gathered at Lekki tollgate to protest against police brutality and poor governance last year. Lawson also told the panel that some of the injured persons presented “entry and exit” bullet wounds. He said many of the victims passed through him first as the hospital’s surgeon in charge of trauma. He said, “ Being in c...

The Prodigal features a stellar line up of collaborations including Tiwa Savage, Simi, Teni, Wande Coal, Tamar Braxton, Singah, Mohombi, DJ Switch, and OvieKelz. Peter Okoye conquered the music scene as one half of the internationally recognized superstar pop duo P-Square. DJ Edu sat down with Mr. on This is Africa to discuss, Coronavirus, EndSars and his debut album titled, The Prodigal. The Prodigal features a stellar line up of collaborations including Tiwa Savage, Simi, Teni, Wande Coal, Tamar Braxton, Singah, Mohombi, DJ Switch, and OvieKelz. On his album “This is more like me trying to express myself, my creativity. I want to be in charge of myself, I want to get things done. Getting the opportunity for people to know my own sound. My music is not like every song you must play them in the club.” On Coronavirus “People said the government have paid me to claim that I have Covid-19. Somebody said a comment that really hurt me, [that] I should have died so they would kno...

The future is bright for Malcolm Nuna, “ Hasta La Vista ” is the first step and the man from Spintex has laid it all on the line on this one. High school prodigy, Malcolm Nunana Hehetror simply known as Malcolm Nuna has the whole of Ghana on red alert with anticipation for his first album. The 19-year old has thrilled fans since his burst onto the scene in 2019 when he dropped his first single “ Staircase ” under the platform of Alkians Entertainment and ignited a frenzy across the Ghanaian music sphere. Known for his peculiar multi-colored hoodies and expressive personality, Malcolm Nuna has been on various top concerts and stages, and wields versatility as one of his core strengths, as he weaves through Afrobeat, Pop & Hip-Hop flawlessly with mastery and effortlessness which belies his age and experience in the industry. Songs like his debut “ Staircase ” and subsequent offerings like “ Here to Stay ” & “ Make up Your Mind ” served to make 2019 an amazing year for the Acc...

Justice Sylvester Ehiwario (retd.), said that as the Ojenyagbe of Owa Kingdom, late Pa Okowa was one of them. Following the demise of Pa Okorie Okowa, father of Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday, January 28, 2021, sympathisers thronged the Owa-Alero residence of the deceased octogenarian in Ika North East Local Government Area on Friday, to commiserate with the first family of the state. The sympathisers were received by the governor, his wife, Edith and other members of the family. Among them were the Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and the Obi of Owa Kingdom, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II; members of Owa Council of Chiefs led by Chief Kenneth Okocha; Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Alli; Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Kingsley Esiso; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Chiedu Ebie and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, Chief David Edevbie. Others were founder of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond ...

President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the nomination of Lt. Col. Yusuf Dodo as his Aide-De-Camp (ADC). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the appointment of Dodo followed the nomination of Buhari’s out-going ADC, Col. Mohammed Abubakar to attend a five-month course in Santiago, Chile from March 8 to July 30. The course is a prerequisite for Abubakar’s next promotion to the rank of brigadier-general, expected to be carried out in the last quarter of this year. Abubakar will by the end of February be the longest serving ADC to a civilian president, having served in that position for almost six years. He is also the second longest serving ADC in the history of the Nigerian armed forces after late Col. Walbe, who served Gen. Yakubu Gowon for nine years. NAN learnt that the 48-year-old ADC, who has served in various army units and formations within and outside Nigeria at different capacities recommended his successor by nominating three seasoned and trustworthy army officer...

Lagos State registered the highest number with 1,040 new COVID-19 cases. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 1,883 new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections, bringing the total number of infected people in the country to 130,557. The NCDC disclosed this on its official website late Saturday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the country has so far tested 1,270,523 people since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was recorded in Nigeria on Feb. 27, 2020. The health agency also confirmed one coronavirus-related death in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 1,578 in Nigeria. NCDC noted that the 1,883 new COVID-19 infections occurred in 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It stated that Lagos State registered the highest number with 1,040 infections, taking the total number of infected people in the state to 48,919. The NCDC said that the FCT came second with 298 new infections, upping the total number of cases in the...

The aide says those who think Governor Makinde ignored the crisis in his state to attend a meeting with herdsmen in Akure have muddled up facts and reasons. Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has explained why the governor has yet to personally visit the Ibarapa and Oke Ogun area of the state. Violence recently erupted in the areas after a Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho and his supporters, stormed the Fulani settlements in the area to evict herdsmen accused of perpetuating criminal activities in the area. Since the crisis started over a week ago, Governor Makinde has not personally visited the areas but has sent representatives of the state government to hold a meeting with the police and monarchs of the troubled areas. Many Nigerians have, however, criticised the governor for leaving the state to attend a meeting involving South-West governors and herdsmen in Akure amid the herdsmen-landowners crisis in his sta...

Buhari wants the elite to be 'reflective’ in assessing his administration. President Muhammadu Buhari has on Saturday, January 20, 2021, accused Nigerian elites of harassing his person and administration despite his performance. The president said his critics often don’t take into consideration where the country was before he assumed office in 2015. While speaking in his hometown, Daura in Katsina State after revalidating his membership of the All Progressives Congress, the president urged the elite to be 'reflective’ in assessing his administration. He said, “ The problem is that I will like especially the elite to please be reflective. When we came, where we were, the resources available from them and the condition of the infrastructure.” He added that he was “ compelled to go over it several times to tell Nigerians that between 1999 and 2014, let them check with the NNPC, let them check with the governor of Central Bank, production was 2.4 million barrels per day and t...

Nwoko and Laila have a son, Sultan, together. Nollywood movie star Regina Daniels' husband, Ned Nwoko has gotten a Range Rover and a wristwatch worth N24M for his Moroccan wife, Laila, on her birthday. Laila who turned 30 Friday, January 29, 2021, was spoiled by her billionaire husband with the pretty expensive gifts. She took to her Instagram Stories where she shared photos from her birthday party with close family and friends. Photos from Laila Charani's 30th birthday party [Instagram/MnsLailaCharani] More photos from the Moroccan's birthday party [Instagram/MnsLailaCharani] Laila and friends at her birthday party [Instagram/MnsLailaCharani] She went on to share a video of the Range Rover SUV gift. Laila Charani's new Range Rover [AuthenticVoice] Born Laila Charani, the Moroccan is one of the numerous wives of the billionaire businessman. Nwoko and Laila have a son, Sultan , together. Nwoko is also married to Daniels and t hey also have a son togeth...

The movie star was previously engaged to Fredrick Badji. Ghanaian actress Princess Shyngle has gotten married to her childhood crush. Princess Shyngle got engaged to Fredrick Badji back in January 2020. The movie star took to her Instagram page on Saturday, January 30, 2021, where she shared a video of her herself and her hubby. Princess Shyngle shares another romantic proposal video to announce she's now married "I just married my best friend 💍 ❤️ My crush since 8th grade 🤩 even though you didn’t use to look my way back then 🤣😂 the only man I ever hit on numerous times but I had no luck 😂🤣 instead you choose to be my friend for over 10 years," she captioned the video. The visibly excited actress went on to write about how thrilled she is about her marriage. "Little did either of us knew we were gonna end up together 💃🏽❤️🥰. Our real and genuine friendship brought us together and made our relationship and bound stronger than ever," she added. ...

Buhari says a continuous sense of ownership by members will strengthen the party structure. President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday in Daura, Katsina State, called on leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to encourage more participation and ownership of the party at the grassroots. Malam Garba Shehu , the President’s spokesman in a statement, said the president made call when he hosted Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, some governors and party members of the APC at his country-home after his registration at Sarkin Yara Ward, Daura. He said they could achieve this by adopting bottom-up processes of registration and revalidation at ward, local government, state and federal levels, including the FCT. According to him, a continuous sense of ownership by members will strengthen the party structure, guarantee better prospects in elections and insure its future. “ I want to thank you for coming all the way for the flag-off of our party’s registration exercise. Your coming is import...

Dogara described his father in-law as a brave man with the face and heart of a soldier. Mr Yakubu Dogara, former speaker, House of Representatives, on Saturday, buried his father-in-law, Mr Stephen Gonto, in Mwari, Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gonto, father of Dogara’s wife, Gimbiya, was a retired Master Warrant Officer in the Nigerian Army, born on June 20, 1942, and died on Dec. 25. In his tribute at the burial service, Dogara described his father in-law as a brave man with the face and heart of a soldier tempered by military training, adding that the late Gonto was a man who had sowed noble and fruitful seeds during his life time, praying fervently for his soul to rest in the bosom of the Lord. “ I received the news of my father-in law’s demise with sadness and pain. He fought wars, but displayed love and worked for peace, as if everything depended on it. “Very uncompromising, but a forger of consensus on so many fr...

The development is meant to avert rising carnages on the road during daytime and to control the lawless activities of truck drivers. In a bid to address the incessant container accident in Lagos, the state government has restricted the movement of trucks and trailers in the state to night operation from 9 pm to 6 am. Gboyega Akosile , the Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced this in a statement on Thursday, January 28, 2020. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in a separate statement signed by its executive secretary, Oluchi Odimuko confirmed the development. Lagos Govt bans daytime movement of trailers and trucks. Quoting the state government, the association said the development is meant to avert rising carnages on the road during daytime and to control the lawless activities of truck drivers along the Apapa axis of the state. The association added that the law is expected to be implemented in April 2021. ridoola.blogspot.co...

The panel says it will serve fresh summons on the officers to appear before it on February 27. The investigation of the shooting of peaceful #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos last year has hit a brickwall over the Nigerian Army's refusal to cooperate. Troops of 81 Division in Lagos allegedly fired at and killed a yet-to-be-determined number of protesters while prematurely trying to enforce a curfew imposed by the state government on October 20, 2020. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu set up the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate the incident, and numerous police brutality claims. 81 Division representative, Brigadier General Ibrahim Taiwo , appeared before the panel in November to dismiss all the allegations made against the troops. He said soldiers didn't fire live ammunition at protesters, as alleged, but instead fired harmless blank ammunition into the air. He also claimed that the avoidable confrontation was incited by hoodlums around th...

Head teachers have been directed to open a register for staff in their various schools and ensure they remain at work until closing hours. The Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has announced Feb. 1 as resumption date for academic activities in all public primary schools in the state. Prof. Mathew Sule, Chairman of the board announced this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Jos. Sule said the directive was in tune with government’s directives for the resumption of schools across the state. “By this directive, all the acting Education Secretaries in the 17 Local Government Areas of the state should work in conjunction with head teachers and union leaders to mobilise parents to send their children to school by February 1. “Head teachers are to ensure both teachers and students adhere strictly to the safety protocols put in place by government against COVID-19. “Head teachers should ensure that third term academic wor...

Ortom says the government and people of Benue would miss Asher’s contributions to the state. Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has expressed shock over the death of the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, Mrs Victoria Asher. Asher died on Saturday at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi, after a surgery. Ortom, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Terver Akase , on Saturday in Makurdi, said the death of Asher was “a painful loss not only to the media community but to the entire state.” He described the late NUJ Chairman as a hardworking woman who related well with others and stood for excellence in her profession. The governor stated that the government and people of Benue would miss Asher’s contributions to the state. He prayed God to grant her eternal rest and give her husband, the family and colleagues, particularly the Benue State Council of NUJ, the strength to bear the loss. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

DJ Babus joins the list of high profile Nigerians who have lost the battle to covid-19. Popular Nigerian Disc jockey, Babatunde Bello aka DJ Babus, has died of coronavirus. According to reports, the disc jockey died on Friday, January 29, 2021, after battling with the ailment. Until his death, he worked for several organisations including Four Points by Sheraton where he was the resident DJ between 2014 and 2015. www.instagram.com He later worked as the Resident DJ at RSVP Restaurant and Lounge . At some point in his career, he was aTalent Manager at KnightHouse , The Creative Entertainment Company where popular acts like Mo Cheddah , Phenom rose to stardom. www.instagram.com DJ Babus graduated from the University of Baltimore in the United States in 2010 where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems and Technology Management . May his gentle soul rest in peace. ridoola.blogspot.com

Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau on Friday urged judges in the state to be firm while handling cases involving kidnapping and rape. Lalong gave the advice while swearing-in the new President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Sati Dapit, and five other judges of the High Court at the Government House, Jos. The new High Court Judges are Justices Naankwat Shaseet and Buetnaan Bassi. Justices Pauline Njar, Edwin Sati Munlang and Georgina Dashe were sworn-in as Customary Court of Appeal Judges. The governor said firmness was required in handling rape cases as victims are left helpless and with health challenges, while kidnapping cases scare away investors. He expressed concern that rape and kidnapping suspects were granted bail in spite of the gravity of their alleged offences. Lalong said granting of bail to such suspects posed security threats. “When I met with stakeholders recently, concerns were raised about prosecution of suspects who are arrested for kidnapping. Some of them...

The forensic experts had been expected to submit their report on Friday, January 29, 2020. Three months after Nigerian soldiers allegedly killed #EndSARS protesters at Lekki tollgate, forensic experts hired to examine the incident have been asked to submit their reports on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. Justice Doris Okuwobi (retd.), the Chairman of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry investigating the incident disclosed this while rejecting the application by the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), operator of the tollgate, to repossess the facility. The tollgate was shut in October 2020, after the shooting incident. Justice Okuwobi said the LCC would not be given access to the facility until the report of the forensic examination, which cost a “huge amount”, was received. According to Punch, forensic experts had been expected to submit their report on Friday, after the 21 days given to them to conclude the job elapsed on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. The panel chairman while ruli...

Sinach tells Pulse about Christ Embassy, Chris Oyakhilome, Way Maker, her upcoming album, watching 'Flatmates' and more. In November 1989, Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu was a 200-level Accounting student at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Born into a Christian family as the second of seven children, she had been a chorister before University, but she hadn’t attended church for a while. She hadn’t suddenly become a bad kid, but she wasn’t as close to God. On a beautiful Sunday morning, some of her friends compelled her to attend church with them and she reluctantly obliged. “When I got to the church, it was filled with young people and the music was so good, not the usual boring church songs and I was so drawn to that, ” she says. “ When the pastor made an altar call, I found myself in the front raising my hands [laughs]. I had never seen a church like that and the music was fantastic! ” On that day, she gave her life to Christ and her path changed forever. She sa...

Lagos has now recorded a total of 47,879 infections, 39,571 recoveries and 311 deaths as of Jan. 29. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Friday reported 27 coronavirus -related deaths, bringing the total number of those who had succumbed to the deadly virus in Nigeria to 1,577. The NCDC disclosed this on its official website on Friday. The public agency also announced 1,114 new coronavirus (COVID-19) infections in the past 24 hours and these have taken the country’s total case load to 128,674. It stated that the new COVID-19 cases were reported in 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The agency noted that Lagos, the epicentre of the disease in Nigeria, registered the highest number of new cases with 408 infections. So far, Lagos has recorded a total of 47,879 infections, 39,571 recoveries and 311 deaths as of Jan. 29. The FCT came a distant second with 95 new infections. In the states, Plateau recorded 90 new infections; Ondo-66; Kaduna-63; Oyo-56; Bo...

The state government arrived at the decision, after extensive appraisal of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kaduna State Government has directed public and private secondary schools, across the state, to reopen for academic activities on Feb. 1, according to Mrs Phoebe Yayi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education. Yayi, who conveyed the directive in a statement, made available to journalists, on Friday, in Kaduna, however, said that only Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1), JSS 3 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SS 3) were to open. She added that the government also approved primary four, five and six, in private schools to reopen, while all public primary and nursery schools would remain closed. The permanent secretary said that a resumption date for JSS 2, SS 1 and SS 2, would be communicated in due course, subject to such schools’ compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines. She said that the government arrived at the decision, after extensive appraisal of the se...