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Showing posts from August, 2021

NMA threatens to join Residents Doctors strike, gives FG ultimatum

The Southwest Caucus of the NMA has given the government a 21-day ultimatum to meet the demands of striking National Association of Residents Doctors (NARD). Its Secretary, Dr Bolaji Salako , said the ultimatum, which lapses on Sept.18, also covered the demands of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria. Salako told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday that if the demands of the two associations were not met before the expiration of the ultimatum, the caucus might embark on strike. He said the strike would pressurise the government into attending to their demands. Salako noted that at the expiration of the ultimatum on Sept. 18, the association would hold an emergency meeting to decide on the strike or to take other actions. “What NMA is doing is not only pertaining to NARD alone; we have other affiliates that have issues also; some of them are doctors in the universities. “But the NARD issue is the pressing one, as it is on strike and we want t

Bandits might not be Nigerians, Catholic Bishop observes

Bishop Martin Uzukwuo, the Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese on Monday, observed that most of the bandits terrorising residents in the north western part of the country might not be Nigerians. Uzukwuo made the observation in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna. He said that the federal government should flush out those behind the acts and deport them to their countries. He also said that the any foreign national resident in Nigeria without proper valid papers should be deported for peace to prevail. Uzukwuo recalled that the late President Shehu Shagari deported Ghanaians in the past. He explained that the activities of the bandits in bordering local government areas in the north western part of the country, posed a great threat to the nation corporate existence. “ The killings of innocent Nigerians in the name of banditry and kidnapping have been going on unabated as if some people are licensed to kill and destroy other peoples’ property even without any pro

Stonebwoy melts hearts as he halts performance in London to fix wig for fan (VIDEO)

Stonebwoy is winning admirations online with a very rare and kind gesture. The Ghanaian singer during an ecstatic performance took a short break to save a lady who was losing her wig but she did not even realize due to her excitement of watching the Bhim President perform. The lady among the audience was happily jamming to the Dancehall hall act's performance, raising her hands and singing out loud his songs. However, whilst at it, her wig cap was fallen off. All you need to know about PULSE INFLUENCER AWARDS . To the surprise of many, Stonebwoy noticed her among the crowd, walked closer to her, help readjust her wig and returned to the stage to continue his performance. This happened at the YAM carnival which Stonebwoy headlined with global music icons like Davido, Bennie Man, Kehlani, King Promise among others. The thrilling event happened in London. Watch the video below. www.instagram.com ridoola.blogspot.com

Wizkid's 'Essence' moves up to No. 13 on Billboard Hot 100

A new peak of No. 13 means that 'Essence' climbed three places. On Monday, August 31, 2021, Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Wizkid's smash hit single, 'Essence' featuring Tems hit a new peak of 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. This comes after the song hit #13 on the chart last week Monday, 13 days after the remix with Bieber was released. The Canadian superstar also shot his own video for the song. A day prior to August 20, a Twitter account, Wizkid Radio written that, " Due to the remix with Justin Bieber, Essence received 23.2 million radio audience in the US, with 87.3 thousand unit sales this week. Rises to 58% chart points and emerging as the highest gainer amongst 100 songs. "Predicted to reach a new peak of #16 on Billboard Hot 100. " You can watch thoughts around the song on 'Facts Only'; What does Wizkid's 'Essence (Remix)' with Justin Bieber mean for Afrobeats? | Pulse Facts Only ridoola.blogspot.com

Burna Boy sold an incredible 12, 000 tickets for his O2 concert

Several sources, including Diane Aidenbaum, who supported Burna Boy 's show confirmed that the show was performed in front of an incredible 12,000 people. On August 27, 2021, Nigerian superstar, Burna Boy performed before an ecstatic crowd at the O2 Arena, in London, England. He was supported by Rema, LadiPoe, Ruger and more as he thrilled his audience with his famous energetic and dedicated routines and those moments created viral social media content. Hours later on August 30, Burna Boy took to his Instagram stories and wrote that, " I sold out the O2 by myself, at prices that I wanted. The way I wanted. Never talk too much, just show action. " www.instagram.com Several sources, including Diane Aidenbaum, who supported Burna Boy 's show confirmed that the show was performed in front of an incredible 12,000 people. The O2 has a sitting capacity of 18,000 to 20,000. According to the O2's official website, Burna Boy’s Twice As Tall event will be the fir

2.9 million people receive COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria since March

The government says it is exploring ways of making vaccines equitably available to all Nigerians. A total of 2,897,201 have received at least one dose of AstraZeneca or Moderna vaccines in Nigeria to fight against the COVID-19. 1,430,379 of them have already received their second doses across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), according to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). The agency's CEO, Dr Faisal Shuaib , said at a media briefing on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 that Phase 2 of vaccination has commenced in 35 states and the FCT. Over 1.4 million people were fully vaccinated with two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine during the first phase of the vaccination campaign which started in March and ended in July. The second phase commenced on August 16, just over a week after the United States government donated a little over four million doses of the Moderna vaccine to the country. Much of the nation's supply of vaccines have been

Nigerian artists are back touring, what does it mean for the post-COVID industry?

These days, the diversity of the audience at African tour stops is starting to shine through, and it bodes well for the future of Afrobeats. Over the weekend, Nigerian stars like Burna Boy, Rema, Davido, Patoranking, Yemi Alade, Femi Kuti and more performed on different circuits across Europe. It comes after the last six weeks, where Nigerian stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid , Davido, Yemi Alade , Rema , Omah Lay, Adekunle Gold and more have either performed a major American/European tour or announced a major American/European tour. The record-setting sales of Wizkid’s Made In Lagos has also been well-documented. On the one hand, the anticipation around these tour dates, by not just Nigerians or Africans in diaspora, underlines the rise of Afrobeats, through songs that gained attention during the lockdown, Burna Boy’s Grammy win , Made In Lagos and now, the groundbreaking success of ‘Essence.’ WizKid - Essence (Official Video) ft. Tems At certain tour stops, you can literal

REVIEW: Psycho YP - Euphoria

‘Euphoria,’ ‘Big Moves’ and ‘ Smoke 4 Free ’ are the best songs on the album. Speak it out loud, Psycho YP is Nigeria’s hardest working rapper. Since his debut EP in 2016, he has released seven more bodies of work; three solo, two with Kuddi Is Dead as This Is What You Wanted , one with Azanti and one with Apex Village. And he is only 23 years old. While his earlier projects were heavily rooted in Hip-Hop and Hip-Hop subgenres like Trap and Emo, he started experimenting with Afro-pop after YPSZN. The same continued into YPSZN2 , YP and Azanti - which also experimented with R&B as well as Welcome To The Ville with Apex Village. Welcome to The Ville by APEXVILLAGE With ‘YP and Azanti ,’ he also made his first ‘OG move,’ by finding and creating with his 16 year-old protege, who doesn’t even live in Nigeria. With a master’s degree and possibly a Ph.D on the way as he intimates on ‘In Peace ,’ YP also has brains, as he navigates the tricky, rocky and uncertain roads of N

Blue Bus: Key stats show anti-human trafficking campaign is moving in right direction

Blue Bus is moving in the right direction with NAPTIP at the wheel. The ongoing Blue Bus campaign by NAPTIP is currently driving through Nigeria, making important stops at the hotbeds of Trafficking in Persons, spreading helpful messages to make people aware of the tricks of traffickers, and sensitizing them on the dangers attached to illegal migration. NAPTIP, through efforts and campaigns such as the ‘Blue Bus’, demonstrates its willingness to do what it takes to bring the scourge of human trafficking to an end, and stats prove that good progress is being made in that regard. Cases reported For example, in its annual report of 2020, NAPTIP dealt with 1,032 cases in total. Many of them included foreign travel with the intent of promoting prostitution [196 cases], procurement for sexual exploitation [146], child abuse [118], employment of kids as domestic workers. In addition, inflicting grievous bodily harm [107 cases], selling and buying of human body parts [108 cases], and for

Stop plea bargain with crime suspects, APC Chairman tells EFCC

Alhaji Ibrahim El-Sudi, the Taraba Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to stop its plea bargain policy. He said that this was necessary to ensure the success of the ongoing fight against corruption in the country. El-Sudi , a former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Taraba, said while interacting with journalists in Jalingo on Tuesday that, people who abused public trust should be allowed to answer to their crimes. According to him, it is unacceptable and dangerous to allow people entrusted with power to loot the wealth meant for the people, yet allow them to go free through plea bargain. “You cannot dip your hands into public treasury and plead to return part of the loot to government while you get away with the remaining and you expect the public to take the EFCC serious. “The anti-graft war must be taken very seriously because corruption has dealt a deadly blow on the country. “In my opinion,

BBNaija 2021: Maria says she feels 'stupid' for treating Whitemoney badly

The newly evicted housemate says she hopes Whitemoney can forgive her after the show. Newly evicted 'Shine Ya Eye' housemate, Maria Benjamin has expressed regret at her attitude towards fan-favourite housemate Whitemoney . In an interview with show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu , the former Air hostess admitted to judging Whitemoney unfairly only to be shocked to realize he never nominated her for eviction. "I feel very emotional cause when you actually play it back, those that nominated me and now that I know why they nominated me, White actually never nominated me like ever! I kinda feel stupid. I actually did like what he was about. I mean we are both Igbo. I liked him and I still do like him...If he can actually ever forgive me [outside the house]," Maria said. Reacting to her scandalous executive lounge conversation encouraging how Angel has been slut-shamed , the housemate went on to blame her usual suspect- alcohol. Recall Maria's Sunday eviction left fans

What Netflix’s ‘King of Boys’ is saying about Nigerian politics

The newly released limited series delves into the filth of Nigeria's politics with a few or more lessons. The plot of 'King of Boys: The Return of the King' series tells a fictional narrative of Alhaja Eniola Salami’s trials and triumphs. The subplot, however, tells a much bigger story. One that isn’t fictional but a reprehensible realistic replica of politics & governance in Nigeria. For a successful government, there must be checks and balances. Each body overseeing the other. The law enforcement agencies, the press, the legislature, the judiciary and the executive. But what happens when one body is flawed? What happens when one arm overuses its power without regard of being checked? Corruption and chaos are two sure results which is the reality in Nigeria on and off-screen. A partial judiciary I borrow a quote from George Orwell’s classic ‘Animal Farm’. “All animals are equal but some are more equal than others” . This is witnessed in the case of Aare (Akin Le

Organised labour appeals to FG against electricity, petrol price hike

The organised labour has appealed to the Federal Government against any plan to increase the price of electricity or petrol to avert crisis in the economy. Mr Babatunde Olatunji , President, National Union of Chemical, Footwear Rubber Leather and Non-Metallic Product Employees (NUCFRLANMPE), made the appeal at 29th Annual Industrial Relations seminar of the union in Ibadan on Monday. The theme of the five-day seminar is ‘‘ Socio-economic crises and COVID-19 Pandemic: Issues, challenges and way forward ”. According to Olatunji, any plan to increase electricity or petrol will be a wrong step and the organised labour will do everything within its capacity to resist it. He said that currently, power supply in Nigeria stood at 4,000 megawatts for about 200 million population compared to South Africa with 58,000 megawatts and has 50 million population. ”Industrialisation cannot take place in the absence of power. Inadequate infrastructure like bad road network is also a challenge. From

Plateau killings: Gov Lalong meets with Jos North stakeholders

Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau on Monday held a meeting with key stakeholders in Jos North Local Government Area. The meeting is part of efforts to enhance peace following recent attacks in the area. Speaking at the meeting held at Government House, Jos, Lalong thanked the stakeholders for their assistance in quelling tension in their communities and helping security agencies in the discharge of their duties. He briefed them on the steps the government was taking to end the security challenges in the state and pointed out that continuous dialogue and engagement would facilitate peaceful coexistence in the state. The governor assured them that he would continue to uphold justice and fairness in the discharge of his duties, stressing that he was committed to finding lasting solution to the security problems bedeviling the state. Speaking at the end of the closed door session, the Deputy Chief Imam of Jos, Sheikh Ghazali Adam , said that stakeholders who attended the meeting resolved

Obasanjo urges Nigerians to look inwards, develop local content

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday urged Nigerians to always look inwards and develop local content to move the country forward in spite of its current challenges. Obasanjo said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abeokuta. He said this in response to a question on “Urah Micellar Transdermal” product presented to him by the developer, Dr Jonathan Obaje , a Nigerian Scientist based in Singapore. NAN reports that the product developed by Obaje, former President of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Singapore (Asia), is for the treatment of Arthritis as well as body and joint pains. Obasanjo said: “We need to know what we have; one of our problems is we do not even know what we have. “First, we need to know what we have. We need to know their effectiveness. ”I appreciate my brother Obaje who is based in Singapore and who keeps replenishing me with the Urah product. “It takes care of the joints as you grow old and it has helped me imp

2023: You've capacity to consolidate on Buhari’s gains, Group tells Tinubu

A political support group, Tinubu Vanguard, has said that the democracy credentials of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Bola Tinubu, qualify him to contest the Nigerian presidency in 2023. The group’s Director-General, Dr. Johnny Benjamin , said this in a statement he issued on Monday in Abuja. Benjamin urged Tinubu to ignore “ discordant tunes’ ’ from certain quarters and make preparations to contest the 2023 presidential election. He urged the leadership and members of the ruling APC to rally support for their party leader whenever he officially declares interest in the number one job. “ Tinubu is a qualified Nigerian who has the legal right to contest for the presidency or any other position he desires. He has been instrumental to the success of democracy in Nigeria since 1999. “He has also contributed immensely to the growth and sustenance of participatory, multiparty democracy in the country, maintaining his membership of the opposition party from 1999, until

Bishop Oyedepo: 'Buhari is an error this nation can never repeat'

Oyedepo warned Nigerians against electing Buhari before the 2015 general elections. Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide , aka Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, considers electing Muhammadu Buhari as President in 2015, a monumental mistake Nigerians must never repeat. Buhari was re-elected for a second term in office in 2019 and will see out a constitutionally permissible second term in office in May of 2023. Oyedepo, who has never hid his disdain and dislike for Buhari, laments that the 78-year-old ex-military general has allowed banditry and terrorism to fester on his watch. “The error this nation made in 2015 will never be repeated forever. The choice of the wicked to sit on the throne of Nigeria will never be repeated. "This nation will experience a new order of settlement,” the bishop said on Sunday, August 29. Oyedepo added that: “For the blood of many that they have wasted, their generations will pay for it. Every time the Holy Ghost moves on me in thi

Nigeria records 460 new COVID-19 cases

Nigeria on Monday recorded 460 new COVID-19 cases, bring the total to 191,805. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) gave the figure via it’s website on Tuesday morning. The centre said the recent surge in infections was driven by the spread of the Delta variant in the country. It added that the infections disease were recorded in 13 states. The agency noted that Rivers State reported the highest infections of the day with 164 new cases, followed by Lagos (139), Edo (61), Bayelsa (20). Others include; Oyo (14), Plateau (seven), Ogun (six), Anambra (four), Benue (four), Enugu (two), Cross river (one), Kaduna (one). The News Agency Of Nigeria (NAN),reports that the 460 fresh cases reported on Monday is an increase from the 362 cases posted on Sunday. It said that the number of the country’s active coronavirus infections increased from 10, 606 on Sunday to 10,858 on Monday. It added that 178,492 COVID-19 patients have recovered and have been discharged. The NCDC also said

JTF kills 3 alleged members of car-snatching syndicate in Imo

A Joint Military Task Force in Imo Monday killed three members of a syndicate that allegedly specialised in car snatching. The Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, Brig.-Gen. Raymond Utsaha , confirmed the incident to newsmen in Owerri. Utsaha, however, described the deceased as members of the Eastern Security Network, said to be the military arm of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He said the suspects robbed a man of a mini SUV Toyota Rav4 at a filling station in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the state. He said they were trying to escape in the car, when the task force intercepted them at Umu Onyenwere Umuowa Community, following a tip-off. He said the suspects engaged the operatives in a gun battle, leading to the killing of two of them on the spot. Utsaha said that other members of the gang escaped into a nearby bush with severe gunshot wounds. Also, the Commander, 211 Quick Response, Group Commander, Idowu Ayo , said the task force engaged the su

U.S. General says A-29 Super Tucanos defining moment in combating terrorism

Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian of the United States Africa Command, says the induction of A-29 Super Tucanos into Nigerian Air Force operations, will be a defining moment in combating terrorism and other violent extremism. Harrigian , who is the Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe and Africa, stated this at a media roundtable on the U.S.-Nigeria military partnership, organised by the U.S Embassy, on Monday in Abuja. He said that the acquisition of the fighter aircraft for Nigerian military had brought in multitude of capabilities that would help in tackling the prevailing instability in Nigeria. According to him, this truly is an opportunity to bring together the capabilities on the human side and what the A-29 brings to the nation, particularly as it will contribute to the security instability not only in Nigeria but more broadly the region. “Importantly, the platform itself brings a multitude of capabilities and this is not just about weapons, it is about intelligence, surveill

R. Kelly's first male accuser testifies in court

Louis says the disgraced music star warned him to keep the oral sex incident a secret. The first man to accuse disgraced music star R.Kelly of sexual assault has revealed how he crawled and gave him oral sex. In bombshell testimony on Monday, August 30, the man who was identified as Louis, claimed that Kelly abused him when he was 17 years old. "I said, I got fantasies,” Louis testified. “I told him I had fantasies of two or three girls at one time. He said, ‘You ever had a fantasy about a man?’ I said no. He crawled down on his knees and proceeded to give me oral sex.” R.Kelly's battle appears to be turning for the worse as he's latest accuser says he performed oral sex on him [PEOPLE] Louis claimed he told Kelly he “didn’t like it” and “wasn’t into it,” and Kelly stopped. “He just told me, ‘Keep it between me and you. We’re family now. We’re brothers,’ ” Louis said. He also accused Kelly of making him engage in a sexual encounter with a stranger while Kelly w

Comedian Basketmouth releases photos of his newborn daughter

Basketmouth and his wife first announced the arrival of their daughter in July. Nigerian comedian Bright Okpocha popularly known as Basketmouth, has released photos of his newborn daughter, Maya. The comedian took to his Instagram page on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, where he shared the adorable photos. "Her name is Maya…Maya Okpocha. P.S: Now I have to buy a new gun," he captioned the photos. www.instagram.com Basketmouth and his wife first announced the arrival of their daughter in July . According to his wife, Elsie, they welcomed their third child after three miscarriages. This is Basketmouth's fourth child. The comedian and his wife have three children together. ridoola.blogspot.com

FG begs ASUU not to go on strike, says CBN is the one holding money

The federal government says audit at the CBN is delaying payment to ASUU. Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba , has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) not to embark on a fresh strike, eight months after the union suspended a nine-month long strike action that paralysed the nation's universities and disrupted academic calendars. Nwajiuba says the reason why ASUU hasn't received monies as promised in 2020 before the last strike was called off, is because bureaucracy at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is delaying the disbursement. University lecturers had gone on strike in March 2020 following their disagreement with the government over the funding of the universities, discrepancies around the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) , among others. However, ASUU developed the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) to replace the IPPIS and held several meetings with officials of the ministries of

Military men save Funny Face after suicide attempt in Kumasi (VIDEO)

Funny Face is going through another phase of depression a few months after he came out of rehab. In an earlier report by pulse.com.gh, the actor who was seen ranting in the middle of a highway in Kumasi said " AY3KA depression has finally finished me. GYE NYAME. I don’t think I can survive dis one .. 7th depression.. hmmm". He continued that " #FunnyFans @funnyfansofficial pls pls pray for me .. dis is too painful .. Aaoo everybody is getting a woman .. yaw Boateng.. go take woman Aaah .. you go take cobra … thinking she would love you? Hmmm, dis time revelations Are too much !!! Ryt Infront of ur eyes .. YAW BOATENG choose live and live ooo yooo". www.instagram.com In a new video, Funny Face has been spotted with two military military officers and according to him, they came to his rescue after his suicidal attempt. " They saw me walking by the roadside after I dodged death yesterday, I have had depression again ," the actor said in the video. In t

KiDi goes global as top Bollywood actors jam to 'Touch It' on set (WATCH)

KiDi's 'Touch It' song has turned out to be a global trend on Tik Tok. Now, it is turning to be a Bollywood thing. In a new video seen by pulse.com.gh, a popular Hindi movie actress, Farah Khan Kunder, shared a video of colleague Indian actors who decided to give us the Bollywood version of the 'Touch It' Challenge. Farah Khan Kunder, 56, who is well known as an Indian film director, film producer, actress, dancer and choreographer who works predominantly in Hindi films, posted the video on her 2.7 million followers Instagram page with the caption " #friendsreunion ". KiDi touches on love life, exes and heartbreaks. |Pulse Uncut The video has since received over 1,7 million views, 64,000 likes and more than 570 comments, all within 24 hours after it was posted. Reacting the video below, Bhavna Pandey, who is a costume designer and wife of Bollywood actor Chunky Panday and the mother of the Bollywood actress, Ananya Panda said " Faruuuuuuu you s

El-Rufai suspends weekly markets, sale of petrol in jerrycans

The government's decisions are to take place with immediate effect. The Governor Nasir El-Rufai -led Kaduna government has suspended all weekly markets in five local government areas of the state. The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan , in a statement on Monday, August 30, 2021 said the suspension affects Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Giwa, Chikun, and Kajuru with immediate effect. The Kaduna government also banned the selling of petrol in jerrycans within and outside premises of petrol stations in the affected LGAs. Aruwan said the decisions were made after a thorough review of the security situation, and recommendations put forward by the security agencies. "Security personnel have been directed to ensure compliance with these directives. "Citizens are enjoined to cooperate with the government as necessary steps are taken against banditry and criminality across the state," the commissioner said. Kaduna is one of the worst affected by

DSS, Malami to respond to rights suit filed by Igboho on Sept. 7

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has a Sept. 7 date to respond to a suit filed against him Chief Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho). The Department of State Security Services (DSS) co-joined in the suit seeking the enforcement of Adeyemo ’s fundamental rights has the same date to appear before an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that “Igboho’’ filed a N500 billion suit against the AGF, the DSS over unlawful invasion of his residence on July 1 when his property were damaged and some occupants killed. Also joined in the suit filed by his counsel, Mr Yomi Alliyu (SAN), is the Director of State Security Services, Oyo State, The court had on Aug. 4 granted an ex-parte application restraining the DSS and AGF from arresting, intimidating and blocking Sunday Igboho’s bank accounts. At the resumed hearing of the case on Monday, AGF’s counsel, Mr Simon Enock , told the court that he was not ready to proceed on the matter. Enock said that

Military denies opening fire on cargo boat in Port Harcourt

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports that the military helicopters fired at a cargo boat conveying people and food stuff from Port Harcourt to Bonny. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that it was widely reported on Friday that a military chopper opened fire on cargo boat conveying food stuff from Port Harcourt to Bonny. Reacting to the allegation in a statement on Monday, the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Sawyerr , said the report was false. Sawyerr said that the Air Component of the Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), received reports from ground troops who were on clearance operations but encountered resistance at the point of encounter. According to him, on receiving the report a combat helicopter was dispatched to provide close air support mission along the Cawthorne Channel. He said that the helicopter encountered an illegal oil bunkering boat popularly called “Cotonou Boat”. “The boat which was being escorted by two speed

Niger Delta group insists on zoning presidency to South South in 2023

The Frontiers for Peace and Unity (FPU), a pressure group, says the South South should be allowed to produce the nation’s president in 2023. Mrs Ikalama Owadiktorusinya , National Coordinator, FPU, made the call at the inauguration of the group’s national executives and its Rivers state executive in Port Harcourt on Monday. Owadiktorusinya said that FPU has carefully studied the political environment and resolved that the presidency must be zoned to the South South for fairness. “We demand that the unwritten rotational principle of the presidency between the North and South should be brought to bear in the interest of equity, justice and fair play. “Going by the principle of rotation, the presidency must, therefore, rotate to the South South in 2023. “So, we urge every Nigerian that believes in development and progress of our country, to support the zoning of the presidency to the South South,” she said. Owadiktorusinya said that the region deserved the slot going by its strateg

Killings: Military warns Plateau residents against self-defense

Following increasing insecurity in Plateau, the Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Monday warned residents against taking the law into their hands in the guise of self-defence. Maj. Ishaku Takwa , the Media Officer of the task force gave the warning in a statement issued in Jos. Takwa faulted the consistent call on residents of the state to defend themselves, saying such calls would escalate the security challenges bedevilling the state. “We have noted several reports in the media by some highly placed individuals calling on law-abiding citizens of Plateau to resort to defending themselves in the face of the security challenge experienced in the state. “We wish to assure the good people of the state that OPSH is committed to protecting lives and property of all. “We have improved on our responses to distress calls and several attacks were prevented from happening lately. “These successes were possible due to the trust and provision of timely and credible informati

Nasarawa Governor sacks all commissioners, aides

The governor thanked the outgoing political appointees for their services. Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state has fired all members of the State Executive Council. The governor made the announcement himself at the end of an expanded executive meeting at the Government House on Monday, August 30 in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. All Special Advisers, Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants have also been told to vacate their offices. A slew of state governors have been embarking on a sacking spree of commissioners and aides since the turn of the year, in order to reward more political loyalists; with another election cycle only months away. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

NDLEA arrests 8,000 suspected drug dealers in 8 months

The Chairman, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.- Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), said on Monday that the agency had arrested over 8,000 people from January to August, for alleged drug related offenses. Marwa made the disclosure during a Town Hall meeting in Badawa community, Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. He said out of the number, about 1,600 had been convicted and serving various jail terms. According to him, over two million kilograms of assorted drugs was seized from the suspects during the period under review. He urged Nigerians to continue to support the agency to rid the country of the menace of illicit drugs and abuse. “War against drug abuse and trafficking is our collective responsibility and is for our betterment, because even criminal activities were as a result of drug abuse’’ , he said. He revealed that unemployment was one of the major causes of drug abuse in the country, but noted that President Muhammadu Buhari was trying to provide job

Senator hopes son's murder will help Nigeria defeat insecurity

The senator says his son's life was not any better than that of other Nigerians. Senator Bala Ibn Na'Allah says he hopes the murder of his son will contribute to helping Nigeria deal with its security challenges. Captain Abdulkarim Na'Allah was strangled to death in his Kaduna home on Sunday, August 29, 2021. The killers of the 36-year-old pilot gained access to his home through the roof, and stole a Lexus SUV vehicle from his parking lot. Abdulkarim Na'Allah was killed in his Kaduna home Senator Na'Allah in a statement on Monday, August 30 described his son as 'such a wonderful person'. He noted that the deceased's life was not any better than that of other Nigerians, and that the family will leave everything 'in the hands of almighty Allah'. "We express the hope that his death will play a major role in finding solutions to the problem facing our great nation," the lawmaker said. The Federal Government has struggled to co

Nigeria reports 93 COVID-19-related deaths, 362 new infections

Nigeria has confirmed 93 COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the number of fatalities to 2,454. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed this in its daily report. Th centre said 53 deaths were recorded in the country in 24 hours, an indication that the third wave of the disease is ravaging the country. The disease centre noted that the figure includes a backlog of fatalities recorded in Lagos State, which also topped the list of daily infections with 200 out of the 362 new infections recorded across 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The centre sad the new infection figure has increased the country’s infection toll to 191,345 cases. The data provided by the centre indicated that, Lagos State registered the highest cases, Oyo State, recorded 33 cases to rank the second on the chart, closely followed by Kwara with 30 cases. Others are Akwa Ibom(24 cases), while Ogun State (17) Delta and Ekiti, 15 cases each, Plateau and Rivers State recorded seven cases

Charles Etubiebi & Genoveva Umeh to star in Hello July's 'Ijo; A Love Story'

The dance themed short film is currently in production. Charles Etubiebi and Genoveva Umeh have been unveiled as the lead stars in Hello July films' 'Ijo; A Love Story' short film. The forthcoming short film written, directed by Fatimah Binta Gimsay and co-produced by Nne Nlemadim , explores grief and love through dance. It follows the story of a depressed man who seeks closure and healing through dance. www.instagram.com ALSO READ: Papa Benji: Do tailors measure breasts? Watch Mr Jiminus & Papa Solo's comic argument in new teaser Principal photography for 'Ijo; A Love Story' is reportedly underway in an undisclosed location. Etubiebi and Umeh take on the roles after starring in critically acclaimed television series 'Enakhe' and film 'One Lagos Night' respectively. ridoola.blogspot.com

BBNaija 2021: Uti Nwachukwu claims Maria was exploited by organizers

The media personality claims the newly evicted housemate was targeted and exploited hence her shocking exit. Popular media personality Uti Nwachukwu has hinted on a conspiracy leading to the shocking eviction of 'Shine Ya Eye' housemate Maria Benjamin. Hours after the housemate's eviction on Sunday, the Big Brother Africa star tweeted that her exit was inevitable, accusing the show's organizers of exploiting her by positioning her for undeserving attacks. ALSO READ: BBNaija 2021: JMK, Sammie & Maria have been evicted "This babe was milked dry! Made a wild card! The only week she was HOH she couldn't do anything with it! She executed the secret task perfectly! No immunity reward! Before nominations she was punished heavily and the HOH was told they couldn't save her! And now she's out SHOCKER," Nwachukwu tweeted. twitter.com As expected, Nwachukwu's tweet sparked major reaction from supporters and non-supporters of the evicted hou