Former heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua , beat Finnish stand-in, Robert Helenius, with a seventh round single-punch knockout on Saturday. The win for Joshua meant he kept himself on track for a lucrative payday against American Deontay Wilder next year. Helenius, stepping in after Britain’s Dillian Whyte was ruled out of the non-title fight by a dope test a week ago, lasted longer than expected. But he crashed to the canvas one minute and 27 seconds into the round. Some of the crowd at London’s 02, who had grown restless with some booing already in the third round, were heading…
Author: Chima Onyido
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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) parliament is experiencing a division in opinions regarding measures to address the ongoing political impasse in Niger Republic. At a virtual extraordinary meeting, twenty-two parliamentarians discussed the political crisis in Niger Republic, with varying views on how to address the situation. The differing opinions mainly centered around the use of dialogue and diplomacy versus taking actions to curb the rise of military governments in the region. While some parliament members advocated for diplomatic solutions, others called for decisive actions to counter the surge in military takeovers within the region. This division comes…
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, has warned Niger junta, that they will face consequences if any harm befalls President Mohamed Bazoum. He said this, following reports that the junta allegedly threatened to kill Bazoum if a military intervention was initiated against Niger.. In an interview with Channels Television on Friday, Musah revealed that President Bazoum and his son were being held captive by the military rulers. He said they were living under appalling condition, hence, the reason for the regional bloc’s decision to prepare a standby force.…
Nigeria’s oil production witnessed a significant decline of 13.6% in the month of July 2023, averaging 1.08 million barrels per day (mbpd), according to recent data released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). This figure marks a decrease from the 1.25 mbpd recorded in June. The July production data poses a challenge for the Nigerian government, which had set a production target of 1.69 mbpd in the 2023 budget. Furthermore, the output falls significantly short of the country’s OPEC quota of 1.7 mbpd. The NUPRC data also revealed that the daily production of blended and unblended condensate oil…
The man who jumped into the lagoon at the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge area of Lagos on Tuesday has been identified as Buka Abana. This followed days of search efforts, when rescue workers successfully retrieved Abana’s lifeless body on Thursday. Reports indicate that the 30-year-old, believed to be struggling with drug addiction, had left his Lekki Phase I residence approximately two days before the incident. His concerned family members formed a search party and received information that he had been spotted near the bridge, prompting them to pursue him. READ ALSO: Police Rescue 9 Underage Boys During Cult Initiation in Lagos…
The Police Command in Lagos State has rescued nine teenagers during an alleged forceful cult initiation in the Mushin area of the state. The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest on his verified Twitter handle on Thursday. Hundeyin, who did not reveal the names of the victims because they are minors, said they were rescued during their initiation to become members of a cult group. READ ALSO: Policemen Arrested for Killing Man in Port Harcourt Bar “Nine children, youngest, nine and oldest, 14, were rescued during the alleged forced initiation into cultism in Mushin area of Lagos state. “We…
Shooting Stars Football Club of Ibadan beat lower league side Beyond Limits Football Academy of Ikenne 2-0 on Thursday to win the 2023 ValueJet Cup Pre-Season Football Tournament. According to The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), two first half goals helped the Oluyole Warriors to victory in the one-week competition at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. Taofeek Malomo headed in a pullout from Joshua Akpan to set them on course for victory in the 17th minute. Six minutes later, Gali Falke extended the Ibadan giants’ lead to stun the Beyond Limits side which had drawn 1-1 with them on…
Lauren James of England will be sidelined for both the upcoming quarter-final and a potential semi-final of the World Cup, following a two-match ban imposed by FIFA. The decision followed an incident in which James received a red card for stepping on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie during England’s last-16 victory. Initially issued a yellow card, the red card was subsequently handed down after a VAR review. This marked the first time a Lioness player was sent off under the leadership of Sarina Wiegman. FIFA regulations dictate an automatic one-game suspension for players in such circumstances, rendering James ineligible…
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has alleged that the World Bank attempted to use financial leverage to manipulate the government’s stance on its contentious anti-LGBTQ legislation. Museveni’s assertions came in response to the Bretton Woods institution’s recent decision to suspend new loans to the East African nation, as reported by RFI. The World Bank’s announcement followed its classification of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act as one of the world’s strictest laws targeting LGBTQ communities. The US-based global lender stated that the legislation “fundamentally contradicts” the institution’s core values. Consequently, it declared that no fresh public financing requests would be submitted to its…
Tinubu speech at ECOWAS summit on Niger coup Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government; Your Excellency, the President of the ECOWAS Commission; Your Excellency, President of the African Union Commission; Your Excellency, President of the UEMOA Commission; The Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in West Africa and the Sahel; and Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen. Let me commence by welcoming you all to the Second (2nd) Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger, within the space of ten days. Your presence here, despite the short notice, demonstrates the unwavering dedication of…
Following their takeover in a recent coup, military leaders in Niger have established a fresh government, as announced through a televised decree on Thursday. Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine will steer the 21-member government, with generals from the newly-formed military governing council leading the defense and interior ministries. The military leaders affirmed the legitimacy of the new government in a broadcast on Thursday, revealing that the decree outlining its establishment was formally announced on the nation’s television network. Mahamane Roufai Laouali, cited as “Secretary General of the Government”, read out 21 names on state television. READ ALSO: Former Emir…
Margaret Onah-Nnang, the Executive Director Safehaven Development Initiative, an NGO, has described Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as evil. Nnang disclosed this in Lagos on Wednesday, during a media roundtable organised by the NGO, supported by Global Media Campaign to End FGM and Frontline Ending FGM. She said that women, girls and communities must desist from indulging in female genital mutilation. “Female genital mutilation is the `dis-functioning’ of the sexual organ of women. “”Women have the right to have sexual pleasure just as men, yet they cut women to drive them from having many sexual partners.” Also speaking at the event,…
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, revealed that a total of 100 illegal refineries have been eradicated and 200 suspects apprehended within the past two years. Audi said this during the second CG’s conference held in Abuja. Highlighting the organization’s accomplishments, the CG emphasized, “Over 100 illegal refineries destroyed and over 200 suspects arrested in two years.” He urged all NSCDC personnel to remain resolute in their efforts to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism. The Commandant General underscored the forthcoming challenges and the imperative to effectively address emerging security concerns. Audi…
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the cancellation of its planned nationwide protest that was slated to occur on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. This decision comes after a closed-door meeting between the National President of the association, Dr Emeka Innocent Orji, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, along with other Principal Officers of the Senate at the National Assembly in Abuja. The resident doctors also indicated that they might soon put an end to their ongoing strike. The National President of the association, Dr Emeka Innocent Orji, disclosed this Tuesday while briefing newsmen after meeting behind a closed…
The organised Labour has said the federal government team led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, is not adequately equipped to handle negotiations concerning the impact of fuel subsidy removal on workers. Speaking during a meeting with Senate principal officers, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, pointed out that the wage review committee was yet to sit two months after the removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He said, “Part of our challenge is the issue of the committee put in place. The committee seems not to be…
An unidentified adult has leapt into the lagoon at the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge area of Lagos State, according to reports from Tuesday afternoon. According to reports, the victim, whose body had yet to be recovered as of the time of filing this report, jumped into the lagoon around 2.43pm. Emergency response teams have commenced a search to recover the individual from the water. The police have cordoned off the vicinity, ensuring necessary measures are in place. Confirming the incident, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state, stated, “The incident happened truly. Marine police and the Lagos…
Renowned Nigerian-British heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua, is set to take on Robert Helenius as a replacement opponent after the anticipated bout against Dylian Whyte was abruptly canceled due to a positive anti-doping test result. The scheduled match against Whyte was supposed to take place at the 02 Arena in London on August 12. However, Matchroom, the promoter of the event, announced the cancellation through an official statement posted on its Twitter account last Saturday. The statement revealed that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) had reported adverse analytical findings from a random anti-doping test conducted on Dillian Whyte. In response to…
Two houses of the member representing Ihiala federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Paschal Agbodike has reportedly been set ablaze in his home town, Mbosi in Ihiala local government area by unknown arsonists. Recall that hoodlums had also previously burnt down the houses of the President General and the traditional ruler of the community last year. Mbosi is one of the communities in the local government where gathering of people no longer takes place because of the activities of unknown gunmen, such that burial and marriage ceremonies no longer take place in Mbosi. READ ALSO: 214 Drug Suspects…
No fewer than 35 Federal Ministries, Department and Agencies of Government on Tuesday in Abuja failed to appear before the House of Representatives Ad hoc committee investigating alleged job racketeering. Rep Yusuf Gagdi, chairman ad hoc committee probing employment racketeering and gross mismanagement of Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) said most of the agencies were not respectful of constituted authority. “Most of these agencies are not respectful of constituted authority. “We are supposed to have the presence of 40 agencies but only four are here,” he said. READ ALSO: IPPIS Officer Admits Collecting N75m for Job Offers on…
Two police officers serving in Gombe State have been apprehended in Rivers State following the fatal shooting of a father of four, identified as Mr. Peterside, in a bar located in Port Harcourt. The incident unfolded at a lounge situated in the Elelenwo Community within the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The policemen responsible for the shooting were part of a specialized operational team dispatched to the state for a significant assignment. READ ALSO: Tinubu Inaugurates Committee on Fiscal Policy, Tax Reforms According to reports, the victim had visited the lounge in his locality along with his wife and three children…