My agenda in 2022 —Buhari to Nigerians

 

President Muhammadu Buhari in his New Year speech said his administration is committed to protecting all Nigerians and diversifying the economy.

 

The president in the speech which he personally signed and issued on Friday 31 Dec 2021 said he is grateful to the Almighty God for yet another Year attained as a country.

 

According to him, the linchpin of his agenda in 2022 will be the ICT sector.

 

“In year 2022 and going forward, our Administration would intentionally leverage ICT platforms to create jobs, while ensuring that the diversification of our economy creates more support to other emerging sectors”, he said.

 

Why godfathers fought me as governor – Ngige

 

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has said that political godfathers fought him in the 34 months he was in the office as governor of Anambra state because he decided to work for the good of the people.

 

Ngige recalled that his administration embarked on mega infrastructural projects, public service reforms, prioritised workers and pensioners welfare, attracted federal presence and enthroned peace and security in the entire State, not minding the humongous debts he inherited from his predecessor.

 

The two-time minister spoke on Thursday at the Awka Egwu Uzu festival, where the traditional ruler of the Ancient Awka Kingdom, Eze Uzu (Dr) Gibson Nwosu conferred on him the Igbo royal title of “Onyili Mmagba,”meaning the man who wrestled everybody to the ground, escaped and gave freedom to others.

 

Speaking with journalists after receiving the title, Senator Ngige recalled that as Governor, he was kidnapped, though he didn’t pay any ransom to free himself.

 

2022: There will be no gov elections in Osun, Ekiti, Akintoye threatens

 

Yoruba Nation arrowhead, Prof Banji Akintoye, has threatened that there won’t be governorship election in Osun and Ekiti States in 2022.

The Independent National Electoral Commission is set to hold governorship elections in the two South-West states as the second term of Governor Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and the first tenure of Governor Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), end in October and November this year respectively.

But 86-year-old Akintoye said in his 2022 New Year Message on Friday that no election would hold in the two states.

He said, “Among most Yoruba self-determination advocates worldwide, the determination exists and is growing that there shall be no State Governorship and House of Assembly election in our homeland in 2022. The next election that we Yoruba people will engage in will be the first election in our own new country.”

There’s too much noise around FG’s loans, we don’t borrow for all projects —Amaechi

 

Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, says the country wouldn’t have achieved its current level of infrastructural development without loans.

 

Amaechi spoke on Friday when he featured as a guest on ‘Good Morning Nigeria,’ a programme on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

 

Speaking on what the present administration has accomplished in infrastructure, he said not all projects are funded with loans, adding that Buhari should be commended for his efforts.

 

“We must credit it to a great extent to the president in the sense that if he had been listening to the elite of Nigeria that was screaming ‘no, you can’t borrow money to do this infrastructure’, we won’t be where we are today,” he said.

I made $22.3 million in 2021- Davido claims

Famous Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, also known as Davido, has claimed that he made $22.3 million in 2021, which is about N13 billion.

David made this known in a post on his Instagram page.

The Fem crooner, who had on his birthday asked his friends to donate N1m for him, received N200m from friends and colleagues in the industry in hours.

For days, Davido was the talk of the internet as even CNN interviewed him for receiving such amount of money.

EPL: Another Chelsea’s top star rejects new contract, heads to Barcelona

Chelsea defender, Andreas Christensen, has decided to leave the club for Barcelona.

The Denmark international has ‘no intention’ of signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge according to Spanish outlet Sport.

Christensen’s contract at Chelsea expired at the end of the season and the Blues are keen on keeping at the club, however the defender has decided to move on.

Sport reports that he has decided to reject Chelsea’s offer and is now close to joining Barcelona.

Sanwo-Olu swears in 14 new Lagos High Court judges

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sworn in newly appointed Judges of the High Court of Lagos State.

Fourteen of them were inaugurated at the State House in Ikeja on Friday.

The names of the Justices: Olubusola Adeyemi Okunuga, Adenrera Olayinka Adeyemi, Olufolake Olufolasade Oshin, Oluwatoyin Atinuke Odusanya.

Olumuyiwa Oluseun Martins, Ariyike Mutiat Ipaye-Nwachukwu, Babatunde Oladapo Kalaro, Omolade Jadesola Awope, Akinkunmi Olusegun Idowu.

Hard work, not entitlement mentality, promoted our artistes – Nigerians blast Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale

 

A cross-section of Nigerians has slammed Ghanaian artistes, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, for their recent accusations against the likes of Wizkid, Davido.

 

Shatta Wale had in a recent Twitter rant called out Nigerian artistes for not reciprocating the love and support Ghana artistes and citizens show them.

 

Also, Stonebwoy backing Shatta Wale said that although his colleague’s approach may be wrong, his message is valid.

 

Stonebwoy asked that Nigerian artistes allow music from other African countries to flourish on Nigerian platforms on the local and international scene.

 

Lukaku’s comments distraction to team, says Tuchel

 

Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel, has stated that Romelu Lukaku’s comment regarding his current situation at the club is a distraction to the team.

 

Tuchel said this in reaction to the striker’s interview with Sky Sport Italia where he said he was unhappy with his role at the club.

 

The manager expressed his dislike for the ruckus the interview is causing saying it “brings noise that we don’t need”.

 

He said, “I don’t like it. But I don’t want to make more out of it than it actually is. It is very easy to take lines out of context.

 

VIDEO: Wizkid charges at hyperactive fan during beach show

 

Grammy award-winning Nigerian singer, Ayo Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, recently charged at an overzealous fan during his beach event.

 

The event tagged, ‘Vibes on the beach’ was headlined by Wizkid and took place on Thursday night in Lagos.

 

According to a video shared by an attendee, Wizkid charged at an hyperactive fan who tried to touch him.

 

The video, which has now gone viral, showed Wizkid sticking out his fist at the fan who tried to bypass his escorts to meet the superstar.

 

FCT minister tests positive for COVID-19

 

Mohammed Bello, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has tested positive for COVID-19.

 

Bello announced his status in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday.

 

The minister said he started feeling sick on Tuesday and subsequently took the test.

 

“After a hide and seek period spanning 21 months (1yr 9 months) between COVID-19 and my humble self, the virus finally caught up with me during the dying days of 2021. After feeling unwell since 28th December, I decided to do a COVID-19 test yesterday morning,” he said.

 

Year 2022, era of reconciliation, peacebuilding – Ganduje

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has said the New Year 2022 should usher in a new era of peace and reconciliation among political parties’ stakeholders in the state and the country in general.

He said the next few months should also be for internal democracy to flourish where political parties are expected to produce more credible representatives who have the capacity and ability to win elections at various levels and subsequently build on laudable programs and policies initiated by the past leaders

In a New Year Message to the people of the state which was issued by the state commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, the Governor said from all indications, recent events in Kano is likely to bring a new dawn in the political history of the state.

He said the event, which saw Kano political gladiators emphasizing the need for reconciliation, elicited excitement from the people of Kano State who have been yearning for the much-needed peace to advance the cause for proper development in the political terrain.

Senate president defends changes to 2022 budget by National Assembly

 

Following concerns raised by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), over the recently signed 2022 Appropriation Bill, Senate President Ahmed Lawan has said the National Assembly was correct in its judgment.

 

Lawan said this on Friday at the Presidential Villa shortly after signing the budget.

 

Earlier, NigerianEye reported that Buhari expressed ‘strong reservations on ‘‘worrisome changes’’ made by the National Assembly to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal.

 

Speaking to State House Correspondents, the Senate President said, “I think the most important thing is that Mr President is happy with the majority of what the National Assembly has done. That is the most critical thing that we need to focus on.

 

Insecurity: Criminals operated with impunity in 2021, says CAN

 

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria has lamented that criminals operated with impunity in 2021.

 

The Association said this in a New Year message thanking God for escaping the dangers and threats of 2021 which it says was occasioned by the criminal activities of bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other unscrupulous elements.

 

The message was signed by CAN President, Rev Dr Samson Ayokunle, and titled ‘The New Year Message: Pray for God’s Mercy Over Nigeria – CAN.’

 

According to Ayokunle, “It gladdens my heart to say a resounding HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022 to all Nigerians irrespective of their religious, tribal and political persuasions. Glory be to our God who helps us to escape all dangers and threats of the Year 2021 occasioned by the criminal activities of the bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other unscrupulous elements amidst us.

 

Sunday Igboho releases New Year message, says ‘I’m not at war with Buhari’

 

Yoruba Nation campaigner, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, says he is not at war with the President, Muhammadu Buhari, the six governors in the South-West zone or any government official.

He, however, stressed that it was saddening that the Buhari regime has not addressed the security challenges in the South-West zone which was the genesis of his agitation for Yoruba Nation.

Igboho, in his 2022 New Year Message, said everyone living in the country deserves to be protected regardless of their tribe, religion or political leanings.

The New Year message was signed by one of the activist’s lawyers in Nigeria, Pelumi Olajengbesi, on behalf of his client. It was titled, ‘Sunday Igboho’s New Year message for 2022’.

‘6,576 new projects, reduction of police allowance’ — Buhari laments alterations in 2022 budget

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed reservations over the “worrisome changes” made by the national assembly to the 2022 executive budget.

 

On Friday, the president signed the N17.13 trillion 2022 appropriation bill into law.

 

The presidency had submitted a proposal worth N16.391 trillion to the national assembly. The lawmakers later increased the budget size to N17.127 trillion.

 

In his remarks after signing the budget, Buhari said the lawmakers reduced the amount allocated to some projects — but added 6,576 projects of their own to the 2022 budget.

 

Senate to review Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 1999 Constitution January —Lawan

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Friday, said lawmakers will review the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and the 1999 Constitution when it resumes plenary in January.

 

This is as he revealed that the promises made to Nigerians with respect to legislative focus have been kept by the ninth National Assembly.

 

Pointing out the gains of the Assembly, Lawan stated that the jinx of the Petroleum Industry Bill, which had defied passage for about two decades, was broken by the Assembly which got it signed in 2021.

 

He stated that the Assembly is focused and will never be distracted from the implementation of its Legislative Agenda as spelt out following its inauguration in 2019.

 

Ikpeazu signs 2022 Appropriation Bill into law, appreciates Abia lawmakers

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has signed into law, the 2022 Abia State Government Appropriation bill of N147,282,196,200.

The budget has a capital expenditure profile of N79,779,887,500 while recurrent expenditure has an outlay of N67,502,318,700.

His assent to the bill followed the passage of the 2022 Appropriation Bill into law by the state House of Assembly after the presentation of its report by the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Hon Kennedy Njoku, to make provision for the appropriation of the sum of N147,787,781,300.00 for the services of the Government of Abia State for the year ending 31st December 2022.

Recall that Ikpeazu had, on December 7, 2021, presented the 2022 budget to the state.

EPL: Five top players that could leave Chelsea this January

Names of about five top players that could leave Chelsea for new clubs this January transfer window have emerged.

The January transfer window provides the chance to rebalance the squad and address any glaring issues as Chelsea heads into 2022 with renewed optimism.

Chelsea has a host of players out of contract in the summer of 2022 and that could prove problematic when the transfer window opens in January.

Those yet to sign a new contract with the Blues will be able to hold talks with foreign clubs from January 1 and any suitable offers received from interested parties will need to be considered.

Lagos announces second term resumption date for schools

 

Lagos State Government has announced that all public and private schools below the tertiary level in the state will resume for the second term 2021/2022 academic session on Tuesday, January 4, 2022.

 

The Director-General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Mrs. Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, made this known in a statement on Friday, titled, ‘Lagos public and private schools resume Tuesday, January 4, 2022, for 2nd term’.

 

Seriki-Ayeni noted that all students are expected back in school as academic activities start the same day.

 

“The Director-General wishes the students and teachers happy resumption while enjoining all school leaders to enforce strict compliance with all subsisting COVID-19 safety protocols in the state.

 

FULL TEXT: Buhari’s remarks after signing 2022 budget into law

 

Here is the full text of President Muhammadu Buhari after signing the 2022 budget and finance bill into law on Friday at the state house.

PROTOCOLS

I am delighted to sign into law today the 2022 appropriation bill as well as the enabling 2021 finance bill.

2. I would like to thank the senate president, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and indeed all the Distinguished and Honourable Leaders and members of the national assembly for the expeditious consideration and passage of these bills.

FG extends deadline for NIN-SIM linkage by three months

 

The federal government has extended the deadline for the ongoing national identification number (NIN) and subscriber identity module (SIM) integration exercise by three months.

 

The new deadline is March 31, 2022.

 

Isa Pantami, minister of communications and digital economy, conveyed the decision of the federal government in a statement on Friday.

 

The statement was jointly signed by Ikechukwu Adinde, director of public affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Kayode Adegoke, head of corporate communications at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

 

Primate Ayodele reacts to accusation of issuing false prophecies

 

The Spiritual Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Friday, rubbished a publication that accused him of circulating falsehood.

 

Primate Ayodele said contrary to the publication, his prophecies often come to pass.

 

Osho Oluwatosin, the media aide to the popular prophet, reacted to Sahara Reporters’ publication on ‘Prophecies That Missed The Mark In 2021’.

 

The publication tagged “Prophecies That Missed The Mark in 2021,” identified five prophecies from Primate Ayodele and claimed was not fulfilled.

 

National assembly may remove direct primary clause from electoral bill — Gbajabiamila

Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the House of Representatives, says the national assembly may remove the direct primary clause from the electoral act amendment bill.

 

The national assembly transmitted the bill to President Muhammadu Buhari on November 19, with recommendations on electronic transmission of results and direct primaries for political parties.

 

But in a letter addressed to the upper and lower legislative chambers, Buhari kicked against the recommendation of direct primaries for political parties on the grounds that it “violates the spirit of democracy”.

 

The decision of the president generated varying reactions from Nigerians, while some civil society organisations (CSOs) asked the national assembly to review the legislation or override the president and pass the bill into law.

 

Bandits abduct lecturer’s wife, two daughters in Zamfara

Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Friday stormed Mereri village in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, and kidnapped a wife of Dr AbdulRazaq, a lecturer with Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau and his two daughters, Maryam AbdulRazaq and Hafsat AbdulRazaq.

According to some eyewitness accounts, many properties including money were looted in the Mareri community, an outskirt of the capital state capital.

Speaking with newsmen, one of the neighbours of the lecturer who claimed anonymity for security reasons, said the bandits stormed the house with sophisticated weapons and began to shoot sporadically.

The source said some of them came barefooted and got access to the area through a forest linking other villages known as Geba, Jajjayen and Kwanar Mai communities in Gusau.

Lagos Assembly passes N1.758trn 2022 budget

Lagos State House of Assembly has passed the 2022 budget presented by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

There was an increase in the total sum from the initial N1.388 trillion to N1.758 trillion.

The budget passed at a sitting led by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, after a report by Gbolahan Yishawu, Chairman, Committee on Economic Planning and Budget.

Yishawu explained that the estimate includes leftovers from previous allocations in the 2021 budget.

People flaunt wealth to gain relevance – BBNaija Lucy

Former Big Brother Naija season five housemate, Lucy Edet, has revealed that people flaunt their wealth so that they can be seen as relevant.

The reality TV star took to her Twitter page on Thursday to note that people are treated differently when they are perceived to be wealthy.

According to her, people only pay attention to the rich and that’s why people flaunt their wealth; in order to gain attention.

Speaking about herself, the 31-year-old chef noted that she preferred to be perceived as one without wealth. She further advised her fans to be true to themselves.

Nigerians don’t reciprocate love they receive from Ghana – Singer Stonebwoy

 

Ghanaian singer, Livingstone Satekla, popularly known as Stonebwoy has stated that Nigerians don’t reciprocate the love they receive from Ghana.

 

He said this on Twitter on Thursday as he agreed with his colleague, Shatta Wale, who had earlier told Nigerians to be grateful to Ghana for supporting their artistes.

 

Stonebwoy wrote, “We were all Africans before we got separated into individual nations. African history and migration studies confirm that there is more that unites us than divides us.

 

“As the big family that we are, we all draw diverse creative inspiration from one another – no wonder then that we have similar cultures and values across the continent, and this cross-pollination is clearly shown in our music and sound.

BREAKING: Buhari signs 2022 budget, finance bill into law

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the 2022 appropriation bill into law.

 

The president also signed the 2021 finance bill into law at an event at the state house on Friday.

 

With this action, Buhari has maintained the January to December budget cycle.

 

This is coming less than a week after the house of representatives and senate passed the appropriation bill.

 

BREAKING: At last, Super Eagles drop Osimhen, invite four new players for AFCON

 

Victor Osimhen is out of the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations, the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Friday.

 

Also, four new players have been invited to the Super Eagles for AFCON over the health concerns and injuries of some players.

 

The NFF’s spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, made this known on Friday, adding that only the goalkeeping department is unchanged.

 

Other players newly added to the AFCON list are right back Tyrone Ebuehi, England –based Oluwasemilogo, Greece-based Henry Onyekuru, and Czech Republic-based forward Peter Olayinka.

 

Again, Army Generals pledge loyalty to President, Constitution

Despite condemnations over the years, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) continue to pledge loyalty to the sitting President.

There was another instance on Thursday during the decoration of newly promoted senior officers of the Nigerian Army (NA).

Minister of Defence, retired Major General Bashir Magashi told them to discharge their duties professionally.

He spoke at the Army Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, Abuja, as some Brigadier Generals became Major Generals; a number of Colonels moved up to the Brigadier General rank.

55-year-old Lagos residents have spent nearly 7 years in traffic – FDC report

Persons who are 55 years old and resident in Lagos State have spent almost 7 years of their lives in traffic.

This is contained in a report by Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited led by renowned economist, Bismarck Rewane.

In its 2022 outlook, the FDC noted that on the average, Lagos residents spend more than 1,000 hours in traffic annually.

The Nigerian research and investment firm said the figure dwarfs the time people in London expend in congestions.

My criticism of government not personal, counter it with superior argument – Bishop Kukah

 

Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto says he remains unapologetic to those that see him as a critic of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

Speaking to newsmen in Sokoto, Bishop Kukah said, “All what I have been clamouring for are not personal. There are two issues that bothered me with this administration. One is the quantum of loss of lives and I don’t think there is anybody who is happy about this.”

 

He added that the second is the allocation of position with favouritism and nepotism, stressing that one thing lacking in the administration is the inability to manage people’s sense of diversity.

 

Bishop Kukah explained that he has always been a critic of government before this administration, saying that he stands on his challenge to those who don’t reason along with him to counter his position with superior argument.

 

Ogun: Man who stole money to lodge in hotel stabbed to death by female friend

A 30-year-old man, identified as Mohammed Ahmed, has been stabbed to death after he reportedly stole N600,000 from his boss to lodge in a hotel.

The Ogun State Police Command said the man was stabbed on Wednesday by a 32-year-old fashion designer, Omowunmi Oyapitan, during a brawl at a hotel where he had hidden after stealing the money.

Ogun police spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi said the police received a distress call at Onipanu Division from one Stephen Udo, the Manager of Splendour Guest Inn.

Udo had told the police that an argument ensued between two of his guests in the hotel, and in the process, Oyapitan broke a bottle and stabbed Ahmed in the neck.

Nnamdi Kanu releases New Year message, says 2022 year of miracles

 

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday, released what could be his New Year message for 2022 which, he said, would herald divine grace and favour of unimaginable proportions.

 

According to him, abiding grace and miraculous happenings would punctuate 2022 while sorrow and sighing shall take a sudden and unremitting flight.

 

While cursing perpetrators of evil and killings, Kanu also said that he and IPOB followers have been vindicated by the recent abduction of the Imo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2019 election, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, by the police that politicians had been responsible for the killings and atrocities in the state.

 

The leader of Kanu’s legal team, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, stated these in a statement titled ‘Update on our routine visit to our indefatigable client Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the Headquarters of the Department of State Security, Abuja on December 30, 2021.’

 

‘Celebration of falsehood’ — PDP tackles Buhari over 2021 achievements

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the achievements of the Buhari administration in 2021 as “a litany of lies”.

 

While addressing a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, said despite the challenges in 2021, the Buhari administration made “tremendous” progress in fighting insecurity and growing the economy.

 

Mohammed highlighted “major achievements” which he said the Buhari administration recorded in 2021.

 

But reacting in a statement on Thursday, the opposition party described the achievements as a “celebration of falsehood by a failed administration”.

 

Nigeria relying on you to completely defeat banditry, defence minister tells troops

 

Bashir Magashi, minister of defence, has asked officers of the Nigerian Army to do more to “completely defeat” banditry and insurgency.

 

Magashi said this on Thursday during the decoration of senior military officers, at a ceremony held at the army headquarters in Abuja.

 

According to a statement by Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesman, the minister also urged the officers to remain loyal to the constitution and “discharge their duties professionally”.

 

While describing their elevation “as a recognition for their diligence and selfless sacrifices”, he added that the country relies “on their wealth of knowledge, character and professionalism to develop an enduring panacea that will completely defeat insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality in the country”.

‘It may cause bloodshed’ — royal family rejects calls to install MC Oluomo as Oba of Oshodi

 

The Olushi Onigbesa royal family says Musiliu Akinsanya, chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos, better known as MC Oluomo, is “not eligible” to be appointed as Oba of Oshodi.

 

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kabiru Eyantan, head of the royal family, appealed to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos governor, to stop MC Oluomo from becoming king.

 

Eyantan said if urgent action is not taken, it “may cause bloodshed” in Oshodi community.

 

“The attention of the Olushi Onigbesa royal family of Oshodi Awori Kingdom has been drawn to the picture of Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, chairman, NURTW in Lagos state, circulated on numerous social media platforms where he was dressed in traditional kingly attire intended for an Oba in Yorubaland,” Eyantan said.

 

Why there is hope for Nigeria in 2022 – Ortom

 

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has said that the lessons learnt from economic and security crisis in the country in 2021 have projected hope that 2022 would be better.

 

Ortom, in a statement made available on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Ikyur, praised citizens of the State and Nigerians alike for their resilience in the face of daunting security and economic Challenges in the past year, 2021.

 

Governor Ortom said in his goodwill message to usher in the new year that citizens demonstrated their indomitable spirit for survival against unabating security and harsh economic situation that was compounded by the raging Covid-19 pandemic.

 

According to him “The year 2021 was no doubt challenging. But I’m happy our people rose to the occasion. The lessons of the past year will serve as a useful instrument that will guide us to fruition in the years ahead”.

 

EPL: Highest goal scorers, assists in Premier League this season

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah remains the top scorer in the Premier League after Week 20 games on Thursday night, where Manchester United defeated Burnley 3-1 at Old Trafford.

Salah is ahead of fellow teammate, Diogo Jota, on the Premier League goal chart.

The Egyptian international has so far scored 15 Premier League goals for Liverpool this season.

The former Chelsea forward has five goals ahead of Jota.

Pastor Odukoya loses twin sister

Senior Pastor of the Fountain of Life Church Lagos, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya has lost his twin sister, Kehinde.

She was confirmed dead on Thursday, 30th December, 2021.

The death of his twin sister is coming weeks after the clergyman lost his second wife, Pastor Nomthi Rosemary to cancer on 9th November, 2021.

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’s sister’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Tolu Ijogun via her verified Facebook page.

NDDC: President Buhari promises to review forensic audit report, directs remittance of outstanding funds

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed the intention to review the just-concluded audit report of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

He also directed all the multinationals to remit all the outstanding funds to the commission in a transparent manner.

The president stated this on Thursday, December 30, 2021, during the virtual commissioning of the 1,050 male/female capacity Hostel built by the NDDC and handed over to the University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Buhari who regretted that the region has been subjected to underdevelopment and penury for over 20 years due to the selfish interest of some leaders promised to recover all the looted funds and ensure those found culpable are brought to book.

EPL: Three top players that could join Liverpool this January

Names of about three top players Liverpool could sign in this January transfer window have emerged.

The January transfer window gives clubs the opportunity to rebalance the squad and address any glaring issues as Liverpool heads into 2022 with renewed optimism after dropping behind Premier League leaders Manchester City.

However, Metro UK reports that Raphinha of Leeds United is one of the three players Liverpool could buy after the Brazilian is being linked with a move away from Elland Road.

The Brazilian, who has drawn the interest of Liverpool, Man United and Bayern Munich in the past, has comfortably been Leeds United’s standout player this season, despite the evident struggles of Marcelo Bielsa’s men.

Lagos govt upgrades AOCOED to university of education

 

Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education will now be called Lagos State University of Education.

 

The change of the Institution’s status was disclosed in a statement signed by the chairman, House Committee on Education (Tertiary Institutions), Hon. Ajani Owolabi.

 

The statement was titled, ‘Second allocated day for report of the Committee on Education (Tertiary Institutions) on a Bill for a Law to provide for the establishment of The University of Education, Lagos, (UNEDLAG) and for connected purposes.’

 

It read in part, “You would recall that the House at its Plenary Session of Thursday, 1st July 2021, considered the report of the Committee on Education on “the University of Education, Lagos Bill, 2021” after which a second allotted day was given to the Committee to resolve the grey areas observed by the House.

Buhari meets Jonathan in Aso Rock

 

The President,  Muhammadu Buhari, met with former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.

 

Jonathan who arrived at the Villa about 03:00 pm was received by the President into a closed-door meeting.

 

Although the details of the meeting remain undisclosed, it is likely connected to his work as Special Envoy of the Economic Community of West African States where he is leading mediation talks even as Mali remains under military rule following the August 2020 coup that ousted President Ibrahim Keita.

 

On Monday, December 27, Mali’s military-dominated government launched a four-day national forum on returning the country to civilian rule.

AFCON is the most disrespected tournament – Ian Wright

 

Ex-Arsenal and England striker, Ian Wright, has claimed the Africa Cup of Nations is “disrespected” more than any other international tournament.

 

According to him, the coverage of the continental showpiece is “tinged with racism”.

 

Wright insisted that there is no greater honour for a footballer than to represent his nation.

 

Also, some European clubs have been caught up in a battle with African countries, over the release of some of their stars.

 

Prophetess Naomi and Ooni of Ife yet to reconcile –Aide

 

Prophetess Naomi is yet to return to Ile Oodua as the wife of Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, after her divorce post on Instagram, the Palace disclosed on Thursday.

This is contrary to a broadcast message on WhatsApp and Facebook stating that the monarch and his wife had reconciled.

The unconfirmed message claimed elders from both families met in Akure, Ondo State, to which she relocated.

One of the messages circulating read, “Battle is over. Ooni of Ife and Queen Naomi Ogunwusi settle as Akure and Ile-Ife elders meet the family this evening …as Queen Naomi Ogunwusi’s mother apologises.”

Why I didn’t reply Shatta Wale’s rants – Rapper Olamide

 

Nigerian rapper, Olamide Adedeji, has revealed why he didn’t respond to rants by Ghanaian rapper, Shatta Wale, against Nigerian artistes.

 

According to him, saying nothing about the rant would hurt more than telling Shatta Wale how he felt.

 

Olamide had earlier taken to Twitter to announce the concert of his signee, Fireboy, which was scheduled to hold on January 2, 2022.

 

He tweeted, “Only thing weh matter pass right now. The Fire concert – Jan 2nd.” (sic)

 

I know I let you down, Simi apologises over concert

 

Nigerian singer, Simisola Kosoko, on Thursday apologised to her fans concerning her ‘Can You Simi Now’ concert which commenced later than the scheduled time.

 

She made this known in an appreciation post to her fans, associates, and crew members who assisted in making the concert a success.

 

The concert, which was held two days ago in Lagos, saw performances from various artistes including her husband, Adekunle Gold, amongst others.

 

Apologising for the late start, Simi wrote on Instagram, “I apologize for how late we started. Even I was agitated. Many had to leave before the show even started.

 

South-East has right to take shot at presidency –Ikpeazu

 

The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, has said the South-East has the right to produce Nigeria’s next president because the region has a better understanding of the country.

 

Ikpeazu said this while addressing State House correspondents after a visit to the President,  Muhammadu Buhari, in Abuja on Thursday.

 

“I think that the southeasterners have a right to take a shot at the presidency of Nigeria and I dare say that our qualification starts from the fact that we understand and know Nigeria better than the other regions of Nigeria.

 

“I dare say, this is my opinion. We go everywhere, we are everywhere, we invest everywhere, we are Pan-Nigerian people,” he said.