Author: Ayo

Despite efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reconcile with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, has maintained that their exit from the regional bloc is final. Diop reiterated that the withdrawal of the three countries from ECOWAS is “irrevocable” and “without delay.” He stated that Mali is willing to cooperate with ECOWAS but opposes the introduction of visas for nationals of the three countries traveling within the bloc. “Our Heads of State were very clear in Niamey when they said the withdrawal of the three countries from ECOWAS is irrevocable…

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is considering releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), due to intense pressure from South-East leaders. Kanu has been in federal custody since June 2021, after his extradition from Kenya. While the presidency has refused to comment, sources indicate that Kanu’s release may be imminent, although the terms remain undisclosed. South-East leaders, including governors and legislators, have intensified lobbying efforts, seeking a political solution to the impasse, which has led to economic and social crises in the region. The federal government, through the Attorney General of the Federation…

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has thrown his weight behind the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in the fight against corruption. Obi, in a statement on Monday, commended Olukoyede for his determination to tackle grand corruption, which has ravaged the economy and impoverished citizens. Obi, who has consistently advocated for prioritizing the fight against corruption, urged anti-graft agencies to focus on investigating major cases of corruption in government and public asset management, including oil theft, budget padding, contract inflation, embezzlement, and misappropriation of public funds. He emphasized the need for accountability, stressing that those responsible for…

A severe fuel scarcity has hit Lagos and other parts of the country, with private depot owners increasing the ex-depot price of petrol to N720 per litre, up from N630. This development has led to a worsening fuel crisis in Abuja and neighboring states, with some filling stations selling petrol as high as N900 per litre. Many filling stations in Lagos, Ogun, and other states have run out of stock, refusing to buy fuel from private depots at the hiked price. According to Hammed Fashola, National Vice President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), “Those that shut…

Nollywood comedian, Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki, and his wife, Nneoma Nwaijah, have announced the arrival of their second child, a baby boy! Aki shared the exciting news on his Instagram account on Saturday, July 6, 2024, posting adorable photos of himself and his wife, along with a snapshot of their newborn’s tiny feet. “My wonderful people, please rejoice with us… my wife and I have welcomed a bouncing baby boy. To God Be The Glory,” Aki captioned the post. This new addition to the family comes seven years after the couple’s first child, born in 2017. Aki and…

England’s quest for European glory received a significant boost after Bukayo Saka’s impressive performance against Switzerland in the quarter-final of Euro 2024. The 22-year-old Arsenal winger equalized for the Three Lions and played a crucial role in the penalty shoot-out, which England won after Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s effort. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has hailed Saka as England’s most important player, praising his impact on the team. “I would go as far as to say that Bukayo Saka is the most important England player,” Ferdinand said on TNT Sports. Ferdinand also expressed optimism about England’s chances in…

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has urged ministers and youths to be cautious of sexual immorality, stressing that no amount of anointing can withstand temptation. Speaking at the Ministers & Workers Conference of RCCG Americas 1, Adeboye shared his personal experience, saying he still runs faster than before to avoid sexual temptation despite his age and anointing. He warned that sexual immorality can destroy even the most anointed individuals, citing the example of Samson in the Bible. “Samson was anointed, but a woman finished him,” he said. Adeboye advised youths to flee…

Award-winning artiste, Davido, has hinted at dropping his quest for custody of his daughter, Imade, following a counter-affidavit filed by the girl’s mother, Sophia Momodu. Momodu had alleged that Davido’s home is an unsafe environment for Imade, citing the tragic death of his son, Ifeanyi, in 2022. Davido responded on X, expressing how the death of his son still haunts him and hinting that he may let go of seeking custody. “Imade will grow up to see I fought for her. As for now, you can have her… she won’t be a child forever,” he wrote. The custody battle began…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has alleged that Governor Ademola Adeleke is using police officers to intimidate, arrest, and dehumanize its members. In a statement by Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, the party claimed that leading lights of the party have been invited and investigated by the police over frivolous reasons, with the intention of caging the opposition. The party cited the example of Akin Adeyi, a chieftain of the APC, who has been invited by the Zone 11 Command of the Nigeria Police multiple times based on petitions written by a political functionary in the governor’s administration. Lawal…

Rishi Sunak has stepped down as leader of the Conservative Party, accepting responsibility for the party’s crushing defeat in the general election. Speaking at 10 Downing Street, Sunak acknowledged the public’s anger and disappointment, saying, “I am sorry… I take responsibility for this loss.” Sunak, who will remain Prime Minister until the Tory leadership race begins, praised the UK as “the best country in the world” but conceded that the Conservative Party faced a “sobering” defeat, losing many seats across the country. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and honored his colleagues who lost their seats. The outgoing…