Author: Yusuf Lawal

In a bold move to safeguard public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismantled a large-scale counterfeit alcohol packaging operation in Lagos State. A recent raid on Article Market, Abule-Osun, yielded astonishing results: over 50,000 fake branded labels and packaging materials worth approximately ₦2 billion were confiscated. NAFDAC’s Director-General described the raid as a significant milestone in protecting Nigerians from hazardous alcoholic beverages. “These items were being used to produce unapproved and hazardous alcoholic products… Counterfeit alcohol poses severe health risks, including poisoning and organ damage.” The agency warned consumers to be vigilant…

International music sensation, Beyoncé, is set to thrill fans with a captivating performance at the 2024 National Football League’s Christmas programming. The iconic singer announced on Instagram that she’ll headline the halftime show of the highly anticipated Houston Texans vs Baltimore Ravens game. This won’t be Beyoncé’s first NFL performance. In 2013, she dazzled audiences at Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, and in 2016, she shared the stage with Coldplay and Bruno Mars for an unforgettable championship game. Beyoncé’s upcoming performance is expected to feature her country album song, “Cowboy Carter,” marking its first live rendition. Fans are eagerly…

Nigerian singer Crown Uzama, popularly known as Shallipopi, has lavished praise on ace rapper Olamide, declaring him the undisputed king of Nigerian street music. In an interview with Naija FM, Shallipopi revealed why he featured Olamide on his hit track “Order”. “Baddo [Olamide] is the father and king of Nigerian street music. So I had to feature him on ‘Order’ because it is a street song and Olamide owns the street.” Shallipopi also addressed his departure from Dapper Music, clarifying that his exit was amicable. “We parted ways after my contract expired,” he explained, dispelling rumors of a rift. Shallipopi…

A massive fire broke out at Eco Fitness Hub, a popular fitness center in Gwarinpa, Abuja, on Wednesday, causing extensive damage to the facility. The inferno, whose cause remains unknown, has engulfed large portions of the center, leaving many in shock. Fortunately, as of the latest reports, no casualties have been recorded. This is a welcome relief, considering the potential risks associated with such incidents. Eco Fitness Hub is a well-known fitness center in Abuja, offering various services, including outdoor classes, group training, and personal training. The center is equipped with modern facilities, including a range of equipment, such as…

In a welcome respite, South Africa’s unemployment rate has decreased to 32.1% in the third quarter, down from 33.5% in the previous quarter, reports Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey. _Key Highlights_ – 294,000 jobs added in Q3 – 373,000 fewer unemployed individuals – Employment growth in community services, construction, trade, mining, and transport – Youth unemployment drops to 45.5% from 46.6% This marks the first decrease in joblessness since Q3 2023, when the unemployment rate stood at 31.9%. The decline is a positive development for Africa’s largest economy, which has struggled with high unemployment rates. Despite this progress,…

Nigerian skit maker and actress, Kemi Ikuseedun, popularly known as Mummy Wa, has bravely shared her harrowing experience with sexual harassment in the movie industry. In an emotional interview on Chude Jideonwo’s ‘WithChude podcast’, Mummy Wa revealed the dark side of Nollywood, where filmmakers demand sexual favors in exchange for career advancement. “Behind the scenes, a lot of people are asking for things. They are requesting a whole lot of things that I cannot do,” she stated. Mummy Wa recounted how she faced relentless pressure from industry insiders, seeking to exploit her vulnerability. “Where do I want to start from?…

The highly anticipated 2025 GRAMMY Awards season kicks off today with the nomination ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the music industry. The Recording Academy has introduced changes to several award categories to promote inclusivity and align with current industry standards. According to Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., the updates aim to “support the evolving music landscape” and “empower creators.” Key changes include the introduction of the “Best Dance Pop Recording” category and repositioning of the Best Remixed Recording category. _Updated Categories and Guidelines_ – _Best Dance Pop Recording_: Replaces Best Pop Dance Recording – _Best Remixed Recording_: Now…

The government of Equatorial Guinea has terminated the appointment of Baltasar Ebang Engonga as Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) following the discovery of explicit videos featuring him with high-profile women. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo ordered Engonga’s dismissal on November 4, citing Decree No. 118/2024, which alleges misconduct in office and behavior incompatible with public office. The leaked videos, which have gone viral online, show Engonga in intimate moments with VIP ladies and his cousins. This has generated widespread controversy and condemnation, including from the First Lady of Equatorial Guinea, Constancia Mangue Obiang. Mrs. Obiang expressed…

Atiku Abubakar, former Nigerian Vice President, has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election victory in the United States. In a statement released on Wednesday via X, Atiku praised the outcome as a testament to democracy’s strength and resilience. Atiku expressed admiration for the democratic process in the US, emphasizing the importance of credible elections worldwide. “I closely followed the presidential election in the United States of America, watching with bated breath as the nation decided its future. It is with even greater satisfaction that I now reflect on the result, which heralds a resounding victory for…

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported two more cases of Clade Ib mpox, bringing the total number of cases in the country to three. These new infections are linked to household contacts of the initial case, highlighting the virus’s potential for rapid spread in close-contact environments. Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, Prof. Susan Hopkins, stated, “Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact, and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household. The overall risk to the UK population remains low.” The UKHSA has comprehensive measures in place to contain the outbreak,…