Author: Yusuf Lawal

Referee Anthony Taylor has been removed from this weekend’s Premier League fixtures following a barrage of online abuse and death threats after last Saturday’s Bournemouth vs Chelsea clash. Taylor’s performance in the match, which saw Chelsea win 1-0 courtesy of Christopher Nkunku’s late goal, was marred by controversy. He issued a record 14 yellow cards to players and two to the coaching staff, sparking heated debate among fans. However, the backlash took a disturbing turn as Taylor became the target of vile online trolls, with some individuals issuing death threats against him and his family. The Premier League has condemned…

The National Identification Number-Subscriber Identity Module (NIN-SIM) linkage deadline expired on September 14, 2024, leaving approximately 65 million phone lines at risk of disconnection. The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) had warned that no SIM card would remain active without a verified NIN from September 15. _Telecom Operators Begin Disconnection_ Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, confirmed that the disconnection process is ongoing. “It’s difficult to provide exact numbers for the lines disconnected so far, but it’s certainly less than 66 million because, even on the day of the deadline, people were still linking their…

Nigerian street-pop star, Portable, has issued a public apology for slapping a pastor who visited his bar to preach. The incident, which went viral, sparked widespread condemnation from netizens and religious leaders. In a midnight video confession on Monday, Portable begged for forgiveness, revealing that his actions were triggered by past experiences. “My fans, community issues are different from that of the street. May God forgive me. I didn’t know he was a genuine man of God. If I knew I wouldn’t have slapped him.” Portable explained that he mistakenly assumed the pastor was there to harm him spiritually, citing…

The Big Brother Naija “No Loose Guard” season witnessed its latest eviction on Sunday, with Ben and Chizoba bidding farewell to the competition. Ben, who was the first housemate to be evicted after the unpairing of contestants, expressed gratitude for his time on the show. Five housemates – Kassia, Soj, Kellyrae, Chizoba, and Victoria – were initially up for possible eviction. However, Ben and Chizoba ultimately received the lowest votes from viewers, sealing their fate. In a post-eviction interview, Ben shared his thoughts on his departure from the show. “I’m not shocked by my eviction. I feel I got an…

Oil marketers have confirmed that they will start lifting Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery next week. Initial Supply: 25 million litres daily supply anticipated. Market Deregulation: Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, declares downstream sector fully deregulated. Price Speculation: Marketers hint at N1,200/litre price range. Imported Petrol: Major marketers expect imports before month-end. NNPC’s Denial: NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, denies loading petrol from Dangote refinery. Dangote’s Confirmation: Marketers sending trucks to load products from Sunday. Independent Marketers: IPMAN President, Abubakar Maigandi, confirms import plans and Dangote loading. Price Uncertainty: Discussions ongoing, no official price…

Seventeen political parties contesting the September 21 Edo State governorship election have signed a peace accord, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) declined. PDP’s Reason: Edo PDP Chairman Anthony Aziegbemi cited the detention of 10 party members by the police in Abuja. “We are here to register our protest… PDP will not sign peace accord when 10 of our members are detained,” Aziegbemi said. Police Response: Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun denied knowledge of PDP members’ arrest, stating only individuals who committed crimes were arrested. Peace Committee’s Appeal: Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah urged candidates to prioritize peace for a credible…

Ghana’s government has announced a 45% increase in the producer price of cocoa for the 2024/2025 crop season, aiming to reduce smuggling and improve farmers’ welfare. New Price: The farm gate price rises to $3,063 per tonne, a 129% increase from last season’s $1,335 per tonne. Government’s Commitment: Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong stated, “This appreciable increment in the producer price of cocoa signifies the government’s commitment to improve the sector and the livelihoods of the Ghanaian cocoa farmer.” Smuggling Reduction: Experts believe the price hike will lower the incentive for illegal cross-border sales, allowing farmers to reinvest in their cocoa…

Three of Nigeria’s biggest music exports, Rema, Asake, and Omah Lay, have been announced as headliners for the highly anticipated 2024 Promise Land festival in Australia. Scheduled to hold from October 4 to 6, 2024, at the Gold Coast, the festival promises an unforgettable experience with a star-studded lineup of international artists. On October 5, Rema will take the stage alongside American sensations Jorja Smith, Fiji, and Miguel, delivering his signature energetic performance. The festival’s closing night, October 6, will witness Omah Lay and Asake sharing the spotlight with hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes. Other Nigerian acts set to thrill the…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State have continued to exchange accusations over campaign violence ahead of the September 21 governorship election. The APC Campaign Council’s Media Director, Kassim Afegbua, alleged that the PDP was behind two recent attacks on the party’s campaign team in Edo North. “The rate at which propaganda has swallowed the PDP in Edo State in this campaign season is quite alarming. They brought in some hackers, spinners, hirelings and cloners to town, in order to twist narratives to suit their bulbous ego, trying as it were, with vaunted…

Manchester United fans can breathe a sigh of relief as captain Bruno Fernandes has downplayed the severity of a knock he sustained during Portugal’s dramatic 2-1 win over Scotland in the Nations League on Sunday. Fernandes, who scored a crucial goal in the match, described the injury as “just a little bump.” Portugal came from behind to secure the victory, with Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the goals for the host in Lisbon. The win was a thrilling one, with Ronaldo’s last-ditch winner cancelling out Scott McTominay’s seventh-minute header for Scotland. Fernandes, however, appeared to be struggling with an ankle…