Author: Yusuf Lawal

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…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the Federal Government’s plan to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT), saying it will deepen the domestic cost-of-living crisis and exacerbate Nigeria’s already fragile economic growth. In a statement on Sunday via his X handle, Atiku described the move as a “blazing inferno that will consume the very essence of our people.” Atiku noted that the increase in VAT, coming on the heels of the rise in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), will worsen the economic situation. “President Bola Tinubu, alongside his…

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to alleviate the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. In a statement obtained in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye highlighted the suffering of many Nigerians, noting that the situation makes it imperative for the President to act quickly. Oyintiloye expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to ease the suffering of the masses, but suggested that faster approaches should be adopted, particularly given the economic difficulties caused by rising fuel prices. “There is no doubt that the President is doing everything…

Former Big Brother Naija reality star, Ilebaye Odiniya, has spilled the beans on the upcoming wedding of her colleagues, Angel and Soma. In a video message with Angel that has gone viral, Ilebaye revealed that the couple will exchange vows in January next year. Although Ilebaye did not disclose a specific date, her announcement has sent shockwaves of excitement among fans of the reality show. Angel, the Big Brother Naija ‘All-Stars’ edition winner, also flashed her engagement ring on the camera, confirming the news. “We are not supposed to announce it yet, the [Angel and Soma’s] wedding is next year…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned against the spread of fake news and misinformation during the Edo State governorship election, scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024. INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, issued the warning during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday. Olumekun, represented by the Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Mary Nkem, emphasized the critical role the media plays in ensuring the integrity of the upcoming election. “In this digital age, we are acutely aware of the dangers posed by fake and misleading news, especially during an election period,” Olumekun…

Tragedy struck in Georgia, United States, on Wednesday as a 14-year-old student opened fire on the grounds of Apalachee High School, leaving four people dead and nine others seriously injured. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has identified the victims as Christina Irimie, 53, and Richard Aspinwall, 39, both teachers, and Christian Angulo, 14, and Mason Schermerhorn, 14, both students. The suspect, Colt Gray, a 14-year-old student at Apalachee High School, was apprehended by officers within minutes of the shooting and is currently in custody. He will be charged with murder and tried as an adult, according to the GBI.…