The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Doctor’s death: Police confirm arrest of 3 persons in Lagos

    Doctor’s death: Police confirm arrest of 3 persons in Lagos

    The Police Command in Lagos State has confirmed the arrest of three persons over the death of Dr Vware Diaso at the General Hospital in Lagos.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest on Saturday to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Hundeyin, who did not mention the identities of the suspects, said that the police had begun investigation into the case.

    NAN reports that a faulty elevator at  the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos, claimed the life of a medical doctor, Vware Diaso, who was working at the facility.

    The incident reportedly happened on Wednesday evening when the deceased, who lived on the 9th floor of the building, wanted to meet a dispatch rider who had brought her the food she earlier ordered online.

    The deceased, a graduate of Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, was said to be undergoing her mandatory one-year internship programme at the hospital and had less than two weeks to complete the programme when tragedy happened.

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    Reports said that the hospital elevator that killed the late Diaso crashed from the 10th floor to the ground floor.

    It was also gathered that the late doctor was rushed to the emergency ward of the hospital for treatment but eventually died.

    The sources also pointed out that the elevator had malfunctioned several times before the incident, but serious attention was not given to it by the hospital management.

    Meanwhile, Gov. Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has vowed to get to the root of the doctor’s death through thorough investigation, as he condoles with victim’s family. (NAN)

  • Edo 2024: Why Obaseki refuses to endorse Shaibu as successor

    Edo 2024: Why Obaseki refuses to endorse Shaibu as successor

    Facts have emerged on why Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki has refused to endorse his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, as his preferred successor.

    It was gathered that Governor Obaseki is not disposed to his successor emerging from Edo North senatorial district where his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole hails from.

    Shaibu hails from same Estako extraction where Oshiomhole and the Minister-designate, Abubakar Momoh, hail from in Edo North

    Sources said Obaseki plans to balance the power tripod in the State by ensuring his successor hails from Edo Central or other parts of Edo North senatorial district.

    A source named Asue Ighodalo as the likely man Governor Obaseki prefers to succeed him.

    Besides the issue of power balancing, the source said Governor Obaseki does not believe Shaibu would continue with his plans and vision as spelt out in his 30-year development plans.

    The source said suspicion that Shaibu may defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was confirmed when he attended the Abuja inauguration party of Oshiomhole without clearance from Obaseki.

    It was gathered that Shaibu was alarmed when he was prevented from entering the Governor’s office as he was told to give prior notice before seeing the Governor.

    Another source said the removal of overseeing revenue generation from the office of the Deputy Governor was an indictment to the capacity of Shaibu to handle affairs of the state.

    Speaking on the suit filed by Shaibu seeking court’s protection over an alleged impeachment plot, the source said it was a ploy to drag Governor Obaseki into an open fight and allowed him (Shaibu) remained in office even after defecting to the APC.

    According to the source, “Shaibu wants to force the Governor to support him at all cost but the Governor is not keying into it. He is using blackmail and has forgotten how the Governor warded off demands by the legacy PDP group to drop him in 2020.

    “The Governor has put certain protocols in place that he has earlier overlooked for the sake of peace. Some of the protocols included Shaibu must informed him before storming his office and ensuring Shaibu is stopped from entering State Executive Council meetings whenever he is late. Shaibu used to come late to Exco meetings but the governor has put a stop to it.

    Read Also: How Obaseki has been humiliating me, by Edo Deputy Gov

    “How can the Deputy Governor handle revenue of a State? Governor Obaseki gave him a long rope to operate but the Governor is now setting things properly.

    “Shaibu has gone round the political wards in the state and set up structures without informing the governor. The Governor himself is focusing on governance and cannot sacrifice other ethnic groups like the Akokos, the Owans, the Esan, to support his Deputy who is from Estako.”

    Shaibu is yet to declare his intention to run for the 2024 governorship race but his inability to get support of his boss was said to have stalled a formal declaration.

    Several aides closed to Shaibu refused to speak on the issue. One of them said, ‘Oga is going ahead to contest for the governorship.’

  • Rasmus Hojlund signs for Manchester United

    Rasmus Hojlund signs for Manchester United

    Rasmus Hojlund has joined Manchester United on a contract running until June 2028, with the option of a further year, subject to international clearance.

    The agreement to recruit him from Atalanta has cost United an initial £64m, plus £8m in add-ons.

    At the age of just 20, the striker has scored 27 goals in 87 club appearances, including 10 in Italy for Atalanta last season. Already a senior international, Hojlund has scored six goals in his six appearances for Denmark. 

    Rasmus Hojlund said: “It is no secret that I have been a fan of this great club since I was a small boy, and I dreamed of walking out at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player.

    “I am incredibly excited by this opportunity to turn that dream into a reality, and I am determined to repay the faith that the club has shown in me. It is still early in my career, but I know that I am ready to make this step up and play with this group of world-class players.

    Read Also: Osimhen inches closer to new Napoli contract

    “Once I had spoken to the manager, I knew that this environment would be perfect for my development; I am relishing the opportunity to work with one of the best coaches in the world. Under his guidance and support I know that I am capable of achieving great things together with my new teammates at this special club.”

    John Murtough, Manchester United Football Director, said: “Rasmus is a truly exceptional talent. He possesses technical and physical attributes which rank him amongst the best players in the world for his age group. Working under Erik ten Hag and his coaches will provide Rasmus with the perfect development platform. Everyone across the club will ensure that he is given the time and all the support required to reach his immense potential. 

    “Throughout the summer we have acted quickly and decisively to secure our primary targets early in the transfer window. This will ensure that Erik and his coaches have the best opportunity to prepare the squad to push for further success in the exciting campaign ahead.”

  • Coach confirms Dessers, Balogun in league opener

    Coach confirms Dessers, Balogun in league opener

    Rangers boss Michael Beale has confirmed that Nigeria’s internationals, Cyriel Dessers and Leon Balogun, are available for the club’s first game of the new Scottish league season.

    Cyril Dessers made the switch to the Scottish giants from Cremonese this summer for £5m on a four-year deal, while Balogun returned for a second spell on a year deal following previous two successful seasons at the Ibrox Stadium between 2020 and 2022.

    The record 55-time Scottish champions have recruited well in this window, bringing in the likes of Danilo, Sam Lammers, Jose Cifuentes, Kieran Dowell and Jack Butland to join Dessers and Balogun, as they are aiming to wrestle the league title back from the hands of their arch-rival Celtic.

    Read Also: Onigbinde recalls Teslim ‘Thunder’ Balogun’s scoring prowess

    Beale, who was once before an assistant to former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, returned to the club this summer following a brief stint at QPR last season, confirmed that both Dessers and Balogun are part of the squad travelling to Rugby park to face Kilmarnock on Saturday in their first game of the new Scottish Premiership.

    The 42-year-old said in a press conference on RangersTV that both Super Eagles players have undoubted qualities to help the club challenge for major honours in the new season.

    Rangers will face Servette in the third qualifying round of the Champions League on Wednesday after their league opener against Kilmarnock on Saturday.

  • England don’t fear Super Falcons upset, says goalkeeper

    England don’t fear Super Falcons upset, says goalkeeper

    Goalkeeper Mary Earps says England are not afraid of any other left at the 2023 Women’s World Cup ahead of their Round of 16 showdown with Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

    The two footballing nations have been pitied together for a mouthwatering showdown in Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with a place in the last eight of the tournament at stake.

    Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are undoubtedly the favorites heading into the contest after winning all three group games on their way to the top of Group D.

    The Super Falcons, on the other hand, could only picked a second-place spot behind co-hosts Australia in Group B after collecting five points from their three group games.

    England have only been beaten once in their last 35 matches under Sarina Wiegman, making this contest a daunting task for the nine-time African champions.

    Read Also: WWC: Super Falcons plot England’s fall

    Earps, who has conceded only one goal in the tournament so far, said the European champions are not scared of any other team left in the tournament ahead of their Round of 16 clash with Nigeria on Monday.

    Speaking with BBC sports, She believes her team’s all-round qualities have made them one of the favourites to go all way in the tournament this year.

    Our qualities have shown through since we’ve been playing together. I think we are in a good spot, said Earps 

    I don’t think we fear anyone in general. I’m glad it happened for us [on Tuesday].

    Should Waldrum’s side beat England (ranked 4th) in Brisbane, they would play against either Jamaica(43rd) or Colombia (25th) in the last-eight.

  • Ganduje will take APC to next level, Akpabio assures

    Ganduje will take APC to next level, Akpabio assures

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the emergence of a former Kano Governor Abdulahi Ganduje, as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as putting a round peg in a round hole.

    He also congratulated Ganduje and Senator Ajibola Basiru on their emergence as National Chairman and National Secretary of the APC respectively.

    A statement from the Media Office of the President of the Senate, quoted him as saying, “we are very satisfied with the emergence of His Excellency, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, as our National Chairman. He ticks all the boxes and he is indeed, a round peg in a round hole. He has all it takes to take the party to another level.

    “With Dr Ganduje as the party chairman, the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, is right on course. As a strong and committed party man, he knows how to galvanize all interests within the party into a united entity for the future success of the party.”

    Read Also: Senate to revisit CBN Act, says Akpabio

    He noted that “the seamless transition that led to his emergence as the National chairman shows the maturity and determination of members to work for the unity and progress of the party.”

    He added: “I am very confident that our new chairman would bring to bear his vast experience garnered over the years in public administration, to reposition the party and bring together all tendencies within the party to the table, as one indivisible entity bonded by the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    “I call on all members of our party to rally round and give their support to the new party leadership, to enable it deliver on its mandate.

    “I also congratulate the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru and wish him well in his new assignment, as he joins hands with other officers of the party to foster unity within and without the party.”

  • Most women advising May have unhappy homes – Yul Edochie

    Most women advising May have unhappy homes – Yul Edochie

    Most of the women advising May Edochie, the first wife of actor Yul, have unhappy homes, his father-in-law Pete Edochie has said. 

    He spoke with media personality, Chude Jideonwo in an exclusive interview.

    It was the first time he was speaking public on the marital crisis between Yul, his youngest son, and his wife.

    Since April 2022, Yul has been in the eye of the storm, making headlines on several social media platforms over his decision to take a second wife after 18 years with May, with whom he shares three children following the death of their first son in March 2023.

    Baring his thought on his son’s second marriage, the veteran act said it came to them as a surprise as the entire family had no inkling about it.

    He indicated as with his other sons, he doesn’t interfere in Yul’s affairs, chipping in an Igbo adage depicting the consequence of his supposed protégé’s action.

    “First of all, Yul is 41 and I don’t interfere in his affairs, no. 

    “Suddenly, we heard he’s picked up a second wife. Yeah, we did, we did. 

    “There is something we always say in Igbo: ‘If you go and pick up ant-infested firewood, it’s a direct invitation to the lizards to come to roost, right?’ So, here I am and that’s all.”

    Drifting off Yul to his first wife who he fondly called Mary, the Edochie patriarch had only praises for her.

    He stated Mary unknown to many is a computer guru, an exceptionally brilliant lady.

    The septuagenarian also attributed a large part of the Yul Edochie family’s success to her but was dampened that with the current crisis in their marriage, it was difficult convincing her he wasn’t a party to his decision.

    Ebubedike as he’s fondly called continued: “Mary is not just a daughter-in-law. I don’t want to say that I love Mary more than the other wives of my sons but the love I have for Mary is so strong, why? The father and I were very close. 

    “Yes! And when we went for the traditional marriage rites in their place, the kind of reception their people gave me, I will never forget. 

    “Mary is a girl I love to the marrow. By the way, she’s a wonderful person. 

    “Mary is a very very brilliant girl. You may not know that.

    “Mary is a computer wizard, that lady you’re looking at right, and, to a very large extent, the success of that home is to Mary’s credit, yeah. 

    Read Also: Judy reduces Yul Edochie’s perception – Blessing CEO

    “But again, you know things like this happen and it’s so difficult to convince her that you’re not part of it. 

    “You know Mary is a wonderful person. I just had my 76th birthday and the message she put out was so endearing. Mary is a wonderful woman.”

    On the counsel May has been receiving from different quarters, Edochie noted most was coming from women working hard to destroy whatever could be salvaged of her marriage with Yul.

    He maintained most of these women dishing advise to May have unhappy homes.

    “A lot of people have been advising her wrongly, you know, trying to see if they can asunder the link between herself and her husband. 

    “Most of these women who are advising her that way don’t have good homes, they don’t,” he added.

  • I’m lost in BBNaijaAllStars house – Uriel

    I’m lost in BBNaijaAllStars house – Uriel

    Big Brother Naija All Stars housemate, Uriel Oputa has lamented how lonely and isolated she feels in the reality show.

    Uriel in a chat on Friday with CeeC and Frodd expressed sorrow about losing herself.

    “I don’t even know who I am again. I’m lost,” she lamented.

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    CeeC inferred: “You have to find yourself in this house o. The operation in this house is scary. I just dey imagine say maybe I truly like someone in this house, na big trouble o. You no fit like man for this house o. I thank God my strategy is no man, no f*cking around.”

    Frodd added: “I feel like the good guys are taken that is why”.

  • LASG shuts damaged Alapere footbridge, begins emergency repairs

    LASG shuts damaged Alapere footbridge, begins emergency repairs

    The Lagos State Government says it has temporarily closed Alapere Pedestrian Bridge which was damaged by an articulated vehicle, and began immediate remedial works on sections that need urgent attention.

    A statement by Mr Shina Odunuga, Spokesman, Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, said the swift intervention was prompted by a viral video revealing cracks on various sections of the bridge.

    Odunuga said the bridge had been good, safe and useful for well over 15 years until the current unfortunate event.

    He said a team of Lagos State Government officials from the ministry of works and infrastructure and the public works corporation conducted a joint inspection to assess the extent of damage to the infrastructure.

    Odunuga said the team led by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, decided to temporarily close the bridge in the interest of public safety.

    He said the delegation assessed the situation, conducted tests and began immediate repairs.

    “According to eyewitness accounts, the damage to the bridge occurred when an articulated low-bed truck attempted to navigate the bridge while carrying heavy-duty equipment that exceeded the provided standard design headroom of 5.4 meters.

    “At this juncture, the incident brings to mind similar occurrences at Alakija-Trade Fair and Apapa/Oshodi within the past year.

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    “Public infrastructure is being negatively impacted due to the recklessness of road transporters who fail to adhere to international best practices while driving articulated vehicles,” he said.

    Odunuga added that the Alapere Pedestrian Bridge was the third bridge damaged within a short period, thereby, posing challenges to infrastructural growth, given the limited resources of the state government.

    He said investigations revealed that the damage could be quickly managed, hence ongoing remedial works already initiated would ensure prompt reopening of the infrastructure.

    He said the bridge would be placed under close observation and updates on its status would be communicated promptly to the public, as part of the government’s commitment to continued civic engagement.

    Odunuga said the state government will continually explore viable safety measures including installation of advanced sensor technology to mitigate future risks in line with its commitment to ensure safety on roads.

    “We would like to urge all commuters and the general public to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and guidelines for safety,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Why I switched from hip-hop to cultural music – Kcee

    Why I switched from hip-hop to cultural music – Kcee

    Popular singer, Kingsley Okonkwo aka Kcee, has shared why he made a U-turn from Pop music to cultural songs.

    According to him, he wanted to showcase the Igbo culture to the world.

    The 44-year-old singer, who is making waves with his cultural-themed hit song, ‘Ojapiano’, said he got the idea of doing cultural music in 2018 and since then has been improving his craft.

    He stated this in a recent interview with Channels TV.

    He said: “The inspiration for cultural music didn’t just come. I was working towards it for a couple of years about four/five years.

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    “Since 2018, I started thinking about how can I take the Igbo culture to the world. That was when I started doing cultural music. For those that know my career, I wasn’t doing cultural music before. 

    “But I have it in me. So, at some point, I discovered the sweetness of the cultural side. And I decided how can I add the pop I’m doing into the culture and take it global. So, it has been a process, I did a couple of cultural songs, cultural praise then I found myself here.”

    Kcee said many second-guessed him initially when he disembarked from hip-hop to cultural genre but he is excited it turned out to be successful.