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  • Zack Orji left National Hospital against medical advice – CMD

    Zack Orji left National Hospital against medical advice – CMD

    The National Hospital, Abuja has denied reports suggesting that veteran Nollywood actor Zack Orji was referred to a private facility for additional treatment.

    The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Hospital, Prof. Muhammad Raji Mahmud, said the family of the thespian took him away from the hospital against the medical advice of the management, it emerged on Thursday, January 4.

    The Nation reports that Orji, who was rushed to the intensive care unit of the hospital due to failing health, witnessed an improvement in his condition and was later visited on New Year’s Day by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.

    Orji was reported to have been taken to a private hospital to undergo brain surgery

    According to a statement by the spokesman of the hospital, Tayo Hastrup, the family of the actor signed an undertaken to take him away even as he was being prepared for surgery after he stabilised.

    Read Also: Minister rallies support for ailing veteran Zack Orji after undergoing brain surgery

    The statement reads: “The attention of the National Hospital Abuja has been drawn to a publication insinuating that the Apex hospital referred the Nigerian Actor Zack Orji to a private hospital in Abuja.

    “To set the record straight, the actor, who was brought in on New Year’s Eve and admitted to the intensive care unit, was stabilized by National Hospital Abuja and moved to the ENT ward.

    “Later in the day, he was transferred to the orthopedic ward, where our surgeons began preparing him for surgery. However, the relatives of the patient signed a form “Leaving Against Medical Advice” on January 1, 2024.

    “This thwarted all preparations for his surgery. Nevertheless, the Management of National Hospital Abuja wishes him a speedy recovery.”

  • Woman has no right to return bride price to man, Rita Edochie defends May Edochie

    Woman has no right to return bride price to man, Rita Edochie defends May Edochie

    Veteran Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, has criticised Yul Edochie for asking for a refund of the bride price he paid while marrying his estranged wife, May Edochie.

    The Nation reported that Yul had earlier disclosed that he had been demanding the bride price he paid when he married May, but she and her family members have refused to yield.

    Reacting to Yul’s statement, Rita Edochie noted that May has no right to return the bride price of a man.

    She insisted that Yul should be the one to go to his wife’s hometown and demand the return of the bride price.

    According to her: “A woman has no right to return the bride price of a man; rather it is the man who moves to the woman’s hometown with his kinsmen to ask for the return of the bride price, same way he went to pay initially.

    Read Also: “The pain is terrible” – Yul Edochie marks son’s 17th posthumous birthday

    “Queen May has been asking for a divorce. She urged Yul our son to come retrieve the bride price but he kept holding back thinking Queen May would later give in to his polygamous intentions.

    “Not until late 2023 when the matter was taken to court, only then did he start demanding the bride price which you (Judy Austin) have been pushing him to do.

    “The unfortunate thing is that this matter is now in full custody of the court and nothing can be done till the case is over in court. So I repeat, no pride price can be returned except with consent and order from the court. So you have to wait till whenever.”

  • Southwest Amotekun Commanders walk for Akeredolu

    Southwest Amotekun Commanders walk for Akeredolu

    Commanders and officers of South West Security Network (SWSN) codenamed Amotekun Corps held a candlelight walk for who they termed ‘Generalissimo’ of the outfit, the late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    The road walk which was held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, was to honour Akeredolu.

    From the Cathedral junction in Akure, the Amotekun Commanders walked to the Alagbaka Governor’s Office even as they sang songs in praises of Akeredolu.

    The Amotekun Commanders were received by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and had discussions with him.

    In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that Governors in the Southwest region would not toy with the security outfit begun by his predecessor.

    Aiyedatiwa said the security of life and property in the region would not be taken for granted.

    Commander of Ondo Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, expressed optimism that the security outfit has come to stay.

    Read Also: Why I was absent at Akeredolu’s 8th-day prayer, by Aiyedatiwa

    He said: “The Corps commanders of Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, and myself along with hundreds of their men came to pay a solidarity visit to the government and good people of Ondo State on the loss of our amiable governor who has been the front leader of Amotekun Corps.

    “We have met all the governors and all of them have shown their solidarity to the people of Ondo State. All the Corps commanders travelled all the way from their various states today, that’s the essence of the 5km walk we embarked on today.

    “The good work he (Akeredolu) had done is mainly in the security system in South-West. We all knew what the security situation was before the creation of Amotekun, that’s about three years ago, and we are living testimony of the fact that security in the southwest has greatly improved. We are resolute in continuing the good work that he started. That’s our own contribution to immortalising him as our great leader.

    “We already have the reassurance from the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa that he will continue the good work that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu was doing in Amotekun. So, we don’t have any fear at all.

    Corps Commander from Oyo State, Colonel Olayinka Olayanju(red) noted that Amotekun Corps would continue operating, saying it has matured greatly.

    He said Amotekun Corps has passed the stage which could pose fear that it could collapse because it has grown over the years.

  • FULL LIST: 2023 FIFA FIFPro Team of the Year

    FULL LIST: 2023 FIFA FIFPro Team of the Year

    The FIFPro award is the only worldwide football honour decided by professional football players, with over 28,000 players voting for it.

    The chosen players must have participated in at least 23 games during the time that the nominations were made, which ran from December 19, 2022, to August 20, 2023, inclusive.

    Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been named on a 23-player shortlist for the FIFPro team of the year. The 38-year-old scored 54 goals for club and country in 2023.

    Also nominated are Inter Miami and Argentine forward Lionel Messi, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, and PSG forward Kylian Mbappe.

    World Cup winners Aitana Bonmati and Jenni Hermoso were nominated in the women’s category. Also on the list is Chelsea’s women’s duo of Lauren James and Sam Kerr.

    2023 FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World XI Finalists

    Goalkeepers

    Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Belgium), Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, Argentina)

    Defenders

    Ruben Dias (Manchester City, Portugal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands), Eder Militao (Real Madrid, Brazil), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid, Germany), John Stones (Manchester City, England), Kyle Walker (Manchester City, England)

    Midfielders

    Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund/Real Madrid, England), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City/Barcelona, Germany), Luka Modric (Real Madrid, Croatia), Rodri (Manchester City, Spain), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City, Portugal), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, Uruguay)

    Forwards

    Karim Benzema (Real Madrid/Al-Ittihad, France), Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur/Bayern Munich, England), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain/Inter Miami, Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid, Brazil)

    2023 FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World XI Finalists

    Goalkeepers

    Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham United, Australia), Mary Earps (Manchester United, England), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars, USA)

    Read Also: FIFPRO, NFF trade words over Super Falcons pay dispute

    Defenders

    Lucy Bronze (Barcelona, England), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid, Spain), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England), Amanda Ilestedt (Paris Saint-Germain/Arsenal, Sweden), Ashley Lawrence (Paris Saint-Germain/Chelsea, Canada), Maria Leon (Barcelona, Spain), Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain)

    Midfielders

    Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain), Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain), Fridolina Rolfo (Barcelona, Sweden), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich, England), Ella Toone (Manchester United, England), Keira Walsh (Barcelona, England)

    Forwards

    Jennifer Hermoso (Pachuca/Tigres, Spain), Lauren James (Chelsea, England), Sam Kerr (Chelsea, Australia), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave, USA), Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona, Spain), Alexandra Popp (Wolfsburg, Germany), Alessia Russo (Manchester United/Arsenal, England)

  • JUST IN: Two kidnapped victims regain freedom in Ebonyi

    JUST IN: Two kidnapped victims regain freedom in Ebonyi

    The two abducted Afikpo natives in the Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi state who were kidnapped on New Year’s Day have regained freedom.

    The duo, one Mike and the sister, all based in the US, were released on Wednesday evening in an unknown location after the family paid an undisclosed ransom running into several millions of Naira.

    A source close to the family, who could not disclose more details about what transpired before their release, said that the duo had been taken to a hospital for medical examination.

    “At least they’ve come back alive and we thank everybody for their prayers.”

    The hoodlums had invaded the Afikpo community on New Year’s Day and stormed the residence of the victims at Ndibe Beach Road and abducted two persons while one lady was killed in the process.

    Another person was shot and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Abakaliki.

    Read Also: ‘Why I’m running for Ebonyi South Senatorial District poll’

    The kidnap gang numbering five were said to have trailed the victims who came in from the US and London for the Yuletide holiday.

    The hoodlums had called a member of the family shortly after whisking away their victims to an unknown destination and demanded N50m as ransom.

    It was not immediately clear the exact amount paid as ransom, but an unconfirmed source said: “The kidnappers collected quite a reasonable sum of money before releasing their victims.”

  • Tinubu, Dangote, Burna Boy, Osimhen, among most influential Africans

    Tinubu, Dangote, Burna Boy, Osimhen, among most influential Africans

    President Bola Tinubu, businessman and chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Nigerian and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, and Grammy award-winning singer, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, were some of the Nigerians who made the list of the most influential Africans.

    This is based on a New African magazine article published on Tuesday which included a list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023.

    The list honours the accomplishments and contributions of Africans across a range of industries and professions who have improved both the continent and the global community.

    The report said: “The list features a diverse and inspiring group of men and women, who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, leadership, resilience, and vision in their respective domains. They include politicians, entrepreneurs, industrialists, environmentalists, creatives, scientists, educators, sports personalities, and more.

    “The list also reflects the shifting trends and priorities in Africa, as the continent faces new challenges and opportunities in the post-pandemic era,” a statement by the publishers said, adding that “creatives dominate the ranking with 31 representatives.”

    Nigeria was the nation with the highest representation on the list, according to the magazine, which also noted the nation’s supremacy in business and the creative industries.

    Alongside Tinubu in the politics and public service category were the President of the African Development Bank Akinwunmi Adesina, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the President of Kenya William Ruto.

    Read Also: As Tinubu moves to rev up economic recovery with consumer credit

    In the sports category, Osimhen and the President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, were named alongside others.

    Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Temilade Openiyi, aka Tems, were named in the creative industry while Dangote made the list of influential persons in the business category.

    Tinubu was on May 29, 2023, sworn in as Nigeria’s President after defeating his major rivals, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

    Burna Boy won the Best Global Music Album category after beating four other nominees at the 63rd Grammys in 2021.

    Osimhen was announced CAF Men’s Footballer of the Year in December beating out Achraf Hakimi, Mo Salah, and other African superstars.

  • Diri sues for peace in Rivers as Fubara visits Bayelsa

    Diri sues for peace in Rivers as Fubara visits Bayelsa

    Bayelsa state governor, Douye Diri has urged his Rivers state counterpart, Siminalayi Fubara, to work for peace in order for his vision to develop the state to be actualised.

    Diri stated this on Thursday, January 4, when Governor Fubara and a high-powered delegation visited him at his country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

    It was Fubara’s first official visit to the state since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

    Diri said the importance of peace could not be over-emphasised as no development could take place where there is crisis.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying that Rivers and Bayelsa have a long-standing brotherly relationship and whatever affects one affects the other.

    Diri said he had been concerned about the political crisis in Rivers and had worked behind the scene to ensure peace returned to the state. 

    He cautioned against giving ethnic coloration to the crisis, insisting that the Ikwerre of Rivers and the Ijaw of both Rivers and Bayelsa were one and cannot afford to fight each other as it would amount to a senseless battle between brothers.

    He equally urged his Rivers counterpart to be tolerant and patient while focusing on delivering development to people of his state.

    While expressing willingness to forge closer ties with the Rivers governor in the interest of both states, Diri welcomed Fubara’s olive branch to find an amicable solution to the legal tussles between both states. 

    Diri said: “Rivers and Bayelsa are one and the same. That is why during the political crisis, we worked behind the scene to ensure peace reigned in your state. What affects Rivers affects Bayelsa.

    “My thinking is that there has to be peace in Rivers State. God should grant you the wisdom to govern. At this time you must be patient and tolerant. You should also communicate with God and He will guide you. 

    Read Also: Why I backed Diri’s re-election, by Jonathan

    “Some people wanted to give the crisis ethnic colouration but I said no. We should all look for peace and not escalate it so that the governor will also focus on delivering development to his people. I again call for peace and understanding so that both states will experience development. 

    “We have some cases in court and I am sure you have been briefed. That is why you said we should talk about our issues. I am very prepared to discuss with your government to resolve them.

    “Our politics must be people-oriented. If we serve our people well, we serve God. We also need to meet more closely and explore areas of mutual benefits to both states.”

    Earlier, Governor Siminalayi Fubara said his visit was to foster unity and seek areas of collaboration between both states. 

    He stated that the two states had a lot in common and could not afford to work at cross purposes.

    Fubara noted that the recent crisis in Rivers was unfortunate and said the issues were being resolved as his administration was focused on developing the state. 

    While thanking the people of Bayelsa for their solidarity, Fubara said he will forge a closer relationship with Diri, which would enable both states to make progress.

    He stated that Rivers was willing to dialogue and resolve all the legal issues involving both states, insisting that as brothers an amicable solution can be found to the challenges threatening to divide them. 

    He said: “There is no difference between Rivers and Bayelsa. The creation of Bayelsa was for development purposes. We are one and the same people. 

    “My visit is a unification meeting. We are here to tell our brother that we want to work together for a common purpose, which is the development of both states. 

    “We have a lot of things jointly owned by both states. We need to meet and settle all issues. We cannot be developed in a situation of crisis. Peace is the major ingredient for development. 

    “We appreciate the people of Bayelsa for their solidarity during our trying period. Whatever affects Rivers affects Bayelsa. But equally important is that Nigeria needs peace in Rivers because of our strategic place.”

  • Ex-minister Sadiya Farouq didn’t shun invitation – EFCC

    Ex-minister Sadiya Farouq didn’t shun invitation – EFCC

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says former Minister of Humanitarian Affair, Disaster Management, and Social Development Sadiya Umar-Farouq, did not shun its invitation as reported by a section of the media.

    The EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale said this in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

    Oyewale explained that the former minister sent a letter that she couldn’t honour the invitation because she was indisposed due to health challenges.

    ”It is true that she didn’t show up but she sent a letter pleading for more time explaining that she had some health challenges.

    ”She didn’t shun EFCC invitation, she actually gave reasons why she couldn’t meet up

    ”Her lawyer was also at the commission to brief the anti-graft agency of why she couldn’t come or honour the invitation,” the EFCC spokesman added.

    Oyewale said the commission had considered her plea, and expected that she would honour the invitation without further delay

    He said that there might not be any reason for her arrest as she had done the needful through her lawyer.

    ”The position of the commission is that she should turn herself in without further delay.”

    He also explained that the N37.1 billion being branded might not be a correct figure of the money misappropriated by the ministry

    ”On the figure that is being branded, I cannot categorically confirm the figure because it is an ongoing thing, We are still tracing all the transactions here and there, it may be more than that.

    ”We can’t publish a figure now until we finish the tracking and it may be more than what is being brandished now,” he said.

    Read Also: EFCC freezes N30b NSIPA cash traced to private accounts

    The spokesman also said that the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, (NSIPA) Halima Shehu, has been released.

    Shehu who was arrested on Tuesday, has been released and directed to be coming to the EFCC office for interrogation until the end of investigation.

    She was arrested in connection with the ongoing probe of the humanitarian affairs ministry.

    “She was the National Coordinator in charge of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the Ministry during Buhari’s tenure, and she has been queried over some of the money that left the ministry’s coffers through her.”(NAN)

  • No plans to increase petrol price – NNPCL

    No plans to increase petrol price – NNPCL

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says there is no imminent increase in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) commonly known as petrol.

    Some Nigerians had expressed fear following the revelation by oil marketers that the cost of petrol should be around N1,200/litre if it was not being subsidised.

    But in a statement by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, on Wednesday, NNPCL called on Nigerians to disregard unfounded rumours of increase in the pump price of petrol.

    Soneye assured the public that there were no plans for an upward review of the price of petrol.

    Read Also: NNPCL denies clashes with marketers over petrol subsidy

    The oil firm further urged motorists not to be involved in panic buying, as it stressed that the company had no plan to raise the cost of the product.

    The statement read: “NNPC Ltd assures the public that there is no imminent increase in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol.

    “NNPC Ltd urges Nigerians to disregard unfounded rumours and assures them that there are no plans for an upward review of the PMS price.

    “Motorists nationwide are advised against engaging in panic buying, as there is presently ample availability of PMS across the country.”

  • FG’s ban on Benin certificates affects 15,000 Nigerian students – NANS Benin

    FG’s ban on Benin certificates affects 15,000 Nigerian students – NANS Benin

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Benin Republic, has requested the government’s leniency over the ban on the validity of degree certificates from both the country and Togo, saying 15,000 Nigerian students are in Benin who will be negatively affected by it.

    The ban came after an undercover reporter described how he participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the second time and graduated from a Benin Republic institution in less than two months.

    Following the revelation, the federal government banned the validation of degree certificates from the countries.

    However, Ugochukwu Favour, the NANS president in Benin Republic, stated on Thursday, January 4, that the government should take into account pupils who had been admitted legitimately.

    “For now, I will say that the Federal Government should look into the issue. Now, you can’t because it is happening in this school, punish everyone because it involved close to 15,000 students in the Benin Republic,” he said on Channels Television’s breakfast show Sunrise Daily.

    Read Also: NANS asks Fed Govt to sanction institutions offering unaccredited courses

    He said that the government had to work more to look into the situation and bring charges against people connected to the story.

    However, he stated that NANS in the Benin Republic has formed a committee to look into the issue, saying that the report of its findings will be essential in putting a stop to such incidents in the future.

    He said: “I have really not validated if it has been happening for a long time. This is just like what just came out on social media and we are still trying to find out how long it has been happening,” the NANS president said. “So, that is why I set up a committee as the president to investigate it.”