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  • ‘Toast me without fear’, Davido’s baby mama, Sophia tells men

    ‘Toast me without fear’, Davido’s baby mama, Sophia tells men

    Davido‘s first baby mama, Sophia Momodu has revealed she is available to be asked out by men, adding that men can toast her without fear.

    The single mother of one held a Q and A session with her Instagram followers during which she answered various questions and requests.

    One netizen, an admirer of hers, subtly shot his shot at her by making his intentions for her known.

    Read Also: Davido gifts cousin diamond wristwatch for being his best staff

    According to the admirer, if there hadn’t been someone who would gun him down for chasing her, he would have married her.

    In response to this, Sophia made it known to the admirers and others that nobody was stopping them from making their advances.

    Sophia Momodu then urged interested men to toast her.

    “I for just marry you if no he says them go shoot me straight up,” the admirer wrote.

    Sophia in response wrote: “There’s nobody anywhere that has the right to shoot you. Toast meeeeeee”

  • Johnny Drille celebrates as wife, Rima Tahini gives birth to first child

    Johnny Drille celebrates as wife, Rima Tahini gives birth to first child

    Sensational singer-songwriter, Johnny Drille, has announced the arrival of his first child with his beautiful wife, Rima Tahini.

    His wife took to her Instagram page to release a heartwarming family video to make known to the public the birth of their baby girl.

    Read Also: I got married to my first girlfriend – Johnny Drille

    From her post, it was gathered that the couple welcomed their first child on the 17th of November, 2023.

    She revealed that the baby was named Amaris Esohe Ighodaro, as she shared beautiful moments from the time they had spent together since her birth.

    His wife, sharing the video, wrote: “My precious and beautiful child, Amaris Esohe Ighodaro 11.17.2023. You are my miracle and the best gift I have ever received. God is faithful and his word is always true!

    “My incredible husband, Thank you for being my rock and the absolute best father to our little babygirl already! I love you”.

  • Akeredolu struggled for true federalism – Alake

    Akeredolu struggled for true federalism – Alake

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, has described Ondo’s former governor Rotimi Akeredolu as someone who struggled for the entrenchment of true federalism.

    The minister eulogised Akeredolu in a condolence message to his family, Ondo people and other loved ones on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that Gov. Akeredolu died in a German hospital on Wednesday. He was aged 67.

    Read Also: Ondo State will immortalise Akeredolu, says Aiyedatiwa

    Alake said that the deceased carved a niche for himself as a bold and irrepressible defender of the interests of Ondo people and the Yoruba nation.

    “I am deeply shocked by the loss of a brother, friend and indeed one of the leaders of the progressive movement.

    “As State Governor, he made the welfare of the people the focal point of governance.

    “Nigeria has lost a titan, but we are consoled by the fact that he left an indelible mark in the political firmament,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Gunmen kill two policemen, kidnap Christmas returnees in Anambra

    Gunmen kill two policemen, kidnap Christmas returnees in Anambra

    No fewer than two policemen were allegedly killed and many were kidnapped on Thursday, December 29, as gunmen returned to Anambra state to cause mayhem.

    A resident of the Uga community in the Aguata local government area had raised the alarm, calling on security agencies and the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to save their lives.

    The hoodlums, The Nation gathered brandished AK-47 guns and shot sporadically at the Uga junction unchallenged.

    The junction leads to the home of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Andy Uba and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Chris Uba.

    The source described what happened in the community as bloody.

    An eyewitness said: “The security men we have these days are the ones who make money their number priority. They are only interested in collecting tolls at each junction

    “At the gate of Aguata local government headquarters, they’re there (both police and military, including vigilante) escorting innocent citizens of their hard-earned money at these hard times with intimidation.

    “Is that how we’re going to better the society when our people are being killed and kidnapped on a daily basis while security agents who are to protect lives and property being paid with our money are busy robbing motorists on our roads.”

    Read Also: Gunmen kill 96 persons, raze 221 houses in Plateau Black Christmas eve – Police

    The hoodlums in their scores were said to be kidnapping people freely while in operation for hours without any form of resistance.

    Another eyewitness said: “It was a rain of bullets at UGA Roundabout, Aguata LGA this evening( Thursday) around 5:50 pm as UGM came in their terrific numbers from Umuchu – Umunze road, all carrying AK47 Assault Rifles and kidnapping people at random in flashy cars.

     “They were not in a hurry to go and remained for long unchallenged. When they sighted a group of policemen coming up from the Ezinifite axis, they opened fire and gunned down two of them.

    “Very sad. People were seen screaming, running, and scampering away for their dear lives as the gunshots were deafening and frightening.

    “Bullets from their AK 47 shattered the windows of CAPAD Filling Station but apart from the killing of the policemen, there were no injuries recorded therein.

    “Anambra State remains a target zone for hoodlums coming from neighbouring states and elsewhere.

    “We call on all to be cautious and security conscious while we pray for those officers on duty who regrettably lost their lives in this needless carnage at the time of our yearly Christmas festivities.”

    Anambra state police public relations officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident

    However, he said the information available to the command about the incident was sketchy.

    He said: “The information is still sketchy, as soon as we get the details an official statement shall be released by the command, please.”

  • Calabar agog as carnival takes centre stage

    Calabar agog as carnival takes centre stage

    Calabar on Thursday stood still as the parade of the bands took centre stage in the ongoing cultural festival christened “Carnival Calabar”.

    The parade, which saw the various bands in their colourful costumes dance through the 12 kilometres carnival route, also saw a large number of residents, tourists and fun seekers cheering them.

    Declaring the parade open, Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River said they were bringing back the carnival in a bigger platform where it could truly be referred to as an international brand.

    He added that the essence was to ensure that Cross River was really the choice tourism destination in Nigeria.

    Some of the tourists from Lagos, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), said that the Calabar carnival was truly the biggest street party in Nigeria.

    Mr Adebayo Adeyanju, a medical practitioner, who was attending the carnival for the second time with his wife and two kids, said it was really a spectacle to behold, adding that his kids were happy.

    He, however, appealed to the government of Cross River to develop other tourism potentials of the state so that tourism would be an all-year-round activity not just in December – during the carnival.

    “We have Obudu Cattle Ranch that is no longer functional; we have the Agbokim Waterfall and even Tinappa. All these great tourist sites were pushed down due to poor management,” he fumed.

    Miss Clara Frederick, a Canadian, who was visiting Calabar for the first time, said she was having a good time as she had been treated well by the residents and would like to visit again in 2024.

    Read Also: Ghana, Cameroon, 15 states shine at Calabar Cultural Carnival 

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there is massive presence of security officials at different parts of the city, especially along the carnival route, with vehicular movements effectively diverted.

    This is to forestall a reoccurrence of the 2022 incident where some people lost their lives and many were injured by a recklessly driven vehicle which ran into the carnival route.

    The various bands are expected to interprete the theme of the carnival which is: “The season of Sweetness.”

    They are expected to perform at different adjudication points where they will be judged by a panel and the winning band will go home with a cash prize.

    Some of the competing bands in the event include the Master Blaster Band and Seagull Band.

    Others are Diamond Band, Bayside Band, Passion Four Band, Calas Vegas Band among others.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu to Aiyedatiwa: take charge, mobilise people to move Ondo forward

    Tinubu to Aiyedatiwa: take charge, mobilise people to move Ondo forward

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, December 28, met with the new Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in Lagos, encouraging him to take charge, mobilise the people to move the state forward.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa, who spoke to journalists after meeting President Tinubu in his Lagos residence, also said he used the opportunity to update him on recent developments in the state.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa was sworn in as governor after the death of his predecessor and former Boss, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday.

    Asked what President Tinubu’s response was during their meeting, Aiyedatiwa said: “It was a paradox, a mixed feeling, he commiserated with me, even though he put a call through yesterday to condole with u-0-.in Ondo state, through me, he still did the same today, and also wished me well that there can never be a vacuum, one era ends, another one begins, but still within same administration and that’s the first time such a thing will be happening in Ondo State, to have a transition within an administration, due to the demise of the governor.

    “So, it’s basically an advice and to also encourage me to take charge and mobilise everybody, one administration that we are known for. So to pull everybody together to work together and see how we can move the state forward”, he said.

    Read Also: Ondo State will immortalise Akeredolu, says Aiyedatiwa

    Stating his purpose of visit, Governor Aiyedatiwa said: “I’m here to see Mr President to further brief him on the events that happened in our state; the loss of our governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, and to also let him know that I have just been sworn in, because there can never be a vacuum, as the governor of Ondo state, being his former deputy.

    “To also thank him for standing by us during the critical moment in our state. It’s no longer news what happened in the last six months in Ondo State that was in the news. Ondo State was practically in the news almost everyday in the last six months, but all that has been put to rest now, and he stood by us as the President of the country.

    “So I’m here to just thank him for being a father-figure to the state, all his advice and the development. Right now and what we are looking forward to do in the days ahead”, he said.

    Meanwhile, the Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, who was also a guest of the President on Thursday, said he visited to commiserate with him and update him on developments in his state.

  • Tinubu hosts Oshoala, lauds Nigerian women

    Tinubu hosts Oshoala, lauds Nigerian women

    President Bola Tinubu has lauded the achievements of Nigerian women on the global stage, saying they are changing the narrative by showing excellence, ingenuity and resilience in all fields.

    President Tinubu said as much  when he, alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, hosted Asisat Oshoala, Super Falcons striker and 2023 CAF Women’s Player of the Year, in Lagos yesterday.

    The moments with Oshoala was narrated in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

    President Tinubu and the First Lady had congratulated the Barcelona Femeni star on winning the best African female footballer of the year for the sixth time.

    The President and the First Lady commended Oshoala for distinguishing herself in the sport, applauding her significant contributions to women’s football on the continent.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s progressive movement must deliver on quality education for all, jobs for youths – Tinubu

    “Nigerian women will always have a pride of place in the world. What our ladies have achieved in football, our women are achieving in all fields of endeavour around the world, rising to the top and demonstrating the best of the Nigerian character of excellence, tenacity, ingenuity, and resilience,” the President said.

    Cognizant of the feats of star sprinter, Tobi Amusan, and the presence of multiple Nigerian women on the Forbes’ ‘2023 World’s 100 Most Powerful Women,’ List, including media mogul, Ms. Mo Abudu, and Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the President and the First Lady assured Oshoala of the nation’s continued support for her and other Nigerian women striving for excellence in their chosen paths.

    Speaking to journalists after the warm reception, Oshoala said: ”I want to appreciate the President and the First Lady for giving me the opportunity to present the award to them. During the last World Cup, we had a couple of issues, and they intervened and have been very supportive to the girls, even after the competition.”

  • Mikel backs Eagles as AFCON favourites

    Mikel backs Eagles as AFCON favourites

    Just like any international competition, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023 will have a number of teams carrying the heavy burden of being tournament favourites.

    Drawn against tournament hosts, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, the Super Eagles of Nigeria head to Cote d’Ivoire as one of the teams that are poised to do well and potentially go all the way. 

    This is according to their former skipper, John Obi Mikel who lifted the title 10 years ago to end a 19-year drought for the Super Eagles when they edged Burkina Faso 1-0 at Soccer City in Johannesburg back in 2013.

    Mikel was speaking to CAFOnline when admitting that the three-time champions will always go into the TotalEnergies AFCON as favourites and was hoping that this generation of players could emulate what they did a decade ago.

     “We are always favourites, this is every time we go into the tournament and it’s no different this time. Everyone knows that we are one of the favourites – not the massive favourite but definitely one of the favourites”, said the former skipper.

    Read Also: Mikel Arteta makes U-turn on Nketiah

    Nigerian football was made proud just a few weeks ago when star player, Victor Osimhen was voted the best African player in the men’s category at the CAF Awards 2023, which was coupled by Asisat Oshoala replicating this in the women’s category.

    A fourth TotalEnergies AFCON title for the Super Eagles would be a massive achievement for the African powerhouse who has contributed significantly to the rich history books of the tournament over the years – lifting it in 1980, 1994 and 2013.

    They were also runners-up in 1984, 1988, 1990 and 2000.

     “To be able to do it again will be a massive achievement for us which I think the country needs right now as well. We need to get our football back where it should be and by winning this tournament, it will take it back to where it should be,” urged Mikel.

    Asked on whether there were any similarities that he can draw inspiration from in the two generations, the former Chelsea midfielder conceded to the fact that the game has evolved a great deal since they lifted the title but believed in the potential of the side.

     “Football has changed dramatically, and I think this group of players are a good young team and play a different brand of football than we did so let’s hope we can see a good performance from the Nigerian team”, he said.

    Nigeria kick off their campaign on 14 January against Equatorial Guinea before facing the hosts four days later in what will be a repeat of the 2013 edition quarter-final that saw them overcome Cote d’Ivoire 2-1.

    They conclude the Group A campaign with a tie against Guinea-Bissau on 22 January.

  • Napoli grants Osimhen early release for AFCON

    Napoli grants Osimhen early release for AFCON

    •  Sociedad  order  Sadiq Umar back to Spain

    African Footballer of the Year 2023, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen,  has been reportedly arrived Nigeria in anticipation of featuring in what will be his second Africa Cup of Nations appearance,  according to Italian outlet, TuttoNapoli .

    He made his AFCON debut at Egypt 2019 where he came in as a substitute to Odion Ighalo in the third place match with Tunisia. That match remains his only AFCON match as he did not feature in the next edition in Cameroon owing to injury.

    Although the Nigerian players are supposed to gather in Abu Dhabi, UAE early in the New Year, Osimhen reportedly headed for Nigeria to first join his family.

    He left on Thursday after training and had also obtained permission from the Azzurri club.

     “At the end of today’s training, Osimhen was given a day’s leave so that he could join his family before leaving for the national team training camp,” the SSC Napoli said in a statement.

    Read Also: Amuneke  tips Osimhen, Sarr, others  to shine at AFCON

    Recall that the former Lille man is suspended in the league and would have missed the match against Monza anyway.

    In a related development, Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar has  reportedly called short his holidays in Nigeria to return to Spain on the orders of his La Liga club Real Sociedad.

    The striker was seen in various social media postings enjoying quality time in his hometown of Kaduna with his pretty daughter Aisha.

    A source close to the striker told SCORENigeria: “Sadiq has returned to Spain. He will feature for his club in a match (away to Getafe) on January 2 before he joins up with the Super Eagles for the AFCON.”

    This will be his second AFCON after he also featured at the 2021 tournament in Cameroon last year.

    The Super Eagles will open training camp in Dubai in time for the submission of a final squad to the AFCON on January 3, 2024.

  • Eyes on Port Harcourt as Niger Delta Polo Festival beckons

    Eyes on Port Harcourt as Niger Delta Polo Festival beckons

    Fresh from the engrossing Abuja Carnival Polo tournament and the Jos Winter Polo  Tournament, clubs across the country are buzzing as participating teams perfect strategies ahead of the 2024 Niger Delta Polo Festival billed to blast off  on January14 at the old GRA Polo Ground in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    President Port Harcourt Polo Club, Ebi Diriyai, confirmed this much, stating that preparations to host the international polo event is ‘in fulfilment of our commitment to deliver the best and biggest Polo tournament that will place Rivers and Nigeria on the map of global reckoning for sports, tourism and business’.

    He added:  “While we appreciate our esteemed sponsors for this robust partnership and several others, we want to declare that the 2024 tournament is still open for both local and international business partnership participation.”

    As part of the elaborate plans to host a befitting polo tournament, the club has been consulting with stakeholders, corporate sponsors and benefactors of the foremost polo club that was established in 1972 as the premier polo club in the entire South East and South -South regions of the country.

    Diriyai also noted that the tournament, apart from celebrating the game of kings, the week-long long event will also showcase and celebrate the cultural heritage and the peaceful nature of the state.

    He assured that the tournament will attract the best of polo players’ world-over and will be an avenue to showcase the tourism and economic potentials of Rivers state and the Niger Delta region as well as an avenue for business networking.

     “We will have the best of the best Polo; the finest Polo players will be here in Rivers State and they will be playing on this field,” he said.“We will also have the best of entertainment in the evenings; we have people coming from all over the world

    Read Also: Port Harcourt refinery reopens after years of closure

     “So we are showcasing Rivers State, we are showcasing the culture of our people; by extension we are also showcasing the Niger Delta. So, what everybody should expect is an A-list artist, A-list Polo, A-list entertainment.”

    Already, over twenty top teams including former champions, determined regulars and ambitious newcomers loaded with the best hands in Nigeria and their foreign counterparts are leading the pilgrimage to the Garden City for the glamorous fiesta.

    Major prizes at stake during the festival include King Diette-Spiff Cup which is the event’s biggest prize, OB Lulu Briggs Cup and T.Y Danjuma Cup, and King T.J.T Princewill Cup among others.

    A release by the Tournament Committee, further disclosed that the 2024 edition would be a follow up Golden Jubilee Tournament last year, as traditional sponsors and other benefactors have rallied around the club, to host a successful polo extravaganza.

    Last year, 25 top teams with all the big names in the noble game of kings and foreign professionals from Europe and Argentina, participated in the Golden Jubilee Anniversary festival with teams from Kaduna, Lagos, Yola, Nigeria Navy and hosts, Port Harcourt, carting home the top laurels.

    The fact that tourists from abroad and polo enthusiasts from other parts of the country attend this festival annually; attest to the immense tourism and social values of the exciting game of kings in the oil-rich region and Nigeria. The 2024 edition promises much more.

    As a Grade A event and the first polo tournament of the year, the biggest attraction of this Niger Delta polo festival in the Garden City, lies in its regional appeal, which for years has been the pride of Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa- Ibom, Cross Rivers and host Rivers states respectively.