Author: Faith Babatunde

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant believes Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen could be the game-changer Chelsea desperately need if they manage to sign him. Osimhen has been on Chelsea’s radar for the past two years, thanks to his stellar performances for Napoli and, more recently, Galatasaray. However, he turned down a move last summer due to personal terms.Pennant is convinced that Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess could solve Chelsea’s attacking woes. Comparing him to Nicolas Jackson, Pennant pointed out that while Jackson gets multiple chances per game, his conversion rate is poor. In contrast, Osimhen is a proven finisher who could boost…

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2025 nominees have been announced, celebrating excellence in film, television, and digital content released between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Top nominees include Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, House of Ga’a, and Freedom Way, earning multiple nominations in categories like Best Movie and Best Director. In the acting categories, Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo), Stan Nze (Suspicion), Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors), and Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising) are nominated for Best Lead Actor, while Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors), Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre), and Uche Montana (Thinline) lead the Best Lead Actress…

The Nigerian naira started the week on a weak note, depreciating to ₦1,536.89/$ by Friday, down from ₦1,517.93/$ in the previous session. The decline followed reports that negotiations on the naira-for-crude deal between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited and local refineries had stalled. Additionally, Dangote Petroleum Refinery temporarily halted petroleum product sales in naira, citing a currency mismatch, adding further pressure on forex demand. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been injecting FX liquidity into banks and Bureaux De Change to stabilize the naira, but analysts caution that without structural reforms, these efforts may only offer temporary relief.…

9mobile has dismissed false rumors about shutting down operations in Nigeria, calling them misleading and baseless. The company acknowledged recent technical issues with Mobile Number Portability (MNP) but assured subscribers that the problem is largely resolved. While minor delays may persist, 9mobile is optimizing its systems to enhance user experience. The telecom provider reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading infrastructure and improving service quality, ensuring reliable customer connectivity. The company emphasized that it remains fully compliant with industry regulations and is dedicated to maintaining transparency in its operations. Despite challenges, 9mobile continues to invest in network expansion and technological advancements to…

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that corps members will begin receiving an N77,000 monthly allowance from March 2025. NYSC Director General, and Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, announced this during his visit to the agency’s zonal offices in Abuja. Nafiu reassured corps members that their welfare remains a priority and urged them to stay disciplined and dedicated to national service. He emphasized NYSC’s role in fostering national unity, leadership, and teamwork. This increase fulfills a 2023 government pledge to align corps members’ stipends with the national minimum wage. The last major raise was in 2020 when the…

NAFDAC has issued a public alert about counterfeit Chlorpheniramine and Dexamethasone injection ampoules mislabeled as Noristerat Injection 200mg. These falsified drugs were found in Niger, Bauchi, and Kano states, particularly at the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Kano, with arrests already made. The agency clarified that genuine Noristerat 200mg is a short-term contraceptive providing eight weeks of pregnancy protection. Authorities are actively working to remove counterfeit products from circulation and have directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to monitor and eliminate them. NAFDAC is also collaborating with law enforcement agencies to track the supply chain and prevent further distribution…

Dangote Refinery has halted fuel supply to the Nigerian market following the termination of its naira-for-crude deal with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). The agreement, which allowed the refinery to purchase crude in naira and sell refined fuel locally, officially ended, forcing Dangote to buy crude in dollars from the international market. As a result, the refinery is now prioritizing fuel exports, raising concerns about potential fuel shortages and price increases in Nigeria. Industry experts warn that the shift could lead to higher pump prices if local supply declines. NNPC officials confirmed that negotiations for a new agreement are…

The Nigerian Senate has postponed its debate on President Bola Tinubu’s State of Emergency declaration in Rivers State to Thursday after delaying its plenary session for two hours. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved to step down the debate, citing Senate Standing Orders. The motion, seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), raises concerns over worsening security in Rivers, with militants threatening attacks and reports of oil pipeline vandalism. Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.…

Tension has gripped Akure, Ondo State, as farmers took to the streets on Wednesday, protesting the alleged killing of five people by suspected herdsmen in Aba Oyinbo, Akure North Local Government Area. According to reports, the attackers stormed the community in the early hours, opening fire on residents. This tragic incident follows a similar attack just two weeks ago, where 14 people were murdered across four nearby communities Ademekun, Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, and Alajido all within the same local government area. The escalating violence has sparked fear and outrage among residents, who now demand urgent action. A large crowd of angry protesters marched…

ECOWAS is set to attract 10 million intra-community tourists to West Africa annually by 2029, strengthening regional economic growth. At a high-level workshop in The Gambia, Commissioner Massandje Toure-Litse highlighted the importance of tourism in driving GDP and job creation. Represented by Dr. Tony Elumelu, she emphasized that the ECOTOR policy will enhance tourism standards, streamline hotel classification, and improve staff mobility, aligning with the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol. Under the leadership of ECOWAS President Dr. Omar Touray, tourism is being prioritized as a catalyst for sustainable development, with a target contribution of at least 12% to member states’ GDP.…