Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: News

  • Actor Charles Okocha Breaks Silence After Being Defeated By Portable In Celebrity Boxing Match

    Actor Charles Okocha Breaks Silence After Being Defeated By Portable In Celebrity Boxing Match

    Nollywood actor Charles Okocha has opened up on recent defeat to street-pop artist Habeeb Badmus, popularly known as Portable, in a high-profile celebrity boxing match.

    Expressing his disappointment, Okocha claimed that the fight was manipulated in Portable’s favor. 

    He cited inadequate preparations, a slippery ring, and Portable’s decision to remove his boxing gloves during the bout as factors contributing to the unexpected outcome.

    “When Portable rushed at me in the first round, I slipped due to the slippery ring. However, in the subsequent rounds, I had the upper hand until he refused to continue fighting. I expected a disqualification when he removed his gloves mid-fight,” Okocha stated.

    Despite the loss, Okocha said he remains determined and vocal about his desire for a rematch, expressing confidence in his abilities to emerge victorious under better circumstances.

    Addressing the accusations of a financial dispute leading to the fight, Okocha clarified, 

    “There was no N40 million ripoff as rumored. Our participation was solely due to the offer from the organizers and the social media hype. It was business; there are no personal issues between us.”

    Looking ahead to the rematch, Okocha emphasized his readiness and determination to secure a win, promising to leverage his strengths and exploit his opponent’s weaknesses.

    The rematch, anticipated to be better organized and fairer, is set to take place at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, with both fighters expected to bring their A-game for a definitive conclusion.

  • US Company Donates Unmanned Vessels to Bolster Nigeria’s Security

    US Company Donates Unmanned Vessels to Bolster Nigeria’s Security

    In a bid to reinforce Nigeria’s security measures, the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle, has orchestrated an official presentation of two advanced unmanned water vessels to President Tinubu.

    These vessels, named S2 and S3 Swift Sea Stalkers, were donated by the US-based Swift Ship Company.

    The handover ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa, entailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receiving the two vessels.

    Matawalle underscored the crucial role these unmanned vessels would play in fortifying Nigeria’s security infrastructure, particularly in protecting vital waterways like the Niger Delta and Lake Chad, alongside other strategic maritime zones.

    The donation followed Matawalle’s recent diplomatic visit to various high-tech military hardware companies in the United States, with the objective to explore innovative technologies capable of enhancing Nigeria’s military capabilities, enabling the nation to effectively address modern security challenges.

    Additionally, Matawalle discussed the potential for collaborative efforts between US-based entities and Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation to locally manufacture military hardware.

    This partnership aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of strengthening national security measures and fostering peace within Nigeria.

    During his visit to the United States, Matawalle conducted thorough inspections of cutting-edge military and intelligence hardware facilities. These included assessments of rapid deployment mobile RADAR systems, drone control stations, unmanned water vehicles, and state-of-the-art biometric search-scan systems, among other pioneering innovations.

    Highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing defense capabilities, the Minister assured President Tinubu that integrating these advanced military technologies would significantly bolster Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.

  • Dabiri-Erewa Mourns the Death of Nigerian Student in Canada, Vows to Ensure Justice

    Dabiri-Erewa Mourns the Death of Nigerian Student in Canada, Vows to Ensure Justice

    Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has described the alleged killing of a 19- year old Nigerian student in Manitoba, Canada, Afolabi Stephen, as wicked, promising that the commission will ensure that justice is served.

    In a condolence message issued by the Director of Media and Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the NIDCOM boss received the news with shock.

    “We are in touch with the Nigerians mission in Ottawa who have the assurances of the Canadian authorities that investigations into the unfortunate incident has begun and will be thorough.

    ‘We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Afolabi and pray unto God to allow his gentle and innocent soul to rest in perfect peace”.

    Reports has it that a 19-year-old Nigerian, Afolabi Stephen, was allegedly killed by policemen on December 31, 2023 in Manitoba, Canada.

    Though the details of his death are still sketchy, the Winnipeg, Manitoba Police Department, in a statement posted on its website via Winnipeg.ca, said its officers responded to a call about a young male who was acting “erratically”.

    The police noted that upon arrival, efforts to calm the young man proved abortive which led to the discharge of a firearm by the police which ultimately led to his death.

  • N37.1bn fraud: I’m sick, give me more time to honour your invitation – Ex-minister to EFCC

    N37.1bn fraud: I’m sick, give me more time to honour your invitation – Ex-minister to EFCC

    The embattled former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has officially written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).

    Sadiya is asking the Anti-graft agency for an extension of the deadline to meet with it for interrogators over an ongoing probe into an alleged N37.1 billion money laundering, citing health challenges.

    The EFCC is set to arrest the ex minister after failing to appear before it for interrogators at the it’s Headquarters on Wednesday.

    However, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, Thursday, said Umar had sent a legal representative to the commission and has written to the commission seeking to be given more time to honour the invitation while citing health challenges.

    “The former Humanitarian Minister didn’t appear before the commission yesterday, but she sent in a letter pleading for more time and also explaining that she has some health challenges and that was why she couldn’t honour the invitation. She also sent in her lawyer to meet with interrogators.

    “However, the commission has mandated her to submit herself to the commission without further delay. We are still tracing all the transactions, hence we cannot put a figure to everything now as the investigation is still ongoing.”

    Umar-Farouq kept interrogators waiting for over eight hours on Wednesday without an official communication to the commission as to why she didn’t honour the invitation.

    The former minister was asked to appear before investigators at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabbi, Abuja on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at about 10:00 am, to give an account of the alleged monumental fraud that took place under her watch.

  • IPMAN Gives Fresh Update On Fuel Price Increase

    IPMAN Gives Fresh Update On Fuel Price Increase

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has addressed speculations about an alleged increase in fuel prices during a Channels Television interview.

    National Vice President Hammed Fashola emphasized that IPMAN has no intention of raising fuel pump prices, debunking claims suggesting otherwise.

    He also asserted that the rumored price of N1,200 per litre did not originate from the association.

    Fashola backed the National Nigerian Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s assurance that there are no imminent plans for fuel price hikes and urged Nigerians not to engage in panic buying, assuring them of the product’s availability.

    He clarified that IPMAN relies on NNPCL for fuel supplies and stated that as long as they procure fuel at the existing price from NNPCL, they will not alter their pricing.

    Regarding the upcoming Portharcourt and Dangote refineries expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2024, Fashola anticipated that their entry into the market would foster competition, potentially leading to lower prices in the future.

    However, Fashola appealed to NNPCL to enhance fuel allocations to independent marketers, highlighting issues in the current distribution system that affect their profitability and operations.

    In a separate statement, NNPCL reiterated that there are no plans to increase petrol prices, urging Nigerians to ignore baseless rumors and reassuring them of sufficient petrol availability nationwide.

    Reports confirmed petrol availability in filling stations within the Federal Capital Territory, with prices ranging between N600 and 630 per litre.

  • Former Presidential Spokesperson, Charles Igoh Dies

    Former Presidential Spokesperson, Charles Igoh Dies

    The ex spokesperson to former President Shehu Shagari, Charles Amedu Igoh, has reportedly passed away.

    His death was announced in a statement by his son, John Ada Igoh, on Thursday.

    Charles Amedu Igoh was a journalist, media practitioner, and administrator who served as the Chief Press Secretary to Nigeria’s 2nd Republic president, the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari from 1979-1983. He started his journalism career in the early 70s where he was a Sports Editor and Assistant Editor at the Daily Times newspapers.

    He served as a Press Officer to the Shehu Shagari Presidential Campaign Council in the run-up to the 1979 general elections. Charles Amedu Igoh was eventually appointed by the late Shehu Shagari as his Chief Press Secretary upon his victory at the polls.

    The statement by John Igoh reads: “It is with a heavy heart, but in total submission to the will of God that we regret to announce the passing of our father, grandfather, uncle and brother, Mr Charles Amedu Igoh,which sad event occurred on Saturday the 23rd of December, 2023 after a brief illness. He was 83 years old.

    “Mr Charles Amedu Igoh was a journalist, media practitioner, and administrator who served as the Chief Press Secretary to Nigeria’s 2nd Republic president His Excellency the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari from 1979-1983. He started his journalism career in the early 70s where he was a Sports Editor and Assistant Editor at the Daily Times newspapers.

    “He also worked with the Nigerian Breweries in the Public Relations department. He had a stint at the National Sports Commission in the mid-70s before being appointed as the Public Relations Manager of Volkswagen Nigeria.

    “He served as a Press Officer to the Shehu Shagari Presidential Campaign Council in the run-up to the 1979 general elections. He was eventually appointed by the late Shehu Shagari as his Chief Press Secretary upon his victory at the polls. He served in that capacity in the first term of that administration. and then farming. He was later appointed to the Board of Directors of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria in 1990.

    “He became a deacon in his church, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), where he served the Lord.

    “He is survived by children, grandchildren, younger siblings, nieces, and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.”

  • Idoma Traditional council pegs traditional marriage rites at N50k, bans expensive burials

    Idoma Traditional council pegs traditional marriage rites at N50k, bans expensive burials

    ….Removes stringent marriage conditions, bars expensive

    The Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) in Benue State, led by Och’Idoma Elaigwu Odogbo, has introduced significant reforms affecting traditional marriage rites and burial practices within Idomaland.

    All traditional marriage rites in Idomaland have been fixed at a maximum of N50,000 by the Council.

    The decision was made during a meeting held in Otukpo, the traditional headquarters of the Idoma-speaking people.

    The council set the maximum traditional marriage rites at N50,000. This decision aims to remove stringent conditions and expectations associated with traditional marriages, promoting greater accessibility.

    Moreover, the council has discontinued the practice of returning the corpse of an Idoma daughter from her husband’s home to her paternal home for burial, except in cases of multiple marriages. Expensive burial rites have been banned, emphasizing conduct of burials within affordable means and concluding them within two to three weeks from the date of death.

    The resolutions also address inheritance rights, abolishing the practice where relatives deny the deceased’s children and wives their inheritance rights. The guidelines prioritize the deceased’s wife or wives and children for inheritance, unless a written will states otherwise.

    Additionally, the indiscriminate burial of corpses within communities, especially in residential areas, has been prohibited. Villages and hamlets are mandated to designate burial grounds by the end of 2024, aiming to regulate burials and seek permission from the Traditional Ruler for burials within or around compounds.

    These sweeping reforms aim to eliminate self-imposed cultural practices deemed barbaric and harsh, seeking greater cultural inclusivity and practicality in traditions within the Idoma community.

  • Atiku will run for presidency in 2027 – spokesperson

    Atiku will run for presidency in 2027 – spokesperson

    Spokesperson of the Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign council, Daniel Bwala has revealed that the former vice president will contest again at the 2027 presidential election.

    Bwala revealed this information on Tuesday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels TV. 

    He said that the former vice president is the president the nation never had.

    He further revealed that Atiku understands the private sector, adding that the country’s economy can only come alive if its led by the private sector.

    When asked if Atiku would contest again in 2027, Bwala said, 

    “Sure he will run, he has the capacity, he has the wisdom, he has the knowledge, he has the energy and he is the president we never had. 

    “If i am going to be honest with you if there is any politicians who understand the private sector very well it is Atiku Abubakar and this our economy can only come alive if there is a private sector led economy.”

    He also said there is a need for the opposition political parties to form a solid coalition to stop President Bola Tinubu from winning the 2027 election.

    “Without a coalition of political parties, Tinubu is going to spend the next eight years. That one is for sure.

    “The truth of the matter is that there will be a coalition of political parties that will be very strong. This is a fact that I know. The coalition that is coming will swallow some of the elements that are creating the problems in the various political parties.”

  • NNPCL Dismisses Rumors of Impending Fuel Price Increase

    NNPCL Dismisses Rumors of Impending Fuel Price Increase

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has quashed rumors circulating on social media regarding an alleged plan to increase petrol prices to N1,200 per litre.

    Responding to the speculations, the NNPC clarified that there are no imminent plans to hike fuel prices despite widespread discussions on various platforms.

    The NNPC’s Group Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, issued a rejoinder today, affirming that the company has not engaged in any conflicts related to this matter. 

    The statement emphasized the inaccuracy of a headline from The Punch, terming it “unfortunate.”

    Additionally, NNPC addressed inquiries about subsidy reductions, clarifying that the subsidy has indeed been completely eliminated.

    “NNPC Ltd emphasises it has not clashed with any party. The Punch headline is deemed unfortunate. The publication sought confirmation on the alleged subsidy reduction, to which NNPC responded that the subsidy has been entirely removed.”

    This response comes amidst heightened concerns and mixed reactions among the public due to the challenging economic conditions prevalent in the country. 

  • Fagbemi will bring desired reforms to Justice sector

    Fagbemi will bring desired reforms to Justice sector

    The Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari has expressed confidence in the ability of the current Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to bring desired reforms to the justice sector.

    In a statement by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the AGF on Communication and Publicity, the former Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal expressed the optimism while Prince Fagbemi paid a courtesy visit in his palace on Tuesday in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    Dr Gambari, who described the AGF as the pride of Kwara, hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, insisted that he is capable of rejuvenating the justice sector.

    The monarch said he had known Fagbemi for over 30 years since his days on the bench and was confident that he would uphold the tenets of justice and the fight against corruption.

    He also described Fagbemi as a philanthropist and legal icon who had contributed greatly to legal jurisprudence.

    The Emir called on stakeholders in the justice sector to work as a team with the AGF to bring the desired development to the justice sector in the overall interest of the nation.