Sports

Abia Warriors get boosts ahead Rivers United clash

Abia Warriors have confirmed the availability of three players for their rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 29 tie against Rivers United. The players are Daniel Wotlai, Samson Obi and Meme Okike, who are returning from injuries they picked up during the season. “Daniel Wotlai, Samson Obi, and Meme Okike are back from injury,” reads a statement released by Abia Warriors media. Abia Warriors will lock horns with Rivers United at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Wednesday. They are currently battling to maintain their NPFL status. The Umuahia club have recorded 41 points from 31 games. Abia Warriors are two points away from the relegation zone.
Graeme Souness: Lack of Aggression in Arsenal Star’s Play
Sports

Graeme Souness: Lack of Aggression in Arsenal Star’s Play

Not convinced by Arsenal's Kai Havertz, former Liverpool player Graeme Souness questions the forward's performance despite recent good form. In Souness's view, the Germany international lacks aggression on the field. Despite Havertz's impactful contribution, setting a strong pace for Mikel Arteta's side in the Premier League title race, Souness finds room for doubt. Having either scored or assisted nine times in Arsenal's last 13 Premier League fixtures, the 24-year-old has been a key player. Expressing his concerns, the Scottish pundit was quoted by HITC saying, "I think they [Arsenal] need something else, yeah, I do. I still have reservations [about Kai Havertz]. I don’t think he is aggressive enough.”
News

Former Abia Commissioner Counters Gov Otti: Ikpeazu’s N3.49bn Credit Balance

Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, a former Information Commissioner in Abia State, revealed that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu left a net credit balance of N3.48 billion for the current administration under Governor Alex Otti. Okiyi-Kalu shared that this information was derived from the Abia Forensic Audit report conducted by Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG), a multinational professional services network specializing in audit, advisory, tax, and legal services. In response to allegations made by Otti against Ikpeazu, Okiyi-Kalu clarified the financial standings left by the former governor. Governor Otti had previously stated that he inherited a debt of N192.2 billion from his predecessor. He mentioned that some of this debt had been paid off at high interest rates, emphasizing the financial...
Successful Operation: Troops eliminate 4 terrorists in Borno
Metro

Successful Operation: Troops eliminate 4 terrorists in Borno

Reports confirm that in the ongoing assault on terrorist hideouts within Sambisa Forest, four Boko Haram insurgents were neutralized in the Bama region of Borno State, located in the northeast region of Nigeria. The 21 Armoured Brigade Forces of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, achieved this significant milestone on May 14, 2024. The elimination of the terrorists occurred during a coordinated mission in Garin Fallujah within the Ukuba general area of Bama LGA. Following the operation, which brought a sense of peace to the region, the vigilant troops remained prepared to act swiftly in response to any potential threats that may arise.
Metro

Statistics reveal 42 fatalities due to road accidents in Edo within four months – FRSC

Between January and April 2024, the Edo State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) recorded a tragic toll of 42 lives lost in road accidents. The State FRSC Sector Commander, Paul Okpe, shared this information with the press in Benin City earlier this week. During this timeframe, there were 57 reported accidents in the state, resulting in 22 deaths in January, four in February, 11 in July, and five in April. According to Okpe, a total of 537 passengers were involved in these accidents, with 42 fatalities, 206 injuries, and the remainder escaping unharmed. The causes of these crashes, as outlined by Okpe, encompass overspeeding, brake failure, violations of traffic regulations, reckless driving, and the hazardous practice of using phones behind the wheel. In an effort to enco...
Incident in Zamfara results in 23 bandits killed during clashes
Metro

Incident in Zamfara results in 23 bandits killed during clashes

On Saturday, May 11, a violent clash occurred near Sunke Forest in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in north-west Nigeria, involving two rival terrorist groups led by Bello Kaura and Kachalla Najaja. The three-hour gun battle between the factions led to the deaths of 23 terrorists engaged in the confrontation. Physical confrontation between Kaura and Najaja took place within the Sunke forest, with both groups exchanging heavy gunfire. Kaura’s faction successfully repelled the attackers from Najaja, forcing them to retreat through the Gandu forest in the Bukuyum area of the state. Witnesses in the area recounted the deadly skirmish that claimed many lives and resulted in several others being wounded. In the past four years, a significant number of residents had fled their vil...
‘I’ve made some people heartbroken while being single’ – Ayra Starr
Entertainment

‘I’ve made some people heartbroken while being single’ – Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr, the well-known Nigerian musician, recently shared insights about her romantic life. At 21 years old, she revealed that she is currently unattached and is optimistic about finding love in the near future. The artist behind the popular track 'Bloody Samaritan' also acknowledged that she has unintentionally caused heartbreak for some individuals. During a recent conversation with Angela Yee, Starr mentioned, “I haven't found love yet but anticipate it soon. I've unintentionally caused heartbreak to a few. If I have hurt someone, it was never my intention.”
A School Teacher Gets Life Imprisonment for Sexually Assaulting a Seven-Year-Old
Metro

A School Teacher Gets Life Imprisonment for Sexually Assaulting a Seven-Year-Old

In a significant ruling, the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta has handed a life sentence to Ojo Ezekiel, a 47-year-old secondary school teacher, for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl. Convicted on a single charge of rape, Ezekiel was first brought to court on July 1, 2022, under the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Ogun State 2017. It was disclosed that Ezekiel taught at a secondary school situated in the same vicinity as the victim's school. The prosecuting counsel, Olusegun Olaotan, informed the court that the victim's mother noticed something amiss with her daughter's private parts while bathing her. Upon being questioned, the seven-year-old confided in her mother about the teacher's sexual abuse. In the course of proceedings, Olaotan detailed,...
Gael Clichy: ‘Outstanding Team of the Season’ – Exclusive Thoughts on Deserving Title Winners
Sports

Gael Clichy: ‘Outstanding Team of the Season’ – Exclusive Thoughts on Deserving Title Winners

In an insightful revelation, former Arsenal and Manchester City star Gael Clichy expressed his preference for Pep Guardiola’s squad to clinch the Premier League trophy this season, edging out his former team, Arsenal. Clichy underscored Man City's unparalleled dominance throughout the current campaign, asserting their claim as the standout team of the season. During an interview with Ladbrokes Fanzone (as reported by Mirror), Clichy remarked: “Manchester City's current form has truly left me in awe. Even on off days, they exhibit sheer supremacy by dismantling opponents consistently in games lasting 90 minutes. “Despite not hitting their peak performance levels against Arsenal, they controlled proceedings. While they might not have secured the win on that occasion, it's evident that ov...
Bola Tinubu Gives Green Light for Fresh Injection of Funds in the Housing Sector
News

Bola Tinubu Gives Green Light for Fresh Injection of Funds in the Housing Sector

Transforming the infrastructure and housing sector in the nation has received the go-ahead from the Federal Executive Council, with President Bola Tinubu at the helm on Tuesday. The newly approved initiative addresses the pressing need for crucial infrastructure and affordable homeownership, aiming to stimulate job creation, inclusive growth, and long-term productivity enhancement. During its meeting at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, the council endorsed the initiative, which will facilitate access to private-sector funds for Nigerians seeking 25-year mortgages at favorable interest rates to fulfill their homeownership aspirations. Following the meeting, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasized the significance of innovative collabo...