BBNaija winner, Efe Ejeba is Youth Ambassador for Nigeria

Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung has announced Big Brother Naija winner, Efe Ejeba as Nigeria Youth Ambassador.

In a Facebook post shared on Tuesday, the minister wrote: “Who I be?’ the popular saying of the Big Brother Naija Winner Efe Ejegba is today a voice that reminds every young person that no matter your humble beginning, your dreams are valid! On this note, Efe Ejeba the winner of Big Brother Naija is today pronounced & decorated Nigeria Youth Ambassador. Congratulations and we wish him well. God bless #NigerianYouths“

The minister also announced that Efe will be joining other Nigerian youth who will represent the country at the Berlin Youth Entrepreneurship Summit in Germany.

Aregbesola inaugurates cabinet after two years in office

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state, has sworn in his cabinet, with less than two years left in his tenure, The Cable reports.

Aregbesola‎, speaking at the swearing-in ceremony which took place at the government house in Osogbo, the state capital, said the inauguration was long overdue.

Release El-Zakzaky, Dasuki now, NBA tells FG

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA has demanded the release of National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), and the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzakky.

Dasuki and Zakzaky have been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2015 despite being granted bail at different times.

Barcelonia confirm Ernesto Valverde as new head coach

Barcelona have confirmed the appointment of former coach of Athletic Bilbao, Ernesto Valverde, as their new coach.

Valverde replaces Luis Enrique, who announced that he would leave in March and has signed a two-year contract, with the option for an additional year included.

Jon Aspiazu, who has worked with Valverde for 15 years, arrives as his assistant coach.

Gov. Ambode sacks chaplain

The presiding Chaplain of the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Lagos State, Venerable Femi Taiwo has been sacked by the Governing Council allegedly on the order of the state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, Punch reports.

A letter by the governing council ordered the Assistant Chaplain, Very Rev. Ayo Oyadotun, to take over with immediate effect.

The Chaplain was reportedly sacked on May 15th and was ordered out of his official quarters where he lived with his wife and two children within 24 hours of receiving the letter.

Gov. Okorocha rejects daughter's appointment, says he wasn't informed

Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha has rejected the appointment of his daughter, Uju Okorocha-Onwuka into the board of the Federal College of Education, (Tech), Omoku, Rivers State.

Uju is married to Dr. Uzoma Awuka, the son of Nigeria Minister of Education State and former Secretary to Imo State, Prof. Anthony Anwuka.

In a statement by his aide, the governor said he was unaware and not briefed about the appointment.

The statement reads; “The attention of the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has been drawn to the publication listing one of the daughters, Mrs. Uju Rochas Anwuka as a member of the Board of the Federal College of Education (Tech), Omoku.

PVC's: INEC accuses Gov. Bello of double registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accused Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello of registering  twice for Permanent Voter Card, PVC as against the electoral law.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Prince Solomon Soyebi in a statement said Bello’s second registration was on Tuesday at the Government House in Lokoja, outside the designated centre for ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

UK court awards Ibori £1 for unlawful detention

A UK high court in London has awarded  £1 to a former governor of Delta state, James Ibori as compensation over his claim of unlawful detention by British Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

Ibori in his unlawful detention suit had claimed £4,000 in damages.

The judge Cheema Grubb said Ibori was unlawfully held for one day, 18 hours and 10 minutes last year.

2017 Billboard music awards | Full list of winners

The 2017 Billboard Music Awards ended on a high note over the weekend in Las Vegas with Hotline Bling rapper Drake going home with 12 trophies, making him the biggest winner of the night.

Here is the full list:

British airways slashes fares for Abuja-London route

British Airways Regional Commercial Manager, West Africa, Kola Olayinka on Sunday in Lagos announced that customers flying British Airways through its Abuja-London route (and vice versa) would start to pay less.

He said the minimum air fare for a return ticket from London to Abuja was usually $700 per passenger would now go for of $277 and it is to start May 15th through to June 30th for a one-way trip .

Olayinka noted that the selling period for the slashed fare is from the 15th of May and outbound travel will be from 1st of June to 30th June.

Recruitment: Nigerian army announce date for screening

The Nigerian Army, through the Chief of Administration, Major-General I. M. Alkali, has announced its zonal screening for the 76th regular recruitment intake for trades/non-trades men and women.

The screening originally scheduled to hold from January 22 to February 3, 2017, has been proposed to take place between May 27 and June 9, 2017. Successful candidates will immediately begin training at the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria.

Politicians go extra lengths to ensure Buhari's death – Media aide

Personal Assistant on Social Media to President Buhari , Lauretta Onochie, on Sunday, alleged that some Nigerian politicians travels as far as Niger Republic, India amongst other countries to hire marabouts, pastors and bishops to ensure the President dies.

Onochie who disclosed this on her Facebook page wrote; “There must be a reason why some members of the political elite in Nigeria do not want to see President Muhammadu Buhari in power. They rigged him out of elections in the past and now that Nigerians overpowered them with the support of the card reader, they want him dead.

Lagos state gets state oil company

Lagos State has launched its own oil company called Ibile Oil and Gas Corporation, IOGC.

The company was formally inaugurated on Monday and will serve as the oil and gas arm of the Lagos State-government.

Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, at the launch described the move as another giant stride in the effort of the state to leverage on its oil and gas, having emerged as on oil producing state since last year.

Osinbajo signs 3 executive orders to ease business, fast track budget submission

Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday signed three executive orders that will henceforth change how government business and operations are conducted.

This is according to a press statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande which reads;

Suicide bombers attack UNIMAID again

Two suicide bombers on Thursday night attacked the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID).

A security guard and a soldier were killed after a twin bomb blast occurred in the university five days ago.

It was gathered that an explosion was heard in the school premises at about 11pm while another bomber detonated at about 12am.

Fleeing Boko Haram insurgents relocating from Sambisa to Taraba forest - Governor Ishaku

Taraba State governor, Darius Ishaku on Thursday said fleeing Boko Haram members are relocating from Sambisa forest in Borno state to Suntai Daaji forest in the state.

Ishaku made this statement when the general officer commanding (GOC) of 82 army division, Enugu, Major Gen. Adamu Abubakar, paid him a courtesy visit in Jalingo, capital of his state.

He said deployment of special forces to the state was necessary to fish out the regrouping Boko Haram insurgents and other terrorists in the state.

Fire burns mother, 3 children to death in Lagos

A mother and her three children have been burnt to death during an inferno in the early hours of Thursday at DPO Olubi Street, Aguda, Surulere area of Lagos, PMnews reports.

It was gathered that the fire also burnt several shops on the street.

Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Rasak Fadipe confirming the tragedy, said; “An outbreak of fire involving shops at DPO Olubi Street, Aguda, Surulere, consumes the lives of a mother and three children.”

He however did not give details as to the cause of the fire.

Nollywood actress Moji Olaiya is dead

Nollywood actress, Moji Olaiya is dead.

The actress who delivered a baby two months ago died from birth complications in Canada last night.

The deceased is the daughter of music icon, Victor Olaiya.

I will sign 2017 budget when am satisfied with it – Osinbajo

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo says he will sign the 2017 budget when he is satisfied with its content, his spokesperson has said.

This is coming on the heels of a statement credited to the Minsiter of Information Lai Mohammed where he had said the government was unsure of who to sign the budget.

But the spokesperson to the acting president, Laolu Akande, said Osinbajo would sign the budget into law in due course.

Adams Oshiomole's wife and 334 other foreigners get Nigerian citizenship

A total of 335 foreign nationals yesterday were granted citizenship by the Nigerian Government after statutory clearance and due diligence by the relevant security agencies.

Mrs Iara Oshiomhole, wife of former Governor of Edo, Adams Oshiomole‎, who hails from Cape Verde was one of the recipients.

Minister of interior Abdulrahman Dambazau who presented the certificates of citizenship to the foreigners charged them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

Wizkid grabs 7 nominations at the billboard music awards

Nigerian Afro-pop star, Wizkid has been nominated for 7 awards at the upcoming 2017 Billboard Music Awards to hold on 21st of May.

The nominations are for collaboration with Drake & Kyla on “One Dance”. The other categories include Top Hot 100 Song, Top Selling Song, Top Radio Song, Top Streaming Song, Top Collaboration, Top R&B Song and Top R&B Collaboration.

Osinbajo to receive 2017 budget from N’Assembly today

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo may receive the 2017 budget from the National Assembly today, Punch reports.

According to the newspaper, the Legal Department of the National Assembly has concluded its work on the budget and now set to send it to the Presidency on Wednesday morning.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Abdulrahman Kawu, confirmed that the office was expecting the budget today.

He said; “It is Wednesday (today); at least, that was what I was told. So, we wait and see,”.

VIO ban from Lagos roads is permanent – Gov. Ambode

The Governor of Lagos State, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has put the uncertainty concerning the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) been banned off Lagos roads temporarily, stating categorically that he has asked them to stay off the roads permanently.

Ambode said this at the commissioning of Pedestrian Bridges, Laybys and Slip Road at Ojodu Berger and segregated bus-park on Tuesday.

Troops arrest wanted notorious Boko Haram kingpin "Pepper"

Troops of 233 Battalion, 27 Task Force Brigade, Nigerian Army, stationed at Forward Operation Base Potiskum in conjunction with vigilantes on Sunday arrested Boko Haram commander, Abubakar Adamu aka “Pepper”.

This was disclosed in a statement by Brigadier-General SK Usman, Director of Army Public Relations.

Abubakar Adamu, aged 35 years, popularly called "Pepper" around New Prison area, Potiskum, Potiskum Local Government Area (LGA) of Yobe State.

Adekunle Gold leaves YBNL

Adekunle Gold has confirmed to Planet TV that he is no longer under YBNL record label, because his two-year contract has expired. 

According to the singer, contracts are not renewed in YBNL.

He said; "My contract has expired and that's it. In YBNL you don't renew contract. Olamide signed us for two years, so that by yourself, you can hustle and make things happen. I don't have my record label now, so I'm on my own for now... I don't know about record label and I don't have the vision to have one now."

Davido, Tekno, Wizkid, Mr Eazi nominated for BET award

The 2017 edition of the annual Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards is here. Organizers unveiled the list of nominees in 21 categories that cover music, film and sports.

Leading with seven nominations is Beyonce in categories including Best Female R&B/Pop Artiste, Video of the Year and Album of the Year (Lemonade).

Presidential economic team meet over 2017 budget funding

The Presidential Economic Management Team led by the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo on Monday met over the funding options for the 2017 budget.

The legislature had on Thursday passed the bill with estimates totalling N7.441tn.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, made this known in a series of messages he posted on his Twitter handle, @Akandeoj, on Monday.

The meeting was held at the Vice President’s Conference Room inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Yari did not steal $3m Paris Club refund – NGF

The Nigeria Governor’s Forum has debunked reports that the Governor of Adamawa State, Abdulaziz Yari is building a $3m hotel in Lagos with money diverted from the Paris-London Club refunds.

Head, Media and Public Affairs of the NGF, Mr. Abulrazque Barkindo, in a statement on Monday denied the reports.

Barkindo said Yari does not have a plot of land in Lagos, quoting Yari as having said that the claims that he diverted to personal use the sum of $3m, N500m and another N2.2bn from the N19bn paid his state were false and libelous.

Legendary musician, Femi Kuti sets a new world record playing the Saxophone on a single note for 51 minutes

Nigerian music legend, Femi Kuti, last week attempted a world record for the longest single note on a saxophone note. He hit 46 minutes and 38 seconds, breaking the 45 minutes and 37 seconds set by Kenny G in 1997.

At that time, Keny G's record was believed to be the world record until it was confirmed not to be, there was another record at 47 minutes 05 seconds.

Last night, Femi Kuti made a second attempt to beat the known world record and he did.

FG invites parents to meet freed Chibok girls

The Federal Government has invited parents of the 82 released Chibok girls to Abuja to meet with their daughters on Friday May 19th.

The 82 Chibok school girls who were released on May 6th after they were swapped with some Boko Haram commanders have been in Abuja since May 7th. They are currently undergoing a reorientation programme.

Chairman, Chibok Community in Abuja Hosea Tsambido, said this in an interview.

Ebola: FG increases screening at major airports

The Federal Government has deployed additional personnel, thermal scanners and sanitisers to Lagos and Abuja airports in order to prevent Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, Punch reports.

This is coming after the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently confirmed the death of at least one person as a result of Ebola in the North-East of Congo

Acting General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, Henrietta Yakubu said the authority had stepped up its surveillance on inbound travellers at the arrival halls of the Lagos and Abuja airports following the recent Ebola case in Congo.

I don't plan to be Biafra president – Nnamdi Kanu

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has said he does not intend to become President of Biafra when it is finally actualized.

Kanu speaking with Vanguard said he prefers operating from the background, pointing out that if the pioneer leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazurike had remained consistent with the struggle, he would not be doing what he is doing with IPOB.

Ogunbodede named OAU’s new Vice Chancellor

The Governing Council of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife on Monday announced Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede as the 11th vice chancellor of the university.

The Chairman Governing Council, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, made the announcement at a press conference attended by other members of the university and the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Anthony Elujoba.

Ogunbiyi said the process of selecting the new vice chancellor was transparent and it followed due process.

Your victory is an inspiration, Osinbajo congratulates French President-Elect Macron

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has congratulated French President-Elect Emmanuel Macron on his election as the next President of France.

According to a statement released by his media aide, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo in a congratulatory letter said he was optimistic that the incoming government will further strengthen the bond of friendship between both countries.

Lagos govt bars VIO from its road

The Lagos State Government has ordered Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) to leave its roads, Punch reports.

 It was gathered that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode handed down the directive as a result of public complaints.

More details to come..

Gov. Wike sues polices over alleged attempt to raid his houses

The Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has sued the police over an alleged attempt to raid his house in Abuja.

Wike who filed the suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja through his lawyer, Mr. Sylva Ogwemoh (SAN), joined the Inspector-General of Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Services as defendants in the suit.

Emmanuel Macron elected next French President

Centrist Emmanuel Macron has become France's youngest ever president after results showed he had beaten Far-right Marine Le Pen by a commanding margin of 65 percent to 35 percent in the polls on Sunday. 

Presidency releases names of the 82 Chibok schoolgirls released by Boko Haram

The presidency has released the names of the 82 Chibok school girls released by Boko Haram members last Saturday.

President Buhari's Personal Assistant on New Media,  Bashir Ahmad published the names on twitter.

See the list...

Buhari attends Juma'at prayer in Aso Rock

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday joined the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, the National Security Adviser, Mohammed Babagana Monguno, and other officials to attend the Friday Juma’at prayer.

At exactly 1:30pm, Buhari arrived the national mosque alongside his aide-de-camp, chief security officer, personal physician and State Chief of Protocol.

Lagos is not part of Yorubaland - Oba Akiolu

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has claimed that Lagos State is not part of Yoruba land.

This statement is coming barely a week after the Oba snubbed the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi at an event.

In a statement from Akiolu’s palace, the monarch traced the historical background of the state and why it should not be regarded as part of Yoruba land.

Jonathan released N34bn to dredge River Niger but Buhari will do same project for N100m – Amaechi

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has said the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan released N34bn for dredging of River Niger while the APC led administration will spend only N100 million to do the same project.

The minister made the disclosure while speaking at a conference on ‘Fast-tracking Port Reforms’ hosted by The Nation Newspapers in collaboration with the ministry of transportation and Epsilon Limited.

Amaechi said; “When the River Niger was first approved for dredging by the previous administration, it was approved for N47billion and N34billion was paid to the contractor. Dancers were called in and there was a party,”.

Chocolate City welcomes new artiste

Music label, Chocolate City has unveiled its newest signee, dancehall act, Yung L.

The label made the announcement via its Instagram page on Thursday and its Chairman, MI Abaga also shared the news via his own account.

Buhari will go another medical vacation – Media aide

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Personal Assistant on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie, on Thursday, disclosed that the President would go on another medical vacation.

Onochie said Buhari will however not go on vacation by being hounded by anyone and would embark on the medical vacation only on his doctor’s appointment.

She also disapproved claims that Buhari’s illness has led to the shutdown of governance.

Reps call for registration of motorcycles and tricycles

Members of the House of Representatives have charged the Committee on Federal Road Safety Corps on the lack of registration of motorcycles and tricycles popularly known as okada and keke napep across the country.

The motion titled 'Urgent Need to Enforce Registration of Motorcycles and Tricycles Plying Public Roads in Nigeria' was raised and sponsored by PDP lawmaker Mr Karimi Sunday.

Mr Karimi said 99 percent of motorcylces popularly known as okada and tricycle also known as keke napep plying Nigerian roads are not registered.

Stop incessant attacks on state governors – NGF

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has said the era of using state governors to score cheap political points was over.

The Head, Media and Public Affairs at NGF Secretariat, Abulrazque Barkindo, stated this in a statement released in Abuja.

Barkindo condemned the incessant attacks on state governors by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, saying the attacks is heating up the polity and raising concerns.

Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip to step down from royal duties

The Duke of Edinburgh is to sep down from royal duties for good from August, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Prince Philip who turns 96 next month, is the longest serving consort in British history and the oldest serving partner of a reigning monarch.

The announcement was made after a meeting of household staff was called at Buckingham Palace at 10am on Thursday.

Messaging service Whatsapp goes down worldwide for two hours as users goes crazy

Mobile messaging app WhatsApp on Wednesday night went down for over two hours, causing millions of users across the globe to go into a frenzy.The messaging app refused to start up for some users, leaving them stuck with a 'Connecting...' message while others couldn't send nor receive messages.

After two hours, Facebook, owners of the app announced that the mobile chat program was back up and running, but it didn't say what caused the problem.

100L Law student of University of Ibadan falls to her death

A 100 Level student in the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Miss Effiong Deborah Imabong, has died after she jumped to her death during a programme organized for first year students of the school on Monday May 1st.

According to a statement by authorities of the school signed by the institution’s Director of Public Communications, the deceased, Olatunji Oladejo, said Miss Effiong Imabong who was a resident of the Queen Elizabeth hall of residence, was at the programme organized for new residents when she received a call from a fellow student and proceeded outside to meet with the person.She died after she jumped from a dangerous position having displayed signs of restlessness during the show.

Banky W, Adesua Etomi's introduction to hold this weekend

Music act and EME boss Banky W and Nollywood actress, Adesua Etomi will have their traditional introduction ceremony on Saturday, May 6, SDK reports.

The duo early Wednesday had announced their shocking engagement on Instagram which had broken the internet.

According to SDK, the duo’s parents are meeting in Lagos in preparation for the introduction and it is also reported that the wedding may hold in South Africa in November this year.

Lagosian photoshops Dr Adadevoh into Lagos @ 50 banner, says she is the real hero

A Lagosian photoshopped the photo of Late Dr. Stella Adadevoh into one of the banners of Lagos @ 50; My Success Story and shared it on his IG page, saying if not for her, Lagos won't be celebrating 50 years in good health.

Banky W and Adesua Etomi are engaged

R & B Singer Bankole Wellington and Actress Adesua Etomi are engaged and getting married. No one saw that coming. 

Banky W writes below...

Mercy Aigbe files a one-mile restraining order against her husband, Lanre Gentry

Mercy Aigbe marriage crisis is getting serious by the day. She has filed a restraining order against her husband.

The restraining order with suit number FC/AL/25/2017 issued by the Ikeja Magistrate court stipulates that Larry gentry is restrained from going anywhere within a one-mile radius of the applicant and the two children in her custody.

Ooni of Ife reats to fire incident at Oba of Lagos' palace

A palace official of the Ooni of Ife has said the Ife monarch had nothing to do with the fire that gutted the palace of the Oba of Lagos on Tuesday.

The spokesperson of the Ooni’s palace, Moses Olafare, said Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is unhappy with the fire incident.

The fire at the Lagos monarch’s palace occurred about a week after a video showed Oba Akiolu snub the Ooni at an event.

Ecobank shifts to digital channels, shuts 74 branches

Ecobank Nigeria has shut down operations in 74 of its branches in an exercise described as a merger of its branches.

The subsidiary of Ecobank group said its committment to digital transformation would enable customers carry out banking activities online thereby reducing the need to carry out banking transactions in physical locations hence the need for the shut down of 74 of its branches.

However, the bank stated that it will redeploy affected staffers to other projects.

Emir Sanusi release his April salary payslip

Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II has made details of his salary for April, 2017 public.

Sanusi revealed this early Tuesday morning via his verified Instagram account with a caption, “Pay slip… Since colonial times, the Emir of Kano is the highest paid public office holder in Nigeria. Period.”

MTN sacks 280 staff

MTN Nigeria has disengaged about 280 of its employees from its services in a major job, as it affected about 15 percent of the company’s entire Nigerian workforce.

Those affected by the move include some 200 permanent employees and about 80 contract staff across various cadres, ranging from new graduates to senior managers. Many of those sacked have spent up to 15 years with the company having joined MTN as it opened its business in Nigeria in 2001.

It is reported that this development is part of a restructuring exercise in line with the company’s IGNITE transformation initiative to reposition it into diverse segments of the economy including digital payments, financial technology (FinTech).