Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has discussed the prospect of Canadian superstar Drake headlining the first-ever Halftime Show at the 2026 World Cup Final. The world football governing body recently announced that it is working with Coldplay’s lead vocalist, Chris Martin, to curate the first Super Bowl-style halftime show at the World Cup final next year. In a chat with Fox5, Infantino welcomed the suggestion of Drake being the maiden headliner as a “good idea”. The co-host said, “I have a great idea for you the halftime: Drake! Because Kendrick Lamar did his thing at the Super Bowl…” Infantino replied: “So…

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief William Nwanguma has petitioned the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Ganduje seeking for the sanctioning of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha over alleged anti party activity. In the petition, Nwanguma said he was bringing to the knowledge of Ganduje an alleged anti party activity of the former deputy chief Whip of the House of Representatives. “On Friday, the 28th day of February, 2025, at a State road flag off event at Umunneochi LGA of Abia State, which the Honorable Minister attended…

The suit filed by Hon. Mudashiru Obasa to challenge his removal as Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly continued on Friday at the State High Court sitting in Ikeja. Justice Yetunde Pinheiro has adjourned till Monday, March 10 to hear all new and pending applications in the matter. The judge ordered all parties to file and serve all necessary processes to enable the court hear all the pending applications at the next adjourned date. In some of the pending applications, the Deputy Speaker and 36 other lawmakers are asking the court to dismiss the suit or strike it out.…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the passing of renowned Nigerian writer, poet, and playwright Mabel Segun, who died on Thursday at 95. In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the family of the literary icon, as well as to members of the literary community, friends, and admirers of the late author. “The President also commiserates with members of the literary community, friends, and fans of the renowned writer,” Onanuga said. Segun, a pioneer of children’s literature in Nigeria, dedicated her life to literary…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Prince Doyin Okupe, a seasoned medical doctor, politician, and strategist who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political and healthcare sectors. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late Okupe, acknowledging his impactful role in the nation’s political landscape. “A prominent son of Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, Prince Okupe served as President Goodluck Jonathan’s senior Special Assistant on public affairs and President Olusegun Obasanjo’s special assistant on media. “During…

The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has described the passing of the former presidential spokesman, Dr. Doyin Okupe, as a profound personal loss. Okupe’s passing came shortly after the demise of another revered figure, the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo. In a Friday statement by his spokesman, Lekan Adeniran, Abiodun paid tribute to Okupe’s lifelong service to Nigeria, noting that he remained a patriotic statesman. Reflecting on Okupe’s passing, Abiodun stated that Okupe was a committed member of the progressive political family until his final moment. He said, “Receiving the news of the passing of my elder…

An armed standoff occurred on Thursday at the NAHCO Shed of the Hajj/Cargo Terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, following a dispute between the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The incident took place around 2:30pm when FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security Services, Afegbai Albert Igbafe, was overseeing the installation of Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) machines. Customs officials, claiming they had not been informed about the equipment, locked the FAAN security director inside a shed. “In response, the director called for backup, prompting an armed FAAN unit to arrive. The situation worsened when…

Members of the Lagos Assembly have arrived at the State High Court sitting in Ikeja for the hearing of a case instituted by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Obasa is challenging his removal from office by 36 lawmakers on January 13, 2025 over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. The respondents in the suit are the lawmakers and Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who was earlier elected to replace Obasa after his removal from office. Meranda last week stepped down for the reinstatement of Obasa. She said her action was in respect of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leadership.…

The Economic Community of West African States, through its specialised health institution, the West African Health Organisation has urged researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders to contribute to strengthening regional health security against Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases. WAHO made the call on Friday in a statement while announcing the second Lassa Fever International Conference which will hold in September 2025, in Côte d’Ivoire. The conference with the theme, “Beyond borders: Strengthening regional cooperation to combat Lassa Fever and emerging infectious diseases,” is aimed at advancing sustainable preparedness and regional coordination for Lassa fever through enhanced research and…

Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Rowland Owie, has criticised the six-month suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan over an alleged breach of its Standing Orders following her claim of sexual harassment, an allegation denied by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Thursday, Owie warned that the suspension could damage the Senate’s credibility. He cautioned against legislative impunity, stating that no senator should be arbitrarily denied their mandate. “We are not in a Banana Republic. A senator remains a senator anytime, any day, even when suspended or as a non-serving senator. The…