The
Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo's children have just completed
the compulsory one year National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.Kiki
Osinbajo and her brother, Laolu Osinbajo, began serving together and
they both just passed out with the latest batch of Corps members. 
Below is what Kiki wrote.
Threats
by Police officers in Delta State to unleash teargas has led a woman
who feigns blindness and begs for alms to experience a rare miracle. The
suspect, who goes about begging with her child, was nabbed at Jakpa
junction. On getting to the police station, the officers threatened to
put teargas in her eyes and according to reports, that was when she
regained her sight. The woman, identified as Ada Nwachukwu, disclosed
that she came all the way from Orlu in Imo state to hustle for
Christmas. And as at the time she was arrested, she had already made
N3,270.
Maiduguri-based
Rahma Monguno shared the story on Facebook today. Read below: "This is
Hafsat Umar, her father (Goni Umara Madu) was killed by insurgents a
few years ago, on his way to his night shift as a security guard at PZ,
located near Ngarnan. She had measles when she was about three, and
related or not, lost the use of her lower limbs ever since. Recently, I
posted Ahmed Suleimans situation, and mentioned there were others. I was
going to make a separate appeal for her and the others, but God so
kind, the Vice Principal who's number I gave out on the initial post,
called me and said a good Samaritan, who wished to remain anonymous, had
called, enquired, and sent him a donation for Ahmeds chair. We managed
to get two chairs, and this morning, Ahmed and Hafsat were both
delighted and grateful for their new found mobility. May the Almighty
bless the donor in ways she to doesn't expect , and thank you all for
the concern, shares and kind words." 
A widow staged a protest in her husband’s grave on Thursday at Wanyororo
cemetery in Bahati, Nakuru County, Kenya, after a suspect linked to his
murder was allegedly released from police custody.The deceased, 33
year-old Edward Mwangi was was found murdered in a farm in Wanyororo B
area in Bahati after being stabbed eight times on December 3, 2018.The
main suspect is said to have surrendered himself to the police and also
presented a knife he used to kill the deceased. Mr Mwangi’s family
claims the suspect was released the same day.On Thursday, his widow Mary
Wangari led a group of friends and relatives in demanding the arrest of
the suspect before the burial could proceed. They also vowed that no
burial will take place until the suspect is arraigned in court.“We will
not allow the funeral to take place until we get an explanation why the
main suspect was released,” said the widow.A rival group had dug a grave
at the Wanyororo cemetery on Thursday and wanted to proceed with the
burial.The deceased, a father of two and footballer in a local club, is
said to have engaged in a scuffle with the suspect who claimed he was
dating his wife before stabbing him to death.
Donald
Trump has denied directing his former lawyer Michael Cohen to break the
law.Cohen was on Wednesday sentenced to three years in jail after
admitting crimes including tax evasion and arranging illicit payments to
silence women who threatened Mr Trump's presidential campaign in
2016.After his sentencing, Trump tweeted: "I never directed Michael
Cohen to break the law. He was a lawyer and he is supposed to know the
law."It is called 'advice of counsel,' and a lawyer has great liability
if a mistake is made. That is why they get paid." 
He
added in a follow-up tweet: "Cohen was guilty on many charges unrelated
to me, but he plead to two campaign charges which were not criminal and
of which he probably was not."See the rest of Trump's tweets in
reaction to Cohen's sentencing below.
The
Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit of the Nigeria Police force has
helped to reunite a young mother with her 4-year-old daughter two years
after separation.The Asistant Commisdioner of Police, (PCRRU) ACP
Abayomi Shogunle, who confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday,
said the child was forcefully taken away from her mother by her father's
family living in Kaduna State. Read full statement below:PUBLIC
COMPLAINT RAPID RESPONSE UNIT (PCRRU),On the 5th of December, 2018 at
about 11:00am one Ms. B (full name withheld due to privacy of her infant
daughter) came to the PCRRU and narrated how her little daughter was
forcefully taken away from her by the family of her estranged boyfriend
and father of the little girl who has since relocated to South Africa.
During the process of this traumatic ordeal in 2016, the said family
boasted that she will never be allowed access to her daughter again,
after which her daughter was taken to Kaduna, Kaduna state to stay with
the grandmother. She also stated that all efforts made to see her
daughter proved abortive as she was threatened with violence. That she
has also reported the matter to various authorities but no positive
response received.Her complaint was recorded as a distress call and
Tracking No. #PCRRU931805 issued. The case was immediately forwarded to
the Officer-in-Charge of Juvenile and Women Centre (JWC) of the Kaduna
State Police Command to investigate and ensure a decision is taken in
the best interest of the girl without further delay. Within five days,
the JWC was able to bring all the parties together during which it was
discovered that the little girl was more interested in being with her
biological mother and not her grandmother. Advise was also sought from
relevant experts and it was decided that this 4-year-old girl be
released to her biological mother considering the fact that her father
has relocated from Nigeria as Ms. B was also discovered to be a
responsible and working class woman.On 12.12.2018 (exactly one week
after the complaint was received), an elated Ms. B visited the PCRRU,
Force Headquarters, Abuja in company of her little daughter to express
her joy and happiness over the swift response of the Unit in “helping
her to get justice and helping the helpless people in the society”. She
also thanked and prayed for the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim
Idris, NPM, mni and the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Police
Force regarding the good work they are doing across the country.T
The
just-concluded 2018 edition of the prestigious
entrepreneurship/business award, “The Entrepreneur Africa Awards” which
took place on December 8, at Golden Gate Chinese Restaurant Ikoyi Lagos,
was indeed a celebration of enterprise and innovation.The Entrepreneur
Africa, a business magazine, has for two years organized this Award
event to celebrate the accomplished entrepreneurs, as well as support
some of the country’s emerging entrepreneurs that are building
innovative start-ups. This year’s edition was attended by hundreds of
entrepreneurs and celebrities from across Nigeria, and a few other
African countries.
With
about 25 categories and over hundred nominees, the selected
entrepreneurs proved to be outstanding in their various fields and thus,
the recognition.Some of the winners included: Ruth Kadiri Films – Movie
Company of the year; Ubi Franklin – Business Person of the year;
6-year-old Ibrahim Idris Jnr – The Entrepreneur Africa Prize for
philanthropy; Ayo Makun (AY) - The Entrepreneur Africa Prize for comedy
Business and of course the very inspiring Ikeji family duo of Sandra
Ikeji, CEO Events by Si, Event Management Brand of the Year, and Laura
Ikeji – Social Media Business Influencer of The Year.A Big
congratulations to Sandra Ikeji, other winners and all the nominees for
winning this prestigious award and ending 2018 on a great note.
A
court has ruled that South Africa's former President Jacob Zuma must
pay back the money provided for his legal fees. It is estimated that the
state has paid between $1m (£792,000) and $2.2m in legal costs for him.
Zuma has been fighting multiple allegations of corruption for more
than a decade and has incurred millions of dollars in legal fees. The
court's decision marks the end of a poor year for Zuma, who was forced
out of office in February. His successor, Cyril Ramaphosa, has been
working to restore public confidence in the country's prosecution
service. Ramaphosa recently admitted that an agreement between Zuma and
former President Thabo Mbeki had formed the basis of the decision to
continue paying Zuma's legal fees, more than a decade ago. A judge has
now declared the agreement invalid and ordered the state attorney to
take steps to recover all legal costs incurred. Zuma has a large family,
and has often sought financial support from business associates a habit
that lies at the heart of the many corruption scandals that have
engulfed him. He faces 16 charges of fraud, corruption and money
laundering stemming from hundreds of payments made to him in relation to
a 1990s arms procurement deal but Zuma denies any wrongdoing.
A
statue of legendary Indian independence leader, Mahatma Gandhi has been
removed from a University campus in Ghana's capital, Accra.
University of Ghana lecturers began a petition for its removal shortly
after it was unveiled in 2016 by India's former President Pranab
Mukherjee that Gandhi was a racist. The petition said Gandhi was
"racist" and African heroes should be put first. In the wake of the
row, Ghana's government at the time said the statue would be relocated.
Lecturers and students told the BBC that the statue, originally located
at the University's recreational quadrangle, had been removed on
Wednesday. The University confirmed this, saying that the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration was responsible. Law student
Nana Adoma Asare Adei said "having his statue means that we stand for
everything he stands for and if he stands for these things [his alleged
racism], I don't think we should have his statue on campus." Mahatma
Gandhi was one of the most celebrated figures of the 20th Century. He is
best known for leading non-violent resistance to British colonial rule
in India. However, as a young man he lived and worked in South Africa,
and although he has inspired people throughout the world his comments on
black Africans have been controversial. In his early writings he
referred to black South Africans as "kaffirs" a highly offensive racist
slur. He also said that Indians were "infinitely superior" to black
people.
This photo is going viral. Some don't understand why but some do. Can you see why?
Argentine
football legend, Diego Maradona, has been kicked out of the house he
shared with his young fiancée, Rocio Oliva, even though he owns
it. Maradona and Oliva have reportedly split. Argentine journalist, Lio
Pecoraro, broke the news on the 'Todas Las Tardes' programme on the El
Nueve channel. Pecoraro said: "The ex-footballer was thrown out of the
house he gifted to Rocio in Bella Vista. The ex-number 10 doesn't want
to leave. The relationship between them is finished." The pair are said
to have split up after Oliva, 28, described herself as single on TV show
ESPN Redes, which Pecoraro says "fired Diego up", adding that the pair
argued at their home for a whole weekend. Maradona, initially, asked
Oliva to marry him in Rome in February 2014, but it took him until her
28th birthday in July, 2018, to present her with an engagement ring.
21
Permanent Secretaries, who recently retired from the Lagos State Public
Service, were on Thursday ceremonially pulled out from the service,
just as the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode assured them of a
continuous transformation of the establishment for delivery of more
timely and higher quality service. The Governor, who gave this
assurance through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji
Bello at the 'Pens Down' Ceremony held at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium
Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, added that their suggestions will continue
to receive due consideration in the process of policy design and
implementation. In his words “It is said that for everything, there is
an appointed time. The reality of this statement is being manifested
today as we gather to witness the end of a glorious chapter in the lives
of the 21 retired Permanent Secretaries in Lagos State Public Service.
But be rest assured that your suggestions and ideas will continue to
receive due consideration in the process of policy design and
implementation in Lagos". He stressed that as highly experienced
technocrats, administrators and professionals in different fields of
human endeavour, the retirees will always be looked upon for wise
counsels and guidance on matters bordering on community development,
public service delivery among others. Ambode noted that in the retirees'
years of sojourn as career public servants, the Public Service has
continued to adapt to changing realities and global best practices in
service delivery, adding that they have been part of the process and
today they can look back to say that they are leaving the service better
than they met it. He emphasised that the 21 retired Permanent
Secretaries' entrance into the Public Service 35 years ago or less was
marked with high expectations and uncertainties about what the future
had in stock for them but today they are being celebrated for the
excellent service they have rendered to the Government and
Lagosians. The Governor said the ‘Pens Down’ is a symbolic event and
tradition in the State Public Service which provides a unique
opportunity for families, friends and colleagues to felicitate with
retiring Permanent Secretaries, stressing that it is a befitting honour
and recognition of a meritorious and unblemished career which spanned
over a maximum period of 35 years.“Today, you are departing with your
heads high and being celebrated for the excellent service you have
rendered to the Government and people of Lagos State. Finally, as you
look forward to well-deserved rest after decades of active service, I
wish you good health and many more years to enjoy the fruits of your
labour”, he opined.
Music acts become eligible for nomination into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first recording. Janet Jackson was nominated three times before her induction.We did it u guys 💜 Thank U for all your love and support. #RockHall2019 pic.twitter.com/1APrRJdmTv— Janet Jackson (@JanetJackson) December 13, 2018
Nigerian
Senate president, Bukola Saraki will attend the launch of United States
of America (U.S) President, Donald Trump’s, Strategy for Africa, which
will be unveiled to the public today. According to a statement by his
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the new United
States strategy argues for more effective utilisation of existing U.S.
resources on the continent. The Trump plan, according to U.S. Assistant
Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, Tibor P. Nagy, Jr,
will focus on bringing more foreign direct investment into Africa and
is in line with the Legislative Agenda of the 8th National Assembly
which is aimed at reforming the Nigerian economy through strategic
legislation that will help promote increased participation of private
sector actors. Other members of the Senate President’s delegation
include Senator Ben Bruce, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on
Media and Public Affairs; Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Chairman of the
Senate Foreign Affairs Committee; and Honourable Nnenna Ukeje, Chairman
of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs
A
lot of Nigerians are angry over a new statement credited to the
Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola where he said
that it is not the Federal government's problem if some Nigerians do not
have electricity. (Read HERE)Fashola reportedly said, 'And so if you
don’t have power, it is not the government’s problem. Let us be
honest. The people who are operating the power sector, generation and
distribution are now privately owned companies'Nigerians are not finding
the statement funny at all. See all the reactions below....
Babatunde
Raji Fashola has been demystified.— Onyekachukwu Okonji (@Lord__Dexter)
December 13, 2018Fashola is a pathetic liar. He said this in 2014. ''A
serious Government will fix the power problem in six months”- Babatunde
Raji Fashola 12/11/2014'' He failed this country just like his boss. He
is working hard. pic.twitter.com/W8nmjGdoPh— Dede Exclusive
(@everdede888) December 13, 2018What is Fashola smoking? Will FIFA ask
us to blame referees after a tournament that has recorded poor
officiating all through? Or will FIFA TAKE RESPONSIBILITY and commit to
having better officiating in subsequent tournaments?— Boy Riggy
(@boy_riggy) December 13, 2018Double speaking is allowed in Nigeria
Politics. Lmao Fashola just Phil Jones’d himself
https://t.co/L6CXbjym0P— C4PT4IN (@CAPT_Vincentt) December 13,
2018Fashola is a moron, yet he talks about performance and I think he is
mentally unstable. https://t.co/3RrLG6MY1g— eteyen (@efidexter)
December 13, 2018Fashola whenever asked about electricity.
pic.twitter.com/nA1jXhyDoe— Jeremy Frankson (@jerryfrankson) December
13, 2018If you don’t have power, it is not the govt’s
problem–FasholaThis man has been talking irresponsibly & raw for
some time now. @tundefashola shuld know he's been sounding anti people
& crude.If he must know, unlike FIFA, he has scored zero on his
regulatory & oversight functions— Jude C Mgbeze (@MgbezeCJ) December
13, 2018"If your telephone is not working, it is not the minister of
communication that you go to. Let us be very clear.”- FasholaTo be
honest I see no correlation.— Ifedayo David Dosumu (@Doyen_king)
December 13, 2018To think that I actually believed in this man once upon
a time!Chei Fashola! What a shame! pic.twitter.com/GBVflU44Dw— Phil
(@drphilip2010) December 13, 2018For those who may have difficulties
understanding this report let me break it down for you: Fashola the
minster for power said it is your problem if you don’t have electricity
in your house and not FG or Buhari’s problem, if you can not afford
micano generator, go and die. https://t.co/aWNWBGFgtb— Oluyemi Fasipe
(@YemieFASH) December 13, 2018
Future
has responded to Ciara after she petitioned a judge to force him to
enter mediation so they can reach a favourable agreement on their son's
travel schedule.In court documents filed by Ciara's lawyers, the
33-year-old singer said Future regularly misses scheduled visits with
his son and sometimes doesn't show up until the last minute. She also
added that whenever 4-year-old Future Zahir Wilburn goes to be with his
father, Future leaves him either with his mother or grandmother while he
goes out living his life (read here). 
Future, who
has 4 children with 4 different women and two more on the way with two
different women, has now responded to Ciara in an Instagram video.The
rapper said:You bothering me. Stop bullying me. Stop nagging me. Leave
me alone!Though he didn't name Ciara specifically, everyone figured he
was talking to her.
INEC has released a statement denying reports that it would be making plans for IDPs in Niger and Chad to vote in 2019
The
city of Lagos was shut down on Friday, 7th December as Turntable wizard
and Smirnoff ambassador, DJ Spinall, hosted his annual signature event
at the Grand Ballroom of the Lagos Oriental Hotel. The event tagged
#PartyofYourDreams was attended by friends of the DJ and his fans who
turned up in their numbers to have an electrifying party.The event was
truly a distinct party experience as some of Nigeria’s A-list music
artists and disc jockeys like Tiwa Savage, Mr. Eazi, Simi, Mayourkun,
Olu Maintain, DJ Lambo, DJ Sose, and several others thrilled the crowd
with back to back show stopping performances.
The
highlight of the night was the mind blowing performance from the man of
the moment and Smirnoff Brand Ambassador, Top Boy DJ Spinall as he
dazzled the audience with his dexterity on the turntables.The epic night
brought together people from diverse backgrounds for an unforgettable
fun experience. Appetites were whet with cocktails infused with the
extra smoothness of Smirnoff X1 and the delicious flavour of Smirnoff X1
Intense Chocolate vodka.
#PartyofYourDreams
is the last stop of Smirnoff X1 Tour in 2018. There will be lots more
to come across different cities in the year 2019 and you can be sure all
your favourite A-list music artists will be delivering their smash
hits. You don’t want to miss out on this.Follow @smirnoffng on social
media to get the latest scoop. 18+ only. Drink Responsibly. 
Followers
of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky have staged a peaceful protest to mark
three years of Zaria massacre and El-Zakzaky's "unlawful detention" by
the Nigerian government.The protesters carried placards and stormed the
federal secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, chanting anti-government
songs and demanding the release of their spiritual leader, who has been
in custody since December 2015. Addressing the protesters, Abdullahi
Musa, Secretary of the Academic Forum of Islamic Movement in Nigeria
(IMN), said El-Zakzaky is being kept in detention for "no just cause".In
his words: "On 12 December, 2015, a planned and systematic attack on
Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky was launched by the Nigerian Army under a hoax
of road blockage. The attack lasted for more than 48 hours and led to
the killing of more than 1,000 people, including women and
children.Those killed during the attack include sons of Sheikh Zakzaky
namely, Ali, Hamid and Humaid. After the attack, the Buhari-led
administration detained the Sheikh without proper medical care. The
attack started when soldiers of the Nigerian Army were stationed
directly opposite Hussainiyyah Baqiyyatullah Centre (where teaching
sessions and other activities are held) located along Sokoto road,
adjacent to polo pitch, Zaria, Kaduna State.On that day, the followers
of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky were to commemorate the arrival of Rabiul
Awwal, the birth month of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAWA)." According
to Musa, the soldiers burnt many people alive, including an elder sister
to Sheikh Zakzaky. He also accused the Nigerian Army of conducting a
"secret mass burial of the victims at a site in Mando Kaduna.Three years
after the Zaria massacre and despite the recommendation made by the
report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry (JCI) of July 2016 for the
prosecution of the perpetrators of the Zaria massacre, the Nigerian
government under Buhari is yet to prosecute the perpetrators of these
great atrocities.In fact, instead of prosecuting the perpetrators,
Tyrant Buhari continued to give orders for further killing of the
followers of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky. The recent killing is the attack
made by the Military and Nigerian Police during the annual Arbaeen
Symbolic Trek between 27th and 30th October, 2018 where more than 50
followers of Sheikh Zakzaky were killed in Abuja." He, however, stated
that the group would not relent in its demand for the unconditional
release of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky and his wife.
Does this qualify as gender discrimination? 