Author: Editor Francis

As the January transfer window approaches, Manchester United is actively seeking reinforcements for their squad, with a focus on strengthening the left-back position. Following the conclusion of Sergio Reguilon’s loan spell, a void in the left-back role has prompted the Red Devils to explore potential options. According to reports from ‘The Sun’, Manchester United has set its sights on Miguel Gutierrez, a standout left-back currently making waves in La Liga with Girona. The 22-year-old Spaniard has garnered attention for his impressive performances, establishing himself as one of the top full-backs in the competition this season. Gutierrez, a regular starter for…

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Swiftship, a military manufacturing company based in the United States, has made a significant contribution to Nigeria’s defense capabilities. The company has generously donated two state-of-the-art unmanned water vessels, namely the S2 and S3 Swift Sea Stalkers, to the Nigerian government. The donation took place during a visit by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, who had traveled to the United States to inspect the facilities of high-tech military hardware companies in the country. The presentation of the unmanned vessels to President Bola Tinubu was highlighted in a statement released by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Henshaw Ogubike,…

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In a press statement issued by Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, the United States has designated several countries and entities for their engagement in or tolerance of severe violations of religious freedom. The designations include Burma, China, Cuba, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as Countries of Particular Concern. Additionally, Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Vietnam have been designated as Special Watch List countries for engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom. Entities of Particular Concern include al-Shabab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS-Sahel, ISIS-West Africa,…

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In a recent development, the United States has dismissed South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). South Africa had filed the case last week, contending that Israel’s actions in Gaza amounted to “genocidal” acts. Addressing the matter, US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller stated on Wednesday, “As pertains to the United States, we are not seeing any acts that constitute genocide.” He acknowledged ongoing military operations but emphasized that they did not meet the criteria for genocide. Miller added, “There are military operations going on that put Palestinian people at risk.” Similarly, White House…

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In a retrospective analysis of Africa’s stock markets for the year 2023, notable trends and standout performers have emerged. The figures below illustrate the percentage changes in key markets, reflecting the dynamism of the continent’s economic landscape: 1. Zimbabwe 🇿🇼: +981.54% (Standout Performer) 2. Malawi 🇲🇼: +78.85% 3. Egypt 🇪🇬: +70.53% 4. Nigeria 🇳🇬: +45.90% 5. Zambia 🇿🇲: +44.54% 6. Ghana 🇬🇭: +28.08% 7. Botswana 🇧🇼: +15.57% 8. Morocco 🇲🇦: +12.80% However, not all markets experienced positive growth, as reflected in the following declines: 1. Uganda 🇺🇬: -28.05% 2. Kenya 🇰🇪: -27.74% The standout performance of Zimbabwe, with an impressive…

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Renowned Yoruba filmmaker and actor, Chief Adedeji Aderemi, famously known as Olofa Ina, has passed away at the age of 73. A stalwart in the contemporary Yoruba theatre industry, Chief Aderemi’s death was confirmed by fellow actor Saidi Balogun on Thursday night through his Instagram handle (@SaidiBalogun). Sharing a picture of Olofa Ina, Balogun captioned it with “Goodnight legend Chief Deji Akinremi (Olofa Ina) RIP.” The cause of Chief Aderemi’s death remains unknown at the time of this report. In June 2021, amid the sexual assault case involving his colleague, Olanrewaju James, also known as Baba Ijesha, Chief Aderemi expressed…

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a 40% increase in prize money for the winner of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire. The official statement, released on Thursday via the CAF website, disclosed that the champion of the TotalEnergies AFCON tournament will now receive $7 million. The 2023 AFCON, scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, will feature 24 participating countries. CAF stated that the runner-up will be awarded $4 million, while each of the two semi-finalists will receive $2.5 million. Additionally, the four quarter-finalists will each get $1.3 million.…

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated discussions with Luan Steel Holding Group, a Chinese firm, to establish a new steel plant in Nigeria. The plan also includes the construction of military hardware at the Ajaokuta Steel Plant, as part of the government’s efforts to industrialize the country through the steel industry. A delegation led by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, along with the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Mary Ogbe, visited Luan Steel Holding Group in Hefei and Guangzhou Regions of China to explore collaboration possibilities. The…

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Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has formally requested an extension for her meeting with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), citing health challenges. The extension is related to the ongoing investigation into the alleged laundering of N37,170,855,753.44 during her tenure, reportedly involving a contractor named James Okwete.GOVIMA wednesday that the former finance minister  refused to honor the anti-graft agency hacing waited for about eight hours She sent a letter to the commission seeking additional time for the meeting. The former minister’s legal representative also met with the EFCC on her behalf. The…

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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Benin Republic has urged the Federal Government to show leniency in the aftermath of the ban on the validation of degree certificates from the country and Togo. The association expressed concern that approximately 15,000 Nigerian students in Benin could be adversely affected by the ban. The call for leniency comes in response to a revelation by a reporter who detailed obtaining a degree in under two months from a university in Benin Republic and subsequently enrolling in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the second time. The Federal Government swiftly imposed…

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The Lagos State Government has urged the arrest and trial of six candidates involved in the Nigerian Army recruitment process who falsely claimed to be indigenes of the state. The candidates, originally from Kaduna State, were caught on video asserting false local government affiliations within Lagos to secure slots designated for Lagos State indigenes. The revelation has prompted strong reactions from Lagos residents, expressing concerns about the potential unfairness in the recruitment process. The state government, while not officially notified of the matter, has called for the immediate arrest and trial of the individuals involved. Lagos State Commissioner for Information…

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Michael Olise has been one of the Premier League’s most in-form goalscorers in recent months. The young French striker’s performances have caught the eye of Manchester United.  The Red Devils, thanks to the five goals he has scored in seven starts since returning from injury in November, would be willing to make a move for him, according to the ‘Evening Standard’. However, Erik ten Hag’s side must sell some of their players before trying to land the 21-year-old attacker, as they must comply with FFP rules. Olise recently signed a new four-year contract with the Eagles, so the club would not be willing to sell him. However, the French striker’s contract…

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