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Showing posts from November, 2019

B-Red and his girlfriend Faith welcome a Baby Boy

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Davido's cousin and singer,  Adebayo Adeleke , popularly known by his stage name  B-Red , is now a proud dad after his girlfriend  Faith Johnson  gave birth to their first child. B-red took to Twitter to announce the exciting news, sharing a photo of himself with his new born son. He wrote:

Mo Abudu becomes first African to chair 47th International Emmy Awards Gala

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On Tuesday night in New York City, Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Media, chaired the 47th International Emmy Awards Gala. She is the first African, male or female, to land the coveted role. Following her appointment as the first African director of the Academy, the move signals a change in the opportunities opening up for television content producers on the continent. Speaking at the gala, Mo Abudu said, “These partnerships are the first of their kind between Hollywood studios and a Nigerian television company. We are happy to be at the forefront of forging these new partnerships because it is truly about sharing our local stories with a global audience - stories that are historical, authentic and progressive.”

House of Reps passes bill proposing VAT increase just like the senate

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Members of the House of Representatives on Thursday November 28, passed the   2019 Finance Bill submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari after it passed its third reading.  The bill which introduced tax incentives for investment in infrastructure, capital markets and supports small businesses also amended six tax provisions to make them more responsive to tax reform policies.

POS Stamp Duty: FG reviews N50 to transactions above N10,000

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The Nigerian government has reviewed its policy on stamp duty charges, levied on electronic payments. According to Punch , the new proposed finance bill disclosed that the N50 stamp duty charge would now be levied on electronic payments above N10,000 as against payment above N1,000. The finance bill is a plan by the Federal Government to revamp tax administration in the country by introducing various tax increment.

Jumia closes business in Tanzania days after suspending operations in Cameroon

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While the workers of Jumia Cameroon are still digesting the news of operations being ‘suspended’ in the country, the biggest eCommerce startup in Africa has closed another of its business in Tanzania. According to a statement obtained, the ‘Amazon of Africa’ has shut down its operations in Tanzania in order to focus resources on other markets. The statement reads: “Based on our review of the path to success, we have made a difficult decision to cease our operations in Tanzania as of 27th Nov 2019.

Zamfara assembly nullifies law which enables payment of pension/allowances to ex-governors

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The law which enabled the payment of pension and other allowances to former governors, their deputies, Speakers and their deputies in Zamfara was nullified by the state's House of Assembly on Tuesday November 26.  Zamfara State House of Assembly repealed the law days after a former Governor, Abdul’aziz Yari wrote the state's government demanding the payment of his N10 million ‘monthly upkeep’ which he said had not been paid for some months.

Don Jazzy unveils Mavin's new creative and corporate offices

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Don Jazzy turned 37 today and to celebrate his new age, the Mavin boss used the opportunity to unveil Mavin corporate headquarters and their creative studio. He wrote;

Gabrielle Union reportedly fired from ‘America’s Got Talent’ for speaking out against Racism, Sexism and more

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American actress, Gabrielle Union-Wade has reportedly been fired from ‘America’s Got Talent.’ According to reports from LoveBScott, the 47-year-old actress who used to be a judge on the show was fired for speaking up about ‘problematic’ situations, including racism, sexism, and many more. NBC sources told l ovebscott.com that; “[Gabrielle’s] contract was not renewed after being the #1 talent on the show, NBC and network TV. She set the record for her Golden Buzzer. They only replace the women and blacks at Simon’s whim. She wouldn’t walk away from $12 million because she’s ‘busy.’ Based on weekly interactions on social media, by the time AGT finale aired Gabrielle was the #1 talent on network TV for 2019. Why not pick up someone’s option in extreme success?”

Zimbabwe sacks 435 doctors over 'illegal strike'

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The Zimbabwean government on Friday said it has so far fired 435 junior doctors at public hospitals for engaging in an illegal strike. According to Xinhua news, the doctors had been on strike since early September to demand better pay and improved working conditions.

Senate approves increase of VAT from 5% to 7.5%, and increase in other taxes

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The Senate on Thursday passed the Finance Bill which seeks to amend seven Acts of the National Assembly relating to taxes payable in the country.  The bill specifically seeks an increment of the value-added tax from five per cent to 7.5 per cent. It also seeks an increment in the Companies Income tax,  Customs and excise, Petroleum Profit Tax, Stamp duties,  personal income tax and Capital Income tax.

New Lagos State commissioner of Police declares 'state of emergency on traffic' deploys 1,000 policemen to battle traffic congestion

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Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu has declared a state of emergency on traffic management and control in the State and deployed additional 1,000 policemen to battle traffic congestion.   This is barely two days after he took over as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State. A statement issued by the Lagos State Police’s spokesman, Bala Elkana, said the CP had ordered the immediate deployment of additional 1,000 officers to traffic duties.

Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) shuts down Oyingbo Market

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The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has put business activities on hold at the popular Oyingbo Market over environmental infractions.   Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director of LAWMA, said in a statement on Thursday, November 21st that the infractions included indiscriminate refuse dumping and refusal to patronise Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.   Others were roadside trading and poor hygienic practices resulting in serious environmental problems in the area. Gbadegesin said that an abatement notice and several warnings issued to the traders yielded no result, thus necessitating the closure.  

Any request that comes from Buhari will make Nigeria a better place - Senate President, Ahmed Lawan

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The Senate President Ahmed Lawan who was paid a visit at his office in Abuja by the chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) Prof Itse Sagay, stated that any request from President Buhari will make Nigeria a better place.  Speaking after Sagay appealed for the confirmation of Ibrahim Magu as the substantive head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the senate President stated that there is no pending request from President Buhari.

Alleged fraudster Mompha sues EFCC from prison, demands N5m compensation

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Instagram big boy, Ismaila Mustapha, alias Mompha has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, alleging unlawful detention and a violation of his rights. Mompha was arrested by the EFCC in October on allegation of cyber-crime and money laundering. In the suit he filed before the Lagos State High Court in Igbosere, Mompha is urging the court to award N5m against the EFCC for detaining him beyond the constitutionally-allowed period without being charged to court.

Chris Brown 'welcomes second child' with ex-girlfriend

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Chris Brown has reportedly welcomed his second child with his ex-girlfriend Ammika Harris. According to TMZ , the singer's former partner has given birth to a baby boy, their first child together. Chris, 30, is already dad to daughter Royalty, five, who he shares with his ex Nia Guzman. It's thought that they've both subtly announced the birth on Instagram .

Idris Elba reveals he's cutting down on social media usage because of depression

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Idris Elba has disclosed he is planning on cutting down his social media usage because it's now making him feel depressed. The British actor and DJ, 47, who is an active user of Twitter and Instagram told Fast Company magazine:   "I've been trying to wean myself off. "I used to post a lot more, but it's been putting me off lately. And Twitter's just not how I want to receive my news. "I read the news aggregated on my iPad, but I can't check it constantly - I'm not proud of it, but it's true - because it makes me feel depressed."
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A Bill to regulate the use of social media by Nigerians today scaled second reading in Senate. The controversial Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to make provisions for the protection from internet falsehood and manipulations and for related matters, 2019,” was sponsored by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, representing Niger East. In his debate, Senator Musa, said it has become imperative to curb the excesses of those using the social media to cause disaffection and assassination of character through fake news.

Mourinho becomes 2nd highest-paid manager in the world

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Jose Mourinho has become the second highest-paid manager in world football after signing a monstrous £15million-a-year contract to become Tottenham manager. It has emerged that Mourinho will earn almost double the wage of his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino after taking charge at the north London club on Wednesday morning. This is the first time in Tottenham's history that they have appointed a manager of Mourinho's pedigree - he has won 25 trophies in his managerial career - and it seems they have paid a hefty price.

Jailed Invictus Obi finally forfeits N280.5 million

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A Federal High Court Sitting in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of N280.5million “warehoused” in the bank accounts of Invictus Oil and Gas Limited and Invictus Investment Limited alleged to have been owned by Obinwanne Okeke “a strong leader of a cybercrime syndicate specialized in business email compromise.”

Tottenham sack coach after five years in charge

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Tottenham have sacked head coach Mauricio Pochettino after five years in charge of the Premier League club. The former Southampton boss, 47, was appointed in May 2014 and led the club to the Champions League final last season, where they lost to Liverpool.

Ghana’s ex president, John Mahama appeals to Nigeria to open borders so that economic activities can resume in West Africa

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Mr. John Mahama, Former President of Ghana, on Tuesday, appealed to the Nigeria Government to open up her border so that economic activities can resume in West Africa. Mahama made the plea while delivering the 7th Anniversary Lecture, Investiture into The Realnews Hall of Fame and The unveiling of the Book: Pathways to Political and Economic Development of Africa in Lagos.

Reported violence is not enough to discredit Kogi election- governor Yahaya Bello says

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Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has said the Saturday November 16th election in the state that saw him emerging winner, should not be discredited because of pockets of violence witnessed during the election. Bello said this in an interview with Channels TV on Tuesday morning November 19th. Reacting to claims made by  many civil society groups including the European Union (EU) that the election was characterized by widespread incidents of violence and voter intimidation, Bello said;

Reports say PDP women leader has been burnt alive in her home in Kogi

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The Women Leader of Wada/Aro Campaign Council, Ochadamu Ward, Mrs Acheju Abuh, was on Monday afternoon reportedly burnt alive in her home by suspected political thugs. It was gathered that the thugs who were shooting indiscriminately arrived Mrs Abuh’s house around 2.00 p.m. and surrounded the house, blocking every exit and escape route from outside. They then poured petrol on the building before setting it ablaze, while terrified villagers watched from afar.

Meghan Markle named as 2019's most powerful dresser

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The Duchess of Sussex has climbed the ranks of the Lyst Index to be named as this year's most influential dresser, replacing make-up mogul Kylie Jenner. The annual fashion report which analyses data collected throughout the year to reveal the biggest trends, revealed that Meghan, 38, has sparked a 216 per cent increase in searches for similar items to those that she has worn. The mother-of-one who was ranked third last year, has climbed ahead of the Kardashian-Jenner clan to take the top spot. Kylie ranked as seventh this year meanwhile Kim Kardashian joined Meghan's sister-in-law Kate, in failing to make the top ten.

Reno Omokri dumps politics, says Nigerians are ungrateful and deserve Buhari government

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Reno Omokri, former aide to ex-president to Goodluck Jonathan has given reasons he has been silent on the outcome of Kogi election. Omokri on Monday announced that his silence was as a result of the attitude of Nigerians towards him and the likes of Femi Fani-Kayode and Dino Melaye.  Describing Nigerians as being ungrateful, the former presidential spokesman further announced that henceforth he will stop criticizing President Muhammadu Buhari government and concentrate on evangelism.

Kylie Jenner sells majority stake in her cosmetics company for $600 million

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Kylie Jenner has agreed to sell a majority stake of her popular cosmetics line for $600 million. The self-made Billionaire and reality star will sell 51% of her stake in Kylie Cosmetics to Coty Inc. (COTY), a New York-based cosmetics company that also owns a number of international consumer beauty brands, including CoverGirl. The partnership will help Kylie's brand expand globally and enter new beauty categories, the two companies said in a press release Monday, November 18, 2019.

Jailed Internet fraudster still coordinates operations from prison- EFCC

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The EFCC, Lagos Zonal Office, has uncovered that Hope Olusegun Aroke, a convicted internet fraudster currently serving a 24-year jail term, is still in active communication with other high valued targets that are currently being investigated by the Commission for various offences relating to computer fraud and money laundering.

Gospel singer, Sinach welcomes her first child at the age of 46 and after 5 years of marriage

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Nigerian gospel singer, Sinach has welcomed her first child after 5 years of marriage.  Pastor Chris Oyakhilome shared the news at the just concluded LIMA awards which was held in Lagos at the Loveworld Convocation Arena.

King Power confirms $100m deal with Davido

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Billionaire and music mogul, King Power, has confirmed his intentions of endorsing DMW boss -- Davido in a ground breaking $100 million deal. King Power had earlier declared he would make Davido one of the richest musicians in Africa by signing him for $100 million. He made this known via his Instagram page writing;

I Was A Mom At 15, A Dropout At 16, Widow At 52, Raped At 65 — Actress Ajai-Lycett

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Actress Taiwo Ajai-Lycett has revealed how she became a mother at the age of 15, dropped out at 16, became a widow at 52 and raped at the age of 65.  The 79-year-old recipient of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), made the revelation in a recent interview with TheNation . 

Nigeria's Giwa-Tubosun wins $250K Jack Ma’s Netrepreneur Prize

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Nigerian businesswoman Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder and CEO, LifeBank has won the first place prize of $250,000 at the first Jack Ma Foundation annual Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI), which held in Accra, Ghana on Saturday night. Dr. Omar Sakr, founder and CEO, Nawah-Scientific placed second and won $150,000, while Christelle Kwizera, founder, Water Access Rwanda came third and will go back to Kigali with $100,000.

FG declares Monday November 11th public holiday

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Monday November 11th as public holiday to mark the 2019 Eid-ul-Mawlud in commemoration of the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. Mr Mohammed Manga, Director Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Interior, announced this in a statement released in Abuja today Thursday November 7th. He said the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion and enjoined them to live within the virtues and teachings of the Prophet.

Nigerian senate proposes 14 years jail term for sexual predators in Universities

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The Sexual Harassment Bill sponsored by the Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege  and President Muhammadu Buhari’s Finance Bill sponsored by Senate Leader, Abdullahi Yahaya scaled second reading on the floor of the Senate on Novemeber 6.  Ezrel Tabiowo, Special Assistant (Press) to President of the Senate said in a statement that the proposed legislation titled “A Bill for an Act to Prevent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions and for other matters connected therewith 2019” has 27 clauses. Sexual offences defined in the bill includes; sexual intercourse with a student or demands for sex from a student or a prospective student or intimidating or creating a hostile or offensive environment for the student by soliciting for sex or making sexual advances.

Court orders GTBank to refund N4.6 million, $3,000 illegal debits to customer

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The Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered Guaranty Trust Bank Plc to reverse funds illegally deducted from the account of one of its customers, Universal Agricultural Empowerment and Development Initiative (UNAEDI). In his ruling on September 25 in suit No. FCT/HC/CV/2306/2017, Justice O.O. Goodluck ordered the bank to refund N412,000, $3,123.16 and N4,224,259 to the company’s account. The court also ordered the bank to pay additional N100,000 as general damages to the company and its registered trustees, along with Osaretin Williams.

FG lists conditions to re-open Nigerian land borders

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The Nigerian government on Monday, November 4th gave a list of conditions that must be met for it to reopen its borders.   The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, alongside members of the Inter-ministerial committee on the temporary partial closure of land borders, held a press briefing in Abuja to discuss the issues.     The nation’s borders have been closed for several weeks in a move the government said was to grow the local economy and reduce illegal importation. The issue has generated controversy in the economy with many condemning the government for not providing palliatives to curb the expected rise in basic goods for families.  Some also argue that the border closure violates Nigeria’s agreements within ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

MET police have asked me to return to work- BBNaija's Khafi says

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Ex-BBNaija housemate, Khafi Kareem, says she has been asked to resume work at the London Metropolitan police in the United Kingdom where she was an officer before participating in Big Brother Naija 2019. Recall that while she was in the House, there were reports that MET police authorities were thinking of teminating her appointment for going on the show without any permission from her superiors. Khafi who returned to the UK two weeks ago, told Mirror in a new interview, that she did ask healr bosses for permission to go on the show but they declined her request.  She said the police have since contacted her and asked her to return to her seat. 

One Senator alone is handling 300 NDDC contracts - Interim committee reveals

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Cairo Ojougboh, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) acting executive director of projects, says a sitting Nigerian senator is handling 300 of the commission’s project.   Ojougboh, who did not name the senator, said 120 of the contracts have been fully paid for, saying that the contracts are being investigated. Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, he said the commission is owing N3 trillion in contract sum and that the ongoing forensic audit would help uncover how the debt was accrued.    The federal government had inaugurated a three-man committee to oversee the operations of the NDDC. President Buhari recently ordered a forensic audit of the operations of the commission from 2001 to 2019.  

Ghana traders association shuts shops owned by Nigerians

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Members of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) on Thursday, October 31st shut down shops owned by Nigerians in five markets in Kumasi, the Ashanti Region capital. It was the second time this year the association would shut Nigerian-owned shops, claiming it was waging a war on foreigners doing retail business in the country. GUTA says foreign retailers flout section 27 of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act 865, which forbids their involvement in the sale of goods or provision of services in a market, petty trading or hawking or selling of goods in a stall at any place must be reserved for Ghanaians.