Roberto Mancini will talk to Nice forward Mario Balotelli about a return to the Italy team after being named the new national coach on Tuesday. Balotelli last appeared for his country at the 2014 World Cup but knows Mancini well from their time at Inter Milan and Manchester City. The 27-year-old could return for the forthcoming friendlies against Saudi Arabia, France and Netherlands. “I’ll definitely talk to him,” Mancini said at a news conference. “Probably I will call him up. We want to see Balotelli like he was under [Cesare] Prandelli at Euro 2012. “There will be room for everybody…
Author: David Folami
Mario Gotze was not included in Germany’s preliminary World Cup squad announced on Tuesday by the German football federation (DFB), which also revealed a contract extension for coach Joachim Low through the 2022 World Cup. Low, who had been linked with a move to Arsenal to replace Arsene Wenger, had been under contract through Euro 2020 and said he is driven by the idea of “developing and furthering a team which sets it sights on the highest goals.” “The planning horizon over four years is ideal, I’d like to think, especially because there might be some changes in the squad…
Governor Samuel Ortom has urged residents of Benue state not to take laws into their hands. He made the statement following the incessant killings in the state allegedly by Fulani herdsmen. According to reports, Ortom said that the security agencies should be allowed to do their jobs. Ortom also called on the Benue people not to attack innocent people adding that ‘Benue will not see these enemies again’. He said “We are not fighting any tribe but fighting for justice and fairness. We should not take laws into our hands in the course of fighting for justice. “We have indigenes…
Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday said he was extremely pained by the death of his first son, Dipo. George, his wife, Roli, and other family members received Secondus and his entourage. George said he and other family members were devastated not only because the deceased was his first son, but also that he was a good child. He said Dipo was a child that any father would be proud of because of his accomplishments and good ways. George said the late Dipo was very humble, as he interacted freely…
Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, on Monday said the Army would end the wanton killings and destruction of properties in Birnin Gwari and environs. Buratai gave the assurance during the flag-off the 2 Battalion Forward Operation Base (FOB) at the troubled Birnin-Gwari area of Kaduna State. ”The killings must stop, the wanton destructions of properties must stop not only within Kaduna state but across the country. ” In the next two to three weeks there must be a very resounding results that will bring these criminals to their knees finally.” He told the soldiers to protect them selves, adding ”If we cannot…
Charles Oputa, a.k.a Charly Boy, on Monday, May 14, led his ‘Ourmumudondo’ Group on a peaceful protest to the Federal Ministry of Justice, demanding the proscription of “Killer herdsmen” across Nigeria. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Group is a non-political coalition of Nigerians from all backgrounds who advocate for national reawakening, towards holding leaders responsible and ensuring good governance at all levels. According to Charly boy, the protest is to urge the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, to declare the group as a common enemy of Nigerians. He said, “We…
Wole Soyinka says the anti-graft war would not be said to have been won until former Nigerian presidents guilty of corruption are jailed by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). “I had asked for the presidential wing of the cells out of his human rights concerns to ensure such personalities are well treated while in detention,” Soyinka said. “But Magu said they are an egalitarian organisation that treats peoples equally. “Until we make some of our leaders walk through those doors [of the EFCC new office] the fight against corruption will not be won,” Soyinka added. Soyinka advocated for the…
The trial of Shiite leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife has been adjourned to June 21, 2018. According to reports, the Kaduna State government on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 dragged the Shiite leader and his spouse before High court on an eight count charge. The Cable News reports that the Shiite leader, who wore a neck collar and was limping was brought into the court premises around 8:30am. Counsel to El-Zakzaky made an oral application for his bail, but was asked by the judge, Justice Gideon Kurada to present a formal application. On Saturday, December 12, 2015, members of…
Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned the new head office building of anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in Abuja on Tuesday, May 15, 2018. He commissioned the new building after returning from his two-day working visit to Jigawa state. At the commissioning, President Buhari said his administration’s fight against corruption is an attempt to save the country and not to persecute anyone. “My objective of fighting corruption remains steadfast. The goal of this administration is to protect public trust. We are not engaged in witch-hunting,” he said. The office, located along Airport Road, Jabi, in the Federal Capital…
“Everything we had in the country belonged to the nation, belonged to the people and we must not touch anything. We made sure nothing like corruption happened, especially in the civil service”, former Nigerian military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon said. Gowon made the comments at the 8th Annual General Meeting and Conference of Heads of Anti-corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa. Speaking this week, Gowon says he feels really bad whenever anyone says all past Nigerian leaders were corrupt, because he wasn’t. “It is sad to read reports that all former Heads of State are thieves. During our time, we…
Muhammadu Buhari has said that trillions of Naira has been recovered from corrupt officials. Buhari said this at the inauguration of the new Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja. Buhari also called on the legislature to strengthen existing laws and enact new laws that will give bite to the anti-corruption agenda of his government. “This is another milestone in our determined and collective fight against corruption. “Throughout my journey in national service and since 2015, I have made a very conscious decision to pursue a vigorous fight against corruption in public life. “Since 2015, we have made…
Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole killed two Boko Haram terrorists and rescued an old man during an exchange of fire in the remote village of Gobara in Gwoza local government area of Borno state. Soldiers uncovered and successfully detonated three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) buried by the terrorists and also destroyed their camp, logistics and IED factory during the fire fight. They also recovered eight Dane guns, one G3 magazine, one IED making device, one unexploded ordnance, three tool boxes, three machetes, length of electric cable and a Boko Haram flag. According to a statement by the Deputy Director of…
Toke Makinwa is beside herself with excitement and it has everything to do with being featured on CNN’s African Voices. During her interview, the media personality talked about her brand and her journey so far. African Voices is a feature series that airs on CNN and examines Africa’s fastest rising stars who are making an impact in their various industries. She also took to her Instagram page to express her excitement. Makinwa is not the only Nigerian star who has been featured on the series. The likes of Waje, Tiwa Ssavage, Olajumoke Adenowo, Gbubemi Fregene, Funke Akindele, to name a…
Mc Galaxy has blasted Miracle Igbokwe for not showing appreciation for the support he received outside of the Big Brother Naija house, which inadvertently helped him win the reality TV show. The singer took to Twitter to express his disappointment over the fact that Miracle is yet to express gratitude for his assitance. He, however, noted that Miracle’s actions cannot stop him from helping others but he urged him to show appreciation to E Money who he asked for one million Naira, which was used for votes. Mc Galaxy advised Miracle to avoid changing his humble character over his N25…
Mr Eazi has penned a new international deal and this time, it is for the licensing of his works with Columbia Records, UK. The singer has enjoyed a successful career since the release of his Accra to Lagos EP, and recently announced that he will be releasing his follow-up project titled ‘Lagos To London’ with a tentative date of May 23, 2018. Apart from recording songs, he has also been signing deals internationally. Last month, he signed a record deal with Mad Decent, a record label owned by DJ Diplo of Major Lazer. He has now announced that he has…
Seun Kuti shared his thoughts on what it means to be Nigerian, colonialism as well as discrimination against women. During his impassioned speech, the son of the late music legend, Fela Kuti, emphasized the fact that most Nigerians do not know what it means to be Nigerian. According to him, this is the reason why the Westerners find it easy to mould us into whatever they deem fit. It is hardly surprising that these subjects were the main themes of Fela Kuti’s songs during his life time, in which he spoke of slavery, racism, discrimination and much more. If there…
Chika Ike has revealed the talented actors starring in her new production, “Small Chops.” Directed by Robert Peters and produced by Serah Donald Onyeachor, the movie stars Chika Ike alongside veteran actors Nkem Owoh, Onyetoro Hafiz (Saka) and Eucharia Anunobi. The upcoming movie also stars Nse Ikpe-Etim, Max Cavenham, Toyin Abraham, Rechael Okonkwo, Lolo Omotunde, Sophie Alakija, Cynthia Ebijie, Florence Kitcha, Love Nebo and Christian Paul. Chika Ike recently took to Instagram to share a photo, challenging her followers to guess the title of her new film. She eventually revealed the title, and in another post, explained the meaning of…
Mercy Johnson has penned down a very cute and emotional message to her husband, Prince Odi Okojie as he marks his birthday. The beautiful mother of three took to her Instagram page on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, where she served her prince charming some doses of accolades. “Am teary and I do know why .{Today is Odi’s Birthday and I can’t think of the right msg hmmm but I do know that….} You are breathtaking reflection of God’s Heart for me. How he Love me, Even when I don’t love myself. When I look at you, I know that there…
Another baby mama drama might be brewing as Wizkid’s baby mama, Sola Ogudu threw shades at the star on their son’s birthday a few days ago. On May 13, 2018, was Boluwatife’s birthday and his mum, Sola Ogudu took to her Twitter page to wish him a happy birthday. She didn’t just wish him a happy birthday but also made it known that she has been the father and mother of the child she has with Wizkid. “I Workkkkk Sooooo Hardddddd Ma G!!!!! Sooooooo Harddddddd!!!!! Damnnn!!! I Literally Deserve EVERYTHING GOOD COMING MY WAY AND MORE!!!.” “Being a Mom and…
When Omoni Oboli who has won our hearts with her acting and directorial prowess decides to write a book, ‘The Stars Are Ageless’ and launch it then it must have the creme de la creme of the entertainment industry. The event took place on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at The Wheatbaker, located at the highbrow Ikoyi area of Lagos. The event which started at about 2 PM in the afternoon, saw different media personalities at the red carpet ready to catch a glimpse of the celebrities. Among notable celebrities who turned up to grace the occasion where; Hilda Dokubo, Toyin…