Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has disclosed details of his close relationship with the late Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Roosevelt Herbert Wigwe, who recently met an unfortunate demise.

Obi expressed profound sorrow over the tragic passing of Wigwe, whom he regarded as a dear friend. He reminisced about the time he assisted the Access Bank boss in preparing for his traditional wedding, emphasizing the personal connection he shared with the departed.

Wigwe, the Co-founder of Access Bank and the founder of Wigwe University, tragically lost his life alongside his wife, Chizoba, son, and lawyer, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in a fatal helicopter crash as they headed to Las Vegas. The crash occurred near a border city between Nevada and California, with no survivors confirmed by US authorities.

In a heartfelt tribute, Obi recounted his initial encounter with Wigwe, highlighting his involvement in the preparations for the traditional wedding and celebrating the marital union of Wigwe and his wife, Chizoba, from Achina, Anambra State. He further acknowledged Wigwe’s unwavering determination and innovative leadership that propelled Access Bank’s success, building on the foundation laid by his brother, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Obi lauded Wigwe’s philanthropic initiatives in healthcare and education, epitomized by the establishment of Wigwe University. This venture showcased Wigwe’s dedication to education as a catalyst for societal progress.

The poignant loss of such a remarkable figure serves as a poignant reminder of life’s transience, urging individuals to live purposefully and contribute to the advancement of humanity. Obi conveyed his heartfelt condolences and prayers to Wigwe’s wife, son, and all those impacted by this tragic loss.

South African striker Mihlali Mayambela is determined to lead Bafana Bafana to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, citing the significance of this achievement for himself and his family.

Despite an initial setback with a 2-0 defeat to Mali, the former champions have made a remarkable comeback. Under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos, they secured victories over Morocco in the Round of 16 and outperformed Cape Verde in the quarterfinals.

Now, their focus is set on a spot in the final, with the formidable Super Eagles posing the upcoming challenge. Mayambela expressed his confidence in the team’s capabilities to overcome the three-time champions.

In an interview with South African journalist Lorenz Kohler, Mayambela conveyed the profound impact of reaching the final, emphasizing the importance of the moment for himself and his family. He also highlighted the collective potential to make a significant contribution to the country, labeling the upcoming match as a pivotal moment.

“I believe we have the ability to achieve greatness for ourselves, the country, and even more. It’s a big game, and reaching the final would hold immense value for me and my family,” Mayambela stated.

With unwavering faith in their abilities, Bafana Bafana is ready to take on the Super Eagles in a bid to etch their name in AFCON history.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday apologised to parents of children who have been harmed by social media during a hearing at the US Senate. The session was told that 37% of teenage girls aged 13-15 were exposed to unwanted nudity in one week on Instagram.

Mark Zuckerberg Apologises To Parents At US Hearing On Online Child Safety
Zuckerberg offered the apology at a U.S. Senate hearing about the impact that social media has on children.

Under prodding from Republican Senator Josh Hawley, Zuckerberg stood up and addressed families who held up pictures of their children who they said had been harmed by social media.

As the hearing kicked off, the committee played a video in which children spoke about being bullied on social media platforms. Senators recounted stories of young people taking their own lives after being extorted for money after sharing photos with sexual predators.

“Would you like now to apologize to the victims who have been harmed by your product?” Hawley asked, noting the hearing was being broadcast on live television.

Zuckerberg stood up, turned around, and addressed the families.

“I’m sorry for everything you have all been through. No one should go through the things that your families have suffered and this is why we invest so much and we are going to continue doing industry-wide efforts to make sure no one has to go through the things your families have had to suffer,” he said.

Hawley aggressively criticized Zuckerberg during a contentious exchange. “Your product is killing people,” Hawley told Zuckerberg, whose firm owns social media platforms Facebook and Instagram.

Nigeria have been installed as front-runners to win the AFCON as they gear up to face Angola in the quarter-finals.

The Super Eagles showed their prowess in a commanding victory over Cameroon during the last-16 stage, with the impressive Ademola Lookman netting both goals.

Angola, on the other hand, started the tournament on sluggish note but has gradually gained momentum.

Despite victories against Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Namibia, they are aware that the upcoming match against Nigeria will be a tough one.

Kick-off Date and Time

The showdown between Nigeria and Angola is scheduled for a 5 pm GMT kick-off on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

Team News

Nigeria’s tactical approach has seen a recent shift to a successful back three formation, a strategy likely to persist in the upcoming match.

Ademola Lookman, who played a pivotal role in the triumph over Cameroon, securing both goals, is expected to retain his position alongside the talented duo of Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.

Angola, on the other hand, faces a setback with the absence of their first-choice goalkeeper, Neblu, who received a red card in the previous game. Signori Antonio is likely to step in as the deputy custodian, facing the formidable Nigerian attack.

Head-to-head record

Reflecting on the historical clashes between the two teams, Nigeria holds the edge with three victories, while Angola has secured two wins with 5 draws between both teams.

Potential Starting XI

GK: Nwabali

DF: Calvin Bassey, Troost Ekong and Semi Ajayi

MID: Sanusi, Iwobi, Onyeka and Aina

FOR: Lookman, Simon and Osimhen

In a recent episode of the Tea With Tay podcast, Nigerian singer Simi Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, expressed her support for couples living together before tying the knot. This revelation sheds light on her personal experience and perception of pre-marital cohabitation.

Simi emphasized the importance of cohabiting as a means for intending couples to gain a deeper understanding of each other before committing to marriage. Drawing from her own relationship with her husband, Adekunle Gold, she disclosed that they lived together prior to getting married, offering a real-life example to her perspective.

The singer underscored the value of cohabitation in revealing the multifaceted nature of a partner’s personality. She highlighted that living together exposes individuals to their partner’s various dispositions, beyond the facade often presented in formal social settings. Simi reasoned that observing a partner’s behavior during challenging times, such as when they are tired or unsettled, provides crucial insights that can profoundly impact the decision to spend a lifetime together.

Simi acknowledged that her stance might not align with conservative or religious viewpoints, recognizing that some may hold reservations about this approach. However, she reiterated her belief that cohabitation offers a window into the reality of a long-term commitment, beyond the initial stages of courtship.

While acknowledging that countless successful marriages have occurred without prior cohabitation, Simi maintained her support for the idea, stressing that it need not be a lengthy period but could greatly contribute to a couple’s understanding of each other.

Onome Ebi, the talented defender from Naija Ratels, has taken a significant leap in her career by signing with the prestigious Israeli Women’s Premier League team, Bnot Netanya. This new chapter comes after Ebi’s remarkable return to Naija Ratels, where she made an impactful mark as the Super Falcons captain.

The seasoned 40-year-old defender’s transition to Bnot Netanya for an undisclosed fee marks a pivotal moment in her football journey. Having previously showcased her skills in Belarus, China, and Spain, Ebi’s addition to the Israeli club is expected to bring both experience and proficiency to the team.

Ebi’s recent stint with Naija Ratels saw her actively participating in three NWFL games, leaving an indelible impression with an impressive assist in the match against Nasarawa Amazons. Her enduring commitment to the sport, coupled with her unwavering dedication, has solidified her reputation as a formidable force on the field.

In a recent statement, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Sagir Abbas, vehemently refuted claims that the institution harbors 20 fake professors. Describing the allegations as malicious and dangerous, Abbas sought to dispel the damaging rumors that had circulated on social media.

“The management of Bayero University, Kano, has noticed the circulation of a false publication regarding the discovery of 100 fake professors in Nigerian universities. We wish to state that the alleged publication was malicious, doctored, fallacious, and capable of denting Bayero University’s hard-earned reputation,” asserted Prof. Abbas.

Contradicting the publication’s claims, Prof. Sagir emphasized the university’s commitment to academic integrity and quality. He pointed to recent global rankings by internationally respected assessors and the National Universities Commission’s denial of the existence of fake professors in Nigerian universities as evidence of Bayero University’s high standards.

“Without a doubt, Bayero University, Kano, places a high premium on quality and standards in all its activities, which has been reflected in our numerous feats and recognitions,” stated Prof. Abbas.

Notably, Bayero University, Kano, recently achieved significant rankings, being named the fifth best university in Nigeria for research, training, and academic program quality, as well as the second best in Nigeria for its international outlook by the United Kingdom-based Times Higher Education. Furthermore, international educational database assessor, Study Abroad Aide, based in South Korea, recognized the university as the third best value university for international students.

The aftermath of a powerful earthquake on New Year’s Day has left a trail of destruction along the west coast of Japan, with over 240 people still missing as of Friday. In response to this crisis, the government has swiftly doubled the number of deployed soldiers to 4,600, bolstering emergency services in the affected areas.

As the search for survivors intensifies, reports have emerged of numerous individuals trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed houses. The daunting challenges of navigating through mountains of debris, impaired roadways, landslides, and persistent aftershocks have complicated the efforts of rescue teams. Ishikawa Prefecture, the hardest-hit region, has left approximately 700 individuals disconnected from the outside world.

The toll on essential services has been profound, with around 30,000 households grappling with power outages and 80,000 households experiencing water supply disruptions. Urgent action has been taken to accommodate approximately 33,000 people in dire need of shelter across numerous emergency relief facilities.

Since the initial 7.6 magnitude earthquake on New Year’s Day, the region bordering the Sea of Japan has been rattled by over 150 aftershocks, amplifying the ongoing anguish and anxiety. The sheer scale of this catastrophe continues to unfold, with the impacts reverberating across the affected communities.

As the situation unfolds, the resilience and resolve of the Japanese people in the face of adversity are on full display. The road to recovery will undoubtedly be arduous, but unity, international support, and unwavering determination will be crucial in rebuilding the lives shattered by this calamity.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced that the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) is on track to conclude its test run in January 2024. Femi Soneye, the spokesperson for NNPCL, revealed this in a recent interview, expressing confidence in the refinery’s upcoming operational efficiency.

Upon completion of the test run, the PHRC is poised to commence processing 60,000 barrels per day, with ambitious plans to scale up to a maximum capacity of 210,000 barrels per day later in the year.

NNPCL’s commitment to fulfilling its promises regarding the mechanical completion of the Port Harcourt refinery was reaffirmed, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to revitalize the country’s refinery infrastructure.

It is worth noting that the Nigerian Federal Executive Council approved a substantial $1.5 billion for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery in March 2021. Additionally, data has revealed that the Nigerian government has allocated a staggering N11.35 trillion ($25 billion) over the past decade towards the maintenance and enhancement of the country’s three refineries.

The impending operational resurgence of the Port Harcourt Refinery holds considerable implications for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, signaling a potential boost to the country’s refining capacity and energy security. As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, the successful revitalization of the PHRC stands as a pivotal development with far-reaching ramifications for both domestic and international stakeholders.

Seun:
He was never sacked. He's just using a different account: nlfpmod. I shouldn't have allowed that.