Author Archives: Newsaccessadmin

Yahaya Bello in court as judge frowns at rowdy supporters

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Former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, billed to be arraigned at the FCT High Court, on Wednesday, took over crowd control of the court room when Justice Maryann Anenih walked out.

Justice Anenih, who came in to take the plea of the former governor and his co-defendants, rose abruptly and announced not to come back until there is sanity in the court room.

Shortly after the judge left the court room, Bello who sat in the front of the court room stood up and moved to the surging crowd.

Read Also: JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu presents N3tr budget for 2025

He immediately directed his followers and sympathisers to vacate their seats and leave the court room.

His actions doused the tension without resistance, as the followers left the court room one after the other.

To ensure sanity in the court room, the former governor sat at the entrance to the court room and ensured that non of his followers disobeyed the order of the court,

Meanwhile, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN is leading the Federal Government legal team for the arraignment while Joseph Dauda, SAN, leads the legal team of the former governor in the 16-count charges.

(NAN)

Singer Portable thrills participants at Abuja Int’l Carnival

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Energetic Nigerian singer Habeeb  Badmus, popularly known as Portable, on Monday   night thrilled  participants  at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Abuja International  Carnival.

Participants, including state delegates, government functionaries and music lovers, drawn from  different parts of the country, were held to series of electrifying performances by the “ZaZoo Zehh” crooner  at the Eagles Square.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the carnival, which held from Nov.23 to 25, with the theme,” Carnival of Renewed Hope: a Pledge to My Country”, had  participating troupe  from across different  states in Nigeria .

It featured a range of activities, including floats and street shows, musical concerts, traditional food competition, boat regatta, Durbar, children’s Fiesta and art exhibitions at different locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The closing ceremony was a night of glitz and glamour in colourful and festive ambience, which characterises carnivals, as it featured indigenous fashion show  and parade  across the arena  by participating teams.

Read Also: Wizkid sets new Spotify record

The concert started after the results of the competitive events in the carnival were announced ,with River State emerging  ‘Overall Best State’ winner.

Dance floor for the night was opened with series of performances  by upcoming artistes before portable came on stage.

The “Brotherhood” crooner was then ushered on stage amidst ovation by participants, especially his fans, and then the ‘party just started.’

He performed some of his hit tracks, including  ‘Pay Me My Money’, ‘Ema Joke Dada’, ‘Clear’, among others, amid cheers from  fans.(NAN) 

Food prices rose in October – NBS

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The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says prices of beans, eggs, bread, rice, and other food items witnessed significant price increases in October 2024.

The NBS said this in its Selected Food Prices Watch report for October 2024 released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The report said that the average price of 1kg of brown beans increased by 254.23  per cent from N790.01 recorded in October 2023 to N2,798.50  in October 2024.

“On a month-on-month basis, 1kg of brown beans increased by 2.19  per cent in October  from the N2,738.59 recorded in September 2024.”

It said that the average price of medium-sized Agric eggs (12 pieces) increased by 140.21 per cent on a year-on-year basis from  N1,112.22 in October 2023 to N2,671.60 in October 2024.

“On a month-on-month basis, the eggs  increased by 7.42 per cent from the N2, 487.04 recorded  in September 2024.”

The report said that the average price of sliced bread increased by 103.76  per cent on a year-on-year basis from N760.82 in October 2023 to N1,550.24 in October  2024.

“On a month-on-month basis, the price increased by 1.44 per cent from the N1,528.19  recorded in September  2024.”

In addition, the average price of 1kg of local rice rose by 137.32  per cent on a year-on-year basis from N819.42 recorded  in October 2023 to N1,944.64 in October 2024.

“On a month-on-month basis, it increased by 1.56 per cent from N1,194.77 recorded in September  2024.”

Also, the report said that the average price of 1kg of boneless beef increased by 98.73   per cent on a year-on-year basis from N2,948.03 in October 2023 to N5,858.58 in October  2024.

Read Also: Covenant University emerges first in inter-disciplinary science research in West Africa

“On a month-on-month basis, the price increased by 3.99 per cent from the N5,633.60 recorded  in September 2024.”

On state profile analysis, the report showed that in oc  2024, the highest average price of 1kg of brown beans was recorded in Bauchi at N3,750.00,  while the lowest was recorded in Yobe at N1,749.52.

It said that Niger recorded the highest average price of medium size Agric eggs (12 pieces) at N3, 450.00, while the lowest was in Adamawa at N2,050.00.

The NBS said that the highest average price of sliced bread was recorded in Rivers at N1,867.14, while the lowest price was recorded in Yobe at N960.07.

According to the report, Kogi recorded the highest average price of 1kg local rice (sold loose) at N2,693.41, while the lowest was reported in Benue at N1,267. 25.

Analysis by zone showed that the average price of 1kg of brown beans was highest in the South-South at N3,274.39, followed by the North-Central at N2,990.02.

“The lowest price was recorded in the North-East at N2,294.29.”

The North-Central and South-East recorded the highest average price of medium size agric eggs(12 pieces) at N2,915.58 and N2,879.24, respectively, while the lowest price was in the South-West at N2,472.94.

The report said that the South-South recorded the highest average price of sliced bread at N1,829.25, followed by the South-East at N1,665.56, while the North-East recorded the lowest price at N1,360.85.

The NBS said also that the South-East and the South-West recorded the highest average price of 1kg of local rice(sold loose)  at  N2,146.08 and N2,011.05, respectively.

“The North-West recorded the lowest price of 1kg of local rice (sold loose) at N1,763.62.”

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that in July, the federal government in a bid to address the incessant increase in food prices and ensure food security granted a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities.

The suspended duty tariffs and taxes will be on the importation of certain food items across the land and sea borders which include maize, cowpeas, wheat, and husked brown rice.

However, experts have suggested more sustainable measures such as addressing the issue of insecurity, foreign exchange and transportation costs to address the soaring food prices and ensure  food security.

(NAN)

Covenant University emerges first in inter-disciplinary science research in West Africa

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Covenant University at Ota in Ogun says it emerged the best West African University in Inter-disciplinary Science Research Ranking for 2025 in Times Higher Education.

The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, made the announcement in a statement on Friday in Ota.

He said the university has with this continued to retain an eminent status as an institution in a class of its own.

“The university emerged as first in Nigeria and West Africa, third in Africa, and 73rd globally by the recent ranking of Times Higher Education,” Adebayo said.

He explained that 749 universities from 92 countries, out of 1023 entries received, were ranked.

“In Nigeria, 19 out of 27 universities made submissions and were ranked. Landmark University were ranked second with a global ranking of 251 to 300.

“This is indeed a validation of our visionary base as a university, as it is the hand of God at work in Covenant University,” the vice-chancellor said.

Adebayo then lauded the quality of leadership and unending support of the institution’s Chancellor and Chairman Board of Regents, Dr David Oyedepo.

“This has brought huge transformation to the university.”

Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 10 best universities worldwide 2025

He attributed the achievements recorded by the institution in the past years “not to power or might, but by the faithfulness of God over the institution.”

The vice-chancellor also pointed out that Covenant University was an institution with a unique mandate to raise a new generation of leaders in all spheres of human endeavour.

He added that this accounted for the extraordinary happenings being recorded in the University over such a short time.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that “Inter-disciplinary Science” refers to the integration of the knowledge, traditions and processes from multiple scientific disciplines.

“It can involve multiple academics who collaborate with one another across different disciplines.

“In addition, it may also be a single academic, approaching a scientific question across multiple disciplines,” Adebayo said.

He explained that the Inter-disciplinary Science Research (ISR) is a measure of the university’s contributions towards inter-disciplinary science.

The vice-chancellor noted that ISR methodology consists of three pillars, each representing a stage in the life cycle of research projects: inputs, process and outputs.

(NAN)

Wizkid sets new Spotify record

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Ace Nigerian Artist, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has set a new Spotify record for the biggest streams by any song.

The superstar’s recently released album titled “Morayo” has claimed the number 1 spot on the Apple Music Nigeria Chart, with all his tracks dominating the charts to positions.

One of his singles from the album titled “Kese (Dance)” set the record for the highest opening day stream on Spotify Nigeria with 1.5 million streams.

Read Also: Wizkid drops new album ‘Morayo’ in tribute to late mother

Another single “Piece of My Heart” also surpass 1 million opening day streams on Spotify.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Wizkid’s album, Morayo, which translates to “I see joy” in Yoruba, is a heart felt tribute to his late mother, Juliana Balogun, who passed away in August 2023.

The album, which was launched on the Nov. 22, features tasteful selection of artistes across genres.

(NAN)

US embassy in London reopens after suspicious ‘hoax’ package found

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British police on Friday said a suspicious package left outside the US embassy in London, which was blown up in a controlled explosion, was a hoax device, according to its initial indications.

Police had earlier carried out a controlled explosion near the embassy building, a 12-storey purpose-built glass cube in Nine Elms, south London, and cordoned off some areas.

The embassy later returned to normal operations.

“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device,” London’s Metropolitan Police said. “An investigation will now follow.”

“Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down.”

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The embassy said it was back to normal business operations but that all public appointments for Friday had been cancelled.

“Local authorities investigated and cleared a suspicious package outside the Embassy,” it added.

The United States moved its embassy from Mayfair, central London, to Nine Elms in 2018, partly for safety and security reasons.

The formerly industrial area now houses dozens of upmarket apartment buildings alongside Battersea Power Station, a 1930s-era building recognisable for its red brick and white chimneys, which has been redeveloped as a shopping and tourist centre.

Newsnow

Wizkid drops new album ‘Morayo’ in tribute to late mother

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Grammy-winning Nigerian artist, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known by his stage name Wizkid, has released his sixth studio album, “Morayo” in tribute to his late mother, Jane Balogun, who passed on in August 2023.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the much-anticipated 16-track album was release on streaming platforms on Friday.

The tracks include hit songs — Troubled Mind, Karamo, Kese (Dance), Bad Girl, Time, Piece of My Heart and Pray, with collaborations
featuring renowned artistes such as Asake, Brent Faiyaz, Jazmine Sullivan, Anaïs and Tiakola.

Wizkid had earlier in June, in a video message shared on his social media page, told his fans that the album was to honour his late mother.

He said “my album ‘Morayo’, dedicated to my mum, the love of my life, drops very soon. Don’t dull. Don’t sleep.”

In another post on his X handle, he wrote: “Morayo! Friday, Nov. 22.”

However, the ace singer in October dropped a track “Piece of My Heart”, featuring American singer and songwriter,Brent Faiyaz, from the album for his curious fans.

The soul-stirring track immediately set a new record on Spotify for the biggest first day streams by any song, pulling 1.01 million streams.

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Wizkid broke the record he previously shared with Asake for their chart-topping single “MMS” from  Asake’s “Lungu Boy” album, making
“Piece of My Heart” Africa’s first song to surpass one million opening day streams on Spotify.

NAN reports that Wizkid, born in Surulere, Lagos, started his music career at 11 and released a collaborative album with Glorious Five, a group formed with Church friends.

In 2009, he signed with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment and became famous with “Holla at Your Boy”, and since then, evolved to become a global brand.

Among other feats, Wizkid became the first Nigerian musician to have over one million followers on Twitter (now X) in 2014.

He became first Afrobeat artist to appear in the 2018 Guinness World Records for his contribution to “One Dance” and his song “Soco” became his first
Afrobeat single to be certified gold in Canada.

In mid-2019, Wizkid was featured on Beyonce’s “Brown Skin Girl”, taken from the acclaimed “The Lion King: The Gift” soundtrack, which earned
him his first Grammy Award, among other nominations and awards.

Besides “Morayo”, his studio albums include Superstar (2011), Ayo(2014),Sounds from the Other Side(2017),Made in Lagos(2020) and More Love Less Hate(2022)
(NAN)

Edo declares over 200 govt vehicles missing

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Mr Kelly Okungbowa, the Chairman of the Committee set up by Gov. Monday Okpebholo to recover government vehicles, on Friday declared over 200 vehicles missing.

He stated that the committee had within 24 hours recovered three vehicles in a private residence in Benin.

Okungbowa, who spoke to newsmen on the success of the committee’s assignment, said within 24 hours three vehicles including one Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses have been recovered.

He disclosed that in one of the Toyota Hiace buses, the committee recovered some palliatives which were meant to have been distributed to Edo people.

The chairman added that the palliatives included bags of garri and rice.

He appealed for more information from members of the public, adding that it was the information earlier obtained that led to the recovery of the three vehicles.

Read Also: Okpebholo suspends Edo civil service recruitment

Okungbowa assured whistleblowers that a handsome reward awaits them provided their information were correct and verifiable.

“Yesterday, we were inaugurated, we promised to follow the law to carry out the mandate of Mr Governor which is to recover all missing government vehicles in private hands.

” We are glad to inform the people of Edo State that we have recorded success within 24 hours of our inauguration.

”I am glad to announce to you that we have recovered one Hilux and two Toyota Hiace buses in private custody.

“We assure Edo people and the State Government that we are going to do the job to the best of our ability. We will make sure we recover all the stolen vehicles.

“This is not private property but the property of Edo citizens and it is not good for a private individual to steal government property,” he said.

He appealed to former government officials and other citizens holding back government vehicles to return them within 48 hours.

Tinubu seeks senate confirmation of Oluyede as COAS

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 President Bola Tinubu on Friday sent a letter to the Senate seeking confirmation of Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Onanuga explained that in the letter, Tinubu seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with the provisions of Section 218 (two) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 18 (one) of the Armed Forces Act.

He recalled that Tinubu appointed Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff on Oct. 30 following the illness of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

According him, Gen. Lagbaja, however, died on Nov. 5.

Read Also: Investment in livestock’ll turn tragedy to economic opportunity – Tinubu

He said that Tinubu is confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience of Lt. Gen. Oluyede to lead and inspire the army to ensure national security and stability.

Onanuga stated that before he was appointed Acting COAS, Oluyede, a member of the 39th Regular Course, like his predecessor, served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna state.

” He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987 and rose to Maj.-Gen. in September 2020.

” Since his commissioning as an officer, Oluyede has held many command positions,” Onanuga said.

(NAN)

15,000 applicants make list of Oyo Civil Service jobs

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…To shortlist only 900

Only 900 persons will be picked from the list of more than 15,000 who applied for recruitment into the Oyo state civil service, an official said on Friday in Ibadan.

The Chairman, Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamoru Aderibigbe, told newsmen that the ongoing recruitment process would see the applicants sitting for a computer-based test between Monday and Thursday.

“The commission received 22,235 applications on its job portal but only 15,000 applicants met the vacancies’ requirements.

“However, 900 from the 15,000 qualified applicants who will sit for the test (CBT) will be recruited into over 60 cadres across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the mainstream of the state’s civil service,” he said.

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The chairman said the applicants who would participate in the test have been divided into two groups in examining for competence.

“Those seeking employment as Education Officers, Environmental Health Personnel, Social Welfare and Youth Officers will sit for the test on Monday and Tuesday.

“The others will sit for theirs on Thursday,” he stated.

Aderibigbe further said the Commission had already sent invitation letters to successful applicants.

“Where an applicant is yet to get such, he/she should continue to try and hopefully he will be invited if qualified,” he added.

Aderibigbe also said the applicants were not expected to bring phones and other devices into the examination venues

“Applicants are strictly to come to the examination centre at the indicated time on their individual invitation slips with printed copies of their application form and the invitation slip.”(NAN)