Police arrest woman hiding two babies in freezer

A 46-year-old woman was taken into custody in Germany on Wednesday after the police found bodies of two babies in a freezer in an apartment in the town of Benndorf.
However, police would not comment on where the infants were discovered.
The police said the woman’s ex-partner had notified officials of the babies, adding that they assumed that the bodies had been in the area where they were found for a long time.

Ekiti residents protest murder charge against monarch

Residents of Ikere Ekiti trooped out in large numbers on Wednesday to stage a peaceful protest and demanded the unconditional release of Olukere Ekiti, Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin.
The residents described the murder case against the king as politically motivated by the state government to dent his image.
The Olukere, Oba Ganiu Obasoyin, was in December remanded in custody for the alleged murder of one Femi Kolade in a reprisal on Christmas day.
A few hours after the protest, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adu Adejimi Alagbado, and the Ogoga-in-Council announced the proscription of the title of Olukere.

Obasoyin had demanded his staff of office from the state government and a recognition as a full-fledged King and founder of Ikere, a situation which had pitched him against the Ogoga and some prominent sons of Ikere.

ICYMI: Nigeria’s electricity grid collapses

Nigeria’s power transmission grid collapsed on Tuesday night, a development that led to widespread blackout across the country.
It was learnt that the collapse was due to a fire incident on the Escravos Lagos Pipeline System of the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company Limited.
The incident led to a shutdown of the pipeline that supplies gas to six thermal power plants, which prompted the collapse of the country’s electricity grid at 10:20pm on Tuesday.
This was confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing in a statement issued around 12:44am on Wednesday.

POLICE OFFICER THANKS GOV OBIANO, COMMISSIONER OF POLICE FOR BAGGING AWARD

 John Ndu
Mr William Odumu, who recently bagged an  Award as Best Operation Officer of the Nigerian Police in Anambra State  has expressed gratitude to the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Garba Umar for giving him the opportunity and platform to showcase his talent on the job.
Mr Odumu, a Superintendent, said this during an interview with newsmen in his office at the Police Command, Headquarters, Awka, also thanked Gov. Willie Obiano for honouring him.
He noted that the award would spur him to do more particularly in the area of carrying out his duty.
Mr Odumu said that the award series was the best thing to have happened to the command, especially in a clime where Police officers were hardly appreciated for their selfless service.
While advising other police personnel in the state to be committed and focused in their duties, the Mr Odumu reminded them that God always rewarded excellence.

Ojoto Igweship Selection : Crises looms as LG and Chieftaincy Commissioner, Obiano's aide allegedly collect 50 million naira bribe to subvert constitutional provisions.

Ojoto Akanasato Community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, is at present experiencing one of the most difficult periods in its history and as is characteristic of many other communities, the development is not unassociated with traditional rulership tussle.
However, while most of these tussles emanate from perceived irregularities in the selection process for the traditional rulers, that of Ojoto seems to be coming from the planned thwarting of the collective will of the people by the State government.

Herdsmen kill 20, burn houses in fresh Benue attacks

Residents fleeing Tse Igbudu Taraka to Bakin Kota and the injured at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, after attacks by Fulani herdsmen on some Benue communities. Photos: John Charles and James Igbudu facebook page.
Samson Folarin, John Charles and Umar MuhammedNo fewer than 50 persons have been killed in fresh attacks on Benue communities by suspected Fulani herdsmen after they invaded parts of the Guma and Logo Local Government Areas of the state on New Year’s Day.
The attacks, which spilled over to Tuesday, came on the heels of the implementation of the anti-open grazing law, which the Fulani herdsmen considered detrimental to their means of livelihood.
Our correspondent gathered that in the Monday’s attacks, the herders invaded two communities in Guma and three communities in the Logo LGAs.

PHOTOS: Nigerian Army patronizes Innoson for military vehicles

The Nigerian Army, on Tuesday, formally entered into partnership with Nigerian indigenous motor manufacturing company, Innoson Motors Manufacturing Company for modification of some of its equipment, local production of armoured fighting vehicles and other military hardware.
Chairman, Innoson Motors Dr. Innocent Chukwuma and Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai at the Army Headquarters, Abuja

Wenger allays Arsenal fans’ fears, to replace Sanchez, Ozil with world-class players

 Arsene Wenger moved to allay the fears of Arsenal fans on Tuesday saying he would replace both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil with world-class players should they end up leaving. Wenger Both Sanchez, who came close to moving to Manchester City on the final day of the last transfer window in August, and Ozil’s contracts are up at the end of the present season. Sanchez’s attitude and commitment to the club have been questioned by fans and some of his team-mates did not congratulate the 29-year-old Chilean after he scored a double in the 3-2 Premier League win over Crystal Palace last Thursday. Wenger, whose transfer dealings have been a sore point with sections of the Arsenal support, said he would also be on the look-out for players in the present transfer window. “We are open to any position for the exceptional player that can give us a plus. It depends a little bit on the injuries as well,” said the Arsenal manager on the eve of their match with reigning Premier

Ezenwa, Ali, Okpotu, 20 others make CHAN 2018

 Head Coach Salisu Yusuf on Tuesday in Abuja released his final squad of the Super Eagles B for the 5th African Nations Championship (CHAN) beginning in Morocco on Jan. 13. Goalkeeper and skipper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, as well as midfielder Rabiu Ali and marksman Anthony Okpotu headline the 23-man list. CHAN Eagles Ezenwa is joined for the goalkeeping duties by Oladele Ajiboye and Theophilus Afelokhai, while defensive stalwarts Osas Okoro, Stephen Eze and Kalu Okogbue also made the list. Midfielders Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Ekundayo Ojo and forwards Sunday Faleye and Emeka Atuloma were also listed. The team’s players and their officials are expected to fly out of the country in a few days time. They are to continue preparations in Morocco ahead of Nigeria’s first match of the campaign against Rwanda in Tangier on Jan. 15. The 2014 bronze medallists will also take on 2014 champions Libya at the same Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier on Jan. 19, before facing

Family gives Ogunde grand museum, unveils competition on his songs

Two important things happened in the Ososa, Ogun State, home of legendary dramatist, Chief Hubert Ogunde, on Thursday. First, his family unveiled a competition on the translation of his songs. According to them, there is the need for children, youths and non-Yoruba-speaking people to also savour the beauty and messages of the songs. Hence, it unveiled the contest that will reward the winner with N500,000 while the first and second runners-up will get N200,000 and N100,000, respectively.

Events that shaped 2017

Banky W and fiancee, Adesua Etomi at their wedding engagement. Photos: lailasblog
Tofarati Ige & Olushola Ricketts
Sunday Scoop takes a look at some of the most outstanding events in the entertainment industry in Nigeria
Banky W and Adesua’s wedding
When Oluwabankole Wellington, aka Banky W, proposed to Adesua Etomi, many people thought it was a rehash of the roles they played in the movie, Wedding Party, where they acted husband and wife. But it later turned out to be the beginning of something special in their lives. It is not an understatement to say their wedding was the biggest in the entertainment industry in 2017. The white wedding, which was held in November, at Cape Town in South Africa, was the talk of the town for weeks. They had earlier had the traditional wedding ceremony at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

I’m divinely inspired to write – Ifeoma Eze

Pastor and author, Ifeoma Eze, has described her authorship as a divine assignment from God.
The graduate of Parasitology and Entomology from the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, who is also a senior pastor at Zion Heritage and Miracle Ministry, Lugbe, Abuja,  said, “God has given me a divine mandate to help solve family and marriage issues. Though my first book, Exploring your Heritage in Zion, focuses on the indicated subject, I have written some others based on marriages and family issues. For instance, Succeeding in Marriage after Wedding is aimed at giving solutions to the problems confronting marriages in this part of the world. It contains the principles to adhere to in order to have a blissful marriage.”

I’ll win a re-election because America has started doing well again —Trump

President Donald Trump has indicated his desire to run for a second term, saying he is certain to win a re-election.
The US president was speaking to the New York Times about the ongoing tensions with North Korea when he made his remark.
During the interview, Trump had revealed he would run again for President at the next election in 2020 – and predicted he would win.

Marketers insist petrol can’t sell for N145 per litre

Fuel marketers on Tuesday insisted that they could no longer import Premium Motor Spirit at a control price of N145 per litre.
They also said they were not responsible for the recent scarcity of the product witnessed across the country.
The Chairman of Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Dapo Abiodun, disclosed these to State House correspondents at the end of a meeting stakeholders in the oil industry had with Federal Government’s delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.

God has asked me to run for Presidency — Bakare

The Serving Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has said God has told him not to end his political career as he had earlier contemplated.
Specifically, Bakare, who contested as the vice-presidential candidate on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change in the 2011 presidential election, said God told him to run for the Presidency.
The Lagos-based cleric spoke in the early hours of Monday during the watch night service at the Latter Rain Assembly in the Ogba area of Lagos.
Giving a rundown of the 12 major things he said God had revealed to him would happen in 2018, Bakare explained that God had not told him when the “appointed time” to run for the presidency would be.

Police arrest alleged Badoo cult’s herbalist

                    Suspect Fatai Adebayo alias Alese. Photo: Lagos State Police Command
The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday said it has arrested alleged herbalist working for the notorious murderous gang, Badoo. His name is given as Fatai Adebayo, alias Alese.
A press release signed and emailed to The Ashiwaju.org  by the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Police Command, SP Chike Oti, stated that the notorious activities of the cult group was prevalent in Ikorodu and Epe axis of the state.

It noted that through their activities, the group had murdered many people by smashing their victims’ heads with mortar and pestle.

Oppose my husband, risk divine wrath, Fayose’s wife warns politicians

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs, Feyisetan Fayose, has said that those who oppose her husband’s decisions are “obstructing the work of God,” warning that the “consequences will be too much for them.”
Mrs. Fayose said God had revealed to her a long time ago that her husband was going for a position of authority higher than the governorship he currently holds.
According to a statement issued by her Special Assistant (Media), Gbenga Ariyibi, Mrs. Fayose said this in Ado Ekiti during the New Year’s thanksgiving service.
She said though God did not reveal to her the time and the position God has scheduled for her husband, the word of God would manifest at all costs.

Davido’s 30Billion concert trends worldwide

 2017 just keeps getting better for Davido as his concluded 30 Billion concert sets a new record not just in Nigeria but globally. The much-anticipated concert which held at Eko Hotel and Suites, on Wednesday, December 27, is recorded as the biggest music concert of the year as it thrilled fans across Lagos State and beyond, with the hashtag #30BillionConcert trending in two major continents; United Kingdom and United States. Davido and Wizkid Fans were treated to a great show across the world and adulation has continued to pour in for the B.E.T Award winner. This latest feat further cements Davido’s stake as one of Nigeria’s biggest artiste  of 2017. Among the highlights that ensured a worldwide trend of the concert include  Mohits  Records reunion onstage and Wizkid’s performance with Davido. Furthermore, the widely trended concert proves that  Davido  has truly gone international, and his fan base is growing fast in major countries of the world. The  concert

Latest ‘Star Wars’ passes $1 billion mark in third week

 The latest episode in Disney's mammothly popular "Star Wars" series has passed the $1 billion mark in worldwide revenues in just three weeks, a Disney spokesperson said on December 31, 2017. "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" is expected to take in an estimated $65.6 million for the four-day holiday weekend in North America, for a total $530.3 million total since it opened there three weeks ago, said industry watcher Exhibitor Relations. / AFP PHOTO / Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS
The latest episode in Disney’s mammothly popular “Star Wars” series has passed the $1 billion mark in worldwide revenues in just three weeks, a Disney spokesperson said Sunday.
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is expected to take in an estimated $65.6 million for the four-day holiday weekend in North America, for a total $530.3 million total since it opened there three weeks ago, said industry watcher Exhibitor Relations.

King Sunny Ade: A royalty of Nigerian and world music

AS Henry Longfellow once said “Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime, and, departing, leave behind us, footprints on the sands of time”. These words aptly encapsulate what King Sunny Ade, born Sunday Adeniyi, 71 years ago, in Ondo State, means to the music world, not only in Nigeria but all over the world. King Sunny-Ade According to the Wikipaedia, he is described as “a Nigerian musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and a pioneer of modern world music. He has been classed as one of the most influential musicians of all time.” ‘King’ Sunny Ade enjoyed noble status not only through birth into the Yoruba royalty of southwestern Nigeria but also through popular acclaim as the “King of Juju” since the late 1970s. In his youth Sunny played

12 issues that will shape Nigeria in 2018

Read Fuel pump price
For Nigerians, 2017 was a year of many colours: the good, the bad and the ugly. To cap it all, the unending petrol scarcity that made them think that the country had indeed returned to the Biblical Egypt was a sad commentary on the performance of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. For many months, the ability to end fuel queues at filling stations across the country had been one of the selling points of the present administration.
But suddenly, the monster which Nigerians felt had been defeated reared its ugly head again about a month ago. Since then, there has been nothing to back up the many assurances from both President Buhari and other government officials that the situation would not continue in the New Year.

Read Full text of Muhammadu Buhari’s 2018 New Year address

I join my fellow citizens this morning to welcome and celebrate the New Year 2018. This year promises to be pivotal in our quest for CHANGE.
 Unfortunately, I am saddened to acknowledge that for many this Christmas and New Year holidays have been anything but merry and happy. Instead of showing love, companionship and charity, some of our compatriots chose this period to inflict severe hardship on us all by creating unnecessary fuel scarcity across the country.