Nigeria Draws Egypt, Sudan in the Cameroon 2022 African Cup of Nations (AFCON)

At the draws held in Yaoundé on Tuesday, 17 August 2021, the 24 qualified nations were allocated to four pots of six teams each, based on the latest FIFA ranking. The top four teams were allocated to Pot One, of which Nigeria belonged, along with the hosts, Cameroon, and titleholders, Algeria.

The remaining 18 teams were put in the three remaining pots according to their ranking in descending order. The 24 teams were then divided into six groups of four teams each with the top two teams of each group to qualify for the round of 16.

Otun Iyalode of Ibadan Humuani Alaga (1897- 1993)

Humuani was born in Ibadan. She was one of the interesting and phenomenal Ibadan women in the 20th century. Without acquiring a formal, western education, she relied solely on her strength of enterprise and she steadily grew to become one of the wealthiest business women of her time.

Businesswoman, Activist and Philanthropist, pioneered fist all female girls' school in Ibadan.

Humuani lived life on her terms; the society couldn’t cage her down or define her by the rules of culture. In 1938, she had commenced to lead women protesters to demand for better economic conditions and equal pay for women.

Prince Philip Passes Away At 99

Prince Philip, husband of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, dies at 99. "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully early morning, Friday, 9th April  2021 at Windsor Castle," Britain's royal family announced. The House of Windsor has lost its patriarch. Philip married his third cousin Elizabeth in 1947.

He became British consort to the sovereign after King George VI died in 1952. 

Nigeria Super Eagles Qualify for Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021

Nigeria’s Super Eagles qualified for Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021 on Saturday March 27, 2021 with a dramatic last-gasp 1-0 win away over neighbours Benin Republic. The three-time champion has already secured their place at the finals before kick off after Lesotho and Sierra Leone drew 0-0 in Group L.

The result in Maseru guaranteed the Super Eagles a top-two finish in the section ahead of their top-of-the-table clash away to Benin in Porto-Novo later Saturday.

Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala Resumes Duty as WTO D-G

Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala resumed duty as the director general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Monday, March 1, 2021, weeks after her appointment was endorsed by the United States and approved by the trade organization.Her appointment was ratified on 15February. WTO members have just agreed to appoint Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next Director-General.Okonjo-Iweala is the first woman and the first African to lead WTO.

Her appointment was almost dashed by the former American president Donald Trump, whose administration preferred South Korea’s trade minister Yoo Myung-hee for the job.

Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala Confirmed WTO DG

World Trade Organisation (WTO) has confirmed Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala as its New Director-General on Monday, February 15, 2021 after several months of delay. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala makes history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO. Her term starts on the 1^st of March 2021.

She could have been installed as the boss of WTO late 2020 but the then American president Donald Trump threw its weight behind South Korea Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee.

Ibadan People Are Accommodating and I Was Able to Portray That In My New Movie ‘Knockdown’ – Akinola Akano (a.k.a Segbowe)

 

A Nollywwod actor, scriptwriter and movie producer, Akinola Akano gained prominence for his role as ‘Segbowe’ in the popular TV sitcom series, ‘Awon Aladun De’ which airs on African Magic. The graduate of English Studies from Tai Solarin University of Education opened up to the media on the story of his life. EXCERPTS:

Congratulations for tying the knot with the love of your life recently. How does it feel to be married? How is life as a married man?

I feel grateful to God that I am married (smiles). I may not be able to tell you too much about life as a married man right now because I am just a few weeks into my marriage.

Former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings Laid to Rest

Former Ghanaian President Jerry John Rawlings was on Wednesday, 27 January 2021 buried at the military cemetery after a burial service at Ghana’s Independence Square.

The Ghana’s late president Jerry John Rawlings was laid to rest at the country’s military cemetery in the capital after four days of commemorations to mark the death of the former leader who was loathed by some and loved by many in the West African nation.

US President Joe Biden Reverses Travel Ban in First Batch of Executive Orders

US President Joe Biden signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. The newly sworn-in US President on Wednesday, 20 January 2021, signed several executive orders hours after being sworn in as the 46th President, reversing policies from former President Donald Trump, including what became known as the “Muslim ban”.  

Among the most notable actions signed by Biden were to end the travel ban on some Muslim-majority countries.

Joe Biden Sworn In As 46th President of the United States

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been sworn in during a ceremony with no public in attendance amid security and pandemic concerns. Donald Trump is the first modern president to skip the event. New commander-in-chief declares ‘democracy has prevailed’ after tumultuous transfer of power. 

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina re-elected as AfDB President

Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina has been re-elected to serve a second five-year term as President of the African Development Bank Group on Thursday, August 27, 2020 by the Board of Governors of the Bank. 

A globally renowned development economist and a World Food Prize Laureate and Sunhak Peace Prize Laureate, Dr. Adesina has distinguished himself in driving a bold agenda to reform the Bank and accelerate Africa’s development. He was first elected as President of the Bank on May 28, 2015. 

A Nigerian Kelechi Madu Becomes Canada’s First Black Justice Minister

A Nigerian lawyer has been appointed Canada's new minister of justice and solicitor general for the province of Alberta on 26 August 2020.  Mr Kelechi (Kaycee) Madu is the first black man to occupy a ministerial post at that level in Canadian history. 

Alberta's premier described the appointment as making a powerful statement at a time of increasing sensitivity to racial prejudice. 

Mr Madu in response to the appointment said, "I've always said my story could only have been possible in my province of Alberta...

Ex-Oyo Gov, Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, Dies at 70

The former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi died at late hour on 25 June, 2020 at age 70. Before the latest information filtered in, his alleged death was rumoured about one and half weeks ago but was later dispelled by his media aide, Mr Bolaji Tunji and one of his children.
Ajimobi, who was born on 16 December, 1949, was on life support machine since last Friday at First Cardiology Hospital in Ikoyi, Lagos. Ajimobi who COVID-19 had related ailment was rushed thereafter he reportedly fell into coma.

The Nollywood Veteran Actor, Ogun Majek, Passes On

The Yoruba Nollywood veteran actor, Alhaj Hakeem Gbolagade Akinpelu popularly known as Ogun Majek (Alias: Gudugudu A b’Eyin Jakanjakan) at last surrendered to the cold hand of death at early hour of 25 June, 2020. The gifted actor who was said to have been under the weather for some time was said to have given up the ghost Thursday morning at his Imalenfalafia home, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State of Nigeria. The veteran actor nurtured strange ailment before resort to his last repose. May His gentle rest in perfect peace.

My Sickness Tells Me There Is Life after Death – Ngozi Nwosu

Ngozi Nwosu is one of Nollywood’s finest actresses. She began her acting career by starring in Yoruba movies before making her home-video debut in ‘Living in Bondage’ in 1992.

The veteran actress has in recent time waded through a temptation ended with breakthrough. The lucky actress shared her experience and lessons learnt with media in this exclusive interview. Also, she breaks the jinx in acting role’s difficulties in the movie industry, being single or married.

Eidul Fitri Celebrations Around the World Amid COVID-19 Lockdowns

Muslims around the world celebrate a sombre Eidul Fitr on Sunday, 24 May 2020, amid coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdowns, but lax restrictions offer respite to worshippers in some countries despite fears of skyrocketing infections.  

You Can Make One Million Naira A Month In Acting —Actress Aishat Lawal

Many may not know that Nollywood actress, Aishat Lawal is a lawyer, who studied Law at the Lead City University, Ibadan and also a businesswoman. The award-winning actress, who was on maternity break for up to two years, is returning with a new movie entitled ‘Apala’.  In this interview with media, she talks about her new movie, her career and also shares some of her career experiences.

Excerpts:

For about two years you were off the screen, how would you describe last year and what have you been up to this year?

Last year was one of the most successful years for me because God came through for me in so many ways. The major highlight for me last year was giving birth to my daughter and this year, I have resumed work fully. I have been up and down from one location to another. I had been on break for the past two years. I just got back fully and I must say, I am so much enjoying it.

Egyptian Former President Hosni Mubarak Dies

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak died in Cairo late hour this morning at the age of 91. The nonagenarian died at a military hospital in Cairo. His death was confirmed by Egyptian State media on Tuesday, 25 February 2020.

Joshua Reclaims World Heavyweight Titles from Andy Ruiz

British boxer Anthony Joshua (white trunks) contended with Mexican-American boxer Andy Ruiz Jr (golden trunks) during the heavyweight boxing match between Andy Ruiz Jr and Anthony Joshua for the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO titles in Diriya, near the Saudi capital, Riyadh on Saturday  7^th December, 2019.
 Joshua reclaimed his world heavyweight crown from Andy Ruiz, outclassing the Mexican-American to score a unanimous points victory.

Nigeria’s Adesanya Beats Australia’s Whittaker to Become Middleweight Champion

Nigeria’s Israel Adesanya beat Australian Robert Whittaker in the second round of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 243 on Sunday 6^th October, 2019 to become the unbeaten world middleweight champion. Adesanya’s victory over Robert Whittaker at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, in just two rounds crowned him undisputed middleweight champion of the UFC 243.

Uchechi Promise, The Overall Best Graduating Student from NDA 2019

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Student, Uchechi Promise Echefu, bagged on 5^th October, 2019, First Class honours in Computer Science and the overall best graduating student from NDA (Navy) in 2019. Uchechi Promise Echefu a native of Mbeke Autonomous community in Isiala mbano LGA of Imo state graduates from NDA, Kaduna.

AFDB President Akinwumi Honoured at Traditional Ceremony in Swaziland

The King of Eswatini and Head of the Swazi Royal Family, King Mswati III, honoured the President of the African Development Bank (AFDB), Akinwumi Adesina, at a traditional royal reed dance event in Swaziland on 6th September, 2019.

The annual weeklong ceremony is a traditional dance event where up to 40 000 Swazi maidens gather and dance for the Queen Mother.

This Swazi cultural event is performed as a tribute to the Royal Family and dates back centuries in time.

Former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe Passes On

The former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, is dead. He died at the age of 95. The veteran African nationalist reportedly died in a hospital in Singapore on Friday morning, 6th September, 2019.

He served as prime minister of Zimbabwe from 1980 to 1987 and then as president from 1987 to 2017. Fadzayi Mahere, Zimbabwe’s Education, Sport, Art and Culture Secretary, tweeted: “Rest In Peace, Robert Mugabe.

“My response to your passing is complicated. I’m going to write a long piece. However, for now, deepest condolences to his family”, his tweet read.

Nigeria Crushes South Africa 2 – 1 to Qualify for the Semifinal AFCON 2019

Super Eagles of Nigeria qualified for the semifinal of the 2019 African Cup of Nations at Cairo Stadium, Egypt after thrashing bitter rivals South Africa 2 – 1 on Wednesday, 10 July 2019, in the semi-quarterfinal. Nigeria entered into this match with lots of confidence after beating reigning champions Cameroon in the round of 16, while South Africa on the other hand defeated hosts Egypt.

Gernot Rohr's men scored their first goal in the 27^th minute through Samuel Chukwueze who benefited from an excellent pass by Alex Iwobi.

AFCON 2019: NIGERIA BEATS BURUNDI 1-0

Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations competition got off to a hard-earned winning start on Saturday 22 June, 2019 as they edged out Burundi 1-0 at El Burug Alexandria Stadium, Egypt.

Gernot Rohr's warriors struggled for long periods in their Group B opener at the Burug Stadium but sealed all three points in the 77^th minute.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons qualify for Women World Cup Round 16

The Nigerian Super Falcons slim loss to France in their final group A match of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in France on Monday 17 June 2019 put every Super Falcons supporter in anxiety, counting their standard performance in the match.  Now as a sigh of relief after the conclusion of other group games, the Super Falcons have been graded to qualify as one of the four teams to go through as best third-placed finishers. The Nigeria Ladies have snatched the last ticket into the Round 16 at the tournament.

Newly Released Pictures of VP Yemi Osinbajo and His Family

Check out the Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo and his family in photos recently shared by members of the family.

 The photos were taken on 29 May 2019, when Osinbajo became the Vice President of Nigeria for the second time after the Inauguration ceremony.

Engnr Makinde Sworn In As Oyo State Governor, No More Secondary Schools Fees

Engineer Oluseyi Makinde was sworn in as the new governor of Oyo State on Wednesday 29^th May 2019.

Makinde took his oath of office at exactly 12.21pm, immediately after his deputy, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan (NAN). The Chief Justice of Oyo state, Justice Muktar Abimbola, administered the Oath.

In his inaugural speech, Makinde promised to donate his entire salary as governor to the state Teachers’ Pension Fund.

He noted that attaining quality education is not possible without quality teachers and that quality enrollment and benefit attract quality teachers.

Flying Eagles Beat Qatar 4-0 in FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland

The Nigeria’s Flying Eagles obtained their first winning game at the World cup tournament by defeating Qatar 4-0 in the opening match of the Group D match of the FIFA U-20 World Cup at Stadion Miejski in Tychy, Poland on Saturday 25^th May, 2019. Goals were from Maxwell Effiom, Henry Offia, Ayotomiwa Dele-Bashiru and Aliu Salawudeen gave the Nigerians an emphatic win over their Asian counterparts in Tychy.

Maxwell Effiom got the first goal for the Paul Aigbogun's side on 12 minutes before Sweden based Henry Offia doubled the lead on 24 minutes with both assists from Captain Ikouwem Utin.

Adeola, The First Nigerian Female Pilot to Fly Qatari Airways Aircraft

Adeola Sowemimo became the first Nigerian female pilot to fly with Qatar Airways and set to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner Aircraft.
 

The Nigerian trailblazer emerged in the aviation industry to become the First Nigerian Female Pilot at Qatar Airways likewise the First Nigerian Female Pilot on the Gigantic Boeing 787 Dreamliner Aircraft. The Airway is the state-owned national carrier of Qatar.