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Nollywood Actress, Iyabo Ojo Reveals Her Best Gift As She Turns 48, Shares Her Conversation With God

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo is celebrating her 48th birthday today, December 21.

The movie star, who has been excitedly counting down to her birthday, shared stunning photos of herself on her Instagram page, describing this year’s celebration as her best.

Iyabo noted that becoming a mother-in-law and grandmother was the best gift she had received. Expressing gratitude to her Maker, she stated that his blessings will be permanent.

The controversial singer said she always told God that the only riches she desires are happiness, her kids, loved ones, and thriving.

“This is one of my best birthdays.

“Daddy, adding ‘mother-in-law’ and ‘Glamma’ to my title is the best gift I got this year. Thank you, Lord, — and yes! It shall be permanent.

“I’ve always told God that the only riches I desire are happiness and my kids, family, and loved ones thriving. I’m blessed because I’m surrounded by blessings…. Thank you, Lord, for making 2025 my year; I know 2026 is mine too…..

“I’m God’s own special child, and I don’t take it for granted…… clock it! Happy birthday to me!”.

Many took to her comment section to drop birthday wishes.

Susan Peters wrote, “Happy birthday, sister mi. Many more years ahead and God’s blessings. Have fun in the new year

Efe Irele wrote, “Happy birthday, Aunty Iyabo! Joy and peace of mind look amazing on you! May your joy be forever!

Omowunmi wrote, “Happy Birthday Queen Mother! You’re blessed

Queen Tobi wrote, “Happy birthday, beautiful Grandma

Kaffy wrote, “Happy birthday, queen

Chidi Mokeme wrote, “Happy birthday, queen

Lola Magret wrote, “Happy birthday, Iysexy. The sexy glamma”.

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What I Told Inmates During My Visit To Anambra Prison – Peter Obi

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has revealed that he visited the Anambra Correctional Centre to motivate inmates to pursue education and acquire relevant skills for self-improvement.

Obi stated this after visiting the correctional facility in Amawbia on Friday.

According to the former Anambra governor, imprisonment does not mark the end of a purposeful life.

He encouraged the inmates to view their current circumstances as an opportunity for personal reform, renewal, and preparation to rejoin society as responsible citizens who could contribute meaningfully to national development.

He said, “History shows that confinement does not always mark the end of a meaningful life,” he said. “Nelson Mandela, jailed for 27 years, emerged to lead South Africa and inspire the world; Malcolm X transformed himself in prison into one of the most influential voices of the civil rights movement; Martha Stewart, after serving a prison sentence, rebuilt her brand and returned to the heights of global business; and Frank Abagnale, once imprisoned for fraud, went on to work with the FBI and became a respected security consultant. These lives remind us that with reform, education, and opportunity, confinement can give way to contribution.”

It will be recalled that inmates in correctional centres across the state had earlier sent an emissary to Obi, appealing for assistance due to their inability to pay NECO examination fees. In response, Obi gave an undertaking to NECO to allow the inmates to sit for the examinations, a commitment he has now fully honoured.

On the occasion, it was revealed that the total payment, covering NECO examination fees and logistics for all eligible candidates across the four correctional centres in Anambra State, amounted to ₦4,741,400.

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Sport News

EPL: Haaland double sends Man City top after West Ham win

Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester Citycontinued their strong run with a comfortable Premier League victory over West Ham United, moving Pep Guardiola’s side to the top of the table.

City’s fifth straight league win puts them one point clear of Arsenal, who can reclaim first place later on Saturday with a win away at Everton.

 

Early strike sets the tone

 

The contest was effectively decided within five minutes. Haaland reacted quickest after Alphonse Areola saved his initial effort, converting the rebound to give City an early lead at the Etihad Stadium.

City dominated thereafter, carving West Ham open repeatedly. Haaland missed a clear chance to double the advantage with a free header, while Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden both forced saves from Areola.

EPL: Haaland double sends Man City top after West Ham win
Erling Haaland bagged a brace to help Manchester City win the game – Getty image

Reijnders adds control

City’s pressure told again seven minutes before half-time when Reijnders collected a pass from Haaland, drove into space and rifled a shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-0.

That goal removed any lingering doubt about the outcome, with Guardiola’s side controlling possession.

Haaland seals it

West Ham showed brief intent after the break, with Jarrod Bowen twice going close, but their resistance ended when Haaland struck again in the 69th minute to secure the points.

The Norwegian now has 19 league goals this season and 38 in all competitions, underlining his central role in City’s title push.

Contrasting trajectories

The win extends City’s unbeaten run against teams starting the day in the relegation zone to 48 matches and marks their seventh consecutive victory in all competitions.

For West Ham, the situation looks increasingly bleak. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side remain 18th, three points from safety, and are now winless in six league games as relegation concerns deepen.

City return to action on 27 December away at Nottingham Forest, while West Ham host Fulham the same day, facing growing pressure to reverse their slide.

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Sport News

Official: Thiago Silva joins FC Porto on short-term deal

Thiago Silva has officially signed for FC Porto, ending speculation linking him with returns to former clubs AC Milan and Chelsea.

The 41-year-old defender has committed to a contract running until June 2026, with an option to extend for a further year until 2027.

Official: Thiago Silva joins FC Porto on short-term deal
Thiago Silva announced new Porto player – Credit: FC Porto media

Return to familiar ground

The move represents a brief return to Porto, where Silva spent six months in 2005 earlier in his career.

 

The announcement was made via social media, featuring the defender alongside transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, with Silva confirming he was “very happy and honoured” to take up the opportunity.

 

Farioli influence

Silva also acknowledged Porto head coach Francesco Farioli, crediting the Italian for playing a key role in the move. The veteran centre-back is expected to provide leadership and experience as Porto target domestic and European objectives.

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Sport News

EPL: James, Pedro strike as Chelsea salvage 2-2 draw at Newcastle

Chelsea mounted a spirited second-half comeback to earn a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park, with João Pedro delivering the equaliser against a Newcastle side that again failed to protect a commanding lead.

Newcastle appeared in full control at the interval after Nick Woltemade struck twice to put Eddie Howe’s team 2-0 ahead, energising a vocal home crowd and leaving Chelsea facing a steep uphill task.

Newcastle dominance, familiar fragility

Despite their first-half authority, Newcastle’s inability to manage games resurfaced.

No Premier League side has dropped more points from winning positions this season, and that underlying struggle became evident shortly after the restart.

Chelsea captain Reece James reignited the contest with a precise 25-yard free-kick, reducing the deficit and shifting things in Chelsea’s favour.

The goal visibly unsettled the hosts, with anxiety spreading around the stadium.

EPL: Pedro strikes late as Chelsea salvage 2-2 draw at Newcastle
Joao Pedro gave Chelsea the equaliser against Newcastle – Getty image

Controversy and momentum shift

Tensions rose further when Newcastle were denied a penalty after Trevoh Chalobah bundled Anthony Gordon inside the area, a decision that inflamed the home support and intensified the atmosphere.

Chelsea capitalised soon after. Pedro, who chose Stamford Bridge over Newcastle last summer, punished a defensive lapse as Malick Thiaw slipped, allowing the Brazilian to break clear and finish calmly past Aaron Ramsdale.

Missed chance at the death

The equaliser set up an open finale, with both sides committing numbers forward.

Newcastle came agonisingly close to snatching victory late on, but substitute Harvey Barnes volleyed wide from a promising position, prompting a frustrated reaction from Howe on the touchline.

Table implications

The draw leaves Chelsea six points clear of Newcastle in fourth place. Newcastle, meanwhile, remain 11th for now, with familiar questions resurfacing about game management and defensive discipline.

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Sport News

BREAKING: AFCON Now To Be Played Every Four Years

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held every four years starting from 2028.

This was revealed by Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, on Saturday.

Since 1968, the tournament has been played every two years.

There was, however, a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions.

But after the 2027 edition in East Africa and the next one in 2028, it will switch to a four-year cycle.

“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” Motsepe said.

“I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronised and harmonised.”

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Sport News

Why I Lost To Anthony Joshua – Jake Paul Speaks After His Knockout Defeat

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has suggested reasons for his loss to British fighter Anthony Joshua on Friday.

Paul admitted he was fatigued during the fight and lacked the best cardio, praising Joshua for his great performance and powerful punches.

In their Miami fight, Paul sustained a fractured jaw as he endured six rounds against the two-time heavyweight champion.

The 28-year-old American was knocked down four times during the fight.

In his post-fight interview, Paul stated (via Metro UK), “My [jaw] is definitely broken. But man, that was good.

“I love this, so I will come back and get a world championship belt at some point and I’m not surprised [I lasted long against Joshua]. I just got tired.

“It was just so much handling his weight. If I had better cardio, I could’ve maybe kept on fighting. But he did amazing, and hits really hard.”

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Sport News

AFCON 2025: ‘He Was Torn To Pieces’ – Oliseh Speaks On Okoye’s Exclusion From Nigeria Squad (Video)

Sunday Oliseh, a former Nigerian midfielder, has reacted to the omission of Maduka Okoye from the final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Okoye was dropped from the final squad despite being included in Eric Chelle’s provisional list of 54 players.

Oliseh claims the Udinese goalkeeper was “torn to bits” by fans and pundits after his last appearance for the Super Eagles.

“The last game he played for Nigeria, I remember this boy being torn into bits online, online, television, everywhere,” Oliseh said about Okoye on his podcast.

“He was so much destroyed that I remember looking at it and saying, If this boy were my son, I will tell him now, go and stop playing.

“Just go make your life again. Forget it.”

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Entertainment News

Fela Set To Become First African To Receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

The late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will be posthumously honored with a Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award at the 67th Grammys, becoming the first African musician to receive this prestigious recognition.

The Nigerian legend will be honoured alongside other international music maestros such as Whitney Houston, Paul Simon, Cher and Chaka Khan.

In an official statement, Harvey Mason Jr, CEO of the Recording Academy, describes the honorees as “an extraordinary group whose influence spans generations, genres, and the very foundation of modern music”.

The Recording Academy recognised Fela as the “architect of Afrobeat,” highlighting his transformative influence on the genre and his enduring impact on generations of artists.

The Academy has previously inducted Fela’s 1976 album Zombie into the 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame.

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Sport News

Wilfred Ndidi Named New Captain Of The Super Eagles Ahead Of AFCON 2025 (Video)

Nigerian footballer, Wilfred Ndidi has officially been named as the new Super Eagles captain.

Ndidi’s appointment will usher a new era of leadership for the Super Eagles following William Troost-Ekong’s retirement from international football.

The midfielder’s appointment was confirmed on the Super Eagles X account on Friday.

The Besiktas star is counting on the support of his teammates to make his reign successful.

“It’s a huge responsibility, with the help of the players everything will be smooth,” Ndidi told the Super Eagles media.

“I have had conversation with a couple of the players. Just to let them know the reason why we are. I also need their support as well. The staff as well, we are all in this together.

“We have conversation on the task ahead, and it is important for us to be together on the same page.”

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