Author: kayode amuda

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Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup Dream Comes To An Ends As DR Congo Knock Out Nigeria In Penalty Shoot-Out

Nigeria has missed out on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after falling to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff final on Sunday night.

The Super Eagles took an early lead in the first half after Frank Onyeka’s shot was deflected in.

But the Leopards were level after Mechak Elia pounced on a defensive error to finish past Stanley Nwabali.

The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes and was decided on penalties.

Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi all missed their kicks as DR Congo clinched the ticket to represent Africa at the intercontinental playoffs.

They will now play in a six-team intercontinental qualifier, which will be staged from March 23 to 31 in 2026 to decide the final two sides for next year’s World Cup.

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News

15% Fuel Tariff U-Turn Unacceptable – Group Urges Total Ban On Petrol Imports

The Partners for National Economic Progress (PANEP) has criticised the Federal Government’s reversal of the recently introduced 15 percent tariff on imported petroleum products, describing the decision as a setback to the country’s economic reform agenda.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its co-convener, Comrade Olamide Odumosu, the organisation said the tariff was a “wise, courageous and legally sound decision” rooted in the Petroleum Industry Act, which envisaged Nigeria’s liberation from decades of dependence on fuel importation.

Odumosu claimed the policy reversal was driven by a false narrative that Nigeria lacks the capacity to meet domestic fuel needs, insisting that local players could sustain the country for at least 90 days in the event of an emergency.

PANEP dismissed concerns that a 15 per cent import tariff would lead to price hikes or a supply crisis, insisting that Nigeria would be better served by completely banning fuel importation to dismantle entrenched cartels allegedly benefiting from the current system.

The organisation alleged that much of the imported fuel is of poor quality, facilitated by the complicity or negligence of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA.

 

PANEP further claimed that some sectoral interests, including unions and associations, have consistently undermined the success of local refining.

The statement read in part: “Nigeria should ban petroleum product importation as a means of seizing oxygen to the oil cartel, who import very bad and poor quality products into the country, knowing that the regulator, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is nonchalant about the quality of imported products.

“As an organisation, we are not against any player in the oil sector, but it is high time we forced this petroleum products importation cabal to embrace productivity. They should build refineries or form a cooperative to acquire the public refineries and be players in a productive downstream petroleum business. Importation must end.

“While we concede that Mr President acted in what he believed is in the public interest, we also make bold to state that the narratives that led to it were skewed by interests that have refused to allow the country’s local refining project to succeed.”

Criticising the tariff reversal, PANEP maintained that it contradicts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery plan, questioning the secrecy surrounding Nigeria’s daily fuel consumption figures and accusing regulatory agencies of failing in their duties.

The group recommended that the new implementation timeline for the tariff, initially set for the first quarter of 2026, should commence no later than January 1, 2026, to prevent what it described as “serial policy reversals.”

Odumosu drew parallels with the cement industry, where local production overcame early resistance and allegations of monopoly, arguing that Nigeria will not realise its full refining capacity until petroleum import cartels are dismantled.

The organisation therefore called on the Federal Government to reinstate the 15 per cent tariff and ultimately ban fuel importation before the end of the first quarter in 2026.

“We are getting serious with business under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the gains should not be reversed. The government must stop listening to agencies that have failed in their regulatory duties.

“We reiterate our position that the legal tariff should be reintroduced before the end of Q1 2026, and importation of petroleum products should be banned. Nigeria is capable and the claim of high consumption prices is a fat lie,”Odumosu said.

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Entertainment News

Regina Daniels’ Medical Reports Are Genuine – Husband Ned Nwoko Says

Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North, has issued a statement affirming the authenticity of circulating medical reports about his wife, actress Regina Daniels, which allege substance abuse.

The statement posted on the Senator’s Instagram page on Saturday, and signed by his Communication Team lead, was to address the controversy that erupted after one of the implicated hospitals previously denied issuing the document.

Tori News reports that Serenity Royale Hospital in Abuja denied an alleged medical report claiming that actress Daniels has been battling severe substance abuse.

The viral report, signed by the hospital’s Managing Director and Head of Clinical Services, Adekunle Adesina, purportedly stated that Daniels was diagnosed with a substance use disorder and placed on a home-based detox programme starting September 24, 2025.

However, the statement shared by Nwoko on Saturday claimed that the medical reports are “genuine” and explained the position of the hospital.

“A medical report concerning Regina Nwoko has been circulating online. The reports are genuine,” the statement read.

“The rehabilitation centre only clarified that it did not publish or circulate the documents, which is expected because medical institutions must protect client confidentiality. They did not deny authoring the reports; their concern is the leak itself.”

The post urged the public to read the full reports, which, according to the Senator’s team, clearly explain the situation.

“The public is encouraged to read the full reports, because they explain the situation clearly and directly. Both the toxicology report and the Serenity Hospital report confirm the presence of the same substances, all at levels that pose serious health risks: Marijuana, Cocaine, Morphine, Opiates at extremely elevated levels, Alcohol at a critically dangerous level.”

The statement went further to reference a Nizamiya Hospital report, saying, ” The Nizamiya Hospital report dated 3rd October adds an even more troubling detail. She was brought into the hospital unconscious from a drug overdose. These facts are documented, consistent, and deeply alarming.

“The reports also describe the challenges the rehabilitation centre faced, including persistent interference from her siblings. They openly stated that they do not see anything wrong in giving her alcohol and weed, even while she was undergoing rehabilitation, and they have continued enabling her substance use.

“Their actions made effective treatment impossible and remain one of the major reasons she has not been able to complete rehabilitation.”

The post went on to suggest that the actress’s current online behaviour reflects these struggles, adding that the Senator is insisting on therapy because “several of Regina’s recent decisions are not coming from a stable and healthy frame of mind.”

It read, “Many have questioned why the Senator is insisting on therapy. His determination comes from the clear reality that several of Regina’s recent decisions are not coming from a stable and healthy frame of mind.

“She is vulnerable, unprotected, and exposed to individuals who exploit her for personal gain. Her online behaviour reflects her current struggles, and she tends to listen more to public voices than to medical professionals or her husband.”

It claimed that private attempts to help her did not succeed, and given the severity of the substances detected and the documented hospital emergency, “it is no longer an issue that can be handled quietly.”

Insisting that the reports are genuine, the statement concluded, “At this point, the question becomes: must we wait until Regina reaches a point of irreversible harm before we support her, encourage her to stop substance abuse, and help her commit to rehabilitation.

“Distinguished Senator is genuinely and deeply concerned. His tone, his actions, and his persistence all reflect a man who wants Regina to recover, to be safe, to be clear-minded, and to be present for her two young sons. Until those boys are old enough to guide her themselves, he will continue doing everything within his responsibility to help restore her well-being and ensure that future choices are made with clarity.

“The reports are authentic. The hospitals and rehabilitation centres did not leak them. The findings speak for themselves. Regina needs consistent treatment, support, and protection. Not denial, not interference, and not enabling. She is a mother, and she deserves the chance to regain her health and stability.”

Recall that Daniels had previously reacted to Nwoko’s claims, admitting to past drug use but insisting that her drug use was not the root of their marital issues.

Regina dismissed her estranged husband’s allegations as exaggerated, manipulative, and designed to tarnish her image.

She also alleged that Nwoko encouraged her drug use for his satisfaction and accused him of isolating her by targeting her friends and family.

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Entertainment News

How Living Abroad Humbled Me – Veteran Actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Opens Up

Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, popularly known as Omo Sexy, has revealed how living abroad has been a humbling experience for her.

Omotola, in an interview with Punch, said COVID-19 changed her perspective about life, noting that visiting the United States was not the same as living there.

According to the movie star, fame came early in Nigeria and relocating to the United States taught her discipline, organisation, and presence.

She said, “The country’s situation wasn’t the main reason. I had opportunities before, but waited for the right timing. COVID-19 changed my perspective; I realised life is short. Visiting the U.S. often wasn’t the same as living there. Moving was scary, but it was a necessary leap.

“Living abroad humbled me. Fame came early in Nigeria, and moving taught me discipline, organisation, and presence. Even small things, like driving or auditioning, reminded me that nothing is guaranteed.”

Omotola also addressed the purported ban in the Nollywood industry for demanding too much pay.

She said, “That’s false. Who bans someone for asking for fair pay? The issue wasn’t greed; it was about professionalism. I was one of the highest-paid actors at the time, but a few of us were seen as “too powerful” and outspoken. I insisted on fair treatment for crew members and wouldn’t work until they were properly fed. That made me a target, but I have no regrets.”

Speaking on the challenges of Nollywood, having worked both abroad and in Nigeria, the movie star said, “The biggest challenge in Nollywood is the lack of structure. I’ve fought for standards since the beginning of my career, even being blacklisted at times for insisting on professionalism and proper documentation. That’s why I started Tefes, a platform focused on formalising the entertainment business and raising standards.

“In other countries, entertainers are recognised with salaries and pensions because they shape society. Nollywood projects Nigeria to the world through movies, culture, and music. What we lack is proper structure; functional guilds, less politics, and more professionalism.”

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Entertainment News

It Was Shocking And Terrifying – Actress Omotola Jalade Shares Experience Of Life-threatening Surgery

Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has shared the ordeal that led to her recent life-threatening surgery, urging the public to take their health more seriously.

The thespian, in an interview with Punch, said the surgery may not seem life-threatening to some people, but it was the most serious medical challenge she had ever faced.

Omotola explained that her body finally broke down after months of extreme work stress.

The veteran actor said she was rushed to the emergency department several times before doctors confirmed she needed immediate surgery, which made her terrified.

Omotola said she discovered a scar on her stomach, and doctors later told her the operation could not be done through keyhole surgery because her gallbladder was too enlarged.

The actress said she decided to share her story publicly to encourage others to prioritise their health.

She said, “For some people, it might not seem like a life-threatening surgery, but for me, it was. I had never faced anything of that severity before and had been rushed to the emergency department multiple times.

“I had been working non-stop, editing my movies Mother’s Love and RR across two continents, barely sleeping two hours a day. My body was overworked. Eventually, I was rushed to the hospital after several visits and told I needed immediate surgery. It was shocking and terrifying. My husband wasn’t around, and my kids were scared.

After the surgery, I discovered a scar on my stomach. The surgeon explained that my gallbladder was too enlarged to be removed through keyhole surgery. It was a lot to process. I tell people now, if you ever feel sharp pains in your chest or back, get a CT scan or MRI immediately. Don’t wait like I did.”

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Entertainment News

Growing Old With You Is One Of My Favourite Things To Do — Actress, Adesua Etomi Tells Husband, Banky W

Adesua Etomi, the popular Nollywood actress, has offered new insight into her close bond with her husband, singer and politician Banky W.

The actress declared that growing old with Banky W remains one of her greatest joys and favorite things to do.

The film star made the declaration in a new Instagram post, where she uploaded affectionate photos of the couple and accompanied them with the caption: “One of my favourite things to do is grow old with you.”

Her message drew an emotional response from Banky W, who commented, “Kuku kill me with this love. Love you, Shuga.

“Dunno what I did to deserve this love, but God, please tell me so I can do it again.”

Several celebrities also reacted to the couple’s display of affection.

Actress Shaffy Bello praised their “strong aura,” while Bisola Aiyeola and other fans described the caption as “heavenly stamped.”

The couple, who married in 2017, have become known for their open admiration for each other, especially since welcoming their second child in October 2024.

Banky W previously announced the birth with a video showing himself cooking, cleaning, assisting with homework and taking on more duties at home.

In recent months, Adesua has publicly praised Banky for his support, describing him as her “safe place” and urging singles to marry a kind partner.

Banky W, who has also survived a serious health challenge after undergoing a skin cancer surgery in 2017, and Adesua have often used their platform to speak about family, faith and navigating difficult seasons.

Adesua has likewise shared her struggles with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe pregnancy condition, using her experience to raise awareness.

The pair welcomed their first child, Hazaiah, in 2021 before expanding their family again last year, and they continue to draw praise from fans who regard them as one of Nollywood’s most admirable couples.

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News

Nigeria Sending Large Delegates To International Functions Misplaced Priority – Peter Obi

Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has criticized the Nigerian government for sending an excessive number of delegates to international events.

In a post on his verified X handle on Saturday, Obi argued that such is a misplaced priority, given that about 150 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, struggling daily with food insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to basic services.

The former Anambra State governor said Nigeria cannot compare herself with China which has larger population and larger GDP than her.

He added that the nation’s participation on the international stage must reflect responsible leadership, one that truly prioritises the needs of its people and demonstrates the country’s genuine capacity to engage meaningfully in global climate action.

“Again, in a bitter twist of irony, we thank Nigeria for having the third-largest delegation at COP30, with 749 delegates, similar to China with 789 delegates.

While Nigeria needs to have a strong voice in global climate discussions, this spectacle comes at a heavy cost to our people, with about 150 million living in multidimensional poverty, struggling daily with food insecurity, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to basic services.


“Yet, our leaders travel in large numbers, funded by taxpayers, attending climate talks abroad while the citizens they are meant to serve continue to suffer.

“Compared to China, which had about the same contingency, China has a high HDI, while Nigeria has a low one, with a key measure of life expectancy at the lowest 54 years, against China’s 79 years. China’s GDP stands at $18.74 trillion, while Nigeria’s GDP is barely 1% of that size, a little over 200 billion dollars. China’s GDP per capita is about $13,300, whereas that of Nigeria is below 10% of that, reflecting the deep economic disparity between the two nations.

“Moreover, 63% of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, which is about 150 million people, the highest number in the world, facing deprivations in health, education, and living standards, while it is only 3.9% in China; meanwhile, China’s population is about seven times larger than ours.

“This stark contrast illustrates why Nigeria should not be sending a delegation of this size. The human and financial resources expended on hundreds of officials travelling abroad could instead be directed toward urgent social investments at home, improving healthcare, education, and living conditions to lift our people out of poverty,” he wrote.

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Entertainment News

Loss Of Music With Morals, Accelerated Decadence In Nigeria – Spyro

Oludipe David, the Nigerian singer, who is popularly known as Spyro, has asserted that music has lost its original value.

The singer, who is an advocate for conscious music, claimed that the loss of valuable music contributed significantly to the moral decline in society.

Speaking on the Adesope Live show, Spyro said, “In the past, artists were passing meaningful messages regardless of whatever genre they were doing. But now, music is just vibes. We are just vibing.

“In as much as vibes are cool, I feel like music has lost its intrinsic value. Back then, you would get goosebumps listening to music. Vibes are cool. But how can we infused messages, values into vibes?

“A lot of the decadence that we have in the society today can be traced to the fact that music has lost its value. We are now just singing for money. A lot of us are into the business for money, not to make impact.”

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News

EFCC Moves To Probe Man Seen Spraying Naira Notes On ‘Thanksgiving Cow’ Inside Church In Delta (Video)

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened an investigation into a viral video showing an unidentified man spraying bundles of naira notes inside a church in Warri, Delta State.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development, stating that the commission was already reviewing the footage and noting, “The matter is under investigation,” according to PUNCH.

The video, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media, shows the man spraying various denominations, including N200, N50, and N20 notes, on a dark-coloured cow brought into the church during what appeared to be a thanksgiving ceremony.

A woman beside him held a large pile of cash while he continued spraying.

The atmosphere in the church took on the tone of a social party, with hip-hop music blasting as the church’s pastor sang in Urhobo.

A hype man repeatedly hailed the man as a “young billionaire,” urging congregants to recognise him as he threw money amid loud cheers.

The footage has drawn heavy criticism online. A user identified as Fortis wrote, “This is very offensive to watch. More worrisome is the fact that children are even in this congregation. This is indeed disgraceful.”

Another user, @BishopBoye, commented, “They didn’t do 1/10 of what these people are doing before Jesus flogged them at the temple. 2,000 years later, just look at this.”

Similarly, Ituma Sunny said, “Please don’t call this a church. There is no real church that will tolerate this nonsense.”

Asiegbu Odenigbo added, “Yahoo boy doing thanksgiving in a yahoo church for the yahoo pastor.”

John Vianney Dominic described the act as “Baal worship,” warning that “those who attended need deliverance.”

Another user, Prince Ade-Chameleon, alleged, “It will interest you to know that these aren’t yahoo boys but kidnappers.”

However, when contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edefa, did not answer calls to his mobile phone.

Naira abuse has remained a persistent issue in Nigeria, particularly at social and religious events where spraying money is viewed as a display of wealth.

The practice contravenes Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, which prohibits the tampering and mishandling of the nation’s currency.

The EFCC has intensified its clampdown on currency mutilation, making several arrests and securing convictions in recent years.

The agency has insisted that the abuse of the naira undermines its dignity, encourages illicit financial conduct, and contributes to economic disorder.

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Olamide Has More Impact On Nigerian Music Industry Than Don Jazzy – Producer Samklef Says

Veteran producer Samklef has asserted that acclaimed rapper and YBNL boss Olamide has had a greater impact on the Nigerian music industry than renowned music executive Don Jazzy.

He made the claim while reacting to the backlash the YBNL boss is currently receiving for declaring Wizkid, “the greatest Afrobeats artist after Fela.”

He blasted Olamide’s critics, saying that they were undermining his contributions to the Nigerian music industry by disrespecting his opinion.

Samklef argued that Olamide deserves to be respected, claiming that he broke the chain of gatekeepers in the Nigerian music industry.

On his X handle, he wrote, “Devil go punish anybody wey talk down on olamide! His impact in the industry even Donjazzy Dey learn.

“It was Olamide who humble Don Jazzy after that Headies wahala. And broke the chain of the industry gate keepers..Na him make Don Jazzy dey wear this new mask.

“After Wizkid, na Olamide get the real street credibility.”

Don Jazzy and Olamide are widely regarded as Nigeria’s most prolific music executives, owning to the almost of talents they have nurtured to stardom through their record labels.

Don Jazzy was instrumental to the rise of Wande Coal, D’Prince, Dr Sid, and several artists through the now-defunct Mo’Hits Records, which he co-owned with D’banj.

After Mo’Hits split, he launched Mavin Records, which has produced super stars such as Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Rema, and Ayra Starr.

On his part, Olamide has through his YBNL imprint launched the careers of artists such as Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, Asake, and many others.

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