UCL: Relentless Madrid beat Man City by two late goals
Manchester City are fighting for Champions League survival and a place in the last 16 after Jude Bellingham’s injury-time winner settled a tense play-off first leg in Real Madrid’s favour. Pep Guardiola’s side rediscovered more of their true form early on at Etihad Stadium as Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol combined to set up Erling Haaland for a confident finish after 19 minutes. Grealish, who had made a fine start, then went off injured and after Haaland hit the bar shortly after the break, Real took control. Real let City off the hook by failing to take their chances until Kylian Mbappe scrambled home a close-range finish on the hour. They continued to squander opportunities, including two for Bellingham, and were punished when Haaland put City back in front from the spot after 80 minutes following Dani Ceballos’ foul on Phil Foden. Real, however, hit back with four minutes left, former City man Brahim Diaz equalisingbefore Bellingham finally hit the target, sliding in from close range to leave the holders as firm favourites to reach the knockout stage in next week’s second leg at The Bernabeu. Man City run out of steam – and luck Manchester City’s big Champions League night started with flashes of the old form re-emerging, only to end in bitter disappointment as the failings that have characterised their disappointing season surfaced once more. With Grealish probing and Haaland providing the cutting edge, City made the perfect start. It was a bitter blow when the former went off injured after half an hour. Real had already started to pose a threat through the pace of Mbappe and the trickery of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, but the pivotal moment for City came when Haaland’s deflected shot bounced back off the bar. A two-goal lead might have made a significant difference. The 15-time champions then started to apply remorseless pressure on City, who were overcome by tired legs and were actually labouring badly when Haaland put them back in front against the run of play late on. Once again, key men such as Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne looked like players with too many miles on the clock, while Ruben Dias and John Stones have been managing their game time carefully. And in that agonising conclusion, City went from thinking they might take a lead to The Bernabeu, to settling for a draw, then suffering the pain of defeat.City now face a mammoth task to take this stuttering Champions League campaign beyond the play-off stage. Relentless Real wear down Man City Real Madrid may not be at their best just yet, but they still possess the talent and nous to get the job done in most Champions League circumstances that confront them. This is the time of the season when they come alive. Carlo Ancelotti was, for him at least, animated at some points as a succession of chances came and went for Real, who posed a threat all night. Read Also: Ex-Manchester City player becomes new Georgian President
Trump meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, insists on Gaza plan
President Trump hosted Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday and renewed his suggestions that Gaza could be emptied of residents, controlled by the U.S. and redeveloped as a tourist area — a plan that could likely only work if the Arab nation agrees to accept more refugees. The pair met in the Oval Office, where President Trump suggested he wouldn’t withhold U.S. aid to Jordan, Egypt or other Arab nations, if they don’t agree to dramatically increase the number of people from Gaza they take in. “I don’t have to threaten that. I do believe we’re above that,” Mr. Trump said. That contradicted his previous suggestion that holding back aid was a possibility. Abdullah was asked repeatedly about Trump’s audacious plan to remake the Middle East, but didn’t make substantive comments on it nor the idea that his country could accept large numbers of new refugees from Gaza. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio is to the right of President Trump and Jordan’s King Abdullah II during the parley. He did say that Jordan would accept roughly 2,000 children with cancer and other health problems “right away.” Trump said he did not know about that commitment, which he called “a beautiful gesture.” President Trump speaks during a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 11, 2025. Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images The president also repeated suggestions that the U.S. could come to control Gaza, but he said that it wouldn’t require committing funds and would come to fruition. He also said that would be possible “under the U.S. authority,” without elaborating what that actually was. “We’re not going to buy anything. We’re going to have it,” Trump said of U.S. control in Gaza. He suggested that the redeveloped area could have new hotels, office buildings and houses and “and we’ll make it exciting.” “I can tell you about real estate. They’re going to be in love with it,” President Trump, who built a New York real estate empire that catapulted him to fame, said of Gaza’s residents, while also insisting that he personally would not be involved in development. Additionally, Trump used the meeting to renew his suggestions that a tenuous ceasefire between Hamas and Israel could be canceled if Hamas doesn’t release all of the remaining hostages it is holding by midday on Saturday. “I don’t think they’re going to make the deadline, personally,” Mr. Trump said of Hamas. “They want to play tough guy. We’ll see how tough they are.” The king’s visit is happening at a perilous moment for the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas is accusing Israel of violating the truce and said it is pausing future releases of hostages captured in its Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack. Trump has repeatedly proposed the U.S. take control of Gaza and turn it into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” with Palestinians in the war-torn territory pushed into neighboring nations with no right of return. His Tuesday comments contradicted his Monday suggestions that, if necessary, he would withhold U.S. funding from Jordan and Egypt — longtime U.S. allies and among the top recipients of its foreign aid — as a means of persuading them to accept additional Palestinians from Gaza. Jordan is home to more than 2 million Palestinians and, along with other Arab states, has flatly rejected Trump’s plan to relocate civilians from Gaza. Jordan’s foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, said last week that his country’s opposition to Mr. Trump’s idea was “firm and unwavering.” Besides concerns about jeopardizing the long-held goals of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Egypt and Jordan have privately raised security concerns about welcoming large numbers of additional refugees into their countries even temporarily. The king is also meeting with top Trump administration officials during his visit, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as well as a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Capitol Hill. He is the third foreign leader to hold an in-person meeting with Mr. Trump since his Jan. 20 inauguration. The president announced his ideas for resettling Palestinians from Gaza and taking ownership of the territory for the U.S. during a press conference last week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He initially didn’t rule out deploying U.S. troops to help secure Gaza but at the same time insisted no U.S. funds would go to pay for the reconstruction of the territory, raising fundamental questions about the nature of his plan. After Trump’s initial comments, Rubio and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted that Trump only wanted Palestinians relocated from Gaza “temporarily” and sought an “interim” period to allow for debris removal, the disposal of unexploded ordnance and reconstruction. But asked in an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier that aired Monday if Palestinians in Gaza would have a right to return to the territory under his plan, he replied, “No, they wouldn’t.”
FG announces application for new accountant-general, perm secs
The Federal Government has called for the applications for the appointment of a new Accountant-General of the Federation and permanent secretaries to fill existing vacancies in Oyo State and the North-West geo-political zone. The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, announced this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday through the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu. According to Walson-Jack, the selection process will involve a written examination conducted by a top Federal Government security agency. The examination questions will be set and marked by serving and retired permanent secretaries. The position of Accountant-General of the Federation will become vacant upon the retirement of the incumbent, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, in March 2025. The appointment process is open to serving Grade Level 17 officers in the mainstream Federal Civil Service who have held their current position for at least two years. Candidates must meet eligibility criteria, including screening and confirmation by their respective permanent secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation. The selection process will involve:– Verification Screening: A Committee of Permanent Secretaries will conduct verification screening, observed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). – Asset Declaration: Candidates will undertake an asset declaration with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). – Written Examination: A written examination will be conducted at a top Federal Government security agency.– ICT Proficiency Test: Candidates will be tested for ICT proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The final appointment will be made by President Tinubu, considering the best-performing candidates based on their performance throughout the selection process. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has set February 17, 2025, as the deadline for civil servants to validate their identity on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Employees must visit the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation’s (OAGF) website (www.oagf.gov.ng) to access the validation portal. Failure to complete the validation by the deadline may lead to suspension from the payroll. Accounting officers, finance directors, and internal auditors across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are urged to ensure full compliance with the directive.
You lied, Akinnola blasts Togun over allegations against Fawehinmi
Veteran journalist and legal analyst, Richard Akinnola has berated retired Brigadier-General Kunle Togun over what he described as “egregious, insidious, and fallacious allegations” against the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN. The explosive reaction of Akinnola comes in the wake of an interview the retired general granted on the Edmund Obilo podcast, where he claimed that Fawehinmi hated the Ibrahim Babangida regime because of an alleged business favour from the Buhari government that was disrupted by the 1985 coup. Dismissing Togun’s claim as outright falsehood, the veteran journalist stressed that Fawehinmi was never a businessman and had no financial dealings with the Buhari administration. Akinnola maintained that Fawehinmi’s unwavering support for Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign under Decree 3 of 1984 did not extend to violations of the rule of law, citing the lawyer’s fierce opposition to the regime’s disobedience of court orders. He recalled an instance where Fawehinmi took a stand against the government over the wrongful interdiction of firefighter Saidu Garba, which led to the resignation of Justice Yaya Jinadu. Refuting Togun’s claim that Fawehinmi sought government patronage, Akinnola stressed that the late legal icon’s only engagements were in law practice, legal writing, and publishing. He argued that if Babangida truly had any compromising information on Fawehinmi, he would have used it against him during their long-running clashes. The legal analyst highlighted that, instead, even Babangida himself acknowledged Fawehinmi’s integrity, referring to him as one of the few genuine critics he respected, alongside Professor Awojobi and Dr. Yusuf Bala Usman. Akinnola likened Togun’s falsehood to a similar fabrications made in the past by Fawehinmi’s erstwhile friend, Dr. Olu Onagoruwa. He recalled how Onagoruwa, after accepting an appointment as Attorney General under the Sani Abacha regime against Fawehinmi’s advice, later alleged in his book that Buhari facilitated the purchase of Fawehinmi’s London apartment. Clockwise; Akinnola, Fawehinmi and Togun Akinnola cited Fawehinmi’s rebuttal, where he provided documented evidence that he had bought the property in 1980—four years before Buhari assumed office. Akinnola underscored the importance of setting the record straight to protect Fawehinmi’s legacy from baseless distortions. He reaffirmed that those who knew and worked with Fawehinmi would continue to counter any false narratives designed to tarnish his reputation, even in death.
Akpabio: 2025 budget report likely to be presented tomorrow
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has stated that the Committee on Appropriations is expected to present its report on the 2025 budget proposal for consideration and possible passage by the Senate on Wednesday. Presiding over the plenary on Tuesday, Akpabio confirmed that federal lawmakers may begin deliberations on the N54.2tn budget immediately after the report is laid before them. He explained that the relatively low attendance in the chamber was due to members of the Appropriations Committee conducting final checks to ensure the budget aligned with the nation’s interests. He further noted that the debate on a bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture in Abak, Akwa Ibom State, would be concluded swiftly to allow focus on the 2025 budget. Akpabio also pointed out that the report might be presented as early as Wednesday or Thursday, urging his colleagues to ensure a timely conclusion of deliberations to facilitate the final consideration and passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill. The 2025 budget was initially set at N49.7tn but was increased to N54.2tn after President Bola Tinubu’s communication to both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This increase of N4.5tn prompted the revision of the proposal, with Akpabio urging the Committee on Appropriations to expedite its work to ensure the budget is passed by the end of February.
Tinubu directs takeover of Nok University
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Government to take over Nok University in Kachia, Kaduna State, and transform it into the newly renamed Federal University of Applied Sciences. This follows a ruling from the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the final forfeiture of the privately owned institution to the government. Vice President Kashim Shettima made the announcement during the handover of the institution’s property and assets by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday. The renaming of the institution to Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, is part of a promise made to the people of Southern Kaduna, with immediate plans for the university’s operations to begin. The Vice President affirmed that the university would be included in the 2025 budget, with plans to admit its first students by September 2025. The transition marks a key moment for both the education sector and Kaduna State, with officials emphasising the significance of inclusivity and national development. “This is a great day for the country and for Kaduna State,” said Shettima, crediting President Tinubu for making the university’s establishment a priority. Southern Kaduna’s leaders, including Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani and Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, have praised the decision as a transformative moment for the region, promising positive impacts in education, job creation, and local economic growth. In addition to education, Shettima reiterated the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in the region, with a focus on road construction. The handover ceremony, which involved various stakeholders, also highlighted the long-awaited achievement for the people of Southern Kaduna, with contributions from figures like General Martin Luther Agwai and Bishop Matthew Kukah. The establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences is expected to enhance educational and social development in Southern Kaduna, providing access to world-class education and contributing to the country’s human capital development.
FG takes full charge of Keystone bank
Keystone Bank has announced that it is now fully owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria, following a ruling by the Lagos State High Court on Tuesday, 11 February 2025. The bank confirmed that the takeover would bolster its stability and assist in the smooth process of recapitalisation. The development comes after the court ordered the forfeiture of shares held by the bank’s former shareholders, Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited and Alhaji Umaru H. Modibbo, effectively transferring ownership to the Federal Government. Keystone Bank made the announcement via a statement on its official Instagram page. In the statement, the bank clarified the media reports surrounding the judgment by the Lagos State Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos. The ruling, handed down on Tuesday, required the forfeiture of shares previously owned by the two shareholders, reinforcing the bank’s transition into full government ownership. “Keystone Bank Limited wishes to clarify the media report on a judgment by the Lagos State Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, regarding the status of the former shareholders of the bank: Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited and Alhaji Umaru H. Modibbo,” the statement explained. “With this clarity, we are well-positioned for sustained growth, stronger partnerships, and enhanced profitability. Keystone Bank continues to strengthen its balance sheet while delivering exceptional value to its teeming stakeholders,” it continued. The bank emphasised that the takeover marks a significant milestone in securing its future and facilitating long-term growth. Keystone Bank reassured its customers of its financial health, underlining its commitment to regulatory compliance and stability. “We assure our customers that the bank remains safe, healthy, strong, and resilient,” the statement added. Keystone Bank was previously among the three banks whose boards and management were dissolved by the Central Bank of Nigeria on 10 January 2024, leading to the appointment of new leadership. This latest development positions the bank for continued success under the full ownership and backing of the Nigerian government.
I’ve never had a boyfriend, just casual partner – Tems
Grammy Award winner, Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems in an interview disclosed that she has never had a boyfriend in her life since she was born. The 29-year-old singer and songwriter made this known to all and sundry while featuring as a guest on the YouTube show “Is the seat taken” hosted by media personality, Chinasa Anukam. While speaking to the host, Anukam, Tem said that she never had a boyfriend before but she has a mini boyfriend. A quick check confirmed that a mini boyfriend means a casual male partner who is not considered a serious commitment. A mini boyfriend is someone who you’re not a girlfriend to, but who is really close to you. You do relationship things but both of you swear you don’t like each other enough to date. This revelation comes days after Tems made Nigeria proud as she bagged a Grammy Award for the second time. Tems won the Best African Music Performance award at the 2025 Grammy Award. See reactions below; happiokos_comedy: ”Which one be mini boyfriend again, Abi the guy na brief guy😁😁.” bazeokay : ”lol, this girl wey been dey cry for opueh on X now the talk rara ra😂😂😂.” trenchesblog: ”See her look when answering the boyfriend question😂.” stevenbits1: ”Na dildo be dat 😂,� make una no panic.” onyinye_joy3030: ”Mini bf as per hin get Amstel Malta bottle height, abi what again�.”� benitaeric_: ”I think she means her dildo,😮💨😮💨 that’s the only mini, right?”
I know nothing about Nengi’s pregnancy – Gov Diri
Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri has opened up on news making the rounds that he is responsible for TV star, Nengi Hampson’s pregnancy. On Monday, viral media speculations alleged that the Bayelsa governor had secretly fathered a child with 26-year-old Big Brother Naija star, Nengi. Upon the emergence of the rumour, Nengi, a prominent figure from BBN Season 5 (Lockdown), swiftly refuted the claims while confirming her pregnancy. The Bayelsa-born TV star made a series of X posts dismissing the claim that the governor is responsible for her pregnancy. She tweeted, “As much as I believe social media lies aren’t worth my time, I’ve come to accept that we live in a world where people are quick to spread lies without limits. So let me be clear: I’m not pregnant for any governor. “I’ve chosen to speak because this isn’t just an attack on me; it involves people I hold in the highest regard. I won’t allow a beautiful, personal part of my life to be turned into something ugly. While I continue to mind my business and enjoy my pregnancy in peace, I wish y’all love and a happy Valentine’s weekend.” Reacting to the controversy, the Director-General of New Media to the governor, Samuel Oredipe, dismissed the claim, branding it as false and politically motivated. In a rebuttal statement posted on Facebook on Monday evening, the governor’s media aide maintained that Nengi had no personal relationship with Governor Diri. “The BBN Nengi Trending Story has nothing to do with Gov. Diri! Nengi Rebecca Hampson has no personal relationship with Governor Diri. “It is regrettable that purveyors of fake news are not happy with the towering political profile of the governor. Nengi herself has come out clean on social media to debunk their lies. GistLover goofed again! All fake!” the statement read. The circulated statement further described the report as an attempt to divert attention from the governor’s achievements, particularly as Bayelsa State commemorated the fifth anniversary of his administration. The statement read, “Political enemies of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State are at work again. What a wicked set of people spreading falsehood on a day the Prosperity Administration commenced activities marking its 5th anniversary. “This is a distraction, and some of us are very justified in the many reasons offered to regulate the use of various social media platforms. Sadly, while we were inaugurating a brand-new road in Yenagoa, social media spread falsehoods about the governor. Governor Diri is a man of honour and dignity.” Governor Diri is not the first Nigerian politician to be linked to a celebrity in a controversial manner. In July 2024, Senate President Godswill Akpabio was allegedly linked with extramarital affairs with several female celebrities. Addressing the allegations, Akpabio stated on the Senate floor that his traditional norm is marriage to one wife, and he is satisfied. In November 2020, Nengi, a Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria finalist in 2017, was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Girl Child Development to Governor Diri. The University of Port Harcourt graduate is also the founder and CEO of Shoes by Flora, a footwear brand.
Hoodlums beat corps member to death in Plateau
A serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) identified as Safwan Fade, has been beaten to death by hoodlums in the Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State. Fadec, serving with the Federal University of Education in Pankshin, was reportedly attacked and beaten to death by a group of hoodlums who stormed a local stadium within the locality. The state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina confirmed the incident at the Command’s headquarters in Jos on Tuesday. Adesina announced that two male suspects – one Samuel Dang Kat and Zatshinen Wubwerwe – have been arrested in connection with the attack, which led to the death of the corps member. He added that 24 suspects were arrested for various offences. According to the Commissioner, the suspects were arrested after a thorough investigation while promising to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Commissioner said, “On 23/01/25 at about 07:00am, we received a report from one Umbule Boreng Reuben of Pankshin LGA, who reported that on 22/01/25 at about 06:00pm, one Safwan Adamu Fade, an NYSC corps member serving at FCE Pankshin was reportedly beaten and severely injured by unknown hoodlums at the Pankshin township stadium. “Upon receipt of the report, I immediately directed the DPO of Pankshin division to lead a team of policemen to the scene where the victim was quickly rushed to the hospital for medical attention. “The victim was treated and declared stable by the Medical Doctor on duty. The victim was later transferred to Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) as a result of some complications. The victim eventually died in the process. “In the course of our investigation, two suspects, one Samuel Dang Kat and Zatshinen Wubwerwe, both male, have been identified and arrested in connection with the case. ”Efforts are being intensified with a view to apprehending the fleeing suspects and charge them to court.” The Commissioner thanked the law-abiding citizens of the state for their cooperation in making the fight against crime and criminality easy for law enforcement agents. “Within the period under review, the Plateau State Police Command had recorded some operational successes. Our aggressive onslaught against men of the underworld has led to the massive arrest of criminals and the recovery of arms and ammunition. “The Command is poised to serve you better. The support of the media and the publicity given to Police activities has no doubt been tremendous. The Public are better informed and educated on the good intentions of the police towards them and the need to form a strong alliance against the men of the underworld. “Once again I appreciate the good people of the state, the members of the 4th estate of the realm and the gallant, professional and indefatigable police officers of the Command that have brought about these successes,” the Commissioner added.
