Every moment with you is a gift, actor Itele celebrates wife on birthday
Taking to his Instagram page to celebrate his woman on her special day, he referred to her as his greatest blessing and his peace. Popular Nigerian actor, Ibrahim Yekini-Itele is celebrating his wife as she turns a year older today (Tuesday). Taking to his Instagram page to celebrate his woman on her special day, he referred to her as his greatest blessing and his peace. He wrote; ”Happy Birthday to the Queen of my heart! Today is a special day because it marks the day a queen was born-my greatest blessing. Every moment with you is a gift, and I am endlessly grateful for your love, kindness, and the joy you bring into my life. You are my peace, my strength, and my happiness. May this new year bring you all the love, success, and happiness you deserve. I pray that God continues to bless you abundantly, grant you good health, and fulfill your heart’s desires. Enjoy your special day My Wife @beauty_by_icon ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️” Ibrahim Yekini Bakare (born January 21, 1980), also known by his stage name Itele D Icon, is a highly acclaimed Yoruba actor and TV personality in Nigeria. His exceptional talent and skills as an actor, screenwriter, movie producer, and director have significantly impacted the entertainment industry. An award winning actor, bakare was born in Lagos State, but experienced childhood in the northern area of Nigeria, explicitly in Kano State. Ibrahim Yekini is acclaimed for Kesari (2018), Késárí: The King (2023) and Romeo (2022).
EPL: Referee Michael Oliver suspended over suspicious refereeing
Referee Michael Oliver has been handed a suspension after his controversial officiating in the FA Cup fifth-round tie between Crystal Palace and Millwall. He will now miss a Premier League match this weekend. Recall that he failed to stop play after Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was kicked in the head and suffered an injury. Oliver only showed a straight red card to Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts after being asked to review the incident on the VAR pitchside monitor. Mateta was stretchered off the field after receiving lengthy treatment. The 27-year-old was assessed for a head injury and required specialist care, receiving 25 stitches to patch up a severe laceration to his left ear at St George’s Hospital. Former Premier League referee and PGMOL chief Keith Hackett criticized Oliver’s initial decision. Hackett said: “What an appalling challenge, and I have to ask the question—why did one of the world’s top referees fail to immediately show a red card? “It is, frankly, an absolute no-brainer.” However, Oliver will still referee the Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) stated that “referee rotation is normal” and that it is “more noticeable” when high-profile referees are involved. Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan criticized Roberts’ challenge, describing it as “diabolical” and “cowardly.” Jordan questioned whether Roberts had a duty of care to fellow professionals, adding that the challenge had potentially ruined the game for Millwall.
Zelenskyy ready to work under Trump’s leadership, proposes Ukraine peace plan
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a possible peace plan to end the war in Ukraine, saying he is willing to work “constructively” under Donald Trump’s “strong leadership” and to sign a deal giving the US access to his country’s mineral wealth. In an attempt to mend fences with Washington after Trump abruptly suspended supplies of military aid, Zelenskyy said on Tuesday he was “ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible.” “I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s commitment to peace,” he wrote on X. In an extraordinary turnaround, late on Tuesday both sides appeared to be close to signing a critical minerals deal that the White House has indicated is a precursor to peace talks, Reuters reported, underlining the chaotic nature of the relationship between Kyiv and Washington under Donald Trump. Alarmed European leaders reaffirmed their backing for Kyiv on Tuesday as it emerged that Ukraine’s Nato allies had not been told in advance of the suspension of US aid. A spokesperson for the Polish foreign ministry said Trump’s announcement “was made without any information or consultation, neither with Nato allies nor with the Ramstein group which is involved in supporting Ukraine.” Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, announced proposals to increase EU defence spending, which she said could raise up to €800bn ($848bn). “This is a moment for Europe, and we are ready to step up,” she said. In his comments, Zelenskyy sketched out a plan for how the war might stop. The “first stages” could include a release of prisoners and a ban on missiles and long-range drones used to attack energy and civilian infrastructure. This “truce in the air” might be applied to the sea as well, he said, “if Russia will do the same.” Zelenskyy’s post came hours after the Trump administration said it was blocking all deliveries of ammunition, vehicles and other equipment, including shipments agreed when Joe Biden was president. He acknowledged his meeting on Friday with Trump and the US vice-president, JD Vance, “did not go the way it was supposed to.” He said: “It is regrettable it happened this way. It is time to make things right. We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive.” But his conciliatory comments appear to fall short of the grovelling apology demanded by the White House. Trump has accused Zelenskyy of disrespect, and the US president’s aides have claimed Zelenskyy provoked the row by insisting any peace deal had to come with security guarantees. Vance also repeatedly accused Ukraine’s president of ingratitude. By way of response on Tuesday, Zelenskyy thanked Trump for providing Kyiv with Javelin missiles during his first presidential term. “We really do value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence,” he said. On Tuesday, Vance denied that Trump wanted a public apology from Zelenskyy despite media reports to the contrary, saying that the “public stuff” did not matter as much as Ukrainian engagement toward a “meaningful settlement.” “We need the Ukrainians privately to come to us and say: ‘This is what we need. This is what we want. This is how we’re going to participate in the process to end this conflict,’” Vance told reporters on Capitol Hill. “That is the most important thing, and that lack of private engagement is what is most concerning.” US officials have said Zelenskyy and an adviser, Andriy Yermak, had sought the White House meeting despite the concerns of some Trump advisers who had said there was the potential for a clash. But there are also suspicions the White House was looking for a pretext to distance itself from Ukraine. At a joint session of Congress on Tuesday evening, Trump is expected to propose plans to “restore peace around the world.” A White House official told Fox News he would “lay out his plans to end the war in Ukraine”, as well as plans to negotiate the release of hostages held in Gaza, the outlet reported. Ukraine and the US were supposed to sign a minerals deal that would have resulted in the US investing in Ukraine’s underdeveloped minerals and mining sector. Trump has said the presence of US workers in Ukraine would be enough to deter Putin from future acts of aggression, with no further security promises needed. Asked whether he believed there was still hope for the minerals deal, Vance responded: “Yeah, I certainly do.” He added: “And I think the president is still committed to the mineral deal. I think we’ve heard some positive things, but not yet, of course, a signature from our friends in Ukraine.” Kyiv was ready to sign the deal “in any time and in any convenient format”, Zelenskyy indicated. “We see this agreement as a step toward greater security and solid security guarantees, and I truly hope it will work effectively,” he wrote. “It’s a temporary pause and it’s to do a reset,” Mike Johnson, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, said of the suspension of US military aid. “I am heartened by the development that President Zelenskyy has indicated that he does want to do this deal after all … I certainly encourage that to happen and he needs to come and make right what happened last week – the shocking developments in the Oval Office – and if he does that then I think this is the win-win-win scenario for everyone involved.” Moscow celebrated Trump’s decision to suspend military aid as “the best possible step towards peace”, with the Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, saying the US had been “the main supplier of this war so far.” Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk told a cabinet meeting in Warsaw that Europe faced unprecedented risks, including “the biggest in the last few decades when it comes to security.” Tusk said his government would have to make some “extraordinary” decisions. “A decision was announced to suspend the US aid for Ukraine, and perhaps start lifting sanctions on Russia. We don’t have any reason to think
Why we didn’t fully intervene in Lagos Assembly crisis – Lagos APC
By Adeniyi Yusuf The Lagos State All Progressives Congress has explained why it did not intervene in the state’s House of Assembly crisis. The party also congratulated the house of assembly members for solving the issue. This was stated in a statement obtained by The New Daily Prime and signed by Lagos APC Spokesman, Hon. Oluseye Oladejo. According to the statement, the party congratulates the good people of Lagos State, most especially members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the leadership and general members of APC for finding an amiable solution to the rift within the House of Assembly. The statement read, “The crux of the disagreement which has been mainly to draw the attention of the general public and the party to intractable internal issues stretched the well tested and trusted internal conflict resolution mechanism of the party. “As a truly Democratic Party, we refrained from needless interference in the affair of the legislature whose independence we hold in high esteem. “However, the house deferred to the party when the conflict festered and defied all suggestions for settlement.” The party said it was notified of the issue ongoing in the chamber. “We want to put it on record that the members of the house officially briefed the party about the ontoward development and requested for wise counsel from the party just a few days ago. “It is noteworthy that 39 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly are APC members who won elections on our platform and are irrevocably committed to deliver on their mandate.” The party further stated that it met with all the members and proffered practical solutions which were sacrificial , stabilizing and in the best interest of the state. It read, “You may wish to note that our role remained basically advisory and could only be binding if upheld in the hallowed chamber of the House of Assembly. “We commend all the members for jettisoning personal interests in favor of our collective over all goals and aspirations. “There’s no doubt that lessons have been learnt from the past incident and the house has been reunited and strengthened by renewed commitment and vigor to serve the state better. “Overall, it is victory for democracy and underscored the sophistication of Lagos politics which is heads and shoulders above common standards.By this token, it’s clear that the opposition rejoiced too early over a storm in a tea cup and will hopefully put their propaganda machinery in check.” Read Also:Lagos Assembly: Meranda resigns, Obasa reinstated as Speaker Read Also:JUST IN: Obasa says Meranda has resigned as Speaker
FG to arraign MTN boss, others for concealing information
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) will on May 28, arraign Mr Karl Toriola, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. Toriola, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and others will be arraigned over alleged failure to produce documents and information required by the commission in compliance with a lawful summons contrary to the FCCPC Act. The company and its CEO will be arraigned alongside Tobechukwu Okigbo, MTN’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer and Ikenna Ikeme, General Manager, Regulatory Affairs of MTN, before Justice H.J. Yilwa of the Federal High Court in Abuja. FCCPC had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/354/2024, named MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Toriola, Okigbo and Ikeme as 1st to 4th defendants respectively. They were preferred with two counts in the charge, dated July 19, 2024, and filed July 22, 2024 by a team of lawyers led by Akoji Achimugu. When the matter was called, they were not in court. Justice Yilwa asked the FCCP lawyer, Chizenum Nsitem, the whereabouts of the suspects. Nsitem informed the court that though the matter was scheduled for the arraignment of the suspects, he was just briefed about the case and would need more time to study the case file. The judge adjourned the matter until May 28 for arraignment. The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) had earlier filed charge against MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd; its CEO, Toriola; MTN Senior Executive Officer, Nkeakam Abhulimen; Fun Mobile Ltd, a telecommunications service provider; and Yahaya Maibe, its CEO. The NCC, in the three-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024 presently before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a sister court, filed it on March 20, 2024. The prosecution alleged that the defendants, between 2010 and 2017, “offered for sale, sold and traded for business, infringed musical works of Maleke Moye, an artiste, without his consent and authorisation.” The commission alleged that the defendants used Maleke’s musical works and sound recordings with subsisting copyright, known as “caller ring back tunes” without the authorisation of the artiste. The musical works and sound recordings of the musician allegedly infringed upon include “911, Minimini-Wana Wana, Stop Racism, Ewole, 911 instrumental, Radio, Low Waist, and No Bother.” They were also alleged to have illegally distributed the musical works to their subscribers, without authorisation, thereby infringing on the rights of the artiste. In the third count, the suspects were alleged to have had in their possession, the musical works and sound recordings of the artiste, other than for their personal or domestic use. The copyright commission said the alleged offence is punishable under Section 20 (2) (a) (b) and (c) of the Copyright Act, Cap. C28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Justice Ekwo had, on Feb. 25, adjourned the matter until May 15 for report, following the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)’s interest to take over the case.
Trump’s tariffs on Canada, China, Mexico draw quick retaliation
…As Trudeau calls them a “dumb thing to do” President Trump’s imposition of blanket 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico drew swift vows of retaliation from the United States’ immediate neighbours on Tuesday. China, which was hit with a second 10% tariff on U.S. exports since Trump took office, bringing the total levy to 20%, immediately announced its own reciprocal measures — deliberately targeting America’s agricultural sector. Below is a look at the measures being imposed or planned by Canada, China and Mexico, and the rhetoric coming from officials in those countries as Trump ramps up his trade war against one of America’s biggest adversaries, and its two closest neighbours. Canada announces reciprocal tariffs; Trudeau calls Trump’s move “a very dumb thing to do” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced immediate retaliation to the new U.S. tariffs in a statement late Monday evening. He said Canada would impose a $30 billion counter-tariff on goods imported from the U.S. immediately, escalating to $155 billion worth of American products within the next 21 days. Trudeau has said previously that Canada would target American beer, wine, bourbon and home appliances, along with Florida orange juice, with its measures. “Canada will not let this unjustified decision go unanswered,” Trudeau said, adding that he was already discussing with Canada’s provincial leaders various non-tariff measures that could be imposed if the Trump administration doesn’t lift its tariffs. “Because of the tariffs imposed by the U.S., Americans will pay more for groceries, gas, and cars, and potentially lose thousands of jobs. Tariffs will disrupt an incredibly successful trading relationship. They will violate the very trade agreement that was negotiated by President Trump in his last term,” Trudeau said. In a news conference Tuesday, Trudeau lashed out at President Trump’s decision. “We should be working together to ensure even greater prosperity for North Americans in a very uncertain and challenging world,” he said. “Now, it’s not in my habit to agree with the Wall Street Journal, but Donald, they point out that even though you’re a very smart guy, this is a very dumb thing to do.” “Today the United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally, their closest friend. At the same time, they’re talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying murderous dictator. Make that make sense,” said Trudeau. “We two friends fighting is exactly what our opponents around the world want to see.” Trudeau also said Canada will challenge the U.S. action by filling dispute resolution claims at the World Trade Organization and through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the trade deal that replaced NAFTA. Trump responded with a post on social media threatening to raise tariffs further: “Please explain to Governor Trudeau, of Canada, that when he puts on a Retaliatory Tariff on the U.S., our Reciprocal Tariff will immediately increase by a like amount!” Some of Canada’s governors have pushed for a tougher response. “If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do everything, including cut off their energy with a smile on my face. And I’m encouraging every other province to do the same; Quebec, Manitoba, BC [British Columbia], we all have to act in unison,” Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, said at an industrial convention on Monday. “They rely on our energy. They need to feel the pain. They want to come at us hard. We’re going to come back twice as hard.” Ford said retaliatory measures that Canada could consider going forward included halting shipments of critical minerals such as uranium, potash and nickel, in addition to cutting the energy supply, which he said could leave 1.5 million people without power in New York, Michigan and Minnesota, potentially causing significant disruptions to the U.S. economy. He said he had also asked officials in his province to end billions of dollars in contracts with the U.S. and to stop the import of American alcohol to Ontario. “It’s going to be an absolute disaster for both countries,” he acknowledged in a separate interview with NBC News. “I don’t want to respond, but I will respond like they have never seen before.” Trump has framed his tariffs on Canada as a response to what he says is the country’s failure to stem the flow of both undocumented immigrants and fentanyl across the northern U.S. border — though very little of the drug enters that way, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. In a message posted to his own Truth social platform early Tuesday, Trump also took issue with Canadian banking regulations, saying the country “doesn’t allow American Banks to do business in Canada, but their banks flood the American Market,” but providing no further context. “I heard he talked about banking again this morning,” Trudeau said during his Tuesday news conference, “which doesn’t make any sense, because American banks — of 16 American banks currently active in Canada — holding about $113 billion worth of assets in this country. So the American banks are alive and well and prospering in Canada. It’s an example of not really being able to see what it is that he (Trump) wants because even the excuse that he’s giving for these tariffs today of fentanyl is completely bogus, completely unjustified, and completely false. So we actually have to fall back on the one thing he has said repeatedly, that what he wants is to see a total collapse of the Canadian economy, because that will make it easier to annex us.” Trump has said repeatedly that Canada should become a U.S. “51st state.” Trudeau defended Canada’s actions on border control and the illegal flow of fentanyl on Monday, saying that between December 2024 and January 2025, seizures of the drug from Canada by U.S. authorities dropped 97%, to just 0.03 pounds. That drop came, he said, after Canada implemented a $1.3 billion plan to deploy more helicopters and more boots on the
Fubara enhances Rivers fire service for better emergency response
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated the remodeled Rivers State Fire Service Headquarters at Isaac Boro Park Flyover, Port Harcourt. The upgraded facility, equipped with modern firefighting tools, aims to improve emergency response and reduce fire disasters. Governor Fubara highlighted past fire incidents, including the Mile One and Fruit Garden Market fires, where inadequate response led to severe losses. “We lost the Mile One Market because we couldn’t respond adequately. We lost, even what we call, the Fruit Garden Market because we could not respond. Are we talking about houses, lives that have been lost in this State because of inadequate fire service?” he stated. Read Also: Tinubu inducts RMAFC, FCC commissioners, Perm Secs He commended the swift response of the state’s fire service in a recent tanker fire at Woji-Elelenwo Road, emphasizing its newfound independence from multinational fire services. “Some days ago, a tanker fell along the Woji-Elelenwo Road. If it were before, lives would have been lost. But immediately, the fire service, not the multi-nationals, it was the Rivers State Fire Service that responded and arrested the situation. What else are we talking about?” he noted. Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Samuel Anya, noted this was the first major upgrade since the 1960s, with features like a gym, sickbay, offices, and new fire trucks. “Before now, we did not have any truck, and when incidents happen, we have to call the Federal Fire Service or call Agip or Shell Fire Service. But thank God that His Excellency, in his wisdom, has given us state-of-the-art facility, and we don’t need to call any other person again,” Anya stated. Mr. Clifford Paul, Head of Local Government Administration, described the upgrade as a milestone in the state’s fire safety efforts. Also, Governor Fubara urged personnel to maintain the facility, promising continued investment in public safety.
Catholic Bishop donates 93 wheelchairs to PWDs at Adamawa, promises more
To improve mobility for People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Rev. Stephen Mamza, presented 93 wheelchairs and disclosed that additional wheelchairs would be distributed to those who were unavailable at their various residential homes. According to Voice of Nigeria, Mamza presented the wheelchairs on Tuesday in Yola, Adamawa State. The bishop is the immediate past chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Adamawa chapter. He explained that this initiative was made possible through a request for support from the members of the Knights of Columbus in the U.S., a charity organization within the Catholic Church. Highlighting the benefits of the wheelchairs, Mamza noted that the high cost of obtaining one had left hundreds of physically challenged individuals without mobility aids. Read Also: Oyebanji presents N21m donation to PWDs “They are also convenient because you can fold them and easily board a vehicle with them,” he added. Mamza urged the government and wealthy Nigerians to follow the example of the donors and positively impact the lives of physically challenged individuals. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. John Anthony, Assistant Secretary of the PWDs, Adamawa chapter, expressed gratitude to the church for its generosity.
Kano TikTokers imprisoned for posting offensive videos
A Kano magistrates’ court has sentenced two TikTok users to one year in prison or a fine of N100,000 each for their alleged misconduct on the platform. The court ruled that their videos contained vulgar content and violated religious and moral values in the state. The defendants, Ahmad Isa and Maryam Musa live in Ladainai, Hotoro Quarters. The Kano State Censorship Board arrested them and brought them before the court. State counsel Barrister Garzali Maigari Bichi led the prosecution. He charged them with criminal conspiracy and distributing illicit content on social media. When presented with the charges, both pleaded guilty. Justice Hadiza Muhammad Hassan presided over the case. She delivered the sentence and urged the defendants to conduct themselves properly in the future. Arrest and charges The Kano State Censorship Board acted on reports about the TikTok videos. Authorities found the content offensive and unsuitable for public viewing. Officers traced the suspects, arrested them, and handed them over to the court for prosecution. During the hearing, the prosecution argued that the defendants knowingly posted videos that went against societal norms. The court found enough evidence to support the charges. Both defendants admitted to their actions, which led to the swift sentencing. Court’s decision Justice Hassan emphasized the importance of respecting religious and moral values in society. She stated that social media users must be mindful of the content they share. The court offered the defendants an option: serve one year in prison or pay a fine of N100,000 each. The ruling aligns with the state’s commitment to enforcing content regulations. Authorities in Kano have been cracking down on online activities that violate cultural and religious principles. Reactions to the verdict The case has sparked mixed reactions among residents and social media users. Some support the decision, saying it promotes decency in online spaces. Others argue that the punishment is too harsh for a social media offence. Legal experts point out that this case highlights the growing scrutiny of digital content in Nigeria. They warn that content creators must be aware of local laws to avoid legal trouble. Growing concerns over online content The rise of social media has led to increased concerns about the spread of offensive material. In Nigeria, authorities continue to monitor and regulate online content to maintain cultural and religious values. The Kano State government has previously taken action against individuals accused of spreading inappropriate content. This case serves as a reminder that digital platforms are not beyond the reach of the law. Conclusion Ahmad Isa and Maryam Musa now face the consequences of their online activities. Their case underscores the importance of responsible content creation. As social media continues to evolve, users must balance freedom of expression with respect for local laws and traditions. Read Also: TikToker Seaking insulted Pastor Adeboye – Christian group
Bukky Wright unveils ‘The Return of Omotara Johnson’ project
Veteran actress Bukky Wright has announced her latest film, The Return of Omotara Johnson, a project she believes will leave a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. In an interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on Channels TV, Wright shared her excitement about the film, revealing that production is complete and post-production is underway in the United Kingdom. She hinted that this could be her biggest project yet, fueling anticipation among fans. Multiple projects in the pipeline Alongside The Return of Omotara Johnson, Wright has several other projects in the works. She highlighted Something About the Briggs, which is currently playing in cinemas. Additionally, two more films, Red Circle and Asoebi Diary, are set for release soon. “Well, right now, Something About the Briggs is in cinemas. We have Red Circle coming up, Asoebi Diary, and of course, keep an eye out for The Return of Omotara Johnson. We’ve already filmed it, and we’re editing it in the UK. I tell you, it’s big—if not the biggest project I’ve ever worked on,” she said. The legacy of Omotara Johnson Wright’s announcement has sparked excitement among movie lovers, many of whom remember the original Omotara Johnson film. The first installment was a fan favorite, making this sequel one of the most anticipated Nollywood releases of the year. Her involvement in multiple projects also underscores her commitment to storytelling and her passion for the Nigerian film industry. With a career spanning decades, Wright has built a reputation for delivering powerful performances. Her latest projects show that she has no plans of slowing down. Excitement builds for upcoming releases As Something About the Briggs continues to attract audiences in cinemas, industry insiders are eager to see what Wright brings to the table with her upcoming films. The buzz surrounding The Return of Omotara Johnson suggests that it could be a game-changer. With post-production in progress and several projects lined up, Bukky Wright is proving once again why she remains a force in Nollywood. Fans eagerly await the official release date for The Return of Omotara Johnson and the other exciting films she has in store. Read Also: Muyiwa Ademola announces remake of ‘Ori: The Rebirth’
