Author: Alade Adisa

Vice-President of ECOWAS Commission, Damtien Tchintchibidja, on Monday said about two million West/Central African women and girls have benefited from Sub-Saharan Africa Women’s Empowerment Demographic Dividend plus (SWEDD) project in 10 years.Tchintchibidja made this known while officially inaugurating a new phase of the project tagged: SWEDD+, on Monday, in Abuja.SWEDD is a World Bank-sponsored project aimed at promoting inter-regional, inter-institutional cooperation and collaboration for empowering West and Central African women and girls.According to her, the SWEDD project, funded with 365 million dollars by the World Bank, has transformed the lives of women and girls in five countries in its initial…

A former Federal Bureau of Information (FBI) informant on Monday admitted to making up a story about President Joe Biden and his son Hunter taking $5 million in bribes from a Ukrainian energy firm.Alexander Smirnov, 44, pleaded guilty to creating a false record in a federal investigation, as well as three counts of tax evasion for failing to pay taxes and penalties on $2.1 million in income for 2020 through 2022.The Russian-born Smirnov, a dual US-Israeli citizen, faces up to six years in prison under the terms of a plea agreement he struck with prosecutors.US District Judge Otis Wright, sitting…

Language is a dynamic tool shaped by interaction, cultural perception, attitudes, and beliefs.While some see language as a simple system of words, research shows it is a complex set of symbols, expressions, and actions that resonate with specific communities.In Nigeria, known for its creativity and linguistic diversity, 2024 has seen a surge of new words and phrases popularised through social media.These expressions are quickly adopted into daily interactions, showcasing the adaptability and creativity of Nigerians.The year began with the viral slogan ‘no gree for anybody’, translating loosely to ‘don’t back down for anyone’.This phrase embodies resilience, inspiring Nigerians to stand…

Super Eagles and Atalanta of Italy forward, Ademola Lookman, has been awarded as winner of the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men footballer award, following his performance at national team and club football. More details soon…

Nigerian Super Falcon goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie has emerged as the winner of the Confederation of Africa Football Women’s 2024 award following its performance during the year under review. The Paris FC and Super Falcons goalkeeper was honoured during the grand ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday night, after a phenomenal year that saw her deliver consistent, match-winning performances on both the club and international stages. Nnadozie played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s impressive campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and was instrumental in Paris FC’s historic run in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, where her heroics…

…Second time in a row The Super Falcons have been named the Women’s Team of the Year at the CAF 2024 Awards for the second consecutive year. NFF President, Ibrahim Gusuau picked up the award and attributed it to the consistent and excellent efforts being put to develop women’s football in Nigeria. More details later…

A delegation of Benin Republic’s Autonomous National Electoral Commission (CENA) has visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on a study tour. The 12-member delegation, led by Sacca Lafia, CENA president, included national commissioners, directors, and senior staff. They were received on Monday by INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu alongside other commission members at INEC headquarters in Abuja. Lafia said the visit was aimed at learning from Nigeria’s electoral processes and best practices as Benin Republic prepares for its upcoming 2026 elections. Speaking at the event, Yakubu highlighted the significance of the visit and the unique challenges CENA faces ahead of…

The Zone-2 Police Command in Lagos says it has detained two suspected international fraudsters that allegedly specialised in forging foreign certificates in Lagos and Ghana.The AIG in charge of the zone, Adegoke Fayaode, who confirmed this to newsmen on Monday, said that the suspects have succeeded in acquiring exotic cars and erecting mansions in different parts of the country with the proceeds of their loot.Fayoade said that the suspects allegedly offered N66m to the operatives with a view to free them but the offer was turned down.The same zone operatives rejected a N174m bribe offered by a suspect in November…

A Jos Magistrates’ Court on Monday, sentenced a 26-year-old Mechanic, Sadiq Umar to 15 months imprisonment for pickpocketing from passengers.The Magistrate, Shawomi Bokkos, summarily tried and sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the charge.Bokkos in his judgment, ordered the convict to pay an option of N100, 000 fine or spend one year in prison.He also asked him to pay a compensation of N15, 000 or an additional three months in prison in default.Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Ijuptil Thiawur , told the court that the case was reported on Nov.16, at the “A” Division Police station by Moses Pam,…

A woman who was killed in a triple shooting in northwest London has been named as 46-year-old Michelle Sadio.Two men, both in their 30s, also suffered injuries in the attack on Gifford Road in Harlesden, Brent, on Saturday night.The victims had been among mourners attending a wake inside the River of Life Elim Pentecostal Church, according to Pastor Lawrence Larbie.He told the MyLondon website people started running into the building at around 9.15pm saying “there’s been a shooting, there’s been a shooting”, with gunshots believed to have been fired at the gathering from inside a passing car.”It’s shocking. We are…