Author: Elizabeth Jenrola Oso

A report released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has disclosed that an estimated 5.5 billion people worldwide are using the Internet in 2024, according to the ‘Facts and Figures 2024.’ This represents a significant increase of 227 million individuals compared to revised figures for 2023. The ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs.) The report found out that while global connectivity continues to rise, now reaching 68 per cent of the world’s population, about one-third of the population, or 2.6 billion people, remain offline. The report highlights persistent digital divides, particularly in low-income…

Two police officers and an immigration operative has been sentenced to seven years in prison over N1.6 million employment fraud by a federal high court in Gombe. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, arraigned Yusuf Abdulkarim Bature and Musa Philip—the police officers—on a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretences and intent to defraud, and Nasiru Mohammed—the immigration personnel—on a one-count charge of obtaining by false pretences. The charge sheet reads, “That you, Yusuf Abdulkarim Bature and Musa Philip, while being public officers with the Nigerian Police Force, sometime in 2022 in Gombe, within the Gombe Judicial…

President Bola Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron exchanged lighthearted greetings on social media on Thursday, with both leaders communicating in pidgin English. Tinubu arrived in France on Wednesday evening for a state visit. After a meeting on Thursday, Macron reminisced about his days at the French embassy in Nigeria as an intern. Writing on X in Nigerian Pidgin, an English-based creole language spoken as a lingua franca, the French president gushed over Tinubu’s visit. Macron wrote, “Na big honor for France, dear President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT, to welcome you for dis State visit as one big partner and friend…

French Open champion Iga Swiatek has been handed a one-month suspension following a positive doping test, though the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed that the violation was not intentional. The Polish tennis star tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ) in an out-of-competition sample taken in August 2024. However, the ITIA determined that the positive result was due to contamination, leading to a reduced penalty.

After surviving a life-threatening health scare, legendary Nigerian actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has given thanks to God for saving her life. Fondly called Omosexy, the delectable actress detailed how she underwent emergency surgery after enduring severe back and chest pain, persistent vomiting, and debilitating stomach discomfort in a lengthy post on Instagram. The actress revealed that her ordeal began while she was busy working on her films and attending the Academy Voting Members’ screening of Gladiator II. She said despite her enthusiasm for the event, she struggled to remain upright during the screening as her symptoms worsened. The actress, who described…

Sean Combs popularly known as “Diddy,” has been denied bail for the third time in connection with charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. A court filing on Wednesday confirmed the judge’s decision, citing concerns over witness tampering and unauthorized communications while in custody. Prosecutors argued that Combs, despite being incarcerated, has allegedly contacted witnesses and used unapproved platforms, raising risks of interference with the judicial process. His legal team, however, maintains that he should be granted bail, emphasizing his commitment to cooperate with authorities. “For the following reasons, Combs’s motion is DENIED — no condition or combination of conditions will…

Manchester United legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy has emerged as the frontrunner to fill the managerial vacancy at Leicester City following the dismissal of Steve Cooper. Van Nistelrooy, whose managerial stock has risen after a recent interim spell at Manchester United, is reportedly in advanced talks with Leicester City. He was thrust into the interim role at United in October after Erik ten Hag’s departure and impressed with three wins in four games, including back-to-back victories over Leicester. Despite his success, his tenure ended with the appointment of Ruben Amorim as United’s new head coach. Leicester City parted ways with Steve…

Alabama A&M has retracted their announcement of the death of football player, Medrick Burnett Jr. and said the redshirt freshman is in stable condition. Burnett, a linebacker, sustained a head injury in an October game against Alabama State. He has been hospitalized at UAB Hospital ever since. The school’s athletic department said that on Tuesday evening, they were informed of Burnett’s reported death by “an immediate family member,” and “acted accordingly to the wishes of the family member” to inform the public. On Wednesday, the department said it had heard from a hospital representative and learned that Burnett remains alive.…

Actor Julien Arnold tragically passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024, following a medical emergency while performing in a Christmas carol at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre. He was aged 60. Despite multiple attempts at resuscitation, Arnold was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Alberta Health Services spokesperson, Kerry Williamson. The Citadel Theatre expressed its deep sorrow over Arnold’s passing, with executive director, Jessie van Rijn and artistic director, Daryl Cloran saying, “His presence brought joy, heart, and depth to every role. His artistic contributions will be deeply missed.”

The theft of 62 billion Ugandan shillings ($17 million) from the Bank of Uganda has sparked widespread controversy and raised questions about responsibility for the breach. Reports from New Vision suggest that hackers, allegedly from a Southeast Asian group called “Waste,” breached the central bank’s systems. The stolen funds were reportedly transferred to accounts in Japan and the UK earlier in the week. However, Daily Monitor provides a slightly different figure, noting that 47.8 billion shillings were taken. The report hints at an internal conspiracy, with both central bank and finance ministry employees under investigation. An audit by the Bank…