Author: Oluwatosin Ologun

Multiple Oscar-winner and director of the Godfather trilogy Francis Ford Coppola picked up a lifetime achievement award on Saturday at a star-studded ceremony which praised his “fearless” attitude to filmmaking. The 86-year-old director of classics including “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” received a trophy from fellow filmmaking legends Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, who lauded him for fighting the system and redefining American cinema. “Star Wars” creator Lucas recalled Coppola telling him “don’t be afraid of jumping off cliffs,” while Spielberg hailed the “fearless” director and said that “The Godfather” was “the greatest American film ever made.” “You have taken…

The federal government says Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu state will reopen on Monday, following the completion of emergency repairs on the runway. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who announced on Sunday, said the work was finished ahead of the scheduled May 6 date. “Dear compatriots, we worked extra hard to meet the deadline we gave on the repair of the runway of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu and finished way ahead of the scheduled date. It will now be open for use as from tomorrow (the 28th of April, 2025),” Keyamo wrote on…

The Presidency has stated that the recent defections of politicians in the opposition parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the increasing support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are out of free will. In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, the Presidency insisted that democracy is not under threat or undermined “simply because politicians exercise their rights of association.” “Nigerians migrating to the APC and expressing support for Tinubu are doing so out of their free will, based on the belief that the reforms being…

Liverpool thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 to clinch the Premier League title at Anfield on Sunday, sealing a record-equalling 20th English top-flight crown. Arne Slot’s men stormed back after conceding a surprise early goal to dominate the first half as the decibel level soared among 60,000-plus fans. Liverpool, who can no longer be caught by second-placed Arsenal, are now level with bitter rivals Manchester United as the joint-most successful club in English top-flight history. Slot’s men started on the front foot at an expectant Anfield after a stirring rendition of club anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in the warm spring sunshine.…

A former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, has dismissed the widely discussed coalition of opposition political parties aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Fayose, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), categorically stated that the coalition was “a waste of time,” adding that no credible Nigerian had shown support for it. While featuring as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, the former governor of Ekiti State, said no prominent Nigerian is part of the coalition talk. “Their coalition is a dead horse ab initio. Tell me…

Priscilla Ojo, daughter of Nollywood actress and filmmaker Iyabo Ojo, has officially tied the knot with her Tanzanian heartthrob, Juma Jux, in a grand traditional wedding ceremony. The much-anticipated union, held on Thursday, was attended by several top names in the Nigerian entertainment industry, drawing both admiration and online buzz. The Lagos ceremony follows Priscilla Ojo and Juma Jux’s intimate customary wedding held in Tanzania earlier in February. The event was graced by numerous Nollywood stars, including Mercy Aigbe, Destiny Etiko and Toyin Abraham, who were spotted assisting with the event and dancing joyfully with the guests. One notable appearance…

The Federal Government has inaugurated an Interministerial Committee on Research and Innovation to ensure food security in Nigeria, energy security, and curtail the nation’s dependence on imports. Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the committee at the State House, Abuja, with a charge to them to work towards cutting down Nigeria’s import bills by 50 per cent. He said the committee is part of ongoing efforts by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to pool intellectual and financial capital to “create the cockpit from which Nigeria’s innovation economy will be piloted.” According to Shettima, the mission is to build Nigeria into…

The Presidency has assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains actively involved in the nation’s affairs despite his temporary stay in Europe. The President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement on Thursday that his absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe. The Presidency emphasised that Tinubu has continued to discharge his duties while abroad, maintaining constant communication with top government officials and issuing directives on critical national matters. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance even though he is away in Europe. His absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated…

Robert Lewandowski hit a brace to help Barcelona dismantle Borussia Dortmund by 4 goals to nil in a one-sided Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday. The five-time winners took the lead against last year’s runners-up through red-hot winger Raphinha before Lewandowski reached 40 goals for the season with his double. Teenager Lamine Yamal was an unstoppable force throughout and deftly prodded home Barcelona’s fourth as Dortmund collapsed. Barca, which last lifted the trophy in 2015, will visit Germany next Tuesday and aim to seal a final-four clash against Inter Milan or Bayern Munich. “I think we played very well…

Over the weekend, the Baale of Kirikiri,Babalola Shabi, accused officials of the Nigerian Correctional Services of aiding Bobrisky to secure VIP treatment during his stay in prison, the Punch Newspaper is reporting. In a new revelation, the Baale (traditional leader) of Kirikiri Town has alleged that controversial internet personality Bobrisky did not actually serve the 2024 prison sentence he was widely believed to have completed. Chief Shabi also known as “Baale No Nonsense,”, alleged that the cross-dresser smuggled eight Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards into the Kirikiri custodial facility and used them to funnel a total of N35 million through…