'Terrorism has no place in Islam'- Arsenal midfielder, Mesut Ozil condemns recent terrorist attacks in France

 

Arsenal midfielder, Mesut Ozil has condemned the recent Islamic terror attacks in France, after three people were killed inside a catholic church in Nice just two weeks after a teacher was beheaded in Paris. (read here and here )

 

The 32-year-old German footballer, who is a devout Muslim, took to Twitter on Friday October 30, to state that there is 'no place for terrorism in Islam'.

 

Sharing a photo of himself at the holy Islamic site of Mecca along with a quote from the Quran, which read: 'Whosoever kills an innocent human being, it shall be as is he has killed all mankind and whoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.'

Terrorism has no place in Islam ??? pic.twitter.com/Vclh5VVSwl

— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) October 30, 2020

Lagos government relaxes curfew from 10pm to 6am

 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has again relaxed the curfew he imposed in Lagos state in the wake of the #EndSARS crisis which led to the destruction of properties. 

 

The curfew which was formerly between 8pm to 6am, will now take effect from 10pm till 6am. The announcement was made in a statement released on Friday October 30, by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso. 

 

Goverbor Sanwo-Olu urged all residents to go about their businesses in peace, even as they shun "actions that can threaten our unity.”

Update: Police release 11-year-old boy arrested over his alleged involvement in attack on Edo police station

Human rights advocate, Kola Edokpayi has secured the unconditional release of the 11-year-old boy arrested over his alleged involvement in the attack on a police station in Edo State.

 

Recall that the boy identified as Gift Osayuhi was arrested for allegedly joining the gang of hoodlums that attacked Oba Market police station at Evbuotubu area of Benin City. After the attack, the young boy was said to have worn the uniform of a police sergeant and declared himself as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Read Here

 

 

Confirming the development on Friday October 30, Mr Edokpayi thanked the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Kokumo and the State Ministry of Justice for their understanding and cooperation.

 

He also disclosed that the boy, whose mother is a widow, said that his dream is to become the IGP. 

 

"We have been able to secure the unconditional release of the 11 year old boy by name Gift Osayuhi whose picture went viral on social media yesterday for allegedly joining some miscreants to break into Oba Market Police station, took their police Uniform,wore it and declared himself as the new IG of Police during the ENDSARS protest. The boy was released to us after we undertook to rehabilitate and reform him," said Mr Edokpayi.

 

"The young boy said his dream is to become the IG of Police and we also undertook to ensure the boy is giving a proper education so as to help help him achieve his dream. We sincerely thank Edo State Commissioner of Police and Edo State Ministry of Justice for the kind understanding and cooperation. We also met with his mother who told she is a widow who takes care of the children alone and the little boy usually assist her to sell water and drinks in Ring Road"

 

Actress Lori Loughlin reports to prison after pleading guilty in the college admissions scandal

 

Lori Loughlin has reported to a prison in California to start her two-month sentence after pleading guilty in the nationwide college admissions scandal. 

 

The Full House alum, 55, surrounded herself at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, near San Francisco on Friday, October 30th. 
 

The actress pleaded guilty to fraud earlier this year after paying $500,000 to get their two daughters, daughters, Bella, 21, and Olivia Jade, 20, into the University of Southern California as fake crew team recruits. 

 

She was sentenced in August to two months in prison, two years of supervised release with 100 hours of community service, and a $150,000 fine. 

 

Her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, who was also involved was sentenced to five months in prison and is expected to report to prison by November 19. His deal included two years of supervised release, 250 hours of community service, and a $250,000 fine. 

 

“Lori and Moss don’t want to serve their prison sentences at the same time. Among the reasons, even though their daughters are adults, Lori wants one parent to be free to provide emotional support to the girls,” the insider explained. “Lori’s concern all along has been Isabella and Olivia Jade.”

 

Actress, Felicity Huffman also took part in the scheme, that was masterminded by Rick Singer. She was sentenced to two weeks in prison. 

Moment Kogi health commissioner cried as he inspected vandalized medical equipment (video)

 

Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Saka Audu had a teary moment as he inspected the vandalized Kogi State Medical Store complex located in Lokoja, the state capital on Wednesday October 28. 

 

Audu who lamented that some of the equipment destroyed in the attack were worth billions, stated that it might set the state back.

 

He further disclosed that the Kogi State Health sector has lost its medical equipment which includes Magnetic Resonance Imaging Machines (MRI), Computer Tomography Machines, Digital Mammography, Digital Radiography, Test Kits, Drugs, Pharmaceuticals Consumables, Refrigerators for vaccines,  Solar Power unit, laboratory equipment among others.

 

Audu said; 

 

“We lost the entire contents of Kogi State medical store.

“Equipment worth billions of naira were stolen. Those that couldn’t be stolen, like the walk-in refrigerator for immunization, where our vaccines are stored, components of our MRI and CT scan were vandalized beyond repair. Others were moved from the store and broke into pieces in nearby bushes.

“It is indeed a very unfortunate development that the state will find it difficult to recover from as we don’t have the capacity to provide what have carted away or vandalized in a short time."

 

The commissioner also revealed that the state government is currently quantifying the extent of the damage and would eventually make public the list of the stolen items and their cost implications.

 

Watch the video below;

 

Those who destroyed properties in Lagos were incited by what they read on news and papers, our influencers must be brought to book - Lawmaker, Adewale Temitope

 

The lawmaker representing Ifako-Ijaye Constituency 1 in Lagos House of Assembly, Adewale Temitope has decried the destruction of public and private properties following that violence that ensued in the state days ago. 

 

In his prayer at a plenary in the house, the lawmaker alleged that those who destroyed public and private properties were incited by what they read on the news and papers.

 

He also stated that the need to regulate social media is now neccesary as influencers must be brought to book, given that some of them were comfortable with sharing fake news. 

 

Also pointing out the need to empower the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps to carry arms which will aid in safeguarding of lives and properties, Temitope affirmed the importance of a state police and a constitution review as the state government does not have any power over the police and the military. 

 

Watch the video below; 

 

Reduce your school fees by 25% or we cancel third term - Kano government tells private school proprietors

 

Private school proprietors in Kano state have been asked to slash their school fees by at least 25% or see the third term of the 2019/2020 academic session being cancelled by the state government. 

 

In a statement made available to newsmen by the state Commissioner of Education Muhammad Sanusi Kiru, the Kano state government said the decision of the Ministry became necessary in consideration of the hard economic condition experienced as a result of the lockdown due to the menace of COVID-19 which affected both socio-economic positions of the general public.

 

Kiru who affirmed that the decision was for the school owners to reciprocate gestures it enjoyed from the State Government, said two ad-hoc committees have been setup to meet with the proprietors to that effect and failure to reach a resolution will attract the action by the ministry.

 

The statement read; 

 

“The decision of the Ministry became necessary in consideration of the hard economic condition experienced as a result of the lockdown due to the menace of COVID-19 which affected both socio-economic positions of the general public.

“I set up two parallel Ad-hoc Committees to discuss with owners of private schools on the percentage of school fees (25%) they are to reduce as done in about 4 – 5 states or we cancel the 3rd term of the 2019/2020 academic session so that the academic calendar will commence with a new session in January 2021.

“Proprietors of Private Schools should show some sign of appreciation for the support they enjoyed from the State Government and extend the same magnanimity to the good people of Kano State.

“If by 1st November 2020 there is no positive response, the Ministry would be left with no option than to take such a revolutionary decision in public interest."

Toke Makinwa reacts after some Nigerians alleged she was paid by the govt to claim she had COVID19

 

Earlier today, Toke Makinwa took to her Instagram page to reveal she had COVID19 and also shared her experience. Read here.

 

Shortly after her revelation, some Nigerians took to her comment section to allege that she was paid by the Federal government to claim she had tested positive for Coronavirus.

 

Reacting via her Twitter handle, she wrote 

''And to the people saying the government must have paid me to say I got Covid, I know the government has fucked you over so bad you have trust issues, I feel bad for you too but pls let me heal in peace.

For those who doubt that Covid is real, I hope you get a personal encounter, may you catch Covid-19 and also survive it so going forward if you can’t practice something called “Empathy”, you’ll atleast keep quiet. Experience is best. All in all, love and light xx''

Nigerians react to Lai Mohammed's call for regulation of social media

 

Nigerians have reacted to Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed's call for the regulation of social media in the country. 

 

Recall that the Minister who appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values to defend the 2021 budget proposal on Tuesday October 27, had stated that the biggest challenge facing the country is the issue of fake news and misinformation.

 

The Minister stated that China has no google, Facebook and Instagram as everything is "well censored and well regulated. " He warned that the next war that will be fought in the country and across the globe may be fought through social media. He also pointed out that #EndSARS protesters mobilized using social media. 

 

Some Nigerians have however pointed out the flaws in Lai Mohammed's insistence on social media regulation. Here are some tweets below; 

 

Nigerian army's claim it was Lagos Government that asked for soldiers to be deployed to Lekki is of grave implication - Femi Fani-Kayode

 

Former Minister of Aviation and chieftain of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Femi Fani-Kayode has reacted to the Nigerian army's claim of the Lagos state government inviting them to restore law and order. 

 

In a tweet he shared, the former minister stated that the Nigerian army's disclosure has grave implications for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. According to Fani-Kayode, the Lagos state Governor has been thrown under the bus by the military. 

 

FFK tweeted; 

 

The @HQNigerianArmy claim it was the LASG that asked for soldiers to be deployed at Lekki. The implications of this for @jidesanwoolu  are grave. He has been thrown under the bus by the military.

 

#EndSARS: Withdraw your misguided statements about Nigeria- Nigerian youth leader tells Joe Biden, Hilary Clinton, UN and others (video)

 

A Nigerian youth leader, Kabiru Adamu Matazu, has instructed the United States government,  United Kingdom government, former US first lady Hilary Clinton, Joe Biden, French Government, the United Nations, Canada, the Europen Union, foreign celebrities and governments, to withdraw their statements condemning the recent attack on EndSARS protesters.

 

Recall that shortly after the shooting at the Lekki toll plaza occurred on Tuesday October 20 occurred, several foreign governments and celebrities came out to condemn the attack on the protesters.

 

Hilary Clinton in a tweet posted on her handle, appealed to President Buhari and the Army to stop killing protesters. Her tweet read

''I’m calling on @mbuhari and the @hqnigerianarmy to stop killing young #EndSARS  protesters. #StopNigeriaGovernment''

 

Joe Biden on his part asked President Buhari to stop the ongoing violent crackdown on protesters in the country. He said this in a statement he released hours after the shooting at the Lekki tollgate.

“I urge President Buhari and the Nigerian military to cease the violent crackdown on protesters in Nigeria, which has already resulted in several deaths. My heart goes out to all those who have lost a loved one in the violence.

The United States must stand with Nigerians who are peacefully demonstrating for police reform and seeking an end to corruption in their democracy.

I encourage the government to engage in a good-faith dialogue with civil society to address these long-standing grievances and work together for a more just and inclusive Nigeria”

 

Matazu, who is the co-convener of Match 4 Nigeria, however, disagreed with them.  Speaking at a youth forum in Abuja, he called on them to withdraw their ''unguided statements'' and always stick to facts in the future.

March 4 Nigeria demands that the United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, European Union, the United Nation, African Union, International Criminal Court, Amnesty International, Joe Biden, Hilary Clinton, Members of the US congress, members of the UK parliament and foreign celebrities that have reprimanded Nigeria, should withdraw their misguided statement and stick to facts in the future''

 

Watch the video below

 

Adorable photos of Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko with their son, Munir

 

Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels took to Instagram to share these adorable photos of herself and her billionaire husband Ned Nwoko, posing with their son, Munir.
 

See full photos below.

 

This is insensitive!" Kim Kardashian is slammed for bragging about her lavish tropical 40th birthday vacation with her family and friends amid global pandemic

 

Kim Kardashian has been slammed after she revealed to her followers that she surprised her "closest inner circle" with a holiday to a private island so they could "pretend things were normal" amid the pandemic.

 

The 40-year-old revealed on Twitter that she was "humbly reminded of how privileged" her life is as she shared photos from her birthday vacation and social media users were quick to slam her.

 

 

The mum-of-four wrote: "Before Covid, I don't think any of us truly appreciated what a simple luxury it was to be able to travel and be together with family and friends in a safe environment.

 

''After two weeks of multiple health screens and asking everyone to quarantine, I surprised my closest inner circle with a trip to a private island where we could pretend things were normal just for a brief moment in time.

 

"We danced, rode bikes, swam near whales, kayaked, watched a movie on the beach and so much more. I realise that for most people, this is something that is so far out of reach right now, so in moments like these, I am humbly reminded of how privileged my life is."

 

 

Reacting, social media users told her people are suffering and it would be best if she kept the birthday vacation news to herself.

 

 

One said: "Kim this might be the most tone deaf thing you've ever posted. People are dying, losing their incomes and starving right now."

 

 

Another said: "People have had to say goodbye to loved ones over the phone while they died alone in a hospital. But neat trip to post all over social media while the world suffers. So humble and so down to earth, truly."

 

 

Another said: "It's not a good look to share gleeful news like this while people are struggling and dying. Look at me, I'm crazy rich, can get tested every day, fly my friends to private islands and pretend the hell you're living in doesn't exist. Oh, wait, it doesn't for me. I'm rich!"

 

Below are more reactions to her post.

 

Gospel artiste, Tope Alabi shares stunning new photos as she turns 50

 

Gospel artiste, Tope Alabi, turns 50 today October 27.

 

The celebrated singer had a photoshoot with celebrity photographer, TY Bello, and shared the photos online.

''Dear LORD, your baby girl who obtained favour and mercy comes to say THANK YOU.
I celebrate your faithfulness in my life at 50. O se oo JESU.''she wrote on her IG page

 

See more photos below

 

 

Nigerians counter woman’s claim of her son dying after the Lekki toll gate shooting

 

Some Nigerians have faulted the claim of a woman who alleged that her son, Anthony died after soldiers opened fire on unarmed #EndSARS protesters at Lekki toll gate. 

 

Though the woman's identity is yet to be uncovered after the viral video, it was however gathered that she said her son’s corpse was recovered by his friends. She further stated that she is yet to be visited by government officials.

 

Reacting to the video, a Facebook user identified as Pretty Loveth alleged that Anthony died after he and his friends bumped into a trailer on their way home. 

 

She wrote

 

“He didn’t die at Lekki tollgate, him (he) and his two friends bumped into a trailer on their way home at Petrocam Filling Station, close to Lagos Business School, Ajah. RIP Tony, we all miss you brother.”

 

A Twitter user Ijaw Philosopher also wrote; 

 

“Tony Umeh was among the three people that had an accident on their way back from the protest before the toll gate incident, so why is this London woman alleged to be his mother claiming he was killed by the military? I felt something was off about her and you guys rained insults"

 

 

The Lagos state police command has also stated that they are not aware of the death of Anthony Umeh. 

Kaduna government relaxes curfew in 21 local governments

 

The Kaduna State Government has relaxed the curfew in 21 local government areas of the state. 

 

The state government which said the decision was taken in line with the recommendation of security agencies, added that the 24-hour curfew would continue in Chikun and Kaduna South LGAs until further notice. 

 

Kaduna state commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan said in a statement; 

 

“From Tuesday, 27th October 2020, residents can pursue their lawful business between 6am and 4pm daily. Curfew hours will be from 4pm to 6am, in all local government areas except Chikun and Kaduna South.

“As the security assessment noted, criminal attempts to violate life and property persist in two local government areas. Therefore, the 24-hour curfew remains in place in Chikun and Kaduna South local government areas. Residents of these two local government areas are advised to remain in their homes as efforts to normalise the situation continue.

“Markets, offices and commercial centres, hotels and recreation centres in the two LGAs are to remain closed during the 24-hour curfew. Social and mass gatherings are also prohibited in these areas until further notice. As essential services, hospitals and medical facilities are expected to open and offer services during this period.”

Looting will have negative effects on economy - National Orientation Agency

 

The National Orientation Agency has stated that the widespread looting of warehouses across the country will have negative effects on the economy. 

 

The federal agency in series of tweets shared on Monday October 26, appealed for calm in the country. 

 

The NOA who urged Nigerians to be patriotic, averred that hurting businesses will traumatize owners with attendant negative effects on nation’s fragile economy.

 

The tweets read; 

 

STOP LOOTING!!!

#EndSARS protesters could not have envisaged looting of this magnitude, an act completely different from genuine agitations/demands of lawful protesters. Hurting businesses will traumatize owners with attendant negative effects on nation's fragile economy

#COVID19 has affected the world economy beyond imagination of which #Nigeria is no exemption. Economy is in need of a quick restart, and any impediment can slow down economic recovery efforts. Looting businesses is an impediment to an already strained economy.

Quite number of both public and private buildings have been vandalised and looted resulting in loss of unimaginable amount of money.

We sympathise with business owners whose investments have been touched by vandals and looters.

 

144 suspected looters arrested in Kwara, items recovered (photos)

 

144 male and female suspects have been arrested for participating in the looting and destruction of Ilorin Airport Cargo warehouse, Kwara Agro Mall and Kwara Mall popularly called Shoprite over the weekend.

 

In the wake of the crisis that erupted following the EndSARS protest, hoodlums in several states seized the opportunity to vandalize and loot both public and private businesses.

 

On Monday, October 26, the Kwara state police command paraded 144 of the suspected looters with many looted items recovered from them.

 

The state Commissioner of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, while parading the suspects, thanked the good people of Kwara state for cooperating with the Command in its effort in arresting the suspects and recovery of the looted items.

 

He advised other suspects who are yet to surrender any of the stolen items with them to do so and avoid been traced and arrested.

 

Egbetokun said the paraded suspects will soon be charged to court.

 

I pray for a Nigeria that I can truly be proud to call home - Falz says as he turns 30

 

Nigerian singer and #EndSARS frontliner, Falz has shared his birthday wish as he turns 30 today October 27. 

 

The singer who noted that it's been a week since unarmed #EndSARS protesters were killed at Lekki toll gate, said he prays for a better tomorrow and a Nigeria he will be proud to call home. 

 

Falz wrote; 

 

Mixed feelings. It has been a week since we lost our brave soldiers at the toll gate.

I have also now officially been on this earth for 30 years.

I pray for a much better tomorrow. I pray for a Nigeria that I can truly be proud to call home